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Turmeric & Saffron to Cleanse & Heal Body

Turmeric cleanses the body

Go for it….Spice up your life!  Scientific research has revealed what the people of India have known for centuries! Turmeric and Saffron, whether combined with pharmaceuticals, or taken by themselves, cleanse the skin and cure what ails you; both spices functioning as natures prized antibiotics.

Turmeric and its cousin Saffron contain a polyphenol called “curcumin”, an  antioxidant that is associated with reducing nutrition related pathologies. They are bland tasting, turmeric has a rich yellow color that we associate with “Curry”  and saffron is orange and string-like. These wonderful seasonings are slowly taking on the health importance that they deserve.

Studies have determined that “Curcumin” impacts health as an: “antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities and thus has a potential against various malignant diseases, diabetes, allergies, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and other chronic illnesses.

The positive impact of the medicinal properties are mediated through the regulation of various:  transcription factors, growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, protein kinases, and other enzymes”, states The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. They further attest curcumin to be the “Spice of Life” saying that, “Curcumin exhibits activities similar to recently discovered tumor necrosis factor blockers (e.g., HUMIRA, REMICADE, and ENBREL), a vascular endothelial cell growth factor blocker (e.g., AVASTIN), human epidermal growth factor receptor blockers (e.g., ERBITUX, ERLOTINIB, and GEFTINIB), and a HER2 blocker (e.g., HERCEPTIN).”   All evidenced in the country of India which has been duly of having lower occurrences of heart disease and cancer.

Saffron comes from the crocus flower

Many comparisons have shown that individuals who leave India are diagnosed with a health disease, not otherwise documented in previous family history, after moving into a western society.  Duly noted, the main difference in dietary intake was a lower to “no” amounts of turmeric being consumed in their meals.

Turmeric is not as costly as saffron and is readily available with other herbs and seasonings in stores, or in 300 mg capsule form in the vitamin and mineral grocery isle.

Introducing turmeric into meal preparation is very easy to do. 1 teaspoon added to rice, pasta, potato’s, soups and vegetables are good ways to switch from the salt shaker to a healthier spice that heals and makes your body work and function better. Saffron is more costly and commonly used in the Italian dish Risotto Milanese, however, it also provides the same healing benefit as its close relative.

MANY HOME REMEDIES USING TURMERIC

  • With a few grains, turmeric’s antiseptic properties help to heal cuts, wounds, kitchen burns and abrasions. Make a paste of Turmeric and Raw Honey; 1 teaspoon honey and 1 teaspoon turmeric.  Adjust amount to wound, apply to wound and cover with a gauze. 3 x’s/day.
  • Gently rub a small dusting of turmeric onto area of face to reduce facial hair growth. Massage into skin with a dampened tea bag.
  • A mixture of 1 teaspoon turmeric and 1/4 cup yogurt rubbed onto the abdomen to reduce stretch marks during pregnancy. Rinse off after 5 minutes.
  • Added 1/4 teaspoon to individual meals through out the day, keeps various diseases a bay.
  • Mixture of 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon mustard oil rubbed into gums to combat gum infections. Rinse with warm water.
  • Accredited for reducing anemia and sore throats by eating a paste made of 1 teaspoon raw honey & 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric. 3 x’s/day.
  • Stop diarrhea by drinking, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric to 1 glass of water
  • Sick with an infection? Combine: glass of milk  and stir in 1/2 teaspoon turmeric , 1 teaspoon honey. Drink this natural antibiotic 2 times a day.
  • Medicinal use for pathologies have duly noted an intake of 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric  3x’s a day inhibits growth of tumors, improves function of pancreas, reduces incidence of heart attack.
  • Combat GERD or “Acid Reflux” by consuming 1/8 teaspoon turmeric (a 300 mg capsule) before dinner. Also consider Fast Relief: Fennel Seeds Combat Digestive Problems and

Gas Pains Drink Lemon Water

  • Heal Acne by combining in a bowl 1/2 tsp water, 1/4 tsp turmeric and 1/8 tsp salt. With a cotton ball gently dab a small amount of  paste onto acne and allow skin to absorb ingredients overnight. In the morning, gently cleanse to remove and refresh skin.
For modern western medicine practices, the excitement around the ancient asian spices brings hope on the horizon for how meal preparation can enhance an individuals overall health. The many benefits of polyphenol curcumin are continuously being researched: Inflammation, Arthritis, Irritated Bowel Syndrome, Kidney Disease etc. Present studies  have shown that curcumin inhibits the proliferation of tumor cells in cultures, human and animal studies. Curcumin’s many strengths and limitations are being seriously explored and are bringing new opportunities to healing ones body.
By, Kim Crocker-Scardicchio
Recipes

Lentil Soup
Replace the Salt Shaker
Chicken Curry
Pork or Beef Roast with Vegetables
Risotto Milanese
Spices to Lower Inflammation
Health Benefits of Saffron

References
 1.  Food Chem Toxicol. 2011 Aug;49(8):1834-42. Epub 2011 May 6.
 Safety Assessment of a Solid Lipid Curcumin Particle Preparation: Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Studies.
 Dadhaniya P, Patel C, Muchhara J, Bhadja N, Mathuria N, Vachhani K Soni MG.
 Pre-Clinical Department, Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Dholka 387 810, India.
 website:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=benefits%20turmeric%20body
2  .Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2011 Aug;25(4-5):519-34.
 Curcumin: The Potential for Efficacy in Gastrointestinal Diseases.
 Irving GR, Karmokar A, Berry DP, Brown K, Steward University of Leicester, Department of Cancer Studies, Room 503, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK.
 website:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22122768
3. J Fam Pract. 2011 Mar;60(3):155-6.
 Clinical Inquiry. Does turmeric relieve inflammatory conditions?
 White B, Judkins DZ.
 Oregon Health & Science University, Family Medicine, Portland, USA.
 website:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21369559
4.  Anticancer Agents Med Chem. 2011 Oct 25. [Epub ahead of print]
 Curcumin and its Formulations: Potential Anti-Cancer Agents
 Zhu HL, Ji JL, Huang XF
 zhuhl@nju.edu.cn.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22044005
5. Nutr Cancer. 2010;62(7):919-30.
 Curcumin, the golden spice from Indian saffron, is a chemosensitizer and radiosensitizer for tumors and chemoprotector and radioprotector for normal organs.
 Goel A
 Aggarwal BB
 Department of Internal Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
6. Curcumin; Indian Solid Gold http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17569205

Lemon Tuna Pasta Delight

Reminiscent to a Southern Italian eating experience, enjoy this pasta dish that is palpably light, thanks to the lemon zest that accents this easy to make meal. A spring and summer time favorite!

Lemon Tuna Delight

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Serves 4
Ingredients for Sauce

  • 4 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 medium size garlic cloves (peeled)
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 10 cherry tomatoes (washed and cut in half)
  • 1 Tablespoon Capers
  • 3-6 ounces of tuna (May use canned or pieces cut from a tuna steak.)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 Tablespoon parsley torn into smaller pieces
  • Lemon Zest of 1/2 lemon. avoid cutting white pith. (Lemon should appear freshly picked with a bright yellow appearance and thick skin.)
  • Juice of half lemon
  • 4 Lemon Rounds (for presentation)
  • 4 Parsley sprigs (for presentation)
  • 250 g of Barilla Pasta

Directions
13 minutes
Fill a pasta pot with 8 cups of water, cover with lid, place on stove top on high heat and bring to a boil. Add 2 Tablespoons salt when the water boils, stir with wooden spoon. Add pasta. Pasta should par boil for 8 minutes. Immediately, placing a colander into a clean sink, take the pasta pot using pot holders or oven mitt, pour boiling water and pasta into colander. Add drained pasta to sauce.

10 minutes
Utilizing a large skillet pan, place on stove top on low heat. Add 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil,1 garlic clove cut in half and red pepper flakes; allow to saute for 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat. (Carefully, take a fork and remove cooked garlic, discard.) Add tomatoes to skillet cover with lid and place onto low heat once again. After 5 minutes remove lid from skillet and with a wooden spoon gently push down on each tomato to release its juice. Add Salt, Capers, Tuna, 1 Garlic Clove Minced (clove cut into small pieces), Parsley. Cover skillet and allow to continue to simmer for another 3 minutes. Add 2 ladles, (about 1/2 cup), of pasta water (using the pasta starch in the water will serve to better adhere sauce to the pasta.). Using a wooden spoon stir the water and the sauce together. Add cooked and drained pasta to sauce, toss so that pasta is coated by sauce. Add lemon zest, the juice of 1/2 the lemon, 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil gently toss pasta to combine flavors.

Plating Pasta for Presentation
Evenly distribute pasta on each plate. Place a thinly sliced lemon round in the center of each pasta mound along with a sprig of Parsley.

Utensils Needed:
Pasta Pot or tall pan for boiling water with lid.
Skillet with lid.
Tablespoon for measuring
Teaspoon for measuring
Cutting Board
Steak Knife
Wooden Spoon
Zester and Mincer
Large Ladle
Towel
Potholder or Oven Mitt
Colander

Foods to Reduce Bloating & Promote Diet

Fruits, Vegetables and Grains may be temporarily interfering with your weight-loss.

Making life changes to promote better health is a big step to an individual’s success. Excitement and encouragement build as the pounds are coming off, a reflection of looking thinner in the mirror and energy levels that  improve.

But a few weeks later, after making the full switch over to more “weight-loss friendly foods”, the stomach may appear larger. Stomach Bloat!  Underlying causes are numerous and include: low stomach acid, low digestive enzymes, stress, food intolerance, poor gut motility and gut dysbiosis.  The first step that most Doctors and Dietitians will advice are dietary changes.

Your meals may include more  fiber than before  and the body may not have adjusted to it yet.  The result being stomach distention and you’re left with a bloated, puffy feeling in your lower abdomen.

Eat more of these listed Foods to Reduce bloating/gas/distention:

Eat Asparagus

Asparagus a great, low-calorie side-dish for your meals, it also works well to stop the bloat.  There are certain compounds in the vegetable that promote the growth of certain bacteria in the intestines, which will then serve to increase the movement of food through the colon. Asparagus is versatile in food preparation:  eaten raw, grilled, or boiled and seasoned.

 

Try Papaya served with Salmon.

While you might commonly reach for an apple when on a diet, a better fruit to consider is papaya. Loaded with plenty of antioxidants and low in calories as well, it has a digestive enzyme called papain in it, which aids with the digestion and breakdown of protein by the body. While Salmon, high in omega-3’s promotes HDL cholesterol and reduces inflammation in the body.

Add Other Low Fiber Fruits:  Grapes, Kiwi, Plums Nectarines, Cherries.  Peel skin from other fruits before eating in order to reduce bloating.

Drink Water with Mint Leaves and Lemon Slices.  Also Tea’s.

Another great way to put a stop to the bloated feeling is to drink water with peppermint leaves and lemon slices.
Lemon Water . Lemons contain malic acid, a common ingredient used in over the counter “upset stomach” medication, which reduces the negative effects  that contribute to gas and bacteria.
Tea’s: Peppermint, Ginger, Fennel tea’s all  have a soothing effect on the stomach.

Include more: Celery, Fennel, Carrots, Various  types of Squash

Most diets will contain celery and carrots  since they are a low cal option.  Also try  Fennel;  served as raw slices, or steamed with olive oil and 1/2 tsp of minced garlic.  Squash seasoned with ginger, in which both contribute to reduction of bloating.  Even a small amount can really help to flush out the system and remove unwanted water weight.

Research from the Mayo Clinic suggests……….. 

Avoid foods that affect you most.   Foods high in Sugar and Carbonated Drinks are common offenders. However, “healthy food” may also not work with your bio-chemistry and may have to be reduced in your dietary intake: Beans, Peas, Lentils, Cabbage, Onions, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Bananas, Oranges, Raisins, Whole-Wheat Bread, Salads.  If dairy products are a problem, try low-lactose or lactose-free varieties.

  • Eat fewer fatty foods.

Fat slows digestion, giving food more time to ferment.

  • Temporarily cut back on high-fiber foods.

Fiber aids digestion, but many high-fiber foods are also great gas producers (apples, pears, peaches).  After a break, slowly add them back into your daily consumption and PEEL the skin before eating the fruit. You may also add products such as Beano to high-fiber foods to help reduce the amount of gas they produce.

  • Eat slowly Try to make meals relaxed occasions. Eating when you’re stressed or on the run can interfere with digestion.
  • Get moving.  It may help to take a short walk after eating. It’s been found that a  brisk 10 minute walk before a meal and after a meal will assist in digestion.
  • Try an over-the-counter remedy. If needed, talk to your Doctor about using products such as Lactaid or Dairy Ease, which can help digest lactose. Products containing simethicone can break up the bubbles in gas.

Once every three days try one of these tips and document your results.  Become more informed about your body, so that you can better communicate with your Doctor, or Dietitian.  By doing so you can avoid uneccessary tests and narrow down the problem that needs to be targeted and be more comfortable with your body.

Kimberly Crocker

References

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gas-and-gas-pains/DG00014/NSECTIONGROUP=2

http://www.thefooddoctor.com/Bloating-Ahealth_fdw_bloat/

Cure Gas Pains, Stomach Ache. Drink Lemon Water

3 Easy Steps Each Day to a Healthy You

Guiltless Ordering Tips to Empower Mid-West Eaters

“Calorie Restriction (CR) is the fastest way to slow down our aging process” according to various research studies worldwide.  The amount that is served at the price that is given usually looks like a pretty good deal in any restaurant, but remember that we can only burn a certain amount of calories.  The rest of the calories not utilized in a 24 hour period turns to fat. Thus, a daily meal plan is critical so that each calorie that is consumed is nutrient filled. 
Knowing how to order, and understanding why we need certain foods throughout the day can only empower us when walking through the door of our favorite hometown Eatery.  The key to Guiltless eating is one must have the mindset of Whole Foods,  whether you are eating at Panera, Skyline Chili, Krogers, Wild Oats, Subway, McDonalds, or Wendy’s.  The naturally occurring vitamins and minerals within such produce will energize your mind and body throughout the work day. 

Fluids are equally important to a successful diet. Add 1-2 glasses of water with 1/2 to 1 whole lemon each day. Also drink 1-2 cups of Oolong tea each day. Oolong tea burns over 157% more fat than Green Tea and has become the most popular tea designed to accelerate weigh loss. 

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER… CHOOSE WISELY

Pass on the chips, burgers and fries.  Ask to replace them with fish, lean meat, rice, yogurt, fruit or vegetable!

1.  Broiled Salmon or fish has Vitamins A, D, E, magnesium, calcium omega 3, 6.   Vitamins A,E, D is beneficial for skin and eyes. Magnesium assist the gut in keeping things moving, plus a mood stabilizer.  Omega 3,6 promotes HDL in removal of plaque build up in arteries plus reduces inflammation within the body.

2.  Lean meats have Vitamin B’s.  According to Life Clinic, “they help to process calories from carbohydrates, protein and fat. Your body needs it for growth and red cell production, and adequate riboflavin intake promotes healthy skin and good vision”.

3.  Bean Soup has various vitamins and magnesium!  We need 600-800mg magnesium to balance the calcium so that constipation is not an issue. Magnesium is found in fish, pumpkin seeds, nuts and beans.  It is also a mood enhancer curving depression, fatigue, leg cramps, migraines, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and high blood pressure.

4.  Leafy greens and  salads with nuts or seeds vineagrettes. Obtain magnesium, Omega 3,6.  for Vitamin K, A and iron.  Promotes blood coagulation (vit. K) plus  skin cell repair.   

5.  Vegetable Sticks, Fruit for fiber, vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants to combat free radicals.

6.  GO FOR Multi-Grain or Whole Wheat breads.  When wheat (or any other grain) is processed into flour the germ and the bran (which contain most of the nutrients and fiber) are discarded. The whiter the flour the more nutrients have been stripped away. At this point I consider it a serving of sugar and not a ‘grain’.

7.  Lemon water . Lemon has Vitamin C (any fruit or veggie), which allows for iron to better bind to hemoglobin (red blood cells), reducing opportunity for anemia.

8.  Skim or 1% milk (also leafy greens).  We need 1200 mg of calcium a day found in milk and leafy greens.  Calcium contributes to healthy bones and muscles so that when they are stronger weightloss is more prevalent.

9.  Oolong, Green and Black teas are some of the best teas with the highest amount of anitoxidants present per mg. It’s a great way to keep your cognitive functions healthy and focused!  Additional evidence boasts of Oolong tea benefiting your pancreas and optimizing it’s ability to work better too.

BE EMPOWERED.  Know what nutrients you are providing yourself with and why you need them.  To eat Guilt Free is to eat with a sense that you are giving your body the best that you can for the day.  The Whole Foods will help you to combat Depression, keep Diabetes and Heart Disease at bay.  Nutrients from Whole Foods strengthen your body so that pathologies requiring medication can be kept at lower doses.  French fries, chips, chocolates, soda’s, white bread, or large amounts of cheese are all tasty, but must be eaten in small quantities, reducing intake of no more than 3 times a week.

 By: Kimberly Crocker

Literature Research

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12766099?ordinalpos=5&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16618952?ordinalpos=2&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

http://thyroid.about.com/b/2005/05/26/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-benefits-of-magnesium.htm

http://www.lifeclinic.com/focus/nutrition/vitamin-b2.asp

Glycemic Load and Glycemic Index Recommendations

 Great way to lose weight, control heart problems and diabetes.
 Plan healthier meals utilizing the Glycemic Index
The Glycemic Index (GI) is a unique system that gives values to carbohydrates such as breads, fruits and vegetables so that you can understand how rapidly a carbohydrate turns into glucose.  Learning about the foods that contribute to excessive sugar circulation in your blood stream will assist in better understanding the foods that can benefit or work against the body.

Blood sugar must be maintained at a certain level, the brain signals the pancreas to release insulin, in order to breakdown food and bring the blood levels down to normal range by then converting excess sugar to fat.

Carbohydrates that break down quickly during digestion are given higher glycemic values (indices), while others that breakdown slowly receive lower glycemic values (indices). Once understood and put into practice, you may choose to not go back to eating the same way as before, but instead, properly monitor the nutrition intake in order to prolong the onset of diabetes.

Foods that break down rapidly:
Remove white breads, sugars.
Reduce or remove starchy vegetables: potatoes, corn, peas, various beans, winter squash, plantains, and yucca.
Reduce or remove certain fruits: Oranges, Pineapples, Bananas and other citrus foods, Apples, Pears, Peaches, Grapes, Strawberries, Blueberries, Cherries

Avoid eating foods with the following added ingredients: Fructose, Maltose, Sucrose, Corn Syrup and Gluten. It is highly advised that ALL food ingredients are reviewed before purchasing, including nuts and seeds.

Foods that break down slowly:
Whole grains and varied vegetables.
Add in fruits that are sour to taste: Apricots, Plums, Kiwi, Raspberries, juice of fresh Lemon or Limes sprayed onto meats, fish, poultry.
Add to juice of lemon to drinking water.
Add Cardio Exercise to your daily routine; heart rate should increase by 80% over normal resting heart rate and maintained for 30 minutes.

What is the glycemic load (GL)?

  • The Glycemic Load (GL)  is then defined by the total amount of carbohydrate contained in a specified serving of a particular food.
  • GL = GI  x grams of carbohydrate per serving/100
Glycemic Index (GI) Range Glycemic Load (GL) Range Glycemic Load per Day
Low GI = 55 or less Low GL = 10 or less Low GL < 80
Medium GI = 56-69 Medium GL = 11-19 High GL > 120
High GI = 70 or more High GL = 20 or more

It would be ideal to stay on a low glycemic diet which reflects eating food with a value given under 55. With a total low glycemic load of an optimal value of 80-120 per day.

CALCULATING A GLYCEMIC LOAD
Glycemic Load = Glycemic Index  x  Available Carbs (grams)/100
Example
Glycemic Index (GI) of 1 cup of banana is 51.4 (or 52)
Carbohydrate content of banana 45.5 ( 51.4 GI – 5.9 fiber = 45.5 carbs)
Glycemic Load = 52 GI x 45.5 Carbs/100 = 24 GL

Glycemic Food Index and Load provides a thorough list of foods with the Glycemic Load number to assist in making a more clear choice for your meals.

Foods that lead to a higher Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load Value
Food
Glycemic Index
(Glucose=100)
Serving size
Carbohydrate per serving (g)
Glycemic Load per serving
Dates, dried
103
2 oz
40
42
Cornflakes
81
1 cup
26
21
Jelly beans
78
1 oz
28
22
Puffed rice cakes
78
3 cakes
21
17
Russet potato (baked)
76
1 medium
30
23
Doughnut
76
1 medium
23
17
Soda crackers
74
4 crackers
17
12
White bread
73
1 large slice
14
10
Table sugar (sucrose)
68
2 tsp
10
7
Pancake
67
6″ diameter
58
39
White rice (boiled)
64
1 cup
36
23
Brown rice (boiled)
55
1 cup
33
18
Pasta, semola/white; boiled 10-15 min
44
1 cup
40
18
Pasta, semola/white; boiled 5 min
38
1 cup
40
15
Pasta, whole wheat; boiled
37
1 cup
37
14
Rye, pumpernickel bread
41
1 large slice
12
5
Oranges, raw
42
1 medium
11
5
Pears, raw
38
1 medium
11
4
Apples, raw
38
1 medium
15
6
All-Bran™ cereal
38
1 cup
23
9
Skim milk
32
8 fl oz
13
4
Lentils, dried; boiled
29
1 cup
18
5
Kidney beans, dried; boiled
28
1 cup
25
7
Pearled barley; boiled
25
1 cup
42
11
Cashew nuts
22
1 oz
9
2
Peanuts
14
1 oz
6
1

It is important to follow the glycemic load if you have been identified with insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, diabetes or need to lose weight.

REFERENCES

GI and GL Range Values.  Chart provided by: University of Michigan
Glycemic Index Chart provided by the University of Sydney, Australia
http://www.med.umich.edu/umim/clinical/pyramid/grains.htm
http://www.glycemicindex.com/
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/foods/grains/gigl.html
http://www.nutritiondata.com/topics/glycemic-index
http://www.sharecare.com/question/is-insulin-resistance-diabetes