Home Economics.

It seems there never is "enough time" to get our meals prepared correctly to get the proper nutrients that our bodies need. However, it is possible to make sensible healthy meals in just a few minutes. The first thing(s) I emphasize as a must have in every kitchen is glassware not plastic tupperware. From water bottles to the lining of food tins, the chemical BPA is present in most plastics. BPA is what’s known as a suspected endocrine disruptor this basically means it can mimic the body’s hormone system and potentially create reproductive health problems, with possible links to cancer. So, people add some class and get some glass!
The whole idea in having glassware is so that you can prepare food and store it for a couple of days. How great would it be to actually still enjoy a healthy meal that you know how, when and who prepared it. Having enough food prepared for a couple of days can save you money ( for some glassware!) In comparison to eating out on a day to day basis which can drain your wallet, lead to poor eating choices and sometimes not worth the experience.

Eating healthy does not have to be a challenge and does not need to be costly. There is a difference between eating and being hungry. Try to start your day with breakfast in your stomach. It is definitely the most important meal of the day and gets the wheels turning. Limit your meals to three balanced meals. Snack sensibly, drink water, avoid unnecessary salt and sugar as most foods already own these properties naturally, Importantly stay hydrated! The human adult body is made up of 55-60% water. Incorporate some exercise even something as simple as walking is great extender of life! Smile and laugh more it reduces calories and relaxes the muscles of the face.

Even though all foods are important, I have a list of foods that I hold up on a pedestal because of how much our bodies benefit from them. The three main basic vegetables that are easily accessible and affordable year round are collard greens, red onions, and tomatoes. All vegetables are good for you unless of course you have allergic reactions or simply just do not like the taste. In those instances you can find a way to make the vegetables more appealing to your pallet example: use variety of spices and get creative. Remember the more green leafy vegetables you eat the better!


Sunday, May 11, 2014

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE.

I personally enjoy cooking with spices in fact I consider cooking without spices boring and insipid. When I taste food I can pick up many things including the freshness of the food and the spice that has been used to compliment that sundry plate. I believe that the right spices will always compliment the meal and your lifestyle.
Studies show that cultures that eat the most spicy food have much lower incidence of heart attack and stroke. Potential reasons being that chili peppers can reduce the damaging effects of LDL (bad cholesterol) and capsaicin may fight inflammation, which has been flagged as a risk factor for heart issues. Research also shows that hot chili peppers actually protect the stomach lining and may prevent the gastric damage associated with anti-inflammatory painkillers.
A laboratory study in the United Kingdom recently also found that capsaicin, which is responsible for the burning sensation chilies provide, can kill lung and pancreatic cancer cells without harming the surrounding cells. The benefits of adding chilies to your daily meals may protect against the buildup of cholesterol in the blood. According to the American Association for Cancer Research, capsaicin has the ability to kill some cancer and leukemic cells. One particular spice, turmeric, found in curry powder and some mustards, may also slow the spread of cancer and growth of tumors. Epidemiological studies have also linked the frequent use of turmeric to lower rates of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer. Because it is an anti-inflammatory agent, tumeric can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions such as flatulence, jaundice, menstrual difficulties, bloody urine, hemorrhage, toothache, bruises, chest pain and colic. Vitamins A and C strengthen the heart muscle walls and the heat of the pepper increases blood flow throughout the body. All of this equals a stronger cardiovascular system. Spicy foods will boost a production of feel-good hormones, such as serotonin. So they may help aid in easing depression as well as stress. Spices will help detox your body and clearly spice up your life.

Our bodies are naturally designed to filter through toxins and self-heal, but we have seriously compromised that ability by polluting the air we breathe, eating non-organic pesticide-laden foods and bathing as well as drinking tainted and unfiltered water.
Everyday my goal and purpose is to encourage more people to listen to their body and to strive for ultimate health and well being. I encourage detox as it is essential to your body and actually almost mandatory. Don't forget also, that there’s our exposure to toxins through OTC drugs and vaccines. Clearly our bodies cannot keep up and need a helping hand with detoxification.
A parsley and cilantro detox can help protect against the accumulation of heavy metals in the bloodstream and organs. Heavy metals have been linked to cancer, heart disease, emotional instability, cognitive decline, kidney and lung disease as well as degenerative bone conditions.
Most herbs posses a healing quality in fact most if not all our fruits, vegetables, spices own healing properties and will help sustain us if we consume them how we should, educate ourselves on our food and actually listen to our bodies and start treating it right.

Take for example rosemary. This herb has been hailed since ancient times for its medicinal properties. Rosemary was traditionally used to help alleviate muscle pain, improve memory, boost the immune and circulatory system as well as promote hair growth. It is also a good source of iron, calcium and vitamin B6. In Europe rosemary is often used to help treat indigestion.
Rosemary also contains an ingredient called carnosic acid, that is able to fight off free radical damage in the brain and also can significantly promote eye health.

Cabbage also is is a powerful vegetable highly nutritious and also very common and affordable. It is also rich with vitamin K and anthocyanins that help with mental function and concentration. A recent Study on women showed a reduction in breast cancer when cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage were introduced or added to their diet. 

FOOD FACT:  (i) A warm compress made with cabbage leaves can help relieve the pain of a headache (ii) Hangovers from heavy drinking were reduced by using cabbage since Roman times.
Food is our medicine. Remember less is always more. Find and choose healthier solutions and choices and introduce more spices and herbs into your life as well as plenty of healthy and organic produce.Colorful fruits and vegetables contain potent phytochemicals that help our bodies fight heart disease, aging and cancer. Enjoy your life!
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

LOVE AND LISTEN TO YOUR BODY.