Carrot, Apple, Ginger, and Turmeric Muffins: A Delicious Recipe for Eye Health

At Wholesome Tucker, Linda Molloy, a celebrated wholefood chef and founder of WholesomeTucker.com, is passionate about teaching people how to create simple, delicious, and healthful meals using traditional cooking techniques. Drawing inspiration from Ayurvedic medicine, macrobiotics, and Chinese medicinal cooking, Linda focuses on recipes that are dairy-free, sugar-free, gluten-free, and grain-free. Today, we're thrilled to share one of her creations: Carrot, Apple, Ginger, and Turmeric Muffins. These muffins are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a boost for your eye health.

The Power of Turmeric for Eye Health

Turmeric, and its active compound curcumin, has been extensively studied for its health benefits. Research has shown that curcumin possesses potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and even anti-cancer properties. These qualities make it particularly beneficial for individuals with eye disorders such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Curcumin helps combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, protecting the optic nerves, and offering cerebroprotective and cardioprotective benefits. For individuals with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), who often experience deficiencies in fatty acids, folic acid, and antioxidants, turmeric may offer additional support. While ongoing studies aim to deepen our understanding, turmeric remains a promising natural agent for maintaining eye and overall health.

Linda's Carrot, Apple, Ginger, and Turmeric Muffins

Ingredients

• 1 cup organic whole spelt flour

• 1 cup almond meal

• 3/4 cup coconut sugar or your prefered sugar type

• 1 teaspoons baking powder (Linda's Tip: Make your own by mixing 1/3 tsp baking soda with 2/3 tsp cream of tartar to avoid commercial raising agents that can irritate the gut lining.)

• pinch of salt

• 1 tsp turmeric spice

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/8 tsp nutmeg

• 1 apples, diced (leave the skin on for extra fiber)

• 1 carrot, grated

• 1/2 cup dried dates diced

• 3/4 cup cold-pressed macadamia oil or grape seed oil

• 1 Tbls lime zest

• 1/8 cup fresh ginger juice (substitute with 1 tablespoon ginger powder if needed)

• 1 cup almond milk (add extra if needed)

  
  

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).

2. Prepare the dry ingredients: Sift the spelt flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the almond meal, coconut sugar, baking powder, salt, turmeric, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well.

3. Wisk wet ingredients: In a seperate bowl, combine the almond milk, egg and macadamia oil.

4. Combine wet and dry: Add the grated carrot, diced apple, and chopped dates to the dry mixture. Gradually pour in the wet ingredients and mix gently by hand or with a spatula. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the muffins dense. Add a little extra almond milk if needed.

5. Assemble the muffins: Spoon the batter into muffin cases, filling them evenly. Decorate each muffin with a thin apple wedge pressed gently into the top.

6. Bake: Place the muffins in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. Set a timer for 20 minutes to rotate the tray for even cooking. Check for doneness by inserting a skewer into the center—it should come out clean.

   
   

A Healthy, Tasty Treat

These muffins are a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition, offering the warmth of ginger and turmeric, the sweetness of apples and dates, and the wholesome goodness of spelt and almond meal. Whether you're looking to support your eye health or simply enjoy a nutrient-packed snack, this recipe is a winner.

Try baking these muffins at home and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Your taste buds—and your eyes—will thank you!