Beet Poppy Seed Salad

Beets are one of the best plant sources of betaine (129 mg per 100 g serving), which lowers C-reactive protein levels, a marker of heart disease and chronic inflammation. Pea sprouts are high in beta carotene and vitamin A. Retinol, which is an active form of vitamin A, plays a pivotal role in the development of our immune cells, which fight off foreign invaders that cause inflammation.

1/2 tsp (2 mL) grey or pink sea salt
1/4 cup (60 mL) lemon juice
1/4 cup (60 mL) hemp oil
1 Tbsp (15 mL) grated ginger
4 cups (1 L) grated beets
2 pears, chopped
1/2 cup (125 mL) pumpkin seeds
1 Tbsp (15 mL) poppy seeds
2 cups (500 mL) pea sprouts

Mix together salt, lemon juice, hemp oil, and ginger.

Combine beets, pears, pumpkin seeds, poppy seeds, and pea sprouts in a large bowl.

Pour dressing over top, mix, and serve.

Serves 10 as a side.

Each serving contains: 156 calories; 4 g protein; 9 g total fat (1 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 18 g total carbohydrates (8 g sugars, 3 g fibre); 163 mg sodium

source: "Whole Foods to Repair and Renew", alive #360, October 2012