Tag: antioxidants

  • Red foods for heart health

    Red foods for heart health

    Red foods for heart health

    3 antioxidant-rich and delectable recipes

    Red is a color commonly associated with passion and love, but red foods may have a direct effect on our heart health. The same pigments that give red foods their color, called anthocyanins, are also responsible for a host of health benefits, including reduction of inflammation in the body, and have been shown to help with heart health, playing a role in better cholesterol and triglyceride profiles.

    Tuna-Stuffed Piquillo Peppers with Romesco-Style Sauce

    When paired with a salad, this dish easily serves two as a main meal, but it will stretch to a few more as part of a tapas-style meal.
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    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 6 ounces can tuna rinsed and drained
    • ¼ cup parsley
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 11-12 piquillo or sweet red peppers (drained contents of 9 1/2 oz jar)
    • 2 tablespoons whole hazelnuts
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon sweet Spanish paprika
    • 1 garlic clove peeled
    • ½ teaspoon sherry vinegar
    • 2 teaspoon honey divided

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
    2. In small bowl, with fork, mix together tuna, parsley, lemon zest and juice, and black pepper. Set aside.
    3. Remove whole peppers from jar and set aside 6 to be stuffed. In bowl of food processor, place remaining peppers with hazelnuts, olive oil, paprika, garlic, sherry vinegar, and 1 tsp honey, and pulse to blend into a sauce. The texture will not be completely smooth.
    4. Add about 2 Tbsp of sauce to tuna mixture and stir through. Spoon remaining sauce into small baking dish to make a base for stuffed peppers.
    5. Stuff tuna mixture into 6 piquillo peppers and place them on top of the sauce in baking dish. Drizzle with remaining 1 tsp honey and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
    6. Enjoy!

    Red Berry Salad

    Delicious, sweet berries and sharp red onion combine, with the help of some balsamic vinegar and a hint of basil, to make a classic salad.
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    Servings: 2
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
    • 1 cup sliced strawberries
    • ½ cup whole raspberries
    • ¼ cup finely sliced basil
    • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
    • ½ teaspoon maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ red onion sliced
    • 5 cups baby mustard greens or arugula

    Method
     

    1. In large skillet, toast pumpkin seeds over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Pour onto plate to cool and set aside.
    2. In bowl, place berries, basil, vinegar, and maple syrup, and stir gently to coat. Set aside and allow to marinate for about 30 minutes. After time has elapsed, into large bowl, strain any liquid and add one or two raspberries, reserving the remainder.
    3. Mash the two raspberries in liquid in large bowl, add olive oil and salt, and whisk together. Add red onion and greens and toss to coat. Arrange on large platter, placing reserved marinated berries on top. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and serve.
    4. Enjoy!

    Spicy, Smoky Tomato-Braised Eggs

    This simple yet luxurious dish is based on a dish from the south of Spain, similar to a North African shakshuka. It’s a satisfying meal, equally at home on the dinner table as on the breakfast bar.
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    Servings: 1
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 teaspoon + 1 tablespoon olive oil divided
    • 1 red bell pepper
    • 1 onion halved and sliced lengthwise
    • 1 teaspoon peeled crushed garlic
    • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    • 1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika
    • 28 ounces can whole tomatoes
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon honey
    • ¼ teaspoon hot smoked paprika (optional)
    • 1 cup chopped red chard
    • 4 eggs
    • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

    Method
     

    1. Turn oven broiler to high. Rub red pepper with 1 tsp olive oil and place in baking pan. Place pan under broiler. While watching carefully, turn pepper occasionally as each side blackens under the heat, about 10 minutes. When all sides of red pepper have been fully blackened, remove from oven and place in paper bag to cool.
    2. Add 1 Tbsp olive oil to 9 in cast iron skillet and saute onion on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, until soft. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, and continue to cook for a further 5 minutes, until garlic is translucent. Add sweet smoked paprika and tomatoes to pan, stir thoroughly to incorporate, and allow to simmer on medium heat for 20 to 30 minutes.
    3. Once pepper is cool, peel and discard skin and seeds. Place flesh in food processor or blender and puree. Add pepper puree to tomato sauce with salt, honey, and, if desired, hot smoked paprika. Allow sauce to simmer for 15 minutes more. Add in red chard and mix through.
    4. Crack eggs into individual pinch bowls or glasses and set aside. Press the bowl of a soup ladle into sauce, and pour in an egg. Then tip contents slowly into tomato mixture. Repeat with remaining eggs, arranging them evenly over surface of skillet. For soft eggs, simmer for approximately 10 minutes, covering halfway through. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with a warm tortilla or a piece of crusty bread.
    5. Enjoy!

  • MUSH Ready-To-Eat Oats

    MUSH Ready-To-Eat Oats

    Have you been looking for an easy and ready-to-eat breakfast that ACTUALLY tastes good?! Then try MUSH and their ready-to-eat oats for a flavorful breakfast experience like no other!

    One of the cool things that makes these oats so unique is that instead of cooking the oats to make a traditional oatmeal, MUSH cold-soaks their oats in dairy-free milk to get them to a fluffy, pudding-like texture we love.

    In addition to the creamy, light texture, this soaking process not only helps the ingredients retain their valuable nutrients, but also makes them easier to digest! These flavor-rich and ready-to-eat oats will make you wonder why you ever chose another breakfast!

    • Vanilla is rich in Antioxidants
    • Blueberries are packed with Vitamin C
    • Apples are loaded with Vitamin C
    • Strawberries are potent in Manganese, Potassium, and Antioxidants
    • Coffee increases energy levels and improves brain function

    Every MUSH starts the same but is finished off with nutrient packed ingredients that provide a delicious flavor profile. Oats are one of the healthiest, most nutrient dense superfoods available. 

    They are heart and metabolism healthy because they contain large amounts of beta-glucan fiber, which is known for lowering blood sugar levels, improving insulin resistance, and reducing cholesterol levels.

    MUSH then adds clean, healthy ingredients that give each one a rich and delicious flavor!

    With MUSH, anyone can elevate their nutrition to the next level! To learn more, go to their website https://eatmush.com/ !

    RESOURCES:

    https://eatmush.com/

    https://eatmush.com/pages/mush

    https://eatmush.com/pages/mission

    https://eatmush.com/pages/about

    https://eatmush.com/pages/ingredients

  • Produce Recipe of the Week: Maple Bacon Tempeh Brussels Sprouts

    Produce Recipe of the Week: Maple Bacon Tempeh Brussels Sprouts

    On sale this week (2/25-3/3): Organic Brussels Sprouts $2.49 lb!

    Brussels sprouts are one of those vegetables that give parents a hard time when feeding to their kids. Filled with lots of nutrients and antioxidants, brussels sprouts are essential for every diet. Check out this recipe that will make your kids ask for more!

    Ingredients

    2 lbs. Brussels Sprouts, trimmed and halved

    5 Tablespoons Avocado Oil

    1 Teaspoon Sea Salt

    2 Tablespoons Organic Maple Syrup

    2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar

    1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries (Found in our Bulk Section)

    1 Package Lightlife Fakin’ Bacon Tempeh, Cut into 1/2″ Pieces

    Method

    1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

    2. Toss brussels sprouts, 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and sea salt in large bowl. Spread onto large baking sheet.

    3. Bake until tender and caramelized (about 20-30 minutes).

    4. In large skillet, warm remaining 3 tablespoons avocado oil over high heat. Arrange tempeh in single layer and cook until browned and crisp (about 5-6 minutes). Make sure to stir tempeh occasionally.

    5. Add roasted brussels sprouts to skillet, pour in maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. Stir to coat brussels sprouts evenly and cook for an additional 3 minutes.

    6. Stir in cranberries, transfer to a serving bowl, and top with fresh ground black pepper to taste.

    7. Enjoy!

    Before you enjoy your delicious maple bacon tempeh brussels sprouts, make sure you take a picture of your masterpiece! Post it on social media and tag your favorite produce market, Basil Bandwagon Natural Market! #basilbandwagon #producerecipeoftheweek

  • Summer Camp Week 2: Stand Up to Summer Sun

    Summer Camp Week 2: Stand Up to Summer Sun

    Today, June 20, marks the first official day of summer, but the sun and heat have already graced us with their presence here in New Jersey.  With the temperature turned up and the Earth tilted closer to the sun, we are more susceptible to dehydration and sun damage.  Given this, it’s important to recognize your risk and how you can protect yourself and your health. So… let’s talk summer sun wellness!

    Understanding UV Radiation

    To understand the potential damaging effects sun exposure can have on our bodies, we must first understand the science behind it.

    What is UV radiation? Part of the electromagnetic (light) spectrum emitted from the sun

    If UV radiation is “light”, then why can’t I see it? The wavelengths are actually shorter than visible light, making it invisible to our eyes

    What are the types of UV radiation? UVA (longest), UVB, and UVC (shortest – mostly absorbed by our ozone layer, without actually reaching the Earth)

    How does UV radiation cause damage? Excessive exposure alters our bodies’ lipids, proteins and cellular DNA, producing unhealthy genetic mutations. UVA & UVB radiations can generate reactive chemical species called “free radicals” in our bodies’ cells.

    What damage can UV radiation cause? Skin cancers (i.e. basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma), eye damage (including cataracts), premature skin aging, immune system suppression

    Doesn’t my body have any natural protection to sun? In short – yes, it does. Melanin – a dark brown pigment in our hair, skin and eyes – is what gives our skin its tone/color.  Some people have more melanin, some have less – the darker the skin, the more melanin. Our bodies produce this to help protect deeper layers of our skin from sun damage, but don’t make us immune to damage.

    Understanding Sun Protection

    Seek Out Shade Spending time outside is great, but taking refuge in the shade can be your first line of defense. 

    Choose the Right Clothing Lightweight fabrics and pieces that cover more of your skin are a good idea when your body is going to be exposed to the sun for a long period of time. Baseball caps and floppy hats are not only fashionable, but functional for protecting your scalp and face.

    Wear Sunglasses Again, not only fashionable, but critical for protecting one of your most valuable assets – your eyeballs! Polycarbonate lenses offer full UVA/UVB protection. Check the label that comes with your glasses to be sure you’re getting proper protection. If not, some optometrists offer UV coat application services.

    Check the UV Index Refer to your favorite weather channel or website to check your local daily UV index. While a low index doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take measures to protect yourself, a high index might help you choose when to take extra caution and when to limit exposure.

    Apply CLEAN Sunscreen How do I know what’s a clean product from what’s a potentially-harmful product? Here is a short list of general rules to follow, per the Environmental Working Group, which claims that nearly 75% of sunscreen products on the market are inferior or are made with worrisome ingredients:

    1. Mineral sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide offer stable protection and usually don’t contain harmful additives.
    2. Higher SPF numbers aren’t always better. In 2011, the FDA determined products claiming SPFs higher than 50 were “inherently misleading” – perhaps no more effective than those up to SPF 50.
    3. Look for “broad spectrum support”, which covers both UVB (which is the primary culprit for sunburn) and UVA rays.
    4. Spray sunscreens can be convenient for application; however, you should be careful not to inhale any of the product and also to hold it close enough to the skin to insure thickness of application.
    5. Avoid an additive called retinyl palmitate, a form of Vitamin A that testing has linked to tumors and lesions of the skin.
    6. Avoid an additive called oxybenzone, which has been found to be a hormone disruptor and common allergen. 

    All this said, there is little evidence to suggest sunscreen alone reduces cancer risk, particularly for melanoma, the deadliest type of which has tripled its rate among Americans over the past 30 years. So, be sure not to use this as your only method of protection.

    Summer Skin & Body Care

    products 1

    At Basil Bandwagon, we carry a wide array of sunscreens rated highly by the Environmental Working Group. Find them in our body care section and ask one of our friendly, knowledgeable team members for support in choosing a product that’s best for you. Sprays work great for your scalp, sticks offer superior protection for your face and traditional lotion is great for full-body coverage.

    Even with sunscreen protection, the heat and rays can take a lot of moisture out of our skin. It is critical to replenish this to help your skin stay young-looking and healthy! A few of our favorite products that help do this exceptionally well:

    • CocoKind’s Rosewater Facial Toner: Spray your face after exercising, sun exposure, before bed, upon rising – basically whenever you want! Several of our team members carry a bottle in their purse! The antioxidants from the roses used to make the water provide great anti-aging support. Smells gorgeous and is very refreshing!
    • Episilk’s Hyalauronic Acid Serum:  Hyaluronic acid is a fluid component of our connective tissue, synovial fluid and humors of the eye. In serum form, it penetrates deep into the dermis, boosting the elasticity and hydration of the skin, locking in moisture. A great way to replenish what you’ve lost from sun and heat!
    • John Master’s Vitamin C Serum: This product contains extracts of sea algae and rosebuds to provide intense moisture and antioxidants to help fight procollagen production. Superoxide dismutase and acerola help fight the aging effects caused by UV rays. Use between cleansing and moisturizing your face at bedtime!
    • ICU Eyewear: We carry a fashionable line of eyewear for men, women, and children, including reader sunglasses. We love ICU because they are a carbon neutral company AND they use recycled, renewable and recyclable content!

     

    Summer Sun Nutrition

    pro 2

    Per the US National Institutes of Health, “A balance between free radicals and antioxidants is necessary for proper physiological function. If free radicals overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate them, a condition known as oxidative stress ensues.”

    The good news? “Antioxidants can assist in coping with this oxidative stress.”

    Where can you get antioxidants? Well…

    • Eat berries! Fresh, organic are best, but frozen are great too!
    • Stay hydrated! Drink lots of water. If you like it, coconut water and maple water are full of natural electrolytes, helping to keep you hydrated. Natural electrolyte powders available at Basil Bandwagon are also a great replacement for highly or artificially-sugarized sports drinks, which also contain synthetic food dyes. Another good rule of thumb is to limit caffeinated beverages and alcohol when spending time in the heat and sun, as they make it harder for your body to maintain proper hydration. 
    • Consider a Vitamin C supplement with bioflavonoids, which come mainly from citrus fruits and black currants. The antioxidants provided in these supplements can be powerful additions to your supplement regimen in summertime, even though they are most often associated with Winter cold season. 
    • Consider an Astaxanthin supplement, which comes from microalgae, yeast, salmon, trout, krill and some crustaceans.  Astaxanthin is 6,000 times more antioxidant-potent than many Vitamin Cs.
    • Consider a Spirulina supplement, which is a versatile algae superfood – available in powder form – that can be added to many sweet and savory dishes and snacks for easy consumption. Like Astaxanthin, it is a very powerful source of antioxidants (as well as Vitamin B12, Vitamin K1/K2, Iron and Manganese).

     

    References

     

    www.ncbi.nlm/nih/gov – The National Center for Biotechnology Information

    www.aad.org – American Academy of Dermatology

    www.skincancer.org – The Skin Cancer Foundation

    http://www.hhs.gov/ – US Department of Health and Human Services

    http://www.who.int/en/ – World Health Organization

    https://www.nih.gov/ – US National Institutes of Health

    http://www.ewg.org/ – Environmental Working Group

    http://www.nutrex-hawaii.com/ – Nutrex Hawaii