Do you remember this line from Good Will Hunting when Matt Damon gets the girl’s phone number and rubs it in the faces of the college preppies trying to impress that very same girl? This may be one of my favorite movie lines ever! But I am not writing about movie lines. I want to talk about the goodness of apples. Apples are abundant this time of year at the Farmer’s Markets and at the supermarkets. There are so many varieties to choose from like MacIntosh, Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady. I recently came across this beautiful looking apple at Whole Foods the other day. It caught my attention because it looked more like a plum than an apple. It is called a Black Arkansas and is described as “a bit spicy and uber crunchy with bright white flesh”.
In addition, apples are rich in several beneficial phytochemicals like quercetin and chlorogenic acid (CGA). Quercetin is a potent antioxidant and has been associated with a number of health-promoting properties. CGA is another powerful antioxidant that may help improve blood glucose control, reduce insulin resistance, and may be beneficial for brain health. As far as ways to incorporate apples into the diet, just grab one from your fruit bowl and take a bite. Now that is what I call fast food! Apples can be paired with many dishes, especially pork dishes. They make an excellent ingredient in stuffing or as a side dish at Thanksgiving. Check out this recipe for Paleo Stuffing from Dr. Keesha Ewers. Paleo Stuffing
Preparation:
Sources:
Ewers, K. (Nov. 2016). Gratitude and Thanksgiving Recipes for Gut Health Murray, M. (2005). The encyclopedia of healing foods. New York, NY: Atria Books. Are you looking for a healthier alternative to Thanksgiving dessert? Try these Sweet Potato Bars. There is sugar from the maple syrup, but this is a nutrient dense dessert and it is yummy! The sweet potatoes are an excellent source of carotenes and vitamins C and B6. Besides boosting antioxidants in the body, sweet potatoes help stabilize blood sugar levels and improve the response to the hormone insulin. Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 80 minutes plus 2 hours to chill Preparation:
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Adapted from: Rebecca Katz, The Longevity Kitchen
What are essential oils? Before we begin a discussion about peppermint essential oil, we should first discuss what an essential oil is. Have you ever enjoyed the scent of a rose or a freshly peeled orange? An essential oil is an essence - a naturally occurring, volatile aromatic compound found in the seeds, roots, flowers, stems, barks and other parts of plants. In addition to giving plants their distinctive smells, essential oils protect plants against predators and disease. Major civilizations throughout history have relied upon essential oil's healing properties. Not only has history proven the benefits of essential oils, science has as well. There are over 10,000 studies published on the therapeutic value of essential oils. Dr. Josh Axe in his book Eat Dirt mentions that over 1,200 studies alone have looked at the properties of peppermint oil.
7 Uses of Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil in the culinary realm ![]() Peppermint oil is a culinary wonder and has been used to add a fresh boost to meals in kitchens all across the world. Peppermint oil makes a great addition to many dishes, especially treats. Try this Black Bean Brownie recipe with peppermint oil and put a nutritious and delicious spin on the traditional chocolate brownie. At first, making a sweet treat with black beans may seem a little off-putting, but don’t worry. Black beans have a very mild flavor and are extremely rich, creamy, and full of protein. However, peppermint is not just limited to cooked dishes; it also makes a great addition to any drink or smoothie. Try adding one to two drops of peppermint essential oil to your favorite smoothie recipe for a refreshing twist. By adding the flavor of peppermint to your morning smoothie, you can start your day feeling more refreshed than ever. Is peppermint oil safe to use? Peppermint oil is safe for most adults, but it can trigger side effects in people with sensitivities (possible skin sensitivity). While this oil can offer profound benefits, I recommend speaking to a healthcare professional before using it for therapeutic benefits. There are so many brands, what should I look for?
Sources: American Family Physician. (2007). Peppermint oil. http://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/0401/p1027.html Axe, J. (2016). Eat dirt. New York, NY: Harper Wave. Biomed Central. The effects of peppermint on exercise performance. Retrieved from: https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1550-2783-10-15 Mercola, J. Retrieved from: http://articles.mercola.com/herbal-oils/peppermint-oil.aspx The Essential Life. (2015). Total Wellness Publishing. This information is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
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All of the information on this website is Copyright © CookingwithKristin.com 2017 and may not be downloaded, reproduced, republished or otherwise copied without express written permission of CookingwithKristin.com.
All of the information on this website is Copyright © CookingwithKristin.com 2017 and may not be downloaded, reproduced, republished or otherwise copied without express written permission of CookingwithKristin.com.