Guardian

THE eye is one of the most amazing of organs in the body and its function is fundamental to all beings. It helps us to see things. At the same time, it continuously sends information to the brain for interpretation of what it has seen. For the eye to carry out all these complex functions, it needs to be appropriately nourished.

The eye only needs a small amount of oxygen and few other substances found in foods such as vitamin A (which is necessary for maintaining and keeping the eye in good condition), carotenoids (natural dyes found in plant-based foods, that act as antioxidants and help prevent macular degeneration of the retina) and also vitamin C and E, which are antioxidants found most exclusively in vegetables and fruits (they help to prevent vision loss and cataracts).

Spinach and pepper jollof rice is specially designed to contribute to the prevention of several ophthalmological conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma. It supplies good amounts of antioxidants vitamins A, C and E as well as B vitamins and trace minerals, all of which to keep the eyes in good health; promote good sight, prevents visual acuity and improve one’s adaptation to night vision.

The principal ingredients in this recipe are spinach, pepper and rice. Regular consumption of this dish helps to keep the eyes healthy, prevent eye disorders and reduces the risk of muscular degeneration of the retina, the most important cause of irreversible vision loss for those over 65 years of age.

Spinach and pepper rice consumption is also helpful in the prevention of the following diseases anaemia (shortage of blood), constipation, obesity (excess fat in the body), neuritis (inflammation of nerves), nerve exhaustion, high blood pressure, cancer prevention, osteoporosis and dyspepsia (chronic indigestion) because of its high vitamins, fibre and minerals content.

Intake of this nutritious food helps to slow aging process, support immune, and reduce inflammation like that found in arthritis and asthma. It also helps in lowering blood sugar level, cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Recommendation

Spinach and pepper jollof rice is recommended for those that want to prevent eyes disorders and maintain good sight even at old age. It is also beneficial to pregnant women because of its high iron, folic acid and vitamins content which is essential for the mother-to be and for the unborn baby.

Ingredients               Quantities

Rice                            3 cups

Spinach                       1 medium bunch

Chicken                       ½ (half) kilo

Fresh tomatoes            6 medium size

Fresh pepper               4 medium size

Sweet pepper              1 medium size

Onion                          1 large bulb

Tin tomatoes               1 small size

Curry powder              1 table spoon

Thyme                         ½ (half) tablespoon

Olive oil                      1 cooking spoon

Seasoning  cube          2

Water                          2 litres and chicken stock

Salt                             To taste

Method of preparation

Season the chicken with some onions, salt, thyme, curry powder and 1 seasoning cube.

Grind or blend tomatoes and fresh pepper.

Heat the olive oil for few minutes.

Fry the ground tomatoes and pepper.

Stir and fry till the sourness is off.

Add the onion and the tomato puree.

Stir and add the water and the chicken stock.

Wash the rice thoroughly and add to the pot.

Stir; add the remaining curry powder and thyme.

Cook for few minutes.

Add the seasoned chicken and the remaining seasoning cube.

Stir and add salt to taste; simmer till the rice is cooked and stir at intervals.

Add the shredded spinach.

Stir thoroughly.

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped sweet. pepper, sliced onions and serve.

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