It has been raining lately, clouds are so dense hanging in the sky, it almost feels awkward! I love when it rains and I am indoors. I'd stand by the window and watch the rain. I really do listen to the falling rain. It has its music. I ate my quinoa+green beans vegan bowl as I contemplated the rain.
Have you ever listened to the rain? Or just watch the downpour? Did you feel the power the rain holds as it becomes the master of the moment?
Have it ever rained when you wanted to go out, or maybe you are going back home and it's raining heavily, and somehow you feel the rain challenging you;
"Dare you
I invite you to listen to the rain, or just stand a while and watch it as it pours. If it happens to transform you by its power, then I want you to imagine that you too have the power in controlling things in your life, and most precisely your health.
That power comes through the will of wanting to nourish your body with healthy nutritious food.
I know it can be doubting and overwhelming when you're just beginning this long journey of healing. But if you, like the rain, challenge yourself, you'll find how easy it is to bring change in your diet.
Take this quinoa+green beans vegan bowl for an example, It's loaded with nutrients that have healing, protecting and building properties for your body. And with each bite, you'll not only be enjoying but also protecting your body.
Please come closer, let's examine how this quinoa+green beans vegan bowl can help your body.
You've Quinoa
Consumption of quinoa has been shown to reduce dysbiosis( the imbalance of gut microbiome), which is common in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Quinoa is rich in essential fatty acids, meaning that these fats are needed by the body, but it can't produce them and therefore you've to consume them, preferably through diet.
Essential fatty acids can increase your health, they can help in treating certain diseases, and even improve body composition, mental and physical performance. They will help your body recover.
Quinoa also contains a high level of minerals such as Calcium and Iron than in most grains.
Learn how to cook a delicious quinoa here
You see the Green Beans?
My darling kids and I love green beans, they're so easy and fast to prepare besides being nutritious and filling.
Green beans have a good amount of Silicon.
"what!"…. yes, you read it right, Silicon.
"And do I need it in my body?"…..Yes, you do!
Silicon has been studied to be playing a major role in your bone formation, and a cup(250gm) of green beans will give you about 6.10mg of Silicon.
Silicon in green beans is highly absorbed compared to other food like a banana for example.
You'll also get vitamin K from green beans. Did you know that Vitamin K can improve your bone health? It does increase your bone mineral density and reduces bone fractures.
Can you spot something red? It's red cabbage.
I know you must have eaten cabbage, haven't you? What about the red cabbage? I love it raw, and you?
Now let's talk, the rich red colour of this red cabbage, show its concentration on Anthocyanin (don't ask me to pronounce it lol), It's an antioxidant and anti-inflammation. It'll protect your DNA, regulate your immune responses and offer other health benefits.
Red cabbage has a high amount of vitamin C, which will boost your immune system. You'll get a high amount of Vitamin K. Your body doesn't store vitamin K, so you'll need to consume food like red cabbage quite often.
"And what are those shiny rounded thing?"
These are olives.
Now if we sit down and talk about the health benefits of olives including olive oil, it will take us a while, I'd love to keep you but….
Normally olives are bitter if you intend to pick them directly from the tree. That's why you always find them cultured.
Olives possess anti-inflammatory properties and have a high concentration of mono-saturated fatty acids.
Studies done on olive oil have shown its positive effects on inflammatory markers, bone health and possibility in decreasing chronic diseases among others. It's well studied that olives and olive oil prevent cardiovascular disease.
Olives and olive oil have been used as a therapy in the treatment of Osteoarthritis(a common degenerative disease of the joints) since they're anti-inflammatory.
And what are these tiny green oval shapes?
They're Capers.
"Ca..what?"
Capers. They're flower buds of Capparis spinosa. It's a plant that grows in the Mediterranean, Asia and some parts of Africa.
"Why do I need them?"
They're a source of antioxidants like Quercetin and Kaempferol which are anti-inflammatory. Capers are also rich in carotenoid like Lutein, Beta carotene etc. Lutein protects some eye disorders (macular degeneration). It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Beta Carotene is converted into vitamin A. Vitamin A plays an essential role in the development of osteoblasts, the bone-building cells.
I can see herbs
Yes, I used dill, cilantro, and fresh mint. There's ginger, onions, and I also used spices like cumin seeds and fennel seeds to add
Well, am sorry this post has taken too long, I'll have to let you go, and remember you have some homework!
"I beg your pardon!"
Yes, you've to listen to the rain, let each raindrop create a wave in your eardrums. Enjoy that music. It's magic, isn't it?
I will be waiting for your comments.
By the way, make this quinoa+green beans vegan bowl? It'll really help your body fight Rheumatoid Arthritis and improve your health.
Till next, I send you my love, Githu
Recipe
Quinoa+green beans vegan bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups Frozen green beans (fresh if you've)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 tps fennel seeds
- 1 piece fresh ginger
- 2 medium onions
- 2 leaves of a medium red cabbage
- 1 cup leaves of cilantro, mint and dill
- 1 cup cooked Quinoa
- 1 tablespoon drained olives
- ½ tablespoon capers
- 2 tablespoon kefir or unsweetened yogurt
- 2 tablespoon Cold pressed olive oil
- pinch salt
- pinch cayenne spice
- water
Instructions
- Put your frozen beans in a bowl of warm water and leave them.In a cooking pan bring your spices (cumin and fennel seeds) and let the heat gently in a medium heat covered as you dice your onions.Bring the onions in the pan and stir well, add some few tablespoon of water if when start sticking.Drain the beans and bring them in the pan, stir and cover to let them cook in gentle heat for 5-8 minutesMeanwhile, chop your red cabbage leaves into thin pieces. Set them aside. Dice your ginger finely, drain your olives and capers.Check on the green beans. Personally, I like them crunchy. So 6 mins are enough for me. If you love them tender, then cook them for a while.Cut off the heat and let the green beans cool a little as you get the leaves of the herbs.After the green beans have cooled, add all the other ingredients finishing with kefir. Fold them gently together and taste. Serve into bowls.Voilà, I am gonna let you enjoy this vegan quinoa+green beans bowl. Don't forget to rate this bowl and comment, please.
Johnna
These all look delicious! I’m a big fan of quinoa and I can’t wait to try your cauliflower-mango sauce. My husband has signs of rheumatoid arthritis so the timing of meeting you, Catherine, and reading your blog could not be better. Thank you for spreading knowledge and joy wherever you go!!
Githu
You are awesome Johnna, thank you for your kind words. I'll love to hear about your cauliflower-mango sauce. For your husband, the early diagnose will help him tackle the problem by its horns... he'll make it because there's much info now than there was some years ago!
my love to yours.