When it comes to how food effects us, many of us are concerned with whether it adds or burns fat, whether it builds muscle, sustains energy, helps us sleep, or prevents illness. What we may not consider however, is whether a food can enhance the function of our mitochondria or not.
First of all, mitochondria are thought of as the ‘power houses’ or ‘engines’ within each and every cell of the body. It’s the job of mitochondria to take in nutrients, break them down, and create energy-rich molecules, allowing us to breathe, move, think and generally do life. When our mitochondria are functioning optimally, we function optimally, and we ‘age’ at a far slower rate. Some ways of enhancing mitochondrial function include intermittent fasting, putting the body into a state of ketosis, getting out into early morning sunlight, exercising and taking cold showers. Another way to enhance the function of mitochondria is to consume a few specific foods, and a lot of them are green….
We already know greens are good for us, so it’s no surprise a lot of green foods are on the list when it comes to optimal living. In this recipe, the parsley, green pepper and avocado, egg and spinach are all top of the list when it comes to boosting mitochondrial health, so include this in your weekly meal plan to optimise your wellbeing! (Bonus: this meal also feels like a bowl of pasta, but is actually a healthy salad!)
Ingredients (serves 1-2)
- ½ avocado
- ¼ cucumber
- a few sprigs of fresh parsley (add more if you like)
- 1 large handful fresh spinach
- 1 courgette, spiralised
- 1 green pepper
- a small splash of nut milk or a tbsp. non-dairy yoghurt
- pinch of salt and pepper
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp turmeric to serve
Method
Add the avocado, cucumber, parsley, spinach and milk or yoghurt to a blender. Add other spices you might enjoy here such as basil, or something spicy to cut through the cooling cucumber and avocado
Blend everything well to crease a pasta sauce – like consistency, leave to one side
Spiralise or use a vegetable peeler to slice the courgette into spirals or something vaguely resembling spaghetti, place in a bowl
Finely slice a green pepper and scatter over the courgette
Pour the sauce over the courgette
Poach one organic egg, and place on top of everything you’ve prepared so far
Sprinkle with turmeric, salt and black pepper to enhance the anti-imflammatory health-boosting properties.
Enjoy! Best eaten outside in the sunshine
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