Winter Healing Wisdom
Winter Healing Wisdom
FUN FACTS:
“TURNIPS IMPROVE BONE HEALTH, PROTECT YOUR HEART, PREVENT CANCER, REDUCE INFLAMMATION, AND OPTIMIZE DIGESTION. THEY ALSO REGULATE METABOLISM, INCREASE CIRCULATION, AND BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSTEM.” ORGANIC FACTS.NET
MY LOVE FOR TURNIPS began unexpectedly.
Turnips were the last thing on my mind, and i wasn’t sure exactly what they looked like, until one day i mysteriously began craving them, and took the plunge. Before then, i’d never eaten a turnip, or even noticed them in the market. We normally walk right past unfamiliar foods – and people – as if they are invisible, thanks to a discerning part of the brain that filters reality for us (“Reticular Activating System”). i had two choices when this craving entered my consciousness: continue my auto-pilot food shopping; or get curious. i bought turnips that day, and have done so weekly since.
Turnips were the last thing on my mind, and i wasn’t sure exactly what they looked like, until one day i mysteriously began craving them, and took the plunge. Before then, i’d never eaten a turnip, or even noticed them in the market. We normally walk right past unfamiliar foods – and people – as if they are invisible, thanks to a discerning part of the brain that filters reality for us (“Reticular Activating System”). i had two choices when this craving entered my consciousness: continue my auto-pilot food shopping; or get curious. i bought turnips that day, and have done so weekly since.
Root vegetables are nutrient dense and perfect for winter nourishment. They supply steady energy and build our reserves. Research shows that in order to create health, we must vary our dietary choices, not eat the same things every day. Turnips are high in fiber, minerals, Omega 3’s, and other bone and blood building agents. They’re highly anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. They nourish, heal, and repair bone and joint damage. Sliced or slivered, eaten raw and in salads, turnips taste like apples. Steamed, boiled, or added to soups, turnips taste like potatoes.
Cubed and stir-fried with other vegetables, turnips add fiber, texture, and taste. Luckily, there seems no bad way to cook and eat a turnip!
Here’s my new favorite recipe, Curry Glazed Turnips and Tofu, just for you. Cooking for any vegetarians this holiday? Impress your guests!
CURRY GLAZE TURNIPS & TOFU
Eating lots of curry spices increases our health and immunity, and improves digestion. Not all curry is hot.
Make your own Curry with handfuls of ground Tumeric, Cumin, & Coriander. Here i’ve also added Ayurvedic Masalas from Chandika.com
Lightly dry-roast spices, then add: diced turnip, fresh chopped basil, gluten free tamari, & olive oil. Once it starts to brown, add cubed sprouted tofu & a whole fresh squeezed lemon. Serve with steamed greens and rice.
A perfect meal! Quick. Simple. Mouth wateringly delicious. Satisfying. Densely nutritious. Immune building. Have fun with it!
“TURNIPS ARE LOADED WITH FIBER AND VITAMINS K, A, C, E, B1, B3, B5, B6, B2 AND FOLATE (ONE OF THE B VITAMINS), AS WELL AS MINERALS LIKE MANGANESE, POTASSIUM, MAGNESIUM, IRON, CALCIUM AND COPPER. THEY ARE ALSO A GOOD SOURCE OF PHOSPHORUS, OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS AND PROTEIN.” PRITIKIN.COM
May this food and information nourish, heal and sustain you deeply. Namaste Blessings.