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

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