Grain-Free Mediterranean Mackerel Pasta

Grain-Free Mediterranean Mackerel Pasta

by | Oct 14, 2021 | Recipes

Two Glasses with Detox Green Smoothie

This Mediterranean Mackerel Pasta recipe is definitely a level-up to your regular pasta dish.

Taking only 20 minutes to prepare, it is the perfect way to spice up a busy evening! 

Plus, it’s full of health benefits!

 

Mackerel is a super-fish, containing many ingredients to support your mental health. Firstly, because it is an oily fish, it is high in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids play an important role in supporting the function of your brain cells. By providing a protective coating for the brain cells, they protect the cell membrane and improve communication between cells (1). When our brain cells are protected and functioning efficiently, it has a positive impact on our mood. In fact, research shows that lower dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with higher rates of anxiety and depression (2).

Mackerel is also a high source of vitamin D. Low levels of vitamin D are linked to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. When used as a supplement, vitamin D has been shown to significantly decreases symptoms of depression and anxiety, suggesting that it is effective at improving mood (3). Therefore, because of its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D, mackerel is a fantastic ingredient for protecting against mood challenges. 

This recipe uses extra virgin olive oil to prepare the mackerel, which is regarded as one of the healthiest fats to consume. This is because of number of antioxidants it contains, which fight against oxidative stress in the body (4). Protection against oxidative stress is important to prevent cell damage and subsequent disease and other health problems including mood disorders.

Plus, instead of regular refined wheat pasta, we’ve used chickpea pasta! This increases the amount of protein in the meal, contains more fibre as compared to wheat pasta, and as a result, helps to maintain healthy blood sugar levels – keeping you feeling fuller for longer!

References:

  1. Dyall, S. (2015). Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and the brain: a review of the independent and shared effects of EPA, DPA, and DHA. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 7, 52. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2015.00052
  2. Müller, C. P., Reichel, M., Mühle, C., Rhein, C., Gulbins, E., & Kornhuber, J. (2015). Brain membrane lipids in major depression and anxiety disorders. Biochemical Journal, 1851, 1052–1065. doi: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2014.12.014
  3. Byrn, M., Adams, W., Emanuele, M., Mumby, P., Kouba, J., & Wallis, D. (2017). Vitamin D Supplementation Improves Mood in Women with Type 2 Diabetes. Journal of Diabetes Research, 2017, 1-11. doi: 10.1155/2017/823863. 
  4. Beauchamp, G., Keast, R., Morel, D., Lin, J., Pika, J., Han, Q., … & Breslin, P. (2005). Phytochemistry: ibuprofen-like activity in extra-virgin olive oil. Nature, 437(7055), 45-46. doi: 10.1038/437045a

Grain-Free Mediterranean Mackerel Pasta

This recipe is definitely a level-up to your regular pasta dish. Taking only 20 minutes to prepare, it is the perfect way to spice up a busy evening! 
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 9 ozs Chickpea Pasta
  • 8 cups Water
  • 2 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic sliced thin
  • pinch Cayenne
  • 4 ozs Canned Mackerel skinless, boneless
  • ½ cup Green Olives
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup Parsley finely chopped
  • ¼ cup Pine Nuts
  • Chili Flakes to taste (optional)
  • 1 tsp Lemon Zest to garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot over high heat, bring water to a rolling boil.
  • Once the pot of water is boiling, add the pasta (we used linguine). Cook according to the package directions.
  • While keeping an eye on your pasta, in a large pan, heat oil over medium-low heat. Once warmed, add garlic and cook, stirring often, for one to two minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the mackerel and cayenne to the pan with the garlic. Stir until the mackerel is warmed through and well-coated. Add the olives to the pan to warm through, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Strain the pasta and rinse. Add the pasta to the pan. Mix to combine.
  • Divide onto plates and top with parsley and pine nuts. Garnish with chili flakes and lemon zest, if using. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 253
Carbs: 15g
Fibre: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 13g
Fat: 16g

Herb & Greens Chicken Sliders

Herb & Greens Chicken Sliders

by | Sep 24, 2021 | Recipes

Two Glasses with Detox Green Smoothie

These chicken sliders are a quick, yet delicious recipe that also supports your thyroid. If you’re following a paleo diet, these sliders will work for you, too!

Your thyroid is a gland near the base of your neck that releases hormones into your blood stream. These hormones interact with cells throughout your entire body. For many reasons your thyroid can stop releasing these hormones.

 

While diet alone won’t solve this issue, diet can support your thyroid and reduce symptoms. To learn more about the importance of thyroid health, check out our recent blog post here!

Chicken, the star ingredient in this recipe, is a source of zinc. Zinc is helpful as it “activates” thyroid hormones (1). In one case study, when an individual with a zinc-deficiency took zinc supplements, all thyroid hormones levels were found to increase as well (1). Chicken is also a good source of selenium, a nutrient also shown to “activate” thyroid hormones (2). It is important to remember that this recipe calls for lean chicken, which is recommended for best results. This means selecting skinless options and focusing on lean areas such as the breast and thighs.

Incorporated in these sliders are nutrient-dense green vegetables including broccoli and kale. While these vegetables contain many nutrients, research has shown that when eaten raw they can be potentially harmful to your thyroid. That is because they contain a goitrogen compound, which interferes with thyroid function (3). However, it is important to note that when cooked, this compound is deactivated. Therefore, individuals looking to support their thyroid should cook their dark leafy greens to get the best nutritional value.

If you like this recipe, you might love our 1-Week Thyroid-Supporting meal plan, with more recipes designed for the thyroid that the whole family will enjoy!

Preparation note: This recipe calls for the sliders to be grilled, but they can also be prepared in the oven on a baking sheet.

Herb & Greens Chicken Sliders

These chicken sliders are a quick, yet delicious paleo recipe that also supports your thyroid. Your thyroid is a gland near the base of your neck that releases hormones into your blood stream.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Extra Lean Ground Chicken
  • 1 tsp Oregano dried
  • 1 tsp Basil dried
  • ½ tsp Thyme dried
  • ¾ tsp Sea Salt
  • Ground Black Pepper optional
  • 2 cups Kale Leaves very finely chopped
  • 2 cups Broccoli very finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 head Boston Lettuce

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, add all ingredients except the Boston lettuce and mix until well combined.
  • Divide the meat mixture into four even parts and form into patties. Each patty will be approximately 3 inches in diameter. Once formed, set aside.
  • Preheat grill to medium heat.
  • Grill the patties for approximately 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure patties are cooked through to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Plate Herb & Greens Chicken Sliders in a lettuce wrap with your favourite toppings. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 218
Carbs: 5g
Fibre: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 13g

Honey Garlic Paprika Shrimp

Honey Garlic Paprika Shrimp

by | Sep 17, 2021 | Recipes

Two Glasses with Detox Green Smoothie

This shrimp recipe makes for a perfect snack or dinner party appetizer. Filled with bold flavours and bright colours, this shrimp recipe also has an impressive nutrition profile.

Specifically, shrimp are a wonderful support for your thyroid gland. 

The thyroid is a gland that is located near the base of your neck and is responsible for releasing a host of hormones. These hormones play an important role throughout the body. The mineral iodine and selenium contained in shrimp help support the thyroid and the release of hormones.

Shrimp is an excellent source of iodine, which is an essential mineral for the production of thyroid hormones. Studies show that individuals with iodine deficiency are at a higher risk for hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid does not release enough hormones (1). This makes shrimp an important consideration in thyroid health as iodine is not commonly abundant in many foods.

Shrimp is also a great source of selenium, containing almost half of the recommended daily intake in 85 grams (2). Selenium is important as it helps to “activate” thyroid hormones (3). Additionally, selenium can act as an antioxidant which has been shown to protect the thyroid from inflammation (4).

It is important to ensure that extra virgin olive oil is used to prepare this shrimp. This oil is regarded as one of the healthiest fats, which is partly due to the antioxidants it contains (5). These antioxidants provide protection from damage from free radicals, including protecting the thyroid.

When making this shrimp, add in some extra red pepper flakes for more heat if you desire!

If you like this recipe, you might love our 1-Week Thyroid-Supporting meal plan, with more recipes designed for the thyroid that the whole family will enjoy!

 

 

  1. Zimmerman, M., & Boelaert, K. (2015). Iodine deficiency and thyroid disorders. The Lancet. Diabetes and Endocrinology. 3(4), 286-295. doi: 10.1016/S2213-8587(14)70225-6 
  2. https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/finfish-and-shellfish-products/4174/2 
  3. Ventura, M., Melo, M., & Carrilho, F. (2017). Selenium and Thyroid Disease: From Pathophysiology to Treatment. International Journal of Endocrinology, 2017, 1297658. doi: 10.1155/2017/1297658 
  4. Negro, R. (2008). Selenium and thyroid autoimmunity. Biologics: Targets and Therapy. 2(2), 265-273. doi: 10.2147/btt.s2746 
  5. Beauchamp, G., Keast, R., Morel, D., Lin, J., Pika, J., Han, Q., … & Breslin, P. (2005). Phytochemistry: ibuprofen-like activity in extra-virgin olive oil. Nature, 437(7055), 45-46. doi: 10.1038/437045a 

 

Honey Garlic Paprika Shrimp

This recipe makes for a perfect snack or appetizer. Filled with bold flavours and bright colours, this shrimp recipe also has an impressive nutrition profile.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Honey
  • 1½ tsps Paprika
  • 1 tsp Granulated Garlic
  • ¼ tsp Sea Salt
  • pinch Cayenne optional
  • 14 ozs Shrimp large, peeled and deveined
  • 1½ tbsps Water
  • 1½ tsps Lemon Juice
  • Ground Black Pepper to taste (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, paprika, garlic, and salt. Sprinkle in cayenne, if using. Whisk again to combine.
  • Add the shrimp to the large bowl and toss to coat thoroughly in the marinade.
  • Heat a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Once warmed, add the shrimp along with all of the marinade to the pan. Cook shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side.
  • Add water and lemon juice to the pan. Stir well to coat the shrimp in the marinade.
  • Continue cooking to allow the sauce to reduce slightly, then remove from the heat. Season with lemon juice and additional salt, to taste.
  • Top with freshly ground pepper and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 177
Carbs: 7g
Fibre: 0g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 6g

Rosemary Walnut Crusted Salmon

Rosemary Walnut Crusted Salmon

by | Sep 10, 2021 | Recipes

Two Glasses with Detox Green Smoothie

This Walnut Crusted Salmon is a simple yet delicious dish that adds flavour and texture to your typical salmon dinner.

If you’re a salmon-lover already, this recipe is for you!

The main stars of this recipe, salmon and walnuts, come packed with health benefits.

While salmon is typically known to be rich in fatty acids and protein, it is also an excellent source of selenium. Selenium is an essential mineral that supports the health and function of our thyroid, a small gland located in the base of the neck. Your thyroid releases important hormones that travel through your blood and interact with cells throughout your body. Selenium works to help “activate” these thyroid hormones, which can be important for individuals with low thyroid hormone levels (1). Research shows that consuming two servings of salmon a week increased selenium levels in the blood more than fish oil capsules (2). 

Walnuts are a superfood filled with wonderful health benefits. They have been shown to have the highest antioxidant activity compared to any other nut (3). Antioxidants are a group of nutrients which prevent damage from free radicals called “oxidation”. One small study showed that when adults ate a walnut-rich meal, it prevented the oxidation of specific types of cholesterol (4). When these types of cholesterol are oxidized, they are more likely to build up in your arteries, leading to blockages (4). This is important to consider for individuals with low levels of thyroid hormones, as they are more likely to have higher cholesterol levels (5).

If you are looking to prepare this recipe with a soup or salad, check out Koru’s recipes for more options, including our Creamy Roasted Garlic and Kale Soup and Citrus Quinoa & Bean Salad.

References

  1. Ventura, M., Melo, M., & Carrilho, F. (2017). Selenium and Thyroid Disease: From Pathophysiology to Treatment. International Journal of Endocrinology, 2017, 1297658. doi: 10.1155/2017/1297658
  2. Stonehouse, W., Pauga, M., Kruger, R., Thomson, C., Wong, M., & Kruger, M. (2011). Consumption of salmon v. salmon oil capsules: effects on n-3 PUFA and selenium status. The British Journal of Nutrition. 106(8), 1231-1239. doi: 10.1017/S000711451100153X
  3. Yin, T., Cai, L., Chen, Y., Li, Y., Wang, Y., Liu, C., & Ding, Z. (2015). Tannins and Antioxidant Activities of the Walnut (Juglans regia) Pellicle. Natural Product Communications, 10(12), 2141-2144. PMID: 26882685
  4. Haddad, E., Gaban-Chong, N., Oda, K., &Sabate, J. (2014). Effect of a walnut meal on postprandial oxidative stress and antioxidants in healthy individuals. Nutrition Journal, 13(4). doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-13-4.
  5. Mullur, R., Liu, Y., & Brent, G. (2014). Thyroid Hormone Regulation of Metabolism. Physiological reviews, 94(2), 355-382. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00030.2013

 

Rosemary Walnut Crusted Salmon

A simple yet delicious dish that adds flavour and texture to your typical salmon dinner. The main stars of this recipe, salmon and walnuts, come packed with health benefits.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2 servings

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup Walnuts very finely chopped
  • ¼ tsp Sea Salt
  • ½ tsp Ground Rosemary
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • ½ tsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil divided
  • 2 x 4 ozs Salmon Fillet
  • ¼ Lemon optional for serving, cut into wedges

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon tray liner.
  • Combine walnuts, salt and spices. Stir in the lemon juice, half of the oil, and combine well.
  • Rub the remaining oil over all sides of the salmon fillets. Place the salmon on the prepared baking sheet, skin down.
  • Use a spoon to layer the walnut mixture on top of each fillet. Top each fillet with the walnut mixture, pressing firmly with the back of the spoon to ensure it stays in place.
  • Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakey.
  • Serve with a lemon wedge, if using. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 359
Carbs: 3g
Fibre: 2g
Sugar: 0.5g
Protein: 31g
Fat: 26g

Turmeric Latte

Turmeric Latte

by | Aug 25, 2021 | Recipes

Two Glasses with Detox Green Smoothie

This delicious soothing latte is packed full of anti-inflammatory benefits and is a great beverage for those struggling with pain.

Turmeric is the star of this recipe! Turmeric’s active component is curcumin which has shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Because of these health benefits, curcumin has been shown to help with pain with individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, and was found to be more effective than an anti-inflammatory drug. In individuals with osteoarthritis, participants reported improvement in pain, physical function, and quality of life after taking curcumin, with decreased use of pain medication. Turmeric can cross the blood brain barrier and can support healthy brain function including helping with memory, attention, and can help with health conditions such as concussion, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. You can read more about the health benefits of turmeric here.

The black pepper in the recipes is very important as this helps to increase the absorption of curcumin in the body by 2000%!

Ginger is antimicrobial, it has bene shown to help manage blood sugar levels, reduce feelings of nausea, and help with pain. Studies have shown that just a single gram of ginger a day can be enough to reduce both the duration of pain and the intensity with women with menstrual cramps and osteoarthritis. The studies show that it worked just as well as other well-known remedies such as ibuprofen. If you are on a lot of pain medications this may cause stomach ulcers and research has shown ginger can be effective at helping to prevent aspirin-induced stomach ulcers by blocking the activity of the enzymes responsible. Because ginger is antimicrobial, it can also help fight off bacterial, fungal and some viral infections.

Cinnamon is a great spice to incorporate into any diet because it helps with blood sugar regulation and it also contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties especially in the digestive tract which makes it a valuable digestive aid. Plus, it’s delicious!

Coconut milk has a delicious creamy taste and has been shown to reduce stomach ulcer size in rats by 54% — a result comparable to the effect of an anti-ulcer drug. However, one cup of coconut milk can contain as much as 552 calories, so if weight loss if your goal then we suggest switching out coconut milk to a more low-calorie option such as almond or cashew milk, or diluting it half-and-half with water.

Turmeric Latte

This delicious soothing latte is packed full of anti-inflammatory benefits and is a great beverage for those struggling with pain.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 serving

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ cup Full Fat Coconut Milk canned
  • ¾ cup Water
  • 1 tsp Ground Turmeric
  • ¼ tsp Ground Ginger
  • ¼ tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 pinch Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 tsp Maple Syrup (or honey) to taste
  • 1 tbsp Collagen Powder optional

Instructions
 

  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, add all ingredients and whisk until warm. Do not allow to boil.
  • Remove from heat, sample, and adjust flavours if desired.
  • Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories - 197
Sugar - 14g
Carbs - 24g
Fat - 12.1g
Protein - 0.4g

Golden Cauliflower Chicken Curry

Golden Cauliflower Chicken Curry

by | Aug 20, 2021 | Recipes

Two Glasses with Detox Green Smoothie

This one pan dish is a simple yet exciting, anti-inflammatory meal.

After a busy day with work, family, and errands, you can feel confident preparing this low-stress dish filled with important nutrients.

Not to mention – minimal dishes to clean up!

The cauliflower in this dish is an excellent source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C has been shown to act as an anti-inflammatory, reducing inflammatory markers in the blood (1).

Carrots contain carotene, which is a pigment molecule giving this vegetable is marked orange colour. Carotene has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and is protective against liver disease(2).

While these vegetables contain their own anti-inflammatory properties, adding turmeric is the secret powerhouse ingredient in this recipe! Turmeric is a strong spice with a bright golden colour. Its main component is curcumin which is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound. Curcumin has demonstrated the ability to reduce inflammation in a number of diseases including cancer, arthritis, and diabetes3. Daily intake of as little as 1 gram of curcumin has been shown to reduce blood markers of inflammation in individuals with metabolic syndrome (4). To learn more about the benefits of turmeric and its anti-inflammatory properties, read Koru’s recent article here! 

Extra virgin olive oil is another hidden gem in this recipe. Extra virgin olive oil is considered by many to be one the healthiest fats to consume. Many researchers have studied the effects of extra virgin olive oil through examining the Mediterranean diet, where extra virgin olive oil is a staple ingredient. These studies have demonstrated that individuals who consume a minimum of 50ml daily have lower levels of inflammatory markers in their blood (5).

If you’re feeling extra hungry, try adding a bit of coconut milk to the curry for a creamier texture!

 

  1. Chambial, S., Dwivdei, S., Shukla, K., John, O., & Sharma, P. (2013). Vitamin C in Disease Prevention and Cure: An Overview. Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry. 28(4), 314-328. doi: 10.1007/s12291-013-0375-3
  2. Yilmas, B., Sahin, K., Bilen, H., Bahcecioglu, I., Biliir, B., Ashraf, S., … & Kucuk, O. (2015). Carotenoids and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Hepatobiliary Surgery and Nutrition. 4(3), 161-171. doi: 10.3978/j.issn.2304-3881.2015.01.11
  3. Menon, V., & Sudheer, A. (2007). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. 595. 105-125. doi: 10.1007/978-0-387-46401-5_3.
  4. Panahii, Y., Hosseini, M., Khalili, N., Naimi, E., Majeed, M., & Sahebkar, A. (2015). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcuminoid-piperine combination in subjects with metabolic syndrome: A randomized controlled trial and an updated meta-analysis. Clinical Nutrition. 34(6), 1101-1108. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2014.12.019
  5. Casas, R., Sacanella, E., Urpi-Sarda, M., Chiva-Blanch, G., Ros, E., Martinez-Gonzalez, M., …& Estruch, R. (2014). The effect of the Mediterranean diet on biomarkers of vascular wall inflammation and plaque vulnerability in subjects with high risk for cardiovascular disease. A randomized trial. PLoS One, 9(6). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100084

 

Golden Cauliflower Chicken Curry

This one pan dish is a simple yet exciting, anti-inflammatory meal. After a busy day with work, family, and errands, you can feel confident preparing this low-stress dish filled with important nutrients. Not to mention – minimal dishes to clean up!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Carrots medium
  • 1 head Cauliflower
  • 1 Zucchini medium
  • ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1½ lbs Chicken Breast skinless
  • 2 cups Broth bone broth or chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp Curry Powder
  • 1 tbsp Turmeric powder
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • Parsley to garnish

Instructions
 

  • Wash, peel, and chop carrots into coins. Wash, stem, and chop cauliflower into 1” florets. Wash and slice zucchini into thick slices. Set aside.
  • Heat a large pot or deep pan over medium heat. Add oil to begin warming.
  • Slice chicken breast into thin strips. Once oil is warmed, place chicken breast strips into the pan to begin cooking. Stir frequently to avoid the chicken sticking to the pan, and to ensure it is cooking evenly.
  • After 7-8 minutes, once chicken is nearly cooked through, add curry, turmeric, and black pepper to the pan. Saute for 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant.
  • Add broth and vegetables. Stir to combine ingredients.
  • Bring to a rolling boil, then cover and simmer for approximately 15 minutes until vegetables are soft. Stir regularly.
  • Uncover and add salt and pepper. Keep the dish at a strong boil to allow the sauce to thicken to desired consistency.
  • Portion between serving bowls and garnish with parsley if desired.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories: 339
Carbs: 10g
Fibre: 5g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 41g
Fat: 15g