Pomegranate Health Benefits

Pomegranate Seeds NutritionThe pomegranate fruit is obtained from a tree  that is originally native to the Southwest Asia and is cultivated since centuries together. Pomegranate is widely cultivated throughout the Afghanistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, East Indies, Malaysia, tropical Africa and southeast Asia. Later on, it was also introduced to the US and Latin America. The fruit is typically available from November to February (in the northern hemisphere), while in southern hemisphere, it seasons from March to May. There are more than 750 species that are observed and cultivated all over the world for various purposes from eating to forming pomegranate juice.  The name pomegranate literally means “the apple with many seeds”. The number of seeds in a single fruit varies from 300-1000.

Pomegranate tree can live up to many years, which is an advantage for the pomegranate growers. This way, it enhances the outdoor decoration of the house with additional fruits provided. The fruit of pomegranate is ruby colored with many seeds that are both juicy and citrus in flavor. Pomegranate seeds nutrition facts are just numerous and therefore, pomegranate seeds are used for many purposes from ancient times.

Health Benefits of Pomegranate Seeds
Often called as super fruit, the invaluable pomegranate seeds are loaded with numerous antioxidant properties that are said to be three times higher than the green tea. As we know, antioxidants are very important to control the free radicals from the body that can cause several troubles to the body. Antioxidants also maintain and repair the damaged body cells.  Pomegranate is high in vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid, vitamin E , fiber, potassium, iron and calcium.

This ‘magic fruit’ is a bliss for the heart health, as regular intake of pomegranate seeds or pomegranate juice promotes:
Cardio health and reduces risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Contributes to proper thinning of the blood, reduce blood pressure levels, increase blood flow towards heart.                 Maintains good cholesterol levels (so that HDL cholesterol is elevated) and reduces arterial plaques.
Reduces symptoms of:
Anemia (add 1 tsp of cinnamon & honey to 1 cup of 100 % Pomegranate Juice)
Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Skin allergies
Skin disorders
Urinary tract infections
Wheezing linked to asthma
Sore throats
Tapeworms
Digestive disorders
Blood impurities
Anemia
Diabetes
Read on for health benefits of pomegranate juice.

Researchers are carefully observing the effects of pomegranate juice and prostate cancer as well as skin cancer. There are numerous products that are used by the pomegranate seeds including: pomegranate seed oil , pomegranate dietary supplements, pomegranate extracts and pomegranate concentrated juice.

Due to the polyphenols (anti oxidant) within this wonderful fruit it’s nutrition promotes anti inflammatory effects which strengthens the immune system, wound repair and reduces skin wrinkling making it’s derivites the most sought after when addressing skin remedies.

Eat, Drink and Enjoy!

RECIPE

Pomegranate Apple Salad

Red seeds from a Pomegranate
1 Apple diced (remove core)
1/4 c. Feta Cheese crumbled (optional)
Lettuce Leaves: Endive, Rucula  (Arugula), Spinach, Green Leaf Lettuce. Tear into bite size.
Dressing
1/3 c Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese grated

Wash Pomegranate, Apple and Lettuce leaves. Over a salad bowl cut Pomegranate into quarter pieces, invert each piece so that the skin is push inward and the seeds com outward. Seeds will easily come out. Make sure to remove white pith that the seeds are attached to, discard pith. Cut apple in half, remove and discard seeds. Cut apple into chunks place into bowl. Add feta cheese and lettuce into salad to salad bowl.
Toss well so that all ingredients are incorporated.

Place all Dressing ingredients into a bottle or bowl, cover tightly, shake ingredients so that they are well combined. Pour dressing onto salad 5-10 minutes before serving.

Roasted Pepper and Carrot Soup

Roasted Pepper and Carrot Soup

Roasted Red Pepper and Carrot Soup
Serves 4-6
Preparation time 15 minutes
Cooking time 30 minutes
Various methods may be used for roasting peppers: under oven broiler, heat oven to 250 C / 500 F, or grilled.

Roast peppers under the oven broiler or on the grill, then remove skin.

 Ingredients
  • 3 large Red Peppers (quartered and de-seeded)
  • 10 Carrots (peeled and roughly chopped)
  • 4 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 Onions peeled and diced
  • 2 Potatoes peeled and quartered
  • Pinch of ground Cinnamon
  • 1.8 Liters Vegetable Stock
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 4 teaspoons Panna or Heavy Cream (optional)
  • Paprika
  • Parsley for decoration
Preparation 15 minutes
Place peppers on flat pan and into the a very hot oven for 10 minutes.
(Optional: Hot roasted peppers may have skin removed by placing them in a sealed container and after 10 minutes remove peel.)
Peel onions and in large pan gently saute` the onion in 2 Tablespoons of olive oil for 10 minutes. Peel carrots and potatoes. Toss carrots, potatoes and  roasted peppers in 2 Tablespoons olive oil.
Simmering  time,  30 minutes on stove top
Add carrots, potatoes and peppers  to the onions with the cinnamon, salt and pepper to taste; toss together in pan.
Add stock and lime juice, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
With a ladle add cooked vegetables into a blender and  then puree` for about 20 seconds, add back to soup and reheat for10 minutes.
Serving and Presentation
Ladle soup into a bowl, sprinkle chopped parsley on top and drizzle the panna or  heavy cream.
Serve soup with a spoonful of Creme` Fraiche and pinch of paprika.
Enjoy!!!

Which Magic Mineral Helps to Heal your Body?

….. did you know that without certain minerals in your diet that you can gain weight, prematurely gray and produce wrinkles?

A word on the importance of MINERALS:  Vitamins cannot effectively work in our bodies without the correct balance of minerals. We grew up hearing that we must get our vitamins and to “eat our greens” But did you know without certain minerals consumed in our diet that blood production, bone growth, organ function, and vessel stability would be altered?  In other words a well balanced diet must be eaten.  For example; calcium is needed for vitamin “C” utilization, zinc for vitamin “A”, magnesium for “B” complex vitamins, selenium for vitamin “E” absorption, etc.

While only 5% of the human body is made up of mineral matter, they are critical to keeping the blood and tissue fluids from either becoming too acid or too alkaline.  By doing so, they allow other nutrients to pass into the bloodstream, aiding in transportation of nutrients to the cells and also drawing chemicals in & out of the cells.  It’s a big job for such a small object whose sole job is to make sure, that any slight change in the blood concentration of any mineral can quickly endanger life.

Please review the list below of vitamins and a short list on how they benefit of us. Additionally, various nutritional minerals are also listed with their functions and important roles in maintaining the human body’s homeostasis.

Vitamin K.  Promotes blood clotting, regulates blood levels, and activates 3 proteins for bone growth and health (gamma-carboxylase: BGP, MGP, Proteins S.

Vitamin A  helps vision and promotes bone growth, tooth development, and helps maintain healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes.  Deficiencies:  Dry skin, blindness, poor bone growth, and weak tooth enamel. To heal

Acne, Healing Foods for nutritional therapy will benefit you.

Vitamins C and Vitamin E are antioxidants that effectively work against free radicals in order to protect the body’s cells.

Vitamin B’s releases energy from Carbs.

  • Vitamin B1 Thiamine:  ENERGY, controls fxn of heart, muscle, nervous system. 
  • Vitamin B2 Riboflavin: Growth, reproduction, produces RBC. 
  • Vitamin. B3 Niacin Digestive system, skin and nerves.
  • Vitamin. B5 pantothenic acid:  Metabolism Food, and formation of hormones.
  • Vitamin B6 Pryidoxine: Immune system, nerve fxn, RBC. Too little B6 in the diet can cause dizziness, nausea, confusion, irritability and convulsions. Critical for protein rxn’s. 
  • Vitamin B9 folate/folic acid:  RBC, nervous system, creates and forms DNA, brain fxn, spinal fluid. cell growth, developing baby growth in utero. 
  • Vitamin  B12:  RBC, maintains central nervous system.

 LIST OF MINERAL FUNCTIONS AND DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

As outlined by Dr. Joel Wallach in his booklet “A DIRE WARNING”

Bismuth   Ulcers result from lack of bismuth & a bacteria Heliobacter pylori

Boron    Aids efficient calcium and magnesium use, Essential for bone metabolism, Proper endocrine function, Reduces calcium loss from bones (Osteoporosis)

Calcium Is a Magic Mineral High protein diets increases demands for calcium, Deficiency Produces: Arthritis, Back pains (sciatica, disc problems), Bell’s Palsy, Bone spurs, Brittle fingernails, Calcium deposits, Cognitive impairment, Delusions, Depression, Eczema, High Blood Pressure, Hyperactivity, Hypertension, Insomnia, Irritability, Kidney stones, Limb numbness, Muscle cramps/spasms/twitches, Nervousness, Neuromuscular excitability, Osteomalacia (failure to mineralize the protein bone matrix), Osteoporosis (& Dowagers Hump, spontaneous fractures, kyphosis), Panic attacks,  Periodontal disease – receding gums (osteoporosis of facial bones & jaw bones),  PMS, Pica (eating lead paint),  Rickets, Retarded growth,  Tetany,  Tooth decay

 Cesium is a Cancer Aid; Cesium enters cancer cell and produces alkaline condition

Chromium

Deficiency Produces:  ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Anortic cholesterol plaque, Coronary blood vessel disease, Depression/Manic depression, Diabetes (Vanadium also), Dr. Jeckyll/Mr. Hyde rages, Elevated blood cholesterol, Elevated blood triglycerides, Fatigue, Hyperactivity, Hypercholesterolemia, Hypoglycemia – low blood sugar (vanadium & copper also), Infertility and decreased sperm count, Learning disabilities, Negative nitrogen balance (body lean mass/protein loss), Prediabetes (vanadium also), Peripheral neuropathy,  Retarded growth, Shortened life span

Cobalt   Deficiency Produces: Anemia, Anorexia, Emaciation, listless, starved look, pale mucus membranes, Essential part of Vitamin B 12 (Growth and nerve system function)

Copper is critical part of your diet to avoid deficienies produce:  Alopecia (hair loss) and premature graying, Anemia (common in vegans & high milk users), Aneurysms (on wall bulges), Aneurysm / cerebral hemorrhage, Arthritis (especially where growth plates are involved), Cerebral palsy & hypoplasia (failure to form) of the cerebellum, Criminal or violent behavior, blind rage, explosive outbursts, Depression, Dermatitis, Diarrhea, Dry brittle hair, Fatigue, Fragile bones, Hernias, High blood cholesterol, Hypercholesterolemia, Hypo or Hyper thyroid, Ptosis (sagging tissue – eye lids, skin, breasts, stomach, etc.), Kawasaki Disease, Learning disabilities, Liver cirrhosis (number 9 killer in the U.S., Ruptured vertebral discs problems,  Reduced glucose tolerance (low blood sugar), Respiratory disease, Swachman’s Syndrome, Varicose veins, Weak and fatigue, Memory loss, sore tongue. Hemoglobin (carries oxygen in red blood cells)

Europium Doubles the life span of laboratory animals

Fluoride In plant based colloidal form will aid bone strength & no toxicity

Germanium is a must and will Enhances Immune System Function (killer cells, interferon, macro phages and T-suppressor cells), Highly efficient electrical impulse initiator, Aids in oxygen utilization. Deficiency: Arthritis, Cancer, Low energy, Osteoporosis

 Gold Reduces active joint inflammation

 Iodine works with Copper in order to properly utilize Iodine, Needed by body for thyroid function (Thyroxin is thyroid hormone), Deficiency Produces: Hypothyroidism, increased appetite, Weight gains Weight loss, Cold intolerance, Brittle nails, Bulging eyes, Constipation, Depression, Dry skin & hair, Elevated blood cholesterol, Excessive sweating, Fatigue, Frequent bowel movements, Goiter (throat swelling), Hair loss, Hand tremors, Heat intolerance, Heavy periods or less than 28 day cycles,  Irritability, Inability to concentrate, Insomnia, Light periods or longer than 28 day cycles, Low basal body temperature, Low sex drive, Muscle aches and pains, Muscle cramps, Muscle weakness, Nervousness, Over-active Thyroid, Poor memory Puffy face, Rapid pulse, Under-active Thyroid,

Lanthanum   Deficiency may be involved in chronic fatigue diseases

Lithium to overcome Depression and Infertility Deficiency: ADD, Depression, Infertility, Lithium deficiency aggravated by high sugar consumption, Manic depression, Rages & fits, Reduced growth rate, Reproductive failure, Shortened life span

 Magnesiummagnificently combats and helps maintain homeostasis.  However a Deficiency Produces:, Anxiety, Asthma, Anorexia, Birth Defects, Calcification of small arteries, Confusion, Depression, Growth failures, Hyperactivity/synophobia, Hypotension, Hypothermia, Insomnia, Irritability, Malignant calcification of soft tissue, Menstrual, Migraines, Muscle pains/tremors/ weakness, Nervousness/Neuromuscular irritability, Neuromuscular problems, Restlessness, Seizures, SIDS, Tachycardia/palpitations, Tetany – Convulsions, Tremors, Vertigo

Manganese

  Deficiency:, Asthma, Ataxia, Atherosclerosis, Chondrornalacia, Chondrodystrophy, Convulsions, Dizziness, Hearing Loss, Hypercholesterolemia, Hypoglycemia, Infertility (failure to ovulate or testicle atrophy), Loss of sex drive, Pancreatic atrophy, Poor cartilage formation problems, Repetitive Motion Syndromes (like TMJ, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), Retarded growth rates, Shortened long bone, Still births or spontaneous miscarriages, Tinnitus

Molybdenum

Essential as a metalloenzyme of several enzyme systems

Nickel

  Deficiency: Anemia (low hematocrit), Delayed puberty, Depressed oxidative ability of the liver, Dermatitis, High newborn mortality, Poor growth, Poor zinc absorption, Rough/dry hair coat in animals

Phosphorus

Deficiency:  Anorexia, Anxiety, Apprehension, Bone pain, Dyspnea, Fatigue, Irritability, Numbness, Paresthesias, Pica, Tremulousness, Weakness, Weight loss

Potassium

   Deficiency:  Acne, Arrhythmia, Cognitive impairment, Constipation, Depression, ECG changes, Edema, Fatigue, Glucose intolerance, Growth retardation, Hypercholesterolemia, Hyperretlexia, Hypotension, Insomnia, Mental apathy, Muscular weakness, Nervousness, Palpitations, Plydipsia, Proteinuria, Respiratory distress, “Salt” retention, Tachycardia (rapid heart rate), XerosisPraseodymium Doubles life span in laboratory animals, Enhances normal cell growth

Samarium

Doubles life span in laboratory animals, Enhances normal cell growth, Animal studies show deficiencies cause:  Cancer prevention properties, Hearing loss, Male pattern baldness, Poor growth & Poor feeding

Selenium

Effective anti-oxidant Deficiency:  Age spots or liver spots, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), Alzheimer’s Disease (associated high vegetable oil consumption), Anemia (red blood cell fragility), Cardiomyopathy, Cataracts, Cancer Risk, Cystic fibrosis, Cancer (associated with high vegetable oil intake) (Number 2 killer), Fatigue, Growth Retardation, Heart palpitations (irregular heart beat), High infant mortality, HIV (AIDS), Impaired immunity, Infertility, Keshena Disease (myocardial fibrosis), Liver cirrhosis, Low birth weight, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular dystrophy, Myalgia, Pancreatitis, Pancreatic atrophy & fibrosis, Parkinson’s Disease (associated lead poisoning), Scoliosis, Sterility in males, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Sickle cell anemia

Silica Increases collagen in growing bone by 100% Deficiency:  Brittle fingernails, Dry brittle hair, Poor calcium utilization arterial wall strength problems, Poor skin quality,

 

Silica Benefits:  Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Anti-viral, Kills over 650 diseases causing organisms, Systemic disinfectant & immune support, Subdues inflammation & promotes healing

Strontium Essential trace element, Strontium can replace calcium in many organisms including man

Sulfur   Important mineral used in several amino acids within the body, Involved in functions of hemoglobin, insulin hormone, adrenal hormones, enzymes, and antibodies Deficiency:  Degeneration of cartilage, ligaments and tendons, Lupus, Several collagen diseases, Sickle cell anemia

Thulium Doubles the life span of laboratory animals, Enhances growth of normal cells

Vanadium Aids in glucose (blood sugar) oxidation and transport, Anti-Cancer properties, Decreases cholesterol production, Enhances insulin effectiveness (aids with blood sugar problems), Increases effectiveness of heart muscle contraction Deficiency:  Cardiovascular disease, Diabetes, Elevated cholesterol & triglycerides, Hypoglycemia, Increased infant mortality, Infertility, Obesity, Slow growth

Ytrium Doubles life span of laboratory animals, Enhances nominal cell growth

Zinc  Deficiency associated congenital birth defects:  Cleft lip & Cleft palate, Clubbed limbs, Down’s syndrome, Heart & lung defects, Hiatus hernia& umbilical hernia, Small or absent eyes, Spinal bifida, Webbed toes or fingers, Urogenitat defects Deficiency:  Acne, Acrodermatitis enteropathica, Alopecia (hair loss), Anemia, Anorexia and/or Bulimia, Apathy, Birth defects (see above), Bad body odors (“smelly tennis shoe” syndrome), Brittle nails, Depression, Diarrhea Enlarged prostate, Eczema, Fatigue, “Frizzy” hair, High infant mortality, Hypercholesterolemia, loss of sense of taste, Infertility, Impaired wound healing, Impotence, Irritability, Lethargy, Loss of sense of smell, Malabsorption, Memory loss, Paranoia, Pica (eating hair, wool, etc.), Poor growth (short stature), Sexual immaturity (remain in pre- puberty state), Small and/or poor ovary and testes function, Sterility, Weaken immune function, White spots on nails

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calcium and Vitamin D changes LDL & HDL Numbers

“In a recent study, women with low calcium intake were given either a calcium + vitamin D supplement or placebo in conjunction with a 15-week weight-loss program. Those who received the calcium + vitamin D supplement had a greater tendency for beneficial changes in LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels.

Calcium and vitamin D supplements enhance health benefits of weight loss
Research has demonstrated that overweight individuals with low calcium and dairy intakes have an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Naturally, this suggests that adequate calcium intake could create a healthier metabolic profile ” one more similar to a balanced diet and regular exercise.
In a recent study, researchers explored this possibility by testing cardiovascular health indicators after long-term calcium supplementation in women with usual low calcium intake. Healthy overweight or obese women with a daily calcium intake of less than 800 mg per day were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: group A received two tablets/day of a calcium + vitamin D supplement (600 mg elemental calcium and 200 IU vitamin D/tablet), while group B received a placebo. Both groups completed a 15-week reduced calorie weight-loss program.
Significant decreases in LDL cholesterol levels, as well as improvements in the ratios of total to LDL and LDL to HDL cholesterol were seen the calcium + vitamin D group. These changes were independent of changes due to fat loss and reduced waist circumference. Tendencies for more beneficial changes in HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol were also observed in the calcium + vitamin D group.

This study demonstrates that adequate consumption of calcium and vitamin D during weight loss enhances other beneficial effects of body weight loss on cardiovascular risk factors in overweight women with previously low calcium intake. ” Literature Referece:American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 85, No. 1, 54-59, January 2007

 

Win $25,000! Lipton Tea Video Contest

Healthy, Nutritional.  A Smart Tea that contributes to your longevity!

Lipton is promoting their new White Tea in ready-to-drink bottles and “To Go” packs.  To launch the new line of tea products and highlight that Lipton White Tea is made from young White Tea buds, they have launched the “Free Your Y” (your youth) campaign, and giving away $25,000 through the “Free Your Y” video contest, which will be active through May 17th.  The “Free Your Y” concept is aimed at encouraging people to tap into and express their inner youth, and the contest will ask people to share – via video – what they do to feel young and active.

Relax and Heighten Your Senses

The Kitchen smells of a bouquet of Papaya, Raspberries, Mango and Peaches.  Spring is in the air and the flavorful fruit smells that embrace me, don’t place me in an exotic country, but in my mid western home.  I have three different tea’s in front of me, which have tantalized my tongue and whose perfume has awakened my senses.  Lipton’s white tea has a taste that is light and mild. It is a refreshing way to enjoy a drink made from a combination of natural flavors, orange leaves, lemon grass, rose hips and licorice root.  They are packed with antioxidants to combat free radicals brought on by stress and a fiber reduced diet.  Dentist’s will make this their recommended tea of choice, as white tea’s staining properties are not as intense as other tea’s.

White Tea Facts

“White tea comes from is chiefly produced in Fujian Province in China with only limited or negligible production outside and more commonly just known as Yinzhen. Amongst white teas this is the most expensive variety and the most prized as only top buds are used to produce the tea. Most Yinzhen is made from the Da Bai or Large White tea tree race, however there are exceptions such as the big bud teas from Yunnan. Yinzhen tea is considered to be good for health. According to the researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, white tea may be used to fight cancer as well as acting as a deterrent.  The tea is nowadays mostly grown in the Fujian Province and there are generally two major producing counties, Zheng He and Fuding.”

  1. Lipton Tea Contest http://www.areyouyoungenough.com/

  2. http://youtube.com/results?search_query=lipton+tea&search_type=

  3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bai_Hao_Yinzhen_tea

By:  Kim Crocker