White Wine Zucchini Pasta

When you suffer from hidradenitis suppurativa, your body is naturally in an inflammatory state.  HS sufferers have to fight to reduce inflammation in the body. Multiple studies have shown that certain foods will either increase or help reduce inflammation.  I am always looking for foods that will reduce my bodies inflammation to help keep me flare-up free.  Here is a delicious recipe that is an inflammatory response fighter!

Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
4 zucchini's (spiraled) - for pasta
1/2 cup vegetarian no-chicken broth (I use the Imagine brand)
1/2 cup white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon parsley (minced)
1 lemon (juice only)
5 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

• In skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 garlic cloves and chicken on medium heat. 
• Add 1/4 cup vegetarian no-chicken broth, 1/4 cup white wine vinegar and juice from 1/2 lemon to chicken. 
• Sprinkle chicken with 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• Meanwhile, in a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil, 3 garlic cloves, 1/4 cup vegetarian no-chicken broth and spiraled zucchini on medium heat until tender.
• Add juice from the other 1/2 lemon, parsley and remaining 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• Once chicken is cooked through, combine all ingredients and enjoy!





 

Zucchini: Zucchini is loaded with health benefits.  To name a few, it is a good source of fiber which aids in digestion.  This fiber is called pectin, which reduces disease causing inflammation.  It is also a good source of magnesium which is known to reduce the risk of heart disease.  The potassium found in zucchini can also help lower blood pressure. 
 
White Wine Vinegar: White wine vinegar contains polyphenols an antioxidant which helps boost the immune system.  Studies have also shown that when you consume foods that are high in polyphenols you are less likely to have inflammatory diseases. 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oils have a phytonutrient called oleocanthal.  Studies have shown this natural phenolic compound helps fight inflammation.  Extra virgin olive oils are also rich in antioxidants which helps boost the immune system. 

Parsley: Parsley contains natural chemicals called phytonutrients, specifically flavonoids, which help prevent unnecessary inflammation throughout the body.  The oil in parsley has been known to decrease swelling and pain.  Parsley also contains histidine, an amino acid which helps with wound healing and helps repair tissue damage.  Parsley is also high in mineral content such as magnesium and zinc.  Magnesium is a common mineral that is lacking in our bodies.  A diet deficient in magnesium can cause inflammation.  Zinc has many anti-inflammatory benefits such has helping remove substances that cause inflammation in the cells.  Parsley is also high in vitamin C which boosts the immune system.  A strong immune system helps fight inflammatory disorders. 

Lemon: Lemons are known to remove toxins from the body.  They help cleanse the kidneys and the digestive system.  They also strengthen the immune system which helps fight many illnesses.

Garlic:  Not only does garlic contain anti-inflammatory properties, garlic is what I consider a superfood.  It lowers blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood sugar.  Garlic also protects the liver and contains anti-tumor properties.  It has the ability of boosting the lymphatic system which functions as a defense in the immune system.