It has a soft, butter-like consistency. It is deliciously sweet to eat. It can be found in the market a whole year round. It is spherical or pear-shaped with measurement of more or less 20 inches. The flesh has rich orange in color with yellow or pink hues. It contains papain, good for indigestion. It can be found in raw fruit. It came from Central America. It grows in clusters drawn by a tuft of leaves on long footstalks. It has thick rind and black seeds. Used as meat tenderizer (raw) by using juice or slice raw fruits. It has hollow cavity with numerous small seeds.
Properties: Rich source in anti-oxidant like carotenes, vitamin C, flavonoids. Has vitamin B, folate, pantothenic acid, minerals, potassium, magnesium and fiber. Paraoxonase, an enzyme that inhibits LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol oxidation. Has homocysteine, cysteine, methionine, papain, chymopapain, chitinases, tonic, stomachic, stimulant, laxative, digestive and rejuvenative. Has pepsin, beta-cryptoxanthin, and benzyl isothiocyanates, tocopherols.
Good in the prevention of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. Prevent the oxidation of cholesterol. The presence of plaque may cause heart attack or strokes. Good source of fiber. Good in lowering high cholesterol level. It has the capacity to prevent colon cancer by binding the toxin of the colon.
It has a protein-digesting enzymes to lower inflammation and improve the healing of skin burn. It helps for the proper function of a healthy immune system. It is proven to control ear infection, colds and flu. It can lower the risk of aged-related macular degeneration that cause vision loss in adults. Can protect rheumatoid arthritis because of its anti-oxidant that can protect inflammation of the joints.
It has vitamin A that can help to prevent disease due to secondhand smoke or being a smoker. By smoking, it can cause lung inflammation and emphysema. Due to its lycopene properties, it can control prostate cancer. Good alternative for those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome. Useful in relieving digestive disorders and stomach troubles.
It has pepsin properties, a powerful protein digesting enzyme that has a digestive action in the stomach. When the natural juice in the body reduced or decline, it can cause incomplete digestion and further the presence of gas, bloating, stomach discomfort and heartburn.
It has an active blood clotting agent to control bleeding. Good in the control of intestinal worms. The juice of raw fruit can prevent skin diseases (corns, wart, pimples, horny skin). It removes freckles and make the skin smooth and delicate in appearance. A paste of seeds is good for ringworm. Alternative treatment of chronic diarrhea. Good in the stimulation to secret more milk of mother during childbirth. Vitamin A accelerates formation of new cells. Vitamin C builds capillary strength.
I was watching television this morning while I was eating breakfast and saw a commercial that illustrated everything that is wrong right now in America in terms of our health. Here’s how the commercial went.
Tostitos - the healthy snack?
A man is walking down the aisle in the grocery store and he stops and stares at a shelf full of Tostitos corn chips. He says to himself, “Whole grain? I thought corn was a vegetable?” This fact, according to the commercial, influences him to buy these chips. The marketing on this commercial is as blatant as can be, but most people do not see it that way. Here is my thought process on this one.
First, the man raises the question of whole grains. Immediately all of our brains shift to healthy thoughts. We’ve been programmed that when we hear whole grains we should think healthy. While whole grains have their health benefits, excess amounts are not beneficial either, but I am just as guilty as most people when I hear ‘whole grains.’ I too shift to thinking about health, just as the marketers want you to do. So now they’ve got you thinking Tostitos corn chips are a healthy snack and the commercial has just begun. To hammer home the point they do something unbelievably clever. The man’s next statement is that he ‘thought’ corn was a vegetable. This is clearly to suggest that no matter how you think about it, whole grain or vegetable, these chips must be healthy! It is quite an amazing job of getting people to think health when thinking about a snack that is actually very bad for your health.
There is a small portion of the population that will see through this marketing and I suspect most of you reading this are those people. However, millions of Americans will see that commercial and assume that corn chips are a healthy snack because, as the commercial suggests, they are made from whole grains – or was it vegetables? It doesn’t matter which one it is because they’re both healthy, right? And there is the goal of the commercial. The chips are healthy because they’re made with whole grains or vegetables. Period. So, the next time these people go to buy chips, they won’t get anything else because they are ‘health conscious’ and the commercial said these are a healthy snack. Notice they never actually stated it was a healthy snack. This would get them into trouble with the FDA for false advertising. All of the ‘health’ talk in the commercial is implied through words like ‘whole grains’ and ‘vegetables.’
As a matter of fact their website talks about these chips and says they have just three simple ingredients – “corn, natural oil and a dash of salt.” What they fail to tell you is that their chips have a very high glycemic index because of the white corn they use. Consuming lots of white corn tortillas is a great way to give yourself diabetes. But Tostitos doesn’t want you to know that. Just think about the corn chips as a healthy whole grain/vegetable snack. Maybe Tostitos can lobby Congress to get it classified as one serving of vegetables?
I’d be surprised if you could find one responsible doctor or nutritionist that would say white corn chips are a healthy snack. They may be low in saturated fat and contain zero grams of trans fat, all the traditional markings of a healthy snack, but that does not make them healthy. You must consider the carbohydrate count and the effect it will have on your physiology from a hormonal standpoint. These chips will force your body to produce massive amounts of insulin and, over time, this is extremely dangerous. It leads to diabetes which is a major cause of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases in this country.
If you want a healthy snack, skip the middle aisles in your grocery store. Eat things like nuts and seeds, fruits, vegetables and other nutrient dense foods. Tostitos wants you to see their chips as healthy, but they clearly are not. They know this as well. That’s why you don’t hear them actually use the words ‘healthy snack.’ They are trying to fool the American public to make a little bit more money. If the government wants to reduce health care costs, they should crack down on advertising like this and really educate the public on what a ‘healthy snack’ actually is.
I have no idea why I wrote that title… maybe I was channeling Bob Hope and his “Thanks for the Memories” song… but bear with me… it worked in my mind…
Flax… have you heard of it? It’s my new favorite food. It’s a tiny, tiny little seed, with a POWERFUL punch. The best thing about it? IT TASTES GREAT!
I do wish we would name our foods with pretty names. Flax seems like its good for you, therefore, it MUST taste awful! Why couldn’t it be named… oh….Moonbeam seed… or Livewell kernel… but… alas… Flax is short and sweet… less to type.
I have been adding Flax seed MEAL to almost every food I prepare for my family and myself. Yes, if you’ve taken bread home from my oven, or eaten my cookies, or have come over for dinner in the past 2 years… you, too, have eaten Flax seed meal. Bet you didn’t know you did!
Every bread loaf, bagel, baguette, breadstick, pizza crust, cookie, cake, bowl of cereal, and casserole I make, has added Flax seed meal in it… when I cook for friends and family.
It contains essential amino acids that are hard to find elsewhere, in such abundance. It has FIBER galore, and it’s GREAT for lowering cholesterol… and has been studied and shown to slow the growth of breast tumors in women and prostate cancer growth in men.
It’s important to eat it ground up. You can buy whole Flax seeds like I do, and grind them up nicely in a coffee grinder, batch for batch. Or you can buy it already ground up. Make sure to store any unused portion in the refrigerator because it’s chock full of wonderful good-for-you fatty acids that can go rancid quickly.
I love the Bob’s Red Mill variety, and I can find it at my local supermarket… and Trader Joes. All health food, or Whole Foods stores carry it.
Sneak it into foods… sprinkle it on cereal, add a tablespoon or two to your smoothie, add it to cookie dough, stir it into soups and stews… You’ll barely notice it’s there.
It’s a very small, economical way to add powerful nutrition to our day. Aren’t you worth the very best?
I think it’s been MONTHS since I posted 2x in one day! Whew! So much going on and so little time in which to share and catch up with you all! Forgive me for not being as “active” in the Blogosphere — work is busy and I am continuously striving for a healthy life-work-happiness-blog balance Just like my garden should come with a warning, so should blogging — it quickly becomes very time-consuming!!
If you haven’t already checked out my finished garden bed, be sure you do! I am very proud!
On to the Q&A…
Ambre: I’m a new-vegetarian…as of the end of November/beginning of December…Well, technically pescetarian. I’m doing the Susan G Komen 3-Day for the Cure in November (my 2nd time), which is a 60 mile walk over the course of three days. I found this information on their website, and I was wondering if there was anything else you recommend for me?
In order for vegetarian diets to support optimal athletic performance, it is important to incorporate an adequate amount of protein into your daily diet. Many people believe that following a vegetarian diet means they automatically will lose weight. This is not necessarily the case as many vegetarians inadvertently have a high fat intake based on whole-fat dairy products, butter, eggs, cheeses, nuts and seeds. Below are some tips for following a healthy vegetarian diet to help lose weight, maintain an optimal protein intake and support your training walks: 1. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products or low-fat fortified soy products. 2. Build your protein around legumes, tofu and tempeh. 3. Watch serving sizes on nuts and seeds; they are full of healthy fat but are very concentrated in calories. 4. Avoid fried foods and choose those that are baked, broiled, or steamed. 5. Add protein powder to shakes or cereal if you are not getting enough. 6. Increase your bean intake; they are high in protein and fiber. 7. Add soy products to your diet. 8. Limit snacks that are high in sugar and fat. 9. Flavor foods with salsa, lemon juice and vinegars instead of high-fat condiments like butter, mayonnaise and high-fat dressings. Certain vitamins and minerals such as iron, riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin B12, calcium and zinc must be consumed in adequate amounts. These typically are found in animal based foods. Fortified soymilks are great for boosting calcium and vitamin B12. Eggs also are a great source of B12. Outstanding iron sources include fortified breakfast cereals, bread, textured vegetable protein, legumes, dried beans, nuts, dried fruit and green leafy vegetables. Eating rich sources of vitamin C with meats will help enhance iron absorption.
Prevention RD: Great question, Ambre! The suggestions the website made are really helpful. I don’t agree that soy should be added to the diet, however. I think that there are some benefits of soy in moderation, but some research suggests soy intake is related to increased risk of breast cancer. I particularly like that the information fully discloses that a vegetarian diet does not necessarily produce weight loss. When you cut out major foods groups in the diet, intake of other food groups naturally increases. When meat is taken out of the diet, protein intake tends to drop and fat and carbohydrate intake goes up. Thus it is important to get adequate protein (0.8-1 gram per kilogram of body weight) and to ensure fat sources are rich in mono and polyunsaturated fat versus saturated and trans fat and carbohydrate sources are complex and high in fiber. I hope this helps! Feel free to email me any further questions on this and I can help calculate some nutrient goals for you! And thanks for walking the Susan G. Komen 3-Day! You are inspirational!
Also, please consider giving to Ambre’s fund-raising! A little bit will truly make a difference! I always feel so empowered after giving to a great cause!
John of Challenges 2010: When I get my blood checked can you give me an idea of what things to make sure they check. I mean they check for the good/bad cholesterol and blood sugar and really can’t remember what else. Reason I ask is I’m up here in Canada and it sounds like they don’t check out as many things or I just don’t know what other info I should be trying to get off them.
Prevention RD: This is a really great question and my answer may be biased from a nutrition perspective, but I’ll give it a go! I ALWAYS check: total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol (the “bad”), HDL-cholesterol (the “good”), triglycerides, GFR (kidney function), plasma glucose, HbA1c (on my diabetics and pre-diabetics), TSH (metabolism), hemoglobin, hematocrit, TIBC (total iron binding capacity), AST and ALT (liver enzymes). For what it’s worth our clinic runs a CMP (complete metabolic panel), lipids (cholesterol), TSH, and CBC (complete metabolic panel) on patients annually. This is going to include everything I look at as a dietitian and then some. Good for you for being an active advocate for your health! We cannot always leave our well-being in the hands of professionals.
John of Challenges 2010: According to SparkPeople I don’t eat enough carbs. I do not try to avoid carbs. I do try and get my macronutrients in a 40:30:30 ratio for carbs, fats and proteins. Is there a minimum number you recommend and can you give me some ideas besides arborio rice that are higher in carbs but still not bad in calories?
Prevention RD: Risotto everyday! Just kidding…that’s a joke for John since he got me hooked on Arborio rice I think knowing your body weight would give me a better idea of how many grams you need, but with all of your exercise I would think 50% calories from carbohydrates may be a better fit for your needs. I’m a fan of 40:30:30 for those who are inactive, but that’s not you. Exercise requires a lot of glycogen (carbohydrate stores) and replenishment of the glycogen stores after long workouts. For a 2,000 calorie diet, this would be 250 grams of carbohydrates. I never recommend much below 150-160 grams, and that’s for my diabetics or petite patients. As for sources of carbohydrate: fruits, vegetables, legumes, milk, yogurt, and whole grains (bread, rice, pasta, quinoa, millet, barley, oats, etc.). Of course juice, sugar, candy, pastries, and sweets will contain plentiful amounts of simple carbohydrates, as well. But aim to have at LEAST half your grains as whole each day!
John of Challenges 2010: Green Tea…what are the health benefits and is there a difference between the stuff you brew at home or pick-up bottled?
Prevention RD: Green tea — thumbs up! Green tea with aspartame — thumbs down! Like many things health-related we can observe the practices of the East where tea (green and otherwise) are staple beverages. There is no denying that green tea offers a zero-calorie, antioxidant-rich, tasty thirst quencher with a MUCH lower caffeine content than most other caffeinated beverages, but what is added TO the green tea is the deciding factor in it’s benefit. Most of the green teas on the market which are bottled and sweetened contain excessive amounts of sugar (64 grams in some!) or aspartame. Additionally, many bottled teas are made from tea powder which lacks the antioxidants of brewed tea. The bottled green teas may also contain preservatives to extend shelf-life which many times add sodium to the tea, as well as making it less “pure” (I will NOT use the word “CLEAN”!). I hope this helps some…another really great question!
Rebecca from France: I’m curious to know your opinion on artificial sweetners/sugar substitutes. My mother uses Splenda a lot and these types of sweeters are just starting to grow in popularity in France. But how healthy are they really? I ask because most people would agree that “processed meat,” for example, isn’t as healthy as a cut of meat. So why, then, would processed/artificial sweetners be a good choice to put in our bodies (as opposed to “real” sugar)?
Prevention RD: I want to quote Cara from Cara’s Cravings. Last week’s Q&A had a question about sweeteners, and she left a great comment that read:
I don’t think there’s a definitive answer on what the healthiest alternative to sugar is. There are so many ways to be healthy! For some people, it’s really important to limit those extra calories, and I happen to think that some artificial sweetener here and there is not going to kill you, and can certainly help with a weight-loss diet. For some people, keeping it all-natural is a top priority. Personally? I’m somewhere in the middle so I use a variety of sweeteners – Truvia, agave in moderation, a little splenda here and there, and real sugar.
I agree with Cara’s words 100%. Working with a large diabetic population, I know the importance of artificial sweeteners. And for those watching their weight, artificial sweeteners allow a lot more flexibility in their diet. As someone who not only “knows” nutrition, but also struggles with their weight, I too see the value in non-nutritive sweeteners (calorie-free). However, I do believe artificial sweeteners are WAY over-used in our society. I aim to use a variety of sweeteners and ALL of them in moderation — I drink 1 can of Zevia a day (Stevia-sweetened carbonated beverage) and use Splenda, brown sugar, suncant, cane sugar, granular sugar, powdered sugar, agave, honey, molasses, maple syrup, and so on in cooking and baking. As far as artificial sweeteners, I strictly use Splenda and Stevia products and steer clear of aspartame and Sweet ‘n’ Low, Equal, Twin, etc. Bottom line is that there’s no single way to reach “good health” and that one person’s goals and needs are very different from the next person’s. I hope this helps — excellent question!
Thanks everyone for submitting wonderful questions! Feel free to send any nutrition questions my way and I will be happy to answer them on the next Q&A!
And an Oklahoma joke for the day…
You know you work in Oklahoma when the doctor on staff leaves at 1 pm to go deliver a calf. But, he’ll be back just as soon as he can!
They sell Chocolate Cheerios now. That can’t be right, can it? I mean don’t get me wrong, I’m no crazy purist or anything, and I love a good dose of cocoa as much as the next guy, but for crying out loud, what’s next, Strawberry Pringles?
I know I should be rejoicing, and when I impulsively snagged a box on Sunday (from the dang end-aisle display of course), I was very happy that my favorite method of reducing my cholesterol was now in a new and more inviting flavor. But even after partaking of these tasty morsels, I’m still conflicted. I mean, aren’t Cheerios supposed to be healthy, cholesterol-lowering, tasteless little turnips? Shouldn’t I be dolefully trudging my way through a bowl of mindless crunch-nuggets while I improve my health and maintain my less-than-appealing physique? And here’s another thing, they don’t have any more carbs than the regular Cheerios! How the hell can they make something that tastes like Cocoa Puffs but is actually on the list of “good” foods for a diabetic? Now I admit I was also totally stumped about the whole teflon thing (couldn’t figure out how something so incredibly non-stick stayed stuck the pan) but I’ve grown now, I’ve matured, and I’ve come to understand that some things in life are not meant to be understood. So for now I’m disregarding my queasiness with the absurdity of eating a heaping bowl of chocolaty goodness and accepting that Karma has come full circle and all the bad things I’ve done in life have been forgiven. Thank you General Mills, you fancy bastards, I love your new cereal!
When it’s time to clean up outside and do the yard, certain tools are commonly used no matter where you are. But I’m not talking about gardens and gardening tools. I’m talking about the yard itself. If you’ve got a lawn, you’ll probably own a lawn mower. If you have trees in your yard, you may have a chain saw, even an axe.
What’s your plan when your blades become dull? When the lawn looks unhealthy after you’ve just cut it, when your chain saw is taking too long to do its job, when you’re forced to keep swinging away with your axe because it’s just not cutting right? Well, you know it’s time to sharpen up those blades up.
Believe me, you don’t need to buy new blades. You needn’t go to a professional blade sharpener. Not everyone likes, or is able, to turn their blades in for professional sharpening once or a few times a year, anyway. You can do the sharpening yourself, right at home with your own hands using a sharpening file.
This could be the fastest sharpening because you’ll be doing it yourself, right there where you are. It could be the cheapest sharpening because you won’t be paying anyone to do it for you. You won’t be spending gas money to go drop them off to a professional and then to pick them up. You won’t have to buy new blades or chains. Isn’t all that worth it?
Why use a sharpening file? Sharpening files are lined with strong cutting ridges that abrade, or smooth, metal or wood. There are many kinds to choose from. Each type is meant to work on a specific type of surface. The coarse grade file is meant to remove a lot of metal, like when you’ve got to reshape a blade edge that has been dinged, nicked badly or banged up. The smooth grade file is meant for edges that need to have a nice smooth finish. This is usually the last step in sharpening. Your choice will depend upon just how sharp you want your blade to be.
To sharpen a lawn mower blade, a bastard file is a good choice. It does a fine job of sharpening lawn mower blades. It’s able to sharpen, as well as put a razor-sharp edge on your blade. If you prefer, there are special rotary blade files that can be used.
If home owners are fortunate, there are trees that enhance the look of their yard and home. Periodic use of a chain saw becomes necessary, in such cases. To sharpen the many cutting teeth of a chain saw, round files are used. They’re also called chain saw files. The teeth on a chain saw come in different sizes. They’re specified in the owner’s manual, so be sure to check and use the right size. Don’t just buy what you find. You could really ruin your chain.
Maybe you don’t have a chain saw. Maybe you’ve got an axe. If you do then you’ll probably know that working with a dull axe will make you frustrated and tired. You’ve got to make it sharp for your own safety and not just for the job you need to do. An axe file or a cross cut file may be used to get your axe in good working condition. If you prefer a razor-sharp edge, a flat file or a smooth grade file could do the trick. Tough working axes don’t need such a sharp edge. But they do need it to be sharpened correctly in order to cleave through the wood. It all depends on just how sharp you need it to be.
Whether you have a lawn mower, a chain saw or an axe for maintaining your yard, you can do the fastest, and cheapest, sharpening job ever by doing it yourself. And it really isn’t hard to do. It just takes a bit of time, patience and practice. You’ll be developing very useful skills that could save you hundreds of dollars and a great deal of time. If you do it right, your blades could last your lifetime. Be careful.
July 2008
Len Q. is a master blade sharpener and an adventurer who strives to protect the natural world. If you would like to learn more about
-Knife Sharpening: How to Sharpen Knives, Maintain and Store Them – Tests for Sharpness, Sharpening Angles and Much more -How to Sharpen, Maintain and Store Lawn Mowers, Chain Saws and Axes -Sharpening Gardening Tools (Maintain and Store Them)
Higher cholesterol can be associated to a specific form of life-style. These include smoking, eating alcohol, top an inactive life style, being under a excessive level of tension, bad eating habits, getting additional pounds than is healthy for your age or entire body frame, getting a family members historical past of huge fat, consuming an excessive amount of vitamin D, and also getting anabolic steroids or corticosteroids.
Visit cholesterol lowering foods
We all need to exercise – ask your doctor. Even if weight loss is not the goal, exercise keeps us healthy and improves quality of life. This is very good – for those who like exercise, and have plenty of extra time for him. So what about the rest of us? Stay Positive – Do not be discouraged The good news is that you do not have to put aside the hours of your day to exercise. In fact, the last word is that the requirement of long lasting 30 minutes each day can be divided into even shorter intervals. The American Diabetes Association is even suggesting to try to fit 3 intervals of ten minutes in your day. Note that the ideal is just that – perfect. It would be great if we all had time to do our assigned daily exercise every day. In real life, however, perfection does not exist, and not all situations are ideal. The important thing is to make the most of what they have, and give things your best effort. No need to be frustrated with yourself in the days that you have little or no time for exercise. Definitely not give up because their schedule does not permit the perfect amount of time. Doing anything is better than doing nothing. If 10 minutes is all we have today, more than 10 minutes is just enough time. If you can fit in 30 minutes tomorrow, which is also great. Focus on doing what works for you instead of trying to force a longer time than your schedule allows. Jump Start Your Day Who wants to be queen of the abs anyway? You do not have to do 700. See if you can handle just 2 minutes in the morning before the shower for a couple of crunches, or a large base of basic Pilates exercise. So do not wake up tomorrow with ABS Janet Jackson – are still making progress, and a little exercise on the sly in his day! Why are around while you brush your teeth? By making a few quick squats, you can get a little more exercise. Plus, you'll likely find that you brush your teeth a little more. If you do not always go the entire time recommended by your dentist, are now creating two good habits – Congratulations! Step Up Your whole world can walk daily activities more – even without an hour or more for a long walk. Park a little farther from the store. You will probably save time by not hunting for the nearest point as the ride takes you to do. Walk down to the mailbox to get the email or paper, instead of picking it up while driving past. Keep your eyes open, there are probably dozens of opportunities in your daily routine to add a couple of steps. When you have the time to do it, do it. Everything helps. Try a fast pace. Instead of taking their time getting places, walk a little faster. He moved quickly to raise the heart rate rather than give most benefits of their movements. As a bonus, you will receive when you go a little faster, one may find a few extra minutes in your day. Multi-tasking Everyone has their work tasks, unloved. The trick is not to think of exercise as another task on the list. Exercise can really be something that makes their jobs more bearable. Almost any task that is or can be done while standing, like washing dishes or folding laundry is a great opportunity to work the leg. Try walking or jogging in place, do squats, something that gets you moving. Turn up the music! Dancing is an aerobic exercise. It's also fun, and will do almost any task seems to go faster. The best part is that dance is a form of exercise astute – it's fun, and you can do almost anytime. Dance while you're cleaning, making bed, even while making dinner! Finish Strong After a long day, relaxing sounds much better than in the exercise. You can still fit in a little more exercise. Industrial: only seem to get more and more – what a perfect time to get a few minutes of exercise! There are so many choices, too. You could do a few sit-ups, some push-ups, even jogging in place. Small hand weights are also great. You could do some light lifting, even during the program. Try some stretches or yoga program. You will find that exercise can be relaxing, loosening tight muscles. Although no substitute for your favorite types of relaxation at night, you can find a place for a little exercise into your routine. The exercise is not the enemy. It is so important for your wellbeing that you need to find ways to fit into your daily schedule. Exercising when – and how – you can always better than not exercising. Work with your routine and stay alert to the ways you can adjust a little more exercise into your day. Your body will thank you.
The body digests food and transforms nutrients into blood, structure into function, health and disease. There are only two kinds of foods, nutrients: building and cleansing. Building nutrients, foods: protein, fat, meat, eggs, chicken, cheese, beans, etc. in varying degrees, build, thicken, fuel and heat. Cleansing nutrients, foods (water, sugar, minerals, fruit, vegetables and grains) reduce, cleanse, cool and moisten.
Too many building foods (via high protein, high fat diets) tends to thicken the blood (high cholesterol, plaque, clots, tumors), while too little (via long-term low protein, low fat diets) and or too many cleansing foods, drinks, tends to thin the blood (deficient blood). Thin blood or reduced circulation (via high cholesterol, plaque, atherosclerosis, etc.) dry, weaken, inflame, numb, etc. the body, especially extremities (head, arms and legs).
All blood passes through the liver. The liver, stores, cleanses (removes, filters excess protein, fat, cholesterol impurities, etc.) and releases the blood. High protein, high fat diets in the extreme tend to clog, thicken and weaken the liver. Less cholesterol, fat are removed, more stays in the blood (high cholesterol), arteries (plaque, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis) stagnating and reducing its flow, while increasing pressure. Increased clotting also tends to occur (thrombosis) as blood clotting factors are protein based. Overeating, late dinners, alcohol and tobacco also clog and weaken the liver.
Too many fruits, vegetables, juices and cold drinks tend to dilute and weaken digestion, acid and enzymes, reducing nutrient absorption, thinning and weakening the blood. Thin blood, in the extreme, thins, weakens memory (loss), skin (cracked, bleeding), hair (loss), nails, bones (cracked), etc.
Protein and fat, especially animal are more difficult to digest, requiring greater digestive energy (acid, enzymes, etc.) and time, and are best eaten at the beginning of the meal, day, breakfast and lunch as digestion and absorption are stronger, greater during the day and weaker, lesser at night. If you eat it at night, after age thirty, you will most likely wear it in the morning, in your intestines, blood, arteries, liver, thighs, etc.
The middle diet meal plan (1/3 protein and fat, 1/3 grain, 1/3 vegetables (3- 5, cooked, raw), fruit (1), spices, soup and or tea) adjusted accordingly is recommended.
The following diseases have been cured by the middle diet emal plan: ADD, IBS, GIRD, anemia, miscarriage, eczema, psoriasis, Plantar Fasciitis, sore lower back, sinusitis, runny nose, anal fissure, cellulite, anxiety, neuralgia
If you don’t want to buy my book, I’ll send you the Intro and the first two chapters in eBook, adobe file. Email me (rgheft@netzero.com) if interested.
Richard Heft, Acupuncture Physician (FL 1992- 2002). author, Hot and Cold Health and Disease. Available Amazon: on sale: $15.25 http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Cold-Health-Richard-Heft/dp/0974791709
If statins have not been shown to prevent heart disease or heart attacks what’s the point in taking them. Read the fine print on two popular statin drugs:
Statin drugs do lower LDL cholesterol, however if you are betting your life on these drugs alone to save you from a heart attack you could be in for an unpleasant surprise.
For example the fine print disclosure that has been appearing on Crestor’s television commercials is not exactly a ringing endorsement of their drug. Here’s what it says in a type size large enough to read:
“Crestor has NOT been shown to
prevent heart disease or heart attacks.”
via A Heart Attack May Arrive Suddenly and Without Warning?.
The picture in a recent ad for Lipitor implies that cholesterol-lowering is for everyone, even slim young women. However, in the fine print we learn that Lipitor “has not been shown to prevent heart disease or heart attacks”! If the makers of Lipitor need to provide this disclaimer, after millions of dollars invested in studies, why should anyone risk side effects by taking their drug?
via Dangers of Statin Drugs: What You Haven’t Been Told About Popular Cholesterol-Lowering Medicines.
You don’t live near an industrial waste site? The truth is that even if you do, you probably get most of your toxins as pesticides and additives in your food or each time you apply various consumer cosmetic products. Your home, your cars and even the water you drink slowly leak chemicals into your life.
There has been a staggering proliferation of toxic chemicals produced without due regard for testing for long-term health effects of low level exposures. Thousands of new synthetic chemicals come into manufactured consumer products every year with little to no safety testing or public approval process. According to the World Health Organization, there are over 100,000 synthetic chemicals in use in consumer products today with 1,000 to 2,000 being added to the list each year.
We breathe these chemicals through our lungs, absorb them through our skin and ingest them in the food we eat and water we drink. We are soaking up chemicals that we’d be hard-pressed to spell or pronounce, if we could even find out what they were.
I want to put to rest the belief that fat and dietary cholesterol are bad for us. I will also show proof that aside from being the best diet for stripping fat, low-carb nutrition actually improves health markers… Learn more.
By: Mark McManus
Article Summary:
Raising HDL levels in proportion to LDL is beneficial for your health.
Both Palmitic and Lauric acid raise total cholesterol.
Lipid profiles improve when there is no weight loss on a low-carb diet.
I want to put to rest the belief that fat (especially saturated fat) and dietary cholesterol are bad for us. I will also show proof that aside from being the best diet for stripping fat, low-carb nutrition actually improves health markers more than a low-fat diet. Let the games begin…
Author, Mark McManus Will Show Proof That A Low-Carb
Diet Improves Health Markers More Than A Low-Fat Diet.
Where Did All This Nonsense Begin?
Surely if so many people believe something, it must be based on solid evidence right? Wrong! If a hypothesis is put forward and believed without being adequately tested, you have a shaky foundation.
If this hypothesis is built upon for decades with no further questioning or testing, you have a house of cards. This house is ready to topple, in fact, it should have fell a long time ago.
Ancel Keys
It all started with a physiologist named Ancel Keys, Ph.D., back in the 1950’s. I’m not going to bash the guy because I feel that although he was mistaken, he was well-meaning.
Ancel Keys
Ancel Benjamin Keys (January 26, 1904 – November 20, 2004) was an American scientist who studied the influence of diet on health. In particular, he hypothesised that different kinds of dietary fat had different effects on health.
He examined the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and was closely associated with two famous diets: K-rations, which were formulated as balanced meals for combat soldiers in World War II; and “the Mediterranean diet,” which, with his wife Margaret, he popularized. Science, diet, and health were central themes in his professional and private lives.
[http://en.wikipedia.org]
In 1953 he published a paper titled “Atherosclerosis, a Problem in Newer Public Health.” It seems that from here, our dietary fate was sealed. Keys compared fat intake and deaths from heart disease in 6 countries:
United States
Canada
England
Australia
Italy
Japan
The implications for dietary fat were dire! As fat intake increases in these countries, heart disease mortality rates increases, oh dear! The US had the highest fat intake and also had the highest number of deaths due to heart disease, Japan ate the least fat and had the lowest number of deaths.
There was, however, one big problem with what became known as the ‘Diet-Heart Hypothesis.’ Data was available for a total of 22 countries, not 6. When ALL the statistics are analyzed, the ‘fat-heart disease’ correlation ceases to exist.
Unfortunately, despite the flawed conclusions of Keys, the media and the American Heart Association jumped on board the diet-heart hypothesis bandwagon.
In the 1970’s Keys bolstered his hypothesis by publishing a study suggesting that saturated fat (from animal sources) leads to high cholesterol which, in turn, leads to heart disease. This is still the conventional wisdom today.
Again, out of the 7 countries selected, the correlation between saturated fat and heart disease was not seen but hey, don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story.
Saturated Fat In The Human Diet
Almost all the saturated fat in our diet comes in 3 forms:
Stearic acid
Palmitic acid
Lauric acid
Before we get into looking at each acid, let’s discuss the differences between LDL and HDL cholesterol.
LDL is the bad guy (specifically the small, dense LDL particles)
HDL is the good guy
LDL & HDL
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a type of lipoprotein that transports cholesterol and triglycerides from the liver to peripheral tissues.
High-density lipoproteins (HDL) is one of the 5 major groups of lipoproteins which enable lipids like cholesterol and triglycerides to be transported within the water based blood stream.
Increasing LDL levels while HDL levels remain constant is bad news. The opposite is good news. Raising HDL cholesterol in proportion to LDL is very beneficial for your health. Raising both by equal amounts has no effect.
Stearic Acid
Now let’s have a little fun. Firstly, it’s well established today that stearic acid has no effect on cholesterol levels. In fact, stearic acid, found in abundance in animal fat, is converted to monounsaturated fat in your liver.
This is obviously healthy and raises good cholesterol and therefore lowers risk of heart disease. Hmm, not much wrong there, is there? The result of consumption of this acid is either nil or even beneficial to your health. Let’s move on…
Palmitic & Lauric Acid
Both Palmitic and Lauric acid raise total cholesterol. This obviously has no real effect with respect to coronary heart disease risk factor. Now, let’s add the three forms of saturated fat together and see what happens:
1 x Beneficial + 2 x Benign = Beneficial Net Effect
Wow! You mean ‘artery-clogging saturated fat’ doesn’t clog arteries? Yes, and it’s important to remember that a diet high in fat will also be high in unsaturated fats so the net result of high fat intake, coupled with lower carb intake, is a reduced risk of heart disease.
This is the story of surprised researchers as they see the startling results of studies involving groups consuming low fat/high carb diets vs groups consuming high fat/low carb diets; i.e. more fat loss and improved lipid profiles in the high fat/low carb camp. However, even though the science is staring them in the face, they fall short of recommending it as a way of eating.
The Proof’s In The Low-Fat Pudding
50 years of the ‘diet-heart hypothesis’ and it turns out to be a dud. So many wasted years and so much money wasted on studies trying to prove the unprovable.
Let’s take the latest one for example (7th May 2008). At a cost of $415 million, The Women’s Health Initiative monitored 49,000 subjects over an average period of 8 years – a HUGE study. They were advised to eat more vegetables, fruits and grains and less fat (20% of daily calories – only 44 grams of total fat per day on a 2000 calorie-per-day diet), especially saturated fat.
The results finally came in, the media waited with bated breath – guess what effect this low fat diet had on heart disease. None! Zero! Zilch!
So If Low-Fat Doesn’t Lower Cholesterol & Prevent Heart Disease, What Does?
I thought you’d never ask. A low carb/high fat does of course. It may seem counter-intuitive but heart disease, a new problem, is not caused by old, traditional foods. It’s caused by newer foods that we have introduced into our diets – carb-laden foods. Let’s have a look at some studies.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that participants who followed a low-carbohydrate diet for six months raised their good cholesterol and lowered their triglycerides (fat in the blood).
The low-fat group also had positive results in this study. They ate a low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-calorie diet. They lowered total cholesterol levels (lowering good cholesterol which is not so great) and triglycerides. It is important to note that the triglyceride levels fell more significantly for the low carb group; i.e. 74.2 points for the low-carb group and 27.9 points for the low-fat group.
Also, the low-carb group lost more weight even though their calories were unrestricted whereas the low-fat group consumed 500 – 1000 calories below their maintenance calorie-requirement.
Could This Be Due To Weight Loss?
Some people may think that the improvements in blood lipid profiles are simply due to the weight-loss and not carb-restriction, not so it seems.
Ronald Krauss at the Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute tested this and found that the lipid profiles (cholesterol and triglycerides) improve even when there is no weight loss on a low-carbohydrate diet. You can check the study out for yourself here.
The Alternative Food Pyramid.
Dietary Cholesterol May Be Beneficial To Muscle Hackers
The cholesterol in our foods may be beneficial to anyone wanting to build muscle. I personally take in a lot of dietary cholesterol (though I’m not sure what the exact amount is).
Researchers at Texas A&M University have discovered that lower cholesterol levels can actually reduce muscle gain when weight-training.
3 days a week for 12 weeks, 55 men and women, aged 60-69, (healthy non-smokers able to perform exercise testing and training) performed several exercises, including stretching, stationary bike riding and vigorous weight lifting.
The results showed that there was a significant association between dietary cholesterol and change in strength; i.e. the higher the cholesterol intake, the more muscle strength gain. One of the researchers, Steven Riechman, said:
“We were not expecting to get these kind of results, we need further research in this area, but what we found could really make us look differently at cholesterol, especially as it relates to a vigorous workout…
Our findings show that the restricting of cholesterol – while in the process of exercising – appears to affect building muscle mass in a negative manner. If it’s true, as our findings suggest, that cholesterol may play a key role in muscle repair, we need to know exactly how that happens.” Information provided by Texas A&M University.
So, if you want to keep your heart healthy and build muscle at the same time, you’d better opt for some bacon and eggs in the morning.
Now, lest you think I’m just one guy with these opinions on saturated fat and cholesterol, check out the list (not exhaustive) below of professionals who are also in the know:
Dr. Eric Westman from Duke University
Dr. Mary C. Vernon from the University of Kansas
Dr. Jeff Volek from the University of Connecticut
Dr. Richard Feinman from SUNY Downstate
Dr. Steven Phinney from the University of California-Davis
Dr. Jay Wortman from Canada
Drs. Mike & Mary Dan Eades from Protein Power
Gary Taubes – Science Journalist, author of Good Calories, Bad Calories
Dr. John Briffa in the UK
Adam Campbell at Men’s Health magazine
Cassandra Forsythe at the University of Connecticut
Dr. Larry McCleary, a brain surgeon who wrote The Brain Trust Program
Dr. Barry Groves in the UK
Dr. Richard Bernstein working with diabetics
Dr. Gil Wilshire, reproductive endocrinologist in Missouri
Dr. Donald Layman from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Dr. Keith Berkowitz in New York City
Dr. Fred Pescatore from the Hampton’s Diet
Dr. Barry Sears from The Zone Diet
Dr. Jonny Bowden from California
Dr. Annika Dahlqvist from Sweden (who succeeded in changing government dietary guidelines)
Conclusion
Just before I leave you, I’d like to show you the alternative food pyramid. You all know the one the government recommends with all the starches at the bottom and fat at the top, well check this out…
Beautiful isn’t it? Now that’s healthy eating! I hope this article has dispelled the saturated fat/cholesterol rubbish for you once and for all. If you’re someone who has problems with cholesterol, you can always try this way of eating and get your blood work done periodically.
Courageous Couple Helps Keep Health Flowing in Florida!
Incredible as it may sound, drinking raw dairy products including milk and yogurt is illegal in some states as the government is in league with giant food corporations bent on making it difficult or impossible to have easy access to REAL-Food. Hear the story of how one couple is making a huge difference in the lives of many people as they help families connect with a life-giving food that can sometimes be classified as MOO-Shine!
Cynthia Calisch and Preston Larus – MOO-Shine Runners
The Liberation Wellness Hour Radio Show can be heard each week on Saturday at 12noon EST on
Liberty Works Radio Network, on BlogTalkRadio.com/LiberationWellness, and on Zubeo
Before you become overly concerned about “bird flu,” there are a few important facts you need to know about this disease.
“Bird flu” is not the same thing as human pandemic flu. “Bird flu”-H5N1 highly pathogenic Asian avian influenza-is a severe disease of birds. All the people known to have gotten it had close contact with infected birds, mostly in rural villages in Asia. Where there is no close contact with infected birds, there's no human disease.
More good news: The food supply is protected. The poultry industry and the U.S. government take Asian avian influenza very seriously because it can threaten commercial poultry. It's spread by migratory birds, so the federal government monitors wild birds in areas where there could be contact with Asian birds.
In addition, security on poultry farms is very tight. Poultry are kept away from wild birds. Strict procedures keep the virus from being tracked into the birds' living space. Poultry farmers' number one priority is to protect their flocks.
The industry and state governments sponsor extensive testing programs to watch for any signs of Asian avian influenza. Under the National Chicken Council's program, which nearly all chicken companies follow, each flock is tested. Any poultry flock found to be infected with Asian avian influenza would be destroyed on the farm and would not enter the food supply.
You can also feel confident about your chicken or turkey dinners. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you can't get “bird flu” from properly handled and cooked food. Just be sure to follow the instructions already printed on each package of fresh meat and poultry sold in the United States. The instructions are the same as they have always been-nothing special is needed. On the remote chance that an infected bird got into the food supply, it wouldn't affect consumers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends cooking poultry to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is more than enough to destroy any flu viruses that may be present.
“American consumers don't have to worry about getting the avian flu virus from eating poultry,” says Dr. Michael Doyle, director of the Center for Food Safety at the University of Georgia. “We know that if you properly cook poultry, it's safe.”
We all love to receive gifts, whether it’s at Christmas or birthdays, or even a special anniversary. But in order to keep getting gifts, we have to give them to others too. And happily we like that part of the bargain almost as much as the receiving bit. Here are a few tips that may help you choose the right gift for the right person.
1. To help make up your mind you can easily read reviews of gifts you are considering buying at places like Amazon.com, Buy.com, Epinions.com, BizRate.com, etc. And of course, you can even purchase from there too.
2. Price comparison for gifts is easy if you’re switching between sites like Shopping.com, PriceGrabber.com and Cnet.com. The lowest gift price is out there. All you have to do is find it.
3. One problem with gifts that are wearable is getting the right size. You can overcome this by getting gift accessories, such as scarves, belts, hats, etc.
4. It’s obvious, but keeping an up to date list of the birthday, anniversary, etc, dates of your friends and relatives will mean that you’ll always know when it’s time to buy a gift. That way, you’ll probably receive more gifts too when it’s your turn.
5. Always think about the recipient of the gift. Your maiden aunt is unlikely to appreciate a year’s subscription to a risqué glamour magazine, and your young nephew probably doesn’t really want a pair of socks.
Gifts should not be just for Christmas and birthdays. There’s no reason why you can’t give a special gift to someone special just because you want to at any time of the year. It does wonders for a person’s self esteem, and it does wonders for you too: we all really love to give. I hope you can find the time to give to someone today.
A lot of us already knew this but MSNBC is backing it up Healthy and Fit Can Come In Many Sizes
Acoording to the body mass index I am considered morbidly obese but I always pass at the doctor with clean bill of health. My blood pressure isnt high,low cholesterol, not at risk for diabetes or heart disease, and as I continue to practice intuitive and for the most part healthy eating with physical activity for enjoyment not for weight loss I will continue to be in good health physically and mentally! Whether or not a person is healthy should not be judged by their dress size or what the scales say. It’s time to practice body acceptance and less judgement. Our bodies are all different and as long as we are living healthy lives where we feel good physically and mentally then all that should matter is whats in our hearts!
Cod liver oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are powerful protective substances. These fatty acids are heart-friendly, polyunsaturated fatty acids, leading to lower harmful LDL (bad) cholesterol concentrations of protective HDL (good) cholesterol, and that may have increased levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides (blood fat) reduced. Cod liver oil and omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which are much needed throughout the body. They can not be produced in the body and must be provideddietary.
Omega-3 fatty acids have many useful applications, such as the following: Are transformed into compounds involved in all body functions including local hormones on inflammatory reactions are Development and function of the brain and nervous tissue, Transfer of oxygen and production of energy Immune function Muscle contraction and relaxation, maintenance of cell membrane fluidity and stability of the aid (the blood vessel'sexpand) make blood platelets less sticky, and protect the linings of arteries.
Cod liver oil reduces the tendency of blood clots that form in arteries, which types of clots can cause heart attack or stroke lead.
These fatty acids are potent antioxidants and provide an artery-cell-wall protection. When free radicals – charged compounds, the results of processes in the body connects – with particles of LDL, oxidized LDL, which translates much moredamaging to cell membranes. These particles can build in the arterial wall and promote atherosclerosis play a role (hardening of the arteries). Omega-3 fatty acids have an antioxidant effect and prevents the oxidation-induced damage to cell membranes.
Cod liver oil was found, also uses a lot of help regulate healthy blood cholesterol and had received a healthy cardiovascular system. In addition, the cod liver oil is rich in vitamin A. This vitamin promotes the growth of healthy skin, rich, andGood night vision. This oil is also high in vitamin D. Vitamin D is a vitamin oil produced by the body when sunlight touches the skin. This is particularly important in northern climates during the winter months when people are less likely to be help. Vitamin D to maintain strong bones in children and prevent osteoporosis in adults.
Note – this source of vitamin A is also harmful for women who are pregnant – ask your doctor before taking cod liver oilduring pregnancy.
It 'possible that the omega-3 fatty acids from eating fish to get by, but the meat can contain toxic levels of heavy metals such as mercury or cadmium, which have proven to be harmful. So the quantity of fish you eat should be the limited number of participants. Always make sure that the fish oil you buy has been tested for heavy metals.
Many people like the taste of cod liver oil. This anger has been solved – today you can buy fruitaged.
In summary, it must be reduced, cod liver concentrations of LDL-cholesterol, increases HDL-cholesterol levels and reduce high levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides. A short-liver oil is the heart of protection. Helps reduce the formation of dangerous blood clots – the kind that produce stroke and heart attacks. This is a powerful antioxidant preventing free radical damage to cell walls of the arteries. It keeps the arteries flexible and healthy membranes. Many other benefits are healthyDiscovered Omega-3 fatty acids.
I am always an extremely busy person, but will be particularly busy these next several months.
So, now is a very critical time for me to continue to eat nourishing, wholesome foods that support focus and clarity, keep me energized all day long, boosts my immunity, and I can make quickly and with minimal effort.
You must be thinking- WOW I want to know what foods can do this for me.
Aristotle said… Let food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.
So, what is my #1 go to ingredient when I need to be at my very best all day long?
EGGS-
My #1 go to ingredient to keep my mind super sharp, my body totally energized, and stabilize my mood is a farmer’s market beyond organic egg. The chickens that my eggs come from are not fed some kind of vegetarian feed of corn, soy, wheat, and god knows what else. If you are getting plain old commercially fed eggs, this TOTALLY defeats the entire purpose of eating eggs to create health.
Here are some of the amazing health benefits of eating wholesome, fresh, farmer’s market eggs:
Inexpensive.
Excellent source of high value protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, including vitamin B-12.
The lecithin in the egg yolk is rich in Choline, this helps keep us alert, intellectually sharp, and with excellent short –term memory and problem solving abilities.
A large egg contains 213 mg of cholesterol, 22% LESS than was formerly thought. Not all cholesterol is bad. Your body actually makes most of its own cholesterol-80% of it is produced in the liver. You can’t live without it. The cholesterol in eggs actually helps us to manage stress. They improve fertility, while balancing the female menstrual cycle. (this is referenced from Bauman College Natural Chef Handbook, 2006)
Now, my favorite way to eat eggs is an OMELETTE. My favorite way to make a fast, delicious, nutritious omelet is ala Julia Child style, from her famous book Mastering the Art of French Cooking; p. 129 once you master this recipe- you will master the art of omelet making in less than 5 minutes.
Now, I know you have 5 minutes you can devote to creating a meal that is going to fuel you ALL DAY LONG.
Once you master the art of omelet making, you have a template for creating tons of different variations out of this one simple ingredient.
You can feed yourself or your entire family is less than 5-10 minutes.
Here’s what you need to start:
2 or 3 eggs
Big pinch of salt
Pinch of pepper
Dash of filtered or spring water
1 tsp of ghee (clarified butter- I like Ancient Sun brand best)
Or virgin coconut oil- I like Tropical Traditions or Nutiva brands best for flavor, purity.
A mixing bowl
A table fork
HEADS UP: Don’t be intimidated by the wordiness or the steps- read it 1-2 times clearly and then it will be effortless and fast- I promise you.
1. Beat the eggs and seasonings in the mixing bowl for 20-30 seconds until the whites and yolks are just blended.
2. Place the ghee in the pan and set over very high heat. If you have an electric element, it should be red hot. As the ghee melts, tilt the pan in all directions to film the sides. When you see the foam has almost subsided in the pan and the ghee is on the point of coloring, it is an indication that it is hot enough to pour in the eggs.
3. Hold the panhandle with your left hand, thumb on top, and immediately start sliding the pan back and forth rapidly over the heat. At the same time, fork in right hand, its flat side against the bottom of the pan, stir the eggs quickly to spread them continuously all over the bottom of the pan as they thicken. In 3 or 4 seconds they will be come a light, broken custard (a filling would go in at this point).
4. Then lift the handle of the pan to tilt it at a 45-degree angle over the heat, and rapidly gather the eggs at the far lip of the pan with the back of your fork. Still holding the pan tilted over the heat, run your for around the lip of the pan under the far edge of the omelet to be sure it has not adhered to the pan.
5. Give 4 or 5 short, sharp blows on the handle of the pan with your right fist to loosen the omelet and make the far edge curl over onto itself.
6. Hold the pan tilted over heat for 1-2 seconds to brown the bottom of the omelet very lightly, but not too long or the eggs will overcook. The center of the omelet should remain soft and creamy.
VIOLA- omelet is done.
Some of my favorite combinations.
-½ cup fresh salsa on top. Eggs and salsa work well together
-1 cup of sautéed kale, beet greens, or dandelion greens
-Leftover roasted root vegetables
-2 Tbsp ground flaxseeds sprinkled over (for omega 3 fats and fiber)
-Caramelized onions.
-2 tsp of Health Force Nutritionals Vita Mineral Greens sprinkled- a powerful green food powder with lots of cleaning herbs like nettles, dandelion, alfalfa, and different sea vegetable: Spirulina, chlorella, dulse, and nori. Great for gentle detoxification and increased energy.
Just like my garden should come with a warning, so should blogging — it quickly becomes very time-consuming!! 
