Celebrate the Holidays — and These Side Dishes
Nutrition is a powerful defense against hearing loss, and the holidays offer a great opportunity to load up on some delicious and hearing-healthy nutrients. These side dishes are packed with a whole host of cochlea-cuddling nutrients.
You Hear What You Eat
It’s well-established that folate, omega-3 fatty acids, the antioxidant-magnesium combo, and potassium offer robust support for the tiny world inside your inner ears. But how?
Healthy blood flow to your cochlea
The cochlea is a spiral-shaped organ in your inner ear. It converts sound waves into electrical signals, which is how your brain receives information about the sounds you hear.
Your cochlea is highly sensitive to blood flow — all the tiny structures inside rely on a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to function properly. Any little thing that affects blood flow might weaken or destroy those tiny structures.
The nutrients we’re talking about all promote proper functioning of your cochlea, whether by supporting good blood flow or preventing damage from free radicals.
Folate
A diet high in folate lowers your risk of developing hearing problems and delays onset of age-related hearing loss.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Higher intake of omega-3s (especially from fish) is linked with a lower risk of hearing loss — but some reports suggest you can overdo it on the omega-3s. Shoot for sticking to the recommended dose of around 1.5 grams for male adults and 1 gram for female adults.
Antioxidants paired with magnesium
Getting more antioxidants and magnesium in your diet is linked with a lower risk of hearing loss. The combination seems to have an even greater effect than would be expected based on the effects of each individually.
Potassium
Research supports that people who eat high levels of potassium have better hearing and are less likely to have hearing loss compared to those who don’t.
Root Vegetable Tarte Tatin
This dish has all four nutrients mentioned above, and in abundance. But this hearing-health powerhouse is as delicious as it is good for you.
The veggies, sugar, olive oil, white wine vinegar, and herbs provide a sweet-spot balance of savory and sweet — plus the inspired addition of goat cheese!
Mix and match the root vegetables to suit the tastes of your household.
Honey-Thyme Butternut Squash
All by itself, the butternut squash holds its own as a flavor favorite — but it also packs a punch with all four inner-ear friendly nutrients listed above!
Like the root-vegetable tarte tatin, it has just the right balance of sweet and savory: The butternut squash is complemented by the perfect hints of cream, honey, and herbs.
Could it — dare we say it — replace mashed potatoes as your go-to holiday side?
Skillet Zucchini and Sausage
The classic familiarity of meat and veggies meets hearing-health support in this savory delight that’s sure to please everyone.
The zucchini, tomatoes, onion, and sweet peppers are the stars of the show, but feel free to swap out the sausage for a lower-sodium meat such as chicken.
Cranberry Rice Pilaf
This dish is a triple threat — delicious, packed with all four nutrients mentioned above, and an excellent crash course for those new to cooking!
Show your nephew how to sauté. Show a trustworthy teen grandchild how to dice onions and celery. Or don’t, and enjoy preparing an easy and delicious side dish yourself.
Brussels Sprouts With Balsamic and Cranberries
It’s entirely possible this easy, amazing side dish will make brussels sprouts converts out of even your most picky eater.
Roasted brussels sprouts are drizzled with a balsamic-sugar reduction, then dried cranberries are sprinkled on top — the perfect complement to whatever meat is the star of the show!
Wondering how your hearing is doing? Contact us to schedule an appointment!