Health food and healing recipes for health and wellness - Fresh & Natural

Super foods Side-dish (tasty Tapas recipe)

3/6/2016

Super food side-dish: tasty, nutritious accompaniment for any lunch or dinner

Super foods side-dish- a very tasty Tapas recipe which is truly helpful for building one’s immune system and detoxify the body.

Heat some olive oil on medium heat in a pan. Do note that olive oil smokes at high heat. So, in case you want to shock-saute on high then you could another phenomenally nutritious oil like coconut oil. Add thickly sliced onions, garlic and very thinly sliced fresh ginger. Sauté a bit, taking care to soften the onions but they should not get too soft or mushy! Raw and semi-sautéed onions have the maximum health benefits. Same as with garlic! Add freshly ground black pepper and sprinkle a little sea salt to taste. Add a few springs of fresh dill for its taste, aroma and added healing benefits.

For preparing the peppers, you can use thickly sliced green peppers or if you like a little spicy-zing, then use jalapenos. Sprinkle a pinch of sumac and sea salt to help bring out their taste and aroma.

To make fried cheese, you can use Turkish cooking cheese like Haloumi or Indian fresh cheese like paneer. Pan fry medium sliced haloumi or paneer in coconut oil on medium heat.

Serve with thickly sliced tomatoes for a yummy, super foods- super nutritious side-dish. It can help edify any lunch/dinner main course of fish, chicken or other meats. You can also enjoy it by itself as a wonderfully filling salad or tapas!

Moroccan Spicy Cheese- Cheddar mixed with Harissa

4/18/2015

Moroccan Spicy Cheese

This is an awesome cheese to try. If you are like me and absolutely love spicy cheese- but feel trapped into always eating pepper-jack cheese, then this is a great one to try! It is made by mixing Harissa sauce in cheddar cheese.

Harissa sauce, is a spicy sauce used in North African cooking, particularly in Algeria, Libya, Morocco and also Tunisia. It is a favorite condiment found not only in North African kitchens but also in England, France and other European countries. It is of course made with hot peppers (dried chilies) and other spices such as caraway seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, garlic cloves and olive oil. More on how to make Harissa paste, in another post... till then- seek out this spicy cheese at your local grocery store and enjoy- heavenly peppery goodness! :-)

Also check our our baked tomato salad with Moroccan Spicy Cheese.

Dress it your way- making your own salad dressing!

8/9/2014

Home-made Italian Herbs Salad Dressing

Italian Herbs Salad Dressing

You have wonderful Organic vegetables that you got from the framer's market and as you fix your salad, you reach out to the dressing and it's the store bought version! Blah! :( Even though it is organic- it still should have some preservatives and if it claims- no preservatives, then maybe you should wonder- what's in it that keeps it "edible" thru all the shipping and shelf time. It's best to skip the store versions, particularly when it is so very easy to make your own- and since you can make it to your taste, it makes it even better. :)

Here's a quick recipe for home-made salad dressing: Take juice of one lime (for less tart taste, use lemon) in a small glass jar. Add equal quantity of good quality organic first press extra virgin olive oil. Screw on the lid and give it a good shake. Here is your salad base- now you can add herbs of your choice. For this example, I have added one-third tea spoon of Italian Herbs, a pinch of salt, a pinch of jaggery (Gud in Hindi, or you can use unbleached pure cane sugar) and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give it one more good shake and viola- your very own home-made Italian Herbs Salad Dressing is ready. Wasn't that easy? And the fact that you know what's in it, makes it that much more comforting!

It's best to make it fresh, though you can keep any unused portions in the refrigerator for a day or two.

Fresh Tomatoes & Medallion Mozzarella Cheese Salad

3/29/2014

Chop fresh tomatoes and medallion cheese into large pieces. Drizzle some avocado oil, add a dash of freshly ground black pepper, dried basil and oregano and serve fresh in a nice traditional bowl. This is a great quick fix side dish.

(Here I have served it in special little clay bowls from Morocco).

Fresh Tomatoes & Medallion Mozzarella Cheese Salad

"Herbalizing" your Pizza for taste & healing

3/29/2014

We all love the convenience and taste of frozen pizza. Now, you don't need to feel quite as guilty enjoying it. Jazz up your frozen pizza before baking with lots of healthy, nutritious and beneficial herbs such as basil, parsley, oregano and black pepper. Once baked, these herbs will blend in well and taste yummy!

Try it out and if you find this a helpful tip, do comment below on how it added flavor to your 'boring' pizza...

Herbal Pizza

Awesome Bruchetta: Ancient Grains Bread and home made hot Salsa

11/8/2013

Cut thick slices of ancient grains baguette, apply a little butter and toast on pan.

In a separate bowl add finely chopped tomatoes, few green bell peppers and onions. In a small wok, heat some olive oil and add crushed mustard seeds. Once the oil is hot then add finely chopped green chilies and fry these chilies in hot oil. This not only brings out the fine flavor but also helps to cut down on the chili-heat. Add this semi-fried chilies and hot oil to tomato and onion mix. Add juice of one small lemon and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Arrange buttered toast on plate and top with generous amount of fresh hot salsa.

Healthy Breakfast- gluten-free ancient grains bread with organic peanut butter and kumquat preserve

11/2/2013

Kumquat is a tangy fruit, which can be completely eaten- rind and all! Kumquat are a rich source of health-benefiting dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins, and anti-oxidants. They are full of Vitamins A, B (entire b-complex family), C and E. Rich in fiber, calcium, copper, potassium, manganese, iron, selenium and zinc.

Layer your gluten-free ancient grains bread with some crunchy organic peanut butter and top with kumquat preserve (marmalade).

Onions for medication

7/10/2013

Most of us know onions for tears they bring onto the eye as you slice them. What we might not know, are hidden health secrets behind their structure. What are onions? Well, onions belong to the lily family and are part of allium vegetables. They are many types of onions but they are all rich in sulfides, sulfoxides and thiosulfinates all which are the cause of teary eyes.

Why do you need to eat onions? Simple, they are the best gift to your health! Onions improve Vitamin C functions in the body and this prevents you from diseases. They are also rich in a substance known as bioflavonoids which contains a component known as quercetin. This bioflavonoid component is known for its effectiveness as an anti-oxidant and in breast cancer prevention especially among women.

Some of the benefits of onions for medication are:

Used in inflammation treatment

Due to its bioflavonoids, onions have an anti-inflammatory effect and as such can be used for treatment of body inflammations.

Used in the treatment of blood diseases

Components found in onions are very effective in preventing blood and heart related diseases. Research has proved that intake of onions will prevent heart related diseases, high blood pressure and reduce body cholesterol levels.

Used in Cancer treatment

In their studies, scientists claim that onions can either treat or prevent some forms of cancers such as breast cancer that is prevalent among women. Generally, quercetin compounds in onions have the capability to fight against stomach and colon cancers.

Onions boosts the body’s immune system

Onions are antimicrobial. They greatly boost the immunity of the body system and will greatly prevent sickness. They will also get rid of harmful viruses and bacteria from the body.

Onions help in the fight against diabetes

Because of the chromium content in onions, they successfully improve body tolerance. This greatly lowers insulin levels. Chromium is a substance in onions that successfully regulates blood sugar.

Other health benefits of onions

There are many other health benefits attributed to onions. For instance, they assist in asthma related complications reduction and improve hair growth when used on the scalp. If you are ever bitten by a bee, application of onion juice can relieve pain and ease sensation.

In conclusion, that there are many reasons why you should be taking onions and all onions are good for your health. The higher the concentration of bioflavonoids in an onion, the better the onion is. If you want to know the best onions for your health, then, select on those with stronger smells as they have higher concentrations of bioflavonoids.

Dark Chocolate’s Bright and Dark Side

7/6/2013

Chocolates comprise most of the popularly eaten candies. In fact, it has ranked at least seven among the top 25 mostly eaten candies across the globe. It is clearly a testament that most of the people have sweet teeth. Sometimes, it becomes too excessive. This is one of the many factors that cause diabetes in all age groups.

But, recently, the market gave life to dark chocolate. It is a variety of chocolate which has less sugar and milk that leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. It has more cacao seeds as an ingredient which is the main derivative of chocolate. This is good news for most individuals who have cardiovascular problems as well as diabetes, specifically, those who really love chocolates.

Studies have revealed that dark chocolate has the capabilities to prevent high blood pressure by inhibiting the formation of blood clots. This results in the prevention of the development of atherosclerosis which is directly caused by blood clots. In addition, it increases the flow of blood throughout the system. But, this only happens if taken two to three times a week. And as a result, it also helps improve the brain’s function because of the amount of blood flow.

Dark chocolate is the opposite of its close relative, the milk chocolate. Instead of causing diabetes, it prevents it. This is caused by flavonoids, which is abundant in dark chocolate. This decreases insulin resistance, thus, it makes use insulin more efficiently. Moreover, it also prevents the development of cavities. Again, it is the opposite of milk chocolate. This is caused by theobromine, but this is not an excuse in avoiding proper dental hygiene. This is just a supplement, thus good dental hygiene is still a must.

Additionally, it also helps in the prevention of cancer due to its antioxidants which helps in minimizing the free radicals in the body. Free radicals, when in excess, do cause damage to the cells of the body that paves the way for the development of cancer. It is also rich in certain vitamins and minerals which supplement its health benefits. For example, magnesium and copper are good for the blood vessels and in the prevention of iron deficiency anemia.

But “too much of a good thing is bad” still applies to this type of chocolate. Dark chocolate still contains fats and sugars. Though they are in lesser amounts and are derived from healthier sources, it still needs to be consumed in limited amounts. And importantly, do not choose dark chocolates which have ingredients that increase fats and sugar such as mint and caramel fillings for you might end up in regrets.

Why Citrus Fruits Are Healthy?

7/4/2013

Talking about citrus fruits, orange will immediately come into the mind, and that it’s high in vitamin C. Citrus actually includes a vast variety of fruits like lemons, limes, grapefruits, and tangerines, that bring the same health benefits to the human body. Let’s discuss further on why eating these fruits is healthy.

Citrus fruits are famous because it’s high in vitamin C that helps prevent a disease called scurvy that is characterized by the bleeding of the gums. Regular intake will make the immune system healthy, and is proven to help the body fight against diseases. Aside from that, it’s a good source of potassium and folate that is good for the bones.

The most important fact is, citrus fruits are very effective in fighting cancer because of its flavonoids-these compounds will free the body from harmful toxins from the environment, and the food we eat. Flavonoids found in oranges and other citrus fruits are proven to prevent or stop the growth of cancer cells. Since nutrients are all natural, it does not contain harmful cholesterol and sugar that all of us fear.

Citrus fruits are good for the heart. It has natural enzymes that promote blood circulation that is good for the human system, will promote the secretion of collagen for fast recovery of wounds, and will help the body burn out excess carbohydrates, before those are released as harmful sugar to the blood. It will also maintain the strength of the bones and tendons.

Meanwhile, fruit consumption especially those that are under the citrus family are thought to prevent the formation of kidney stones. Stones are formed when there is too much calcium in the urine. Stones are those larger in form, and won’t be able to pass the ureter. Some studies proved that those who are suffering from the mentioned situation are low in citrate urine levels. The answer to this health problem is the regular consumption of citrus fruits that are enriched with vitamin C, and other beneficial vitamins.

Persons with low Vitamin C intake are more likely to get asthma-citric acid in oranges are said anti-oxidants that cleanse the lungs from harmful oxidants that can cause asthma and other similar effects.

The bottom line is that citrus fruits contain natural fibers, vitamins and minerals, and carbohydrates. Doctors recommend daily one or two servings of oranges or any of the citrus fruits that you like, for that healthy lifestyle.

Must Know Health Benefits of Olives

7/4/2013

The healthy benefits of olives are known for thousands of years. Statistics show that those who consumed more olives in their diet are less likely to get cancer or experience heart attacks. Let’s take some facts about the health benefits that you can get from this small, but magical fruit.

Aids prevention against any types of cancer
Antioxidants are the body’s main weapon against cancer. Olives have high contents of phenolic , terpenoid, and squalene , antioxidants that work as an anti-cancer substances. They will not only help the body retain healthy cells; they also lessen inflammation of the joints and other chronic diseases. The more olives you eat in a regular basis, the healthier your body will become.

It’s heart-friendly
Maintaining a healthy heart takes a lot of effort and cautions. Eating olives daily will give your body enough amounts of biophenols, a compound that will stop the formation of bad cholesterol in the body also known as LDL, which causes cardiovascular diseases. Accumulation of LDL in the blood vessels will clog arteries, leading to high blood pressure, and heart malfunctions.

Helps in reduction of pain
There’s no need to take ibuprofen to ease your arthritis pains if you regularly include olives in your diet. It has oleocanthal, a compound that possesses anti-inflammatory benefits, and pain relief.

Protects from stomach ulcers
Olives and olive oils are famous for their antimicrobial characteristics. It will eliminate the bad bacteria in the stomach that are responsible for the formation of intestinal and stomach ulcers. Polyphenols found in olives will fight even the three types of notorious microorganisms in the stomach that are not curable with antibiotics.

Promotes healthy blood cells
Red blood cells are essential for the body’s oxygen delivery. Iron is responsible in helping with the reproduction of haemoglobin or red blood cells that will carry oxygen in all parts of the body specially the brain. Iron will also help the body compounds that will help strengthen the immune system.

It’s known to improve sex life
Its iron contents promote blood circulation in the body. This gives the idea that those who have erection problems will have more blood in the penis, thus solving the problem.

Olives are always healthy when eaten in its good condition. Using olive oil in cooking will have the same good effects to the body. The main advice is to make sure that you are buying real and pure oil from olives.

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Author

Juma Vera comes from the original Vedic Tradition, one of world’s oldest living cultures.

Her educational background is in Physical Sciences and Quantum Mechanics.

Maitreyi has several certifications in various Natural Health Remedies & Holistic Healing.

She is an Ayurveda Specialist & Nutritionist and a Certified Aroma, Color and Crystal Therapist.

In addition, she is attuned to Reiki Energy Level I & II.

Also, check out:
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