TURMERIC BREAKFAST
MUFFINS HELP
RELIEVE ANXIETY
eats MUFFINS
RECIPE &PHOTO: COURTESY OF GRATEFUL.COM; PRODUCTS: COURTESY OF THE STORES AND MANUFACTURERS
These turmeric muffins taste just
like carrot cake and are jampacked
with ingredients said to
relieve anxiety such as turmeric, carrots,
oats, pumpkin and chia seeds, with warm
spices and flavors that are sure to wake
up your brain and your tastebuds. They’re
also free of gluten and refined sugar
(which can contribute to anxiety and
depression). Even better, this easy recipe
takes the stress out of breakfast prep.
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s
talk about some of the key ingredients
and how they play aroleinregulating
your mental health.
TURMERIC
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric,
is apowerful antioxidant and antiinflammatory
that helps elevate the levels
of neurotransmitters such as serotonin
while lowering the levels of stress hormones
such as cortisol. Plus, it’s apotent
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. In fact,
turmeric is considered one of the most
promising natural therapeutic remedies
for depression and anxiety.
CARROTS
Carrots contain the natural painkiller
phenylalanine, and lack of this hormone is
said to cause anxiety, depression and
muscle/body aches. Additionally, carrots
offer lots of calming magnesium,which
helps your body regulate hormone balance,
enzyme activity, and neurotransmitter
functions.And vitamin B6helps the
body create mood-boosting neurotransmitters.
OATS
Oats contain high levels of the amino
acid tryptophan, which isconverted to
serotonin in the body and helps promote
relaxation and anxiety relief.
PUMPKIN SEEDS
Pumpkin seeds are packed with antioxidants
such as carotenoids and vitamin E.
These help reduce inflammation and
harmful free radicals, both of which are
believed to contribute toanxiety and
depression. The seeds also contain
L-tryptophan,magnesiumand healthy
fats that support brain health and mood
regulation.
CHIA SEEDS
Chia seeds are packed with several
anxiety-fighting
substances. For starters, omega-3 fatty
acids help reduce inflammation and anxiety.
Ditto for magnesium and
tryptophan.
—JAIS TOLLETTE
Mood-Boosting Turmeric
Breakfast Muffins
YIELDS 12 MUFFINS
DRY INGREDIENTS
1 cup gluten-free rolled
oats, blended into a flour
(or prepared gluten-free
oat flour)
½ cupgluten-freeorregular
all-purpose flour
3 tablespoon chia seeds
¼ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoonsbakingpowder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon allspice
WET INGREDIENTS
TOPPINGS
1 cup carrots, shredded or grated
1 3 cup glutenfree
rolled
½ cup maple syrup
oats
¼ cup shredded coconut
2 tablespoons
1 tablespoon vegan butter
pumpkin
1 tablespoon coconut oil
seeds
1 tablespoon ground turmeric
2 tablespoons
melted
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
coconut oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons coconut sugar (optional)
1 tablespoon
agave syrup
3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
¾ cup unsweetened nondairy milk, such as cashew
½ cup frozen blueberries (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
•Preheat oven to 375 F.
•In a medium bowl, mix dry ingredients and set aside.
• In large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, combine all wet ingredients except blueberries. Mix on high
until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
•Stir in dry ingredients and mix until fully incorporated with no clumps of flour. Allow the mix to sit
for 30 minutes to an hour.
• While batter sits, mix topping ingredients. After the batter has settled, gently fold in blueberries.
•Spray muffin pan with cooking spray and fill each cup about ½to 2 3full. Sprinkle topping over batter.
•Bake for 25 to 28 minutes.
NOTES: Muffins can be stored in the fridge, or frozen for up to three months and reheated as needed.
MILLBURN &SHORT HILLS MAGAZINE MAY 2020
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