Tag: fall

Golden Turmeric Milk (Anti-Inflammatory)

A healing, dairy-free drink to warm up and stay well this winter.

With flu season upon us, it seemed like a great time to share this ancient Ayurvedic beverage known as golden turmeric milk. Turmeric is a powerful therapeutic spice with plenty of science-based evidence to back up this claim. It has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Golden milk, or Haldi Doodh, originated in India long before becoming a popular beverage in the western world. Here is a recipe with further dialogue on the origins of golden milk from Manali, a vegetarian/vegan cook and photographer.

Curcumin is the main active ingredient that has been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Evidence suggests curcumin from turmeric can:

Unfortunately, turmeric has low bioavailability. Therefore, if we want to benefit from its health properties it must be combined with specific compounds, such as black pepper or fat. Heating turmeric slightly can also increase its bioavailability, but too much heat can degrade it, so keep this in mind when making this healing golden turmeric milk.

Golden Turmeric Mylk
INGREDIENTS:
  • 2 cups unsweetened almond or coconut milk
  • 1-2 tsp of turmeric
  • ½ tsp of cinnamon
  • ½ tsp of cardamom
  • ½ tsp of ginger (ground or fresh)
  • pinch of black pepper
  • 1 tsp coconut oil (optional, for additional turmeric absorption)
Golden Turmeric Mylk
HOW TO:
  1. Add the almond milk to a small pot on the stove and heat on low temperature.
  2. Add the turmeric, coconut oil, cinnamon, cardamon, and pepper.
  3. Stir frequently for a couple minutes until the milk is warm, but not boiling!
  4. Strain the milk and froth (I used a matcha whisk since I don’t have a milk frother).

Golden Turmeric Mylk

PCOS POWERS:
  • turmeric = anti-inflammatory, helps lower blood glucose levels and increase insulin sensitivity, anti-depressant, black pepper increases bioavailability
  • cinnamon = may help balance glucose levels, lower cholesterol, and decrease triglycerides in blood
  • ginger = anti-inflammatory, may help decrease fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, cholesterol and triglycerides

Golden Turmeric Mylk

Drink it straight up or pour over oats to boost your morning oatmeal. Note: turmeric will stain almost everything yellow! So, choose your mug and tea towel wisely.

Have you tried golden turmeric milk before?

More Turmeric Recipes:

Garlic Turmeric Hummus

Hemp Heart Turmeric Salad Dressing

Cinnamon Turmeric Spice Pumpkin Seeds

PIN FOR LATER:

Golden Turmeric Mylk for Inflammation

Disclaimer: As the sole author of Phruitful Dish, I have based my posts on my own experiences and knowledge obtained through lived experience and during my doctoral degree (PhD). However, I am not a medical doctor. The information in this blog is not intended as medical advice. Nutritional and supplemental choices should be made in consultation with your health care provider. This blog is intended to inspire and encourage readers to educate themselves on how nutrition and lifestyle are important and often overlooked aspects of health. Therefore, please use the information at your own risk. Occasional links may be provided leading to third-party websites. The existence of these links does not infer a responsibility or an endorsement of the linked site, its operator, or its contents.

Spaghetti Squash Boats (Low-Glycemic)

Low-glycemic ‘pasta’ dish in a fun boat.

Spaghetti squash is the perfect winter vegetable for PCOS fighters. Unlike many other squash varieties, spaghetti squash is low on the glycemic index and high in fiber. Both of these properties allow spaghetti squash to help stabilize blood sugar levels. It is also high in beta-carotene which may increase chances of conceiving by protecting the ovaries from free radicals (damage from free radicals interferes with progesterone production)¹. Additionally, one study found that people with the highest levels of carotenoids were least likely to develop diabetes or insulin resistance². This recipe will fill two squash boats, and may provide leftovers for the next day.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large spaghetti squash
  • 1 can of black beans, rinsed
  • 1 cup of corn, frozen or canned
  • 1-2 onions, chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 bunch of spinach
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • basil to garnish

veggielayoutHow to:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 deg F.
  2. Cut squash in half length-wise with a large, sharp knife (carefully, please!) This was tricky (I have seen a few recipes cook the entire squash first before cutting which I may try next time).
  3. Scoop out the seeds and pulp.
  4. Brush inner flesh with olive oil.
  5. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper with the cut side down .
  6. Cook in oven for 35 minutes (any longer will make the squash soggy).
  7. Meanwhile, chop onion and garlic. Set aside.
  8. Prepare and rinse other ingredients (beans, corn, spinach, basil).
  9. Once 35 minutes is up, carefully pull baking sheet out of the oven (I found that the pan was surprisingly heavy and tippy).
  10. Flip over squash and let cool for 20 minutes.Spaghetti Squash Boats
  11. Meanwhile, saute onion and garlic in olive oil on medium heat in a large skillet.
  12. Stir in beans, corn, and spices.
  13. Once squash is cool enough to touch, scrape out the inside flesh with a fork (should look like stringy spaghetti!).
  14. Finally add the squash and spinach to the skillet.Spaghetti Squash Boats
  15. Scoop veggie mixture into the squash bowls and serve.

PCOS Powers:

  • garlic = helps lower cholesterol, an antibiotic, & blood cleanser which relaxes blood vessels for easier blood flow
  • ginger = anti-inflammatory, may help decrease fasting blood glucose and HbA1c
  • onion = promotes liver detoxification, improves digestion & is high in chromium which helps maintain healthy blood glucose levels
  • spinach = high in calcium which helps alkalize acidity caused by inflammation and impaired glucose tolerance, high in magnesium which some women with PCOS are deficient in
  • turmeric = anti-inflammatory, helps lower blood glucose levelsSpaghetti Squash BoatsReferences:
  1. Schweigert, FJ et al., Concentrations of carotenoids, retinol and a-tocopherol in plasma and follicular fluid of women undergoing IVF. Human Reproduction. 2003, 18(6):1259-1264.
  2. Ford ES et al., Diabetes mellitus and serum carotenoids: findings from the third national health and nutrition examination survey. Am J Epidemiol. 1999, 149:168-176.

Cauliflower Kale Avocado Soup

The 3 primary ingredients are all nutritional powerhouses and PCOS-fighters.

Determining whether a meal is healthy can be complicated depending who you ask. In this case, however, there isn’t much to debate. The primary ingredients of this soup (cauliflower, kale and avocado) are all nutritional powerhouses and PCOS-fighters. By pureeing vegetables like cauliflower you can achieve a creamy soup without dairy or flour. In addition, unlike many soups this recipe is very low in sodium. Roasting the cauliflower, garlic and onion first helps achieve a richer flavor (and makes your home smell really good!).

Cauliflower Kale Avocado Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 cauliflower head, broken into florets
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped into large chunks
  • 4 whole garlic cloves
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (& extra to drizzle as garnish)
  • 1/4 tsp thyme
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • 4 cups water (approx.)
  • A few handfuls of kale torn into chunks, organic if possible
  • 1 avocado, chopped
  • salt to taste (I didn’t add any)

Instructions:

The full recipe with instructions can be found in my vegan recipe eBook.

PCOS Powers:

  • cauliflower = anti-inflammatory, low on the glycemic index, & contains sulforaphane which improves blood pressure, kidney function and may prevent cancer
  • avocado = helps lower LDL “bad” cholesterol, low on the glycemic index, high in fiber, & high in B-complex vitamins which combat stress
  • kale = anti-inflammatory, high in fiber, & high in calcium which is important for egg maturation and follicle development
  • garlic = helps lower cholesterol, an antibiotic, & blood cleanser which relaxes blood vessels for easier blood flow
  • onion = promotes liver detoxification, improves digestion & is high in chromium which helps maintain healthy blood glucose levels

 PIN FOR LATER:

Cauliflower Kale Avocado Soup