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How to Make Green Smoothies with Kuwaiti Superfoods
Learn how to make green smoothies with Kuwaiti superfoods that are rich in fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and hydration. Plus, get a simple and delicious recipe to try at home.
Why You Should Drink Green Smoothies Instead of Juice
If you are looking for a delicious and healthy way to start your day, you might want to try green smoothies instead of juice. Green smoothies are blended drinks that contain fresh fruits, leafy greens, and other ingredients that provide you with fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and hydration. In this blog post, I will share with you some of the benefits of green smoothies and a simple recipe that you can make at home using ingredients that are easily available in Kuwait.
Benefits of Green Smoothies
Green smoothies have many advantages over juice, such as:
– Fiber: Unlike juice, which extracts only the liquid from fruits and vegetables, green smoothies retain the whole food, including the fiber. Fiber is essential for your digestive health, blood sugar regulation, cholesterol management, and weight control. Fiber also helps you feel fuller for longer, which can prevent overeating and cravings.
– Minerals: Green smoothies are rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and zinc. These minerals are vital for your bones, muscles, nerves, blood, and immune system. They also help balance your body’s pH level and prevent acidity and inflammation.
– Antioxidants: Green smoothies are loaded with antioxidants that fight free radicals and protect your cells from damage. Antioxidants also boost your skin health, slow down aging, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
– Hydration: Green smoothies are mostly water-based, which means they can help you stay hydrated throughout the day. Hydration is important for your overall health, especially in hot climates like Kuwait. Hydration also improves your energy level, mood, cognitive function, and kidney health.
Green Smoothie Recipe
One of the best things about green smoothies is that you can customize them according to your taste and preference. You can use any fruits, greens, liquids, and add-ons that you like. However, if you need some inspiration, here is a simple and delicious green smoothie recipe that I love to make using ingredients that are easily available in Kuwait:
Ingredients
– 1 cup of fresh spinach
– 1/2 inch of fresh ginger
– 1/4 inch of fresh turmeric
– 2 fresh amla pitted (Indian gooseberry)
– 1 orange- 1 cup of water or coconut water
– Wash and chop the spinach, ginger, turmeric, amla (deseed), and orange.
– Add them to a blender along with the water or coconut water. Add pinch of Himalayan Pink Salt. Available on my spice website.
– Blend until smooth and creamy.
– Enjoy your green smoothie!
Conclusion
Green smoothies are a great way to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet. They are also easy to make and delicious to drink. By drinking green smoothies instead of juice, you can enjoy the benefits of fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and hydration. You can also use ingredients that are available readily in Kuwait, such as turmeric, ginger, and amla. These ingredients have amazing health benefits and add a nice flavor to your smoothie. Try this recipe today and let me know what you think in the comments below!
XoXo, Patty
How to Spice Up Your Life with Handcrafted Spices in Kuwait
Hello, and welcome to my blog! I’m Patty, an American living in Kuwait, and I’m passionate about spices and herbs. In this blog, I’ll share with you how I use spices and herbs in my cooking, and how they can benefit your health and wellness.
I love to travel and explore different cuisines and cultures. I always bring back some spices and herbs from my trips and try to recreate the flavors in my own kitchen. I also like to experiment with different combinations and create my own spice blends. I use natural and handcrafted ingredients, with no additives, fillers, or preservatives. I believe that spices and herbs are not just for enhancing the taste of food, but also for promoting health and wellness. They are rich in phytonutrients that can help our body fight diseases, boost immunity, and improve digestion. Some of my favorite spices and herbs are: Turmeric: This is a bright yellow spice that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. It can help with arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and skin problems. It also adds a warm and earthy flavor to curries, soups, rice, and tea. Rosemary: This is a fragrant herb that has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. It can help with memory, mood, stress, and hair growth. It also adds a piney and lemony flavor to meats, vegetables, breads, and sauces. Cinnamon: This is a sweet and spicy spice that has anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help with blood sugar, cholesterol, digestion, and weight loss. It also adds a cozy and comforting flavor to desserts, drinks, oatmeal, and yogurt. Garlic: This is a pungent herb that has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-parasitic properties. It can help with infections, colds, flu, blood pressure, and heart health. It also adds a savory and zesty flavor to almost any dish. I use these spices and herbs in my cooking every day, to nourish my body and soul. I also sell them blended in unique combinations online through my website Infusions Kuwait, where you can find more products like sauces, spreads, pickles, teas, and more. All of them are made with natural and handcrafted ingredients. If you are looking for the best handcrafted spices in Kuwait, you will love my products that are made with love and care. You can order them online or find me at local seasonal markets or weekend pop-ups , where I also share recipes and tips on how to use spices and herbs in your cooking. I hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned something new about spices and herbs. Stay tuned for more posts where I’ll share more of my creations and inspirations. Until then, Happy spicing! 😊 Xoxo, Patty
Harira Soup Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
250 g lamb cut into small pieces
1 stalk of celery, chopped
2 large onion ,chopped
2 tbsp Infusions KW meat blend
1 tsp Infusions KW 7spice
½ tsp Infusions KW Turmeric Spice
Grinder with Infusions Peppercorn Medley
1 tsp Infusions KW Himalayan Pink Salt fine
2 tbsp tomato paste
½ C rice
2 tbsp flour mixed into a paste with water
½ C chopped fresh cilantro
1 lemon sliced in 6 wedges
Method/Instructions:
Melt butter in large saucepan and gently sauté celery and onions for 3-4 minutes
Add lamb and brown it, add tomato paste, and spices with ½ cup of water ,bring to boil, then add rice simmer until rice becomes tender
Add hot water to flour paste stir till smooth then combine mixture into the soup and bring to boil again ,
Cook for 15 minutes, add parsley ,cilantro and lemon juice ,blackseeds and can be served with a piece of bread
The Amazing Black Seed !
Nigella sativa is an annual flowering plant, which belongs to the Ranunculacea family. The plant is found in southwestern Asia and parts of the Mediterranean and Africa, where it has been used in cooking and medicine.
For 1400 years, the black seed is used for diseases. It is also called “miraculous herb,” it is popular for the cure of every disease. The main composition of black seed is21% protein (Nigella, melatin), phosphate, iron, phosphorate, 38% carbohydrate, volatile oil( nigellone, and thymoquinone) 28%, linoleic acid, oleic acid, calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin B2, niacin, and vitamin C. It has antibacterial, anti-cancer, anti-viral activities that fight with the diseases. It also stimulates different hormones that give us strength. Nigella and melatin have digestive benefits in them. Mix half teaspoon of black seed with yogurt can give relief from stomach pain and cramps. The black seed cures digestive problems. Nigellone has antispasmodic and bronchodilation effect, so used in respiratory disease and allergies. Half a teaspoon of black seed in the morning can cure asthma and all respiratory disorders. Thymoquinone has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant properties that remove toxins from the body. It is scientifically proven that it is good for weight loss, balancing insulin level, regulated cholesterol in the blood, improve liver function, skin & hair care, inflammation & infection, cancer, and all sorts of other conditions & diseases.
Taking a black seed with orange juice in the morning keeps you fresh and active all day. For peaceful sleep, take black seed with hot water at night.
The seeds can flavor curries, pickles, and bread. High-quality black seed oil is also suitable for use in cooking, baking, and beverages. Toasted black seed can be sprinkled on flatbreads like a naan, bagels or biscuits. Black seed can be added to soups, and stir-fries. Grinding them and mixing them with other seasoning flavors, herbs like mustard, fennel, and cumin seeds.
Add the black cumin in your daily diet and enjoy its ultimate benefit.
References:
1. Ziaee T, Moharreri N, Hosseinzadeh H. Review of pharmacological and toxicological effects of Nigella sativa and its active constituents. J Med Plants. 2012;2(42):16–42. [Google Scholar]
2. Darakhshan S, Bidmeshki Pour A, Hosseinzadeh Colagar A, Sisakhtnezhad S. Thymoquinone and its therapeutic potentials. Pharmacol Res. 2015;95–96:138–58. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2015.03.011. [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
3. Ahmad A, Husain A, Mujeeb M, Khan SA, Najmi AK, Siddique NA, et al. A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: a miracle herb. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2013;3(5):337–52. doi: 10.1016/S2221-1691(13)60075-1. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [CrossRef] [Google Scholar]
4. Mollazadeh H, Hosseinzadeh H. The protective effect of Nigella sativa against liver injury: a review. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2014;17(12):958–66. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
5. Shafiq H, Ahmad A, Masud T, Kaleem M. Cardio-protective and anti-cancer therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2014;17(12):967–79. [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
6. Goreja WG. New York, NY: Amazing Herbs Press; 2003. Black seed: nature’s miracle remedy.
Infusionista saying:
Spice Up Your Life! Love more and laugh alot. Travel often, eat well and move your body around. Life is a blessing so live it well! God bless.
Xoxo Patty
The Queen of Spices 🌶
It is narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:
‘Use the black seed because it heals all diseases except death.’
Diet in Islam…
Alhamdulillah, we all love food, and we all love to eat. But really is this the right attitude to have? Yes, food is a blessing from ALLAH and it tastes wonderfully and there is so much variety, but ALLAH makes it clear in the Quran He dislikes those who are excessive, and that goes for us being excessive with food consumption. Not only are we guided to eat only halal and tayeb food we are guided to eat without indulging. We are guided to drink not excessively and things that are good for us (?Starbucks addict unfortunately). Even in our breathing, we don’t do enough. I learned in yoga the importance of breathing and realize most of us just gulp air but we are guided to let 1/3 of our tummy be air. That means breathe more and be conscious of it because every inhale and exhale is also a blessing from Allah.
Tomorrow I will sit at Iftar and look at the food ALLAH blessed us with, the provisions we have each and everyday that others around world don’t and say Alhamdallah.
We all need to eat to survive, no one is denying that. However, we need a lot less then we think we need. And we also need to be very conscious of what we are eating and drinking and even our breathing.
Fasting in Ramadan, doesn’t mean less food it means eat your food with meaning. Let’s not indulge into consumer traditions (yep I am guilty of food coma every year). Ask yourself this during Ramadan: Are you still able to function? Do you feel better because of fasting? I know for myself after years of doctors telling me not to fast due to my Lupus, high blood pressure, and pancreas issues (told I was diabetic but actually was not) that when I decided to take small steps im fasting. Now, I am able to fast and survived! Research shows intermittent fasting heals your body and reboots it! I can function and I feel a whole lot better when I fast. In fact, research says doing fasting couple days a week is great for the body (for those who can). Well, we know that our Prophet recommended Mondays and Thursdays to fast regulary besides Ramadan. Every year I wake up more and more. I just wanted to share my Ramadan journey and thoughts with you because it’s a significant Ramadan for me.
Laugh more. Move around. Love alot. God bless!
Xoxo Patty
Blackseed vent!
?Somebody please explain to me when I open my Instagram timeline… It’s flooded with 100s of posts from foodie accounts of non-Muslim brothers and sisters using Black Seed every fricking meal! Open “our” timeline and what do you see honestly…even our healthy personalities.? Only time you see people using Black Seed is close to Ramadhan or Umm Flan who is over 50 years old! ?People who are not believers in the faith, believe in it and use it more than us. Science has revealed its nutritional benefits recently but Islam revealed its worldly and spiritual benefits over 1500 years ago! ?So why aren’t you using it and posting about it!? Why aren’t healthy restaurants using them in Q8?! Too busy posting about products, knowledge, and ingredients min barra! Fine, do that but celebrate what we have at home too! What we have to offer as far as knowledge. I see trendy yoga peeps sending me ancient Indian remedies. Cool! Learn and diversify. BUT DON’T FORGET THE KNOWLEDGE WE HAVE RIGHT HERE IN OUR OWN HISTORY. SHOW THE OTHER SIDE OF US TOO! THE WORLD IS PLAGUED WITH GENERALIZATIONS ABOUT ISLAM. The simplest way to counteract that is not standing on Islamic soapbox but simply sharing with the world the healing practices, the kind gestures, the ingredients favored in Islamic medicine and give credit where it is do. ?just a smile is charity remember?! Ok vent over!
Pink Himalayan Salt
Salt is an essential part of all human and animal life. What make’s salt so invaluable? It is the sodium / ions that the salt possesses. Our body uses salt to maintain some of its essential functions. For example, salt is used to uptake certain nutrients from our intestines. Salt also helps to maintain fluid in our blood cells and to relay information in our muscles and nerves. Our bodies don’t naturally produce salt, so its up to us to give it to our body. More and more people are discovering something new on their tables – it’s pink salt. You may associate the Himalayan mountain range with Mt. Everest, but the fact is, one of the best things from the Himalayas is its salt. Within the mountains, lay crystallized sea salt beds. They are protected by snow, ice and once lava. Himalayan sea salt is considered to be one of the purest salts on earth. Salt is a necessary ingredient in everybody’s life. In order to survive we need it, but we choose good natural salt.
Xoxo Patty
Love more and laugh a lot. Eat well and move around. Life is a blessing so live it right! God bless!
Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera is grown in most of the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world and holds a special place in the traditional Chinese, Middle Eastern and Indian herbal medicine.
Also called as the ‘Lily of the Desert’, aloe vera contains about 200 biologically active components including essential vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, and E), minerals (magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc, choline, selenium, and potassium) and amino acids.
Energy replenishment, skin injuries, burns, acne, acid reflux—name a condition, and you will find its cure in this amazing plant! The gel of aloe vera plant can be made into a clear juice which when had twice a day can save you from the health issues, and make your skin better.
It also contains minerals such as germanium, iron, and copper; all of which have healing properties. What’s more, the continous use of this juice helps trigger detoxification reaction in the body. If you are not fond of the bland taste of this juice, you can mix it with different special ingredients like citrus and herbs to churn out the best from them. Plus, the excessive presence of vitamin C in the citrus fruits enhances the iron absorption in the body.
Aloe vera also has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Plus, the presence of polysaccharides and antioxidants in this plant helps provide immune-boosting benefits. Drinking aloe juice regularly is heart friendly too, because of the presence of B-sitosterol that prevents the cholesterol absorption in the system and aids in the lowering of triglyceride levels. Aloe vera also has strong laxative properties that work wonders when you are suffering from constipation.
The Natural Gatorade Drink
Himalayan Pink Salt Sole. What is it? Sole is water fully saturated with unrefined natural salt. When himalayan salt dissolves in water, it results in a concentrated, electrically charged matrix of the 84 trace minerals in the salt. The ionic salt and trace minerals nourish each cell in your body.
Some of the benefits of himalayan salt sole include:
✔Detoxifies the body by balancing systemic pH
✔Improves hydration by providing trace minerals while maintaing mineral levels of the body
✔Reduces muscle cramps by improving minerals and hydration
✔Helps balance blood sugar
✔Supports hormone balance for everyone
✔Helps balance blood pressure because it provides unrefined, mineral-rich salt in an ionic solution
✔Improves sleep by supporting blood sugar and hormone balance
✔Acts as a powerful antihistamine
✔Supports weight loss by balancing hormones and improving energy
✔Supports thyroid and adrenal function
How to make Salt Sole:
Fill a glass jar about 1/4 of the way with Infusions KW Himalayan Pink Salt (fine or coarse grain). Fill the rest of the way with filtered water leaving 1 inch empty space from top. Add a plastic or glass lid (not metal). Gently shake and let sit overnight.You should always have some undissolved salt in the jar, this means the water is fully saturated. Add more salt if needed. In the morning, take 1 teaspoon of sole mixed into 1 glass of warm or room temperature water. Never use metal spoon with your sole! Keep refilling your jar with salt and water when it runs low. The natural Gatorade perfect for electrolytes rebalancing!
Xoxo Patty
Love more and laugh a lot. Eat well and move around. Life is a blessing so live it right! God bless!
7 Spices to use in 2018
After the holidays most of us are feeling guilty of overindulgence and have vowed that 2018 will be the year of good health. Many of us are devising a health plan for the year ahead by joining a gym, watching what foods we are eating, and promising to live life more holistic.
But before you start spending alot of money on vitamins, tonics, and super powders, try some natural and cheaper home remedies to get you feeling great again! Add them to your daily regimen as much as you can.
Spices are a cost effective way to easily give your body nutrients and minerals. Spices not only can take food from bland (which most healthy diet centers food does taste) to tasty and still make it healthy. The added bonus, some extraordinary added benefits for mental and physical health.
2017 was full of research into different kinds of herbs and spices that indicate they can contribute to overall health as much as fruits and vegetables providing antioxidants, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiviral benefits.
Keep in mind it is important to look at spices holistically and not as a miracle cures for everything but as one piece of the puzzle in creating long lasting health and wellness but changing your lifestyle. Spices and herbs are a very easy way to add value to your food intake and way cheaper than popping pills.
Stay tuned asInfusions informs throughout the year about all these fantastic spices and herbs and tidbits on how to incorporate them into your daily life. What are the super spices to concentrate on for 2018? Here are my top 7 choices:
Chilli
Turmeric
Ginger
Garlic
Cinnamon
Cumin
Saffron
Xoxo Patty
Love more and laugh a lot. Eat well and move around. Life is a blessing so live it right! God bless!
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