Energize your season with this Ginger ‘Granate’ Kale Power Salad
- The Kilted Culinarian
- Feb 15, 2021
- 3 min read
As many of us get older, we often think more about the healthy decisions we make every day. I recently turned 50, asking myself how I should work out, how long I should sleep, and, indeed, what I should eat. Many of my friends and I like to share bits of health information, new recipes, or great restaurants to try. One issue that men may face but rarely want to discuss is their overall testosterone health.
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, “testosterone deficiency is common, affecting approximately 7% of men in their 50s, and increases with age.”
While researching foods that negatively and positively influence testosterone production, I created a quick and easy salad that is great for just about anyone. Using fresh ingredients that are good for us and promote healthy testosterone production and help reduce the stressors that impede testosterone production, the Ginger ‘Granate’ Kale Power Salad is a great tasting way to add to a healthy lifestyle.
So, what are these excellent testosterone-promoting ingredients, you ask?
Of the foods I discovered that positively impact testosterone production, my three favorites are:
Leafy Green Vegetables – Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are all excellent magnesium sources, which increases testosterone levels in the body. They are easy to incorporate into any meal plan, serving them raw or wilted to maximize their nutritional value.
Pomegranates – This powerhouse fruit contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and infection-fighting properties. It is a good source of vitamins C and K. Pomegranates reduce stress and contribute to mood improvement that would otherwise impede testosterone production.
Pumpkin Seeds – Considered an excellent source of zinc, which is part of many enzymes and a mighty contributor to sexual organ health, pumpkin seeds also provide a good fiber source.
This recipe comes from one of my favorite ‘go-to’ salads with some modifications focus on several of the testosterone power foods I uncovered in my research. You can see these foods have several health benefits and are not just for men. It had to taste good enough to make again while providing a balance of fat, protein, and fiber for everyone to share this recipe. This recipe serves as an example of how we can use healthy eating decisions to impact our lives positively.
Ginger ‘Granate’ Kale Power Salad
Makes 2 Servings as an entrée, or 4 as a side portion.
Ingredients
1 bunch of fresh kale (about 8 cups), stalks removed, cut into bite-size pieces,
1 tsp sea salt
1 can chickpeas (or 1 3/4 cups soaked; these can also be sprouted if you wish)
1/4 cup red or sweet onion (based on preference), diced
1/2 pomegranate, separating the arils (the juicy part that surrounds the seed) from skin
1/4 cup hulled roasted unsalted pumpkin seeds/pepitas
1 large avocado, cut into cubes
Ginger Balsamic Dressing (see recipe below)
Directions
Add the prepared kale into a large bowl, then sprinkle the sea salt and massage the ingredients together, working the kale with your hands until the kale is relaxed and vibrant green in color (about 2-3 minutes).
Toss in the chickpeas, prepared onion, pomegranate arils, hulled pumpkin seeds, cubed avocado, and the Ginger Balsamic Dressing, using just enough dressing to coat about 1/3 cup. You may always add more if needed.
Ginger Balsamic Dressing
Ingredients
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup and 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp honey
1 garlic clove, zested. You may want to use a Microplane
1-2 tsp fresh ginger. The amount depends on spice or flavor preference
A pinch of cayenne pepper to taste
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or jar with a lid. Whisk or shake until all ingredients are mixed well. You may adjust ingredients to taste.
Other foods that contribute to healthy testosterone production are ginger, oysters, salmon, extra virgin olive oil, onions, and blueberries. For more reading about foods that promote healthy testosterone. Follow these links:
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