Fruits Rich in Calcium

Parathyroid hormone and calcitonin (one of the hormones made by the thyroid gland) have key roles in regulating the amount of calcium in the blood and within the bones.

Calcium is the only mineral in the body that has a group of glands entirely responsible for controlling it within our blood, and the parathyroid glands do this continuously. A hormone called calcitonin is secreted by the thyroid gland and works in conjunction with parathyroid hormone, or PTH. Parathyroid Hormone takes from the bones to top up the level in the blood stream. When the level is adequate, it stops making the hormone, but when there is calcium deficiency, it will start to take from your bones. Calcitonin works to reduce the amount of calcium your body takes from its own bones.
For healing bones or good bone health in general, it is important to include foods high in calcium (fruits being the most powerful) and I do not recommend milk or dairy. 10 fruits rich in calcium include oranges, dried figs, rhubarb and dates. Read more.
Sources:
http://www.well-women.com/parathyroid.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/504174-thyroid-calcium-deficiency/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parathyroid_gland

Coconut Cream Of Broccoli

Happy World Vegetarian Day! According to wikipedia, a day established by the North American Vegetarian Society in 1977 to bring awareness to the ethical, environmental, health and humanitarian benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle. Awesome. For this day, I made some Coconut Cream of Broccoli to celebrate my vegetarian lifestyle.
Broccoli is great for the kidneys and provides anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and detoxification benefits and is ideal for vitamin D deficiency. When vitamin D is needed to offset deficiency, vitamin K and vitamin A help keep our vitamin D metabolism in balance. Broccoli has an unusually strong combination of both vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene) and vitamin K, so broccoli is an ideal food to include in one’s diet. Soups are great for colder seasons so why not incorporate some steamed broccoli into a coconut cream broth, along with some spinach and carrots….mmmmmm yummy. Recipe coming soon.

Source:
http://healthimpactnews.com/2013/5-health-benefits-of-broccoli/
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=9

Fermented Sprouted Soy/Tofu With Veggies

Soybeans contain phytochemicals that have toxic effects on the human body. It has been linked to digestive distress, allergies and immune system breakdown. However, fermented soybeans releases nutrients and transforms soybeans into healthy nutritious food. When you consume small amounts of fermented soy foods, they help provide a wealth of friendly microflora to the intestinal tract that aids in digestion and assimilation of nutrients, as well as boost immunity.
Miso neutralizes toxins and alkalizes the blood. It contains an excellent source of digestive enzymes, probiotics, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals!
‘Fermented soy in small, condimental amounts as practiced in traditional Asian cultures is the only safe way to consume this legume and even then, only for those who have healthy thyroid function because it is so extremely goitrogenic. Miso, tempeh, natto and soy sauce (If traditionally brewed) fall under this category.’ (see full article in link below)
Sources:
http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/why-sprouted-soy-is-worse-than-unsprouted-even-if-organic/
http://www.organicauthority.com/health/what-are-the-safest-nongmo-soy-products.html
http://www.wildwoodfoods.com/products/tofu
http://ourearthland.blogspot.ca/2012/06/releasing-nutrients-in-soybeans.html
http://naturalsociety.com/miso-soup-protects-against-radiation-exposure/
http://www.naturalnews.com/025513.html
http://ourearthland.blogspot.ca/2012/08/the-benefits-of-barley-miso-soup.html

Cucumber Noodles With Spinach Pesto

“I’m strong to the finish, ’cause I eats me Spinach, I’m Popeye the sailor man” (from theme song). Spinach is rich in minerals and vitamins including vitamin K which is found in plant foods. It is concentrated in phytonutrients such as carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin) and flavonoids which provide us with powerful antioxidants. Spinach also helps us maintain bone health since it is an excellent source of calcium and magnesium. Eat your organic spinach!
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=43
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=112

Simple Avocado Soup

The wide range of nutrients found in avocados have been associated with cardiovascular benefits which consists of avocado fats. These fats contain large amounts of the monounsaturated fatty acid, oleic acid, as well as the unusual phytosterols, including beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol. For summer time I like to make cold soups like Gazpacho and Avocado and Cucumber. I decided to try an Avocado Soup with a broth base instead of a cucumber and it’s very tasty and simple to make. This soup is served at room temperature or slightly warm but not hot enough to kill the enzymes from the avocados or other raw ingredients. Check out my simple recipe below.
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=5

Above: photos from today’s weather (clear skies followed by rain, with a little hail in the morning…)

Avocado Soup Recipe

Serves 2 (add one cup water and 1 avocado for additional servings)

Ingredients: 

∙ 2 cups of water

∙ 1 tbsp of organic coconut oil

∙ 1/2 red onion (diced, let sit for at least 5 minutes)

∙ 3 large organic garlic cloves (diced, let sit for at least 5 minutes)

∙ 1 organic carrot (chopped)

∙ 2 organic avocados

∙ bunch organic spinach

∙ 1 slice of organic lemon (optional)

∙ Himalayan sea salt

Directions:

1. Boil water, then turn heat down to low.

2. Add coconut oil, onions, garlic and carrot to water and let simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Peel and cut avocado, then add to a container (for blending).

4. Wash spinach and then add to container.

5. Once broth is ready, let cool for 2 minutes or so, or until slightly warm.

6. Add broth and a pinch of salt to container (do not discard of onions, garlic or carrot pieces).

7. Squeeze lemon slice and blend all ingredients until silky smooth.

8. Add more salt if necessary. Serve and enjoy!

Cucumber Noodles With Cabbage And Pesto

Bell Peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, containing twice the amount than what is found in an average orange. They contain antioxidants such as Vitamin E which protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. Bell peppers make a refreshing addition to your meals. I decided to make a light pesto sauce using yellow bell peppers and added them to some fresh cucumber noodles. I also threw in some cabbage to help bulk it up! Cabbage is great for the kidneys which will aid in your overall health. Try out my simple recipe below. Enjoy!
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?dbid=50&tname=foodspice
http://www.yourkidneys.com/kidney-education/Diet-and-nutrition/15-super-foods-for-kidney-health/2924

Cucumber Noodles With Cabbage And Pesto Recipe

Serves 2 

Ingredients:

∙ 4 organic garlic cloves 

∙ 2-3 small organic shallots

∙ 1 tbsp organic coconut oil (for frying)

∙ 1 organic yellow pepper

∙ 1/4 of organic extra virgin olive oil (cold pressed)

∙ 1 organic lemon (about 1/2 lemon or 1 small lime)

∙ a bunch of organic spinach

∙ 2 medium (or large) organic cucumbers

∙ 2 cups of shredded organic green cabbage

∙ Himalayan pink salt (to taste)

Directions:

1. On a chopping board, chop garlic and onion and let sit for at least 10 minutes.

2. Cut yellow pepper in pieces and add to a container (for blending).

3. Then add olive oil, lemon (or lime), spinach and salt to the container. 

4. Heat a small frying pan and add coconut oil. Then add red onion and garlic and fry for 5 minutes or so. Remove from heat and set aside.

5. Using a julienne peeler, peel cucumber, creating noodles and place in a large mixing bowl.

6. Add shredded cabbage to mixing bowl. You can slightly steam the cabbage if you do not like it raw. Set aside.

7. Add onions and garlic to container (holding the spinach and other ingredients) and blend until smooth.

8. Add pesto sauce to large mixing bowl (holding noodles and cabbage) and mix well.

9. Add more salt if necessary and taste. 

10. Once seasoned, distribute noodles to 2 plates.

11. Serve and enjoy a refreshing meal!

Leafy Greens With Avocado

Broccoli is great for the kidneys and provides anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and detoxification benefits. It contains calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, magnesium and more! It is rich in vitamin C and repairs skin damage. Since our skin is known as the third kidney, having skin issues such as dark circles under our eyes and pimples, is a clear sign that we are having problems filtering our kidneys and it would be wise to detox and eat fruits and vegetables that can benefit them. Such foods include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, bell peppers, grapes, strawberries and blueberries. Enjoy!
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=9
http://www.yourkidneys.com/kidney-education/Diet-and-nutrition/15-super-foods-for-kidney-health/2924
http://healthimpactnews.com/2013/5-health-benefits-of-broccoli/
http://www.kidneyservicechina.com/diet/1469.html

Green Tea Latté With Sprouted Almond Milk

I love lattés! Once I found out about the dangers of cow’s milk, I switched to homemade almond milk or coconut milk for my drinks. Processed almond milk that is sold in stores is not healthy due to the fact that they do not sprout their almonds before processing. All nuts must be pre-soaked in order to activate the nutrients and release the enzymes. Nuts that have not been pre-soaked contain enzyme inhibitors that are toxic to our bodies! Check out my simple recipe for a Green Tea Latté With Sprouted Almond Milk below! Enjoy good health!

Green tea Latte (Almond Milk) Recipe

makes about 2 cups of milk 

Ingredients:

∙ 1 cup of organic almonds (pre-soaked for at least 8 hours, 24 – 48 hours is best)

∙ 2 cups of water (fluoride free, filtered OR coconut water)

∙ 1-2 tbsp of organic honey or 2 medjool dates

∙ 1/2 tsp of organic vanilla bean (optional) 

∙ organic fair trade green tea of your choice or Matcha Green Tea Powder

Note: You will need either a mesh coffee filter or a paper coffee filter and a strainer, as well as a hand held milk frother.

Directions:

1. Drain the water from the soaked almonds, peel the skins and add them to a container (for blending).

2. Add water, dates (or honey) and vanilla bean (optional).

3. Hand blend all ingredients until smooth.

4. Using a paper coffee filter over a strainer, pour milk into another container. If you have a mesh coffee filter, you can use that instead of the paper coffee filter and strainer.

5. Stir occasionally to get the liquid through the coffee filter and eventually press down on the filter to continue pushing liquid through. 

6. Heat 1 cup of water with tea bags or Matcha Green Tea Powder (best). Once tea is ready, keep at very low heat.

7. Add almond milk and using a milk frother, froth your milk until desired temperature for milk is reached. For raw foodists like myself, I like to have my tea at room temperature so I can keep the almond milk raw and live with enzymes. If you want your milk raw, once tea is ready, remove from stove and add the milk without further heating, then froth.  

8. Pour into 2 cups, serve and enjoy!

Note: Almond milk is best when served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for a short time

Good luck! 

Cucumber Noodles with Pesto

Cucumbers are fruit vegetables that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. They are 95 percent water so they help hydrate the body, as well as aid in digestion and in getting rid of toxins! They also contain Vitamins B, C and K. If you love zucchini noodles as an alternative to pasta, you should give cucumber noodles a try. They go great with pesto and tomato sauces. Top them off with some lemon, mushrooms and avocados and it makes for a wholesome meal. Be sure to include the skin because it contains a high source of vitamin C. Learn more about the health benefits of cucumbers in the links below. Enjoy!
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=42
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/cucumber.html
http://www.naturalnews.com/036769_cucumbers_health_benefits_rehydration.html

Zucchini Spaghetti With Veggie "Meatballs" (rice)

I’ve been slowly implementing more cooked foods into my diet to test things out. I definitely feel the difference in digestion time. Raw is best! But if you want to keep cooked foods in your diet, there are still healthy ways to do it. When cooking rice, use organic brown rice that has been pre-soaked for at least 8 hours (overnight). When frying foods, always use coconut oil and cook at lower heat temperature. Although coconut oil can stand high temperatures, it’s a matter of not cooking every bit of nutrition out of the food. Also, when making tomato sauces, keep it raw because tomatoes become acidic when cooked and will have no nutritional value for you. I came up with another simple recipe for veggie ‘meatballs’ using rice as the main component. I topped it off with Homemade tomato sauce. I’ll be posting the recipe soon… Click Here for an older recipe of veggie meatballs made with eggplant and lentils.