by Lady Carla Davis, MPH
Specializing in Nutrition
CURRIED CHICKEN LIVERS WITH ONIONS
Organic Chicken Livers are a highly nutritious source of protein, iron, zinc, potassium, selenium, phosphorus, vitamin A, and vitamin B complex, such as B-12, folate, and choline. These nutrients help prevent anaemia, maintain a strong immune system, and rebuild a weakened body after surgery or illness. Chicken livers also help maintain proper brain function, good eyesight, and healthy mucous membranes (mucosa). A healthy mucosa helps to prevent viral invasion of the cells. Their high fat and cholesterol are not the problem they were once thought to be. In fact, these are highly beneficial, vital nutrients. Always buy organic to avoid the toxins that factory farm animals are exposed to.
Native to Asia and the Middle East, onions have been cultivated for over five thousand years. They were valued both for their culinary use and their therapeutic properties. Onions were popular in ancient Greece and Rome and used as medicine in India. Egyptians valued them so highly, they used them as currency and placed them in the tombs of kings. There use in European cuisine dates back to the Middle Ages. Christopher Columbus brought inions to the West Indies where their cultivation spread throughout the Western Hemisphere.
Onions, come in many varieties such as white, yellow, and red. Smaller varieties are green scallion, and pearl. The red, Maui and Bermuda varieties are mild and sweet. The red variety is higher in flavonoids. Like garlic, the onion is a member of the Allium family. It’s sulfur compounds called sulfides, are responsible for its pungent odor and taste but very purifying. Additionally, they provide benefits for the body’s cardiovascular system, immune system, and connective tissues.
The onion also contains vitamin C, biotin, B6, B1, folate, copper, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and fiber. These nutrients along with onion’s sulfur compounds help prevent tumor growth and lower blood pressure and triglycerides.
Frequent consumption of onions can help increase bone density and provide benefits to the connective tissues and immune system. The onion is also rich in polyphenols including quercetin and flavanoids, which have anti-cholesterol, anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory healing properties.
Select organic onions that are free of mold, well shaped, and firm. To maintain their benefits do not over peel or over cook onions. Store them alone in a cool dry, dark pantry or basket separated from other produce. Once cut, store in a sealed container, refrigerate, and then consume within a few days.