Sue Bedford (MSc Nutritional Therapy)
Enjoy the flavours of the Mediterranean with this ‘nutritious and delicious’ Baked Aubergine with Fresh Tomatoes and Mozzarella (drizzled with olive oil and fresh basil).
Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C – a powerful antioxidant that has many important functions in the body, from immune support, to skin health, in the prevention of blood clots and offering protection from prostate cancer. But when it comes to fertility, alongside the vitamin C (which helps to protect the egg and sperm from oxidative stress caused by free radical damage) tomatoes contain Lycopene. Lycopene is a naturally occurring carotenoid. The main food source of lycopene for many being the tomato. Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants, and provide red, yellow and orange colour to fruit and vegetables. They have an important role in that they protect the cells of the body from damage caused by free radicals.
Aubergine is low in calories, high in fibre and contains a good amount of vitamin c, b vitamins including folate and phosphorus- most nutrients are found just under the skin. Aubergine also contains a good amount of magnesium (the happy mineral), which when combined with vitamin B6 helps to reduce anxiety and aids sleep.
Ingredients: (serves 2)
2 tbsp olive oil
Handful of fresh basil
2 large aubergines
250g mozzarella cheese
1 lemon
Freshly grated Turmeric (a pinch for each aubergine half)
Fresh cherry tomatoes (or tomatoes of your choice)
Pinch of Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper (optional)
How to make:
Preheat oven to 180°C/gas mark 4. Slice the aubergines in half and place them in a baking dish/tray. Pour the lemon juice and olive oil over them and sprinkle with seasoning and a pinch of turmeric (optional). Bake until the oven until softened and then remove. Meanwhile, place the cherry tomatoes into a pan with a splash of olive oil and some fresh basil leaves and cook gently. Remove from the hob and then pour over the baked aubergines. Slice the mozzarella and arrange on the top. Tear up some more fresh basil and sprinkle over the top. Enjoy!
The post Baked Aubergine with Tomatoes and Mozzarella – Great for Health and fertility appeared first on IVF Babble.
IVF BabbleRead More
