If you’re a regular here at this blog, then you may have guessed what the sweet produce is,
and for those who are new, it’s the Sweet potato.

Mentioned in a number of past posts, this versatile spud can benefit your health in a
number of ways, and today, we’re talking about Stress.

If post-holiday stress is still affecting you, savor a sweet potato a few times a week
to lessen it, (the stress).

Sweet potatoes can help you feel calmer and more energized for a few hours and eating
them on a daily basis can keep you 45% more relaxed all winter.
Sweet potatoes are brimming with plant compounds (carotenoids) that heighten your
brain’s production of mood-steadying hormones, (serotonin).

So, now that you’re aware of sweet potato’s special qualities to help reduce stress levels,
here are 2 recipes using the special spud.

Recipe No. 1-
Boost merriment and joy with this soup made with sweet potatoes.
Sweet Potato Soup!
Ingredients:
2 lbs. of sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 can of chopped tomatoes, (14.5 oz. can)
1 white onion, cut into thin slices
2 cloves of garlic, minced
4 cups of chicken stock
1/2 tsp. of ground cumin
1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese
To make: Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven 400 degrees until softened.
Or boil them on top of the stove in a pot of water until softened.
Heat up a large pot over medium-heat, toss in a Tbs. or two of olive oil and then add the
onion and garlic, allowing both to get lightly browned and then add the tomatoes,
chicken stock, let simmer for 15 minutes, add the potatoes and let simmer for
another 5 mins. Add cumin and other spices (if you wish), stir in and turn off the heat.
Ladle into bowls and sprinkle on some Parmesan cheese. Serve with a good quality
bread and a salad.

Recipe No. 2-
Sunday morning treats known as Pancakes.
Sweet Potato Pancakes!
Ingredients:
1 cup of Bisquick, (regular or gluten-free)
1/2 cup of buttermilk
1/2 cup of mashed sweet potatoes (cooked)
1 egg
2 tsp. of brown sugar
1/4 tsp. of ground ginger
1/4 tsp. of ground nutmeg
1 Tbs.of Butter
To make:
In a bowl, stir first 7 ingredients until just combined.
In a non-stick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup of batter;
cook until mixture bubbles, about 3 mins. Flip; cook until golden, about 3 mins.
Repeat with remaining batter. If desired, serve with warm maple syrup or mixed
berries that have been heated in a small saucepan.
Enough for 4 servings.

That’s It- You shopping list for this week to help lower your post-holiday stress
levels.

Sources:
* Canadian Research Team
* Sally Rose, Psychologist
* Cornell University
* Veg News Magazine
* Cooking Light, Magazine
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