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An Herb to Combat Stress + Stess-Reducing Apricot Almond Chia Porridge Recipe

February 1, 2015 by Sarah

Apricot Almond Chia

Stress represents our reaction to the factors that offset our mental and physical equilibrium; you know, what we feel when life gets too busy, messy, or taxing at times. Unfortunately, stress not only worsens health problems, it can also cause them. The negative effects of stress on the body are unique and vary greatly from person to person, but are very much so present regardless. To a certain extent, we can try and reduce stress in our lives, but we all may experience some form of it, as we cannot control everything that happens to us. Sometimes we may need a little assistance with coping or working through certain struggles in life.

Enter ashwagandha.

This night-shade plant, particularly the root, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Ayurveda is an ancient holistic medical system that originated in India and is centered on the importance of balance and harmony between the body, mind, and spirit.

Compounds found in ashwagandha act as a sedative and help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. “Indian Ginseng”, as it’s sometimes referred, is considered an adaptogen, or a healing plant that equips your body to better handle stress. Both Ginseng and Ashwagandha, although not from the same plant family, are hailed to fight stress, the former through stimulation and the latter, tranquility. Ashwagandha has been shown to be successful in reducing overall stress levels in participants in various different studies and has also been attributed to protecting the brain from neural tension and possibly reconstructing nerve cell components. Recent studies have even shown that its extracts may also possess anti-cancer properties. Ashwagandha root or root powder can be purchased online or at health food stores; the root can be used to make tinctures and tea, while the powder can be used to make capsules. You can also buy pre-made capsules from many different places online and in stores as well. In the West, it is not advised to take ashwagandha while pregnant. The root powder can also be added to foods like smoothies, juices and chia porridge. This recipe combines Aswaghanda, Maca and Lucuma with dried apricots, coconut milk and almonds for a filling, nutritious adaptogenic dish. The dried apricots soak up the milk and become plump and tart while the almonds add a nice crunch. Apricot Almond Chia Lucuma is a Peruvian fruit that can be dried into a fine powder and used as a low-glycemic sweetener. It has a maple-like flavor, and it’s not necessary to add to this recipe, but we had some in the cupboard so I thought I would add it for some extra flavor and nutrients – beta-carotene, iron and niacin (vitamin B3) in particular. Maca is another gem from Peru although it’s not a fruit, it’s a root vegetable. Ironically, it’s sometimes referred to as ‘Peruvian Ginseng’ and may be beneficial for hormone function. It may also help improve adrenal fatigue and reduce stress hormones as well. Maca should not be taken while pregnant.

Stress-Reducing Apricot Almond Chia Porridge
 
Print
Author: Sarah
Ingredients
  • 2 bananas, mashed
  • ¼ cup chia seeds
  • ¾ cup coconut milk
  • 10 dried apricots, diced/quartered
  • small handful of almonds, soaked overnight
  • 1 tsp. maca powder
  • 1 tsp. lucuma powder
  • 1 tsp. ashwaghanda powder
  • ½ tsp. cinnamon
Instructions
  1. Combine all of the ingredients besides the almonds and mix well. Let sit for a few hours or overnight.
  2. Let almonds soak overnight and chop up in the morning. Place chopped almonds on top of or mix into porridge.
3.2.2885

With love, Sarah Note: Ashwagandha has varying effects on different people. Some people notice a difference from consuming it, some do not, and others may experience side effects. You should always consult your physician before trying any new supplements, especially if you have other health conditions. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.


Filed Under: Breakfast, Raw, Recipes, Snacks, Vegan

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Trackbacks

  1. Raw Apple Chips | Edibly Educated says:
    February 5, 2015 at 6:40 pm

    […] with veggies from our FarmBox, raw apple chips, raw exotic (beet, parsnip, sweet potato) chips, and apricot almond chia pudding. Food prep nights make it possible to eat clean, delicious meals throughout the week as they bail […]

  2. Coconut Carob Clusters | Edibly Educated says:
    April 10, 2015 at 12:41 pm

    […] Traditionally, it’s also been used as an adaptogen, which you can read more about here. Traditional Chinese medicine refers to adaptogenic herbs as superior herbs because they work with […]

  3. How to Make Your Oatmeal Work For You | Edibly Educated says:
    January 6, 2016 at 7:30 pm

    […] Ashwagandha powder (more info on this here) […]

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My name is Sarah. This is a wellness blog where I hope to encourage and inspire you on your mission to healthier living. Read More…

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