Foods You Should be Eating - Turmeric

Turmeric is another Mediterranean spice that has many health benefits.  Here is a very comprehensive list from healthdiaries.com.

1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.

3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.

4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.

5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.

6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.

7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.

8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.

11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.

12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.

13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.

14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.

16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.

17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.

18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.

20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

And speaking of skin - turmeric has some wonderful benefits for skin blemishes / freckles / acne - http://www.bewellbuzz.com/general/benefits-of-turmeric-for-skin-and-more/

Recommended reading: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=78

More recommended reading: http://www.nutritional-supplement-educational-centre.com/turmeric-benefits.html

How to store?  Turmeric is very light sensitive - store in a dark glass container away from sunlight.  Spices purchased from the grocery store are usually potent for about 3 - 6 months depending on the spice - as well as the light and heat exposure. 


So... MANY good reasons to be using Turmeric in your cooking. 


Aloo Phujia (Spicy Potatoes, Tomatoes, and Onions): http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Aloo-Phujia/Detail.aspx
Barbequed Thai Style Chicken: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Barbequed-Thai-Style-Chicken/Detail.aspx
Easy Chicken Korma: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Easy-Chicken-Korma/Detail.aspx


Enjoy!!  E

Foods You Should be Eating - Grapefruit

Good Morning!  It feels sooo good to be back!  I hope you enjoy the posts - I would love to hear from you... feel free to post comments. We are still working on the list of foods that you should all be eating on a regular basis.  I have tried to stay very well rounded - fruits, vegetables, meat, herbs... there are essential foods from every single group - every color.. we could discuss them for quite some time. :) 

Grapefruit was very popular back in the 80s... and kind of fell off, which is a shame because they have so many health benefits.  One of the most important is that they contain enzymes called "monoterpenes" which clean the body of toxins and carcinogens (cancer causing agents). 

Grapefruit is high in vitamin C, fiber, bioflavonoids (fights cancer and strengthens immune system), and calcium. It fights fatigue, fever, the flu, indigestion, insomnia, diabetes, constipation, arthritis, and UTIs.  It also raises metabolism, is an antiseptic, boosts liver function, breaks down gall stones, and promotes healthy clearer skin. 

Recommended Reading: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=25
More Recommended Reading: http://hubpages.com/hub/Health_Benefits_of_Grapefruit

One of my favorite fruits is Mango, but I do love ruby red grapefruit as well... and when you add them both to a salad with avocado... mmm... Try this one: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Mango-Orange-Grapefruit-Avocado-and-Pistachio-Salad/Detail.aspx

Enjoy!  Blessings... E

Hey Honey!

Honey is a natural antibiotic and has been used for a long time with lemon in tea.  But there are many, many other uses and benefits to honey.  There are many different kinds of honey as well - so let's start there.

I have always been told to look for honey made in my region.  Honey is made from the nectar of flowers and pollen from those flowers finds its way into the honey as well.  For those of you tortured by allergies - honey consumed from your region is to help strengthen your immune system to fight allergies.  Another thing I have always been told is to choose the darkest honey available in your region.  The more types of flowers used - the darker the honey - this is another benefit for those of use with allergies. 

Antibacterial uses - Since honey is an antibacterial it can be used to help heal cuts, scratches, burns, and acne.  Clean the area with soap and water and put a little honey on the wound, cover with a band aid.  Repeat daily.  Honey helps to speed up healing and reduces scar visibility.
Moisturizer - Honey helps to soften skin - rough patches, rough heals, and dry skin.  Clean area with soap and water and spread a thin coat of honey over.  Cover with a warm moist wash cloth or towel and let sit for 5 - 10 minutes.  Rinse and pat dry.
Immune booster - A teaspoon of honey taken each morning with daily supplements has been professed to boost the immune system.
Energy booster - When you are in need of a quick boost, drink a cup of green tea with a tsp of honey.
Improve blood flow - The glucose in honey helps increase blood flow.
Colon damage prevention - Honey is high in antioxidants which strengthen the colon.  Daily dosage of honey helps to strengthen the colon and reduce the chances of colon cancer.
Parasite removal - When mixed with vinegar and water, honey can remove worms and other parasites in the body. 
Calming the mind and body - It is unknown how, but adding a teaspoon of honey to warm milk or tea has a calming effect on both reducing anxiety and nervousness. 
Cancer fighter - As a natural antibiotic and being high in antioxidants, honey has powerful capabilities in aiding the fight against cancer.
Calcium aid - By adding honey to your diet, you will retain more calcium in your body.
Heals stomach ulcers - Honey helps to balance stomach acids, and aids in the healing of ulcers.

Replacing processed white sugar with honey, gains you many more nutrients, minerals and gives your body more fructose (less harsh on your pancreas) in addition to the many other benefits.  Honey is the one product in your pantry that will never spoil.  Your baked goods will not dry out as quickly when made with honey as it retains moisture. 

Recommended reading for beauty secrets using honey: http://www.girlsustainable.com/beauty/jillion-honey/
Recommended reading for healing benefits of honey: http://www.honeyo.com/honeyhealing.shtml

Blessings.. E

Tea Benefits

There are so many nutritional benefits to tea I cannot name them all.  Let's discuss the different types of tea, the benefits of tea, and where to get your best teas.  I have friends that know much more than I do about tea - so if I am wrong with any of the information I provide - I KNOW they will set us all straight!  :)  Here are the most common types of tea.

Black Tea - Goes through the most processing.  Tea leaves are picked and set out to wilt in the sun.  Then, they are twisted and crushed to ferment and fully oxidize in the sun.  This process changes the color of the leaves black when complete.  There are different types of black tea - typically named for the region in which the tea is grown (i.e. darjeeling, assam, and ceylon).  Black tea has a stronger, sometimes more bitter flavor and higher caffeine levels than other types of tea.

Oolong Tea - Is a hybrid of Black and Green tea.  It is also wilted but only partially oxidized.  There is a wide range of Oolong teas some almost black, some almost green. 



Mighty Athena - Green Tea



Green Tea - There are two different types of green tea.  Primarily the Chinese variety is roasted to dry the leaves.  And the Japanese style to steam dry the leaves.  Green tea leaves do not go through the fermentation stage like black and oolong teas.  Green tea has a grassier / flowerier flavor and fragrance and much lower caffeine levels.

White Tea - Is the least processed of all tea.  The top leaves and bud are picked very early in the season while the white hairs are still on the plant and the bud has not opened yet.  They are not fermented, nor are they roasted / steam dried but let dry naturally in the sun.  The flavor is much more delicate and sweeter than any other type of tea and is often mixed with fruit.  It has the lowest amount of caffeine.

Herbal Tea - Is a combination of herbs, flowers, and fruits - anything except tea leaves.  Herbal teas are typically used to heal maladies. 

Up until recently, I have always gone to the store and chosen a variety of different prepackaged teas - usually green, white or herbal.  My cousin introduced me to Phuong Le a master Tea Craftsman.  And OH MY GOSH!  I had no idea what I had been missing out on... all these years wasted! :)  To enjoy her fabulous teas, you will need a diffuser - she has them on her site too.  AH-MAZING!  I can't say enough.  Her teas are all organic and hand crafted. 

So, what are the benefits of tea?  Tea has a high concentration of antioxidants.  White tea having the highest concentration.  High in Vitamin C which boosts immune system and helps promote healthy skin.  Tea contains polyphenol which fights certain cancers.  It is known to soothe the digestive tract.  Tea lowers cholesterol, boosts metabolism, and regulates blood sugar levels.  It is also a detoxifier and a stress reliever.

Visit Phuong's site - my favorite so far is definitely Mighty Athena - but I am trying new ones every day!  She has new combinations that were just released... enjoy!!  http://www.iloveono.com/

Thank you Tracie for introducing me to Phuong.  And to Phuong, thank you for the bright and shining star you are - you are a good role model for us all.  Blessings...E

Healthy Skin

Healthy skin again, like most things, is a combined effort.  It takes more than just washing your skin for it to be healthy.

Let's take your skin as a whole, before we break things down.  Some useful facts to think about.  Your skin is the largest organ your body has.  It protects the rest of your body by releasing toxins, changing sunlight into vitamin D, changes the green leafy vegetables into energy, moderates your internal temperature.. it is a very complex organ that has a lot of very important functions.

What causes damage to my skin?  Believe it or not, one of the worst offenders is suntan lotion - your SPF 50 does not protect your skin it actually is one of the reasons that the US has such a high percentage of skin cancer.  Think about it - do equatorial countries have high percentages of skin cancer?  These countries see more sunshine and more heat than any other countries in the world.  No, they do not.  The chemicals that make up your suntan lotion are not good for your skin when combined with.... the sun!  Be smart about going out into the sun - don't get burned, know your limits, expose your self gradually.  Getting burned is just as dangerous as suntan lotion.

What else damages skin?  Make-up can be dangerous.  When the beauty industry started many years ago - their first guinea pigs were starlets.  There were many of these women that went into seclusion because the make-up used damaged their skin.  Acne can cause permanent damage to your skin.  Stress also can cause damage.  And finally dehydration can cause a lot of problems including cancer and tumors. 

Remember that your skin is an organ, and every ailment you have is a "warning sign" that there is a bigger problem brewing.  If you have rashes, acne, eczema - discover the underlying issue and resolve.  Don't ignore the little things as they grow into much larger issues. 

So, some natural healing methods for skin issues...

Acne.  Acne for most is a teenage ailment, but more and more adults are finding they are having breakouts more often.  This tends to have two reasons, one - stress.  Stress is one of the primary reasons for massive quick outbreaks.... you have a date on Saturday, want to look your best, and voila! a huge pimple pops out Friday.  Deal with your nerves and stress.  Second - WHAT YOU EAT.  Are you eating fast food?  prepackaged food? lots of fried / greasy foods?  All are major contributors.  There can be more severe forms of acne and these tend to be related to mental well being.  You have something in your life that you need to address and resolve.  And it comes out in your skin. 

Eczema.  Eczema can be a debilitating disease.  Anything that is chronic goes hand in hand with immune breakdown.  Your immune system is not functioning properly and needs help.  Eczema also could be some type of an allergic reaction - something that touches the skin (cloth, soap, detergent, softener, metal) or something internal (food allergy, artificial coloring, pesticides, artificial colors, preservatives).  Eczema can also be a hyper-sensitivity - a reaction to normal every day things.  The first recommendation is to strengthen your immune system - that is foods high in vitamins C and B complex. 

What are you feeding your skin?  Are you taking care of it?  Be careful what you use to wash your skin, soften your skin, etc.  Make sure the products you use are hypo-allergic, and don't have preservatives, artificial colors, or chemicals.  Drink enough water - it is surprising how much your body will reward you if you drink enough water daily.  Get sunshine!!!  This is vital to a healthy body.. Enjoy!  Blessings.

SUPER foods - Vegetables

We are hearing more and more about "super fruits" and "super vegetables" but what does "super" mean? And why should we care? 

Super Vegetables - vegetables are very important to keep our bodies alkaline, and give us energy.  There are several vegetables that are important to well being.  Vegetables have been known to help you live longer, have better brain function, sleep better, maintain a healthy weight, fight disease, and help you look younger.

Asparagus - is the number one superfood, in my opinion.  Asparagus, eaten daily, has found to destroy cancer cells, remove tumors, aid in sleeping, aid in female hormone balancing, promoting fertility, aid in weight loss, healing the liver, and stimulating and healing the kidneys among other things.  As a child I couldn't stand asparagus, I had only had it canned or frozen.  I absolutely LOVE it now... put fresh stalks in a frying pan with a little butter, sesame oil, garlic and pepper... grill until just bright - it doesn't take long.  Or put on the grill when cooking burgers, chicken, and/or steak. 

This link has a great description of asparagus and its uses / benefits - http://www.herbsarespecial.com.au/free-herb-information/asparagus.html

Kale / Spinach - Dark green vegetables have so many health benefits.  Always try to eat your greens at lunch and take a walk afterwards.  The sun helps convert the phytoneutrients and provides the body a wonderful energy boost.  As for the benefits of Kale - Lessens occurrence of cancers (100’s of studies done worldwide), high in glucosinolates. (anti-carcinogens), excellent known cell detoxifier, lowers cataract risk, promotes lung health, protects against arthritis, slows loss of mental function.  Benefits of Spinach - fights blindness, helps prevent anemia, prevents tooth decay, prevents bladder disorders, aids in longer life, reduces the risk of diabetes, and prevents respiratory disorders.  Spinach was another of my "icky" vegetables as a child / teen.  I absolutely can't stand the taste of it cooked... even now.  But I have found a way to "cook" it and enjoy it.  I take a flavored tortilla (jalepeno & cheddar is my favorite) and put it in an omelette pan.  Spread half with feta cheese, pepper, and cayenne.  Turn on heat to medium and let the feta get warm.  Top with mushrooms, avocado, and spinach.  Fold the tortilla in half.  Cut into 1/3s and serve! Yumm..

Watercress - is a little known, easily grown green leafy vegetable.  You can find it naturally along lake and river beds.  It's taste is milder than spinach.  It's benefits are staggering - increases mental function / memory, helps to normalize cholesterol levels, helps to clean the blood of toxins, increases fertility, helps to fight cancer / kill cancer cells, helps fight eye disease, helps clear skin, helps strengthen bones, helps to fight lung disorders, and helps normalize thyroid function.  I like my watercress fresh and try to eat it in salads. 

Avocado - Another of my "icky" vegetables from my youth - is now one of my favorites.  In truth it is a fruit not a vegetable, but since most people think of it as a vegetable, we will put it here.  In the spring and summer I eat one a day.  Avocados help promote healthy skin, increases metabolism, known to fight several types of cancer (oral, prostate, and breast), fights heart disease, helps prevent strokes, lowers cholesterol levels, helps promote healthy eyes / vision, and helps fight diabetes. I shared my favorite way of serving avocado above.  It is also fabulous in GOOD guacamole with lots of lime, chile, and cilantro.

Mushrooms - Specifically Shitake... again I KNOW... not REALLY a vegetable... :)  But will be added here.  Mushrooms as a whole are very benefitial to the body.  Shitake mushrooms are known for promoting long life, reducing cholesterol numbers, promoting a healthy heart, fighting cancer, fighting HIV and Hepatitus B, fighting nutritional deficiencies, and promoting a strong immune system.  Shitake mushrooms are usually found in good hot and sour soup... mmm...

Onions - Oh yes! They are a "super vegetable" for sure!  Onions have been used for centuries as a medicinal vegetable.  They fight colds and lung conditions, repel bugs, lower blood pressure, help promote a healthy heart, fight cancer and tumors, increase bone density and the health of all connective tissue, reduce obesity, reduce allergies, promotes long life, reduces inflammation, and promotes healthy hair, skin, and nails among other things.  French Onion Soup is AH-MAZING!  I have a great recipe if anyone is interested. :)

The best way to get the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals out of vegetables is to lightly saute or stirfry your vegetables until just bright.  "Just bright" means that they have changed color.  This usually means they are still crisp or barely wilted.  Never overcook your vegetables or you will lose most of the nutritional value.