Flu Fighters

'Tis the season for runny noses, fevers, muscle aches, and of course, cold medicine. It seems like every where you go at this time of the year some one is sneezing, coughing, or sniffling. As most of us know, germs can pass extremely quickly, and it can only be a matter of time until you become infected with the treacherous flu. So instead of hoping that door knob you just grabbed isn't covered with tiny bacteria, change your diet to boost your immune system and significantly reduce your chances of getting sick. The food items discussed in the article below are very easy additions to any diet, and can save you a few extra sick days from school or work. Check out this article from the Huffington Post and read how these simply foods can truly improve your health and well-being during this years flu season.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/04/immune-boosting-superfood_n_1181192.html

Squash of the Season

Many people think now that it is winter, it is hard to find good grub that is not only in season, but still delicious. I myself, have had difficulties trying to find something out of the ordinary at this time, which is when I was reminded of the oh-so-savory spaghetti squash. As a kid, my babysitter use to make this for my sister and I all the time. What's better than a meal covered in butter and cheese when your ten years old? Not much. We would sit at the table and shovel spoonfuls into our mouths begging for more when we hadn't even finished half our plates. As I walk through Hannaford's, I see a sign advertising this winter time treat. So, being me, I put three of them in my carriage, obviously being judged by those who are too good to overindulge in what is on sale. Anyways, I decide I am going to cook this squash in my brand new, state of the art crock pot! A Christmas gift from mom, and a very useful one at that. So I leave the squash in the crock pot on low for 9 hours while I make my way to work. As excited as I was, I began to consider if they're were any benefits to eating such a mushy, yellow vegetable. I racked my brain for information and came up vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber. Usually, a good rule of thumb is that yellow-orange fruits and vegetables are high in vitamin A and beta-carotene. Beta Carotene is a fat-soluble compound that gives these foods their color. It is also considered a pro-vitamin because it can be converted to active vitamin A in your body, which we all know is good for vision, skin, immune function, and antioxidant activity. Just one measly cup of this squash provides as much beta carotene as one raw orange. Spaghetti squash is also awesome because it contains a respectable amount of potassium, vitamin C, B vitamins, thiamin, robiflavin, and folate. So I know your all dying to know, what did I do with this crock potted squash after work?!
Well, I'll tell you. Many recipes for spaghetti squash demand to simply fork out the strands of squash until you get a plate full of what looks like spaghetti. You then add 1-2 tbsps of butter and cheese, and voila! For me, this just didn't cut it anymore. So I added olive oil in place of butter, salt, pepper, and curry powder (to taste), tomato, chick peas, cilantro, parsley, and a hint of Parmesan cheese. Although spaghetti squash does provide about 1 gram of protein per cup, it is not a sufficient protein intake for the average Joe. Adding chick peas will boost your protein intake without adding any fatty meat (which would taste weird with spaghetti squash, anyways). I made two servings of this, thinking that it may not be enough. Squash and peas for dinner? No way, I'm starving! But sure enough, we were both completely full and satisfied. So to all of you who get bored at the grocery store in the winter time, have no fear! Spaghetti Squash is here to keep you full and healthy until springtime produce makes their annual debut.

Have any of your own delicious squash recipes? Share them here!

Prostate Cancer and Red Meat: Are We Surprised?

Prostate cancer is a growing concern for men in the United States. However, it is already known to our population that if your diet does not contain meat, you are much less likely to develop this type of cancer. So is this something men may be able to control? Cutting out animal based food products can decrease your chance of developing certain diseases, and can also reverse them. New research suggests that red meat and processed meat are positively associated with prostate cancer, especially if it is grilled or barbecued to a well done state. This may come as a shocker for some, but it has a very simple solution: cut out your red meats and replace them with plant-based protein sources! Take that cancer.

Read these medical releases below:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/238203.php

http://www.naturalnews.com/034549_prostate_cancer_processed_meat_diet.html

Cartoon created by www.ralphtherobot.com

Roasted Eggplant Spread

An easy appetizer recipe, meat-free, and perfect for new years!

1 medium eggplant

2 red bell peppers, seeded

1 red onion, peeled

2 garlic cloves, minced

3 Tbsps good olive oil

1 1/2 tsps kosher salt

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1 tbsp tomato paste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F

Cut the eggplant, peppers, and onions into 1 inch cubes. Toss them in a large bowl with the garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for 45 minutes, until the veggies are lightly browned and soft, toss once during cooking.

Place veggies in a food processor fitted with a steel blade, add the tomato paste, and pulse 3 or 4 times to blend. Add salt and pepper to taste.

And voila! Enjoy!

Compliments of the Food Network

Keep your brain sharp with a healthy diet

Readers of this blog will know that many degenerative diseases that mainstream medicine calls incurable can actually be prevented or even reversed with a diet high in nutrient dense vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids.  A new study on Alzheimer's supports this claim.

"According to new research just published in the online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, those who eat foods rich in several vitamins and in omega 3 fatty acids are far less likely to have the brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer's disease than people whose diets are not high in those nutrients.

What's more, people who eat foods loaded with omega 3 fatty acids (found in cold water fish like salmon and certain plant sources, including walnuts) and in vitamins C, D, E and the vitamin B (from fruits and vegetables) also have sharper cognitive abilities. The bottom line is that seniors who consume plenty of B,C and E vitamins as well as omega 3s score far better on mental thinking tests than people with diets low in those nutrients."

People who take responsibility for their health through smart eating and supplementation can significantly reduce their odds of getting sick late in life.  Eating nutrient dense meals (mostly fruits, vegetables, and nuts) can save you thousands of dollars by avoiding toxic medical drugs.  And best of all, you will feel great!   

Sources:
http://www.neurology.org/content/early/recent
http://www.naturalnews.com/034495_Alzheimers_prevention_nutrition.html

Artificial Sweetener Disease (ASD)

A new disease has emerged due to all the diet drinks and zero calorie sweeteners on the market. These products are popular because consumers think they are doing their body a favor by selecting, for example, diet coke over regular coke. What most don't realize is by consuming these prodcuts you are putting harmful toxins in your body.

ASD is a very big cause for concern because these symptoms can easily be diagnosed as many other conditions and diseases and yet it could be solved by simply stopping the use of artificial sweeteners!

How do you know if you have ASD? First of all, if you’re taking artificial sweeteners such as Aspartame in your tea, coffee or other drinks and consuming diet products made with artificial sweeteners, look for these symptoms: unbearable migraines and recurring headaches, anxiety, depression, arthritis flare ups, muscle pain, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, acid reflux and buzzing/ringing in the ears.

In high school I would always have headaches.  I would pound water thinking that headaches must be due to dehydration, but the headaches persisted.   Little did I know that having diet cokes and zero calorie sports drinks throughout the day were most likely the cause.   Now I avoid artificial sweeteners and hardly ever get a headache!   

To avoid artificial sweeteners read the food labels.  Popular artificial sweeteners are aspartame, sucralose, sorbitol, acesulfame-k, aspartic acid, and saccharine.


Source: http://www.examiner.com/natural-health-in-atlanta/artificial-sweetener-disease-a-grave-cause-for-concern

Fish in your diet may ward off Alzheimers!

If you have a family history of Alzheimer's disease, you may want to read this article. Notice the important of omega-3 fatty acids and how they can truly benefit your brain. A great article to show how inflammation really does contribute to deteriorating diseases!


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45491605/ns/health-aging/t/fish-diet-may-ward-alzheimers/