Foods You Should be Eating - Pumpkin Seeds

Good Morning!!  Most every seed that is edible is really a "super food." All the nutrition needed to transform that seed into a plant, tree, or bush is contained in that tiny package.  Which means there are high concentrations of your most vital nutrients.  However, many people pour on the salt when it comes to seeds - sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, flax seed, hemp seed, quinoa, and chia seeds are the most common - this reduces the amount of seeds that can be consumed at one time and dramatically raises your salt intake.  Try adding some cayenne, or some other herbs to gain some additional flavor instead of the salt.

Pumpkin seeds have a high fat content resulting in high caloric count - however they also have MUFA (mono-unsaturated fatty acid) that reduce your LDL count - a good thing.  In addition, all seeds are high in fiber which aids in digestion and digestive / intestinal health.  Your roughage / fiber based foods expand in the digestive tract and absorb a good amount of your toxins on their way out, they also grab much of the food that has not found its way out of your digestive tract... all very good things. 

If you are one that has a hard time going to sleep - we have discussed some things you must be doing to ensure your body begins to prepare for sleep (lower lights, turn down music / TV volume, snuggle up in a blanket, drink hot tea) in addition eating foods that have tryptophan in them will also help quiet the mind.  Tryptophan also is a natural depression fighter.  Pumpkin seeds are a good source of tryptophan.  They are also a good source of B complex, vitamin A, vitamin E, and a whole host of minerals - iron, manganese, magnesium, copper, potassium, calcium, zinc, and selenium.

As a disease fighter - ovarian, prostate cancers, and kidney disease are all diseases that are fought with pumpkin seeds.  They help dissolve gall stones and lower cholesterol levels.  They are beneficial for healthy hair, skin, and nails.  Pumpkin seeds are an anti-inflammatory. 

Recommended reading: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=82
Recipes: http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Holidays-and-Events/Halloween/Pumpkin-Seeds/Top.aspx

Blessings... E

Foods You Should be Eating - Adzuki Beans

Adzuki beans are higher in protein and lower in fat than most any other variety of bean.  They also are high in manganese, iron, potassium, copper, zinc and B complex.  Adzuki beans are native to Asia and used in both savory and sweet dishes.  They are a small redish bean with a somewhat sweet taste.  In Japan I remember them making ice cream from the Adzuki bean... it was primarily used as a dessert.

Beans are good for you for many reasons - you get much of your roughage from beans, seeds, grains, and the lettuce / cabbage families.  Beans are a good source of protein for those of you that want to reduce the meat in your diet.  Beans help manage cholesterol levels, support good bladder / kidney function, help maintain proper weight, and fights cancer.

Many people eat beans from a can - this causes many problems - heavy metal poisoning (Aluminum should never be ingested) and high salt content are the most common.  Always try to get dried beans.  They take a bit of time to prepare, but are definitely worth it. 


Recommended Reading: http://www.adzuki.com/
Recipes for Adzuki Beans: http://www.healthygreenkitchen.com/simple-seasoned-aduki-beans.html
More Recipes: http://www.food.com/recipe-finder/all?inclingre=7978

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

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. 

High Cholesterol

One of the most frequent questions I get is about High Cholesterol.  One of my best friends works out (he is a blackbelt in both Hapkido and Tae Kwon Do), is tall and slender, eats all the right foods, and still has to work to control his High Cholesterol.  Sometimes your genes / heredity really make you work to stay healthy. 

So, until my friend had High Cholesterol, I didn't know the basics of it... good cholesterol and bad cholesterol, good oils, bad oils... it is all quite confusing... they have done a pretty good job though to educate the general population about the basics of Cholesterol.  So that we are all on the same page - a brief overview.  Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is made in the liver.  When you get your Cholesterol tested you should be given three numbers - your total count, your HDL (good), and your LDL (bad) cholesterol.  Your total number should be below 200mg/Dl.  60mg/Dl is considered good for your HDL.  129mg/Dl is considered good for your LDL.  The higher the HDL and the lower the LDL the better.  And your triglycerides should be under 150mg/Dl. 

As I alluded to above, exercise and diet both play a big part in healthy cholesterol numbers.  Exercise is one of the most effective ways to reduce cholesterol numbers.  One of the ways it helps is that he helps to move the LDL to the liver to be broken down.  The more vigorous the exercise the better - you should be doing a minimum of 30 minutes of cardio daily.  Not only does it help break down the bad cholesterol but it also increases the number of your HDL.  So you get double benefits with exercise.  Maintaining optimal weight is also a factor with cholesterol as carrying excess weight increases the LDL that the liver must process.

Certain foods help keep your body alkaline and help maintain good cholesterol numbers - you might be surprised at several of them... almonds, walnuts, oatmeal, blueberries, salmon / tuna, red wine, soy, extra vergin olive oil, cayenne, green tea, apples, shitake mushrooms, artichoke, garlic, avocado, and dark green leafy vegetables.  And again, if there is a list of what you should eat... there is also a list of what to stay away from: fast food, fried food, processed foods, junk food, dairy, tropical oils, and sweets / baked treats.  You also have herbs that help - fenugreek, cayenne, garlic, hawthorne berries, flax seed, ginger,

Since LDL is broken down in the liver, good liver health is necessary... which means lowering alcohol and caffeine intake and increasing the intake of foods high in B complex vitamins, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and iron.  Green leafy vegetables, broccoli, organic fruit juices, nuts, seeds, legumes, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and brussles sprouts.

Exercise and Eat your way healthy. :)

Did you know....

Good Morning!
I woke up thinking about quick and easy things that everyone can do to improve their overall health. So let's play "Did you know?"

Honey not only is the only food substance that will not spoil, but it is also a natural antibiotic. It can be used to heal cuts / scrapes / burns. It can be added to your hot tea when you have a cold. It helps fight allergies - especially if you purchase honey that has been cultivated locally.

Oatmeal helps lower cholesterol, and also helps your skin. It fights acne (soap), dries up weeping rashes (bath), and there are many health benefits of eating whole rolled oats for breakfast - cancer fighting phytochemicals, and diabetes fighting soluble fiber. Avocado is also amazing for your skin.

Asparagus is one of your "super" vegetables. It has been shown to destroy cancer and tumors in the body if eaten regularly. Asparagus helps the body remain alkaline and cancer can't live in an alkaline environment.

The pectin in apples and grapes helps strengthen your nails.

A combination of Eucalyptus oil (40 drops) and Lemongrass oil (20 drops) mixed in water in a 32oz spray bottle has a multitude of uses. If sprayed around your windows (inside and out) and along your doors, will naturally deter bugs, and kill any that pass across it. I spray my house about once every three months, or as soon as I start to see creepy crawlies. If used in the laundry (I put it in the final rinse), it will keep bugs away from your clothes, towels, sheets.

Onion and garlic are natural mosquito repellents. On the flip side - if you eat bananas in the summertime, the chemical reaction in your body attracts the nasty little buggers. I buy pellets and sprinkle the yard every three weeks. I don't want to kill the mosquitoes because the birds eat them and I love listening to the birds. I have found that they also keep away moles and armadillos. :) A side benefit for sure! Plant either or both around your roses and they will keep the aphids and bugs away.

Colloidal Silver is probably the most important natural product to have in your home. It is a natural antibiotic and a powerful healer. It works on ear aches, to MRSA one of the most aggressive and deadly staph infections there is.

Well, how did you do? Got any for me? How about ideas for posts or questions you would like answers to? TTFN! E