Victoria Boutenko in Zurich in April 2010 - 10/04/2010
Meeting Victoria Boutenko in person after having read her books and spoken about her amazing work at all my classes was a blessing! Victoria has amazing stories to tell, her own and that of her Russian family who recovered from many Western illnesses thanks to raw food. But also that of how raw food as originally practiced was not enough to maintain optimal health, and how through substantial research and determination, she launched the concept of the Green Smoothie (inspired in part by the way chimpanzees eat and live)! Now this concept of exceptional yet easy nutrition has gone around the world and helped thousands of people live a better life! During her Zurich talk, Victoria recounted the history of the industrial revolution and how it affected our food habits, explaining how processed sugar and carbohydrates are the culprits of many of our society’s ills. It’s only been several generations since we’ve been fed predominantly processed and increasingly refined foods which have weakened our immune systems. Convenience has in effect led to deficiency and toxicity, a general decline in health and widespread disease such as cancer, cardiovascular conditions, degenerative diseases or psychological disorders.
Victoria explains in her new book “The Smoothie Revolution” the importance of consuming greens which are full of proteins, vitamins (C, A), minerals, while also provide us with the precious, under-researched vitamin K (helps prevent blood clotting). She believes we should consume 1kg of greens per day in salads plus 0.5 kg blended. It may take time for the body to get accustomed to consuming greens, most often because of insufficient hydrochloric acid in the stomach which is required to break down the cellulose and allow nutrient absorption. This is generally the result of a zinc deficiency. The solution is to consume blended greens. Victoria also insists on the need to alternate our greens to avoid toxicity issues and benefits from a wide variety of nutrients. Breaking away from these addictions by increasing our intake of raw and natural foods, integrating a daily green smoothie in our daily routine, is the best bet to not only survival but also optimal health!