Pumpkin Seed Cilantro Coleslaw

At first glance coleslaw does not sound like a healthy food! But its main ingredient, cabbage, is a cruciferous vegetable that supports liver detox. Cruciferous vegetables are especially known for their ability to detoxify estrogen down a safer pathway, thereby reducing potential risk of estrogen-dependent cancers.

The National Cancer Institute shared, “during food preparation, chewing, and digestion, the glucosinolates in cruciferous vegetables are broken down to form biologically active compounds such as indoles, nitriles, thiocyanates, and isothiocyanates.  Indole-3-carbinol (an indole) and sulforaphane (an isothiocyanate) have been most frequently examined for their anticancer effects.” (1)

Cruciferous vegetables have also been found to reduce the inflammation associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition that is increasingly common in the US and will impair proper liver function. (2, 3) 

These brilliant group of vegetables, which also includes brussels sprouts and broccoli, also support various key liver enzymes, including:

• UGT enzymes

• CYP3-A enzymes

• Metallothionein (which binds to heavy metals)

• GST enzymes (4)

The liver-boosting properties of cruciferous can support detoxification of viruses, airborne chemicals and pharmaceutical drugs. This is why we carry a Broccoli Seed and Sprout supplement in our shop! Supplements are great for getting that potent dose in addition to a healthy diet.

Pumpkin Seed Cilantro Coleslaw 

Serves 6

Ingredients: 

4 generous cups shredded cabbage + one carrot OR one 8 oz. bag slaw mix

1 T lemon juice

1 T maple syrup

2 T clean mayonnaise

¼ C finely chopped cilantro leaves

½ jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped

1 T salted and roasted pumpkin seeds

Instructions:

Add cabbage mix to a bowl. Add all wet ingredients and mix then add dry ingredients and mix again. 

Can store in the fridge for about 4 days. Pairs with  meat tacos, baked beans and BBQ.

Ready for More Recipes for Liver Detox?

The liver is responsible for hundreds of tasks in your body, including elimination of waste products (detox), regulating energy, supporting metabolism, and so much more. But it can be hard to know what to eat to support your liver! These recipes include foods that will give your liver just what it needs to thrive and help your body detox.

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Bridgit Danner, LAc, FDNP, is trained in functional health coaching and has worked with thousands of women over her career since 2004. She is the founder of Women’s Wellness Collaborative llc and HormoneDetoxShop.com.

Check out her easy 5-Day DIY Detox Guide here!

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