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David Wolfe on SuperFoods

Everyday Super Foods

10 of the most nutrient dense everyday SUPER FOODS 

available in most grocery and or healthy oriented food stores.  

Wallace Bishop C.N.C.  www.webnd.com

The Allium Family

Garlic, onions, leeks and chives contain flavonoids that stimulate the production of glutathione, one of the body’s most powerful antioxidants. Glutathione enhances elimination of toxins and carcinogens, putting the Allium family of vegetables at the top of the list for foods that can help prevent cancer.  For maximum nutritional value mash, mince or chop them and let sit for 5 minutes before consuming. This allows air to activate some of the healthy compounds they contain.

Here are just a few benefits from members of this family. Lowers total cholesterol (but raises HDL—”good”—cholesterol), lessens the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of blood clots (cause of the majority of strokes and heart attacks), destroys infection-causing viruses and bacteria, reduces the risk of certain cancers, in particular, stomach cancers, produces more “natural killer” cells in the blood to fight tumors and infections, helps fight against neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and enhances detoxification by reducing toxins.

Sprouts

Sprouts are edible seeds that are germinated. Most seeds, nuts, pulses, beans and grains can be sprouted. Sprouted alfalfa, broccoli, chickpeas, kidney beans, fenugreek seeds, wheat and barley are popular for their medicinal and nutritional properties. The many health benefits of sprouts result from the process of sprouting and the composition of sprouts. Sprouts can add a nutty and earthy flavor and a crunchy texture to salads and sandwiches.

Sprouts are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E and are a good source of selenium. They also contain calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, iron, zinc, folate and vitamin B. They are low in sodium but high in potassium. Sprouted legumes like peanuts, soy beans and peanuts have complete proteins. They are a good source of fiber and are rich in life promoting enzymes, oxygen and chlorophyll.  Do not underestimate the health promoting properties of these wonderful, raw life giving foods.

For optimal health there are many very healthy commonly available foods you should make a part of your diet.  Variety is the key. Be adventuresome with the foods you select. Try something new! There are hundreds of healthy vegetables, fruits , beans, grains and nuts and seeds to enjoy.  Eat healthy, eat a variety and enjoy them with friends.

Avocado

Although avocados are very creamy due to its abundance of heart healthy monounsaturated fats, it is also a very rich source of fiber, vitamin k, potassium, folate, vitamin b6, vitamin c and cooper. It is also very rich in antioxidants. Avocados may offer a delicious dietary strategy for the prevention of oral cancer. Phytonutrients in Hass avocados, the most readily available of the more than 500 varieties of avocados grown worldwide, target multiple signaling pathways, increasing the amount of free radicals (reactive oxygen species) within pre-cancerous and cancerous human oral cell lines, that leads to their death, but cause no harm to normal cells. ? Semin Cancer Biol. 2007 May 17. Earlier research by UCLA scientists also indicates that Hass avocados may inhibit the growth of prostate cancer as well. When analyzed, Hass avocados were found to contain the highest content of lutein among commonly eaten fruits as well as measurable amounts of related carotenoids (zeaxanthin, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene). Lutein accounted for 70% of the measured carotenoids, and the avocado also contained significant quantities of vitamin E. J Nutr Biochem. 2005 Jan;16(1):23-30. Source: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=5

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is one of the richest sources of flavonoids and has one of the highest antioxidant ratings of any foods. Dark chocolate also contains another compound, epicatechin, which research shows to be a powerful cellular stimulator of protective compounds which may be prompting the cells to defend themselves. It is richer in antioxidant power than green tea and red wine.  Dark chocolate provides brain protection, heart protection, lowers blood pressure, improves skin health and bone health and is anti-inflammatory.  Dark chocolate and or raw cacao has much less caffeine than coffee or tea. With all the protection of dark chocolate you still need to be aware of the calories. Also the chocolate found in candies, ice cream and other food preparations may not offer the same health benefits. Chocolate with added sugars is unhealthy. Look for 100% organic dark chocolate or raw cacao.  

Do not consume milk when eating chocolate; it may interfere with nutrient absorption. The fat in chocolate comes from cocoa butter and is made up of equal amounts of oleic acid (a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil), stearic and palmitic acids. Stearic and palmitic acids are forms of saturated fat. You may know that saturated fats are linked to increases in LDL-cholesterol and the risk for heart disease. But, research shows that stearic acid appears to have a neutral effect on cholesterol, neither raising nor lowering it. Although palmitic acid does affect cholesterol levels, it only makes up one-third of the fat calories in chocolate. Read David Wolf’s book “Naked Chocolate”.

Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is very rich in a broad spectrum of nutrients.  Chard belongs to the same family as beets and spinach and shares a similar taste profile: it has the bitterness of beet greens and the slightly salty flavor of spinach leaves. Chard is truly a nutritional superstar. It can be used just like spinach. Use the tender smaller leafs raw in salads. You can wilt, steam or boil the larger leafs so they are tender. On the larger leafs remove the stalk center, it can be a little tougher. Learn more about Swiss chards many health benefits.

Butter Nut Squash (winter squashes)

If you have never tried this vegetable you have really missed out on a very nutrient rich and very tasty vegetable. Although there are many different types of winter squash such as spaghetti, delicata, hubbard, sweet dumpling, acorn and butter cup, the butter nut is one of my favorites. It tastes very much like a sweet potato however it has much less sugar content.  For those that need to watch their blood sugar it is an excellent choice. Winter squash is as an excellent source of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), a very good source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber and manganese. In addition, winter squash emerged as a good source of folate, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B1, copper, vitamin B6, niacin-vitamin B3 and pantothenic acid. Winter squashes offer many health benefits and are very easy to store. Learn more here.

Spinach

Researchers have identified at least 13 different flavonoid compounds in spinach that function as antioxidants and as anti-cancer agents. (Many of these substances fall into a technical class of flavonoids known as methylenedioxyflavonol glucuronides.) Glucuronides are a very important part of our detoxing pathways. The anticancer properties of these spinach flavonoids have been sufficiently impressive to prompt researchers to create specialized spinach extracts that could be used in controlled studies. These spinach extracts have been shown to slow down cell division in stomach cancer cells (gastric adenocarcinomas), and in studies on laboratory animals, to reduce skin cancers (skin papillomas). A study on adult women living in New England in the late 1980s also showed intake of spinach to be inversely related to incidence of breast cancer.  Click here for more data about spinach

Broccoli  (cruciferous family)

Broccoli is a great addition to our diets. It can bet enjoyed raw or cooked. Broccoli is a powerful anti-inflammatory and detoxing food. Most vegetables are not considered to be good sources of omega 3 fatty acids however broccoli has enough of them that it can give you the many health benefits of omega 3 fatty acids. Broccoli contains compounds that are necessary for our body’s detoxing pathways. In addition it is rich in many vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytonutrients. Many studies have shown broccoli to give protection against cancers and it can help in the metabolism of vitamin d due to its high content of vitamin k. Learn more about broccoli here.

Strawberries

Strawberries are the most popular fruit in the world and it’s not just due to its wonderful unique flavor. Strawberries are rich in many nutrients and phytonutrients including vitamin c, manganese, fiber, iodine, potassium, folate, vitamin b2, vitamin b6, vitamin b5 and are source of omega 3 fatty acids. Strawberries’ unique phenol content makes them a heart-protective fruit, an anti-cancer fruit, and an anti-inflammatory fruit, all rolled into one. Learn more about strawberries here.

Nuts & Seeds

Nuts and seeds improve brain health, heart health, reduce high cholesterol, and are anti-inflammatory, can be high in antioxidant value and provide detoxing power. Nuts and seeds are very rich in fiber, minerals, phytonutrients, and heart healthy oils and can be a rich source of antioxidant power. Nuts and seeds can be used and eaten in a variety of ways, such as a snack or in salads and turned into nut butters. You will find them raw and roasted. Raw is better if you are looking for optimal nutritional intake. Many people soak their nuts before eating to remove the external protein coating that can make digestion a little more difficult for our bodies. Nuts and seeds are very satiating and help curb hunger. In fact many studies have shown that people who regularly consume 1 to 2 ounces of nuts and seeds per day seem to lose weight and keep it off.

Nuts and seeds contain mostly monounsaturated oils and smaller amounts of polyunsaturated oils.  Walnuts and flax seeds (must be ground before eating) contain a large percentage of anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids.  Sunflower seeds are a rich source of many vitamins and minerals.  Brazil nuts contain several times the DRI of selenium, a very powerful antioxidant mineral with anti-cancer properties. Pumpkin seeds are an equally healthful choice with ¼-cup of kernels boasting more than twice the omega-3 of a four-ounce serving of salmon while being an excellent source of magnesium. Chia seed is now being recognized for its high nutrient content, in particular an excellent source of omega 3’s.   Almonds are a wonderful source of copper, magnesium and phosphorous and 6 grams of protein per one-ounce serving. The June 2004 issue of the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry reported that pecans contain the highest antioxidant capacity of all nuts.

Researches revealed that people who regularly consume nuts have lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The Iowa Women’s Healthy Study found that women who include nuts at least 4 times a week on their daily diet are 40% less likely reduce the risk of heart attack.  A study conducted by Harvard School of Public Health and Loma Linda University yielded very similar results. Naturally, the health benefits are not only exclusive to women, in a 2002 research in Physician’s Health Study of male participants, the findings showed that men who consumed nuts regularly 2 or more times per week had reduced the risks of heart attack.

The results of the 14-year Nurses’ Health Study—which involved more than 86,000 women—indicate that women who consume more than five ounces of nuts weekly will cut their risk of CHD by 35 percent, compared with those who eat less than one ounce per month.  And, the 17-year Physicians’ Health Study involving more than 21,000 men found that those who consumed nuts at least twice a week cut their risk of sudden cardiac death by 53 percent, compared with those who rarely ate nuts.

Just remember nuts and seeds are high in calories due to the abundance of heart healthy oils, be careful to not over consume them.  Because of their wide array of nutrients it is better to include a variety of them in your dietary routine.

So Hum

Like water which can clearly mirror the sky and the trees only so long as its surface is undisturbed, the mind can only reflect the true image of the Self when it is tranquil and wholly relaxed.” 

~ Indra Devi

Labor Day & Pumpkin Pie

Labor Day 2010.

Growing up to me Labor Day marked the beginning of school, the New Vienna, Iowa Labor Day picnic, small town America at its best!  The New Vienna annual picnic was complete with candy wheels, bingo with dried corn as bingo-chips, "chances" on the most beautiful hand made quilts, beer tents, "supper" served of roast beef, ham, corn, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, coffee, milk and a massive assortment of fresh homemade desserts from all the local families, and finally the day's entertainment was provided by the local "traditional" German bands honking away just as if you were in Germany for Octoberfest.

Everyone knew everyone as families consisted of 6-9 kids and somewhere along the line I swear we were all related.  It seems like the annual small towns church picnics were a way we marked the passing of time.  Each year kids showed up a little taller with deeper voices, new marriages, new babes, a few more gray hairs, upcoming 50 year marriage anniversaries, and of course the shared memories of locals that passed on...simply due to age or some earlier unfortunate loss.

At any rate, with cooler temps here in Chicago the last few days, and to honor my memories of Labor Days past growing up in small town Iowa, I had to crack out my own pumpkin pie recipe and warm up the house the its nourishing smell and power packed nutrition for my husband and I.

The recipe here is a bit different then the one I grew up with.  Still made with fresh pumpkin of course, but in place of condensed cream, refined white sugar and a crust of lard and white flour (smiles), you will see a rather healthy option using coconut products, dairy free with options to make it wheat, gluten and egg free.  Either way, the bottom line is food made from whole organic foods with your hands and infused with love is the best nourishment on earth.  ENJOY.

Hip Goddess Pumpkin Pie
Dairy, Wheat and Gluten Free Options

2 cups solid-pack organic home cooked pumpkin *
½ cup light coconut milk 

2 organic eggs plus one white
3/4 c. palm sugar (or 1/2 cup agave, or stevia extract)

1 t. celtic sea salt
1 T. coconut flour*

3 T. coconut oil*
1 t. vanilla

3 t. pumpkin pie spice

½ t. cinnamon

_________________________________________

*Cut a small organic baking pumpkin in half.  Scoop out seeds and add a bit of water to each half of pumpkin.  Cover with aluminum foil.  Bake in oven at 350 for 45 minutes or until pumpkin is soft.  What you do not use for your pie, store in freezer or just double the batch and make 2 pies.  Everyone LOVES pumpkin pie.

*Run coconut oil under hot water to liquify.  Coconut flour is available at whole foods or on line.  Coconut flour is very high in fiber, a good source of protein, low in digestible carbohydrates and gluten free.

*Coconuts are one of the greatest gifts on this planet.  The young coconut flesh, water, cream, oil and milk can literally save your life.

Blend all ingredients together in a vitamix or high speed blender, adding pumpkin in gradually at the end.

Pour the filling into the pastry and bake at 375 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

.

Cool before serving.

Crust Options:

*  1 9" frozen unbaked gluten free or spelt pastry crust

*  Susie Sondag homemade crusts: 

1. Wheat and Gluten Free:  1.5-2 cups shredded coconut, 1/2 cup coconut flour, 1/4 cup agave, 3 T. liquid coconut oil, 1/2 t sea salt, 1/2 t cinnamon.  Combine all ingredients in food processor until the texture is chunky like a crumble.  Coat a glass pie dish with coconut oil and press crust into pan.  Pour pumpkin pie into crust and bake.
2. Oatmeal Crust:  2 cups steel cut oats, 1/4 cup agave, 3 T. liquid coconut oil, 1/2 t sea salt, 1/2 t cinnamon.  Combine all ingredients in food processor until chunky like a crumble.  Coat a glass pie dish with coconut oil and press crust into pan.  Pour pumpkin pie into crust and bake.

Substituting Flax Seed Meal or Lecithin for Eggs:  

FLAX for one egg:  Substitute one tablespoon of fresh ground golden flax seed mixed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for two minutes in a cup or bowl until it forms a gel.  Add this mixture to any recipe that calls for eggs, multiply as needed per number of eggs needed.  Whole ground flaxseed meal is rich in fiber, lingans, and omega 3 fatty acids. Flax seed meal has a nutty flavor.  You can grind flax seeds in an inexpensive coffee grinder to get a meal consistency, or use a blender that grinds grain into meal, such as the dry grinding blade attachment of a Vita-Mix

LECITHIN for one egg:  Use 2 tablespoons of Non-GMO lecithin powder for one egg.  Lecithin supports fat burning, healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels, cardiovascular health, liver, nerve and brain function.  It has a smooth creamy like texture and is also terrific to use in smoothies.  I prefer lecithin from www.healthforce.com and is also found at Karyn’s on Halsted in Chicago. 

Fitness Model Takes Up Raw Food Diet

I wanted to pass this clip along that was in my "inbox" this morning.  The model from New Zealand is now a vegan, eating eggs with a 60 percent raw diet.  Interesting clip here to take in....everyone has an angle.  I teach raw food and detoxification as many know and from my research technically they say a diet of 52% raw foods sets the body up for healing/regeneration/anti-aging.  

Life becomes unbalanced and constricted if you become too left brain about it, but generally it seems that a diet of organic and pure WHOLE foods, not pre-packed, frozen, jarred or boxed is a good way to live.  Everything has a rate of vibration or life force that can be measured.  Organic and uncooked food dials up the highest vibration which you WANT in your body... if that is what you want to feel, vibbin high with energy and joy.  Processed, cooked food with chemicals, toxins, GMO, pesticides and bacteria is draggin along in vibration and will take you down with it :)

Incorporating grass fed meat or wild caught fish into your diet a couple times a week has shown to be good for the body, though not when cleansing.  "Meat" is a very controversial subject but something to "feel" your way through.  Buffalo or "bison" and wild caught alaskan salmon are good choices.  Pork has a very dark and dirty low energy anatomy that is not beneficial to the body.  Shellfish of shrimp, scallops, oysters, lobster, clams, and crab really are packed with the toxins and metals of the sea ie the bottom feeders.  You probably know these creatures were originally tossed out from the net, but over time they began to keep and sell the critters and now with good marketing we love them! Generally like everything else, what the animal consumes, you consume :)

Lastly raw living foods are terrific, and just like everything else, need to be prepared minding the bacteria world.  Soaking is best in the fridge versus on the counter at room temperature which allows for bacteria to grow.    Lastly generally if I don't consume something I prepared that day, I will save it for one day and after that, so long!  Of course that is different if is goes in the freezer or if it is a raw nut cheese.

Enjoy!  

http://www.scoop.co.nz/multimedia/tv/lifestyle/39318.html

MAKE A WISH

One of my favorite things to do is to travel and hike.  Loosing site of time and getting lost in the mountains just going up...up....up...until your legs say STOP....is bliss.  No words needed, just the nature divas around is enough for me.

Along the way on the breath stopping vistas, we pick up rocks, tap em together, make our wishes and chuck em over the edge...it is freeing!  So "wonder twin powers, and activate" your wishes over the edge, or into a pond, stream, river, ocean, or just in the silence of your heart.

The photo here is of a trip to Deer Valley, Utah casting a wish.

SERIOUS MERMAID FOOD!

Lately I have been craving one of my favorite sea vegetables, Arame. Not sure why, but when I feel healthy food cravings, I follow its lead. So as I sat down with my yummy preparation here (A vitamix blended soup of sunflower sprouts, bunch of parsley, spinach, cucumber, garlic, onion, sea salt, kelp seasoning, shot of lemon juice and a dash of stevia....poured over a bowl full of chopped celery, olives, zucchini, daikon radish, cherry tomatoes and ONE CUP OF SOAKED ARAME and finally topped with hemp seeds and a drizzle of flax oil....I am out of my mind excited to give thanks and enjoy! Anyway....I am inclined to google the benefits of arame and thought I would share.

Arame certainly doesn't look appealing, but neither does pasta :) Don't let the color scare you. All you do is soak it in pure water for 15 minutes, drain and add it to your favorite dish. You can use it as you would sprouts on a salad or in a wrap/maki roll. Great in soups and some people even sautee it. Arame does not have much of a taste so it will take on the attributes of your prepared dish.

There are many varieties of sea vegetables to choose from. I would suggest choosing organic. Below is information regarding arame from www.potentsea.com. Also, I have a link below for information on all varieties of sea vegetables.

Hopefully you will give them a try and add some serious mineral nutrition to your diet. Your body will sing to you! You can find sea vegetables in the oriental section of most grocery stores!

Organic arame is perhaps one of the most nutritious foods that nature can provide. The benefits of arame and organic arame are wide ranging. Arame comes mainly from the cold waters off the coast of South Korea, though sub species can be found in Alaska and California. The Koreans have been using organic arame in their diets for many years.

Arame is a brown marine algae rich in many types of marine minerals, including: iodine, zinc, manganese, vitamin K and folate. Normally, organic arame is sun dried for several days before packaging. Arame is harvested in the spring when ocean nutrient levels are at an annual maximum.

Benefits of arame range from wellness support, to a stronger immune system, to better hair, skin, and nails. Many of those who make organic arame part of their every diet also feel that it boosts libido for both men and women. Arame is also a good source of Lignans, which help fight cancer. Due to the many health benefits of Arame, it has been the focus of several anti-cancer and cancer prevention studies. Also, organic arame is one of the most expensive sea vegetables available.

CONSUMERS GUIDE TO SEA VEGETABLES

http://www.sacfoodcoop.com/PDFs/seaveggies.pdf

Is Your Shampoo Safe?

Are you a hair product junkie? Do you have a stash of suggested products from your stylist that are supposed to give you the hair of your dreams? I sure do! However, since my health wake up call in 1999, I do read labels and look at ingredients...what we put on our skin and scalp actually penetrates our body up to 70% faster then what you put in your mouth.

The last week I have been in Deer Valley, Utah and swimming at the local beautiful outdoor lap pool. Oh God, BLISS! I brought my shower gear, but the facility had their own spa shampoo/conditioner/soap... so like a kid in a candy store, I pumped away and had a blast in the lather and scent "sations". I was feeling, this probably isn't the best idea in the world...who knows what is in these products, but I am having fun and one candy shop shower is not going to kill me!

So in my "inbox" this morning was the conscious reminder from Dr Mercola's newsletter on minding the safety of your personal products. Good timing. So I am passing his article on to you. The point is not for you to buy his products, but to simply be mindful of the world we live in that as you know as well as I do, is a rather toxic one. So mind your right to educate yourself, make your own choices and read on!

Here is your link:

http://products.mercola.com/shampoo-conditioner/?source=nl

Food Matters

After my last post raising the flag on the food additive MSG, I wanted to share a DVD I appreciate called "Food Matters". This documentary is a grand resource for those who are looking to step up their diet and lifestyle perhaps to find relief from a health concern or for longevity.

Food Matters is a documentary film informing you on the best choices you can make for you and your family's health. In a collection of interviews with leading Nutritionists, Naturopaths, Scientists, M.D.'s and Medical Journalists you will discover...
How to use food as medicine
Who needs vitamins?
Is organic better?
How safe is our food?
Natural treatments for lowering Cholesterol
Foods that fight Anxiety and Depression
Natural therapies for Cancer
Which drugs might do more harm than good?
The best ways to detox, lose weight and keep it off!

Here is your link for more information!

http://www.foodmatters.tv/_webapp_270121/Food_Matters