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 

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

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.

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

This recipe, inspired by your typical fried rice dish, takes things up a notch! This recipes combines whole grain quinoa with nutritious vegetables, oils, and herbs. A quick dish like this can be the meal’s main focus or a flavourful side dish. Either way it is packed with anti-inflammatory foods important for keeping our bodies healthy.

Mushrooms have been used in medicine for centuries. More recently, research into to the compounds contained in mushrooms are revealing their anti-inflammatory properties. Mushrooms contain a number of metabolites, including polysaccharides, terpenoids, peptides, and phenolics, which exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. It is believed that these metabolites reduce the number of messengers in our body that initiate an inflammatory response. (1)

Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable, which also helps our body reduce inflammation. Sulforaphane is one compound within broccoli that is responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. Research has shown that this compound limits the production of molecules important in the pathway that drives inflammation. (2)

This recipe uses avocado oil to prepare the vegetables. Avocados have recently become known as a superfood, in part, due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Avocados have been shown to modulate the human inflammatory response by blocking activation of key molecules in this process. (3) Additionally, avocados have high levels of carotenoids, a group of pigment molecules, which research shows are reduce inflammation and lower cancer risk. (4)

Lastly, garlic is a widespread favourite spice, adding wonderful flavours and aromas to dishes. Garlic is also associated with reduced inflammation! Research demonstrated that individuals who took garlic supplements showed significantly lower levels of inflammations markers in their blood. (5)

1. Elsayed, E., Enshasy, H., Wadaan, M., & Aziz, R. (2014). Mushrooms: A potential Natural Source of Anti-Inflammatory Compounds for Medical Applications. Mediators of Inflammation, 2014. doi: 10.1155/2014/805841
2. Hwang, J., & Lim, S. (2014). Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Broccoli Florets in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 Cells. Preventative Nutrition and Food Science, 19(2), 89-97. doi: 10.3746/pnf.2014.19.2.089
3. Donnarumma, G., Paoletti, I., Buommino, E., Fusco, A., Baudouin, C., Msika, P., … & Baroni, A. (2011). AV119, a natural sugar from avocado gratissima, modulates the LPS-induced proinflammatory response in human keratinocytes. Inflammation, 34(6), 568-575. doi: 10.1007/s10753-010-9264-6.
4. Key, T., Appleby, P., Travis, R., Albanes, D., Alberg, A., Barricarte, A., … & Allen, N. (2015). American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 102(5), 1142-1157. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.115.114306
5. Mirzavandi, F., Mollahosseini, M., Salehi-Abargouei, A., Makiabadi, E., & Mozaffari-Khosravi, H. (2020). Eeffects of garlic supplementation on serum inflammatory markers: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome, 14(5), 1153-1161. doi: 10.1016/j.dsx.2020.06.031 

We have all heard the word “inflammation”… but what is it, and is it really that bad? 

What Is Inflammation?

Believe it or not, inflammation is good for us and we need it! When we get injured, our bodies trigger an inflammatory response which causes redness, swelling and pain. This is all in an effort to bring more blood (and therefore nutrients) to the area to help with the healing process. However, when inflammation persists over time when there is no injury present, that is when it becomes problematic.

The Effects of Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation is well recognized as a root cause for many diseases and health conditions. Inflammation has been shown to contribute to obesity; endometriosis; heart disease including stroke; autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis; cancer; diabetes; thyroid issues; inflammatory bowel disease; pulmonary diseases; as well as depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD; and many other chronic pain conditions including arthritis, migraines/headaches, and fibromyalgia. 

What Causes Chronic Inflammation?

Inflammation can be a product of certain diet and lifestyle choices. Inflammation can accumulate over time as a result of continued oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a phenomenon that occurs when there are more damaging “free radicals” in the body than there are protective antioxidants to neutralize them.

Over time, oxidative stress leads to oxidative damage, which in turn leads to chronic inflammation, that promotes the above diseases to occur. 

Inflammation and Pain

To help manage pain, you need to help manage inflammation in the body. This is why NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are a common strategy for pain relief, these drugs block inflammatory pathways that lead to pain.

Another way to manage inflammation – from the root cause – is through diet!

How Nutrition Can Help with Inflammation and Chronic Pain

Nutrition has a crucial role in helping to reduce inflammation by providing antioxidants and various phytochemicals, fiber, omega-3, as well as specific vitamins and minerals. Unfortunately, the importance of nutrition is often grossly overlooked as part of a chronic pain program.

We are here to help you on your journey to a more pain free lifestyle!

Below we list some strategies to help you find some relief from your pain and other pain related symptoms. This is not, by any means, an exhaustive list… but, hopefully a great start to provide you with some direction in the search for relief. Plus, check out our article on our Top 10 Anti-inflammatory Foods!

Anti-Inflammatory Diets

There are many diets that can help reduce inflammation this includes vegetarian diets, the Mediterranean diet, a specific anti-inflammatory diet, or following a gluten-free and dairy-free diet.

Regardless of the exact strategy used, common elements among all these diets include:

• whole-food based, limiting or excluding processed foods
• tons of fresh fruits and vegetables
• increasing intake of Omega-3, while reducing intake of Omega-6
• avoiding sugar, hydrogenated oils, and processed ingredients

Kylie James, founder of Koru Nutrition, was fortunate to be a part of a study at Brock University which followed individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI). People with an SCI are in a chronic state of low-grade inflammation and are at higher risk of many secondary health conditions as identified above. The study focused on tracking inflammatory markers in the blood while following an anti-inflammatory diet, and how the dietary intervention impacted the participants’ mood, depression and sleep. The study diet was based on whole foods, while avoiding all gluten and dairy products, as well as adhering to a supplement program including omega 3, turmeric, antioxidants, vegetarian protein powder and a greens supplement. After 3 months following the diet the results showed that cytokine levels (inflammatory markers IFN-y, IL-1B, IL-6, CRP) reduced in the blood by 28%. Additionally, depression scores reduced by 55% in 3 months compared to 48% reduction in depression scores when using SSRI’s for 6 months. Pain scores significantly reduced by 39%. Participants also noted significant improvements in weight loss and sleep (3). This study demonstrates the therapeutic role that nutrition has in reducing inflammation, pain, and resulting symptoms.

For more information or support with getting started with a therapeutic anti-inflammatory diet please reach out to us to book an appointment. If you’re a clinician with a client suffering from chronic pain and are interested in making a referral, please fill out our referral form.

Maintain A Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is critical to help mitigate pain experiences. This might be difficult given exercise and activity can contribute to pain, but again that might be another reason why changing the diet becomes such a major step in a rehabilitation and/or pain-reduction program.

One 2012 study published in the journal Clinical Rheumatology found that people with fibromyalgia experienced less pain and depression, had fewer tender points, and slept better after losing weight. This study suggests that weight loss can be an important part of fibromyalgia treatment (1).

A 2019 literature review also suggests that weight loss and eating a low calorie diet can contribute to less pain and inflammation and an improved quality of life (2).

One of the reasons for this is that fat tissue excretes inflammatory markers and can impact hormones, such as the production of excess estrogen, which can promote inflammation. The other important factor is that inflammation contributes to weight gain and weight gain contributes to inflammation, so it is important to work on both to break the cycle.

Vitamin D, Magnesium and Calcium

A 2018 literature review, has linked pain in conditions such as fibromyalgia to low dietary intake of, and low levels of nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D (4). Deficiencies in vitamin D (which is common in Canada in light of our long, dark winters) can be associated with joint, bone and muscle pain. In observational studies, low vitamin D levels have been associated with increased pain and higher opioid doses. Recent interventional studies have shown promising effects of vitamin D supplementation on cancer pain and muscular pain in patients with insufficient levels of vitamin D when starting intervention (6).

Symptoms of calcium deficiency include leg, bone, joint and neck pain; as well as muscle cramps and muscle spasms; numbness and tingling in the hands, feet, and face; and frequent toothaches. Magnesium deficiency can promote inflammation and contribute to fatigue, sleep and mood problems and muscle dysfunction such as muscle cramps and spasms – all factors that influence pain. Studies show that magnesium can reduce osteoporosis pain, muscle cramps, muscle spasms and myalgia (5).

References 
1. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10067-012-2053-x 
2. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07853890.2018.1564360 
3. Allison, Thomas, Beaudry and Ditor, 2016 (Journal of Neuroinflammation) 
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0753332218309697 
5. James, Smith, Eat Well Live Well with Spinal Cor Injury and other Neurological conditions, 2013
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29057787/ 
7. https://file.scirp.org/pdf/FNS_2014062611410421.pdf 
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27485230/ 
9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16280438/ 
10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21242652/ 
11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21142420/ 
12. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/bromelain 

1 in 5 Canadians – that’s 8 million of us – live with chronic pain. Chronic pain impacts children, adults, and the elderly, affecting the way individuals take part in school, work, family life, and within their communities. Unfortunately, with pain often comes reduced activity levels and difficulties participating in daily tasks such as grocery shopping and meal preparation and often people seek out more quick on-the-go foods, prepared foods, or take out to help avoid pain flare ups. This unfortunately can often fuel pain experiences as these types of foods contain many ingredients and substances that contribute to inflammation.

The goal with reducing inflammation and subsequent pain in the body is to remove inflammatory foods from the body such as processed foods, hydrogenated oils, sugars, saturated and trans fats from the diet while integrating anti-inflammatory foods into the diet instead. There are many foods that have been identified as anti-inflammatory foods that have been well researched. To learn more about the role of nutrition and reducing inflammation check out our article Can Nutrition Really Help With Inflammation And Chronic Pain?

Focusing on a few specific foods is a great way to begin incorporating anti-inflammatory foods your diet.

Below are our Top 10 Anti-inflammatory Foods, and some healthy recipes to help you introduce them into your diet.

1. Turmeric has massive anti-inflammatory benefits! In a review of the effects curcumin has on osteoarthritis, participants reported improvement in pain, physical function, and quality of life after taking curcumin, with decreased use of pain medication. (4) For more about the medicinal properties of turmeric, check out our recent article on the Top 5 Health Benefits of Turmeric. We’ve also created a Turmeric Latte recipe that you’re sure to find delicious, even if you’re not usually the biggest fan of turmeric!
2. Green tea is rich in flavonoids which are anti-inflammatory, contains fat burning properties to help manage healthy weight, and L-theanine to relax the mind and the muscles. Of course, green tea makes for a simple and delicious cup of comforting tea or as a cold refreshing drink in the summer, but you could also try out our Green Tea Ice Cream recipe for something new!
3. Berries pack a mighty punch when it comes to fiber, antioxidants and other amazing phytochemicals that can help reduce inflammation. Berries contain antioxidants called anthocyanins. These compounds have anti-inflammatory effects that may reduce your risk of disease and pain. In one study, adults with excess weight who ate strawberries had lower levels of certain inflammatory markers (10) Check out our Berry Beet Smoothie Bowl!
4. Oily fish is loaded with omega 3’s which are anti-inflammatory and can help to reduce inflammation and pain and boost mood. One study have found that individuals that consumed salmon or EPA and DHA supplements experienced reductions in the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP). (11) Our Smoked Salmon and Avocado Toast is a simple way to consume more healthy fats!
5. Dark Leafy greens are an excellent source of nutrients including folate and iron, plus pain relief minerals such as calcium and magnesium, antioxidants including zinc and vitamin C, and fiber. They also contain high levels of anti-inflammatory compounds known as carotenoids, which may protect against certain types of cancer. (8) A simple green salad is always a great way to fit in more greens, but if you’re looking for a way to sneak more greens into your diet without even noticing them… check out our Green Monster Muffins.
6. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory compounds that function in the same way as COX-2 inhibitors. COX-2 inhibitors are drugs used to treat pain and inflammation. Researchers in one study found that ginger was an effective pain reliever for human muscle pain resulting from an exercise-induced injury (9). This powerhouse green smoothie is an easy way to include some ginger in your diet!
7. Shiitake mushrooms have been studied for their protective qualities against cancer and inflammation.  Bioactive compounds in shiitake mushrooms are responsible for their therapeutic effects. (7) If you’re interested in including more mushrooms in your diet, check out our Broccoli & Mushroom Fried Quinoa because Shiitake mushrooms work perfectly in this dish!
8. Papaya contains papain, a protein-digesting enzyme. Together with other nutrients such as vitamin C and E, papain helps to reduce inflammation. one study noted that men who increased their intake of fruits and vegetables high in carotenoids such as papaya had a significant decrease in CRP, a particular inflammatory marker (9). Enjoy on its own as a delicious snack.
9. Extra virgin olive oil offers a rich supply of polyphenols to protect the heart and blood vessels from inflammation. The monounsaturated fats in olive oil are also turned into anti-inflammatory agents by the body, which can lower occurrences of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Researcher led by Paul Breslin of the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia indicated that a daily dose of 4 tablespoons of olive oil is the equivalent of around 10% of the recommended ibuprofen dose for adult pain relief. This is great as a salad dressing because cooking with olive oil on high heat can damage the oil, destroying many of the health-promoting qualities.
10. Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids in the healing of indigestion, sports injury, trauma and other kinds of swelling. Extracts of bromelain have also proven to be as effective as some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and are used in a number of natural anti-inflammatory supplements for arthritis. Mount Sinai Hospital indicated that studies show bromelain may reduce swelling, bruising, healing time, and pain after surgery and physical injuries. It is often used to reduce inflammation from tendinitis, sprains and strains, and other minor muscle injuries (12). Have pineapple on your own or enjoy it in this high antioxidant green smoothie!

Summary

If you or someone you know is struggling with inflammation and chronic pain, we want you to know that there is hope! Nutrition and lifestyle strategies such as adopting an anti-inflammatory diet, maintaining a healthy weight, optimizing nutrient status, and incorporating specific therapeutic foods can go a long way in reducing inflammation and reducing chronic pain! If you need some support on your chronic pain journey, we’re here to help!

References

1. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10067-012-2053-x 
2. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07853890.2018.1564360 
3. Allison, Thomas, Beaudry and Ditor, 2016 (Journal of Neuroinflammation)
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0753332218309697 
5. James, Smith, Eat Well Live Well with Spinal Cor Injury and other Neurological conditions, 2013
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29057787/ 
7. https://file.scirp.org/pdf/FNS_2014062611410421.pdf 
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27485230/ 
9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16280438/ 
10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21242652/ 
11. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21142420/ 
12. https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/bromelain 

 Who doesn’t love a ONE-step recipe?!

Well, this tasty Turmeric Hummus recipe is just that!

Turmeric Hummus is an easy side dish, dip, spread, or addition to your next wrap or sandwich.

Chickpeas, the main ingredient in hummus, are known to pack a protein punch, but did you know they are also full of magnesium? Magnesium interacts with enzymes throughout your body to promote chemical reactions important for making proteins, releasing energy, and maintaining cardiovascular health. Magnesium’s interaction with the brain has more recently been explored, and it is believed to help prevent neuron death after a brain injury! (1)

Turmeric is this recipe’s secret ingredient. While adding a bold flavour to your hummus, turmeric also fills this recipe with an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound called curcumin. Curcumin is powerful because of its ability to cross the protective barrier that separates our brains from the rest of our bodies. Once in the brain, curcumin acts to reduce oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, helping our brain to think efficiently! (2)

This hummus also contains ingredients which work as anti-microbials. Garlic is known to support our immune system as an anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral. Meanwhile, apple cider vinegar has also been shown to have anti-microbial properties and decreases inflammation in response to an infection. (3)

For an added touch, feel free to top with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of turmeric, paprika, or cayenne.

1. Erdman, J., Oria, M., & Pillsbury, L. (2011). Nutrition and Traumatic Brain Injury: Improving Acute and Subacute Outcomes in Miliiatary Personnel.  National Academies Press (US). Washington, DC.
2. Misra, S., & Palanivelu, K. (2008). The effect of curcumin (turmeric) on Alzheimer’s Disease: An Overview, Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, 11(1), 13-19. doi: 10.4103/0972-2327.40220
3. Yagniik, D., Serafin, V., & Shah, A. (2018). Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 1732. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-18618-x