Part II from the 10/24/17 Support Group with Sara Stiles, RD, LDN. This recipe was also taste tested at group. The turmeric-date balls can be used as part of a breakfast, snack or dessert! You could add a little ground cinnamon (I prefer Saigon Cinnamon) for extra anti-inflammatory help and for a little extra flavor.

Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Date Balls

Adapted from www.Spinach4Breakfast.com

Makes about 8-10 balls

 

Ingredients and Equipment Needed:

§  1/3 cup walnuts

§  1/2 cup rolled/old fashioned oats

§  1 Tbsp. ground turmeric (plus extra for rolling)

§  1 cup soft pitted dates

§  Stevia to taste

§  1-2 pinches of black pepper

§  High speed blender

Instructions:

1)      In a high speed blender, add the walnuts, oats, turmeric, stevia and black pepper and blend until thoroughly broken down.

2)      Add in the dates and blend for about 5-10 seconds.  It is acceptable to see tiny chunks of the dates in the mixture.

3)      Shape and roll desired amount of the mixture into balls and roll each ball into more turmeric to evenly coat.

4)      Store in air tight container (preferably in the refrigerator).  May also be stored in the freezer as well.

Spotlight on Turmeric:

§  Contains the active compound curcumin which numerous studies have showcased it’s power in reducing inflammation. Many studies are now investigating curcumin’s effects as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

§  Turmeric use has been associated with increased wound healing as well as helping to control psoriasis flare-ups.

§  Studies has shown the effectiveness of turmeric’s curcumin on arthritis management (including rheumatoid arthritis).

§  More natural sources for pain relief as opposed to NSAIDs or acetaminophen. 

Mango-Matcha Green Tea Smoothie

If you missed support group with Sara Stiles, RD, LDN on 10/24/17, don't fear we have the recipe and handout right here for you!! You might have missed the taste test but you can try it at home for yourself.

Mango Matcha Green Smoothie

from www.MyLifeCookbook.com   

Serves 1

Ingredients & Equipment Needed:

§  ½ avocado

§  ½ teaspoon matcha green tea powder

§  ½ cup mango (can be frozen mango chunks)

§  2 handfuls of baby spinach (or other leafy green of preference)

§  1 cup unsweetened almond milk

§  Stevia (natural calorie free sweetener) to taste

§  High speed blender

Instructions:

1)      Add all the ingredients except the avocado to a high speed blender and blend thoroughly for about 1-2 minutes.

2)      Then add the avocado and blend until creamy and smooth.   Feel free to add additional almond milk or water in small amounts if mixture is too thick.

Spotlight on Match Green Tea:

§  Rich in catechins, a type of antioxidant that can help with the body’s detoxification system as well as defend against cancer.  It is reported that one cups of matcha green tea contains as much antioxidants as 10 cups of regular

green tea.

§  Contains L-theanine, a type of non-essential amino acid found mostly in teas.  L-theanine has been shown to increased levels of dopamine and GABA in the brain which can help promote a sense of calm and even improve anxiety.