Recipes

Eggplant Red Bell Pepper Dip with Almonds

This is hugely popular as an appetizer with pita chips for dinner parties. I also use it as a spread on toasts or wraps – add some spinach leaves and maybe a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds — for a snack or even lunch.

Red bell pepper is a rich source of lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoid vitamins related to vitamin A and beta-carotene. “A number of studies have shown an inverse relationship between dietary intake of foods rich in lutein/zeaxanthin and the incidence of age-related macular degeneration. Prevention of tis devastating visual disability is most likely a lifelong job. The earlier you start, the better off your retina will be. At the same time, it’s never too late to take action.”

SuperFoods Rx: Fourteen Foods that Will Change Your Life, Steven Pratt MD and Kathy Matthews

Steamed Broccoli with Avocado and Sesame Seeds

Broccoli belongs to the cruciferous vegetable family. Named for their flowers, which have four equally spaced petals in the shape of a cross (Latin word crucifer means “cross-bearer”) these vegetables include kale, cabbage, collards and broccoli, cauliflower and turnips. I try to incorporate at least one cruciferous vegetable into our meals regularly.

[su_expanding_quote_book alignment=”right” source_author=”Joel Fuhrman, M.D. ” source_title=”Super Immunity” full_quote=”Cruciferous vegetables are twice as powerful as other plant foods. They have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-cancer benefits. Studies show that they detoxify and/or remove carcinogenic compounds. A 20% increase in cruciferous vegetables intake corresponds to a 40% decrease in cancer rates. ” short_quote=”Cruciferous vegetables are twice as powerful as other plant foods.”]