Recipe: Citrus Salmon
You might not know that citrus juice and zest are packed full with a multitude of nutrients such as vitamin C, flavonoids, and fiber. This Citrus Salmon recipe is vibrant, flavor-packed, and nutrient-dense. It delivers a big taste while providing a quick and easy dish that will give your body an anti-inflammatory boost.
Nutrient Highlights
Citrus juice and zest: Packed full of a multitude of nutrients such as vitamin C, flavonoids, and fiber, which aid in vascular protection, reduced inflammation, improved gastrointestinal function and health, and can play a role in preventing diabetes, cancer, and neurological disease.
Salmon: When purchasing salmon from a fish counter or fish market, ask to smell the fish first. The salmon shouldn’t have a “fishy” smell. Fish should always smell clean and fresh. Generally, you want to cook it the same day or the day after purchasing it. Salmon is packed full of essential omega-3 fatty acids to support brain and joint health, lower inflammation, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Turmeric & Black Pepper: Curcumin in turmeric is poorly absorbed in the bloodstream. Happily, when combined with black pepper (which contains piperine) and a healthy fat, the absorption of curcumin is enhanced by 2,000%. Curcumin is a very powerful anti-inflammatory compound – it blocks the molecule NF-kB that turns on inflammatory genes in our cells. Curcumin can increase the antioxidant capacity of our bodies by neutralizing free radicals on its own and by stimulating the body’s own antioxidant enzymes. It has been shown to improve endothelial function.
Paprika: Packed full of vitamin A along with lutein and zeaxanthin to support eye health. It also has a variety of antioxidants with anticancer effects (by fighting cell damage). Paprika can increase our “good” cholesterol (HDL) and reduce our “bad” cholesterol (LDL), decreasing the risk for heart disease and stroke.
Ginger: Ginger’s bioactive compound 6-gingerol has been shown to have the ability to modulate cellular pathways active in cancer prevention as well as a potential therapeutic application for treatment. It also improves lipid metabolism, which decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Highly effective against motion sickness, nausea and even morning sickness in pregnant women; also helpful for digestive health and chronic indigestion. Can ease joint pain and stiffness due to anti-inflammatory properties. Can lower risk of infections and boost the immune system.
Mustard: Make sure to read the ingredient list when buying mustard to ensure that it does not have added sugar or food coloring. All cruciferous vegetables are part of the mustard family. Mustard seeds are rich in glucosinolates, a compound that stimulates the body’s antioxidant defenses. This condiment not only adds flavor but can increase the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer effect of other ingredients.