eats MUFFINS
TURMERIC BREAKFAST
MUFFINS HELP
RELIEVE ANXIETY
T
hese turmeric muffins taste just
like carrot cake and are jam-
packed 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 a role in regulating
your mental health.
TURMERIC
Curcumin, the active ingredient in tur-
meric, is a powerful antioxidant and anti-
inflammatory that helps elevate the lev-
els of neurotransmitters such as serotonin
while lowering the levels of stress hor-
mones such as cortisol. Plus, it’s a potent
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. In fact,
turmeric is considered one of the most
promising natural therapeutic remedies
for depression and anxiety.
YIELDS 12 MUFFINS
DRY INGREDIENTS
1 cup gluten-free rolled
oats, blended into a flour
(or prepared gluten-free
oat flour)
½ cup gluten-free or regular
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 3 cup gluten-
1 cup carrots, shredded or grated
free rolled
½ cup maple syrup
oats
¼ cup shredded coconut
2 tablespoons
1 tablespoon vegan butter
pumpkin
seeds
1 tablespoon coconut oil
2 tablespoons
1 tablespoon ground turmeric
melted
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
coconut oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon
agave syrup
2 tablespoons coconut sugar (optional)
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 ½ to 2 3 full. 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.
40
MAY 2020 WAYNE MAGAZINE
CARROTS
Carrots contain the natural painkiller
phenylalanine; 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 bal-
ance, enzyme activity, and neurotransmit-
ter functions. And vitamin B6 helps the
body create mood-boosting neurotrans-
mitters.
OATS
Oats contain high levels of the amino
acid tryptophan, which is converted to
serotonin in the body and helps promote
relaxation and anxiety relief.
PUMPKIN SEEDS
Pumpkin seeds are packed with antiox-
idants such as carotenoids and vitamin E.
These help reduce inflammation and
harmful free radicals, both of which are
believed to contribute to anxiety and
depression. The seeds also contain
L-tryptophan, magnesium and 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 inflam-
mation and anxiety. Ditto for magnesium
and tryptophan.
—JAIS TOLLETTE
PRODUCTS:
Mood-Boosting Turmeric
Breakfast Muffins