Posts Tagged ‘Beta Carotene’

Growing A Healthy Spice Garden

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

It’s true that herbs and spices are not at the top of everyone’s list when it comes to a healthy diet but a naturally grown spice garden can offer some great health benefits. Many herbs and spices have antioxidants that help fight disease and have real medicinal value. Your entire family can enjoy the health benefits offered through these natural products by growing your own indoor garden full of the herbs and spices.

Utilizing fresh herbs and spices in your daily diet as compared to buying them off the shelves from the market is essential when cooking healthy meals. Let us look at a few herbs and spices that you can grow at home while learning how they can improve your health in more ways than one.

1 ? Antioxidants

* Thyme ? This has the capacity to enhance your immune system as well as a great source of antioxidant. Aside from this, it is also a rich source for antibacterial and antispasmodic properties.

* Oregano ? This is one of the highest sources of antioxidants. It has been shown that one tablespoon of fresh oregano would contain just about the same antioxidant level as that of an entire apple.

2 ? Anti-inflammatory

* Basil ? This has an anti-inflammatory activity that works the same way that aspirin and ibuprofen do. An oil of basil has an active component that will inhibit the same enzyme to prevent inflammation. Along with this benefit, you will also enjoy cardiovascular health benefits since it contains a lot of nutrients such as Vitamin A, magnesium and beta-carotene.

* Ginger ? This spice has been well-known for its anti-inflammatory component as well as its ability to boost your circulation. Ginger been known to treat RA (rheumatoid arthritis), muscle and joint pains as well as osteoarthritis. Ginger is also high in potassium that will actually help in settling down an upset stomach, alleviate diarrhea, nausea and stomachaches.

* Turmeric ? Another natural product that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which will greatly enhance your body?s defenses.

3 ? Illness Fighter

* Garlic ? We all know how great garlic is. In history, it is called as a poor man?s penicillin because it has been used for fighting illnesses for centuries. Garlic is also one of the common dietary supplements that fight off high cholesterol levels, heart diseases, stomach and colon cancers as well as alleviating high blood pressure.

4 ? Facilitates Digestion

* Peppermint ? This is best known as the stomach soother because it contains a lot of menthol that relaxes the muscles in your stomach. This plant has also shown some effects to reduce cough, headache, gas, abdominal cramping and sore throat.

* Fennel ? This is believed to facilitate digestion as it is reported to lessen colic as well as enhancing milk production for those mothers who are nursing their babies. It may also help in the reduction of flatulence and is known to be a mild diuretic that will cleanse the renal system particularly the kidneys.

As you can see, growing a spice garden can be much more than a fun hobby, it can help enhance your family’s diet and improve your health. Keep in mind, I haven’t even mentioned how using healthy herbs and spices can easily replace many unwanted foods such as salts and sugars. That in it’s self should send you running to the store to buy a spice garden kit.

There are many great reasons for growing your own spice garden like saving money, it’s fun and your food tastes better but the biggest reason is the health benefits it offers.

Find out more about growing your own healthy Spice Garden at YourSpiceGarden.com.

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Who Says Vegetables Have To Be Boring?

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009

Eat your veggies - especially your lettuce. But don’t confine yourself to iceberg lettuce or salads! Darker greens have about the same number of calories and carbs -very low! - but pack a lot more punch in the vitamins and other nutrient categories. By substituting radicchio, watercress, escarole or spinach for the iceberg lettuce, you add vitamin C, riboflavin?s, manganese and other essential vitamins that aren’t present in lettuce. Try them braised, steamed or grilled for something a little different from the usual salad.

Here are some recipes for greens that will tickle your taste buds and make your heart happy!

Wilted Spinach Salad:

The onions take on a natural sweetness that contrasts with the tangy yogurt and the bite of the spinach. A family favorite that’s low in calories and high in important nutrients.

Here?s what you need:

2 cups spinach leaves
1 medium onion peeled, sliced
2 tbs. olive oil
1/2 cup plain yogurt

Sauté onions in olive oil till transparent. Add spinach and toss in pan to coat with oil until leaves are barely wilted. Stir in yogurt while the spinach is still warm. Eat hot or cold. Only 50 calories per serving!

With this recipe, you?ll get: protein, calcium, vitamin c, manganese, iron, vitamin B12, vitamin A, selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, beta carotene, vitamin K, ALA

Grilled Radicchio:

Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce add spice to heart-healthy radicchio without adding much in the way of calories.

1 head radicchio
1 tbs. olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbs. Dijon mustard
A splash of Worcestershire sauce

Combine all ingredients except radicchio in small bowl. Cut head of radicchio in 1/4 inch slices. Brush cut side with marinade mixture. Grill over hot coals till browned. Only 25 calories per serving!

With this recipe, you?ll get: magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin E, foliate, vitamin K, beta carotene,

Spinach, Mushroom & Anchovy Salad:

Anchovies are one of the best sources of omega 3 fatty acids AND they’re low in calories. Simple to fix and delicious for dinner, on its own, or with a bowl of chunky pasta.

6 cups spinach leaves, loosely packed
1 2 oz can anchovies in oil
10-12 small mushrooms
Juice of 1 lemon

Wash and dry spinach. Drain anchovy oil into sauté pan and warm. Add anchovies and gently stir over heat till anchovies are dissolved in oil. Slice mushrooms thickly and add to anchovy oil, sautéing till browned. Add spinach, tossing with oil and anchovies till just wilted. Spritz with squeezed lemon. Only 50 calories per serving!

With this recipe, you?ll get: magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin E, foliate, vitamin K, beta carotene, niacin, thiamine, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, omega 3 fatty acids, riboflavin, and calcium

Walnut & Raisin Greens:

Get even more essential fatty acids and antioxidants in this great tasting warm salad.

6 cups greens, loosely packed (spinach, collard, turnip will all work well)
2 tbs. walnut oil
3 cloves garlic
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Chop greens and place in shallow bowl. Heat walnut oil slowly over low heat. Mash garlic cloves and sauté in walnut oil till soft and browned. Add raisins and toss, and then add walnuts and heat through. Pour over greens and toss to coat well. Only 150 calories per serving! velashape works

With this recipe, you?ll get: magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin E, foliate, vitamin K, beta carotene, niacin, thiamine, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, omega 3 fatty acids, riboflavin, and calcium.velashape price

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