Friday, September 30, 2011

CocoNutty frozen banana chocolate balls- a SuperFood

Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup of raw cocoa powder for oen batch (3/4 cup carob powder for 2nd batch)
  • 1 cup almonds (enough for 2 plus batches)
  • 1 cup sunflower seeds (enough for 2 plus batches)
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1 tbs organic raw Lucuma powder
  • 1 tbs organic raw Maca powder
  • 1 tbs organic raw Mesquite powder 
  • 1 tbs Mucuna powder
  • 1 tbs Shilajit powder
  • Himalayan salt (a pinch in 3tbs of warm water...to use a tsp of the water)
  • Raw honey and for 2nd batch Dates (sweeten to preference)
  • 1 raw vanilla bean (extract bean seeds and mix in with tsp of coconut oil)
  • liquid vanilla creme stevia (fore more sweetening and vanilla flavor)
  • 3 frozen bananas chopped up into bite size pieces

I made 2 batches....3 actually.  2 using chocolate, and 1 using carob powder, a no-caffeine alternative to chocolate (looks like chocolate but tastes slightly different, but still makes for a delicious treat!). 
I sweetened one chocolate batch with dates, and the other with Honey. I sweetened the carob one with dates.  
Not viewed in the photo was mucuna powder and shilajit which I did add. However I did not add the ashwagandha. I am sharing photos from a previous batch where I used agave instead of honey and dates, but my preferred recipe is the healthier version with dates and honey as sweetener, and the added super powders of mucuna and shilajit. 











  
Did you know
The cocoa contains many super powers that can help improve your health, inside and out. Discover some of the reasons why you should add cocoa to your diet...as I do ^_^

Flavonoids
Cocoa contains flavonoids, a type of chemical found naturally in plants. These phytochemicals are known to help fight a wide array of diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. Make sure you’re getting all of the benefits of flavonoids by buying dark chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa. If you aren’t sure, look for bars with “pure,” “dark” or “unprocessed” on the label. Or like me, make your own chocolate with pure raw cacao!

Lowering Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can be combated with a daily dose of cocoa. We now know that the flavonols found in cocoa can thin blood and relax blood vessels. If you are worried about high blood pressure, even a small amount, like a sprinkle of cocoa on your cereal every day, can help lower your numbers.

Skin Softener
Cocoa contains antioxidants that work toward repairing damaged skin. This will make your skin softer, especially when paired with other homeopathic skins cures like raw honey or raw yogurt. Next time you are giving yourself a manicure, use a homemade cocoa lotion; click here for the instructions.

Mood Booster
When you’re feeling down, sometimes there’s nothing better than eating chocolate. And as it turns out, there is a scientific reason why cocoa is so often the perfect answer for a case of the blues. This miracle food contains hundreds of compounds that boost endorphins and serotonin, two of the best-known chemicals that are responsible for making us feel happy. Next time you need a quick mood boost, try making yourself a cup of hot cocoa, and your day is sure to turn out more delicious:)

Thursday, September 29, 2011

fluoridation- take action!

The fluoridation empire is continuing to crumble!  This September alone, there have already been four community victories against fluoridation.  But, before we get to the details of these great victories, we need your help.



We have the unprecedented opportunity to request that President Obama end all federal involvement in the promotion, endorsement, and funding for fluoridation of the public's drinking water.  If we can collect 5,000 signatures in the next 30 days, or by October 26, White House staff will review it, ensure it's sent to the appropriate policy experts, and issue an official response.  






Signing the petition to President Obama only takes a minute, and it could be the most influential fluoride petition you've ever signed.  Please share this petition with friends, family, and co-workers.  Under the text of the petition there are two buttons you can use to promote the petition on Facebook and Twitter

September Victories

This month, four more communities around the world have stopped fluoridating their drinking water.  In the United States, City Councils in both Hohenwald, Tennessee and College Station, Texas voted almost unanimously to end decades of fluoridation.

Hohenwald is the second Tennessee city in the last month to remove fluoride from its water system, following Spring Hill's vote in August.  According to the Hohenwald City Recorder, there were several reasons for the City Council's unanimous decision, including saving $9,000 a year, and the questionable health benefits of adding fluoride.

This past Thursday in Texas, the College Station City Council voted 6-1 to end 22 years of fluoridation because of the $42,000 a year price tag, and because of the abundance of dental products containing fluoride.  College Station has a population of nearly 100,000, and is home to Texas A&M University, which has 42,000 students.

In Canada, the community of Slave Lake, Alberta announced that on October 1st, fluoride will no longer be added to drinking water.  The decision is said to have followed considerable research and discussion, as well as the lead of other Canadian communities like Calgary.

In the UK, residents of Southampton, along with Hampshire Against Fluoridation, collected 6,000 signatures to force the city council to debate a motion on withdrawing its support for fluoridation.  In response, the City Council voted by a majority of 2-1 in opposition to fluoridation.  Unfortunately, the Council's vote may not be enough to prevent the regional health authority from implementing fluoridation.  Upcoming federal reforms are expected to give local councils the power to end fluoridation by 2013.  This vote will give the city council the authority to prevent fluoridation as long as possible, and at the least, be able to end fluoridation in 2013 if it's mandated by the government.


___________________________________
Breaking News!
We have just heard that the water authority serving Spencer, Indiana has decided to stop fluoridating its water as of September 30.  More details will follow.
___________________________________

Join the fight for drug free water!  Just say no to fluoridation in your community by visiting "How you Can Help End Fluoridation" to learn how to start your own campaign.

Sincerely,

Stuart Cooper
Campaign Manager
Fluoride Action Network 

In case you are unaware of why this is such an issue, here is a short video explaining,
 
Natural health physician and Mercola.com founder Dr. Joseph Mercola together with Dr. Bill Osmunson discuss the dangers of fluoride and the importance of using fluoride-free dental products.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Cut, Poison, Burn

Please watch this documentary while it is made available free...A MUST WATCH
Absolutely Infuriating!!

Cut Poison Burn is a searing film that illuminates the grim truth about America's so-called War on Cancer. This thought-provoking documentary takes on the forces that have conspired to thwart meaningful advances in cancer research and treatment over the past century. These forces include the federal government (in its effort to label and persecute innovators as quacks), drug companies eager to suppress alternative treatments and powerful industry organizations that place profit over human lives. The story centers on the Navarros, a family struggling to keep their young son alive. The war between the Navarro Family and the FDA is perhaps this country's greatest evidence as to why there should be medical freedom. As the personal meets the political, we see how the FDA holds a vise-like grip on treatment options. Heart-wrenching and informative, the film ultimately expresses the hope that we can create a new paradigm of prevention, medical freedom and acceptance of highly-tailored therapies to usher in a more enlightened era. Over 12 years, 150 hours of footage and interviews with top oncologists, researchers, policy-makers, homeopaths and patients carry the story and reveal that we are on the brink of disaster and in desperate need of reform.

Onions

Nutrition Information And Facts about Onions

The health benefits of onion are endless
because of its powerful anti-septic
and anti-bacterial properties.


The onion is a member of the lily family, a close relation of garlic.  It is often called the "king of vegetables" because of its pungent taste. 
There are many varieties of the onion; white, yellow, red and green globes.  They also differ in size, color and taste.  The smaller onions come in many varieties such as the green onion, or scallion which includes chives, leeks and shallots.
The smaller the onions, the more pungent they are.  They are the ones that make your eyes water when you cut them, when the organic sulphur is released.
Nutritional Benefits
There is considerable variation in composition between different varieties and they also vary with the stage of maturity and the length of storage.
Onion is a powerful anti-septic that is rich in vitamins A, B and C.  It is a potent source of folic acid, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chromium, iron and dietary fiber. 

Health Benefits
Ancient records reveal that onions have been used as far back as 4000 B.C. as a cure-all for many illnesses.  In WW II, the vapors of onion paste was used to reduce the pain and accelerated the healing of soldiers' wounds.


Even now, we find many medicinal properties from this dynamite bulb:
Anemia:  The high content of iron in onion makes it beneficial for the treatment of anemia.

Anti-coagulant:  Just by eating half a medium raw onion daily can significantly lower cholesterol and help prevent heart attacks.

Anti-inflammatory:  The anti-inflammatory agents in onion are useful in reducing the symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and gout.

Anti-septic:  Fights infection bacteria, including E.coli and salmonella, and is effective against tuberculosis and infections of the urinary tract, such as cystitis.

Blood pressure:  Whether you eat it raw or cooked, onions help to lower blood pressure naturally.  It also thins the blood, dissolve blood clots and clear the blood of unhealthy fats.

Cholesterol:  Eating half a medium raw onion daily significantly helps to correct thrombosis, lower the LDL cholesterol and prevents heart attacks.

Colon cancer, prevention:  Fructo-oligosaccharides in onions stimulate the growth of good bacteria in the colon and help reduce the risk of tumors developing in the colon.

Constipation and flatulence:  Add plenty onion in your cooking to help relieve chronic constipation and flatulence.

Diabetes:  Chromium in onion helps diabetics' cells respond appropriately to bringing down the insulin level and improve glucose tolerance.

Diuretic and blood cleansing:  Help counter fluid retention, urinary gravel, arthritis and gout.

Ear disorder:  In some culture, cotton wool is dipped into onion juice and put into the ear to stop ringing in the ear.

Hair loss:  A study has shown that applying onion juice on scalp twice a week for 2 months will cause hair regrowth. Definitely cost much less that those hair tonic.

Immune booster:  The pungency increases blood circulation and causes sweating.  Useful in cold weather to ward off infection, reduce fever and sweat out colds and flu.

Osteoporosis:  A compound has recently been identified in onions that prevents the activities of breaking down bone. Especially beneficial for women who are at risk for osteoporosis as they go through menopause. 

Respiratory:  Mix equal amounts of onion juice and honey and take 3-4 teaspoons of this mixture daily.  It helps liquefy mucus and prevents its further formation.  It is also one of the best preventive potion against common cold.

Sexual debility:  Onion is a potent aphrodisiac and stands second only to garlic.  For this, the white variety is most effective.

Urinary tract infection:  Boil some onion in water till half of the water evaporated.  Sieve the onion water, leave to cool and drink.  The anti-bacterial properties help to relieve the burning sensation in urination.

Consumption Tips
When buying onions, choose onions that are well-shaped, have dry and crisp outer skins.  Avoid those which are already sprouting or have signs of decay, wilting or discolored tops.
Onions can be stored at room temperature but keep them in a well ventilated area, away from bright light to prevent roots from growing.  Do not put them together with potatoes as they will absorb the moisture and ethylene gas from potatoes and rot faster.
To prevent tears when cutting onions, chill the onions for about an hour before peeling, or peel them in a tub of water.  It is the sulfur compounds that is released in the air that irritates the eyes. Cut onions are to be stored in an air-tight condition to prevent oxidization.  Use within one or two days.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Lemons

 Lemon is an inexpensive, easily available citrus fruit, popular for its culinary and medicinal uses. It is used to prepare a variety of food recipes such as lemon cakes, lemon chicken and beverages like lemonade and lemon-flavored drinks. It is also used for garnishing. Lemon juice consists of about 5% citric acid that gives a tarty taste to lemon. Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C. It also contains vitamins like vitamin B, riboflavin and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium as well as proteins and carbohydrates. Lemon is generally consumed in the form of lemon juice or lemon water. Lemon water makes a healthy drink, especially when taken in the morning. Daily consumption of lemon water provides a number of health benefits like:
  1. Good for stomach
Lemon can help relieve many digestion problems when mixed with hot water. These include nausea, heartburn and parasites. Due to the digestive qualities of lemon juice, symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, bloating and belching are relieved. By drinking lemon juice regularly, the bowels are aided in eliminating waste more efficiently. Lemon acts as a blood purifier and as a cleansing agent. The intake of lemon juice can cure constipation. It is even known to help relieve hiccups when consumed as a juice. Lemon juice acts as a liver tonic and helps you digest your food by helping your liver produce more bile. It decreases the amount of phlegm produced by your body. It is also thought to help dissolve gallstones.
  1. Excellent for Skin Care
Lemon, being a natural antiseptic medicine, can participate to cure problems related to skin. Lemon is a vitamin C rich citrus fruit that enhances your beauty, by rejuvenating skin from within and thus bringing a glow on your face. Daily consumption of lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. It acts as an anti-aging remedy and can remove wrinkles and blackheads. Lemon water if applied on the areas of burns can fade the scars. As lemon is a cooling agent, it reduces the burning sensation on the skin.
  1. Aids in Dental Care
Lemon water is used in dental care also. If fresh lemon juice is applied on the areas of toothache, it can assist in getting rid of the pain. The massages of lemon juice on gums can stop gum bleeding. It gives relief from bad smell and other problems related to gums.
  1. Cures Throat Infections
Lemon is an excellent fruit that aids in fighting problems related to throat infections, sore throat and tonsillitis as it has an antibacterial property. For sore throat, dilute one-half lemon juice with one-half water and gargle frequently.
  1. Good for Weight Loss
One of the major health benefits of drinking lemon water is that it paves way for losing weight faster, thus acting as a great weight loss remedy. If a person takes lemon juice mixed with lukewarm water and honey, it can reduce the body weight as well.
  1. Controls High Blood Pressure
Lemon water works wonders for people having heart problem, owing to its high potassium content. It controls high blood pressure, dizziness, nausea as well as provides relaxation to mind and body. It also reduces mental stress and depression.
  1. Assist in curing Respiratory Disorders
Lemon water assists in curing respiratory problems, along with breathing problems and revives a person suffering from asthma.
  1. Good for treating Rheumatism
Lemon is also a diuretic and hence lemon water can treat rheumatism and arthritis. It helps to flush out bacteria and toxins out of the body.
  1. Reduces Fever
Lemon water can treat a person who is suffering from cold, flu or fever. It helps to break fever by increasing perspiration.
  1. Acts as a blood purifier
The diseases like cholera or malaria can be treated with lemon water as it can act as a blood purifier.

How much should I drink?

In case you are in good health and weigh 150 lbs or less, it is advisable for you to have juice of one-half of the lemon squeezed into one glass of water, twice daily. However, if you weigh more than 150 lbs, juice of one whole lemon in a glass of water should be preferred. For maximum benefit, this mixture should also be taken two times a day, though you may dilute more lemon juice according to your taste if you wish.

Do not just remain oblivious to the gifts of nature such as this, for you should always try to make the most of them. So, make it a part of your daily routine to drink a glass of lemon water in the morning and then open your gateway to enjoy its health benefits.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Raw Onion Bread sandwhich

Doesn't sound too appetizing with the word raw but wow I found a new raw food favorite! I've been craving a sandwich but don't eat bread now so I was really looking forward to making this.

Ingredients: 
3 large red onions
3/4 c flax seed, freshly ground

3/4 c raw sunflower seeds, soaked, then ground in a food processor
1/2 c Nama Shoyu  
1/3 C olive oil 


makes 9 sandwich servings (around 210 calories per serving)


Recipe: 
Blend the flax and the sunflower seeds. Mix all ingredients...then add the onions to mix in.
Peel onions, cut the onions with a slicing disk, transfer to a large mixing bowl, add the remaining ingredients, and mix until all are thoroughly combined.  
Spread half the mount of mixture evenly on 2 dehydrator trays with a teflex sheet.  It took up 2 sheets for me with 2 inch borders, for perfect 9 pieces each (for 9 sandwiches). Dehydrate at 100 degrees for 24 hours flip the crackers onto a tray and dehydrate another 12 hours.  Once dehydrated cut into 9 equal pieces each, fill with with your sandwich favorites, and enjoy!  Where I had the dehydrator it smelled like a Japanese restaurant, so yummy ^_^   


 One side of the bread
The other side of the onion bread
Made a sandwich with avocado, romaine lettuce, my raw moc spicy cheese spread, and tomato (would have added cucumber if I had some)
One layer...I then added another
my sandwich is complete:)
I ate the left over avocado and tomato mixed with the spare lettuce as a side salad...all very filling and extremely flavorful! 

 Recipe from this book
Their famous onion bread
Pictured on the bottom left corner

Bison

                 Blackwing Bison



Dr. Joseph Mercola
Author of the
Total Health Program
Black Wing

Dr. Mercola highly recommends Blackwing Organic Bison.  He actively researched Blackwing's Bison and found it to be an outstanding red meat alternative.
This bison comes from Blackwing Meats, known as a premier provider among even five-star restaurants. The bison are free-ranged in the clean air and water of the Dakotas. The meat does not contain any growth hormones, steroids or antibiotics. Blackwing Organic Bison are killed and processed in accordance with the Orthodox Union's Glatt Kosher standard and are made available from Blackwing in both Kosher and non-Kosher cuts. This lean, nutritious bison is one of the cleanest and healthiest sources of protein available anywhere! He only recommends foods that meet the highest of requirements in terms of their health value to us, which is why i reference Dr. Mercola so much in my health blog!
  • Free ranged on thousands of acres with clean Dakota air and water and finished with a special diet to assure the highest quality.
  • No antibiotics are ever used
  • No hormones are ever used
  • No pesticides or herbicides are ever used in the soil or the feed
  • No artificial ingredients are used whatsoever
  • This grass fed bison is from Blackwing, the premier provider of healthy and delicious meat in the U.S. (they supply some of the nation's top health food stores and five-star restaurants), so you are guaranteed the absolute highest quality of protein available

 

"Grass-fed Bison: Healthy Meat, Incredible Taste"


bison meat
Bison is one of the best tasting of all meats; this Dr. Mercola's opinion, and apparently the opinion of many others, as this red meat has rapidly been appearing on the menus of fine restaurants throughout the world over the last decade. Its flavor is similar to prime beef, but sweeter and more tender. Bison also happens to be one of the most nutritious meats on earth, which is why he eats it more than any other meat, and recommends it so highly to us.

Bison, also known as buffalo, is a highly nutrient dense food because of the proportion of protein and minerals in relation to its caloric value. One pound of ground bison, in fact, contains 34 grams of protein, while its fat, cholesterol and calorie levels are lower than other popular meats, as you can see in the chart below. Comparisons to other meat sources also show that bison has a greater concentration of iron as well as some essential fatty acids necessary for human health.

Bison Nutrition Comparison
Serving (3 oz.) Calories Protein (g) Fat (g) Cholesterol (mg)
Bison 85 18 2 49
Ostrich 97 22 2 58
Chicken (skinless) 140 27 3 73
Turkey 135 25 3 59
Beef (lean, steak) 240 23 15 77
Pork (lean, loin) 275 24 19 84

 

Bison from the World's Premier Source

Blackwing logoThe bison Dr. Mercola recommends comes from Blackwing Meats, who are known to five-star chefs (including chefs at some of the finest restaurants here in Chicago, such as Chef Roland Liccioni at Les Nomades and Chef Charley Trotter) as the premier source of both bison and ostrich. He has been ordering his own bison and ostrich from Blackwing since early 2002 and, though he tried various other sources, he now exclusively obtain these meats from Blackwing due to their exceptional taste and freshness.

All of Blackwing's bison are free-ranged in the clean air and water of the Dakotas, spending most of their time on the grasslands as they have for eons. They are also raised free of growth hormones, steroids and antibiotics, and are recommended by the American Heart Association and all the other national health associations.

 

Versatile and Easy to Prepare

Bison can be substituted for beef -- and any other red meat -- in any of your favorite recipes. Chances are, it will make your meal taste even better, and it will certainly be healthier.

No special handling or "chef's tricks" are required to prepare bison, as it cooks like beef. Bison steaks taste best when prepared medium to rare, and I do recommend using tongs to flip the steaks when cooking so you don't puncture the meat and let all the juices escape.
Check out a few bison recipes here, and if you become devoted to this wonderful meat like he is, consider the Buffalo is Heart Healthy Cookbook; proceeds of the book go to the National Buffalo Association.

You can order Grass-fed Bison Here

Click on either button below to view the cut selections and order your bison. The prices -- even after the shipping costs -- are lower than what you'll find in most health food and grocery stores for bison, and yet you'll be getting the Blackwing brand, considered the premier bison by five-star chefs throughout the world. 

In order to ensure maximum freshness, bison orders are only shipped on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, when they are received from the farms. Any order placed Thursday through Sunday will be fulfilled on Monday.

Your order will be shipped frozen in a highly protective box via UPS guaranteed residential ground delivery. For best results on thawing, I recommend you place it in your refrigerator overnight.  I look forward to my first order! But will wait to add this to my diet, as I just introduced Salmon back.


Friday, September 23, 2011

Wild Red Salmon (Sockeye)

"Finally, You Can Enjoy Safe & Delicious Fish"


wild red salmon
Dr. Mercola has finally found a safe and delicious source for one of the most nutritious foods on earth -- wild red salmon -- and it is now available here.

Anyone who has read his free health newsletter knows he have vigilantly warned against eating any type of fish from any water source, as virtually all fish these days contain dangerously high levels of mercury and other toxins. He is not alone, as many expert physicians, health organizations and even government agencies have posted similar warnings. 


But meanwhile, he has just as vigilantly been searching for a truly clean source of fish; without the major health risks posed by their toxicity, fish would be among his absolute most recommended foods for their outstanding nutritional benefits including very high levels of omega-3 with DHA and EPA, which most people are desperately lacking in their diets but which can help people optimize their weight and prevent disease, among other benefits listed below.  I personally love fish, so I'm happy to add it back to my meals. 


So the good news is worth repeating: after research that included him testing the salmon through an independent lab, and of course tasting the salmon in a variety of recipes, he can now confidently and enthusiastically recommend the Vital Choice brand of wild red salmon to us. 

 You Will Benefit Immensely from Vital Choice Salmon   
Vital Choice Wild red salmon portions, filets, smoked salmon, kosher sliced lox, and canned salmon are all available, and their many major benefits to you include:

·       The ONLY safe fish Dr. Mercola has discovered!

·       Far higher in essential omega-3 with EPA and DHA than any other food, and among the highest of all fish, meaning Vital Choice salmon will:

o   Aid in losing weight as omega-3 helps the body process fat

o   Increase your daily energy levels so you get more done and don't feel tired all the time

o   Greatly help prevent diseases such as cancer, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, depression, Alzheimer's and more

o   Help pregnant women avoid premature birth and low birth-weight

o   Reduce the risk of hyperactivity in children



·       High in astaxanthin and other antioxidants, which help you live longer

·       An excellent source of protein

·       Outstanding for healthy, younger-looking skin

·       Free of antibiotics, pesticides, synthetic coloring agents, growth hormones and GMOs



Harvested With Conscience from the Purest Waters on Earth
canned wild red salmon or canned wild salmon
After hatching in their natal rivers, the Alaskan salmon swim upstream to very remote and pristine fresh water lakes where they feed and grow for 1-3 years before migrating out to the Bering Sea. Working closely with a native Alaskan tribe, Vital Choice takes all measures to ensure the salmon are sustainably harvested during their migration.

The Vital Choice salmon -- unlike the low-grade (and toxic) salmon you will find in most stores -- is then "flash-frozen," an advanced and completely safe technique that immediately captures the fresh-caught flavor of the salmon while preserving its firm texture and rich color. The canned salmon, meanwhile, is also immediately packaged using advanced techniques that require absolutely no freezing, ensuring its freshness and fantastic taste.

Absolutely Delicious -- and SAFE -- Salmon


Whether you prefer the wild red filets, smoked salmon, lox, canned salmon, or a variety of these, Dr. Mercola highly encourage us to try this truly mouth-watering, highly nutritious and safe salmon, and to make it a regular part of our diet. As you know by now, nothing matters more to our health, optimal weight, and well-being than what you put into your body, and this is truly some of the best food on earth for you.
The canned salmon makes a far superior addition to any recipe calling for tuna, as it is far safer, and contains ten times the calcium and four times the omega-3s present in canned tuna!


The salmon filets, smoked salmon and lox will be delivered to you flash-frozen and vacuum-sealed, to ensure absolute quality and the freshest taste.

Yes, this salmon costs more than what you'll find in conventional grocery stores due to its harvesting methods and location (which lead to its purity and fantastic taste), but then again if you can even find wild red salmon lab-tested to ensure its safety in some specialty store, you will see these Vital Choice brand costs less. 

Finally, you will notice that Vital Choice also offers organic blueberries (in case you need an organic blueberry source). These blueberries, from Eastern Canada, are smaller and sweeter than the typical store-bought blueberries, and are an ideal complement to salmon. Blueberries, of course, are one of the most potent antioxidant foods on the planet, and they are low in sugar so they won't stimulate severe insulin swings. (I eat them in my smoothies every morning...yum!)

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Ginger

The health benefits of ginger as a powerful root vegetable are numerous. The following information on ginger will give you yet another natural non-toxic herb which will help your body achieve and maintain optimal health. New studies are showing very important health benefits of ginger with various cancer cells and probably many more studies to come.


Ginger and the Immune System
  • strong antioxidant
  • Antimicrobial (kills bacteria - including salmonella) - internally and topically as an antiseptic
  • two natural antibiotics are found in ginger
  • contains anti-inflammatory agents
  • helps eliminate congestion
  • contains zingibain that dissolves parasites and their eggs
  • ginger root tea eases some throat pain
  • kills cold viruses
  • inhibits production of cytokines which cause pain and swelling
  • combats chills and fever
  • ginger inhibits 5-LO enzymes, the only food for prostate cancer cells , prostate cancer cells die in one to two hours without this enzyme
  • gingerol (an extract of ginger) inhibits pancreatic cell growth
  • beneficial to prevent constipation-related cancer
  • an effective ani-tumor agent in leukemia cells
  • an extract of ginger causes lung cancer cell death
  • gingerols inhibited the growth of Helicobacter pylori associated with dyspepsia, peptic ulcer disease and the development of gastric and colon cancer
  • ginger extract raises significantly the thymus index, spleen index, percentage of phagocytosis, and thus improves the immunologic function relating to tumors
  • gingerol inhibits cell adhesion, invasion, motility and activities of breast cancer cell lines
  • gingerol induces viability reduction (killed) gastric cancer cells
  • a ginger extract causes apoptosis (cell death) of breast carcinoma cells
  • ginger inhibits cell growth and modulates angiogenic factor in ovarian cancer cells
  • 6-shogaol (component of ginger) induces cell death in colorectal carcinoma cells
  • compounds of ginger inhibits proliferation (stops growth) of ovarian cancer cells
  • a component of ginger suppresses metastasis (stops the spread) in any type of cancer cell including leukemic, skin, kidney, lung, and pancreatic cancer cells - one of the most exciting and powerful health benefits of ginger!
Ginger and Circulation
  • stimulates circulation
  • may help prevent heart attacks
  • has natural blood thinning properties
  • lowers blood cholesterol levels
  • cleanses and stimulates blood
  • prevents internal blood clots
  • may prevent TIA’s (mini strokes)
  • therapeutic properties for hypertension
Ginger and Digestion
  • cleanses colon
  • reduces colon spasms and cramps
  • helps clear gas
  • relieves indigestion
  • excellent for nausea, vomiting and motion sickness
  • stimulates production of digestive juices
  • helps bowel disorders
Ginger and other Body Systems
  • lungs: helps with respiratory problems, eases asthma symptoms
  • helps eliminate hot flashes
  • relieves headaches
  • promotes menstrual regularity
  • helps with morning sickness
  • helps reduce inflammation of arthritis
  • supports kidney health
  • topical gingerol provides protection against UVB-induced skin disorders
  • reduces the severity of post chemotherapy nausea
Ginger and its Nutrients
  • high in potassium
  • manganese which builds resistance to disease, protects lining of heart, blood vessels and urinary passages
  • silicon which promotes healthy skin, hair, teeth and nails
  • helps assimilate calcium
  • also contains Vit. A, C, E, B-complex, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, zinc, calcium, beta-carotene
Other Facts and Health Benefits of Ginger
  • was listed in U.S. Pharmacopoeia from 1820-1873
  • British research has found ginger to be as effective as drugs at relieving nausea after surgery
  • Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis studied at Denmark’s Odense University got relief from pain and swelling after taking ginger daily for three months
  • gingerol promotes healing of inflammation and minor burns
  • may prevent transient ischemic attacks (TIA’s) know as mini strokes
  • Israeli researchers found that standardized ginger extract has dramatic effects on cardiovascular health, lowering cholesterol levels and preventing oxidation of LDL which contributes to cholesterol deposits on artery walls
Ginger Recipes/Uses
  • Suggested use is 1/3 tsp. ground ginger or 1 tsp. fresh ginger root in food or drink up to three times daily
  • Motion Sickness - drink tea or juice mixed with 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger one-half hour before traveling
  • Add in juicer to fresh raw fruit or vegetable juice
  • Add to smoothies - See My ‘Ginger Berry Smoothie’ Here in Easy Healthy Smoothie Recipes
  • Add fresh to Asian stir fry dishes, marinades, fruit salad dressings
  • Add ground ginger to breads, cookies, spice cakes, pumpkin pie

Many health benefits of ginger you have read about here are based on clinical studies (google 'ginger cancer', etc. at www.PUBMED.org) and very powerful and impressive for a food. There is no question that ginger has many more special health qualities that we haven’t yet recognized. Enjoy it as one of the power foods to boost our immune system and support great health!
 
Ginger has been used as a natural remedy for many ailments for centuries. Now, science is catching up and researchers around the world are finding that ginger works wonders in the treatment of everything from cancer to migraines. Here are ten health benefits of this powerful herb.
Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Ginger may be powerful weapon in the treatment of ovarian cancer. A study conducted at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that ginger powder induces cell death in all ovarian cancer cells to which it was applied.
Colon Cancer Prevention
A study at the University of Minnesota found that ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells.
Morning Sickness
A review of several studies has concluded that ginger is just as effective as vitamin B6 in the treatment of morning sickness.
Motion Sickness Remedy
Ginger has been shown to be an effective remedy for the nausea associated with motion sickness.
Reduces Pain and Inflammation
One study showed that ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and is a powerful natural painkiller.
Heartburn Relief
Ginger has long been used as a natural heartburn remedy. It is most often taken in the form of tea for this purpose.
Cold and Flu Prevention and Treatment
Ginger has long been used as a natural treatment for colds and the flu. Many people also find ginger to be helpful in the case of stomach flus or food poisoning, which is not surprising given the positive effects ginger has upon the digestive tract.
Migraine Relief
 
Research has shown that ginger may provide migraine relief due to its ability to stop prostaglandins from causing pain and inflammation in blood vessels.
Menstrual Cramp Relief
In Chinese medicine, ginger tea with brown sugar is used in the treatment of menstrual cramps.
Prevention of Diabetic Nephropathy
A study done on diabetic rats found that those rats given ginger had a reduced incidence of diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage).