Healing Benefits of Ginger

Healing Benefits of Ginger

Ginger is an ancient wonder spice and is given the status of a "natural medicine chest" in ancient Ayurvedic medicine. That’s because this wonder spice has time-tested, digestion-friendly properties, in addition to its numerous other health benefits. 

In India, ginger is liberally used in daily life. Ginger-infused Chai is a household favorite, and it’s grandma’s antidote of choice for battling cold and flu! 

On millions of dining tables in India, you’ll see matchsticks of fresh ginger that have turned a soft pink from being soaked in lemon juice and salt: a zingy accompaniment to any cooked meal.

Try some fresh ginger just before a meal to stoke your digestive fire and support a healthy gut! You can grate it up and squeeze it into a hot tea, add it to juices, baked goods, smoothies and more... experiment and have fun. 

Let’s give this knobbly root a closer look. 

10 Terrific Benefits of Ginger

1. Haven’t been feeling hungry? Eat a little fresh ginger just before a meal to inspire your appetite and activate your digestive juices. 
2. Eating ginger improves the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients in the body. 
3. Ginger clears the ‘microcirculatory channels’ of the body, including the clearing your sinuses that can flare up seasonally or during colder months. 
4. Feeling airsick or nauseous? Ginger can help, preferably tossed in a little honey.
5. Can’t stop the toot-a-thon? Gas—oops—guess what?! Ginger helps reduce flatulence! 
6. Tummy moaning and groaning under cramps? Munch on ginger. 
7. Reeling under joint pain? Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory properties—can bring relief. Float some ginger essential oil in your bath to help aching muscles and joints. 
8. Just had surgery? Chewing ginger post-operation can help overcome nausea. 
9. Stir up some ginger tea to get rid of throat and nose congestion. And when there’s a nip in the air, the warming and healing benefits of this tasty tea are even greater! 
10. Bedroom blues? Try adding a gingery punch to a bowl of soup. (Psst...the Ayurvedic texts credit ginger with aphrodisiac properties)

3 Ways To Use Ginger

1. Spicy Fragrant Ginger Rice 

Cook basmati rice. When you take the lid off the pan, quickly stir in finely chopped garlic, ginger, green chilies and fresh cilantro leaves—the burst of flavor and fragrance will drive your senses crazy with desire! 

2. Ginger In Your Tea 

‘Grate’ idea: grate some ginger root and put it in your tea or through your juicer. Our cleansing and healingGinger and Turmeric Tea is amazing for you! You could also try our super simple Ginger Lemon Detox Drink for a quick pick me up.

3. Gingery Dessert 

Try our delicious Ginger Slice with loads of beneficial and healing ingredients.

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This Is What Will Happen When You Start Drinking Honey Water Every Day

This Is What Will Happen When You Start Drinking Honey Water Every Day

Water is good for you, we all know that. We hear no end that we should be drinking more and more water. After all, water is a vital component for our bodies, let’s not forget that we’re made up of 80% water! Which is actually a very strange thought when you overthink it. Water basically maintains all of our everyday bodily functions from transporting vital nutrients and oxygen to helping with our day-to-day digestion of food. So we’ve successfully established we NEED it.

     lifehack.org

But fancy making your water even more helpful to your system? Just add honey, yes honey! I know what you’re thinking.

It’s full of sugar.

But it’s so sweet?

How can honey be healthy?

Fear not friends, honey is actually pretty damn good for you. Drinking a glass of warm honey water everyday can increase your health and even prevent against disease. Yep you heard right, THIS is what will happen if you start drinking honey every day…

Your Gas Will Reduce

I know, I said gas *eww*. But seriously, if you suffer from bloat or feel gassy on the regular then a mug of warm honey water will help to neutralise the gas in your system. You’ll feel half a stone lighter in no time.

You Will Boost Your Immune System

Honey owns some pretty impressive immune system boosting properties. Be sure to buy raw, organic honey to gain maximum benefit from the bacteria killing assets! It’s full of enzymes, vitamins and minerals that will protect you against any nasty bacteria.

You Will Flush Out Toxins

Honey and warm water is one of the best combinations to flushing out waste from your system. Say goodbye to toxins and hello to a detox. Oh and a quick tip – adding lemon will improve this even further by helping to increase urination. Just saying.

Your Skin Will Become Clearer

Yep! Honey is a natural anti-oxidant which means it helps to flush away any waste and thanks to antibacterial properties it helps to keep your skin clean and clearer than ever. This infographic gives a pretty good overview as to why and how you can get better skin by using honey, anyone up for a DIY honey exfoliator?

You Will Lose Weight

So your first thought is probably BUT SUGAR. Yes there is sugar in honey but it’s totally different to white sugar, its natural sugar! These natural sugars will help to satisfy your everyday sweet cravings for naughty treats such as cake, sweets, chocolate and cola. In fact if you swap your sweetener packed drinks for honey water you’ll be saving up to 64% more calories!

Your Sore Throat Will Improve

There’s a reason warm honey water is a winter favourite, it can help to soothe a sore throat and warm you up in the colder months. Honey is a natural remedy for respiratory infections and the common cough, so next time you have a pesky winter cold, reach for the honey (raw and organic though of course).

Your Blood Sugar Levels Will Regulate

As we’ve discussed, whilst honey does contain a fair amount of sugar, it’s not the same as white sugar – the combination of fructose and glucose actually helps the body to regulate your blood sugar levels, it’s also said to lower cholesterol too. Not bad.

You’ll Be Preventing Risk Of Heart Disease

And that’s got to be pretty good right? The flavonoids and anti-oxidants in honey are also pretty handy at helping to prevent and reduce your risk of heart disease. Research has shown that honey slowed down the oxidation process of bad cholesterol in human blood – which can have a harmful effect on your heart leading to attacks and even a stroke.

So what are you waiting for? Grab that honey and boil that kettle!

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Surprising Benefits Of Dragon Fruit You Never Knew

Dragon what? No, this is not a medieval-times myth where knights save princesses from fire-breathing dragons and win the coveted dragon fruit from a magical tree. That said, real dragon fruit does contain some pretty magical benefits that can make you feel like a beautiful princess or a knight in shining armor.

In tropical and subtropical regions in South America and Asia, the dragon fruit flourishes and grows in abundance. Appropriately named, the dragon fruit’s outer skin is cactus-like, resembling that of the scales of a mythical dragon. Considered a cactus plant, its vibrant green and reddish-pink hues indicate that the fruit is full of nutrients, while the creamy white flesh spotted with black seeds gives way to many rich and natural properties.

Also known as pitaya, these fun-looking fruits contain around 60 calories each and are rich in vitamin C, B1, B2 and B3, and minerals such as iron, calcium, and phosphorus. And that’s not all. This is definitely one of the best “super fruits” out there.

    lifehack.org

1. Better Than Cheerios

Dragon fruit has an extremely low amount of cholesterol, which ultimately helps the body break down this fruit quickly, keeping you happy and healthy. It’s the perfect fruit to maintain your weight and satisfy your sweet tooth.

2. Heart Healthy

Americans have increasing problems maintaining cardiovascular health. Fortunately, this fruit has an amazing superpower that helps decrease bad cholesterol levels and replenish good levels. Dragon fruit is an excellent source of monounsaturated fats, helping the heart stay in great condition.

3. Fill Up On Fiber

To clean up your digestive system, eat a dragon fruit. They have a high fiber content, which can assist with poor digestion and constipation. Eating the flesh and seeds, which contain good protein, will keep your body fortified and satisfied.

4. Active Antioxidants

To rid the body of free radicals and cancer-producing properties, you can eat foods that contain antioxidants. Believe it or not, dragon fruit is giving acai berries a run for their money.

5. Fights Diabetes

The high amount of fiber in dragon fruit can ultimately help regulate diabetes, as it can stabilize blood sugar levels by suppressing sugar spikes. However, with any dietary changes or modifications, always consult your doctor to make sure this is a good food for you.

6. Reduces Signs of Aging

Eating a dragon fruit with its rich antioxidants can keep the skin tight and young. You can even make a face mask using the fruit combined with honey as a natural alternative to anti-aging masks.

7. Treating Colored Hair

Dragon fruit juice is an excellent agent for treating colored hair. By simply putting the juice or a conditioner containing dragon fruit on your scalp, you can protect your chemically treated or colored hair. This will keep the hair follicles open, allowing your hair to breathe and remain healthy and smooth.

8. Suppresses Arthritis

Arthritis directly affects the joints and causes severe irritation and immobility. Adding dragon fruit to your diet can help you fight these ailments. Dragon fruit’s benefits for people suffering from arthritis are so great that it’s commonly referred to as the “anti-inflammatory fruit.”

9. Avoiding Acne

This treatment is not just for teenagers. Rich in vitamin C, this fruit becomes a great topical ointment. Turn a slice of dragon fruit into a paste and apply it to your reddened areas on your face or skin, then rinse with water. For best results, use twice daily.

10. Soothe Sunburned Skin

By combining dragon fruit with cucumber juice and honey, you can create a compound much like aloe that can soothe burned skin. Abundant in vitamin B3, dragon fruit can moisturize sunburned skin and release heat from the affected area.

How Can You Make Dragon Fruit a Part of Your Daily Routine?

Tired of the everyday apple or banana? Go ahead, you get permission to pick up the exotic fruit because it’s so good it should be forbidden. Dragon fruit is so easy to eat that all you need is a spoon to dig out its goodness, similar to a kiwi. Or, you can easily bite it right off of the peel for a quick fix. One dragon fruit will suffice as a snack, but soon you’ll be craving more. Try some of these recipes that call for dragon fruit here.

Just remember, even though they look beautiful on your counter, they are much more than a simple decoration. Reap the benefits of dragon fruit!

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Benefits of Carrots: The Crunchy Powerfood

Benefits of Carrots: The Crunchy Powerfood

Forget about vitamin A pills. With this orange crunchy powerfood, you get vitamin A and a host of other powerful health benefits including beautiful skin, cancer prevention and anti-aging. Learn how to reap the benefits from this amazing vegetable.

Health Benefits of Carrots

1. Improves vision

Western culture’s understanding of carrots being “good for the eyes” is one of the few we got right. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the liver. Vitamin A is transformed in the retina, to rhodopsin, a purple pigment necessary for night vision.

Beta-carotene has also been shown to protect against macular degeneration and senile cataracts. A study found that people who eat large amounts of beta-carotene had a 40 percent lower risk of macular degeneration than those who consumed little.

2. Helps prevent cancer

Studies have shown carrots reduce the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer and colon cancer.

Falcarinol is a natural pesticide produced by the carrot that protects its roots from fungal diseases. Carrots are one of the only common sources of this compound. A study showed 1/3 lower cancer risk by carrot-eating rats.

3. Slows down aging 

The high level of beta-carotene in carrots acts as an antioxidant to cell damage done to the body through regular metabolism. It help slows down the aging of cells.

4. Promotes healthier skin 

Vitamin A and antioxidants protect the skin from sun damage. Deficiencies of vitamin A cause dryness to the skin, hair and nails. Vitamin A prevents premature wrinkling, acne, dry skin, pigmentation, blemishes and uneven skin tone.

5. Helps prevent infection 

Carrots are known by herbalists to prevent infection. They can be used on cuts—shredded raw or boiled and mashed.

6. Promotes healthier skin (from the outside) 

Carrots are used as an inexpensive and very convenient facial mask. Just mix grated carrot with a bit of honey. See the full recipe here: carrot face mask.

7. Prevents heart disease

Studies show that diets high in carotenoids are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Carrots have not only beta-carotene but also alpha-carotene and lutein.

The regular consumption of carrots also reduces cholesterol levels because the soluble fibers in carrots bind with bile acids.

8. Cleanses the body 

Vitamin A assists the liver in flushing out the toxins from the body. It reduces the bile and fat in the liver. The fiber present in carrots helps clean out the colon and hasten waste movement.

9. Protects teeth and gums

It’s all in the crunch! Carrots clean your teeth and mouth. They scrape off plaque and food particles just like toothbrushes or toothpaste. Carrots stimulate gums and trigger a lot of saliva, which, being alkaline, balances out the acid-forming, cavity-forming bacteria. The minerals in carrots prevent tooth damage.

10. Prevents stroke

From all the above benefits it’s no surprise that in a Harvard University study, people who ate five or more carrots a week were less likely to suffer a stroke than those who ate only one carrot a month or less.

Enjoy the health benefits of carrots - find carrots recipes.

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Health Benefits of Cucumber

Health Benefits of Cucumber

Here is a short list of the impressive health benefits that a cucumber carries:

• Keeps you hydrated. If you are too busy to drink enough water, munch on the cool cucumber, which is 96 percent water. It will cheerfully compensate!

• Fights heat, both inside and out. Eat cucumber, and your body gets relief from heartburn. Apply cucumber on your skin, and you get relief from sunburn.

• Flushes out toxins. All that water in cucumber acts as a virtual broom, sweeping waste products out of your system. With regular use, cucumber is known to dissolve kidney stones.

• Lavishes you with vitamins. A B and C, which boost immunity, give you energy, and keep you radiant. Give it more power by juicing cucumber with carrot and spinach.
• Supplies skin-friendly minerals: magnesium, potassium, silicon. That’s why cucumber-based treatments abound in spas.

• Aids in weight loss. Enjoy cucumbers in your salads and soups. My favorite snack? Crunchy cucumber sticks with creamy low-fat yogurt dip.

• Revives the eyes. Placing chilled slices of cucumber on the eyes is a clichéd beauty visual, but it really helps reduce under-eye bags and puffiness.

• Cuts cancer. Cut down your risk of several cancers by including cucumber in your diet. Several studies show its cancer-fighting potential.

• Stabilizes blood pressure. Patients of blood pressure, both high and low, often find that eating cucumber brings relief.

• Refreshes the mouth. Cucumber juice refreshes and heals diseased gums, leaving your mouth smelling good.

• Helps digestion. Chewing cucumber gives the jaws a good workout, and the fiber in it is great for digestion.

• Smooths hair and nails. Silica, the wonder mineral in cucumber makes your hair and nails stronger and shinier.

• Soothes muscle and joint pain. All those vitamins and minerals in cucumber make it a powerful enemy of muscle and joint pain.

• Keeps kidneys in shape. Cucumber lowers uric acid levels in your system, keeping the kidneys happy.

• Good for diabetics. Patients of diabetes can enjoy cucumber while also reaping its health benefits: cucumber contains a hormone needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin.

• Reduces cholesterol. A compound called sterols in cucumber helps reduce bad cholesterol.

Enjoy the health benefits of cucumber - find cucumber recipes.

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Health Benefits of Milk + Dairy

Health Benefits of Milk + Dairy

Milk and dairy foods are healthy foods and considered nutrient-rich because they serve as good sources of calcium and vitamin D as well as protein and other essential nutrients. They provide phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, B12, and riboflavin1.

The calcium in milk, yogurt, and cheese is significant yet most people don't get enough calcium or vitamin D each day2. Getting the recommended three servings of dairy per day can help build bone mass, leading to improved bone health throughout the life cycle. 

To meet daily calcium requirements, most people should have two to three cups of milk or servings of dairy foods each day. There are many ways to ensure you are eating healthy and getting enough milk and milk products each day. Start with a healthy breakfast of cereal, milk and fruit or a yogurt parfait, include cheese in your lunch or afternoon snack and consider pudding or hot chocolate made with milk as an evening dessert.

Some Key Benefits of Dairy Foods

The calcium in milk is easily absorbed and used in the body, which is why milk and milk products are reliable as well as economical sources of calcium3. 

A diet rich in protein and vitamin D contributes to bone health. Due to their high protein, vitamin D, and calcium content, dairy foods are a good choice for maintaining strong bones.

A diet rich in fruit, vegetables and low-fat dairy foods, with reduced saturated fat, is as effective as some medications in reducing blood pressure in people with increased blood pressure. It has also been shown to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and type-2 diabetes1. 

Cultured dairy products like yogurt contain probiotics which provide a wide array of health benefits. Probiotics in the diet can enhance the good bacteria in the gut, improve health and reduce the risk of certain diseases4. 

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Health Benefits of Meats, Beans + Nuts

Health Benefits of Meats, Beans + Nuts

Meat, poultry, fish, beans and peas, eggs, nuts and seeds supply many nutrients and are an important part of healthy eating. Included in the USDA MyPlate's protein group, these healthy foods include not only proteins, but B vitamins (niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, B6 and B12), vitamin E, magnesium, zinc and iron. Salmon or tuna, almonds and walnuts provide some wonderful health benefits beyond these basic nutrients.

The healthy proteins in meat, beans and nuts function as building blocks for bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood. They are also building blocks for enzymes and hormones.

B vitamins found in this food group serve a variety of functions in the body. They help the body release energy and build tissue.

Vitamin B12 is needed for healthy blood. It is found only in animal products. If you are a vegetarian and do not eat any animal foods like eggs, milk or cheese, you may need to take a supplement for this vitamin or look for fortified vegetarian products.

Nuts and seeds are excellent sources of essential fatty acids and vitamin E. Beans are an excellent source of fiber.

Two to seven ounces of meat and beans per day are recommended, depending on how many calories you need.

Cooking with Meat, Beans + Nuts

Dried beans and peas are inexpensive sources of protein. Meat and poultry are nutritious and economical sources of protein and other important nutrients. Many lean meats like beef chuck are lower in fat and also lower in cost. 

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Health Benefits of Sweets + Fats

Health Benefits of Sweets + Fats

Because oils contain the essential fatty acids linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid.

Oils are the major source of fatty acids that are necessary for health—called “essential fatty acids.”

While consuming some oil is needed for health, oils still contain calories. In fact, oils and solid fats both contain about 120 calories per tablespoon. Therefore, the amount of oil consumed needs to be limited to balance total calorie intake.

In addition to vegetable oils, such as olive, canola and soybean oils, a number of foods are naturally high in fats, like:

• nuts
• olives
• oily fish
• avocados

Good News About Sweets

Chocolate is a favorite sweet treat that also has health benefits. It contains flavonoids, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals, which can cause damage that leads to heart disease.

While chocolate contains ingredients beneficial to health, it does not mean you should overeat chocolate. Chocolate bars and candies are often high in fat, sugar and calories. Moderation is always the key and dark chocolate conveys more benefits than milk chocolate!

Sweets and fats can contribute to optimum health due to the health promoting phytochemicals they may contain – many of                                                  which are still being identified.

via healthyeating.org

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Health Benefits of Beverages

Health Benefits of Beverages

If you are looking for ways to eat healthy, consider what you are drinking and make sure every sip counts! Beverages like milk, red wine, hot cocoa and tea are considered functional foods and should not be overlooked as a source of vital nutrients and antioxidants.

Hot cocoa made with milk contains calcium and protein and helps ensure you get the recommended amount of milk each day, which most Americans fall short on. Red wine and tea contain important antioxidants like resveratrol and catechins. When making healthy decisions, it is nice to know that these beverages offer health benefits in addition to taste.

It is easy to overlook the additional calories beverages can add to the diet, so it's important to consider the nutritional value of a beverage and select nutrient-rich options.

Beverages are a functional food because, in addition to the basic health benefits of certain beverages, they help maintain optimum health due to the health promoting phytochemicals they contain – many of which are still being identified.

via healthyeating.org

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Choosing Healthy Meals as You Get Older

   naturalsociety.com

Choosing Healthy Meals as You Get Older

Making healthy food choices is a smart thing to do — no matter how old you are! Your body changes through your 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond. Food provides nutrients you need as you age. Use these tips to choose foods for better health at each stage of life.

Drink plenty of liquids

With age, you may lose some of your sense of thirst. Drink water often. Lowfat or fat-free milk or 100% juice also helps you stay hydrated. Limit beverages that have lots of added sugars or salt. Learn which liquids are better choices.

Make eating a social event

Meals are more enjoyable when you eat with others. Invite a friend to join you or take part in a potluck at least twice a week. A senior center or place of worship may offer meals that are shared with others. There are many ways to make mealtimes pleasing.

Know how much to eat

Learn to recognize how much to eat so you can control portion size. When eating out, pack part of your meal to eat later. One restaurant dish might be enough for two meals or more.

Vary your vegetables

Include a variety of different colored vegetables to brighten your plate. Most vegetables are a low-calorie source of nutrients. Vegetables are also a good source of fiber.

Eat for your teeth and gums

Many people find that their teeth and gums change as they age. People with dental problems sometimes find it hard to chew fruits, vegetables, or meats. Don’t miss out on needed nutrients! Eating softer foods can help. Try cooked or canned foods like unsweetened fruit, low-sodium soups, or canned tuna.

Use herbs and spices

Foods may seem to lose their flavor as you age. If favorite dishes taste different, it may not be the cook! Maybe your sense of smell, sense of taste, or both have changed. Medicines may also change how foods taste. Add flavor to your meals with herbs and spices.

Keep food safe

Don’t take a chance with your health. A food-related illness can be life threatening for an older person. Throw out food that might not be safe. Avoid certain foods that are always risky for an older person, such as unpasteurized dairy foods. Other foods can be harmful to you when they are raw or undercooked, such as eggs, sprouts, fish, shellfish, meat, or poultry.

Read the Nutrition Facts label

Make the right choices when buying food. Pay attention to important nutrients to know as well as calories, fats, sodium, and the rest of the Nutrition Facts label. Ask your doctor if there are ingredients and nutrients you might need to limit or to increase.

Ask your doctor about vitamins or supplements

Food is the best way to get nutrients you need. Should you take vitamins or other pills or powders with herbs and minerals? These are called dietary supplements. Your doctor will know if you need them. More may not be better. Some can interfere with your medicines or affect your medical conditions.

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Health Benefits of Spinach

    taste.com.au

Health Benefits of Spinach

Popeye was certainly justified in his love for spinach. This green, leafy vegetable contains nutrients that promote healthy vision, like lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoid pigments that accumulate in the retina of the eye. Lutein and zeaxanthin are capable of absorbing blue light and can prevent a considerable amount of blue light from reaching structures of the eye involved in vision1. 

Lutein and zeaxanthin may therefore protect the eye from light-induced oxidative damage, which is thought to play a role in the development of age-related macular degeneration. Lutein and zeaxanthin act as antioxidants and can neutralize free radicals, further reducing oxidative damage to the eye. The dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin has been shown to be positively associated with the level of these carotenoids in the retina. The higher the levels of these carotenoids in the retina the lower the incidence of age-related macular degeneration2. 

Spinach is also a great source of vitamins A and K and a good source of folate. Vitamin A performs essential functions in normal vision, and deficiency leads to a condition called “night blindness,” in which the eye fails to adapt to less light. Vitamin A is also involved in regulation of gene expression, production of red blood cells, and normal functioning of the immune system. Folate helps enzymes involved in metabolism to function. Vitamin K is essential for the functioning of many proteins involved in blood clotting.

Did you Know?

Spinach was the favorite vegetable of Catherine de Medici of Florence, Italy in the 16th century. When she left Florence to marry the king of France in 1533, she brought with her a group of her own cooks, so that they could prepare spinach the way she liked. Since then, dishes prepared with spinach are called “a la Florentine”.

Ways to Enjoy Spinach

Toss steamed spinach with fresh lemon juice, olive oil and pressed garlic. Sprinkle with some Parmesan cheese.

Add layers of steamed spinach to homemade lasagna.

Mix cooked spinach with pine nuts.

Fresh spinach salads can be an easy meal or great as a side dish.

Enjoy the health benefits of spinach - find spinach recipes.

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Health Benefits of Garlic

Health Benefits of Garlic

A pungent member of the lily family, garlic does more than flavor your favorite dishes;its antioxidant power, stemming from selenium and other phytochemicals, is being studied for effects on high blood pressure and reducing the risk of certain cancers.

How Does Garlic Do That?
Garlic is believed to have these healthy effects because it contains selenium, an antioxidant that scavenges damaging free radicals in the body.

Something to Celebrate
Gilroy, California is often called the Garlic Capital of the World. This city loves garlic so much that it holds an annual Garlic Festival, where people come to enjoy a wide variety of great tasting dishes featuring garlic as the celebrated ingredient. The festival even offers garlic ice cream!

History of Garlic
Garlic has been consumed since ancient times by many different cultures, and it was often regarded as a medicine.

Ancient Egypt – Garlic was part of the daily diet for many Egyptians. The medical text called the Codex Ebers prescribed garlic as a treatment option for wounds, tumors, circulatory ailments, parasites and low energy. Well preserved garlic cloves were even found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun.

Biblical – According to the Bible, slaves in Egypt were fed garlic to enhance their strength and productivity.

Ancient Greece – Well-preserved garlic cloves have been found in excavations of ancient Greek temples. Soldiers ate garlic before going off to war to give them strength. Hippocrates, often regarded as the father of medicine, recommended eating garlic as a treatment option for a variety of ailments.

Ancient Rome – Like the ancient Greeks, the Romans believed garlic could provide strength and endurance. Garlic was regularly fed to soldiers and sailors. The leading Roman doctors at the time regarded garlic as a form of medicine. The chief physician for Nero’s army recommended garlic because it “cleans the arteries”.

Ancient China – Garlic became a part of the daily diet for the Chinese as early as 2000 B.C. Records also suggest that the ancient Chinese used garlic as a food preservative. Garlic was used as a medicine and prescribed to treat depression, aid in digestion, and provide energy.

Ancient India – Ancient medical texts dating back to 300 A.D. describe garlic as a medicinal treatment for heart disease, arthritis, fatigue, parasites, digestive diseases and leprosy.

Middle Ages – Garlic was grown in monasteries for its perceived medicinal properties. Medical texts of the time recommended garlic to relieve constipation, prevent heat stroke and protect against the Great Plagues.

Renaissance – Garlic, along with other plants believed to possess medicinal value, was grown in gardens in leading universities across Europe. Dr. Pietro Mattioli of Siena prescribed garlic to treat digestive disorders and kidney stones and to help mothers during difficult childbirth. The English used garlic to treat toothache, constipation and plague.

Early America – Native Americans used wild bulbs of garlic in their tea to treat flu-like symptoms. The Home Book of Health, written by John Gunn in 1878, featured garlic as a treatment for infections, asthma and lung disorders.
Enjoy Garlic

Garlic can be added to virtually any dish, from pasta sauces, hamburgers and stir-fries to casseroles, grilled vegetables and mashed potatoes. Garlic’s complex flavor can add depth to any recipe. The next time you are tempted to reach for the salt shaker, think again. Try adding some minced garlic instead. Garlic is naturally very low in sodium!

Enjoy the health benefits of garlic - find garlic recipes

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Health Benefits of Broccoli

Health Benefits of Broccoli

 

When it comes to great-tasting nutrition, broccoli is an all-star food with many health benefits. While low in calories, broccoli is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, in addition to fiber.

Broccoli belongs to a family of vegetables called cruciferous vegetables and its close relatives include brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage. Broccoli contains sulforophane, a sulfur-containing compound present in cruciferous vegetables. Researchers are studying the anti-cancer properties of sulforophane and have come to some interesting conclusions, although more research is needed. 

As if that's not enough, a cup of cooked broccoli offers as much vitamin C as an orange, and is a good source of beta-carotene. Broccoli contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc too. It also provides fiber and is low in calories.

Broccoli Nutrients

Broccoli is a great source of vitamins K and C, a good source of folate (folic acid) and also provides potassium, fiber.
Vitamin K – essential for the functioning of many proteins involved in blood clotting
Vitamin C – builds collagen, which forms body tissue and bone, and helps cuts and wounds heal. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and protects the body from damaging free radicals.
Fiber – diets high in fiber promote digestive health. A high fiber intake can also help lower cholesterol.
Potassium – a mineral and electrolyte that is essential for the function of nerves and heart contraction.
Folate – is necessary for the production and maintenance of new cells in the body.

Cooking with Broccoli 

Cooking methods can impact the nutrient content and health benefits of broccoli. Boiling can leach up to 90% of the valuable nutrients from broccoli, while steaming, roasting, stir-frying, and microwaving tends to preserve the nutrients.

History of Broccoli
Broccoli was developed from wild cabbage during Roman times, and was enjoyed immensely by the Romans. Broccoli was introduced to the United States during colonial times, but did not gain popularity until the 1920’s.

Did you know?

Broccoli gets its name from the Italian word “broccolo”, which means “cabbage sprout”.

Try this!

Looking for a new way to enjoy broccoli? Try roasting it! Place fresh broccoli on a metal sheet lined with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and some Parmesan cheese. Roast the broccoli at 450 degrees for 15 minutes. The broccoli will have a deliciously nutty taste that will have you craving more!

Tip

To keep your broccoli fresh and crisp, store it in your vegetable crisper, unwashed in a perforated bag, and try to use within a few days.

Enjoy the health benefits of broccoli by preparing and eating broccoli recipes

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