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Heirloom Tomatoes with fresh basil

Heirloom Tomatoes with Fresh Basil

Here is one of my go-to recipes when I am busy but want to put on a beautiful display of color and flavor! I let Mother Nature take the credit for the rich colors of red, yellow and orange from the heirloom tomatoes. These bright colors are the result of bioflavonoids called carotenes. Carotenes are nutrients that have been well researched for their immune and cardiovascular benefits. Lycopene is one of the carotenoids found in tomatoes. This rich antioxidant provides protection against cardiovascular disease, prostate cancer, and asthma. So, sit back and enjoy the rich color and flavor knowing the multiple health benefits this dish provides. The only suggestion I would make for individuals with autoimmune diseases or inflammatory diseases such as eczema would be to avoid the nightshade family if you are experiencing worsening of symptoms after ingesting tomatoes. The nightshade family is made up of tomatoes, potatoes (yams and sweet potatoes are ok), eggplant and peppers.

1 large red heirloom tomato, ends removed and sliced
1 large yellow or orange heirloom tomato, ends removed and sliced
6 leaves basil, sliced
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Arrange the tomatoes alternating colors on a long serving platter. Sprinkle the sliced basil over the tomatoes and drizzle with olive oil. Finish with fresh ground pepper and sea salt to taste.

Serve and Enjoy!

 

Yours in health and happiness,

Anna Colombini
Peninsula Natural Health Center
President, Medical Director

Tumeric Cauliflower

Turmeric Cauliflower

I love the simplicity of this dish as well as its power-packed nutrient content! Cauliflower is of the cruciferous family that is well known for its anti-cancer properties. Particularly rich in cauliflower are immune boosting vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate, Vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid. I add the vibrant yellow herb turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties. I suggest using turmeric in cooking for my patients with inflammatory conditions such as autoimmune and gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions. I also recommend turmeric for its liver supportive and anti-cancer properties as well. The powerful combination of turmeric and cauliflower is definitely medicinal food.

Serves: 4

Oven Temp: 400° F

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
1 ½ tablespoons ground turmeric
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine turmeric, olive oil and garlic and mix until evenly combined.
  2. In a large mixing bowl toss the turmeric and olive oil mixture with the cauliflower until evenly combined and pour onto a cookie sheet and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes or until cauliflower is lightly browned.

Enjoy!

Yours in health and happiness,

Anna Colombini
Peninsula Natural Health Center
President, Medical Director