Power Veggies

Photo: Ioana Grecu, Dreamstime.com

Mothers around the world caution their children to eat their vegetables and for good reason. Vegetables embody a large amount of disease-fighting nutrients.  According to Susan M. Kleiner, PhD, author of Power Eating, several vegetables are beneficial in promoting good health.

Broccoli contains indoles and sulforaphanes which are excellent cancer-fighters.  Other members of the same genus are cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, and cabbage.

Garlic belongs to a family of vegetables known to be both cancer-fighting and immune-boosting.  Other family members include onions and leeks.

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene and vitamin K.  Foods that contain carotenoids such as carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots, and cantaloupe help the body to fight against cancer and heart disease.

Red peppers are also high in beta-carotene and vitamin K.  In addition, red peppers also contain vitamin B-6 and folic acid.  Other good sources for these cancer-fighting nutrients include tomatoes and pink grapefruit.

Fresh vegetables provide the most beneficial nutrients.  When fresh vegetables are not available, quality frozen vegetables may be used.  To minimize nutrient loss, consume them raw, lightly steamed, slightly boiled, or sautéed.

Canned Pumpkin, Not Just for Pies Anymore

Photo: Liz Van Steenburgh, Dreamstime.com

Autumn is the time for apple cider and pumpkin pie. Anyone concerned with weight management may be tempted to stay away from these seasonal treats. But canned pumpkin is a healthy and delicious substitute in many recipes. Canned pumpkin is nearly fat free, low in calories, and high in dietary fiber. Pumpkin is naturally sodium free and high in Vitamin A in the form of the beta-carotene, an antioxidant. Hungry Girl’s website features dozens of healthy, guilt-free recipes that include canned pumpkin.

Hungry Girl Inspired Lemon Pumpkin Muffins

1 box lemon cake mix
1 can solid pack pumpkin (15 oz.)

Directions:

Mix dry cake mix and canned pumpkin together. Do not add anything else that may be mentioned on the box, such as eggs, oil, or water. Mixture will be very thick. Place batter into paper-lined muffin tins. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Makes 12 muffins.

One muffin contains 180 calories, 3.5g fat, 37g carbs, 2g fiber, 2g protein

These muffins are ridiculously moist and tasty.

Simple Ways to Help Prevent Swine Flu

Dr. Vinay Goyal is an Intensivist and Thyroid specialist who has over 20 years of clinical experience.  Dr. Goyal lectures on prevention of H1N1 (SWINE FLU) and other forms of influenza.  Influenza viruses like H1N1 proliferate in the upper respiratory tract.  The most common points of entry are the nose and throat.  H1N1 is a global epidemic and nearly impossible to avoid completely.  Dr. Goyal suggests some simple, easy-to-perform solutions for preventing the proliferation of H1N1.

1. Wash hand frequently.
2. Keep hands off the face except when eating or bathing.
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water or Listerine.  Simple gargling prevents proliferation.  Gargling with warm salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected person.
4. Clean nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water.  Swabbing both nostrils with cotton swabs dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.  Neti pots produce a deeper cleaning but swabbing is just as effective for those not comfortable with the Neti pot.
5. Boost natural immunity with foods rich in Vitamin C, or take Vitamin C tablets that contain Zinc to boost absorption.
6. Drink as much of warm liquids as possible. Drinking warm liquids has the same effect as gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive.

Do not underestimate the power of these simple and inexpensive preventative measures.

Oregano’s Cousin, Marjoram

Marjoram has an impressive history as a medicinal plant.  The Greek goddess, Aphrodite, believed it to be an aphrodisiac.  Today, it is used for its ability to promote digestion, loosen mucus, and relieve diarrhea and flatulence.  Because marjoram smooths membranes in the digestive tract, it can be added when preparing hard-to-digest or greasy meals such as goose or pork roast.

Marjoram is an aromatic plant and it maintains its taste and healthful benefits even after it has been dried.  A tincture can be prepared in advance and used for chest or sinus congestion.  Pick about one cup freshly picked marjoram.  Dry on a plate for about 8 hours. Add to 1/2 cup of sweet almond oil or jojoba oil.  Put mixture in a glass jar and leave in a sunny place for about 3 weeks.  Strain contents through a fine filter or cheesecloth.  Store in refrigerator.   When needed, rub a small amount over your chest and sinuses.

My Dream Man

Yesterday, I came across a blog that had an article about the man pictured above.   The article told the story of an unnamed psychiatrist who had an unnamed patient who was having recurring dreams.   The patient, being semi-artistic, drew the image of a man (above) who kept showing up in his dream. Reportedly, the good doctor left the drawing on his desk. Subsequent visitors were amazed to see the sketch of the man they also had seen in their dreams. Over 2,000 people have claimed dreaming this man over the past nine years.

The questions are obvious, among them:

1. Who was the psychiatrist?
2. Who was the artistic patient?
3. What kind of doctor leaves another patient’s dreamwork on his desk for the whole world to see?
4. What’s up with those eyebrows?

Still, the image is haunting. So much so, that I was surprised when I woke up this morning and had not seen the man in my dreams last night. The power of suggestion is amazing. I’m thoroughly expecting to meet this man some night in my nightime reverie.

It gives me the heebie-jeebies.