PALEO PORRIGE WITH WINTER FRUITS
As we are officially in our Queensland Winter now and with the downpour of rain and some windy weather, a bowl of warming porridge comes to mind and can be a very soothing thought!
Unfortunately for many of us, wheat, grains and even steel cut oats can be a problem when trying to improve our health and heal our gut.
Today’s recipe is a version adapted from Elana’s Pantry – a really helpful and informative online resource which I have been using for a few years now.
This porridge contains FLAXSEEDS, which offer a powerhouse of nutrients including Omega-3 fatty acids, Lignans, Protein and Fibre.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Flaxseeds are the best plant source of healthy omega-3’s which are also found in fish. In fact, 50 grams of flaxseeds has about the same amount of omega-3’s as well over a kilogram of salmon!
The majority of Western diets no longer contain the amount of omega-3 fatty acids needed for overall health and wellness. Today, we are consuming more than 10 times as many omega-6 fatty acids as we are omega-3 fatty acids because of the increase of highly processed foods in modern diets. Eating less omega-6 and more omega-3 fats, from foods like ALA-rich flaxseed, can help lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and cancer, as well as lower LDL “bad” cholesterol. In fact, large scale studies confirm that plant-derived omega-3’s offer unique heart-healthy benefits. Recently, scientists have discovered that flaxseed may play an important anti-inflammatory role in reducing immune system diseases. Flaxseed ALA has been shown to lower blood levels of a compound called C-reactive protein (CRP). Reducing this inflammatory compound appears to be as important as lowering LDL-cholesterol in lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Lignans: Flaxseeds are also one of the best plant sources of lignans, a type of phytoestrogen that may protect against certain types of cancers including breast and prostate. Lignans are natural antioxidants that reduce the activity of cell-damaging free radicals, slow the aging process, and increase overall wellness. Flaxseed contains up to 800 times more lignans than other plant sources, such as whole grains and legumes.
Protein: Interestingly, Flaxseeds are a complete protein source, in that they contain every amino acid that your body can’t make on its own, which is quite uncommon in plant-based foods.
PALEO PORRIDGE AND FRUITS:
If you don’t have a Vitamix, any high speed blender will do the trick!
For an extra creamy treat, I like to stir through some coconut yoghurt and for the added antioxidant benefit, I sprinkle with some delicious berries, and top with sliced banana with a sprinkle of cinnamon.