Lunch: Lobster Stew

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Lemon, Asparagus

Health benefits of Lobster Stew

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. They can potentially support the immune system and have other health benefits. Lemons also have a low glycemic index, so they should not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar when consumed in natural form.

Asparagus stands out as a superfood for managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder affecting many women of reproductive age. This nutrient-dense vegetable offers a myriad of health benefits that align perfectly with the dietary needs of those managing PCOS, making it an essential addition to their diet.

Rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals, asparagus is particularly high in folate, vitamins A, C, E, and K, and has significant levels of chromium—a trace mineral that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells. This is particularly beneficial for women with PCOS, as they often experience insulin resistance, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and potentially contributing to weight gain and metabolic complications. By improving insulin sensitivity, asparagus can help manage these symptoms more effectively.

Furthermore, asparagus is a great source of dietary fiber, which plays a key role in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugar, offering another layer of support for insulin resistance. Additionally, the high fiber content in asparagus can aid in weight management, an important aspect for those with PCOS, as maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the severity of the condition's symptoms.

Asparagus also contains a unique compound called inulin, a prebiotic that promotes digestive health by supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for overall health and can have a positive impact on the management of PCOS by improving digestion, nutrient absorption, and possibly even hormonal balance.

Incorporating asparagus into the diet can be both easy and delicious. It can be grilled, roasted, steamed, or added to salads, omelets, and stir-fries. Its versatility and nutritional profile make asparagus an invaluable superfood for those looking to manage PCOS symptoms through a healthy and balanced diet. By contributing to better insulin sensitivity, weight management, and digestive health, asparagus offers a natural way to support the body in dealing with the challenges of PCOS.

Ingredients

2 lobsters (about 1 1/2 pounds/675 g each)
3 tablespoons butter
1 onion, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 tablespoons Cognac
3 cups/750 ml water
12 asparagus tips
12 slices yellow zucchini
6 radishes, halved
1/4 cup freshly shelled peas
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Lemon juice, to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chervil

Instructions

Fill a large pot with water to come finger deep. Bring to a boil, put the lobsters in head first, and steam 4 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool enough to work with. Shell the lobsters, wrapping the meat and refrigerating until ready to use (you should have 4 intact claws and 2 tails which you can halve lengthwise). Reserve 12 lobster legs. Reserve the shells, but discard the body. Chop the shells to pieces with a mallet or in the food processor.
Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons butter in a large saute pan and cook the onion until soft. Stir in the tomato paste and add the lobster shells. Pour over the Cognac and flame. When the flames have died down, pour over 3 cups/750 ml water, and cook until the liquid is reduced to 1 1/2 cups/375 ml. Strain, pressing down on the shells to extract all the juices. Return the juices to the saute pan.
While the sauce is reducing, cook the vegetables, separately, in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente, 30 seconds to 2 minutes, depending on the vegetable. When each is done, lift to a strainer with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge into an ice bath to preserve the color.
Bring the lobster stock in the saute pan to a simmer, uncovered. Add the lobster and poach gently 3 minutes. Add the vegetables and continue to cook 2 minutes. Arrange half a tail and a whole claw in each of 4 soup plates. Divide the vegetables evenly around the meat. You should have about 1/4 cup/60 ml sauce per dish, so if you have too much boil it down, whisking in the remaining butter at the end. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Ladle over the lobster and vegetables, scatter over chervil, and serve.