Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) comes with its own set of challenges. In our effort to support those affected, we've found a unique way to manage symptoms: by adding terpene-rich foods to your diet. Terpenes are natural compounds found in plants like cannabis and are known for their potential health benefits. Stay tuned for simple recipes packed with terpenes that you can easily find at your local grocery store!
What are the symptoms of MS?
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, first symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis include blurred and/or double vision, pain and loss of vision, and an abnormal feeling of pins and needles called paresthesia. Other symptoms include things like muscle spasms, loss of sensation, and having trouble with coordination.
The Recipes:
Limonene-Infused Citrus Salad:
- Ingredients:
- Mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and kale)
- Oranges, segmented
- Grapefruit, segmented
- Lemon zest
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Recipe:
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens with the segmented oranges and grapefruit.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, honey (optional), salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing and aromatic side dish.
Terpene: Limonene, commonly found in the rinds of citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and oranges may help with the pain and inflammatory effects of MS.2
Myrcene-Rich Herb Roasted Chicken:
- Ingredients:
- Whole chicken
- Fresh rosemary
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh sage
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Recipe:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine minced garlic with olive oil to create a paste.
- Rub the garlic paste all over the chicken, including under the skin.
- Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the cavity of the chicken with fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
- Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Linalool-Lavender Infused Honey Yogurt Parfait:
- Ingredients:
- Greek yogurt
- Lavender flowers (culinary grade)
- Honey
- Granola
- Mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Recipe:
- In a small saucepan, heat honey over low heat until warm.
- Add lavender flowers to the warm honey and let steep for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Strain the lavender-infused honey through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container.
- In serving glasses or bowls, layer Greek yogurt, granola, and mixed berries.
- Drizzle the lavender-infused honey over the parfait layers.
- Repeat the layering process until glasses are filled.
- Garnish the top with a sprinkle of lavender flowers for visual appeal.
- Serve immediately as a nutritious and aromatic breakfast or dessert option.
References:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS). Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/multiple-sclerosis-ms
- Eddin, L. B., Jha, N. K., Meeran, M. F. N., Kesari, K. K., Beiram, R., & Ojha, S. (2021). Neuroprotective Potential of Limonene and Limonene Containing Natural Products. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 26(15), 4535. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26154535
- Surendran, S., Qassadi, F., Surendran, G., Lilley, D., & Heinrich, M. (2021). Myrcene-What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent?. Frontiers in nutrition, 8, 699666. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.699666
- Kamatou GPP, Viljoen AM. Linalool – a Review of a Biologically Active Compound of Commercial Importance. Natural Product Communications. 2008;3(7). https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578X0800300727