Sesame Garlic Dressing

When I was first diagnosed with HS, I was literally afraid to eat.  I didn't know what foods were going to cause inflammation and I definitely didn't want to go through that pain again!  I knew I had to figure out how I was going to let go of all the foods I was so used to eating.  I ate a lot of salads, but one of my favorite dressings was ranch dressing.  Who doesn't love ranch dressing?  Being that ranch dressing was considered one of the most unhealthy store bought salad dressings, full of "bad" fat and loaded with sodium, I figured I better find an alternative.  This sesame garlic dressing is super easy to whip up and is absolutely delicious!  Serve with a spinach salad, sunflower seeds, and kidney beans. 

Ingredients
2 tbsp. toasted sesame oil (my favorite is La Tourangelle)
1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp. ginger
Juice from 1/2 lemon
1 tsp. honey

• Combine all ingredients and mix well.  Serve over a salad.  

Sesame Oil: Increased blood glucose levels can cause inflammation.  Sesame oil has been known to lower blood sugar levels which in turn can reduce inflammation.  This is another reason why sesame oil is said to have anti-inflammatory properties.  The antioxidants in sesame oil also benefit the skin.

Apple Cider Vinegar: High cholesterol is known to cause inflammation.  Apple cider vinegar not only helps regulate blood pressure, but also helps balance cholesterol.  Apple cider vinegar also has anti-bacterial properties which can help clear up skin conditions.

Garlic: Garlic is another superfood that 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.  Garlic also reduces joint swelling and inflammation.

Ginger: Ginger has antioxidant effects, anti-inflammatory properties and is a natural painkiller.

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.

Honey: Honey contains antioxidants which help reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease.  Honey also helps the body regulate blood sugar levels.

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