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Dr. Joel Kahn's Favorite Breakfast Smoothie

Joel Kahn, M.D.
Author:
September 10, 2014
Joel Kahn, M.D.
Cardiologist
By Joel Kahn, M.D.
Cardiologist
Dr. Kahn is the founder of the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity. He is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Michigan School of Medicine and is a professor of medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine.
Photo by Shutterstock.com
September 10, 2014

As much as I'd love to spend my mornings simmering steel cut oatmeal or preparing a tofu scramble with spinach and sliced tomatoes, my day usually starts very early. I get up at 4:45 am, go to the gym and then I do hospital rounds.

To ensure that I start the day off right, nutritionally speaking, I prep for a smoothie at night and simply blend it up the next morning before I dash to the car.

After spending a year studying functional foods at the University of South Florida School of Medicine’s Metabolic Cardiology Program, I learned that food has predictable effects on our health.

Here's what I usually have set up in my blender before I go to bed:

  • 1 Tbs raw cacao powder. Many studies have shown that cocoa, the heated form of raw cacao, improves endothelial function and delays heart disease and diabetes. I prefer a raw organic source like Essential Living Foods and the chocolate taste it adds is a winner.
  • 2 Tbs ground flax seeds. According to the National Academy of Sciences, just 2 Tbs of flax seeds can provide all the essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6) that we need in a day, in the proper ratio. Flax also adds fiber and has been shown to lower cholesterol and decrease heart attacks and death.
  • 1 scoop organic grass juices and dried greens. Although I always have some fresh kale, spinach or other greens in my smoothie, I add a scoop of Green Vibrance because it contains 25 billion probiotic cultures. Probiotics have recently been shown to improve athletic performance and lower blood pressure.
  • 3 oz. pomegranate juice or 2 Tbs. seeds. Pomegranate is an ancient healing food, but recent studies have found that it lowers blood pressure, reduces inflammation, improves endothelial function, and improves the function of HDL cholesterol to heal arteries.

Although this may seem like a long list, these items are easily found in most kitchens. All you need to add in the morning is ice, purified water, or a non-dairy milk like non-GMO soy, and a handful of a green leafy vegetables.

On days I plan a hard workout, I'll add a scoop of a raw, plant-based protein powder available from many high quality manufacturers. Although I do not anticipate the NIH funding a large trial of the Whole Heart smoothie versus a donut and pumpkin latte, your body will let you know you made the right decision as you enjoy health and energy to power you through your busy day.

To get more practical tips about how to optimize your health, check out The Whole Heart Solution.

Joel Kahn, M.D.
Joel Kahn, M.D.

Dr. Joel Kahn is the founder of the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity. He is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Michigan School of Medicine and is a professor of medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine. He is owner of GreenSpace Cafe in Ferndale, Michigan. His books, The Whole Heart Solution, Dead Execs Don't Get Bonuses, and Vegan Sex are all available for sale now.

Read More About Joel Kahn, M.D.

More from the author:

Functional Nutrition Training

Check out Functional Nutrition Coaching

A cutting-edge nutrition deep dive taught by 20+ top health & wellness experts

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More from the author:

Functional Nutrition Training

Check out Functional Nutrition Coaching

A cutting-edge nutrition deep dive taught by 20+ top health & wellness experts

Learn more
Joel Kahn, M.D.
Joel Kahn, M.D.

Dr. Joel Kahn is the founder of the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity. He is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Michigan School of Medicine and is a professor of medicine at Wayne State University School of Medicine. He is owner of GreenSpace Cafe in Ferndale, Michigan. His books, The Whole Heart Solution, Dead Execs Don't Get Bonuses, and Vegan Sex are all available for sale now.

Read More About Joel Kahn, M.D.