There is one ingredient that is marvelous with many dishes, but it is also packed full of nutrients that are great for your body and your eyes. This little secret is cilantro. It is filled with antioxidants, minerals, essential oils and dietary fiber. Cilantro is also one of nature’s most powerful anti-inflammatory sources. Grown from coriander seed, cilantro has many health benefits, including its ability to increase good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL). It also aids with digestion, boosts the immune system and relieves symptoms of arthritis.
That’s not all this tasty little herb can do. Cilantro has a great benefit to those with diabetes or prediabetes by facilitating insulin secretion, which can essentially lower blood glucose level. By maintaining glucose levels, diabetic patients can reduce their risk of developing diabetic retinopathy in their eyes. This condition occurs when the blood vessels in the eye’s retina become damaged due to uncontrolled or long-term diabetes.
So instead of packing on pounds of cheese and meat, try this barbeque chicken pizza recipe topped with cilantro. It makes a great dinner for the entire family as well as a great choice for get togethers with friends. This recipe was created by our very own Midwest Eye Consultants optometrist, Dr. L’erin Garner. Be sure to check out some of her other recipes, coming soon on our blog.
- Barbeque Chicken Pizza2016-08-18 19:03:28This pizza is packed full of nutrients that are great for your body and your eyes!Ingredients
- 2 - 12" multigrain or whole wheat thin pizza crusts, prepackaged
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt for sprinkling
- 1/3 cup + 4-6 tbsp low-sodium, low carbohydrate barbeque sauce
- 1 small red pepper, sliced thin
- 1/2 of whole red onion, cut in half and sliced thin
- 1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- Chopped cilantro, to taste
Instructions- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Lightly salt the chicken breasts on both sides, then place them in an oven safe dish. Pour 1/3 cup of barbeque sauce over the chicken breasts and turn them over to coat both sides of the meat. Bake for 18-22 minutes (or until the chicken is cooked through). Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and dice the chicken. Set aside.
- Increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees.
- Spoon the 2-3 tbsp of barbeque sauce on each crust and spread the sauce evenly over the crust. Top each crust with the chicken, chopped red pepper and red onion. Cover each pizza with 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake each pizza for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and toppings are bubbly.
- Remove the pizzas from the oven and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top of each pizza. Cut into squares or slices and serve immediately.
Midwest Eye Consultants https://www.midwesteyeconsultants.com/
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