March • 2022
FOOD HEROES & FEEL GOOD RECIPES
DR. GAVIN ARMSTRONG © RICHARD ROOT
© CARE BENIN 2022
LUCKY IRON FISH AND LEGUMES © RICHARD ROOT
How a Lucky Charm Is Solving One of the World’s Largest Health Problems anemia. Their symptoms ranged from inconvenient to deadly, and Charles knew he needed to Iron deficiency is the world’s do something to help. largest nutritional challenge, At the same time, Gavin with research from the World Armstrong was working Health Organization (WHO) on his Masters degree at suggesting that as many as 80 the University of Guelph, percent of people worldwide volunteering and fundraising do not have enough iron in in refugee camps in Kenya their bodies. Across the globe, over two and Dadaab, and conducting billion people are iron deficient, PhD research on solutions to combat malnutrition. most commonly women, With a similar goal of finding children, and teens. Canadian creative solutions to tackle company Lucky Iron Fish is striving to change that with the hidden hunger, Armstrong help of a little good luck charm. and Charles connected and developed the Lucky Iron Fish. In 2008, University While there are many ways to of Guelph PhD student increase one’s iron intake, such as Christopher Charles was researching anemia in Cambodia iron-rich foods and supplements, these options were not available and found that nearly half of in rural regions of Cambodia. the women and children were However, Charles wanted to afflicted by iron deficiency RAYE MOCIOIU
determine if placing a small piece of iron in a standard cooking pot would have similar iron-releasing results as a cast-iron pan. They distributed iron blocks to local Cambodian women for them to use in cooking pots but found that the women, confused and uninterested, were using them as doorstops instead. Armstrong and Charles decided to change their approach, shaping the iron block into the form of a fish—a sign of luck in Cambodian culture. This time, the recipients were far more interested in putting the fish to use. Iron is a vital mineral that feeds your body and your brain. Without adequate iron, the body is starved for oxygen. Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are linked to poor maternal health, poor cognitive
development, frequently falling sick, and much more. Using Lucky Iron Fish is simple: Add it to slightly acidified boiling liquid for 10 minutes. You can add it to water with a little bit of citrus or vinegar, or to soup, curry, etc. When added to the slightly acidified boiling liquid, the Fish/ Leaf will release microscopic iron particles off its surface and into the liquid! Making simple changes to the diet, such as adding more ironrich ingredients or iron-fortified meals to your daily diet, can help avoid or address iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. The Lucky Iron Fish was designed to provide a consistent boost of iron that so many women and children, not just in Cambodia but across the globe, are lacking.
“I am a firm believer that businesses have a responsibility to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges,” shares founder Armstrong. “And one of the biggest challenges we face today is that of hidden hunger. Over one third of the world’s population goes to bed malnourished. “I had a vision for my company to become a global leader in health innovation to improve the lives of two billion people who suffer from iron deficiency, the majority of whom are women, children, and those living in impoverished communities. Lucky Iron Fish was designed to serve as a simple solution to this complex problem. We are on a mission to make iron deficiency a thing of the past, one fish at a time.”
IRON-ENRICHED VEGGIE LOADED VEGAN PHO Staying in? This iron-infused Veggie Loaded Vegan Pho recipe will keep you warm AND keep your immunity strong. Like all good Pho, there are layers of flavour and texture that go into this recipe. This dish can be a labour of love or a quick dish you put together. The best part? The toppings are all up to you! Enjoy this nutrient-packed bowl of goodness! Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • • •
2 whole star anise 3 cloves 2 cinnamon sticks 1 yellow onion Thumb of ginger 4 cups vegetable broth ¼ cup tamari or soy sauce ¼ miso paste 1 lime Cilantro, to taste Mint, to taste Thai basil, to taste 1 Lucky Iron Fish or Leaf
SUGGESTED TOPPINGS: • Raw peppers, thinly sliced • Cabbage • Jalapenos • Zucchini • Edamame • Steamed broccoli • Corn • Pan-fried mushrooms • Bean sprouts • Chili Oil • Sriracha
broth and 1/4 cup of tamari and turn the heat to medium-high. 2 Bring to a boil, then add your Lucky Iron Fish/ Leaf. 3 After 10 minutes, remove the Fish/ Leaf and wash and dry it. 4 Strain the broth to take out chunks of onions and ginger.
STEP 3: ADDING UMAMI FLAVOUR 1 Scoop out 1 cup of the iron Directions infused broth. 2 Add 1/4 cup of miso paste and STEP 1: AROMATIC BASE stir till evenly combined. 1 Toast 2 whole star anise, 3 3 Pour it back in the stockpot cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks in a with the broth and stir again. dry stockpot on low heat for a minute. STEP 4: TOPPINGS, 2 Once fragrant, add 1 yellow FLAVOURS, AND SPICES onion, quartered, as well as 1 Add your favourite veggie top1 inch of ginger sliced thinly pings to the broth. 2 Before serving, add freshly to the dry stockpot. 3 Let it char a little for squeezed lime juice and freshly added flavour. grated lime zest. 3 Top with fresh mint, cilantro, STEP 2: IRON and Thai basil. INFUSED BROTH 4 For an extra kick, add chilli oil 1 Next, add 4 cups of vegetable or sriracha.
© UNSPLASH/JENNIFER SCHMIDT
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FISHERMAN PUTTING THE FISHING NET INTO THE WATER. © COURTESY OF FISHERIES COUNCIL OF CANADA
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