Salmon with Grainy Mustard and Wheat Germ Topping
Ingredients:
- 4 – 1” pieces of salmon
- ¼ cup wheat germ toasted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 4 Tbsp grainy mustard
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 375 °F.
- Rinse the salmon and place on parchment paper lined baking sheet.
- Toast the wheat germ by heating in non-stick fry pan over medium heat. Remove from heat when a medium brown colour is achieved.
- Cover the top and sides of the salmon fillet with grainy mustard.
- Mix the garlic powder, cayenne pepper and toasted wheat germ and apply over the mustard.
- Place the salmon into the preheated oven and cook until you see the white fat appear on the fish. You can test it with a fork. When the salmon flakes, it is done. Do not overcook it or it will be dry! It should be about 10 minutes depending on the thickness.
- Separate the salmon from the skin and dark fat (keep reading to find out why I suggest this!).
- Serve with your favourite vegetable and grain!
This is an original recipe by Jean LaMantia at www.jeanlamantia.com. It is adapted from a recipe from this blog Wheat Germ Crusted Salmon. Please share with credit to www.jeanlamantia.com.
Why should a cancer survivor enjoy Salmon with Grainy Mustard and Wheat Germ Topping?
Let me explain…
In a recent blog series, I reviewed the Top Nutrients For Immune Function that were recently highlighted in a webinar by the National Cancer Institute. (You can see the links to the blogs in the notes section below). One of the top nutrients for immune function discussed was omega-3 fatty acid. This make omega-3 fatty acid a MUST for cancer thrivers!
Omega-3 Fatty Acid
Omega-3 fatty acid is found in cold water fish including salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, anchovies and trout. It is important for you as a cancer survivor (and thriver!) to include these types of fish in your diet regularly (about two times per week). This is because omega-3 is a strong anti-inflammatory (the strongest in fact) and it can also support the immune system. A strong immune system can mean a better defense against cancer cells!
There is a Catch!
There is indeed a catch at the end of the salmon line. The catch is that researchers discovered that omega-3 could reduce T-cell mediated immune function. This means that it can actually reduce the functioning of this part of the immune system. Yikes!! But I just said that omega-3 was immune boosting, right? It is immune boosting, BUT you have to combine omega-3 with other foods properly to achieve this immune boosting effect.
Food Combining to The Rescue
The solution to overcoming the immune weakening effect of omega-3 is to include an antioxidant along with the fish oil. In the research (referenced below), a supplement of 100 and 200 IU of vitamin E (an antioxidant) was used. While the research on this used a vitamin E supplement, you can also get your antioxidants from food.
Antioxidants Plus Omega-3
Antioxidants include vitamins E and C, as well as beta-carotene, flavonoids and selenium. A wheat germ crust (wheat germ is high in vitamin E) with salmon is an example of combining an antioxidant with omega-3. And it’s delicious!
Other Food Combining Examples
Combine your favourite omega-3 rich fish plus:
- Citrus glaze
- Side salad with almonds and strawberries
- Tropical fruit salad (papaya, kiwi, guava, mango)
- Guacamole
- Green tea
- Berries
- Bean salad
- Brazil nuts
Do you have a favourite combination of omega-3 rich fish and an antioxidant? Please share your idea below!
Why Remove the Fish Skin and Dark Fat?
While there is a big health benefit to consuming fish for its omega-3 content, because of environmental contamination, fish can contain contaminants such as PCBs. Many contaminants are bound in the fat and the skin of the fish, so by removing these parts of the fish, you will reduce your exposure!
References
Nutrients for Immune Function Blog Series
What Foods Boost My Immune System?
Vitamin E and Your Immune System
Do Low Vitamin B6 Levels Harm My Immune System?
Is Fish Oil Beneficial or Detrimental?
The Link between Mushrooms and Immune Function
National Cancer Institute Webinar: Cancer Prevention Through Immunomodulation: Does Diet Play a Role?
Fish Oil and Vitamin E Study
J Am Coll Nutr. 2006 Aug;25(4):300-6.