Dinner: Sweet & Spicy Chicken with Cashews

A tasty chicken stir fry that goes well with rice and vegetables.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 25 mins

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Honey, Nuts, Agave

Health benefits of Sweet & Spicy Chicken with Cashews

Honey, often hailed as a superfood, possesses a wealth of nutritional benefits that make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. With a glycemic index (GI) of 55 for one tablespoon, honey is considered a moderate GI food. This means it does not spike blood sugar levels as high or as quickly as high-GI foods, making it a better choice for maintaining steady energy levels and supporting overall health.

Rich in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, honey offers protective benefits against oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants can help combat the damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Furthermore, the natural sugars in honey can provide a quick energy boost, making it an excellent option for a pre-workout snack or a natural sweetener in beverages and meals.

Honey's benefits extend beyond its nutritional profile. Its antimicrobial properties make it a natural remedy for wounds and burns, promoting healing by providing a moist environment and acting as a barrier to infection. Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats and coughs, thanks to its ability to coat the throat and reduce irritation.

However, it's important to consume honey in moderation. While it is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, it is still a form of sugar and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in large amounts. For individuals with diabetes or those monitoring their blood sugar levels, it's crucial to account for honey's GI and its effects on blood sugar.

Choosing raw, unprocessed honey can also maximize its health benefits. Raw honey is more likely to retain its antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can be lost during processing. Incorporating honey into your diet can be as simple as adding it to yogurt, drizzling it over oatmeal, or blending it into smoothies. Its natural sweetness and health-promoting properties make honey a superfood worth including in a healthy, balanced diet.

Nuts are a natural source of Inositol, a derivative of Vitamin B (which is often prescribed in the form of supplements for women with PCOS). Inositol can effectively control the symptoms of PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity. Agave, a sweetener derived from the core of the agave plant, is frequently highlighted in nutritional discussions due to its notably low glycemic index (GI) rating. With a GI score of just 17, it stands out from many other natural sweeteners and sugars that often have higher GI values. For those unfamiliar with the term, the glycemic index is a measure that ranks foods based on how significantly they raise blood glucose (sugar) levels after consumption. Foods with a lower GI value are absorbed more slowly and cause a more gradual rise in blood sugar levels, which is particularly crucial for individuals managing conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome).

Ingredients

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsps sambal oelek
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1 lb chicken tenders
1 tbsp canola oil
2 tbsps light agave nectar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsps minced garlic
1/2 cup roasted unsalted cashew nuts
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tsps grated fresh ginger
1/2 cup scallions, chopped
2 tbsps honey
3 tsps unpacked brown sugar

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sambal oelek, agave nectar, garlic, ginger, honey and sugar. Set aside.

2. Slice the chicken tenders into 1" segments.

3. In another bowl, mix together the flour, salt and pepper.

4. Lightly dredge the chicken in the flour mixture.

5. Heat the canola oil in a wok or large frying pan. Sauté the chicken in hot oil until it is no longer pink.

6. Pour the sauce over the chicken and simmer, stirring often, until the sauce is thick and bubbly.

7. Stir in the cashews. Sprinkle the top with sliced scallions.