Healthy Gluten- Free Snack

Ms H

The date palm, Phoenix dactylifera, is a flowering plant species in the Arecaceae palm family farmed for its edible sweet fruits.

Nutritional values:

Dates are good source of dietary fibre, carbohydrates, sugar and protein. They contain essential minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorous, sodium, potassium, magnesium and zinc. They also contain vitamins such as folate, vitamin A, vitamin K, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin.

Health benefits:

·      Dates are the perfect snack for an immediate burst of energy due to their high natural sugar: glucose, fructose and sucrose contents. 

·      Dates consist of organic sulphur, which has a meaningful amount of health benefits, including the reduction of allergic reactions.

·      The vitamins and the potassium promote a healthy and responsive nervous system and also improve the speed and alertness of brain activity.

·      They are helpful in keeping your heart healthy and reducing the risk of stroke and other heart related diseases.

·      Dates are frequently used as a cure for alcoholic intoxication.

·      Recent research has shown that dates may reduce the risk and impact of abdominal cancer. 

·      Minerals present in dates are beneficial to bone health.

·      Eating dates may reduce night blindness.

The Health Benefits of Eggs

By Christopher C Weaver  

If eggs are not currently a part of your diet, its worth looking into some of the health benefits that they offer and reconsider adding them. Eggs are an all natural source of high quality protein and provide all 9 essential amino acids (those are the ones that the body cannot produce independently). Research at Wageningen University concluded that egg protein is the most absorbed and utilized protein source in the food supply. One egg contains 6.3 grams of protein and only 68 calories. Consuming an adequate supply of protein daily helps with the production of new cell membranes, healthy nerves, building muscle, boosting the immune system and in maintaining healthy skin and nails.

One of the most important nutrients that eggs supply is choline, which is important in brain and nerve functioning. While our bodies do naturally produce choline, we do not manufacture an adequate supply, therefore it is important we consume choline rich foods. Choline assists in the reduction of inflammation in the body, which in part is a result of being high in Omega-3 Fatty acids. Chronic inflammation in the body is linked to such serious health conditions like Alzheimer's, heart disease, Type-2 diabetes, and osteoporosis. A study conducted at the University of NC at Chapel Hill notes that choline is involved in shutting off promoter regions of genes that are involved in inflammation. Choline is also necessary in the development of the brain and memory in the fetal stage, making it especially important to pregnant women. It is estimated that 90% of Americans do not clonsume an adequate supply of choline.

Eggs also contain a high amount of Lutein, which plays an important role in eye health including the prevention of cataracts and a condition called Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) which is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50 years old. The macula is the central part of the retina that controls fine vision.

Eggs are a good source of B vitamins including B-12 which is important for cardiovascular health. Eggs also supply us with tryptophan, selenium, iodine, molybdenum, phosphorus and are one of the only foods that contain naturally occurring Vitamin D.

At one point, nutritionist and medical providers were discouraging people from eating eggs on a daily basis due to the cholesterol they contain, yet more recent research released by the Journal of the American College of Nutrition (circa 2000) concludes that people that eat a low-fat diet can consume one to two eggs daily with no noticeable change in blood cholesterol levels. The Harvard School of Public Health concluded that there is no significant link between egg consumption and heart disease.

There has also been considerable research conducted in terms of eggs and their impact on weight loss. In a particular study conducted in 2008 and published in the International Journal of Obesity, half of the people in the research group were given a breakfast containing two eggs, while the other half were given breakfast without eggs. At then end of the study, those in the group that consumed the breakfasts containing two eggs lost an average of 65% more weight than those in the other group. It is suggested from the outcome of this research that eggs help to curb the appetite throughout the remainder of the day, making a person less likely to overeat.

Some other noticeable health benefits are their link to lowering risks of blood clots and stroke (due to the proteins in the yolks) and a reduction in the risk of breast cancer in women. A recent study concluded that women that eat a diet including 6 eggs per week lowered their risk of breast cancer by 66%. Eggs also have a high sulfur content which promotes healthy hair and nails. When buying eggs I recommend getting the cage-free, vegetarian fed variety. Also look for those that a labeled free of antibiotics and hormones, which can have negative impacts on our overall health. As always, speak with your healthcare professional before drastically modifying your diet, especially if you have certain health conditions such as high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease.

Christopher Weaver BS, MA, CFT lives and works in Asheville, NC. Learning to live a wellness based lifestyle is a key component to finding health and happiness. My goal as a Certified Fitness Trainer, yoga instructor, social worker and health educator is to share my own personal health journey, including accomplishment and mishaps along the way. For more writings and information visit my website athttp://www.issacertifiedtrainer.com/christopherweaver and my blog at http://www.punkrockwellness.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Christopher_C_Weaver/1480880

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Health-Benefits-of-Eggs&id=7514906 

How to Use Irish Moss in Raw Vegan Recipes

By Barbara Shevkun 

Irish Moss Paste/Gel

Irish moss is a a seaweed. also known as Carrageenan, which is often used as a thickening agent in many products. Irish moss is a nutritional power house. This almost-tasteless seaweed is chock full of life-enhancing nutrients such as sulphur compounds, iodine, bromine, protein, beta-carotene,iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium,pectin, zinc, B-vitamins and vitamin C. Vegetarian diets are generally lacking in sulphur-containing amino acids and Irish moss contains more of these than in any other seaweed!

This amazing seaweed contains many healing properties. It coats and soothes mucous membranes, and can aid many common digestive ailments. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties as well. Even more amazing, this product is used as an emulsifier in skin creams, gels, and shampoos. It is a potent skin softener that nourishes and protects your skin from environmental elements.

When mixed with body lotions, it transforms your dry, patchy skin into smooth, silky, hydrated, glowing skin. Irish moss can aid with many skin problems, including eczema, psoriasis, rashes and sunburns. It's often found as an ingredient in some very pricey anti-aging skin care products.

What do I use it for? Basically, Irish moss can be made into a paste, or gel form. This can be used as a natural vegan alternative to gelatin. About one quarter cup of paste will successfully thicken about two cups of liquid. Use it to create incredibly creamy pudding, mousse, cream pie, merengue, sauces, dressings, dips, custard, ice cream, etc.

How do I prepare it? Take about a good fist full of Irish moss and rinse well, massaging with your fingers under running water. Clean it over a sieve so you don't lose any small pieces. Transfer to a 1 quart glass jar and fill with filtered water. Cover and place in refrigerator for anywhere from 6 - 12 hours. Be sure to rinse 2-3 times in between, returning to a clean jar of water.

Dry moss can last for up to a year in a cool dry place as the salt preserves it. If you have soaked more than you need, keep it in the fridge and change the water daily. This will keep fresh up to 3 weeks.

When you are ready, rinse the moss. Chop it into small pieces and add it to a high -speed blender. I use 2 cups of water, per 1 cup of chopped Irish moss. Be patient. This takes time. Frequently stop the blender and scrape the sides with a spatula, and continue to blend...and blend...and blend...until it is completely creamy.

Store this mixture in a covered class container and refrigerate. Please don't waste any. Be sure to scrape the sides of the blender with a spatula and store any extra you don't need in a separate container. Use this as a face mask, moisturizer or shampoo. It is great for hair and skin.

When using the paste/gel in recipes, remember that 1/4 cup of paste will thicken about 2 cups of liquid, so adjust accordingly. Try adding 1-2 tablespoons of Irish moss paste to your morning smoothies.

Initially, there is a bit of odor, but once the Irish moss has been soaked and blended into a gel, the taste and smell are barely noticeable. Try it! It can really enhance your ability to create rich, thick, creamy dishes that are difficult to achieve using raw food combinations.

There are several companies selling Irish moss online. Be sure you do not get the dried flakes as they do not have the same capabilities.

You may also find Irish moss HERE.

Barbara Shevkun
Rawfully Tempting
http://www.rawfullytempting.com

My magnificent journey, exploring, living, energized food and creating fabulous, sexy recipes that are easy to follow. Enjoy!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Barbara_Shevkun/692032

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Use-Irish-Moss-in-Raw-Vegan-Recipes&id=4770302 

7 Super Benefits of Kale - A Heart Healthy Food   

by Kaitlyn Flores

All you people wanting to have a healthy life, create space in your kitchen for the "queen of greens" - KALE.

Also known as borecole, kale is one of the healthiest green vegetables that boast of high nutrients and several health benefits. Not to forget it has delicious flavor too.

It belongs to the Brassica family that includes other vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts and cabbage. Let„ look at some of the reasons why you should include kale in your diet:

Good source of iron

This green leafy vegetable is a rich source of iron that helps in the formation of hemoglobin and enzymes. In fact, kale contains more iron than beef. Anemic people can benefit a lot by making kale a part of their daily diet.

Aids in losing weight

Kale is high in fiber and low in calorie. That makes it a wonderful vegetable for weight loss. It also aids in digestion. Besides because of its rich fiber and sulfur content, it keeps the liver healthy and aids in detoxification process.

Prevents cancer

The "queen of greens" is high in vitamin K that helps prevent against Alzheimer's disease and various cancers such as lung and oral cavity. Besides it also helps in preventing blood clotting. In addition, the presence of various powerful antioxidants in kale such as flavonoids, beta-carotene and carotenoids assists in protecting against cancer further.

Helps in lowering cholesterol

Make it a habit to eat a lot of this cruciferous vegetable. It helps bring cholesterol down.

Prevents against various diseases

Eating this super food helps fight against asthma, arthritis and autoimmune disorders.

It also makes for a great anti-inflammatory food. It also aids in reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Good for your eyes

Vitamin A is great for your vision and kale contains an abundance of this vitamin more than any other green vegetable. It is also in vitamin C that strengthens your immune system, and improves your metabolism.

Good for your bones

The abundance of calcium in kale makes it a super food that helps build stronger bones. In fact, kale boasts of 150mg of calcium per 100 grams, whereas milk contains 125mg.

Eating this vegetable on a regular basis will help in preventing bone loss and osteoporosis and maintain joint flexibility and cartilage.
Considering its several health benefits, it makes sense to add kale to your diet and live a healthier life. You can prepare various dishes of kale that are nutritious and delicious. And they are very easy to prepare.

There are two types of kale available in the market - curly varieties which is bright green and dinosaur variety which is darker in color. You can also buy baby kale which tends to be tender.

Best is to buy organic stuff. Just make sure to wash it properly. In fact, kale tastes better when you combine it with other healthy foods. For instance, you can make heart healthy recipes pairing kale with avocado and olive oil or you can prepare heart healthy soup or side dish with kale.

The dark green kale is loaded with minerals, vitamins, fiber, heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, calcium and health-enhancing antioxidants. Make this heart healthy food a part of your regular diet.

http://goarticles.com/article/7-Super-Benefits-of-Kale-A-Heart-Healthy-Food/7858501/