Nutrigenomics is the science of how nutrients in your food, drinks, and supplements may affect your health. You can't change your DNA, but you can modify how some genes are expressed and turned off and on through nutrigenetics and epigenetics (food and lifestyle). How we eat, drink, move, sleep and live matters.
Here are some fun, health-conscious gifts that are fun to give and receive:
Avocado slicer: Avocado toast lovers, rejoice. Not just for millennial brunchers, avocados are loaded with prebiotics, magnesium, and monounsaturated fats and should be enjoyed by everyone!
Matcha Whisk Set Have you tried matcha tea? Matcha is much more nutrient dense than traditional green tea as you're drinking the entire green tea leaf with matcha, not just the tea water. Matcha is high in antioxidants, amino acids, and chlorophyll, which is responsible for its bright green color. L-theanine is the most prevalent amino acid; it increases serotonin, dopamine, and GABA and is known to have a calming effect on the mind and body (most likely why monks sipped matcha tea). The caffeine content tends to promote focused energy without the jitters or the crash. If you are working on managing your cortisol, try a green tea swap occasionally and see how you feel. We’re constantly exposed to free radicals that can increase our disease risk and aging. Stress is a major cause of free radicals. Therefore, we need a regular dose of antioxidants to prevent cellular damage. Incredibly, just one cup of matcha tea is believed to have 10x the antioxidants of traditional green tea!
To make: Add 1 tsp matcha tea powder to one cup of hot water in your favorite mug. Using a small whisk, briskly blend. Add steamed nut milk, coconut cream, or a dash of turmeric and cinnamon.
Classpass gift card Why go to one gym when you can check out over a million boutique fitness classes? Perfect gift for fitness lovers or novices.
Personal-sized Nutribullet A wonderful gadget that can help you stay on track with an easy, nutrient dense meal. Protein smoothies promote muscle growth and help you lose weight. Amino acids are the building blocks for several hormones, including thyroid hormones and insulin. All of these hormones play a role in weight regulation. Having sufficient protein in your diet also helps immensely with blood sugar stabilization.
A box of colorful, seasonal fruit such as pomegranates The juice of pomegranate seeds contains several different types of antioxidants and polyphenols that can promote heart health by lowering blood pressure levels.
Directions
In a medium bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, salt (to taste), and one teaspoon of pepper until combined.
Add Brussels sprouts and toss until completely coated.
Let sit, occasionally tossing, for at least 20 minutes and up to 4 hours before serving.
Fold in almonds and pomegranate seeds and garnish with shaved Parmesan before serving.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425° and cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, arrange squash on a baking sheet and roast until tender and golden, 15 minutes. Let cool slightly.Toss quinoa, squash, kale, pecans, cranberries, and pomegranate seeds in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Drizzle over salad and toss gently to combine.
Christina Wilson
Author