15 Natural Antibiotic-Filled Healthy Plant-Based Recipes

Most of us have taken antibiotics in our lifetime, treatment for a common ailment, generally prescribed by a doctor without a second thought. While these crucial medications are oftentimes essential for healing, recent studies have also found that certain antibiotics have unforeseen side effects that can be detrimental to overall health.

What are antibiotics anyways?

Technically, antibiotic is a term that refers to any “substance that inhibits the growth and replication of a bacterium or kills it outright.” These chemical agents are antimicrobials, referring to “anything that inhibits or kills microbial cells,” which are used to destroy and eradicate bacterial infections. Under the antibiotic umbrella term, there are two kinds: specialized —  which is used to kill specific strains of bacteria — and broad spectrum — which is used as a force of eradication, attacking a “wide range of bacteria, including ones that are beneficial to us,” such as our microbiome.

Studies have shown that antibiotics, while effective at staving off infections, also may have deadly side effects including wreaking havoc on the delicate ecosystem of the microbiome, damaging the liver, and even influencing and damaging mitochondria.

Luckily, the plant-based world can provide natural sources of infection-fighting agents that act similarly to antibiotics. When looking for antibiotic properties, look for vitamin-C-rich foods, along with oregano, onion, and garlic. Here are some recipes from the Food Monster App to get you started!

Before beginning to take, going off of, or integrating natural remedies into your diet, it’s crucial to speak with your doctor about the decision, as every situation is different.

1. Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Source: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are not only a cruciferous veggie, filled with cancer-fighting compounds, but they are also rich in vitamin C, which is known for its protective and healing properties. This Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts recipe by Medha Swaminathan is a super simple recipe that is rich in flavor for those that aren’t Brussels sprouts-friendly.

2. Paprika and Oregano Polenta Fries

Source: Paprika and Oregano Polenta Fries

Not all fries are unhealthy! These Paprika and Oregano Polenta Fries by Becky Cotter are nutrient-rich, oil-free, and seasoned with antimicrobial oregano.

3. Spicy Sweetcorn Onion Fritters

Source: Spicy Sweetcorn Onion Fritters

If you didn’t love onion before, then you will now in this Spicy Sweetcorn Onion Fritters recipe by Holly Jade. Lightly and naturally sweetened with sweetcorn, these fritters are filling and filled with the antibacterial properties of onion.

4. Lemon Garlic Zoodles

Source: Lemon Garlic Zoodles

Garlic is an ancient medicinal ingredient used to treat infections due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial components. This Lemon Garlic Zoodles recipe by Holly Bertone is a gluten-free substitute for traditional pasta, layered with immune-boosting garlic.

5. Citrus Water

Source: Citrus Water

Vitamin C is one of the most recognized natural medicines. It’s known for healing due to its powerful antibacterial qualities and ability to fight infections. This Citrus Water recipe by Gabriela Lupu is a wonderful tonic to have on hand to help keep you in tip-top shape.

6. 5-Ingredient Artichoke Oregano Spread

Source: 5-Ingredient Artichoke Oregano Spread

This 5-Ingredient Artichoke Oregano Spread recipe by Mati Michael is rich in citrus-based vitamin C, antimicrobial oregano, healthy fat-filled olive oil, and antifungal garlic making it the perfect on-hand natural antibiotic to spread on your favorite slab of toast.

7. Quinoa Corn Bowl With Garlic Sauce

Source: Quinoa Corn Bowl With Garlic Sauce

This Quinoa Corn Bowl With Garlic Sauce recipe by Kristina Humphreys provides all the goods in a comforting and filling package. Quinoa is rich in protein and fiber, garlic is a great anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibacterial agent, and corn sweetens the entire pot with natural sugars!

8. Garlic Miso and Onion Soup

Source: Garlic Miso and Onion Soup

Want a double punch of natural antibiotics? Try this Garlic Miso and Onion Soup recipe by Adams Media, which infuses a savory broth with garlic, onion, and microbiome-friendly miso.

9. Creamy Tomato Soup

Source: Creamy Tomato Soup

Not a miso fan, but are craving a bit of antibiotic-rich soup? This Creamy Tomato Soup recipe by Tamara Green and Sarah Grossman thrives off of a base of vitamin C-rich tomatoes and carrots, with a dash of antibacterial onions, and is enriched with full-fat coconut milk and extra-virgin olive oil.

10. Potato Oregano Rolls

Source: Potato Oregano Rolls

This Potato Oregano Rolls recipe by Namita Tiwari is a wonderfully creative and delicious bread recipe. These rolls are based around flour, potato, and olive oil — giving them a defining bread-like texture — and are infused with antimicrobial oregano, a bit of salt, and a dash of sugar.

11. Broccoli Frittata with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Onions, and Garlic

Source: Broccoli Frittata with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Onions, and Garlic

Looking for something special for dinner? Maybe you’re planning an evening party and want to dazzle with something vegan? This Broccoli Frittata with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Onions, and Garlic recipe by Emily von Euw is a meal that will truly shine. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that this recipe is rich in vitamin C, as well as antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory agents making it the perfect antibiotic-mimicking meal to heal.

12. Creamy Garlic Pasta With Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Tomatoes

Source: Creamy Garlic Pasta With Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Tomatoes

This Creamy Garlic Pasta With Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Tomatoes recipe by Taavi Moore is a great option to keep the whole family safe from colds! It’s rich in vitamin C and antibacterial properties, as well as a slew of other essential nutrients. Plus, this pasta will reheat for delicious leftovers throughout the week.

13. Sage Purple Potato Cakes With Saffron Sauce and Turnip Greens

Source: Sage Purple Potato Cakes With Saffron Sauce and Turnip Greens

Filled with color and vitamin C-rich turnip greens, this Sage Purple Potato Cakes With Saffron Sauce and Turnip Greens recipe by Valentina Chiappa is an incredibly unique and delicious take on traditional potato cakes.

14. Spring Onion Tart With Cheesy Tofu Cream

Source: Spring Onion Tart With Cheesy Tofu Cream

Spring may be far off, yet this Spring Onion Tart With Cheesy Tofu Cream recipe by Simona Malerba is perfect for any season. It’s based around onion, infusing the dish with antibacterial agents, and offers a creamy filling rich in tofu-based protein.

15. Patatas Bravas With Garlic Aioli

Source: Patatas Bravas With Garlic Aioli

Start or end the day with this super simple, delicious, and classic potato recipe. This Patatas Bravas With Garlic Aioli recipe by Taavi Moore infuses a satiating plate of potatoes with savory and aromatic garlic, also a wonderful antibiotic-mimicking natural food.

Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home

Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental well-being, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Unfortunately, dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, and prostate cancer, and has many side effects. 

For those interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend purchasing one of our many plant-based cookbooks or downloading the Food Monster App which has thousands of delicious recipes making it the largest vegan recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Here are some resources to get you started:

• Weekly Vegan Meal Plans
• Plant-Based Health Resources
• Plant-Based Food & Recipes
• The Ultimate Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition
• Plant-Based Nutrition Resources
• Budget-Friendly Plant-Based Recipes
• High Protein Plant-Based Recipes
• Plant-Based Meal Prep

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
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