Lunch: Coconut Chicken Stir Fry

Recipe by greystonecooks Creamy coconut milk and chicken kicked up with a strong assortment of spices. Serve over rice or pasta. I also like to use this as a filling for wraps or pita bread.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Cinnamon, Chicken Breast, Honey

Health benefits of Coconut Chicken Stir Fry

Cinnamon is one of the best ingredients that someone with insulin sensitivity can eat. Half a teaspoon of cinnamon per day has been shown to be very effective at normalizing blood sugar levels. Cinnamon contains hydroxychalcone, which is thought to enhance the effects of insulin. It has also been suggested that Cinnamon prevents post-meal blood sugar spikes by slowing the gastric emptying rate - meaning that food digests slowly. (Reference: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11506060).

Skinless chicken breast, often heralded for its lean nutritional profile, is undeniably a powerhouse when it comes to protein content. With an impressive 21 grams of protein packed into every 100 grams of the breast, it emerges as a preferred choice for those conscious about their protein intake. Delving deeper into the nutritional matrix of chicken, one can't overlook the copious amounts of vitamin B6 it houses. This particular vitamin plays an indispensable role in our body, especially when discussing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) management.

For individuals grappling with PCOS, the internal hormonal turbulence can be overwhelming, often leading to a spike in testosterone and androgen levels. This is where vitamin B6 comes into the spotlight. Acting as a balancer, vitamin B6 diligently works behind the scenes to keep these hormones in check, ensuring they don't surge beyond desirable levels. It is this equilibrium that becomes paramount for those earnestly looking to curtail the excessive flow of testosterone and androgen. In the broader spectrum of PCOS management, incorporating foods rich in vitamin B6, like chicken breast, can be a strategic move, providing both nutritional sustenance and hormonal balance.

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.

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
4 large skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 large carrots, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, diced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon curry powder, or more to taste
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk

Instructions

Melt butter in large frying pan over medium heat.
Cook and stir the cumin seeds in butter until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir chicken into the skillet with cumin seeds, and cook and stir until chicken is no longer pink in the center and juices run clear, 5 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess juices, if any.
Pour vegetable oil into skillet with chicken, and heat oil until sizzling.
Mix in onion, carrots, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, honey, ground cumin, cinnamon, curry powder, salt, and black pepper to the pan; cook until onions are translucent and carrots done, 5 to 8 minutes.
Stir in coconut milk and simmer until flavors have blended, about 10 minutes.

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