Showing posts with label Food as Medicine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Food as Medicine. Show all posts

Friday, April 8, 2016

CHICKPEA SALAD WITH RED ONIONS


Prep: 15 min
Yield: 6 servings



INGREDIENTS:
1  15.5 oz can, Chick peas, drained and rinsed or seasoned with olive oil
Chopped everything up small
1/2 cup red pepper
1 small red or sweet onion
1 med cucumber
(Add 1 Apple for more sweet crunch)
(I added a bowl of chopped spinach)
1Tsp balsamic vinegars
1/2 Tsp Tumeric
1 clove garlic, minced or grated then grinded into a paste with salt
1 tbsp cilantro or parsley  
¾ Fresh squeezed lemon juice
3 tsp olive oil, (I used one since I cooked my beans in olive oil already)
1/4 tsp of garlic powder, oregano, or seasoned to your taste
Sea Salt, Pepper (can added sesame ginger for flavoring)
This makes enough to fit in a large salad bowl  (76 oz Tupperware)


DIRECTIONS:
In a large to medium bowl combine fresh ingredients (chick peas with onions, chopped apples, peppers, cilantro, celery, garlic, red pepper flakes and rosemary). Dress salad with vinegar and oil, salt and pepper.


AMAZING BENEFITS OF EATING RIGHT:  
A good chickpea salad, that is low-fat and high in protein! 


832-913-5022

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Caramelized Pear and Pecan Salad with Garlic Essence Dressing



INGREDIENTS:

2 firm Organic pears, slightly shy of ripe
Juice of 1 lemon
3 tablespoons Organic Cane sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground star anise
2 tablespoons Organic Dried Cranberries (NOT Craisins)
2 tablespoons unsalted Earth Balance butter
7 ounces Organic Spinach Leaves, Romaine, or Spring Mix
About 1/3 cup Garlic Essence Dressing
1/2 cup toasted or candied pecans
1 tbsp Feta, Blue, or Goat Cheese

***Can add red pepper and asparagus for extra nutrients and taste***





DIRECTIONS:

Peel the pears and rub them with lemon juice. Cut the pears in half through the stem end and remove the cores with a small spoon. Rub with more lemon juice. Cut each pear half into 4 wedges, so that you have a total of 16 wedges.
Combine the sugar and star anise in a small bowl and stir to blend.
Melt the butter in a skillet that is large enough to hold the pears in a single layer without crowding (alternately, use 2 pans or cook them in batches) over medium heat. Arrange the pears in the skillet and raise the heat to medium-high. Sprinkle the pears with half of the sugar and cook until the bottoms begin to turn golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully flip the pears, sprinkle with the remaining sugar, and cook until the second side is caramelized, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the wedges to a plate and let them cool.
Assemble the salad by placing the lettuce leaves, either whole or broken into pieces, in a large bowl. Add some of the dressing and toss to coat the leaves, adding more as desired.
Divide the greens among 4 plates. Arrange 4 pear wedges on top of each mound of greens and sprinkle with the pecans. Lightly drizzle some of the dressing over the pears and serve immediately.


 *Vegetarian, *Gluten-Free                             Optional: Can add meat of your choice if not vegetarian

AMAZING BENEFITS OF PEARS AND PECANS

PEARS:

Pear are high in various vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine),  Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Folic Acid, Copper, Niacin, Calicum and Potassium.  They are a good source of fiber because they contain a significant amount of pectin, which is a water soluble fiber.  Pears include health benefits such as enhancing weight loss, supporting digestive health, optimizing metabolism and blood presssure levels.

PECANS:

Pecans provide you more than 19 vitamins and minerals including vitamins A, B, and E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.  They are rich in fiber which boosts the health of your heart by reducing the risk of coronary heart disease and preventing some forms of cancer.  Eating pecans may lower your total cholesterol because they are high in unsaturated fats and contain phytochemicals that further contribute to their cholesterol-lowering benefits.  


FOOD AS MEDICINE

Phone: 832-913-5022
CALL US TODAY 
FOR YOUR FREE 15 MIN PHONE CONSULTATION

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

COCONUT CRUST SPINACH PIZZA RECIPE

Coconut has many health benefits and even aids in weight loss and helps to stimulate the metabolism! In addition, low glycemic index measures how fast available carbohydrates in food raise blood sugar levels.  Coconut fiber slows down the release of glucose, therefore requiring less insulin to utilize the glucose and transport it into the cell where it is converted into energy.  Coconut also assists in relieving stress on the pancreas and enzyme systems of the body, in turn, reducing the risks associated with Diabetes. 

FOOD AS MEDICINE



Total Time: 25-30 minutes 
Serves: 4-6 Servings

INGREDIENTS:

¼ cup + 2 tbsp coconut flour
¼ C coconut oil
3 eggs
1 tsp honey
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp sea salt
2 medium tomatoes
4 cups chopped fresh spinach
1 cup cheese


DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
Line a pizza sheet with parchment paper
Mix together the wet ingredients in one bowl and the dry ingredients in another
Combine the wet and dry ingredients
Roll batter onto parchment paper until about ½-3/4 in thick
Bake for 20 minutes
Take the crust out and top with favorite ingredients.
Spread sauce (Tomato, Pesto, or Alfredo) over dough to within 1 in. of edges. Thinly slice or chop tomatoes; top pizza with spinach, tomatoes and cheese.
Place back in oven to bake for another 2-3 minutes or just until the cheese has melted.


Experience the full benefit of coconut and spinach while satisfying your cravings with this delicious coconut crust spinach pizza recipe!

Dr. Ezenwanyi Ahaghotu
832-913-5022






Saturday, February 27, 2016

SPINACH-STUFFED MUSHROOMS


Makes: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS
  • 20 medium mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup chopped shallots, scallions or onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic Essence Marinade
  • 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup Plain Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt
  • ¼ cup wheat bread crumbs (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste


DIRECTIONS
  1. Wash the mushrooms and carefully remove the stems without breaking the caps. Finely chop the stems. 
  2. Combine the shallots, garlic, marinade and vinegar in a small skillet or saucepan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the chopped mushroom stems and soy sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 to 5 minutes, until the mushrooms soften and release their juices. 
  3. Add the spinach and cook, continuing to stir, until it is wilted and the liquid in the pan is absorbed. Remove from the heat and let cool for a few minutes, then stir in the yogurt. 
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Sprinkle wheat bread crumbs as topping layer (optional) 
  6. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Stuff the spinach filling into the mushroom caps. 
  7. Place the mushrooms in a baking pan and bake for 20 minutes, until tender. 
  8. Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes for the filling to set before serving. Yields 20 mushrooms.

The Amazing Healing Power of Mushroom

  • Mushrooms are one of the highest antioxidant foods on the market.  Studies in both humans and animals indicate that mushrooms stimulate the immune system.  
  • Mushrooms are particularly high in one unique antioxidant called ergothioneine. Ergothioneine is very effective in providing protection from free radicals as well as boosting the immune system.   Ergothioneine has a specific protein transporter in the blood it must very important to cardiovascular health.   A serve of mushrooms provides about a quarter of an adult’s requirements of selenium, an essential antioxidant mineral.   
  • Mushrooms themselves provide you with lean proteins since they have no cholesterol or fat and are very low carbohydrates. The fiber and certain enzymes in mushrooms also help lower cholesterol levels. 
  • Mushrooms are very effective in preventing breast and prostate cancer due to the significant presence of Beta-Glucans and conjugated Linoleic Acid, which both have anti-carcinogenic effects. 
  • Vitamin D is a relatively rare vitamin to find in vegetables, and in fact, edible forms in general are not particularly common. 
  • Would you believe me if I said that a completely lean protein diet is ideal for losing fat and building muscle mass? Well, believe it or not, it’s true.  Most fats are burnt to digest proteins found in our food, more so when the protein is accompanied by a very low carbohydrate count, no fat or cholesterol, and a good amount of fiber.

 FOOD AS MEDICINE...NEVER FAILS!


Thursday, February 25, 2016

SPICY SHRIMP WITH GRILLED PINEAPPLES AND COCONUT RICE

FOOD AS MEDICINE...REAL SOLUTIONS FOR BETTER HEALTH

You might think of coconut rice as traditionally Asian, but it's enjoyed in South America and the Caribbean too. Regardless of your locale, this version is a sublime accompaniment to grilled shrimp.


INGREDIENTS:

***For the SHRIMP***

1 pound raw shrimp (any size) shelled & deveined tails left on
1 healthy pinch allspice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon dried onion
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper


***For the PINEAPPLE***

1 ripe pineapple, cut into chunks
***For the RICE***

2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup unsweetened, grated coconut
1 3/4 cups of basmati rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 bay leaf
Sea Salt
Pepper
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 cup toasted sweetened coconut
1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds
Cilantro for garnish

PREPARATION

For the Shrimp: mix all ingredients together into a bowl and stir shrimp to coat evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to grill. To cook, place shrimp onto preheated hot grill. {If you have smaller shrimp, it might be easier to skewer them and grill them that way.} Cook shrimp about 2 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from grill.

For the Pineapple: Cut pineapple into large chunks. {You can also skewer the pineapple to make turning them easier.} Grill to your liking. {I like mine to have a few grill marks at least!} Remove from the grill.

For the Rice: Melt butter in medium sized pot over medium-high heat. Stir in rice, bay leaf, and coconut, salt and pepper until every grain is coated in butter. Stir and cook about 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and sugar. Stir and cover. Bring to boil and then reduce to simmer until liquid has been completely absorbed. Remove from heat and stir in coconut and almonds. Serve warm.
To assemble, place rice on your plate and top with shrimp, pineapple and chopped cilantro.

BENEFITS OF ADDED PINEAPPLES TO MEAL:

Pineapple contains half of the daily-recommended value of vitamin C, according to the FDA.  Vitamin C is a primary water-soluble antioxidant that fights cell damage; therefore, pineapples support the immune system.

Like many other fruits and vegetables, pineapple contains dietary fiber, which is essential in keeping you regular and in keeping your intestines healthy.  But unlike many other fruits and veggies, pineapple contains significant amounts of bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down protein,  helping overall digestion.

As well as having high amounts of manganese, which is important for antioxidant defenses, pineapples also contain high amounts of thiamin, a B vitamin that is involved in energy production.  

Dr. Ezenwanyi Ahaghotu
2717 Commercial Center Blvd.
Katy, TX 77494
832-913-5022




Tuesday, February 23, 2016

HEARTY LENTIL SURPRISE STEW

TRUST ME...EATING ORGANIC IS WORTH IT


INGREDIENTS:
1 small box Organic Squash prepared soup
3 Tbs olive oil
2 garlic cloves
1 ½ quart organic vegetable stock
2 cups brown lentils
¼ cup organic tomatoes, chopped
1 pound red skinned potatoes, diced
12 oz. organic spinach
½ cup chopped mint
½ cup chopped parsley
½ cup white or yellow corn
¼ cup chopped carrots
Goya Vegetable seasoning, to taste (ex: 2 small packs)

NOTE: For Non-Vegetarian Protein Lovers
***You can add 1 cup of organic chicken or grassfed beef to the broth***


TASTY RECIPE:
In a large soup pot, heat oil & cook garlic 30 seconds.  Add Squash soup, vegetable stock, lentils & tomatoes (add meat of choice if applying).  Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer & cook for 10 minutes with the cover on.  Remove cover & add potatoes, cooking until tender.  Remove from heat & stir in spinach, mint & parsley.  Season with salt & pepper.

Royal Healing Natural Health Center
Dr. Ezenwanyi Ahaghotu
2717 Commercial Center Blvd.
Katy, TX 77494
832-913-5022



Thursday, February 11, 2016

CAULIFLOWER AND TOMATO COCONUT CURRY




.
SERVING SIZE4 to 6

INGREDIENTS:  
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 1 pound sweet potato (4 cups chopped)
  • 1 head cauliflower (5 cups chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder*
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne
  • 23-ounce jar of Muir Glen diced San Marzano plum tomatoes
  • 15-ounce can full-fat coconut milk*
  • 15-ounce can chickpeas
  • 4 cups spinach leaves
  • Cilantro, for garnish
  • Brown rice, for serving


*Using a high-quality curry powder is key to a complex taste in this curry. Using a full-fat coconut milk is also recommended versus light coconut milk, as it imparts a satisfying richness

DIRECTIONS

  1. Prepare the brown rice according to the package instructions.
  2. Dice the onion. Chop the sweet potato into bite-sized chunks (do not peel). Chop the cauliflower into florets.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute 2 minutes, then add the sweet potato and saute 3 minutes. Add cauliflower and ½ teaspoon kosher salt and saute another 5 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons curry powder, 1 tablespoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon cumin, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne. Add the Muir Glen tomatoes and coconut milk. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until the cauliflower and sweet potato are tender.
  4. Drain and rinse the chickpeas. When the vegetables are tender, add the chickpeas and 4 cups spinach and stir for 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Add another ½ teaspoon kosher salt to taste, adding additional salt if necessary.
  5. Garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve with brown rice

BENEFITS:  Health Secrets 

Cauliflower
Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, pantothenic acid, and vitamin B6. It is a very good source of choline, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, manganese, phosphorus, and biotin.  While cauliflower is not a well-studied cruciferous vegetable from a health standpoint, you will find several dozen studies linking cauliflower-containing diets to cancer prevention, particularly with respect to the following types of cancer: bladder cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and ovarian cancer.  In addition, cauliflower also contains phytonutrients called glucosinolates that can help activate detoxification enzymes and regulate their activity.  The detox support provided by cauliflower includes antioxidant nutrients to boost Phase 1 detoxification activities and sulfur-containing nutrients to boost Phase 2 activities. 

Coconut
Coconut helps prevent obesity by speeding up metabolism, providing an immediate source of energy with fewer calories than other fats.  People who consistently use coconut products, report a stronger ability to go without eating for several hours with no affects of hypoglycemia.   Due to the fact that coconut has been known to reduce sweet cravings and improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.  The healthy fat in coconut slowsdown any rise in blood sugar and helps to reduce hypoglycemic cravings.   In addiiton, it improves digestion and many of the symptoms and inflammatory conditions associatedwith digestive and bowel disorders,  Moreover, to top it off coconut improves heart health by providing healthy short chain and medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) that are essential to good. 

FOOD AS MEDICINE!!!


Dr, Ezenwanyi Ahaghotu
2717 Commercial Center Blvd.
Katy, TX 77494
Phone: 832-913-5022
Email: info@RoyalHealingND.com

CONTACT US TODAY


Tuesday, February 9, 2016

EXTREME HEALING THROUGH FOOD

Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food? The obsessive worship of “medicinal foods”

Hippocrates was an important figure in the history of medicine because he was among the earliest to assert that diseases were caused by natural processes rather than the gods and because of his emphasis on the careful observation and documentation of patient history and physical findings, which led to the discovery of physical signs associated with diseases of specific organs. However, let’s not also forget that Hippocrates and his followers also believed in humoral theory, the idea that all disease results from an imbalance of the “four humors.”

Treating disease with healing foods is not a new idea, it has been done for thousands of years. So what's new? In the past people didn't know why a certain food was good for a certain condition, they just trusted the advice they were given.

 Harness The Power of Healing Foods:
  • Strengthen Your Body's Defenses against Dis-ease
  • Treat Dis-ease directly
  • Slow down the Aging process
  • Boost Immune System
  • Protect the Body against Dis-ease



THE TRUTH ABOUT THE UNDERLYING CAUSES OF VARIOUS CONDITIONS

The underlying cause of many common diseases is often the type of foods we eat on a regular basis.  In our society today, even conventional doctors (MDs) and researchers agree that diet impacts our health greatly.
  • After countless studies, they've come to realize, for example, that diet is one of the biggest contributors to heart disease. And if you already have heart disease, the right diet can actually help you reverse it.  The BIG question…How? By improving your cholesterol levels, lowering high blood pressure, steadying your blood sugar, reducing inflammation and taking off extra pounds –it can help heal your cells and convert them back to normal. 
  • Researchers have no doubts today that a poor diet is a major cause  of constipationhemorrhoidsheartburn and IBS and giving out pills to deal with the symptoms is not the best way to “treat” these problems.  
  • Allopathic Doctors now realize that arthritis isn't a simple case of wear and tear but rather a destructive process spurred by molecules called “free radicals”, so painkillers cannot be considered the best long term solution.  In fact, these medications will eventually present further problems as time progresses, in which will lead to the “ripple effect” of medications.    
  • The general consensus now seems to be that no condition is more related to diet than type 2 diabetes.  Studies suggest that people who eat a lot of refined carbohydrates, animal fats, and a lot of animal protein are at much greater risk of developing this condition.

Tune in to this blog weekly and learn more about the causes of these conditions and what healing foods you can eat to get to the root of the problem.



Dr. Ezenwanyi Ahaghotu
832-913-5022