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Let’s get real about this “grass fed” beef thing. I know this is a touchy subject with some and expect to get some flak over this article, but I think it’s only fair you have the truth. I’ve purposely avoided discussing organic here, because that’s another subject, altogether.
Having grown up on a farm, I know that all cattle are grass fed. Farmers have lots of grass and it’s easier and much less expensive to grow good pasture than it is to grow grains. And from the farmer’s business point of view, it makes good economic sense to let those cows eat grass. Because, when he takes them to the cattle market, he’ll be paid on weight and the type or size of the animal. The cattle that command the best price per pound are generally steers (castrated bulls) in a certain weight range. Exceptions are young male calves that are raised for the veal market and heifers (female calves – which aren’t sold to be butchered).
It’s true most more expensive cuts of meat are finished out on grain (usually corn) in order to add fat marbling to the meat. And the fat actually improves the flavor & tenderness considerably. By the time it ends up in the meat case (You know – the one where they have someone individually wrapping it, so they can charge more.) at the store, the steak has had most of the fat trimmed off. We’ll talk about where that goes in a moment.
If you’re buying inexpensive hamburger or roasts, you are most likely getting “grass fed” beef.
Why? Because that’s how the butcher deals with old cows that never had much in the way of grain. They were fed grass, silage, or hay. In general, this will be females that have reached the end of their productive cycle on the farm.
When I was a teenager, I worked for a year in a small meat market. Each week, we purchased sides of beef and cut them up into roasts, steaks, etc. The leftover trimmings went into the hamburger, but it was never enough to satisfy the demand.
So, the butcher would purchase a hindquarter (where round steaks and roasts come from). You could easily recognize the difference in the appearance of the meat and fat (the meat is darker and the fat more yellow). It was from an old cow! We would supplement the lean meat of the hindquarter with suet (beef fat) from other trimmings (like steak & roasts) to create a hamburger with the right amount of fat to be tender and flavorful.
One of the most important considerations in eating is enjoyment, and I take little joy in having a tasteless, watery, tough steak. Instead, I much prefer a juicy flavorful steak such as this one.
Marbled Steak – Mouth Watering Juicy Flavor
And for the record, corn is a grass.
So if it makes you feel better to buy a package of meat that’s labeled “grass fed”, go right ahead. But, you might want to question why they are charging more for beef that’s less expensive to produce than grain fed. The butcher will chuckle as he pockets your money. But he’s not likely to tell you the truth.
A few weeks ago, my wife told me about a family member who appears to be suffering from depression. She asked me to do some research to see what might be done. I told her I would look into it. Here’s what I found.
What Your Doctor May Not Know About Big Pharma’s “Slight of Hand”
According to a comprehensive review by U.S. and Canadian researchers, at least 4 commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs simply do not work as advertised. After examining all data available for the drugs — including unpublished clinical trials by the manufacturers – it was found that patients taking the drugs improved no more than those taking placebo pills. The only exception was among severely depressed patients, who improved slightly more on the drugs than the placebos.
This study is unique in that it is the first time a study has been done using a full set of data from the FDA for the antidepressants Prozac (fluoxetine), Seroxat (paroxetine – also marketed under the brand name Paxil), Effexor (venlafaxine), and Serzone (nefazodone).
Note: After Serzone was linked to liver damage in a small percentage of people, the manufacturer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, discontinued its sale in the United States and Canada in 2004. (It had already been banned in some other countries.) However, the generic form – nefazodone, is still available in the US and Canada.
The authors of the study wrote, “Using complete datasets (including unpublished data) and a substantially larger dataset of this type than has been previously reported, we find that the overall effect of new-generation antidepressant medications is below recommended criteria for clinical significance. We also find that efficacy reaches clinical significance only in trials involving the most extremely depressed patients, and that this pattern is due to a decrease in the response to placebo rather than an increase in the response to medication.” Source: PLoS (Public Library of Science) Medicine February 26, 2008
I know for a fact that some doctors are still prescribing these drugs for elderly patients. So, if you have friends or family who are on these drugs, please show them this article.
I’ve never placed much trust in prescription drugs, although in some cases they can be lifesavers. But if they are no better than jelly beans…
So what alternatives are available to fight depression?
Avoid Feeling Caged by Depression With These Four Healthy Habits
Why Diet Matters
A recent study showed that diets with high Omega 6: Omega 3 fatty acid ratios enhanced risk for depression Source: Psychosomatic Med 2007 69: 217-224. In fact, the study showed those with the highest level of depression had diets high in Omega 6 fatty acids. But, there’s more. Depression and stress promote something called “proinflammatory cytokine production” and diets high in Omega 6 fatty acids enhance it. The importance of proinflammatory cytokines is they are related to the onset and course of a spectrum of conditions associated with aging: coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, Type 2 diabetes, approximately 15% of cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, and periodontal disease.
The good news is that Omega 3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties. Good sources of Omega 3s: fish, wild game, seeds, nuts, & green leafy vegetables. Doctors suggest we have a 3:1 ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3. Olive, coconut, & hemp oils have a much better ratio than corn, soy, and canola oils.
A diet high in Omega 3 EFA plus B vitamins such as is found in liver will help reduce depression. If you don’t particularly care for liver, a more palatable substitute is Brewer’s yeast, available in tablets or as a powder that can be added to soups. Note: (If buying Brewer’s yeast powder, be sure you get the “de-bittered” variety).
Another dietary approach to depression is simply to eat foods naturally high in tryptophan, the precursor for serotonin in the body. It is particularly plentiful in chocolate, oats, bananas, mangoes, dried dates, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, red meat, eggs, fish, poultry, sesame, chickpeas, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, spirulina, and peanuts. One of the highest sources is Parmesan cheese!
Make Laughing a Daily Habit
Natural ways to enhance your serotonin levels: L-tryptophan supplementation, exercise, sunlight, and laughter! Mark Twain said, “Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand.” Rent comedy movies. Learn and tell jokes. Go out of your way to be kind – People who regularly volunteer to help others have measurably higher levels of serotonin.
Treat Your Brain to Healing Scents
Religious leaders have contended for millennia that burning incense is good for the soul. Now, biologists have learned that it is good for our brains too. An international team of scientists, including researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, describe how burning frankincense (resin from the Boswellia plant) activates poorly understood ion channels in the brain to alleviate anxiety or depression. SOURCE: Science Daily on May 20, 2008
Lavender essential oil has been shown to be effective in treating depression. Although essential oils evaporate rapidly, the effects are more lasting. The aromatic molecules permeate the air. When we inhale the aroma, these molecules travel into the nose and to the olfactory receptors, which transmit this information directly to the limbic system of the brain. The limbic system controls our emotions, influences the production of hormones, the immune system, and the nervous system.
Lavender essential oil has many known uses. It is a great aid for relaxing and winding down before bedtime. On the other hand, its balancing properties can also boost stamina and energy. Lavender is a great aromatherapy essential oil for reducing stress, alleviating fears, and soothing frustrations and irritability… especially in times of crises.
It’s important to find quality essential oils as some companies cut them with “carrier” oils. Since essential “oils” are not really oils at all, a good test is to put a few drops on a cloth. The essential oil should evaporate rapidly leaving no oily residue.
Consider Natural Supplements
“A February 2005 study in the British Medical Journal finally put to rest the effectiveness of St. John’s Wort as an antidepressant for people with moderate to severe depression. Half the study’s participants took the antidepressant Paxil (paroxetine); the other half took a minimum 900 mg daily of St. John’s Wort. After six weeks on these regimens, one third of those taking the Paxil felt less depressed; but one half of those taking St. John’s Wort were less depressed. The well-designed study also showed that St. John’s Wort caused fewer side effects than Paxil.”
When using this herb, it’s best to find a source made from the flowers and leaves with at least 3-5% hyperforin. One such brand is AMORYN. For potential side effects and drug interactions, please go to amoryn.com.
Caution: If you are currently on an antidepressant, do not take St. John’s Wort. And never stop taking your prescription without talking with your doctor, because most antidepressant medications need to be slowing tapered before discontinuing.
“If they would drink nettles in March,
And eat Mugwort in May,
So many fine Maidens,
Would not go to clay”
English Folk Rhyme
Our Fascination With Expensive Exotic Foods
Nearly every day, I see a new advertisement for some overpriced exotic food that’s supposed to be the latest thing you just must have to live to a ripe old age. From native drupes from South America (Acai) to organic coffee berries (yes berries), to an exotic fruit from the Himalayas; we’re told by some celebrity (like Oprah), that we’ve just got to have it. Now, I’m not suggesting these foods aren’t good, but by the time they’ve reached our home, the price is way too steep.
Yet, we tend to ignore what’s available for free in our own back yards. Here are 8 local wild foods, loaded with vitamins, minerals & antioxidants you might want to consider instead. All of these have various medical properties ascribed to them, but it would take far more space than I have here to differentiate claims from scientific validation.
Eight Neglected “Exotics”
Stinging Nettle – The young tender shoots are good in stir-fry or soups, and the fresh or dried leaves make an interesting & healthy tea. Just add some hot water, steep for 5 minutes, strain, and sip. The Romans collected and consumed nettle seeds. In Ovidius ‘Ars Amatoria’ there’s even a recipe using nettle seeds in an aphrodisiac drink.
Caution: There’s a strong reason why it’s called Stinging Nettle. The leaves are covered with fine hollow “hairs” which contain formic acid that sting when you touch them. Once cooked, they are fine, but even the dried leaves can still sting you. I strongly suggest using heavy-duty leather or rubber gloves to handle them.
Note: If you do happen to get stung, juice from the stem will reduce the stinging, and a companion plant frequently found growing near nettle is the common Touch-Me-Not or Jewelweed (Impatiens noli-tangere). The flower is yellowish orange and often spotted purple to reddish brown. There is another species (I. glandulifera), which has pink or white flowers resembling an orchid. Both species readily self-seed, and do well in moist shady areas. Because the juice immediately quiets the sting of nettle, you may want to grow some in your wild garden.
Dandelion – the young leaves (before flowering) can be used for salad-greens or added to soups or stir fry. The flowers can be made into wine & even non-alcoholic drinks. The pollen laden flowers can also be added to pancake batter or fritters. You’ll first want to remove all green portions from the flowers, because they are quite bitter. Of course, you’ll want to avoid dandelions, which have been sprayed with herbicides.
I find the best leaves appear in areas where the surrounding plants force them to grow long and wide to get the sunlight they need. It’s not unusual to find leaves 6”- 8” long. You can also add some plants to your garden. By feeding them nitrogen rich compost, you’ll be able to encourage leaf growth and extend the harvesting season. The roots of dandelions can be gathered and dried in the fall and make a healthy drink either alone or as an addition to your coffee.
Dandelion has been considered a culinary favorite in Europe for centuries and was actually imported by the early colonists to America where it has spread even into the mountains. A little known fact is the U.S. is a net importer of dandelion parts, which are used in herbal supplements.
Chicory – To most people today, chicory is just a little noticed roadside herb with pretty blue summer flowers, but the plants have been cultivated for thousands of years. It is said that Queen Elizabeth I of England drank chicory broth, and the Egyptians cultivated it around 5000 years ago. Today, it’s seeds & greens are sold as radicchio, which is nothing more than the forced leaves of a variety of chicory.
If you want to grow your own, the plant thrives in rich sandy soil, and responds well to compost. You can even “force” the roots during the winter months for the specialty green Belgian endive, which make a welcome addition to salads. The ground roots can be added to coffee or drank alone.
Wild blackberries & black raspberries – Virtually all berries & especially those with blue-black coloration have antioxidants that apparently protect the body from many ill effects of aging. If you live in an area where they grow abundantly, consider yourself lucky. Specialty culinary preparers pay as much as $40 a gallon for these sweet berries and make them into jams which sell for premium prices in the market.
Huckleberries – In most parts of the U.S., these berries grow wild and are sold for $30 a gallon or more at roadside stands. Most are blue or black with a flavor similar to blueberries. They grow well in sun or shade and can frequently be found alongside mountain trails. In the Pacific Northwest there is also a red variety that grows well on old cedar stumps. The flavor is tart but quite good.
Huckleberries can be easily frozen or prepared into jams, tarts, and pies. I like to add a few to my summer salads. My chickens love them so much I’ve seen them fly up into the bush and gobble them down.
Bilberry: Blueberry’s Sweeter Cousin
Alpine bilberry, bog bilberry or tundra bilberry (V. uliginosum) is native to North America, Europe, and Asia from 38o to 78o north latitudes and from sea level to 9,000 + feet elevation. This species grows on wet or dry, acidic, organic or mineral soils and is often found at the edges of lakes and streams. The plants grow from several inches to about 36 inches tall, bearing single berries or clusters of two or three glaucous, blue berries one-fourth inch in diameter. Flavor is good, but yields are often low.
One of my favorite Labor Day hikes takes me to a couple alpine lakes in the wilderness where these berries grow in such abundance you can literally fill your hand with berries without moving your feet. These fresh juicy flavorful berries taste similar to blueberries, but are much sweeter. Typically along the trail I’ll also find blue huckleberries and wild blueberries.
Elderberries – elder flower tea or fritters in the spring and elderberry wine in the summer. The flowers can also be dried and used for tea later. And the berries can be made into jams, jellies, & chutneys. If you’ve never had elderberry wine, you’re missing a rare treat, especially if you make it yourself. Although the elderberry tree can get up to 30’ tall, it responds well to pruning. My chickens think the berries are a real delicacy.
Fireweed – high in potassium & phosphorus and a good source of Vitamin C. American natives ate the young shoots just like asparagus – lightly steam & eat or use them in stir-fry. They tend to grow in open areas, along ditches, and burned over ground (hence the name). The summer flowers of this member of the Evening Primrose family are delicate and rose to purple
I’m sure if ask knowledgeable elders in your community, they can tell you about other local plants you can harvest. In the process, you’ll get some healthy exercise & sunshine. And you’ll also know you aren’t nearly so dependent on your grocer for your food.
Just a final note: Although Mugwort is mentioned in the rhyme above, Artemisia vulgaris is now not considered to be safe to take internally. It is a fine aromatic and can be used in herbal baths to relieve aching muscles and joints. It makes a fine ornamental addition to the wild garden, & the sage-like smell of the dried herb is said to repel moths.
When it comes to taking care of your eyes, and I cannot stress this enough, you’ve got to be regular. Get them checked regularly, incorporate healthy eye-food into your daily diet, give your eyes rest & exercise regularly.
According to a 7 year study, running and other brisk activities lead to greater cardio-respiratory fitness that is associated with lower cataract risk in men
Yoga incorporates several poses that increase blood circulation to your eyes and strengthen the eye muscles. Also, several poses reduce stress levels through the body and increase lung power, so your entire body, including your eyes feels refreshed.
Paul McCartney demonstrates some eye yoga exercises he learned in India.
Although, I must add, you mustn’t move your head as much as he does while you are doing these eye exercises.
What Makes the Eyes Weak?
Some of the common age-related eye disorders set in because of a diet that lacks nutrients that improve vision or prevent vision from deteriorating; or due to loss of tissue tightness around the eye socket, leading to droopy or puffy eyelids; or weakening of the retinal muscles leading to lower closer-range vision and so on.
Incidentally, smoking reduces blood circulation to the eyes. And in the study cited above, being overweight can increase your chances of developing cataracts.
Conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and dry eyes are so very common these days, what with the way we stare at the computer, walk around without sunglasses on sunny days and stay awake for longer than our eyes can stand.
Cataracts are clumps of protein molecules that cloud up your lens making it difficult to see clearly, whereas a build up of pressure on the optic nerve causes glaucoma. This happens when the watery liquid flowing between the lens and the cornea is blocked.
Small Changes for Healthier Eyes
While at work make sure that the source of light is behind you, and not shining directly at you. Overhead lights are fine as long as they do not throw off the glare at you from the computer screen you are looking at. If you can manage: position the light source over your left shoulder, if you are right-handed, and over your right shoulder if you are left-handed.
If you need glasses, get them (and get glasses of the right power). Do not sacrifice your vision for the sake of not looking ‘nerdy’
Blink. Blink. Blink. Fifteen-twenty times a minute.
Every now and again, rub your palms together and place them over your eyes. Count to 20. Do this regularly.
Don’t let cigarette smoke, or any kind of smoke get into your eyes. It can cause the formation of free radicals in the eye, which can cause macular (retina muscle) degeneration.
Prevent your chances of getting eye infections by washing your hands often, especially if you are in a public space. Do not share face towels or eye cosmetics. And do not rub your eyes too vigorously.
Avoid reading while ill, because this puts extra strain on the eyes
Super Eye Foods
Bilberry extracts. This herb has been shown to slow the development of cataracts. It increases the blood supply to the eyes.
Red, orange, yellow fruits and green vegetables are particularly good for the eyes. They are loaded with antioxidants such as beta carotene, vitamins A, C, E
Omega 3 oils found aplenty in cold water fish such as salmon, tuna, cod and sardines are good for the eyes.
A tea made from eyebright, Echinacea, clover, burdock and licorice boosts your immune system… helping you resist eye infections.
Although I love making Indian food for its myriad colors and flavors, I must admit I never knew why turmeric was used in just about everything – in desserts, in chutneys, in the main course, and in the bedtime mug of milk. Now I know it’s because turmeric is the most beneficial herb you could add to any dish. It cools the stomach, purifies the blood, eliminates toxins, and aids digestion. It’s also an antioxidant. And there’s more.
Turmeric is a golden-yellow slightly bitter powder derived from the boiled, dried, powdered rootstock of a plant that looks very much like ginger. It is the flavoring agent that is most often held responsible for curry stains that don’t wash away easily. But that can be forgiven, as it lowers your risk of cancer, reduces inflammations, is used to treat asthma, arthritis, skin infections, anemia, and several other disorders.
Just as good as an external medicine, turmeric is said to be effective against many, if not all, germs that invade the body. It is used in sunscreens and gets rid of acne without leaving behind scars. It is applied over wounds to prevent infections. It is a fungicide and keeps bugs away from stored grains. Not surprising then that it is the physician’s favorite herb and the subject of several patent wrangles.
Curcumin: Concentrated Turmeric
The main constituent of turmeric is curcumin. This element has been shown to prevent several kinds of cancers in tests on animals. Curcumin can prevent a tumor from growing and spreading through the body. This has been confirmed in studies on animals afflicted with tumors in the colon, prostate gland and breast.
Curcumin’s antioxidant properties destroy free radicals that affect our cells and result in premature aging and several disorders. It strengthens the liver and rids it of toxins. And those at risk of heart diseases can incorporate a pinch of turmeric in their meals to prevent any damage to the arteries. Turmeric also lowers cholesterol levels, and does not allow clots to form in the arteries.
Anti-aging Brain Spice?
Curcumin has also been shown in animal studies to protect the brain as it ages. Asian Indians have at least half the age related brain diseases (like Alzheimer’s disease) of those in the rest of the developed world. One possible explanation is their almost daily consumption of turmeric in dishes like curry.
While curcumin is the concentrated extract of turmeric and can be purchased as a supplement, the ethnobotanist James A. Duke theorizes the synergistic effects of food are more important than just consuming what appears to be the active ingredient.
Home remedies:
Asthma: Add I teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of milk. Let this boil over a slow flame for a couple of minutes without spilling over.
Sore throat: A milk-turmeric drink can be used by those with a sore throat from a cold. If you add a teaspoon of powdered pepper to this (only if you can handle the spice), it acts as an expectorant and clears up the nose.
Intestinal worms: You will need a teaspoon of fresh juice from raw turmeric first thing in the morning. Add a pinch of salt and sip this before you eat or drink anything else.
Muscle strain: Take equal quantities of ginger paste and turmeric paste and apply it over the affected area for at least 30 minutes.
Stomach upset: After a meal that didn’t agree with you, take a cupful of yogurt. Add a spoonful of turmeric to it and eat it.
More than a million flowers make one jar of honey.
Nectar from flowers that bees gather and process, that’s basically what honey is. But, it’s more than just sweet syrup that goes well with just about anything. Packed with nutrients and useful for just about any ailment, you can’t go wrong starting your day with raw honey.
Fructose, glucose, and nectar are the main ingredients of honey. The sugar in honey is absorbed directly by our body, and converted into energy instantaneously. It is healthier than sugar beause it contains fewer calories & is nutrient rich. Weight for weight, it takes more sugar to sweeten a dish than it does honey.
Due to its anti bacterial properties, honey is used in poultices and bandages to speed up healing of wounds.
Honey relaxes the body and rejuvenates it. Anxious children and older people find it a useful and harmless sedative.
Honey’s antioxidant properties are sought after in anti-aging therapies. It makes skin supple and soft by moisturizing it. The darker the honey, the better it is for you.
Honey benefits the blood by creating stronger white blood corpuscles that protect the body.
As a restorative, it is unparalleled. Even those who experience excessive thirst find relief with just a trickle of honey.
Infections of the urinary tract, worms, asthma, cough, diarrhea, and nausea can be cured by honey.
It can act as a vehicle for other medicines. In fact, it helps herbal medicines reach the deeper tissues.
9 Everyday Uses for Honey
Aging: Slow down the ravages of time by adding honey to your food and your beauty regime. Honey helps digest food, is healthier than sugar, and has a calming effect on the entire body. It erases fine lines, scabs, blotches and tanned skin, and makes your skin more youthful. Rubbed on joints with other oils, it can relieve you from aches and inflammations.
Fatigue: Sports enthusiasts and even those who work all day, turn to honey-laced drinks to increase physical stamina, boost the immune system, and rejuvenate the body.
Constipation: A tablespoonful of honey with warm water when you start to feel uneasy, or as soon as you wake up, is a great remedy for constipation. If you have no option but to eat out and want to protect your stomach, try to incorporate a dessert with a dollop of honey.
Menopause: The onset of menopause brings with it discomfort all over the body and the joints. Honey can be used to reduce the pain and strengthen your immune system. Add it to your tea, just before you drink it. Do not boil honey in water.
Skin: Mix egg yolk, a teaspoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of honey and make a thick paste that you can apply over your face, neck and hands. Or mix honey with unboiled milk to de-tan your skin. Let the paste dry over you, although it will feel very sticky. Wash it off after about 15 minutes with warm water.
Chest complaints: Honey is the best known remedy to treat phlegm congestion. Add it to an infusion of ginger root or cinnamon powder and drink it while it is warm. Buckwheat honey is a proven cough suppressant.
Eyesight: Add a tablespoonful of honey to a glass of carrot juice to help your eyes fight fatigue.
Blood pressure: Add a teaspoonful of garlic juice to two teaspoons of honey to control your blood pressure.
Weight loss: Add two spoonfuls of honey to one spoonful of lemon juice in warm water and drink it before you start your day. The heat generated by the combination detoxifies your body and reduces fat.
Watch how to make an energizing honey drink and see tips on how to store honey.
Jute has been grown for food since 6000 B.C. and was reportedly eaten by Cleopatra for its health and beauty benefits. In recent history however, it has been relatively unknown for its range of culinary and health benefits. Instead the fiber-rich stem of the jute plant has been dismissed as just a source of for bags and ropes.
In part, the reason for this probably lies in the fact that this food with its tender leaves is so commonly grown in many parts of the world that it had no commercial value as a food product. But maybe the Egyptian people knew a secret. This member of the mallow family is considered a staple in Egypt, where it is called malukhiyah.
Today, in many parts of Asia, Africa and in the Philippines, jute leaves, also called saluyot, or Jew mallow, have been heading the list of anti-aging miracles. By far, one of the most nutritious and rich sources of calcium, beta carotene, and vitamins C & E, jute leaves are a healthy addition to soups and stir-fry veggie dishes. Like the consistency of okra when cooked, jute leaves are similarly sticky and are added to soups, sauces, and stews to thicken the dish.
Anti-aging Benefits of Saluyot
Jute leaves contain almost all of the nutrients needed by humans. But, the most important benefit of the leaves is their high antioxidant property, primarily in the form of Vitamin E. These antioxidants combine with free radicals that cause problems like arthritis, hardening of arteries, heart and kidney ailments. Among the many benefits, saluyot contains:
Vitamin A, which aids in repairing the body’s cells and improves eyesight
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid, which improves circulation and helps lower the risk of cataracts and other eye disorders
Vitamin E, which slows down the aches and pains associated with aging, holds infertility at bay, and increases stamina
A high percentage of calcium, which contributes to strong teeth and bones.
Eating saluyot regularly helps control blood pressure & cholesterol, and lowers the risk of asthma, cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Dried saluyot leaves can be made into a tea believed to cure headaches, dysentery, stomach aches and ulcers
Saluyot can be added to any soup you make: chicken, beans, pumpkin and so on. It could also be stir-fried and eaten with rice or noodles. The longer it is boiled or fried, the more sticky it gets, so do not let it stew for too long.
Saluyot Recipe:
Ingredients:
1 cup jute leaves, washed and finely chopped
1 cup pumpkin leaves, washed and finely chopped
5 bitter eggplants, washed and finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. Ground coriander seeds
Add enough water or chicken broth for cooking the ingredients without sticking
Mix the ingredients in a pot and simmer for about 15 minutes on a low flame.
Lightly sauté garlic with ground coriander in a tablespoon of olive or coconut oil and add at the end. Salt to taste.
Where to Find Saluyot
It is recommended that you buy organically grown saluyot, as you would any other vegetable. But, because the leaves wilt quickly after picking, you’re not likely to find it in your local grocery or even farmer’s market in the US. Although you most certainly would in the Philippines or Egypt.
Saluyot Noodles
In the Philippines, a form of veggie noodle supplemented with saluyot has been developed to combat nutritional deficiencies. Products include canton and instant cup noodles and may soon be available in specialty stores in the West.
Grow Your Own Wrinkle Buster
Saluyot Harvest in Philippines
Although some jute plants produce bitter leaves and are not considered edible, we managed to find a seed source for an edible variety of saluyot at Nichols Garden Nursery in Oregon.
Although it can be found in the wild in many soil types, it grows best in nutrient rich soils. Saluyot doesn’t tolerate drought, so be sure to water it at least weekly during dry weather. It will produce best in warm weather and the leaves should be picked frequently to encourage new tender growth. As fall approaches you can pull the entire plant and hang it to dry. The dry leaves can either be used for tea or added to soups during the cold months.
Add some saluyot to your kitchen garden and grow your own wrinkle buster. You might even want to experiment making your own facial masks and tell your friends you’re using Cleopatra’s Secret.
Chocolate Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce & Blackberries
Cacao Power
Raw Chocolate Nibs – a Review
When I was a kid, I remember trying powered chocolate from the tin my mom used to make chocolate cake. After all, it smelled so good. But after just one bitter taste, I was cured of that false impression.
So, when I heard about raw chocolate nibs being healthy, I was pretty skeptical. But, being pretty open to trying new things, I finally relented and purchased a pound of Cacao Power. Frankly, my first impression upon taking a bite wasn’t favorable. The taste wasn’t really bitter, just kind of bland. But before sending it back for a refund, I decided to experiment… my favorite thing to do in the kitchen.
I tried these nut-like raw chocolate nibs in
Homemade muffins – didn’t seem to add much flavor inside, but were great as a topping.
On a salad – OK, but boring
With butter and honey on bread – a great after dinner snack
On a peanut butter sandwich – terrific when I don’t have time to make a lunch
And in some plain yogurt – surprisingly good even with no honey. A quick delicious & nutritious breakfast I can eat at my desk.
In pancake batter – yummy
Why all the fuss about raw chocolate?
Turns out chocolate has many healthy benefits:
More anti-oxidant power than blueberries, red wine, or
green tea
Helps lower blood pressure
Reduces the risk of strokes and heart disease because of natural phytochemicals called flavanoids
A natural depression fighter because its high in tryptophan, the precursor for serotonin
Raw chocolate nibs are full of vitamins, minerals, beta-carotene, zinc, chromium and magnesium
Recent studies say it’s better than Viagra!
So, if you’d like to enjoy your chocolate without the guilt, you’ll find a certified organic source at Navitas Naturals or you can save some money at Vitacost.
They also offer this natural chocolate in a powder, but that kind of takes all the fun out of it. Of course, if you want to make some healthy brownies by adding chia seeds, you’ll want the powdered chocolate nibs.
Now I figure 99% of you would never spend a dollar for a piece of chocolate even if it was healthy, but one thing I’ve come to know – never underestimate what appeals to people, especially if it’s better than Viagra – Chi Chocolate.
Cranberries Create An Impenetrable Energy Shield More Powerful Than a Missile Defense System
Although it’s been known for several years that cranberries can prevent urinary tract infections, up until now, the exact mechanism has remained a mystery. But in a newly published study, scientists at Worcester Polytechnic Institute say they’ve discovered the secret.
They found that virulent bacteria, like the kind that create urinary tract infections, have hair-like projections called fimbriae that attach to the wall of the bladder. Their studies showed that even low concentrations of cranberry juice created a thermodynamic energy shield that keeps these nasty creatures from getting a foothold.
No Harm To Friendly Bacteria
Because the good bacteria don’t have these fimbriae, they aren’t affected. This is important, because our bodies have billions of good bacteria that provide protection from such gut wrenching disease organisms like Clostridium difficile.
Unpublished work also shows cranberry juice has potent effects on disease-causing bacteria, but that the effect is temporary. This suggests that in order to have continuous protection; you will need to consume some form of cranberry regularly – perhaps daily.
Cranberries, a Superfood You Should Enjoy Year Round
Cranberries are higher in antioxidants than strawberries, spinach, broccoli, red grapes, apples, raspberries, and cherries. With 8,983 total antioxidant capacity per cup, only cultivated blueberries outrank them.
Besides being naturally high in Vitamin C, cranberries also contain calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sulfer, vitamin A, vitamin B-1, Vitamin B-2, vitamin B-3, vitamin B-5, vitamin E, and zinc.
Rich in a dozen phytochemicals (phytonutrients). Phytochemicals work in a number of different ways to prevent disease, even cancer.
Proanthocyanidins present in cranberries are responsible for their anti-adhesion properties. In addition, these proanthocyanidins promote dental health since they inhibit the bacterial growth that causes plaque.
A 2001 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry revealed this red berry (in its pure form) contained the highest quantity of disease-fighting phenols, a type of antioxidant that is thought to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, stroke and heart disease.
Cranberries are also a good source of resveratrol, the component of red wine that makes it so good for you.
How to Get Your Cranberries Without Terrorizing Your Body With High Calorie Sugar
Sugar (sucrose) is not only highly addictive; it’s absorbed directly into the blood stream from your stomach, which upsets the natural chemical balance of your body. In addition, sucrose has zero nutrient value.
Pure fresh cranberries have only 45 calories per cup, but when sugar is added, the result tips the scale…
140 calories from 1/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries. Note: Craisins (by Ocean Spray) is sweetened with sugar, but Eden Foods offers dried cranberries sweetened with apple juice. Same amount of calories, but better for you.
130 calories from 8 oz. of cranberry juice cocktail (sweetened with sugar)
5 calories from 8 oz. of Ocean Spray diet cranberry juice cocktail (sweetened with fruit juice and Sucralose). Note: Since research has shown Sucralose can cause the thymus gland to shrink, I wouldn’t recommend it. The thymus is important to your immune system.
258 calories from 1/3 cup of jellied cranberry sauce
Add this “Thanksgiving fruit” to your weekly diet. Try them in salads, muffins, pancakes, breads, cheese spreads, on peanut butter sandwiches, etc. You can find unsweetened cranberry juice at some health food stores. Since it’s very sour, you can either sweeten it with honey (heat together in a sauce pan until the honey dissolves into the juice) or make cranberry vinaigrette to serve on your salads.
Although the exact origin of the date palm is lost in antiquity, it is known to have been used in construction of the temple of the moon god near Ur in Southern Iraq (Mesopotamia) as early a 4000 BC.
Dates were considered very important in both the Jewish and Islamic religions, and were believed to be a curative for many ailments.
Ancient Phoenicia was known as “the land of palms” and no doubt dates sustained them as they sailed around the Mediterranean and became the predominate maritime trading culture of the time.
Nutritional Powerhouse
Dates are one of the most nourishing natural foods. Containing 3,000 calories per kilogram (2.2 lbs.), just a handful taken with a glass of milk, can provide all the nutrition a person needs for the entire day. And because the natural sugars in dates are fructose and glucose, diabetics can safely consume them.
Dates are also high in dietary fiber and low in sodium and fat. They are also a valuable source of antioxidants (ranked #11 out of 100 fruits and vegetables in ORAC score).
100 grams (about 3 ½ oz.) of dates contains
Carbohydrates 75 gm (including 63 gm sugar)
Dietary fiber 8 gm
Protein 2.5 gm
Full to the brim with super-healthy benefits this dry fruit is a must-have in your kitchen.
Cancer Fighter
Fresh, dried, or semi-dry dates pack a nutritious punch when it comes to getting your daily requirement of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and especially magnesium.
One study indicates that 64% of men and 67% of women fail to get enough of this important mineral. Bone density, blood pressure and insulin activity are just some of the things affected by magnesium levels.
A Swedish study, conducted over 14.8 years among 61,433 women showed that a diet high in magnesium rich foods cut the risk of colon cancer by 34%. And the evidence is clear that a high fiber diet is very important in the prevention of colon cancer.
It is known that date consumers in Saharan areas have the lowest incidence of cancer, which is attributed to the high magnesium content of dates.
Top 5 Things to Know About Dates
Fresh dates are a useful source of Vitamin C and when dried, they are richer in potassium than bananas.
Dates can have a mild laxative effect, making them ideal for children and convalescing adults who need to clean up their intestines.
Dried dates are a rich source of niacin, copper, iron and magnesium. Just drinking a juice made of dates soaked overnight in water will strengthen the heart and purify the blood.
Certain cultures use dates to provide all the body’s necessary nourishment by stuffing dry dates with nuts and raisins to use as a snack during fasts. This is an easily made treat for those suffering from low blood sugar. Eating just two stuffed dates can quickly raise your blood sugar to normal levels.
Dates are also rich in calcium, and date syrup added to milk strengthens bones. Even breast-feeding mothers can benefit from dates, because it is known to enrich the milk and boost the child’s immune system.
Caution: Use moderation. Eating too many dates at a time could lead to dental caries and gum disease as the sugar in the dates is fermented in the mouth and forms plaque. Dates are also known to trigger migraines in some people.
Quick and Easy Ways to Use Dates
Chop and add to the dough when you are making cookies or brownies
Put some in your milkshake instead of sugar or honey
Dice and serve with ice cream or yogurt
Blend with milk and use as syrup
Stuff with nuts and a chunk of cheddar cheese
Add to hot cereal to punch up the nutritional value
Dice and put in your pancake or waffle batter
For a super healthy snack, stuff with raw chocolate nibs
More exotic dishes include Moroccan tajines (a slow-cooked spicy stew) and ka’ak bi ajwa (an Arab cookie filled with ground dates). In Manila, a cake similar to fruitcake made with nuts and dates is called “Food for the Gods”.
It is estimated that there are 100 million date palm trees growing today. And because of that, you can easily enjoy one of the most nutritious and sustainable fruits in the world without traveling to Mesopotamia.
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