Pesto dip is my favourite and having a healthier version means I can have it without the guilt. One of the ways I like to have pesto dip is spread onto rye bread with avocado, tomato and pepper on top……..yummo :-)
Healthy Pesto Dip Recipe:
1 whole bunch of organic basil leaves
1/2 cup of pine nuts
1/2 cup of cashews
Juice from 1 organic lemon slice
2 roasted garlic cloves
4 tablespoons of extra virgin organic olive oil
A dash of curcumin and himalayan salt
Grind the ingredients together in a mortar and pestle or place everything into a food processor.
Health benefits of some of the ingredients:
Basil – is a good source of beta-carotene and vitamin A which are antioxidants. It also contains minerals such as magnesium, potassium, manganese and iron. Every red blood cell in your body needs iron to help transport oxygen around your body. Basically without iron your cells feel fatigued and you feel tired.
Olive oil – is popular in the mediterranean diet because of it’s health benefits. It can help lower cholesterol and it’s also cardiovascular protective. Every cell in your body needs fatty acids to function correctly and olive oil can help them to do just that. This oil is best used cold and not heated if possible.
Lemons – this is one of my favourite citrus fruits because it can help with pretty much everything. Lemon juice is acidic outside the body and alkalising inside the body. It can help purify the blood and stimulate digestion. Lemons are packed full of vitamin C which boosts your immune system. Sailors use to have lemons on their boats to prevent scurvy…….I’m pretty sure they were having the lemons with gin ;-)
Garlic – contains a compound called allicin which has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It can also help lower blood pressure. Just try not to eat too much because no one will stand near you. Garlic doesn’t make the best perfume.
Try to use organic ingredients where possible so your body doesn’t have to fight through the chemicals to get to the nutrients.
DISCLAIMER: While I am a qualified naturopath and nutritionist, I’m not a doctor. Please see you doctor or healthcare professional if you have any medical signs or symptoms.
