This has been a very popular recipe in our household since the start of the new year. It is a combination of smoked salmon, garlic, turmeric and lemon juice. The salmon was caught this past summer in Alaska and was smoked locally here in Eugene. Madrone wood was used in smoking this salmon. The best part of this entire recipe was catching the salmon as they returned upstream to spawn near Talkeetna, Alaska. Cold smoked salmon retains a lot more of its natural oils and is very moist in texture. Salmon is also very rich in natural proteins and is much lower in its saturated fat content than other natural sources of same, such as red meat and dairy products. Protein facilitates our growth and maintains the health of our body by fueling the regenerative powers of our blood, tissue and bones. Protein is also essential for the proper functioning of our immune systems, allowing them to combat disease and infection. Leading us to the next ingredient, another powerful infection and disease fighter, garlic.
Garlic can be used to treat high cholesterol, parasites, respiratory problems, poor digestion, and low energy just to name a few. Studies suggest that regularly eating garlic helps lower blood pressure, controls blood sugar and blood cholesterol, and boosts the immune system. It has also been found to reduce the risk of esophageal, stomach, and colon cancer. Garlic is known to have antiviral properties and it also helps the body fight against allergies.
Turmeric is a natural antioxidant herb. Its main active ingredients are curcuminoids, including curcumin. Curcumin is a yellow pigment and may relieve the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Turmeric is also used to help treat heartburn, abdominal pain, hemorrhage, fever, and worms. It relieves flatulence, abdominal bloating, and hepatitis, loss of appetite, jaundice and kidney inflammation are also said to be treated with this herb. Turmeric acts as a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing free radical damage, and the herb also acts as an anti-inflammatory, which may well help in arthritis. The herb is also said to have anti-carcinogenic properties. Other benefits of curcumin in turmeric are: potentially protecting the liver from toxic substances, and reducing platelets from clumping together–which may help guard against atherosclerosis and help improve blood circulation.
Although the lemon is often thought of as acidic, it is very effective in curing many digestion problems, including nausea, heartburn, disorders of the lower intestines like constipation and worm infestations. It is even known to relieve hiccups. Lemon juice, when taken regularly in the morning, acts as a tonic to the liver and stimulates it to produce bile making it ready to digest the day’s food. It is also thought to help dissolve gallstones. Because of its high vitamin C content, it is thought to help prevent and treat many infections, hasten wound healing and temper down high fever. Lemon juice also relieves symptoms of asthma, tonsillitis and sore throat. Lemon is also a diuretic. This means it is good for people with urinary tract infections and high uric acid problems, such as those with arthritis or rheumatism because it helps flush out all the toxins and bad bacteria.
Now for the concoction:
1/2 pint of smoked salmon shredded
6-8 gloves of garlic crushed and minced
1 tablespoon of turmeric
Juice of 1 lemon freshly squeezed
Mix all 4 together and enjoy as a spread on sesame thins (or cracker of your choice)
Live your best,
Dr. Brian