Live Everyday like a Holiday!: healing foods

Showing posts with label healing foods. Show all posts

Poached Egg on Spinach for Breakfast

Good Morning everyone! Our Holiday Calendar tells us July 16th is National Spinach Day so I thought this would be a good morning post to wish everyone a Happy Spinach Day.

How many of you start your day off with a nice breakfast? How many of you like spinach? Well I've come to enjoy spinach and eggs for breakfast if I have some good bread to eat along with it. I love some really fresh toast that I can crunch on with each spinach and egg bite.

The photo above is a picture of a poached egg on spinach with crumbled blue cheese on top with hot peppers. I think this combination is yummy. In fact any crumbled cheese with spinach tastes great in my eyes.

Another favorite of mine is creamed spinach with salmon. This is a beautiful dish in taste and in looks. Maybe I will do a post on that in the future.

Today I just wanted to post a Happy Spinach Day to everyone and encourage everyone to add more spinach to your diet. It really is a super food.

In fact the Wikiwel website tell us "Spinach protects against eye disease and vision loss; it’s good for brain function; it guards against colon, prostate, and breast cancers; it protects against heart disease, stroke, and dementia; it lowers blood pressure; it’s anti-inflammatory; and it’s great for bone health. Spinach has an amazing array of nutrients, including high amounts of vitamin K, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, magnesium, and iron."

Great information to know right! "Live everyday like a Holiday" Pam

It's an Ice Cream and Blackberry kind of Day

Any of my readers having an Ice Cream & Blackberry Day?

Blackberries are in season late Spring to early Fall... and the edge of the woods by my house is just covered in wild ones. I always look forward to picking them every year so I can enjoy frozen blackberries on top of my vanilla ice cream.

Yes, Fresh Picked Firm, then Frozen Blackberries Please!

When fresh picked and quickly frozen blackberries are put on top of ice cream, they are oh so cold and the slight crunch in your mouth is delightful. Now if you buy frozen one's in the bag, they are a little mushy but still taste good.

Sometimes it's fun to wet the berries and roll them in sugar

As if ice cream is not sweet enough that you have to roll the berry in sugar, right? Ha! But it looks so pretty in the bowl when it's done this way. It's a nice thing to do when your serving ice cream and blackberries to guests. Then add a couple of plain and simple cookies on the side and you have a masterpiece. Wink~

Here's a list of Benefits and Uses of Blackberry that I bet you didn't know

Dried blackberry leaves give a luscious fruity flavor when steeped in boiling water. Not only are they the basis of many delicious teas, but they are also loaded with a beneficial component called tannins. The most astringent part is the root.
Just like its berry cousins, blackberry is very rich in antioxidants. Packed with polyphenols, black berry is beneficial in preventing heart diseases and cancer. Black berry is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E and K. And the fruit is also rich in fiber and manganese.
*Preventing Cancer: Good source of Cyanidin.
Blackberry is used for treating diarrhea, fluid retention, diabetes, gout, and pain and swelling (inflammation).
used to treat sore throats, mouth ulcers and gum inflammations. A decoction of the leaves is useful as a gargle in treating thrush and also makes a good general mouthwash. It is also used as a mouth rinse for mild mouth and throat irritation.
treat diarrhea: The presence of large amounts of tannins that give blackberry roots and leaves an astringent effect useful for treating diarrhea
provide an antibacterial effect against H. pylori, the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers
provide immune-boosting antioxidants
provide high levels of salicylic acid, which gives them similar properties to aspirin, such as pain relief and fever relief
reduce inflammation of the gums, because it contains tannins.
A medicinal syrup is also made from Blackberry, using the fruit and root bark in honey for a cough remedy.

My Closing Thoughts ~

I hope this post made you want to try blackberry ice cream. It's one of those desserts that's not eaten very often. I'm not sure why because it's delicious.

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🠟 Please Fill Free to Share 🠟 "Live Everyday like a Holiday" Pam

Have you ever tried Ginger Mint Fruit Tea for better health?

Could a refreshing drink of ginger, mint & citrus really be good for your health?

Well, that's what research says. In fact, there are many many many studies on how these ingredients support better health. Who would have thought something so refreshing would be so good for the body? Well friends here's my findings........ now bear with me guys... I've gathered up a lot of helpful information for you. After you read my finding your going to want to drink ginger mint fruit tea all the time. LOL~

Health Benefits of Ginger

I think everyone knows by now that ginger helps with the stomach. Such as bloating, cramping, gas indigestion, and nausea. But there are sooo many more benefits.

Researchers from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer have found that ginger not only kills cancer cells, but it also prevents them from building up resistance to cancer treatment. I think I will write up an article about ginger and cancer in a future post.

Gingerol is not just an anti-cancer agent, but it has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activites.
Ginger is used against headache and to get relief from nasal problems. It has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Ginger extract is used for curing sinus Infections.
improves the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients in the body.
Detox: promote detoxification by speeding the movement of food through the intestines, thanks to compounds called gingerols and shogaols.
Ginger clears the ‘microcirculatory channels’ of the body, including the sinuses that tend to flare up.
Against airsickness and nausea: Chew on ginger, preferably tossed in a little honey. Can be combined with Fennel.
Ginger helps reduce flatulence!
Arthritis: Ginger contains the chemical gingerol. Gingerol has been found to reduce inflammation and block pain pathways.
joint pain: Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory properties—can bring relief. Float some ginger essential oil into your bath to help aching muscles and joints.
Nausea after surgery : Chewing ginger post-operation can help overcome nausea.
Stir up some ginger tea to get rid of throat and nose congestion.

Now let's look into Mint

Mint is another one that effects the stomach that most people are already aware of but here's some more. Mint is a good appetizer and promotes digestion, due to its typical aroma. It also soothes stomach in cases of indigestion, inflammation ect. This aroma of mint activates the saliva glands in our mouth as well as glands which secrete digestive enzymes, thereby facilitating digestion. Thus it is extensively used in culinary.

Now lets talk about it's effects with stomach disorders: repeated trials on the benefits of mint have established it to be very effective against stomach disorders ranging from irritable bowl to dyspepsia and cramps.

Other Benefits: Besides its wide industrial use in food stuffs such as ice-creams, chocolates etc., alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, medicines, inhalers and mouth and breathe fresheners, it is used as a condiment and decorative item in culinary world-wide. Drinks and food-stuffs containing mint cools you off in summer. It is a good relaxant. One more peculiar property which is very much in contrary to its cooling and soothing effects is that it induces sweating if consumed in fever, thereby curing it. And did you know mint juice can be applied on burns to heal and soothe them?

Nausea & Headache: Again, the strong and refreshing aroma of mint is an excellent and quick remedy for nausea. Whenever you feel it, just smell the oil of mint or crushed fresh mint leaves or use any product with mint flavor, whichever is available near you, and it will be gone. Balms based on mint or simply mint oil, when rubbed on forehead and nose, gives quick relief in headache.
Respiratory Disorders, Cough etc.: The strong aroma of mint is very effective in opening up congestion of nose, throat, bronchi and lungs, giving relief in respiratory disorders resulting from asthma, cold etc. As it cools and soothes throat, nose and other respiratory channels, it gives relief in cough too.
Asthma: Regular use of mint is very beneficial for asthma patients, as it is a good relaxant and gives relief in congestion. But, over dosage may irritate as well.

Oral Care: This is a well known property of mint. Being a germicidal and breathe freshener, it takes care of oral health by inhibiting harmful bacterial growth inside mouth and by cleaning tongue and teeth.
Cancer: Current research show that certain enzymes present in mint may help cure cancer : Mint, specifically peppermint, contains a phytonutrient known as amonoterpene which has shown the capability to thwart the growth of tumors in the liver, breasts and pancreas in animals. It has also exhibited the capacity to protect the animals’ lungs, skin and colon against the formation of cancer.
Vasoconstrictor : Mint contains chemicals that can help reduce bleeding by causing a narrowing of the blood vessels.
It is also beneficial in rheumatism.
It is also said to improve activity of the brain : Peppermint aroma improves memory and concentration.

Now let's talk about the key points of Citrus

Lemons, Grapefruit, Oranges & Limes : These citrus-wonders aid the body in flushing out toxins, as well as jump-start the digestive tract with enzymatic processes.
Fruits : Fruits are extremely high in liquid-content, helping the body wash out toxins. They are also very easy to digest and are high in antioxidants, nutrients, fiber and many important vitamins like vitamin C.
Vitamin C is one of the best detox vitamins around, as it transforms toxins into digestible material. Eat vitamin c foods often to help get more of these benefits.
Colds and Flu: Lemons are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids that work in conjunction for a serious punch against infection.
Liver: Fresh lemon juice added to a large glass of water in the morning is a great liver detoxifier.
Nutrition: Lemons contain vitamin C, citric acid, flavonoids, B-complex vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and fiber.
Balances Body Chemistry: While lemons are acidic they interact with the body’s metabolism to have an alkalizing effect on the bodily fluids helping to restore balance to the body’s pH.
Allergies: Lemons contain the phytonutrient hesperetin which has been shown in studies to alleviate allergic symptoms.
Brain and Nervous System Disorders: Containing the potent phytonutrient tangeretin in the peel, lemons have been proven to be effective for brain disorders like Parkinson’s disease.
Cancer: Lemons contain 22 anti-cancer compounds, including limonene—a naturally-occurring oil that slows or halts the growth of cancer tumors in animals. Lemons also contain a substance called flavonol glycosides which stop cell division in cancer cells. The most important nutrients of lemon are inside its peel, which is often thrown out. It contains essential oils and antioxidants which can cure cancer. Limonoids have a positive effect on Colorectal cancer, Prostate cancer, Pancreatic cancer, Liver cancer, Leukemia, Neuroblastoma.
Oranges are rich in fiber: Oranges contain high amounts of fiber which helps keep the digestive system healthy. A healthy digestive system would mean proper absorption of nutrients for the body’s use and proper elimination of toxic wastes. The fibers also help relieve symptoms of constipation, reduce cholesterol levels thereby preventing atherosclerosis or the hardening of the arteries, and it also helps control blood sugar levels.
Oranges boost the function of the immune system: In a very busy world, it is essential that we keep our immune systems in tip-top shape. A weak immune system would allow us to get sick easily. On the other hand, a healthy immune system would mean that we live quality lives, doing what we love to do and with the people who matter.Vitamin C found in oranges help stimulates the body to produce white blood cells (WBC), our body’s main form of defense against invading organisms. At the first sign of foreign invasion, the body produces WBC to attack the pathogen. So your immune system will need all the help it can get. Boost the function of your immune system by eating Vitamin C-rich oranges.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.

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Closing thoughts ~

💡I hope you found this post inspiring enough to make you want to make refreshing healthy drinks a part of your life by infusing ginger, mint & citrus into the water. It's good to be reminded that infused water is good for us and sweetened naturally from sweet fruits. (resources: wikiwel / government health / gone-ta-pott)

👀 Now just so you know... I have a few more posts I'm writing about being healthy naturally so if this interests you then keep an eye out for them. I have more great pictures to share too!

💻 I placed this post in the "Summer Drinks" & "Healing Foods" categories if you ever need to find it again.

📅 And as always, I've listed related 📅 calendar dates below 🠟, and any related shopping links 🛒 that would be helpful to this article.

😄 "Live everyday like a holiday." Love Pam

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📅 January / National Staying Healthy Month

📅 February / National Cancer Prevention Month

📅 March / National Kidney Month

📅 March / National Nutrition Month

📅 April / National Cancer Control Month

📅 May / National Arthritis Awareness Month

📅 June / Men's Health Month

📅 July / Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

📅 August / Gastroparesis Awareness Month

📅 September / Pain Awareness Month

📅 October / Healthy Lung Month

📅 November / American Diabetes Month

📅 December / HIV & Aids Awareness

📅 April / National Garden Month

📅 June / National Great Outdoors Month

📅 April 14 / National Gardening Day

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► 🛒 ❤ Ginger Mint Lemon Tea / https://amzn.to/3xTjQnO

► 🛒 ❤ Fresh Herbs / https://amzn.to/3xU7NH1

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Coconut Oil is Great for You

Benefits of Eating Celery

Benefits of eating Celery by Pamela Svoboda

Why is Chicken Noodle Soup a Hangover Food?

As you know I love to talk about everything that has to do with the holidays. And since hangovers seem to be part of holiday cheer consequences... I knew I had to do a post about how beneficial chicken noodle soup is for a hangover.
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Salt in broth retains much needed water
Bone broth re hydrates
Chicken provides protein and boosts liver detoxification
Nutrient dense / easy to digest / rich in flavor / boost healing

It's All about the Bone Broth

Broth is a liquid food preparation, typically consisting of either water or an already flavored stock, in which bones, meat, fish, cereal grains, or vegetables have been simmered. Broth is used as a basis for other edible liquids such as soup, gravy, or sauce. It can be eaten alone or with garnish. If other ingredients are used, such as rice, pearl barley or oats, it is then generally called soup.All bone broths beef, chicken, fish, lamb and more are staples in the traditional diets of every culture and the basis of all fine cuisine. That’s because bone broths are nutrient-dense, easy to digest, rich in flavor and–they boost healing. Bone broth or stock was a way our ancestors made use of every part of an animal. Bones and marrow, skin and feet, tendons and ligaments that you can’t eat directly, can be boiled then simmered over a period of days. This simmering causes the bones and ligaments to release healing compounds like collagen, proline, glycine, and glutamine that have the power to transform your health.

Benefits and usage of Bone Broth are:

The age-old custom of eating chicken soup for curing a cold isn't simply a wives' tale; traditional cultures sensed the healing wisdom behind the practice. Brimming with essential nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium, along with collagen, gelatin, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate, slow-simmered bone broth is an important addition to a healthful diet. It alleviates inflammation, heals a leaky gut and fortifies against bacterial and viral infections. Bone broth also strengthens the teeth, joints, bones, skin and hair.

It heals a leaky gut : The gelatin in bone broth protects and heals the mucosal lining of the digestive tract and helps aid in the digestion of nutrients.
Fights infections such as colds and flu : A study published in the journal Chest shows eating chicken soup during a respiratory infection reduces the number of white blood cells, which are the cells that cause flu and cold symptoms.
Reduces joint pain and inflammation : The glucosamine in bone broth can actually stimulate the growth of new collagen, repair damaged joints and reduce pain and inflammation.
Produces gorgeous skin, hair and nails : The collagen and gelatin in bone broth supports hair growth and helps to keep your nails strong.
Helps with bone formation, growth and repair : The calcium, magnesium and phosphorus in bone broth helps our bones to grow and repair.
Nutritious : Homemade bone broth contains all nutrients and minerals found in bones and tendons rather than just one or two found in pills. Slow cooking preserves the nutrients better than the high heat extraction used to make supplements.
Fights inflammation : Bone broth is very high in the anti-inflammatory amino acids glycine and proline.
Promotes sleep and calms the mind : The amino acid glycine found in bone broth can be very calming.

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Resources:

wikipedia / wikiwell / my youtube /

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The Benefits of Peaches

It's time to add more peaches in our daily diet! Research shows how healing they really are.

This post is in honor of Peach related Holidays. Below you will find a list of peach holidays and a list of "The Benefits of Peaches" as it relates to Home remedies, Food therapy and treatments.

The benefits of peaches are amazing!

National Peach Ice Cream Day / July 17

National Eat A Peach Day / August 22

National Peach Cobbler Day / April 13
National Peach Month / August

Peaches are recommended for acute, infectious diseases. They are recommended for reducing cholesterol in blood, in prevention of cardiovascular, renal diseases and anemia. Peaches are used in abdominal colics and rheumatism pains. As tea they are recommended in convulsive cough.
Peach is the aliment recommended for convalescence, for those who are in advanced states of fatigue or depressive states. It charges and regenerates energetic reserves through its rich containment of sugar and carbohydrates. Due to the fact that they contain phosphorus, peaches are recommended in neurosis, protecting the nervous cells.
Vitamin A, B1 and B2 are irreplaceable for the balance of the nervous system, they achieve the synthesis of hemoglobine, maintain magnesium in the body and strengthen the natural immunity.
Breast cancer cells -- even the most aggressive type -- died after treatments with peach and plum extracts in lab tests by two specific phenolic acid components : chlorogenic and neochlorogenic.
Peaches eaten in the morning instead of breakfast regulate intestinal and hepatic functions, maintain the alkalinization of blood, favor asssimilation and nutrition. The regular consumption of peaches is recommended to those with urinary lithiasis as well as for those who want to increase their urinary debit.
Peaches feed and regenerate the skin tissue. If the face is lotioned with peach juice, the complexion can be given a more shiny look.
Apart from their therapeutic qualities, peaches can be used in various weight losing diets. In the peel of a very ripe peach, at least 10 enigmatic elements exist which activate some substances which destroy the fat layers, this is why peach diets are effective.

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Extra Information:

Phytochemicals

Total polyphenols in mg per 100 g of fresh weight were 14–102 in white-flesh nectarines, 18–54 in yellow-flesh nectarines, 28–111 in white-flesh peaches, and 21–61 mg per 100 g in yellow-flesh peaches. The major phenolic compounds identified in peach are chlorogenic acid, catechins and epicatechins, with other compounds, identified by HPLC, including gallic acid and ellagic acid. Rutin and isoquercetin are the primary flavonols found in clingstone peaches.

Red-fleshed peaches are rich in anthocyanins, particularly cyanidin glycosides in six peach and six nectarine cultivars and malvin glycosides in clingstone peaches. As with many other members of the rose family, peach seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, including amygdalin (note the subgenus designation: Amygdalus). These substances are capable of decomposing into a sugar molecule and hydrogen cyanide gas. While peach seeds are not the most toxic within the rose family (see bitter almond), large consumption of these chemicals from any source is potentially hazardous to animal and human health.

Peach allergy or intolerance is a relatively common form of hypersensitivity to proteins contained in peaches and related fruits (such as almonds). Symptoms range from local effects (e.g. oral allergy syndrome, contact urticaria) to more severe systemic reactions, including anaphylaxis (e.g. urticaria, angioedema, gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms). Adverse reactions are related to the "freshness" of the fruit: peeled or canned fruit may be tolerated.

Special Precautions of Chlorogenic Acid

It was hypothesized in the 1960′s that chlorogenic acid was a chemical sensitizer, responsible for causing respiratory allergies to certain plant materials containing chlorogenic acid in humans. Some experiments on animals using fairly aggressive techniques, did cause severe allergic reactions after the material was injected into the animals, both to sensitise them and again to elicit the allergic response.
Chlorogenic acid has also been associated with increased levels of the protein amino acid homocysteine. Increased homocysteine levels are linked to an increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease, however, it has not been proven that reducing elevated homocysteine improves cardiovascular outcomes for people.
Chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid were once thought to be capable of inducing vitamin B1 deficiency, however, this hypothesis was disproven in the early 1980′s. It can however, reduce the absorption of zinc and iron from the diet.

Benefits and uses of Chlorogenic Acid are

Slowed glucose absorption, reduced insulin spike after eating : slow down the absorption of glucose in the human gut, therefore reducing the insulin spike after a meal, an effect that is of significant benefit to those suffering from type II diabetes, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome or polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Reduced production of glucose in the liver : Chlorogenic acid has also been found in vitro to inhibit the liver enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase which plays a critical role in the production of glucose in the liver.
Increased uptake of glucose in muscle tissue
Reduced risk of type II diabetes : People who drink a significant amount of coffee have less of a risk of developing type II diabetes than non-coffee drinkers. As caffeine worsens insulin sensitivity, this effect has been attributed to chlorogenic acid.
Protection against Alzheimer’s disease, nerve degeneration : Population studies have linked moderate coffee consumption with a reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases and laboratory studies have begun to confirm that chlorogenic acid is one of the agents responsible for this protective effect, although caffeine is also considered likely to have a protective effect.
Reduced risk of liver disease : The results of epidemiological research suggest that coffee consumption may help prevent several chronic diseases, including cirrhosis of the liver and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) as well as gallstones.
Reduced body mass and fat
Increase fat-burning and inhibit new fat cells forming
Mild laxative
Lower blood pressure
Stimulant : Chlorogenic acid has a weak psychostimulant effect, with animal studies in rats estimating the effect to be around one third as strong as the effect from caffeine.
Improve mood and cognitive abilities : A 2012 study in healthy elderly participants found that decaffeinated coffee with a higher concentration of chlorogenic acids (521 mg) improved their mood and ability to perform a battery of cognitive tasks in comparison with ordinary decaffeinated coffee which contained only 224 mg chlorogenic acids.
Eyesight : Chlorogenic acid found in coffee prevents cell death in the retina by at least 73%. In some cases, it didn't just prevent cell damage—it actually increased the number of healthy cells.

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Resources / References / Outside Links

freedictionary.com

wikiwel.com

wikipedia.com
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The Benefits Of Pistachio Are

Pistachio nuts are also called green almonds. . According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), it is packed with fiber, vitamins and nutrients, and also contains more anti-oxidants than green tea. Pistachios are also rich sources of protein and fat, but mostly “good” unsaturated fats.

This post is in honor of

WORLD Pistachio Day - Celebrated February 26

National Nut Day - Celebrated October 22

Benefits of Pistachio Are:

Reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by lowering LDL cholesterols. Pistachios help regulate and reduce LDL or bad cholesterol, which is dangerous for the heart. They also increase the levels of HDL or good cholesterol. Since these nuts contain antioxidants like Vitamins A and E, they help fight off inflammation and protect the blood vessels. This helps in reducing the risks of heart disease. Within a short period of consumption, the benefits of pistachios are seen through an increase in lutein level, which helps protect the heart against oxidized LDL.

Combat Diabetes : Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by regular consumption of pistachios. As per a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, both pistachios and walnuts help in better endothelial cell function. Those who consumed around 56 grams of pistachios were found to be more immune to Type 2 diabetes and heart diseases.
Strengthen Immunity : One of the main health benefits of pistachios is a stronger immune system that helps fight off infections, which is again due to the presence of vitamin B6. This vitamin helps the body create healthy red blood cells and strengthens the lymphoid glands such as the lymph nodes, spleen, and the thymus. This in turn produced white blood cells, which protect the body from infections.
Protect The Nervous System : Pistachios contain high levels of Vitamin B6, which influences the nervous system in many positive ways. This vitamin facilitates the development of amino acids and helps in the formation of the insulating sheath (myelin) around the nerve fiber. Both these functions are necessary for carrying optimal messages from the body to the nerves. Vitamin B6 also helps in producing serotonin, epinephrine, and melatonin, which work to calm the nervous system when the transmission of nerve impulses takes place.
Promote Healthy Skin And Vision : Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant found in pistachios. It helps in preserving the cell membranes, ensuring healthy skin. This is one of the benefits of pistachios that protects the skin from UV damage and prevents skin cancer and premature aging of the skin. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two carotenoids present in pistachios. These antioxidants defend the eye tissues from free radical damage, reducing impairments such as age-related macular degeneration and blindness. wikiwell.com

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Disclaimer: This post is not made to replace a doctors care.

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Shop:

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Awesome Outside Links:

http://www.worldpistachioday.com/

https://www.punchbowl.com/holidays/national-pistachio-day

http://www.americanpistachios.org/about-apg/news/world-pistachio-day-february-26

https://foodimentary.com/2017/02/26/february-26th-is-national-pistachio-day-2/

https://nationaltoday.com/national-pistachio-day/

http://nutritiontwins.com/673-its-national-pistachio-day/

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Benefits and Uses Of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes and yams (Bitter Yam) are botanically distinct, although the terms are often used interchangeably. Yams have pale flesh and grow in Asia and Africa, while sweet potatoes have bright orange or yellow flesh and grow in tropical regions of the Americas. Sweet potatoes, are an excellent and inexpensive staple to have on hand. These deep orange-fleshed nutritional powerhouses add several important components to the diet. Their health and weight management benefits far exceed the nutritional value found in ordinary white and yellow fleshed potatoes.

This post is in honor of:

National Cook A Sweet Potato Day - Celebrated February 22 in the US

National Sweet Potato Awareness Month - Celebrated November

National Sweet Potato Month - February

Benefits and Uses of Sweet Potatoes

Superior fiber content : Sweet potatoes contain almost twice as much fiber as other types of potatoes. Contributing close to 7 grams of fiber per serving, they make an excellent starchy addition to any meal. The high fiber content gives them a "slow burning" quality. This basically means their caloric energy is used more slowly and efficiently than a low-fiber carbohydrate.
Heart-healthy : They contain a large amount of vitamin B6. This vitamin is crucial in breaking down a substance called homocysteine, which contributes to hardening of the arteries and blood vessels. Vitamin B6 helps keep the walls of these important blood passageways flexible and healthy which allows blood to flow freely.
In addition, sweet potatoes contain high amounts of potassium. Potassium plays an important role in lowering blood pressure by ridding the body of excess sodium and regulating fluid balance. It is also an important electrolyte that helps regulate the natural rhythm of the heart, and maintains normal function of the brain and central nervous system.
Rich in beta-carotene : Beta-carotene or vitamin A is an important antioxidant. One medium sweet potato provides your body with the complete recommended daily allowance of vitamin A and then some. Vitamin A is useful in the prevention of several different types of cancer as it is one of the most potent antioxidants out there.Beta-carotene also helps to internally protect your skin from sun damage by both deflecting and repairing cell damage caused by excessive UV exposure. It also is an excellent nutrient for eye health and has been linked to prevention of vision loss and macular degeneration.
Cancer : Sweet potatoes also contain the polyphenol anti-oxidants caffeic acid and di- and tri-caffeoylquinic acids, which are the substances that may have cancer-fighting properties.
- Breast Cancer : Researchers in Japan tested sweet-potato extracts on rats with breast cancer. The results, published in 2005 in "Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry," showed that amounts equivalent to 5 percent of total-feed weight reduced the number of tumors relative to a control group and inhibited the growth of new tumors.
- Gallbladder Cancer : A study involving 64 cases of gallbladder cancer and 101 cases of gallstones gathered evidence to determine any links between specific foods and cancer risk. Those with gallstones are believed to be at a higher risk of developing gallbladder cancer. The scientists published their results in 2002 in the "European Journal of Cancer Prevention." They concluded that those who ate vegetables, including sweet potatoes, had a decreased risk of developing cancer.
- Kidney Cancer : A Japanese review, published in June 2005 in the "Journal of Epidemiology," didn't find any links between specific vegetables and the development of renal-cell cancer. However, the researchers did find that those who consumed three to four starchy roots -- including sweet potatoes, regular potatoes and taro -- had a lower mortality risk. They advised that more research is needed, because their study was small.
- Leukemia : One study investigated sweet potato extracts on promyelocytic leukemia cells. The Taiwanese researchers published their findings in the April 2007 issue of the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry." They found that the potato extracts were able to inhibit growth of the leukemia cells. Although the results haven't been tested yet on animal or humans with leukemia, the researchers concluded that sweet potatoes may be useful as a cancer-preventive substance.
- Liver Cancer : Laboratory mice with liver cancer were treated with the anti-oxidant anthocyanin extracted from sweet potatoes. The scientists reported in the Chinese journal "Wei Sheng Yan Jiu" in 2008 that 150 mg of anthocyanin caused a 33.33 percent reduction in the growth of liver cancer tumors.
- Lung Cancer : A study in Taiwan of 301 lung cancer cases, 602 hospital controls and 602 neighborhood controls investigated the link between the consumption of local foods rich in vitamin A, such as sweet potato leaves, and the risk of lung cancer. The researchers concluded in their review, published in 2007 in the "Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition," that those who ate the most sweet potato leaves had a 43 to 65 percent reduced risk of developing lung cancer.
A great source of manganese : Manganese is a little-discussed trace mineral that has some great health benefits. It is a pivotal component in the metabolism of carbohydrates which helps support healthy blood sugar levels. This can help stabilize the appetite for hours as opposed to the temporary satisfaction that comes with most other carbohydrates.
It also is a cofactor in enzymes that play an important role in the generation of energy as well as the efficient utilization of antioxidants. It is used for the treatment of anemia and is useful as a treatment for several premenstrual symptoms in women as well.
Rich in vitamins C and E : As if being one of the top vegetable sources of beta-carotene weren't enough, sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins C and E. These are potent antioxidant vitamins that play an important role in disease prevention and longevity.
Both vitamins also play a huge role in the health and beauty of your skin and hair, making them popular supplements. The combination of beta-carotene, vitamin E and vitamin C in one food makes the sweet potato one heck of a "beauty food". These nutrients all contribute to a healthy, glowing complexion and vibrant hair. wikiwel.com

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Great Outside Links:

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The Benefits Of Cabbage Are

Cabbage is a powerhouse source of vitamins K and C. Just one cup supplies 91 percent of the recommended daily amount for vitamin K, 50 percent of vitamin C, good amounts of fiber, and decent scores of manganese, vitamin B6, folate, and more and it’ll only cost you about 33 calories. Calorie for calorie, cabbage offers 11 percent more vitamin C than oranges.

This post is in honor of National Cabbage Day

Celebrated every February 17th

List of Benefits of Cabbage

Prevents Cancer : Cabbage contains high levels of antioxidant sulforaphanes that not only fight free radicals before they damage DNA but also stimulate enzymes that detoxify carcinogens in the body. Researchers believe this one-two approach may contribute to the apparent ability of cruciferous vegetables to reduce the risk of cancer more effectively than any other plant food group. Numerous studies point to a strong association between diets high in cruciferous vegetables and a low incidence of lung, colon, breast, ovarian, and bladder cancers. Thanks to sinigrin that is found in the vegetable. Sinigrin is a glucosinolate that can be converted into allyl-isothiocyanate, a compound that can prevent the development of cancer cells. How much: The more cabbage you can include in your diet, the better. A study of Polish women found that those who ate at least four servings of cabbage per week as adolescents were 72 percent less likely to develop breast cancer later in life than their peers who consumed only one weekly serving or less.

Cabbage builds strong bones, dampens allergic reactions, reduces inflammation, and promotes gastrointestinal health. Cabbage is routinely juiced as a natural remedy for healing peptic ulcers due to its high glutamine content. It also provides significant cardiovascular benefit by preventing plaque formation in the blood vessels. In Chinese medicine, cabbage is used to treat constipation, the common cold, whooping cough, depression and irritability, and stomach ulcers. When eaten and used as a poultice, as a dual treatment, cabbage is helpful for healing bedsores, varicose veins, and arthritis.

Cabbage is very effective in reducing cholesterol in the body. The way it works is that it gets together with the bile acids in the digestive system and lets them out of the body and reduces the levels of cholesterol in the body.

anti-microbial properties which can kill all kinds of diseases naturally. The antibiotic properties of cabbage are increased once it has been fermented as well. So eat your sauerkraut, or better yet, make your own. www.wikiwel.com

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Mother Earth Products Dehydrated Cabbage (2 Cup Mylar) ...................................................................................................................................

The Benefits Of Almonds Are

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Almonds are fantastic because they have a high Vitamin E content (one ounce has 35% of the daily recommended intake), fiber (one ounce has 3 grams), vegetable protein (one ounce has 6 grams), and monounsaturated fats (almonds are 51% monounsaturated fat). They're also rich in magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, folate, and phytochemicals, all of which may help prevent chronic diseases.

This post is in honor of National Almond Day
- Celebrated annually on February 16.

List Of Benefits Of Almonds

associated with ameliorations in obesity, hyperlipidemia, Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), and hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar). Incorporation of almonds into a healthy diet has beneficial effects on adiposity, glycemic control, and the lipid profile, thereby potentially decreasing the risk for Cardiovascular Disease in patients with type 2 diabetesmellitus.

Cancer : Two flavonoids in almonds ( quercetin and kaempferol ) were found to be strong suppressors of lung and prostate tumor growth and these plant chemicals inhibited the tumor cell growth in culture in the studies at Pennsylvania State University. Flavonoids found in almonds also suppressed breast cancer cell growth when these cells have been exposed to cancer-causing agents as evident from other research findings.

Prevent Constipation : Almonds are rich in fiber and because of its fiber content, almonds help normalize bowel movements by preventing constipation. Constipation may not necessarily confine you in bed and you think this is not a cause for concern. However, being chronically constipated certainly has its downsides.First, your body needs to excrete the waste products that are found in your stool. Your inability to let these toxins out can cause harm to your body. Second, being constipated means that you have a very hard stool. This can cause damage to your anus, cause it to bleed and it may lead to the development of an infection afterwards. Third, constipation causes you to strain hard to let the stool out. Straining will cause your heart to pump rapidly and will also increase blood pressure. No, you would not want all these to happen to you. So it would be best for you to avoid constipation altogether by getting your daily dose of fiber. These help increase stool bulk and helps prevent conditions such as diverticulitis and hemorrhoids as well.

Promote Heart Health : Almonds contain potassium, magnesium, vitamin E, folic acid and monounsaturated fats – all of these components contribute to the health of the heart. Potassium is an important ion that is needed by the heart to pump blood all throughout the body. It also helps make sure that the heart is pumping normally thereby preventing arrhythmias. Magnesium helps prevent heart attacks. The vitamin E found in almonds acts as antioxidants, neutralizing the effects of free radicals, and reducing heart disease risk. Folic acid helps reduce homocysteine levels in the body. Homocysteine causes fatty build-up in the walls of the arteries and in order to reduce homocysteine levels, folic acid is needed. Lastly, monounsaturated fats help lower the levels of bad cholesterol, without negatively affecting good cholesterol levels.

Help with Diabetes Management : Diabetes affects more than 17 million people in the United States, and one of the most common problems faced by diabetics worldwide is the surge in their blood sugar levels after a meal. Surges in blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, must be controlled because it can certainly present numerous complications to the body.Details of a report published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition revealed that incorporating almonds in our daily diet could help prevent surges in blood sugar after a meal as well as help in the management of type 2 diabetes by improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin.

Promote Healthy Skin and Hair : Almond oil helps make the skin soft and smooth – and it works for the hair too. Most soap and hair product manufacturing companies often incorporate almond ingredient into their products in order to make the skin and hair healthy, soft and radiant-looking. During massage, almond oil is also used as it promotes relaxation and helps keep the skin soft even after the session. Almond oil may be used as a face mask so that it will be absorbed by the skin, making it supple and erasing wrinkles, crow’s feet and fine lines. Almond oil can also be used as a deep cleansing conditioner.

Help Control Blood Cholesterol Levels : As previously mentioned, regular consumption of almonds help raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels and lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. Keep this in mind when it comes to cholesterol: you would want to keep High Density Lipoprotein high, and keep Low Density Lipoprotein low. Almonds, therefore, allows you to hit two birds with one stone. It effectively controls your blood cholesterol levels. High amounts of bad cholesterol in your blood could cause complications such as fatty plaque deposits, atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.

Lower Risk of Alzheimer's Disease : The results of two studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that vitamin E-rich foods and those that are rich in antioxidants can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. Researchers have recommended the regular consumption of almonds because these nuts contain higher levels of alpha-tocopherol vitamin E as compared to other foods. Alpha-tocopherol is a form of vitamin E that is readily absorbed and used by the body.

Help Prevent Osteoporosis : Because almonds are rich in calcium, it is one of the highly recommended foods in the battle against osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become weak and fragile, predisposing a person to fractures. Calcium is considered to be food for the bones. The presence of calcium in almonds could help prevent the pitfalls associated with osteoporosis.

The Vitamin E in almonds keeps your eyes and skin looking and feeling youthful.
Detox : because most detox diets don't include cow's milk, and almond milk is one of the best-tasting, most readily available plant-based alternatives.
Metabolism and allertness : Almonds, sesame and pumpkin seeds help regulate dopamine levels. see wikiwel.com

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.
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