D.C. celebrates St. Patrick's Day Parade with its annual parade

As Spring makes her way into the D.C. region, so do the Irish trump their heritage. Today, the Washington, D.C., St. Patrick's Day Parade commenced at 12:00 noon down Constitution Avenue. An annual reminder of the important role the Irish have provided the United States, the festivities began long before parade day, amidst laughter and song in the many Irish pubs and restaurants around this D.C. region. This is a terrific fun-filled day for the family and for anyone wishing to be Irish or celebrate their Irish ancestry.

From an entirely different window of green, those in the nutrition industry beg the question of innovative ways to wear our green without depleting nutrients or wreaking havoc upon our health. Our Irish en mass heartily herald Guinness, which does indeed hold nutritive value in comparison to other beers. Specifically, its noteworthy iron levels do signify an important component of excellent nutrition. It's crucial to remember, however, that consumption of hops and other alcohol do deplete other nutrient levels and cause dehydration when over-consumed. So if our celebrations fail to adhere to the need for moderation, Guinness' health benefits shall be found wanting. There are still other healthful avenues to explore as we engage in these festivities and continue to enjoy ourselves.

Just as green actively celebrates the Irish, so does it also embody all things organic and sustainable. To that same end, this better defines not only proper nutrition but a fine window in which to view healthy guidelines. Dark greens maintain a plethora of wonderful nutrition that also seek to provide stability, keep illness at bay and fuel our energies appropriately, among other benefits. Smoothies are a popular trend that have been embraced nationwide by virtue of the numerous smoothie shops that have sprung up along every major corridor. So as we enjoy our Irish celebrations, be sure to enjoy some dark green vegetables or a green smoothie with one's favorite organic fruit. Tomorrow's work day will prove far more tolerable as a result.

This article is not meant to serve as medical advice. Be certain to consult a certified medical practitioner or naturopathic doctor for the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

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, DC Nutrition Examiner

Trish Wootten is a Certified Holistic Health Coach specializing in neurological health and wellness, and a Co-Owner of Nature's Nurture, LLC. She is Board Certified with the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. Her scholastic work at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition explores...

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