Japanese Daikon Radish – excellent detox and slimming vegetable

Posted in Fruits & Vegetables

For years I have known the large white radish as mooli but there are plenty of other names for it – Chinese or Japanese radish, daikon radish, in Thailand it is known as phak ka hua. In latin Raphanus sativas it’s botanical name. I am sure you have seen this radish many times at the supermarket or in the local fruit and vegetable markets. It looks like an albino carrot, though a bit fatter, and like the carrot it is a tap root with a thin skin. It is a very popular vegetable in Asia – cooked in soups, or grated raw and eaten with sashimi or pickled. It is so trendy these days to read headlines like ‘the top ten anti-aging food’ or ‘super foods you need to protect your heart’ or ‘phyto-compounds that lower cholesterol’ . Its sounds so 21st century, however using foods for specific medicinal purposes is centuries old, and just about every culture has a long tradition of using foods medicinally. Foods contain certain phyto-chemicals, which are biologically active substances with recognized healing properties.

In Asia it is known to help obesity, to clear heat, help the detoxification process, strengthen the stomach, reduce mucus production, relieve a cough, help the bowels function better. This white radish contains large amounts of vitamin C, is rich in vitamin A, vitamin B, calcium and iron. However, no matter what variety and there are many, the radish is in general very nutritious, being rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. It contains enzymes that help the digestion process. It can help the body to create interferon which will increase your immunity against pathogens. It has been observed that eating white radish regularly can help with weight-loss, as it is thought to generally enhance the metabolism, contain diuretics, cleanse the blood, promotes energy and better circulation.

More nuts, means more essential fatty acids

Posted in Food as Medicine, Protein, Nuts & Seeds

There is a lot of health benefits associated with eating nuts, but like seeds they must be eaten raw (un-cooked). Like seeds, nuts contain essential fatty acids that are destroyed by heat. Once they are cooked they are no longer of much nutritional value. Nuts in general are an excellent source of protein for vegetarians or if you are cutting down on meat. Walnuts contain nutrients that protect the heart, circulation and most importantly the brain, cleanse the intestines, and improve your metabolism. Walnuts are high in fiber, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Walnuts Salad

Walnuts

Green leaves

Ripe pear, peeled and sliced

Fresh Ginger

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Juice of fresh lemon

Herbs

Ground pepper

Place in a bowl chopped walnuts, washed green leaves, and the peeled, de-core the sliced pears

Dressing - Mix together grated fresh ginger, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, herbs and ground pepper. Add the dressing and mix all ingredients together, eat a large salad. This would be ideal for an evening meal, when you should be eating lighter than lunch time.

Peanuts are not included in this program, they come from the legume family, and cooked or roasted peanuts are fattening and certainly don’t enhance your health.

Nutrients – Vitamin B2, B3, C, E, folic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, selenium, fiber, and protein

Almonds are a good source of calcium, and are alkaline forming, protein food. Most protein sources like meat or dairy are acid forming. Almonds are also high in fiber.

A few almonds a day could help you maintain a healthy weight. Recent research shows that these nuts, which are a good source of healthy fats, may enhance a feeling of fullness. An American study tested almonds’ effect on weight loss by supplementing overweight women with two servings of almonds a day for ten weeks.

The researchers found that there were no changes in energy intake or body weight in the almond-eating women, and came to the conclusion that the women found the almonds filling. This meant that they consumed fewer kilojoules at other meals. Like all nuts, almonds have quite a high energy value. So, while they could have an important role in your diet, to replace processed fats – go easy don’t overdo them.

Nutrients – Vitamin B2, B3, C, E, folic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, potassium, selenium, fiber, and protein

Pine Nuts

Pine nuts are amazing, and taste good. Lower in fat than most nuts, high in protein and essential fatty acids. They stabilize blood sugar levels.

Pine Nuts and Stir-fry

Add the pine nuts to your vegetable stir-fry once it is on your plate, do not heat them.

Nutrients – Vitamins B1, B2, B3, E, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, protein and fiber.

Poultry is a good source of protein

Posted in Food as Medicine, Protein, Nuts & Seeds

Chicken and turkey are extremely popular sources of animal protein. I would rather suggest duck, partridge, quail, pheasant, etc. All are excellent low-fat, protein rich foods. Always remove the skin, before cooking. These meats are a rich source of nutrients that boost the metabolism. This recipe contains thermagenic herbs and spices, which are also anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and detoxing. Where possible buy free-range, organic or wild.

Indian Chicken or Turkey Curry

4 chicken pieces, skin removes

Large onion grated or thinly sliced

Tamarind paste, 1 tablespoon

Chilli to taste

Coconut oil, a little

Coconut milk, 1 cup

Fresh ginger grated, 1 teaspoon

Fresh garlic grated, 1 teaspoon

1 teaspoon each of cumin and turmeric powder

2 teaspoons coriander powder

¼ teaspoon each of black pepper and mustard

1 inch of cinnamon

Herbal salt

Sauté the onions in a little coconut oil until soft but not brown, add the chicken and seal on all sides for a short while. Then add the ginger and garlic continue to cook for a little longer. Then add all the other ingredients and simmer for an hour, until the chicken is tender.  Serve with vegetables and brown rice.

Nutrients - Vitamin A, B3, B6, K, magnesium, iron, potassium, selenium, protein

Cocoa beans are full of anti-oxidants

Posted in Food as Medicine, Protein, Nuts & Seeds

100% cocoa – buy the whole bean, grind fresh into a podwer as and when you need some.

if you are going to eat chocolate, then only chocolate that has at least 70% cocoa solids (in moderation). It does contain a really good supply of anti-oxidants.

The average commercial chocolate that is less than 70% (organic or otherwise) is too high in sugar and processed oils. Avoid it, do not eat it anymore. For instant most chocolate is 27% to 30% cocoa leaving 70% processed fats and sugar.

Crazy Banana and Cocoa Smoothie

Bananas in smoothies are wonderful as they give the smoothie a wonderful smoothie texture. Take a couple of  bananas, a small amount of rice milk and blend in a liquidizer, then add a half to one teaspoon of 100% cocoa powder, remove from the blender and mix in a natural plain yogurt. If you need this to be sweeter (especially at first while you are re-educating your taste buds) add a couple dates and blend with the other ingredients.

Hot Cocoa Drink

Rice milk,

100% Cocoa to taste,

2 or 3 dried dates

A little stevia (only if really needed)

Put all into a blender until smooth. Then pour into a pan and heat gently, drink while hot.

Nutrients Riboflavin and zinc are very good source of fiber, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and manganese.

Natural Yogurt – better health

Posted in Food as Medicine, Protein, Nuts & Seeds

Natural/plain yogurt contains friendly bacteria that help with digestion and constipation. It is important to keep conditions like Candida Albicans (yeast over growth) under control by consuming friendly bacteria. When Candida becomes a problem you are more likely to crave refined carbohydrates and sweet foods. Yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, much better than milk. The correct bowel flora ensures that auto-intoxication is kept to a minimum.
The bacteria have pre-digested the milk in the yogurt making process, ensuring it is much easier for us to digest and absorb the calcium from yogurt as opposed to milk. A lot of people have problems with milk, so live yogurt might be a better option. It is a good source of protein especially if you are a vegetarian.
Heating yogurt too much will destroy their friendly bacteria. For this reason add the yogurt after cooking has finished. Also freezing will destroy some of the bacteria. Eating yogurt has long been associated with a long and healthy life. A lot of yogurt is used in Indian cooking in various dishes. This recipe helps to counter balance a hot curry as it is good for cooling.

Riata
Half a cucumber, peeled, deseeded, and finely chopped
Mint finely chopped
Natural yogurt
Pepper
Add all ingredients together and leave in the fridge for a couple of hours, serve with a curry.

Fresh Fruit with Natural Yogurt
Chop up loads of your favourite fresh fruit.
Place into a large bowl and add a yogurt.
Sprinkle with seeds like pumpkin and flaxseeds

Nutrition - Vitamin B2, B12, D, amino acids, calcium, magnesium, potassium, protein, and friendly bacteria.

Apricots, rich in anti-oxidants protecting the immune system

Posted in Food as Medicine, Protein, Nuts & Seeds

Apricots are extremely cleansing for the digestive system, and encourage elimination of waste matter, and the detoxification of the body. They are a rich source of anti-oxidants protecting the body immune system, and are anti-aging. A mild laxative, plus they help PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) the nutrients help to calm craving before a period.

For those of you who can’t live without ice-cream

Apricot Ice cream
6 fresh ripe apricots
3 dried apricots (soaked in water the night before)
2 bananas