Dr. Nammy Patel is an accomplished green certified dentist in California. In fact, her practice (Green Dentistry) is the only green dentist in San Francisco. Her dental practice is flourishing with the attention to detail she gives, but her dedication to health and well-being became a huge priority in her life when she became unwell. An eating regime from her dietician included almonds - lots of almonds - and she had to incorporate them into her diet at every available opportunity. This lead her to the kitchen, where she created her whole almond infusion butter. It was an instant hit with friends and staff at the practice, so she decided to make it available for a wider audience.
We have been very excited that Dr. Patel and Green Dentistry has sponsored EcoTuesday for the past few months. Her passion for caring for the environment, for people’s health and for eating well has been an inspiration. We recently sat down with her for a valuable ‘Question and Answer’ session. She had many insights to share which we have summed up for you.
Out of all of the great food products that are beneficial to a person's health, why did you choose almond butter? What was your inspiration?
Apart from being delicious, almonds represent one of the richest natural protein sources of any nut. An ounce of almonds have an equivalent amount of protein to a large egg. They have no cholesterol, and little to no sodium. The nuts don’t only stave off hunger but are also are a good source of fiber and contain other key nutrients, including calcium, riboflavin, niacin and the antioxidant alpha-tocopheral vitamin E. The flavor of almonds blends well with other spices, and I found that not only did they promote health, they mixed well with spices that were good for you, too. My inspiration of spices mirror the not for profit organization I have set up in India promoting green dentistry. It’s been a great mix of my two strongest passions.
Can you share some of the benefits your customers have received since by eating Almond Fusion?
Almond infusion butter is a super food in a jar! The first thing they notice is how good it tastes, then when they know how good it is for them they feel justified in enjoying it. It’s a complete menu of nutrients which helps to help manage weight and food cravings, offers a source of protein without the added bad cholesterol, and helps reduce heart disease. It also assists in balancing your body’s PH in addition to the added benefit that it helps decrease cavities. For instance, garlic, one of the ingredients, is known for its healthy heart and antibacterial properties due to its levels of selenium - an antioxidant that protects against various forms of cancer. Another ingredient, capsicum, is a natural anti-inflammatory. All the ingredients promote health in some way.
How does this venture tie into green dentistry?
Going green isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for our patients. I believe there are many ways to use the natural resources we have to improve what we do. San Francisco Green Dentistry is a LEED Certified Green practice dedicated to keeping clients healthy through environmentally sustainable practices. In big and small ways, we’ve invested in the technology to make a trip to the dentist good for you and the planet. I have a deep commitment to doing what is best for our bodies, and my almond fusion butter is a way to enjoy a natural super food that is kind to your teeth and can prevent tooth cavities, as well improve your whole health. Prevention is always better than cure, and it’s the most delicious form of prevention I know!
Can you share a favorite recipe?
This is a wonderfully easy, but utterly delicious, way to introduce Almond fusion butter into your diet, and it’s a pleaser for all palettes.
Carrots Royale, with Almond Butter
Created by: Almond Board of California
Servings 4
Ingredients
2 cups thinly sliced carrots
2 Tbs. butter
1/4 cup orange marmalade
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1 Tbs. orange-flavored liqueur
1/3 cup almond fusion (Mild or hot to personal preference)
Preparation: Sauté carrots in butter until tender-crisp, stirring constantly. Stir in remaining ingredients, tossing to coat evenly. Serve.
Did you have aspirations to get into the gourmet food market?
If you asked me two years ago what I’d be doing with my life, I would have told you I would just be working with my patients and loving life. But life has a way of shaking you up a little. I was unwell, and thankfully my nutritionist suggested almonds, and it all flowed from there. I didn’t know how good they were until I had to use them for my own health, and now I want to share it, it’s as simple as that. But it is a great feeling to create something with a gourmet flavor with every bite and it’s also healthy for you! Both are delicious, the Mild Almond Fusion and Heated Almond Fusion are great for health while also impressing even your snobbiest gourmet foodie inclinations. I promise!
Our time with Dr. Nammy Patel was informative and the results were very tasty! Anyone who’s philosophy is to make a trip to the dentist as relaxing as going to a spa gets a huge green thumbs up from us, but her creative problem solving the natural way was inspiring. The benefits of increasing whole foods in everyone’s diets is apparent, but it was Nammy’s devotion to bringing whole foods to a larger audience that made it such a great time. We are grateful to her for sponsoring EcoTuesday, and wish her well in all her green endeavors.
