Photograph by Peter Konig
Excited to be demonstrating the ease of making antioxidant rich dips at The Om Yoga show this Friday (12.30-1pm). The first is a wonderfully punchy purple dip with a predominantly earthy beetroot flavour. Such tastes are what autumn is all about. They compliment the earthy smells of fallen leaves on sodden ground and the blazing autumnal colours.
Earthy flavours collide with the spicy chilli kick and are further picked up by a dash of lemon. A good grind of pink Himalayan sea-salt so rich in minerals further stimulates the taste buds to provide a dip that is punchy both in flavour and antioxidant content.
Here’s how to make Punchy Beetroot & Blueberry Dip and why:
o 1 pack of ready cooked mini beetroot or preferably 2 medium sized fresh beetroot washed, peeled and boiled until tender
o ½ tin chickpeas, rinsed
o 1/3 cup blueberries
o Snippets of coriander
o A good glug of olive oil
o 1 small clove of garlic, crushed
o Squeeze of lemon juice
o Black pepper and Himalayan sea-salt to taste
o Chilli flakes to taste
What are anti-oxidants and why should we care?
As the name implies, antioxidants are substances that are capable of offsetting the damage of oxidation.
Oxidation sounds like a scary process however it is part of normal metabolism.
We produce more oxidants in certain situations. Many of these situations are part of our 21st century existence.
Pollution, sunlight, strenuous exercise, X-rays, smoking and alcohol. Also STRESS and chronic disease all encourage oxidation.
The same oxidative process also causes oils to become rancid, peeled apples to turn brown, and iron to rust. There is the theory that when we age we are simply rusting through oxidation so let’s take the reins as far as we are able!
Antioxidants are nutrients which are able to quench free radicals before they wreak havoc on our bodies therefore they are thought to play a role in reducing the incidence of cancer, heart disease, cataracts, Alzheimers, arthritis, ageing and more.
Examples of such nutrients are vitamin C, vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), vitamin E, manganese, selenium, and zinc.
So, where do we find these compounds?
They are plentiful in brightly coloured fruits and vegetables such as the ones I am demonstrating on Friday: beetroot and blueberries are fine examples as are the herbs coriander, garlic and turmeric.
I have chosen beetroot as a main ingredient specifically for this event as the inorganic nitrates contained in this root vegetable are known to increase blood flow and improve cardiovascular health. Therefore, they are the perfect food alongside an activity such as yoga which is focused on improving our circulation.
Blueberries are an interesting companion to beetroot. As the highest berry on the ORAC score (measures antioxidants in food) these tart juicy fruits work brilliantly
Garlic has a long history in herbal medicine stretching back to the times of Egyptian pyramids, in which we find inscriptions suggesting this herb would promote strength and resilience. There are also records of the Greeks using garlic in early Olympics to enhance endurance. So rich in anti-bacterial healing properties, garlic is a component of recipes which is always high on my list.
Chickpeas provide the protein and fibre required to keep us satiated (fuller for longer) being also nutrient dense and packed full of energy boosting magnesium and B vitamins; perfect for an active day.
Olive oil is responsible for blending all this loveliness together and also providing some further heart health nutrition.
Lemon and coriander elevate the flavour further the former being rich in vitamin C and giving us a natural diuretic effect. The latter stimulates digestion, having been used for centuries to help reduce gas in intestine.
Chilli gives the blend a thermogenic edge, speeding up our metabolisms.
A comprehensively wonderful blend which works well as a chutney or a tasty accompaniment to mezze or along-side baked fish or meats.
My second dip is an incredible anti-inflammatory dressing. Come along to find out more https://london.omyogashow.com/