Sunday, June 2, 2013

WOW Blackberries ward off cancer cells - Ridiculously Healthy pretty looking too.... Tastes Amazing

WOW Blackberries - Ridiculously Healthy pretty looking salad... 
There are many super foods in this salad but this is about the blackberry,



3 cups of Organic Spring Mix
1/2 cup of Blackberries 
4 large strawberries cut into slices
1/2 cup of sunflower seeds
1 cup cherry tomatoes 
1/2 cup sliced sweet peppers
Sun dried cranberries 1/2 cup
small chopped red onion
crumbled feta chees

Dressing 
1/4 cup of Olive Oil
1/3 cup of Orange Juice
1/4 Apple cider vinegar
Sea Salt to taste 
fresh time and rosemary 
juice of half a lime

10 reasons to eat blackberries!!

Cancer Prevention
Anthocyanins, which give blackberries their dark color, are an antioxidant shown to reduce inflammation. As an antioxidant, they destroy free radicals in the body that harm cells and lead to cancer. Research has also shown that the ellagic acid in blackberries may have anti-cancer properties. One cup of blackberries contains half of the daily recommendation of the antioxidant vitamin C, which protects the immune system and may lower the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Researchers have found that blackberries may reduce esophageal cancer by relieving the oxidative stress caused by Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition usually brought about by gastroesophageal reflux disease. Perhaps the greatest benefit from eating blackberries is their high level of phenolic acids which, besides having many other potential health benefits, are antioxidant compounds known as powerful anti-carcinogenic agents. Because of these compounds, blackberries have been given an ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of about 5350 per 100 grams, placing them near the top of ORAC fruits.
Cardiovascular Benefits
The anthocyanins that give blackberries their dark color are antioxidants shown to reduce inflammation by helping combat free radicals in the body that destroy cells and lead to heart disease. Vitamin C in blackberries acts as an antioxidant, and one cup of this delicious berry contains half of the daily recommendation of vitamin C. The immune system uses vitamin C to fight illness adequate vitamin C intake may lower the risk of developing heart disease. One cup of blackberries contains over thirty percent of the daily recommended amount of fiber, promoting healthy digestion and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Skin Health
As are all berries, blackberries are a great source of ellagic acid, an antioxidant shown to protect the skin from damage from ultraviolet light. Studies have also shown that ellagic acid may also repair skin damaged by the sun. Vitamin C helps heal wounds, and studies also show vitamin C may even lessen the appearance of wrinkles. Studies of cyanidin-3-glucoside, a compound found in blackberries showed it prevents skin cancer by inhibiting tumors from growing and spreading.
Eye Health
Vitamin C functions as an antioxidant in blackberries and one cup contains half of the daily recommendation of vitamin C. The body uses vitamin C for protection from immune system deficiencies, and may reduce the chances of macular degeneration, a condition in which fine vision deteriorates, resulting in central vision loss and is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50.
Women's Health
Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring plant estrogens found in blackberries that may help relieve the common symptoms of PMS like bloating, food cravings, and even menopausal symptoms including hot flashes.
Digestive Tract Health
Just one cup of blackberries contains over thirty percent of the daily recommended amount of fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and aids in maintaining bowel regularity by bulking up the feces and reducing the time it takes matter to pass all the way through the intestines. Bowel regularity is commonly associated with a decreased risk for colon cancer.
Diabetes
Thirty percent of the daily recommended amount of fiber is to be found in just one cup of blackberries. The steady movement of fiber through the digestive system allows for a measured breakdown of food into its component parts. This even breakdown of food helps to curtail extremes regarding simple sugar uptake from the digestive tract. An excess of simple sugar uptake all at once can produce an unwanted blood sugar spike. A lack of simple sugar uptake may produce a rapid blood sugar drop. Either extreme can upset blood sugar balance. The quantity of fiber in blackberries helps avoid both extremes.
Bone Health
Blackberries are a good source of vitamin K, offering 36% of the daily recommended amount of this nutrient used by the body for the clotting of blood and to aid the absorption of calcium.

Amazing Brain Healthy Smoky Vegetable Stew - AJavolte - My own recipe..

Amazing Brain Healthy Smoky Vegetable Stew - AJavolte (For you Marika )- My own recipe..





Ingredients:
2- large eggplant 
2 Green squash
2- yellow squash 
1- medium Bag of chopped carrots
3 - Mild Chili peppers
3 - Parsmips
1- can chopped tomatoes
1- liter chicken broth
1-Salt  to taste 
1-Pepper to taste 
Smoked Chipolata Paprika to taste 
3 Garlic cloves
1- Olive Oil as needed 
1- can of Cannalini beans
Optional add Italian sausage or beef
Hint- You can substitute any veggies you like or dislike this works great with Mushrooms, Broccoli Rob, Spinach, any root veggie all different bean are also very good I change it up every time I make it so make it your own!!!  

Dice all veggies and saute until slightly browned (I saute each veggie separate in some olive oil and salt and pepper and add to pot.  Then saute garlic in some Olive oil place in large pot.  Add chopped tomatoes and Chicken broth stir in some table spoon hot sauce and smoke paprika salt, pepper.  Let simmer 20 minutes enjoy with some whole grain Italian bread and Romano Cheese!  



















History
Classified as a fruit and eaten as a vegetable, eggplant has derived its name from the early varieties cultivated. The initial breeds were smaller and white, resembling eggs; hence, were named eggplants. Historians and botanists credit India as the motherland of eggplant where it was grown in the wild. It was only in the 5th century BC that China started cultivating it as an edible plant. From there, it was introduced to Africa before the Middle Ages. However in the early Middle Ages, the Arabs and North Africans brought eggplants into the Mediterranean region from where, they spread throughout Europe and the Middle East. The Europeans considered eggplant to be more of a decorative garden plant than a food as it was thought to be poisonous, just like tomato. But with the development of new varieties in the 18th century, the eggplant lost its original bitter taste and bitter reputation, becoming an edible vegetable in many European cuisines. Today, it is a prized vegetable in the Italian, Greek, Turkish and French kitchens. Centuries later, European experimental botanist Thomas Jefferson took eggplant to the Western Hemisphere where it was initially used as a table ornament. And do you know that it was only in the 20th century that eggplant finally found a place in food preparations. Italy, Turkey, Egypt, China and Japan are the leading producers of eggplant currently.
Health Benefits of Baingan (Eggplant)
  • The presence of phytonutrients, nasunin and chlorogenic acid in considerate amounts provide eggplant with several antioxidant properties. Nasunin, found in the skin of the eggplant, effectively neutralizes the free radicals in the body. Apart from protecting at the cellular level, nasunin and chlorogenic acid protect lipids present in the brain cell membranes.
  • Studies reveal that eggplants are capable of improving the flexibility of blood vessels, resulting in the improvement of blood flow. Besides, the active nutrients, phytonutrients help in lowering bad cholesterol levels.
  • Eggplant is a good source of dietary fiber which contains many cardio-protective factors and helps in keeping blood sugar under control, lowering cholesterol, improving the digestive system and assisting weight management.
  • With a good amount of essential B-complex groups of vitamins, like pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, thiamin and niacin, eggplant helps the body to replenish the requirement of fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism.
  • The skin of eggplant has been found to contain high amounts of phenolic flavonoid phyto-chemicals called anthocyanins. These antioxidants have been researched to protect the body from health risks, like aging, inflammation and neurological diseases.
  • With the fiber content present in significant amounts, eggplant successfully helps in curing colon cancer. It is because of the fiber which moves through the digestive tract and absorbs toxins and chemicals that can otherwise lead to the development of colon cancer. As such, people, who wish to protect themselves from the risk of colon cancer, should consume the skin along with the flesh of the eggplant. Studies show that the skin contains more fiber than the flesh.
  • Besides the fiber content fighting against cancer, eggplant is a helpful tool for people trying to lose weight. Since fiber is a bulky food and occupies a lot of space in the stomach, consuming eggplant in a salad or appetizer before the main course gives feelings of satiety; thus, you are likely to consume fewer calories from other foods. Furthermore, fiber digests slowly and takes a long time to move from the stomach to the digestive tract. As such, eggplants give you feelings of fullness for longer durations, stopping you from eating in between meals.
  • With high water content, eggplant is found to be extremely significant for the maintenance of healthy skin and hair. By not keeping yourself hydrated, you are likely to exhibit thin, dry hair with split ends and flaky, dry skin. Your body can be hydrated by drinking lots of water or eating foods that contain water which can improve the texture of your skin and hair. It is recommended to eat eggplant in the raw form to extract the most benefits as cooking removes some of the water content.

Pistachio Milk this is so amazing from the Food Babe.

This is so amazing a must try and the coffee is out of this world delicious.
Health Benefits of Pistachios
Just a small handful of pistachios offer a healthy dose of fats, antioxidants, vitamin A, and vitamin E. Antioxidants are essential for protecting skin and cells from aging and disease, and are involved with removing toxins from the body. Healthy fats are important for younger-looking skin and keeping the body in balance; getting enough dietary fat can reduce cravings and help suppress the appetite. Some studies suggest that pistachios can help manage high cholesterol levels by keeping arteries healthy. Researchers reported a positive effect on HDL levels in a study published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases (Vol. 16, pp. 202).
One cup of pistachios contains just over 700 calories and 57 grams of fat; it's not a low fat or low calorie food, but a little goes a long way. Pistachios contain plenty of dietary fiber and even protein, making them a valuable addition to your daily snack choices. Look for unsalted and organic varieties for the most nutritious and healthful choices.
Eating nuts on a regular basis can help keep your diet in balance, and pistachios are just one of many varieties that can help you achieve good health! Enjoy a small handful a few days per week and maximize the benefits of these exotic treats.
Food Babe’s Homemade Organic Pistachio Milk
 
Prep time
Total time
 
Serves: 6-10
Ingredients
  • 1 cup of raw shelled pistachios rinsed
  • 3 cups of water + 1 more cup or 4 cups water if you have a vitamin
  • 1 tsp ground caradmon seed (optional variation #1)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional variation #2)
  • 1 tsp almond extract (optional variation #3)
Instructions
  1. Place pistachio nuts, 2 cups water in blender (and optional variation) in blender and blend on high
  2. Pour milk into a bowl using a fine mesh strainer, separating the pulp from the milk
  3. Place pistachio pulp back in blender, plus 1 cup water and blend
  4. Strain milk one more time using a fine mesh strainer
Notes
***Please buy all organic ingredients***