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Try out this delicious, impossible-not-to-like recipe: Chlorella Udon Noodles with Swiss Chard!
First, a Little More on Eye Health
Lutein, zeaxanthin, alpha-carotene and beta-carotene are the nutrients that allow you to see.
Alpha- and beta-carotene are converted into vitamin A, and these nutrients may be essential in preserving our vision as we age. Low vitamin A levels have been linked to night blindness, deterioration of the cornea, retinopathy, and even dry eye. You can get these nutrients from eating – you guessed it! – chlorella, and other foods like leafy greens, carrots, winter squash, spinach, and kale. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the nutrients that go straight to the macula of your eyes, which is the area needed for detailed activities like reading and writing. Not only that, but lutein and zeaxanthin may help filter out the blue light that comes from our digital devices! 2 Though chlorella does not contain zeaxanthin, it does contain about 3mg of lutein per serving, which is about a third of the amount shown in studies to bring health benefits, according to the American Optometric Association. Other food sources of lutein are green leafy vegetables and green or yellow vegetables like cooked kale and cooked spinach.
Now, for the Recipe!
Our Chlorella Udon Noodles give you beta-carotene and alpha-carotene, both precursors to vitamin A. Lutein is a nutritional powerhouse. Because chlorella doesn’t have zeaxanthin, we added some Swiss chard to give you all the nutrients your eyes need to stay healthy.
Chlorella Udon Noodles with Swiss Chard
Ingredients
1 box of Chlorella Udon Noodles
1 onion, chopped
2 pounds Swiss chard, chopped (with stems and leaves)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup raisins
Black pepper
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp soy sauce
Toasted pine nuts, to top
Directions
1. Cook a packet of Chlorella Udon Noodles according to instructions.
2. Chop one onion and caramelize it in olive oil. To caramelize the onion, cook it over low heat until the onion is wilted and brown (about 15 minutes).
3. Add 2 pounds of chopped Swiss chard (stems and leaves) along with 3 cloves chopped garlic, black pepper and ¼ c. raisins. Sauté for a couple minutes and then cover the pan and braise the chard for 15-20 minutes until soft.
4. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and a dash of fish sauce or soy sauce to your taste.
5. Add the Chlorella Udon Noodles to the pan to combine all ingredients. Then remove from the pan.
6. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and serve.
Chlorella Udon Noodles with Swiss Chard
Ingredients
1 box of Chlorella Udon Noodles
1 onion, chopped
2 pounds Swiss chard, chopped (with stems and leaves)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup raisins
Black pepper
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp soy sauce
Toasted pine nuts, to top
Directions
1. Cook a packet of Chlorella Udon Noodles according to instructions.
2. Chop one onion and caramelize it in olive oil. To caramelize the onion, cook it over low heat until the onion is wilted and brown (about 15 minutes).
3. Add 2 pounds of chopped Swiss chard (stems and leaves) along with 3 cloves chopped garlic, black pepper and ¼ c. raisins. Sauté for a couple minutes and then cover the pan and braise the chard for 15-20 minutes until soft.
4. Add a tablespoon of lemon juice and a dash of fish sauce or soy sauce to your taste.
5. Add the Chlorella Udon Noodles to the pan to combine all ingredients. Then remove from the pan.
6. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and serve.
1Lutein and Zeaxanthin. American Optometric Website.
2 Study Finds Lutein And Zeaxanthin Protect Against Blue Light Exposure. Nutraceuticals World. September 2017. Viewed 7/20/18 at https://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/issues/2017-09/view_breaking-news/study-finds-lutein-and-zeaxanthin-protect-against-blue-light-exposure/1191