January 9, 2017
Gluten Intolerance? Try Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Flour
Too bad for me that I'm gluten intolerant. The good news is that I don't have to give up on enjoying my favorite baked treats.
Instead of using all purpose white flour, I use Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Flour. I use it in all of my baked goodies. It's made of garbanzo bean flour, potato starch, whole grain white sorghum flour, tapioca flour and fava bean flour.
I also use it frequently to thicken my sauces, soups and stews. It tastes great, and my family can't taste any difference.
Bob's Red Mill also has other gluten free products. A few of my favorites are their Gluten Free Chocolate Cookie Mix, Gluten Free Brownie Mix and Gluten Free Pizza Crust. All of which are delicious. I've included a link to their website below. They have lots of great recipes.
http://www.bobsredmill.com/shop/gluten-free.html
Instead of using all purpose white flour, I use Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free All Purpose Baking Flour. I use it in all of my baked goodies. It's made of garbanzo bean flour, potato starch, whole grain white sorghum flour, tapioca flour and fava bean flour.
I also use it frequently to thicken my sauces, soups and stews. It tastes great, and my family can't taste any difference.
Bob's Red Mill also has other gluten free products. A few of my favorites are their Gluten Free Chocolate Cookie Mix, Gluten Free Brownie Mix and Gluten Free Pizza Crust. All of which are delicious. I've included a link to their website below. They have lots of great recipes.
http://www.bobsredmill.com/shop/gluten-free.html
July 28, 2015
Flatten Your Belly In 2 Weeks
Summertime is in full effect. The season of bikinis, crop tops, mini skirts and jean shorts is here. This is the time of year when we get to show off those killer abs and pat ourselves on the back for all of the sweat we've put in during the spring. It's important not to ruin all of that hard work.
Let me tell you, here in Los Angeles, grilled shrimp, lobster tails and crab cakes are on the menu everywhere. Not to mention tacos and enchiladas which are some of my favorites.
After a couple of those delicious meals, we need a little help to quickly flatten our bellies. Below are fat burning foods, tips and exercises to help quickly get rid of that dreaded belly bloat.
Give Up The Sugar
We've heard it over and over again to ditch the sugar. The cookies, cakes, pies and yes the Sees candy has to go. I don't want to give sugar a complete bad rap. When consumed in small quantities, it does have some health benefits. Our body converts the sugar from healthy foods into glucose. Glucose is a great source of energy. However simple sugars that we get from sweets can stop our bodies from burning fat.
Keep Insulin Levels Low
When we consume refined sugar, it immediately goes to the liver where it manufactures fat. This raises the body's insulin levels. Insulin is a hormone that tells the body to store fat. High levels of insulin keeps Glucagon levels low.
Keep Glucagon Levels High
Glucagon is a hormone that has the opposite effect of insulin. It raises your glucose(sugar) levels, which aids in keeping your belly flat. Glucagon causes the liver to release stored fat into circulation.
Simply put, high levels of insulin tells the body to store fat especially around the middle. High insulin levels also lowers the body's levels of glucagon. When glucagon levels are high, the hormone tells the body to release stored fat.
Get Rid Of The Salt
Salt causes belly bloat. Swap table salt for sea salt or kosher salt. Both are lower in sodium.
Eat A Protein Snack Between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Eat a handful of almonds or a boiled egg between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Eating a protein snack at this time will boost your metabolism and balance your blood sugar. Don't miss this afternoon snack. The lower you keep your blood sugar, the lower you keep your insulin levels.
Eat Every 3 To 4 Hours
Eating every three to four hours will also keep your blood sugar balanced. Make sure that you keep your portions small and remember to thoroughly chew your food. Chewing food thoroughly aids in digestion.
Increase Your Cardio Workout
Increase cardio workouts to 5 times a week at 45 minutes to 1 hour. Decrease weight lifting workouts to twice a week. Include two days of boxing. The twisting and punching exercises during boxing workouts target the midsection.
Happy Summer!
June 9, 2014
Benefits Of Eating Fresh Mint Leaves
Unfortunately, my daughter and I suffer with Nasal Allergies as well as Sinusitis. Sinuses are hollow pockets in the skull that are connected to the nasal passages. Allergies trigger swelling in the mucous membranes, and the inflamed tissue blocks the sinuses from draining, trapping air and mucous inside. This causes painful pressure and uncontrollable sneezing.
My daughter and I know this all to well. For years, we experienced seasonal allergy symptoms, especially during the high pollen months of spring. Not wanting my daughter to become dependent on sinus medication, I was desperate to find a solution.
I learned that there were certain things that I could try nutritionally that might help. I read that mint can inhibit the release of histamines, so I decided to add fresh mint leaves to our diet. I began to chill fresh lemon, fresh mint and maple syrup mixed in purified water, for us to drink daily. I can tell you that these drinks have helped us tremendously.
Here Are Some Of The Great Benefits Of Fresh Mint:
Digestion, Nausea and Headaches: Mint is great for soothing the stomach helping with indigestion. It's natural soothing properties can alleviate the inflammation and temperature rise that is associated with migraines and headaches.
Respiratory Disorders, Asthma and Common Colds The aroma of mint alone cools the nose, throat and lungs relieving the irritation that causes chronic coughing. Drinking mint tea definitely helps.
Soothes the Skin And Helps With Acne: Mint is an anti-inflammatory and ingesting and applying mint oil topically soothes the skin, helps to cure infections and itchiness, as well as aiding in reducing pimples. Mint's cooling sensation will relieve the irritating sensation to scratch, and the anti-inflammatory properties will help with swelling.
Weight Loss: Mint stimulates the digestive enzymes that absorbs nutrients from food which consumes fat and turns it into usable energy.
Cancer: Studies show that enzymes found in mint may help prevent and treat cancer.
Mint is a rich source of nutrients such as manganese, copper, vitamin C and vitamin A.
Mint can be enjoyed in a host of recipes, including smoothies, salads, soups and sauces. Here are a few ideas:
My daughter and I know this all to well. For years, we experienced seasonal allergy symptoms, especially during the high pollen months of spring. Not wanting my daughter to become dependent on sinus medication, I was desperate to find a solution.
I learned that there were certain things that I could try nutritionally that might help. I read that mint can inhibit the release of histamines, so I decided to add fresh mint leaves to our diet. I began to chill fresh lemon, fresh mint and maple syrup mixed in purified water, for us to drink daily. I can tell you that these drinks have helped us tremendously.
Here Are Some Of The Great Benefits Of Fresh Mint:
Digestion, Nausea and Headaches: Mint is great for soothing the stomach helping with indigestion. It's natural soothing properties can alleviate the inflammation and temperature rise that is associated with migraines and headaches.
Respiratory Disorders, Asthma and Common Colds The aroma of mint alone cools the nose, throat and lungs relieving the irritation that causes chronic coughing. Drinking mint tea definitely helps.
Soothes the Skin And Helps With Acne: Mint is an anti-inflammatory and ingesting and applying mint oil topically soothes the skin, helps to cure infections and itchiness, as well as aiding in reducing pimples. Mint's cooling sensation will relieve the irritating sensation to scratch, and the anti-inflammatory properties will help with swelling.
Weight Loss: Mint stimulates the digestive enzymes that absorbs nutrients from food which consumes fat and turns it into usable energy.
Cancer: Studies show that enzymes found in mint may help prevent and treat cancer.
Mint is a rich source of nutrients such as manganese, copper, vitamin C and vitamin A.
Mint can be enjoyed in a host of recipes, including smoothies, salads, soups and sauces. Here are a few ideas:
January 24, 2014
Cameron Diaz: The Body Book: The Law of Hunger, the Science of Strength, and Other Ways to Love Your Amazing Body
Cameron Diaz shares her formula for becoming happier, healthier, and stronger in this positive, essential guide that is grounded in science and inspired by personal experience. Throughout her career, Cameron Diaz has been a role model for millions of women. By her own candid admission, though, this fit, glamorous, but down-to-earth star was not always health-conscious. Learning about the inseparable link between nutrition and the body was just one of the life-changing lessons that has fed Cameron’s hunger to educate herself about the best ways to feed, move, and care for her body. In The Body Book, she shares what she has learned and continues to discover about nutrition, exercise, and the mind/body connection.
November 17, 2013
Soothe Your Stomach With Peppermint Tea
If you're like me, you like a lot of spice in your life, especially in your food. Those that know me, know that I love to cook. And I most definitely like to kick up the flavor of my dishes a few notches by adding different kinds of hot peppers, lots of garlic, shallots, scallions, and a host of onions. That's just the beginning.
While these vegetables can enhance the flavor of the food to the fullest and make everything taste so yummy, they can also sometimes be hard on your stomach. Thus in comes the dreaded indigestion or Irritable Bile Syndrome. You know, that burning pain right in the center of your chest, the acid reflux that causes the rumbling in your stomach, the awful burning sensation in your throat and that constant nagging cough. Fortunately I have found something that helps me with all of that, because I don't plan to give up on my heat anytime soon.
After I have wined downed from having a delicious spicy meal, and just as I start to feel a bit bloated and begin to experience the gassy symptoms that I mentioned above, I rush to make myself a warm cup of Peppermint Herbal Tea. The tea soothes my stomach and those uncomfortable symptoms subside almost immediately.
Peppermint Tea can be drank hot or cold, but I have found that the warm tea is what helps to settle my stomach. Warm peppermint tea is also great after a good meal and just before bedtime, because it's calming effects helps you to relax. Peppermint Tea is also great for the immune system because it contains potassium, calcium and vitamin B.
I have listed some of my favorite brands below. You can definitely find the TWININGS in the grocery store, but I like to buy in bulk. Because I get a better price, I buy online. Drink up and enjoy.
While these vegetables can enhance the flavor of the food to the fullest and make everything taste so yummy, they can also sometimes be hard on your stomach. Thus in comes the dreaded indigestion or Irritable Bile Syndrome. You know, that burning pain right in the center of your chest, the acid reflux that causes the rumbling in your stomach, the awful burning sensation in your throat and that constant nagging cough. Fortunately I have found something that helps me with all of that, because I don't plan to give up on my heat anytime soon.
After I have wined downed from having a delicious spicy meal, and just as I start to feel a bit bloated and begin to experience the gassy symptoms that I mentioned above, I rush to make myself a warm cup of Peppermint Herbal Tea. The tea soothes my stomach and those uncomfortable symptoms subside almost immediately.
Peppermint Tea can be drank hot or cold, but I have found that the warm tea is what helps to settle my stomach. Warm peppermint tea is also great after a good meal and just before bedtime, because it's calming effects helps you to relax. Peppermint Tea is also great for the immune system because it contains potassium, calcium and vitamin B.
I have listed some of my favorite brands below. You can definitely find the TWININGS in the grocery store, but I like to buy in bulk. Because I get a better price, I buy online. Drink up and enjoy.
June 25, 2013
Strawberries Good And Healthy
Strawberries are by far my favorite fruit. Living in Los Angeles, I can pretty much get them year around.
For me a strawberry is the only fruit that can satisfy my craving for refined sugar. When my sweet tooth kicks up and I can’t think about anything but a chocolate bar, cookies or cake, if I eat a few strawberries, I can manage not to stuff my face with the junk that I know is not good for me.
I do have to admit that I do sneak in a few pieces of chocolate now and then. But here is the thing, when I just have to have something good and chocolaty, eating strawberries with that Dove Bar actually keeps my blood sugar from spiking. When I learned that piece of information, it was then that strawberries became my favorite fruit.
Those gorgeous red berries are not only delicious to eat, but they are really good for you. And here’s why.
Now, I do not want to imply that strawberries are a cure all. However, eating strawberries along with a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables can definitely help to improve your health.
Strawberries do contain Oxalates. Oxalates can crystalize and cause health problems when they become too concentrated in body fluids. Individuals with existing kidney and gallbladder problems may want to avoid eating strawberries or at least consult with their physician first.
Strawberries should be consumed within 2 days of purchasing. After that, their nutritional value decreases considerably.
Strawberries have the most benefits to your health when consumed raw. But a little strawberry dessert never hurt anybody. So Enjoy!
For me a strawberry is the only fruit that can satisfy my craving for refined sugar. When my sweet tooth kicks up and I can’t think about anything but a chocolate bar, cookies or cake, if I eat a few strawberries, I can manage not to stuff my face with the junk that I know is not good for me.
I do have to admit that I do sneak in a few pieces of chocolate now and then. But here is the thing, when I just have to have something good and chocolaty, eating strawberries with that Dove Bar actually keeps my blood sugar from spiking. When I learned that piece of information, it was then that strawberries became my favorite fruit.
Those gorgeous red berries are not only delicious to eat, but they are really good for you. And here’s why.
- Strawberries are extremely high in fiber.
- Strawberries are high in Antioxidants. Antioxidants help the body to fight cancer.
- Strawberries are the best fruit source for Vitamin C and Polyphenols. Polyphenol Antioxidants help to prevent heart disease and cancer, and also help to regulate cholesterol.
- Strawberries are high in Phytonutrients. Phytonutrients help to boost the immune system, help fight cancer and help the body to recover from cell damage, due to smoking and exposure to toxins.
- Eating 1 cup of strawberries daily can help to improve inflammation, because they contain a C-reactive Protein (CRP).
- Studies on animals have shown that eating strawberries daily can improve cognitive function and enhance motor function such as better balance and coordination.
- Strawberries can help to improve problems with bowels, arthritis and diseases of the eye.
- Strawberries also contain manganese which is good for bone health.
Now, I do not want to imply that strawberries are a cure all. However, eating strawberries along with a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables can definitely help to improve your health.
Strawberries do contain Oxalates. Oxalates can crystalize and cause health problems when they become too concentrated in body fluids. Individuals with existing kidney and gallbladder problems may want to avoid eating strawberries or at least consult with their physician first.
Strawberries should be consumed within 2 days of purchasing. After that, their nutritional value decreases considerably.
Strawberries have the most benefits to your health when consumed raw. But a little strawberry dessert never hurt anybody. So Enjoy!
May 31, 2013
Amazing Health Benefits Of Drinking Water
We have all heard that drinking water is good for you. I remember being a kid and playing outside on a hot summer day in Southern California. Jumping rope and playing hopscotch with my girlfriends. Talking loud, laughing, joking and acting crazy, and then suddenly feeling like I was going to pass out. Running inside of my house and screaming to my mother, “I am so thirsty. I need a drink.” As I opened the refrigerator to grab a can of “Orange Crush Soda,” (yeah that’s right, I said Orange Crush Soda, and yes I am aware that I’m dating myself), my mom would yell, “don’t drink that soda, drink water first, or you’re going to have a heat stroke!”
Rolling my eyes to the back of my head and sighing, I quickly poured and drank a cup of water. Then I grabbed that can of sweet tangy goodness, flipped the lid open on top of the can, and nearly choked guzzling it down. Ahhh those were the days.
I’m sure that most of us have very similar childhood stories of parents urging us to drink that clear boring liquid unless we die. Well maybe not that dramatic, but you get the point. As we get older we somewhat begin to understand the importance of drinking water.
The truth is that by the time that we are adolescents, for the most part we know that water is the single most important thing that we can put into our bodies. But we still opt for that bottle of coke or cup of juice in place of it. I don’t think that it’s until we reach young adulthood that we finally figure out that water is the only thing that can adequately quench our thirst, and really how important it is to our overall health and critical to our survival.
The two most essential components of human life are oxygen and water. Humans need water to breathe. Our lungs are moistened by water. As adults we at the very least need to drink 64 ounces of water every day.
Here Are A Few Benefits Of Drinking Water:
Prevents Dehydration And Regulates Body Temperature. The body loses water even when breathing. It also loses water when exercising and sweating. Drinking water replenishes the fluids lost.
Aids In Digestion, Removes Waste And Bacteria, Which Helps To Prevent Chronic Disease. Digestion begins with saliva, and saliva is water. Saliva contains enzymes that assist in breaking down food and liquids and dissolving them into minerals and nutrients to be used by the body. Eating fiber on a daily basis is an essential part of nutrition. Water helps to break down soluble fiber which makes it easier for the bowels to remove toxins and prevent constipation.
Helps To Transport Nutrients And Oxygen, And Helps To Circulate The Blood. Water moistens the organs and provides cushion for the joints which helps to prevent sprains and cramps.
Aids In Weight Loss By Increasing Metabolism. Drinking water before a meal can make you feel full, so you will naturally eat less.
Helps To Have Younger Looking Skin. Drinking water adds optimum moisture to the skin which aids in skin rashes such as eczema.
Relieves Fatigue. When the body is properly hydrated, the heart does not need to work as hard to pump oxygenated blood to the cells. This means that the rest of the body’s organs won’t have to work as hard. Thus you feel less tired.
Helps To Prevent The Body From Over Producing Histamine. When the body is dehydrated, histamine production increases. Histamine is a chemical that the body releases when it needs help in correcting a shortage of water or when the body has an allergic reaction to dust, pollen, mold, animal dander, etc. In Water: for Health, for Healing, for Life, author Dr. Batmanghelidji writes: “Histamine is an important neurotransmitter that primarily regulates thirst mechanism for increased water intake. It also establishes a system of water rationing for the available water in the drought-stricken body.” Too much histamine in the body stimulates the release of antibodies and causes symptoms such as itchy skin, itchy eyes, sneezing, running nose, wheezing and asthma symptoms. Water can help to relieve some or all of these symptoms.
Drinking Water With Fresh Lemon Helps To Boost Your Immune System. Lemons are high in Vitamin C, which helps to fight colds and respiratory problems such as asthma. It also helps to decrease wrinkles and blemishes by helping to flush toxins from the system. Lemons are also high in potassium, which helps to stimulate the brain and nerve function, and control blood pressure.
Rolling my eyes to the back of my head and sighing, I quickly poured and drank a cup of water. Then I grabbed that can of sweet tangy goodness, flipped the lid open on top of the can, and nearly choked guzzling it down. Ahhh those were the days.
I’m sure that most of us have very similar childhood stories of parents urging us to drink that clear boring liquid unless we die. Well maybe not that dramatic, but you get the point. As we get older we somewhat begin to understand the importance of drinking water.
The truth is that by the time that we are adolescents, for the most part we know that water is the single most important thing that we can put into our bodies. But we still opt for that bottle of coke or cup of juice in place of it. I don’t think that it’s until we reach young adulthood that we finally figure out that water is the only thing that can adequately quench our thirst, and really how important it is to our overall health and critical to our survival.
The two most essential components of human life are oxygen and water. Humans need water to breathe. Our lungs are moistened by water. As adults we at the very least need to drink 64 ounces of water every day.
Here Are A Few Benefits Of Drinking Water:
Prevents Dehydration And Regulates Body Temperature. The body loses water even when breathing. It also loses water when exercising and sweating. Drinking water replenishes the fluids lost.
Aids In Digestion, Removes Waste And Bacteria, Which Helps To Prevent Chronic Disease. Digestion begins with saliva, and saliva is water. Saliva contains enzymes that assist in breaking down food and liquids and dissolving them into minerals and nutrients to be used by the body. Eating fiber on a daily basis is an essential part of nutrition. Water helps to break down soluble fiber which makes it easier for the bowels to remove toxins and prevent constipation.
Helps To Transport Nutrients And Oxygen, And Helps To Circulate The Blood. Water moistens the organs and provides cushion for the joints which helps to prevent sprains and cramps.
Aids In Weight Loss By Increasing Metabolism. Drinking water before a meal can make you feel full, so you will naturally eat less.
Helps To Have Younger Looking Skin. Drinking water adds optimum moisture to the skin which aids in skin rashes such as eczema.
Relieves Fatigue. When the body is properly hydrated, the heart does not need to work as hard to pump oxygenated blood to the cells. This means that the rest of the body’s organs won’t have to work as hard. Thus you feel less tired.
Helps To Prevent The Body From Over Producing Histamine. When the body is dehydrated, histamine production increases. Histamine is a chemical that the body releases when it needs help in correcting a shortage of water or when the body has an allergic reaction to dust, pollen, mold, animal dander, etc. In Water: for Health, for Healing, for Life, author Dr. Batmanghelidji writes: “Histamine is an important neurotransmitter that primarily regulates thirst mechanism for increased water intake. It also establishes a system of water rationing for the available water in the drought-stricken body.” Too much histamine in the body stimulates the release of antibodies and causes symptoms such as itchy skin, itchy eyes, sneezing, running nose, wheezing and asthma symptoms. Water can help to relieve some or all of these symptoms.
Drinking Water With Fresh Lemon Helps To Boost Your Immune System. Lemons are high in Vitamin C, which helps to fight colds and respiratory problems such as asthma. It also helps to decrease wrinkles and blemishes by helping to flush toxins from the system. Lemons are also high in potassium, which helps to stimulate the brain and nerve function, and control blood pressure.
April 27, 2013
Benefits Of Kale
By now you have heard that consuming green leafy vegetables is outstanding for your health. Leafy green vegetables are low in calories. This means that as long as you don't drown them in high fat salad dressing, you can eat as much as you want and not put on weight. More importantly, leafy vegetables have a lot of healing properties. Because they are low in fat and high in fiber, they can reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
As I always do, each day for lunch, I prepare a salad filled with spinach, romaine lettuce or radicchio, arugula, sliced cucumbers or sliced zucchini, sometimes broccoli, sometimes carrots and sometimes tomatoes. Great, I get all of my green leafy vegetables in for the day. I have been eating my salad this way for years. But in recent months, I have added something new to the mix, Kale. I saw Oprah's Dr. Oz feature Kale on one of his superfood segments, and since then I have been hooked.
Kale belongs to the same family as broccoli, cabbage, collards, and brussel sprouts. Kale also has amazing health benefits. One serving of Kale has the following daily allowances: vitamin A 308%, vitamin C 200%, vitamin K 1021%, calcium 14%, Iron 9%, magnesium 9%, phosphorus 6%, potassium 13%, copper 15%, vitamin B6 9% and manganese 39%. Kale contains beta carotene and the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which is good for eye health.
Because Kale is little bit sweet it is really good in salads. But it is also delicious lightly sauteed with garlic, tomatoes and onions. Below are a few more recipes.
As I always do, each day for lunch, I prepare a salad filled with spinach, romaine lettuce or radicchio, arugula, sliced cucumbers or sliced zucchini, sometimes broccoli, sometimes carrots and sometimes tomatoes. Great, I get all of my green leafy vegetables in for the day. I have been eating my salad this way for years. But in recent months, I have added something new to the mix, Kale. I saw Oprah's Dr. Oz feature Kale on one of his superfood segments, and since then I have been hooked.
Kale belongs to the same family as broccoli, cabbage, collards, and brussel sprouts. Kale also has amazing health benefits. One serving of Kale has the following daily allowances: vitamin A 308%, vitamin C 200%, vitamin K 1021%, calcium 14%, Iron 9%, magnesium 9%, phosphorus 6%, potassium 13%, copper 15%, vitamin B6 9% and manganese 39%. Kale contains beta carotene and the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which is good for eye health.
Because Kale is little bit sweet it is really good in salads. But it is also delicious lightly sauteed with garlic, tomatoes and onions. Below are a few more recipes.
April 25, 2013
Why Eat Sweet Potatoes?
I enjoy eating sweet potatoes. Not only are they delicious, but they are really good for you. Yes, I love to eat them like so many others, candied with lots of sugar, or made into a sweet potato pie. But let's face it, unless I want to end up in a diabetic coma, I can't eat them prepared that way very often. So I restrain myself to eat those dishes only on holidays.
However, I do eat sweet potatoes prepared this way at least a couple times a week. Baked in their skin, right out of the oven with a small pat of butter. Butter you ask, can that be healthy? Yes and I will tell you why. In order to absorb all of the nutrients from sweet potatoes, it is better to eat them with a small amount of fat. This will help to lower the Glycemic Index. Meaning that your insulin levels won't spike and thus your body will store less fat.
Besides the great flavor of sweet potatoes, they also have many nutritional values. Nutritionists at the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), ranked the sweet potato as the most nutritious vegetable. Points were given for the content of complex carbohydrates, iron, dietary fiber, calcium, natural sugar, vitamin A and vitamin C. Points were deducted for saturated fat, added sugars, cholesterol, sodium and caffeine.
Sweet potatoes are high in beta-Carotene. Carotene is what gives the sweet potato its bright orange color. Carotene assists in stabilizing blood sugar levels, lowers insulin resistance which helps with metabolism and has been shown to reduce lung cancer. Sweet potatoes are also high in fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B6 , vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, thiamine, niacin, potassium and copper. The fiber in sweet potatoes helps to reduce heart disease, lower LDL or bad cholesterol levels, lower the risk of diabetes, lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, lower blood pressure and helps to maintain a healthy weight.
The high vitamin and antioxidant content in sweet potatoes help to fight the aging process, reduce inflammation, help with asthma, stroke, cancers, heart disease, memory loss, Alzheimers and dementia.
Sweet potatoes are high in magnesium. Magnesium helps with artery function, bone, heart, muscle blood and nerve functions. They are also high in potassium, which aids in relaxing muscle contractions, reducing swelling and protecting the kidneys.
So the next time you are in the grocery store, pick up a sweet potato. Rinse it off, cut a slit in the top, wrap it in foil and pop it in the oven for about an hour. If you are craving something a little more decadent, try one or all of the recipes below. Oven Roasted Sweet Potato Fries, Sweet Potato and Ginger Soup or Sweet Potato and Maple Syrup Mashed Potatoes.
For recipes click on images below or go to www.health.com
However, I do eat sweet potatoes prepared this way at least a couple times a week. Baked in their skin, right out of the oven with a small pat of butter. Butter you ask, can that be healthy? Yes and I will tell you why. In order to absorb all of the nutrients from sweet potatoes, it is better to eat them with a small amount of fat. This will help to lower the Glycemic Index. Meaning that your insulin levels won't spike and thus your body will store less fat.
Besides the great flavor of sweet potatoes, they also have many nutritional values. Nutritionists at the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), ranked the sweet potato as the most nutritious vegetable. Points were given for the content of complex carbohydrates, iron, dietary fiber, calcium, natural sugar, vitamin A and vitamin C. Points were deducted for saturated fat, added sugars, cholesterol, sodium and caffeine.
Sweet potatoes are high in beta-Carotene. Carotene is what gives the sweet potato its bright orange color. Carotene assists in stabilizing blood sugar levels, lowers insulin resistance which helps with metabolism and has been shown to reduce lung cancer. Sweet potatoes are also high in fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B6 , vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, thiamine, niacin, potassium and copper. The fiber in sweet potatoes helps to reduce heart disease, lower LDL or bad cholesterol levels, lower the risk of diabetes, lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, lower blood pressure and helps to maintain a healthy weight.
The high vitamin and antioxidant content in sweet potatoes help to fight the aging process, reduce inflammation, help with asthma, stroke, cancers, heart disease, memory loss, Alzheimers and dementia.
Sweet potatoes are high in magnesium. Magnesium helps with artery function, bone, heart, muscle blood and nerve functions. They are also high in potassium, which aids in relaxing muscle contractions, reducing swelling and protecting the kidneys.
So the next time you are in the grocery store, pick up a sweet potato. Rinse it off, cut a slit in the top, wrap it in foil and pop it in the oven for about an hour. If you are craving something a little more decadent, try one or all of the recipes below. Oven Roasted Sweet Potato Fries, Sweet Potato and Ginger Soup or Sweet Potato and Maple Syrup Mashed Potatoes.
For recipes click on images below or go to www.health.com
April 24,2013
Tips To Make Your Workout Better
- Book a Physical
- Get Sporty
- Ditch Old Walking or Running Shoes
- Update Your Workout Wardrobe
- Pump Up Your Playlist
- Toss Your Free Pedometer
- Get Rid of Light Weights
- Drink Only When Thirsty
- Clean Out Your Pantry
Spinach A Superfood
One cup of spinach has 20% of the recommended daily fiber. It is another superfood that has many health benefits. It aids n the digestive process and helps to prevent constipation. It aids in lowering blood sugar. It contains flavonoids, a phytonutrient that contains anti cancer properties. It has Vitamins A and C , zinc, selenium, manganese and beta-carotene, antioxidants that help combat osteporosis, atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. It has lutein and Zeaxanthin which helps to protect the eyes from developing cataracts. It helps the skin to retain moisture which aids in psoriasis, acne and wrinkles. It has Vitamin K which is good for bone health and helps to strengthen the immune system.
I like raw spinach in my salad. I also like spinach sautéed in olive oil with garlic and green onions ant tomatoes. Below are a few cooked spinach recipes. Paula Dean of the Food Network has a killer Cheese and Bacon Spinach Quiche. I substitute pork bacon with turkey bacon. Also is Warm Spinach Salad sautéed in red wine vinegar, honey roasted garlic, olive oil and lemon juice. Another good recipe is Chicken Toscana Soup made with parmesan cheese, chicken and cream.
I for the most part eat spinach every day. My body misses it when I go without it.
I like raw spinach in my salad. I also like spinach sautéed in olive oil with garlic and green onions ant tomatoes. Below are a few cooked spinach recipes. Paula Dean of the Food Network has a killer Cheese and Bacon Spinach Quiche. I substitute pork bacon with turkey bacon. Also is Warm Spinach Salad sautéed in red wine vinegar, honey roasted garlic, olive oil and lemon juice. Another good recipe is Chicken Toscana Soup made with parmesan cheese, chicken and cream.
I for the most part eat spinach every day. My body misses it when I go without it.
The Health Benefits Of Garlic
Garlic has long been called a superfood because of it's many health benefits. The herb is high in Vitamin A, C and D. It helps to boost the immune system, and for thousands of years has been believed to have medicinal qualities. Studies have shown that garlic possesses cancer fighting, anti-infection, anti-bacteria, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties.
Garlic contains the sulfur compound Allicin. Allicin has been called natures antibiotic because it helps the body to slow down the ability of germs to grow and reproduce. Studies have shown that garlic boosts the production of hydrogen sulfide which is effective in preventing prostate, breast and colon cancers. Research also shows that garlic has positive effects on the respiratory system, helps with arthritis and reduces inflammation.
But besides that, garlic tastes really good. Some of my favorite foods are cooked with garlic. Garlic chicken, spinach sauteed with garlic, gumbo, and jambalaya, I could eat everyday.
My family enjoys my famous chicken soup. We eat it once a week in my house. It definitely helps us to keep the colds and flu away. Made with chicken, tomatoes, green onions, garlic, red, green and yellow peppers, chili powder, cumin, green beans, corn, potatoes, chicken broth, tomato sauce salt to taste, and a cup of apple juice. Yum.
Below are recipes for Cajun Jambalaya, Spicy Garlic Chicken and Seafood Gumbo. All taste so good and are good for you. Enjoy.
Garlic contains the sulfur compound Allicin. Allicin has been called natures antibiotic because it helps the body to slow down the ability of germs to grow and reproduce. Studies have shown that garlic boosts the production of hydrogen sulfide which is effective in preventing prostate, breast and colon cancers. Research also shows that garlic has positive effects on the respiratory system, helps with arthritis and reduces inflammation.
But besides that, garlic tastes really good. Some of my favorite foods are cooked with garlic. Garlic chicken, spinach sauteed with garlic, gumbo, and jambalaya, I could eat everyday.
My family enjoys my famous chicken soup. We eat it once a week in my house. It definitely helps us to keep the colds and flu away. Made with chicken, tomatoes, green onions, garlic, red, green and yellow peppers, chili powder, cumin, green beans, corn, potatoes, chicken broth, tomato sauce salt to taste, and a cup of apple juice. Yum.
Below are recipes for Cajun Jambalaya, Spicy Garlic Chicken and Seafood Gumbo. All taste so good and are good for you. Enjoy.
Beauty Queen Kenya Moore Released Workout DVD "Booty Bootcamp"
Former Miss U.S.A. turned actress, turned reality star Ms. Kenya Moore finally releases her booty workout DVD. I must say Miss Kenya put it down. As usual she looks gorgeous and the body is SIC. I am sure the exercises will not give you a huge buttocks like the one she carries behind her, but I am sure they will most definitely tighten up the one you have.
Andrew Lessman Hair Skin And Nails Vitamins
Home Shopping Network
These vitamins work really well. I did not eat any meat for about 4 years. As a result, my hair started thinning. For the record not every vegetarian experiences hair thinning. After taking these vitamins, I saw a big difference. A couple of years ago I wore false eyelashes on a regular basis. My eyelashes thinned from the glue. These vitamins also helped my eyelashes to grow back.