Gluten-Free Partridgeberry Orange Flax Muffins

Nutrition, Recipe

By Julia Howard, MPH, RHN

Partridgeberries!

How lucky are Newfoundlanders to have these ruby red gems practically at our doorsteps?

Known as lingonberries on the mainland, partridgeberries are typically ready to be picked in early fall and may even last through the winter under the snow. Find them in acidic soil near barrens or coastal areas. 

If you can figure out a way to enjoy these tart little berries (e.g., muffins, pancakes, smoothies, or sauces), you will be rewarded with their health promoting effects.

Health Promoting Effects of Partridgeberries

One study, found that women who ate partridgeberries (as either a puree or a juice) along with sucrose (sugar) actually experienced lower blood sugar and insulin levels immediately after the meal compared to when they consumed only sucrose in water. The women also experienced a reduced drop in blood sugar one to two hours later.

Another study in men found that the intake of partridgeberry powder reduced the elevated blood sugar effects of eating added sugar by slowing the absorption and digestion of sucrose. 

The positive effects of partridgeberries may be attributed to their fibre and/or their polyphenol content which stabilize blood sugar and reduce oxidative stress.

In addition, studies in mice point to positive effects of partridgeberries on gut health and liver bile acid gene expression. One study found preventive effects on atherosclerosis when mice genetically prone to atherosclerosis were fed a high fat diet. In particular, the study found that the intake of partridgeberries increased gut bacteria associated with healthy gut mucosa and lowered levels of inflammation.

High-Fibre, Wholegrain Muffins

Oftentimes, we take these beautiful, whole food ingredients and combine them with heavily refined flours and sugars in baked goods but it doesn’t always have to be this way!

Check out this Gluten-Free Partridgeberry Orange Muffin Recipe for a nutritious, high- fibre way to introduce partridgeberries into your diet.

Gluten-Free Partridgeberry Orange Flax Muffins

Dry Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups brown rice flour
  • 2/3 cups ground flax seed
  • 1 heaping tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup partridgeberries
  • 1/2 cup orange pieces, chopped 
  • 1 tsp orange zest

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup coconut oil melted
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup unsweetened apple sauce
  • ½ cup maple syrup

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Mix together all dry ingredients in a bowl except berries, oranges, and zest
  • Whisk together wet ingredients in a separate bowl
  • Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir well 
  • Fold in berries, oranges, and zest  
  • Spoon batter into muffin tin and bake for approximately 35 minutes
  • Makes 12 muffins

Enjoy!

Thanks for reading,

~Julia 

Want to make the shift to healthier eating? We offer nutrition coaching!

Julia Howard - Nutritionist

Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27170557/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22854401/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27125264/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26890232/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22901554/https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23365108/

Chris Spurvey

Nutritional Coaching by Julia Howard

I heard somewhere that achieving your health goals is determined largely by what you do in the kitchen. I am grateful to have found Julia who brought direction and accountability to this most important piece for me. Having Julia in my corner has brought me confidence and certainty that I am on my way to achieving my goals. I highly recommend her if you are serious about making a change and feeling better about your health.

Carly Wallwork

Personal Strength Training by Jon-Erik Kawamoto

I’m 30 — started at JKC Aug 2016. I moved to NL to open lululemon and we chose Jon as one of our store’s ambassadors, did one workout and have raved about it ever since! The JKC team can adapt a workout no matter what the situation — injuries, new goals, you name it! The trust and expertise can’t be matched!

Darrin Goulding

Personal Strength Training by Jon-Erik Kawamoto

Nic Capps

Personal Strength Training by Thomas King

I’ve been weight training on and off for years but never really had a specific goal or target in mind so routinely stalled out, plateaued or stopped training all together. Before I joined JKC I was definitely in a fitness slump and needed something to motivate me and get me back on track. I did a bit of digging online, looking at various personal training options and gyms around town but JKC seemed like the best option by far. I’ve tried big box gyms and other personal trainers in the past but none of them have had the perfect combination of goal specific fitness programming, welcoming and supportive environment, and the knowledge and passion to back it all up that you’ll find at JKC. Jon and Thomas are great to work with, they know how to motivate you if you’re having an off day and are well versed in all the different ways to make your muscles burn! I also have noticed some major improvements in my deadlifts since I started with JKC and was really happy with the result.

Stephanie Hartery

Personal Strength Training by Jon-Erik Kawamoto

I’ve always been a gym rat, but was getting tired of the same ol’ routine. My better half was attending JKC and encouraged me to try it out. My favourite part of JKC is that is isn’t a gym – it’s a community. Jon and Thomas are awesome, and I love that every time I go I know who’s working out with me and we can socialize while working on our health. Everyone is supportive, encouraging and genuinely looks out for one another. It’s an upbeat and positive experience and I can honestly say that I look forward to each and every workout.

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