THE CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING "COWS MILK AND DAIRY PRODUCTS"

COWS MILK AND DAIRY PRODUCTS 

             IS IT GOOD FOR YOU

AFTER SPENDING WEEKS AND WEEKS RESEARCHING THIS SUBJECT.

MY HONEST ANSWER WOULD HAVE TO BE THIS.  (THIS IS THE MOST CONCISE ANSWER I CAN GIVE YOU SO PLEASE BE PATIENT)


If I go according to the thousands of articles for and against the consumption of cows milk and dairy products. And honestly there are thousands of them, I would have to answer.  F%$^ KNOWS !!!!!!!!

Each side gives a very compelling argument and all of this makes sense to me as a layman who has no medical or nutritional training / expertise. I found very few definitive recorded studies that were not funded by a specific interest group.

But obviously both sides cannot be right. So I will put forward these following thoughts for your rumination!!! 


1.        We are raised to think of COWS MILK as a perfect food.  We are constantly bombarded with adverts expounding "Milk is natural, if you dont drink milk and consume dairy products you will not have enough calcium - therefore brittle bones (osteoporosis).

2.        COWS do not drink cows milk. Calves stop drinking cows milk between the ages of six to eight months.  Humans are the only species that drink the milk of another animal. You will never see a kitten drink milk from a goat or a hyena pup drink from a fox. Humans are in Fact the only species that drink milk period;  past the weaning stage.  

3.         The body stops producing LACTASE in humans at about 4 years of age. Lactase is an intestinal enzyme that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose.   What is lactose -  a sugar (disaccharide)   Source - milk.

4.         WOULD YOU DRINK MILK FROM LACTATING WOMEN OR A DOG OR A RAT. If you are at all uncomfortable with this thought then why do you drink milk FROM A COW.   The simple answer is CONDITIONING  AND OF COURSE ECONOMICS.

5.        Cows milk is meant to turn a 90kg calf into a 900kg cow in seven months. 

6.        It is mainly your "western cultures" that drink cows milk.  Yet these "Western" countries have the highest rates of osteoporosis. The only countries that do not follow this trend is "muslim countries" where the women where "purdahs" and do not get enough vitamin D (sunshine).

7.        It is a proven fact that cows milk inhibits the bodies ability to take up iron. This is especially problematic for woman over the age of  40.

8.        To get the cows to produce the abnormal amounts of milk to make dairy farming as economically viable as possible. They are first artificially inseminated each year.  They are kept in confined spaces with the result that infections and mastitis is rampant. Each time the cow is given growth hormones and or antibiotics it comes out in the milk. We then drink this milk. 
There are some studies which show that the process of homogenising milk loses approx 50% of the calcium content.  

9.        Speaking from personal experience, I have not had any milk or dairy products since May of this year.
  
a         I no longer suffer from stomach cramps for no apparent reason.
b         I have not experienced a sinus headache since going off milk.
c         My bone density has improved. When I was tested in June 2012 - I was in the high risk category for
           osteoporosis.
d         I am able to manage my anaemia much more effectively.
e         My husband has suffered with asthma since the age of 4. Since he has stopped consuming milk and 
           dairy products he hardly ever has to use his cortisone and ventolin pumps as well as sinucon tablets.


HERE ARE SOME OF THE DISEASES THAT MILK CAN CAUSE     :
                                              
                                              CROHN'S DISEASE
                                              ASTHMA
                                              EARLY SEXUAL MATURATION
                                              EARLY BREAST GROWTH
                                              DIABETESE 
                                              BREAST CANCER
                                              COLON CANCER
                                              LEUKEMIA
                                              ADD OR ADHD
                                              PROSTATE CANCER
                                              OSTEOPOROSIS
                                              ARTHRITIS
                                              SINUSES
                                              AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE
                                              LUNG CANCER
                                              CHILDHOOD ANAEMIA
                                              DIARRHEA AND CONSTIPATION


I truly hope this gives you food for thought. Be well. Be healthy.


  
        
             

              
   

WHATS IN A CUCUMBER - SURPRISE SURPRISE

                SURPRISE SURPRISE.......

               WHATS IN A CUCUMBER

Cucumbers are from the squash family along with watermelons and pumpkin.

Once you realise the NUTRITIONAL VALUE of cucumbers you may want to start making them part of your everyday diet.

FIBRE

Cucumbers are an excellent source of fibre. 

While one cup of sliced cucumber (with skin) only provides .83g of fibre about 4% of RDV (recommended daily value), it is the accompanying water that makes this such a good fibre source.

In a report from Beth Israel Medical Centre in NY, Dr Warren Enker states   "that fibre in your diet without increasing water intake along withit can cause constipation and bind up the bowels."

When you eat cucumbers you increase fibre and water intake simultaneously.

VITAMINS, MINERALS AND MOLYBDENUM  

One cup of sliced cucumber (with skin) contains    :

223.60IU of Vitamin A     =      4.5% of RDA

5,5mg of Vitamin C          =      almost 10% of RDA

Other trace vitamins found are       :

Niacin             

Folate           both from the B vitamin family

B6

Vitamin E

Vitamin K

According to the Worlds Healthiest Foods nutritional data report for cucumbers. They contain the following :

Calcium

Magnesium

Iron

Zinc

Potassium,

Phosphorous

Copper

Manganese

Flouride

Selenium and

Silica.

While these minerals are only in trace amounts cucumbers provide a natural way to absorb them into your body to help promote good health and essential cellular functions.

Molybdenum is another important component found in cucumbers. 

It is an element that helps with the bodily processes that include the Nervous system, Kidney function, and ability of the cells to produce energy.

The American Cancer Society also states that Molybdenum has been found to be an anti oxidant that can help prevent cancer.

 FOR DIETERS

They are loaded with water and fibre, so they are filling  -  sastisfying the appetite.

A one cup serving contains 16 calories and 3.8 carbohydrates.

CUCUMBERS NEED TO CHEWED VERY WELL.

ENJOY  !!!!!!!!!

INCREASED INTESTINAL PERMEABILITY OR LEAKY GUT SYNDROME

LEAKY GUT SYNDROME

LGS is a condition referring to an altered or damaged bowel lining.

Increased permeability of the gut wall results from Toxins, Poor diet, Parasites, Infections or Medications.

LGS is the result of damage to the intestinal lining, making it less able to protect the internal environment as well as filter needed nutrients and other biological substances.

Therefore some bacteria and their toxins, incompletely digested proteins and fats, and waste not normally absorbed may "LEAK" out of the intestines into the blood stream.

This triggers an autoimmune reaction, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems.

                                                                    Such as     Abdominal bloating

                                                                                      Excessive gas and cramps

                                                                                      Fatigue

                                                                                      Food sensitivities

                                                                                      Joint pain

                                                                                      Skin rashes

                                                                                      Autoimmunity

WHAT HAPPENS TO FOOD AFTER IT IS            SWALLOWED 

The digestive tract is a long tube connecting the mouth to the anus.

After food is swallowed it passes through the esophagus to the stomach where it is churned up with acid and stomach enzymes into small particles.

This then passes into the small intestine, approx 6m in length.
The small intestine has two main functions.
Main one being     digest and absorb nutrients from the food particles arriving from the stomach.
Another vital function    is to act as a barrier to prevent the REABSORPTION into the blood circulation of toxins, microbes and macromolecules

When large food molecules, endotoxins and xenobiotics can pass straight into the bloodstream where they are presented to the liver for detoxification the digestive tract becomes inflamed and you develop what is called LEAKY GUT SYNDROME.

They should not be in the blood  -  so the immune system reacts to them.
Immune complexes are formed and these complexes travel to the liver where they are broken down. 
This places an enormous burden on the liver stressing its detoxification capabilities. As a result these substances may be partially processed and accumulate in the liver and fatty tissue.


CAUSES OF LGS  

Some of the most common causes of LGS are  :  
                            Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) usage,
                            intestinal infection,   

                            dysbiosis,
                            parasites,
                            maldigestion,
                            deficient immunoglobins,
                            ingestion of allergenic foods,
                            alcoholism,
                            ingestion of toxic chemicals,
                            high sugar diets,
                            antibiotic use,
                            oral contraceptive pill use,
                            trauma,
                            endotoxemia.

Identifying the cause is an important first step in reversing altered permeability.


CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH ALTERED INTESTINAL PERMEABILTY

Inflammatory bowel disease
Malnutrition - Malabsorption
Accelerated ageing
Crohns disease
Intestinal infections
Ulcerative colitis
Endotoxemia
Irritable bowel syndrome
NSAID enteropathy
Celiac disease
Inflammatory joint disease
Giardiasis
Food allergy
Alcoholism


HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE GUT WALL

Maintain a healthy population of microorganisms in your bowel.

It is important to be aware that your bowels may be harbouring large populations of unfriendly microorganisms such as fungi  (yeasts such as Candida albicans), bacteria, viruses and parasites.
The term parasite is used to describe a wide variety of creatures that vary in complexity from single celled organisms to worms.  Parasites such as Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, Blastocystis hominis and Cryptosporidium, these can be extremely difficult to detect with routine stool analysis and cultures. Often these can only be detected after inducing mild diarrhea.


TO REDUCE BOWEL INFECTIONS WITH UNFRIENDLY BACTERIA, PARASITES AND YEASTS

-      Follow a gluten and dairy free diet
-      Avoid refined sugars and carbohydrates,
-      Avoid preserved foods, especially meats (pizza meats, corned beef, ham, devon, bacon,
        sausage, smoked meat and fish etc)
-      Avoid long term use of antibiotics and steriod drugs
-      Avoid mouldy or pickled foods.
-      Eat lots of fibre.  From raw vegetables, fruits, whole grains, ground seeds and legumes,
        raw or slightly cooked sweet corn.
-      Follow good hygiene practices.
-      Natural antibiotics to kill intestinal yeasts, bacteria and parasites.  Such as cabbage juice,       
        cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, broccoli, raw garlic, onions, leeks, radishes,
        fenugreek,  ginger, hot chilli, lemon juice, turmeric, mustard and rosemary.
-      Drink lots of water

The most powerful natural antibiotic is RAW GARLIC.  If you can mange to eat 4 to 6 cloves every day for 4 weeks.
Raw onions and leeks are also good natural antibiotics.

Lactobacillius acidophilus or unflavoured soy yoghurt fights the bad bacteria and helps maintain ecological balance. It is particularly good after taking antibiotics.

Herbs used to destroy and espel worms from the body are black walnut hulls, chaparral, cloves, liquorice, gentian and wormwood.



   





    
  

     

                                                              

WHAT TO EAT TO HELP REGULATE HYPOTENSION

WHAT TO EAT

1.                 Avoid alcohol, which can dehydrate your body.
                    Instead drink noncarbonated mineral water or drinks containing electrolytes.
                    Water hydrated and raises the volume of your blood.

2.                 Replace large meals with about six smaller meals throughout the day.

3.                 Include vegetables, fruits, complex carbohydrates, legumes, nuts and lean meats.

4.                 Wheatgrass provides your body with a good amount of chlorophyll, which promotes the
                    production of red blood cells (according to Sharecare).

5.                 Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to certain low blood pressure issues.
                 
   

WHAT IS LOW BLOOD PRESSURE - HYPOTENSION

HYPOTENSION 

WHAT IS IT ?

    

There are several types of low blood pressure.

People who always have low blood pressure have Chronic Asymptomatic Hypotension. They usually have no signs and require no treatment. This is normal for them.  

ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION

This type occurs when standing up from a lying down or sitting position. You may feel dizzy, lightheaded or  even faint. The drop in blood pressure usually lasts a few seconds.

This type of hypotension is usually a sign of another medical condition. Therefore treatment would be for the underlying cause.

Some people suffering from orthostatic hypotension may also suffer from high blood pressure when lying down. 

A form of Orthostatic Hypotension called     POSTPRANDIAL HYPOTENSION

is a sudden drop in blood pressure after a meal.

People who have high blood pressure or a central nervous system disorder are at increased risk of this type of hypotension.

NEURALLY MEDIATED HYPOTENSION

With NMH blood pressure drops after you have been standing a long time. You may feel dizzy, faint or sick to the stomach.   NMH can also occur as the result of an unpleasant, upsetting or scary situation.

NMH is most common in children and young adults.

SEVERE HYPOTENSION LINKED TO SHOCK 

Shock is a life threatening condition in which blood pressure drops so low that the brain, kidneys, and other vital organs cant get enough blood to work well.

Blood pressure drops much lower in shock than in other types of hypotension.

Many factors can cause shock, such as   SEVERE BURNS,  ALLERGIC REACTIONS,  POISONING,

CERTAIN  SEVERE INFECTIONS.

Shock can be fatal if not treated right away.

 

  

   

 

JUNK FOOD = LOUSY SKIN

              POOR FOOD QUALITY  = 
                POOR COMPLEXION

You can't just shove junk food into your face and expect to have a smooth supple skin.

Dull dry complexion is a glaring sign that you're not eating right.


FACE FOODS

A LIST OF 10 FOODS TO EAT THAT WILL GIVE YOU A HEALTHY COMPLEXION     


Avocadoes                   are abundant in essential oils and B complex vitamins.
                                     Niacin (vitamin B3) is especially important for healthy skin.
                                     Niacin is anti-inflammatory, soothes irritated skin and red blotchy skin.

Mangoes                      have more than 80% daily requirement for Vitamin A.
                                    Vitamin A maintains and repairs skin cells, a deficiency will result in a dry
                                    flaky complexion.

Almonds                     almonds have 150% of your daily need for vitamin E.
                                    Vitamin E moisturises dry skin and its antioxidants protect against skin
                                    damage and premature ageing.

Cottage cheese            The selenium in cottage cheese teams up with Vitamin E as a powerful free
                                    radical antioxidant duo.
                                    Plus it protects against skin cancer and fights dandruff.

Aerola cherries           These cherries supply 100% daily requirement of Vitamin C.
                                    Vitamin C fights skin damage and wrinkles.
                                    It also plays a central role in the production of collagen  -   the structural
                                    protein in your skin.

Oysters                       Fights pimples because they're rich in zinc.
                                   The mineral fights sebum production
                                   Zinc helps boost elastin production with the help of Vitamin C.

Baked potato              One baked potato with the skin supplies you with 75% of your daily copper
                                   need.
                                   This essential mineral works with Vitamin C and zinc to produce the elastin
                                   fibres that support skin structure.
                                   Too little copper in your diet can reduce your skin's ability to heal and cause it
                                   to become rigid and lifeless.

Mushrooms                Riboflavin  -  Vitamin B2 is involved in tissue mantainence and repair and
                                   improves skin blemishes caused by rosacea.

Flaxseed Oil               is one of the best sources of this essential fatty acid.  This hydrates the skin
                                   and also dilutes sebum and unclog pores that otherwise lead to acne.

Wheat germ               is a good source of Biotin, a B vitamin that's crucial to skin health.
                                   A mild biotin deficiency can cause dermatitis -  a condition characterised by
                                   itchy scaly skin.
   

  

SOME WAYS TO CONTROL HYPERTENSION - HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

HOW TO CONTROL HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
WITHOUT MEDICATION

Losing  just 5kgs can help reduce blood pressure.

Exercise regularly

Eat a varied and healthy diet.      -      a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables
                                                     -      Boost your potassium intake.  Potassium can leesen the effects
                                                            of sodium on blood pressure. 
                                                     -      Reduce sodium intake.  Black salt can help in this respect.
                                                                            use herbs or spices to add flavour to your foods.  
                                                     -      Dont eat processed foods
                                                     -      Read food labels
                                                           
Reduce / Eliminate alcohol intake. 

 

BLOOD PRESSURE - WHAT DOES IT MEAN

BLOOD PRESSURE   -    WHAT DOES IT MEAN.

Every day we hear about things like high and low blood pressure. But what does it actually mean.

Blood pressure is the result of two forces.
    
1.        from the heart as it pumps blood into the arteries and throughout the circulatory system,   and
2.        the force of the arteries as they resist blood flow.

A blood pressure reading of     120 over 80   is normal.  
If the person is active this reading may be   110 over 70   and would be considered normal.

Simply put the blood flowing through the body should not be OVERworking the heart to do so while at the same time there needs to be a certain amount of resistance from the arteries to keep an equilibrium.  Everything in the body needs to work in balance.

The higher number, or SYSTOLIC PRESSURE, represents the pressure exerted when the heart is beating. Always stated first.
The lower number, or DIASTOLIC PRESSURE, represents the pressure exerted when the heart is at rest between beats.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury, mm Hg.

 
THE SILENT KILLER

High blood pressure is often termed the   SILENT KILLER   because it usually has no symptoms.
Many people have high blood pressure for years without knowing it.
The only way to find out if you have elevated blood pressure is to have it checked.  Again this can be done at a wellness clinic at the cost of about R50.00.

When high blood pressure persists without treatment, the heart must work harder to pump enough blood and oxygen to the body's organs and tissues.
When the heart is over-worked for extended periods of time the heart tends to enlarge and weaken.
The arteries also suffer becoming scarred, hardened and less elastic.

Hypertension  or high blood pressure is defined as an adult having a reading of   140 and higher over 90 mm Hg.


CAUSES OF HYPERTENSION

The cause of high blood pressure is largely unknown.  There are certain risk factors that increase your risk of developing hypertension.

Heredity                        Individuals whose parents have/had HBP are more at risk
Race                              Caucasians are less likely to develop hypertension
Males                            Men have a greater chance of developing  HBP than women until age 55.
                                      However at age 75 and over women are more likey to develop HBP than men.
Salt sensitivity
Obesity and overweight
Heavy alcohol consumption
Sedentary lifestyle
Diabetes or individuals with gout or kidney disease
Age                                     the older people get, the more prone to HBP
Some medications        increase blood pressure others may interfere with the effectiveness of
                                     antihypertensive drugs.

   

 

CORN AND SESAME LOAF - GLUTEN AND DAIRY FREE

CORN AND SESAME SEED LOAF

GLUTEN AND DAIRY FREE

Ingredients

2 cups corn flour (mealie meal)                                               1/2 cup oil
2 large potatoes                                                                        1 tablespoon molasses
1 tablespoon baking powder                                                    3 eggs
2 level teaspoons salt                                                               tin of butter beans
1 tablespoon Ina Paarmans potato spice
1/2 cup sesame seed 
 
baking / roasting pan approx 330mm by 220mm

Method

Grate potatoes with skin.

Preheat oven to 200C

Mix all the dry ingredients very well.

Add the   grated potato   and the   water from the beans   plus   100 grams beans   to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. Initially the potato will not want to mix with the dry ingredients. Set the remainder of the tinned beans aside.

Mix all the wet ingredients, beat well with a fork until aerated.
Add to the other ingredients.

Grease roasting pan

Pour mixture into pan bake for 30 mins

HOW TO COOK BASMATI RICE WITHOUT THE PALAVER

THE EASY WAY TO COOK BASMATI RICE

Rinse off the rice thoroughly in cold water.  If rice is not rinsed off properly it tends to become mushy when cooked.

The ratio of rice to water is 1 to 2.  Salt is one LEVEL teaspoon per cup of rice.

So here goes

Preheat stove to HIGH
Rinse of one cup of basmati rice
Place in ALUMINIUM pot.
Add two cups of HOT water
One teaspoon of salt and turmeric. If you want yellow rice.
Let it boil for 10 minutes. Taste to see if soft.  If not check in two minutes. If it requires more than 15 minutes to cook the rice is old.
If the water has cooked away add more HOT water, not more than 1/2 a cup.

When the rice is soft drain off any excess water. Fluff up rice with fork.  Place clean cloth over pot opening, for a few minutes, to let it soak up any rising moisture for a few minutes.

Serve


 

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT RICE

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT RICE ?

Rice is an  Excellent source of Fuel for our bodies.

It is Easily digested so that the energy it supplies becomes quickly available to the working muscles, brain and the heart and liver.

The fuel that rice provides is used for physical activity, brain performance, bodily functions as well as everyday growth and repair

80 grams of cooked white rice provides about 5% of the daily energy needs for an adult and about 6% if brown cooked rice.

Rice fits in well with the dietary recommendations for a balanced diet.  The energy (kilojoules /  calories)  is accompanied by nutrients such as protein, vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre.

Nutrition experts recomment at least half the kilojoules / calories in a healthy diet should come from the carbohydrates which are provided by such foods as RICE.

RICE IS NOT ALL CARBS

Rice protein is considered one of the highest quality proteins.
It has 8 of the essential amino acids which are building blocks for making strong muscles.
Both white and brown rice contain essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, thiamin, niacin, zinc and phosphorous.
Brown rice also provides vitamin e,  magnesium, potassium and manganese.

160 grams of brown cooked rice contains about 2.4g of dietary fibre which equates to 8% of the average man's daily needs and 9.6% for the average woman's needs.
 

WHAT DOES RICE NOT HAVE

RICE         is low in fat,
                  is cholesterol free,
                 gluten free, the most non-allergenic of all grains,
                 preservative, additive and colourant free
                 very low in harmful saturated fats and trans fatty acids.

 

"DO I NEED TO EAT DAIRY PRODUCTS TO PREVENT OSTEOPOROSIS"

 

"DO I NEED TO EAT DAIRY PRODUCTS TO PREVENT OSTEOPOROSIS ?"

The short answer is NO.


WHAT IS OSTEOPOROSIS ?

A condition in which minerals and other substances are lost from the bones causing therm to become thinner, more porous and more easily broken.
Osteoporosis affects 20 to 25 million americans, primarily woman 45 years of age and older.


Vitamins and Nutrients needed for strong bone health

Calcium,    Protein,   Folate
Vitamin D,   Vitamin C,   Vitamin K,   Vitamin B6,   Vitamin B12
Magnesium,   Boron,   Silicon,   Ipriflavone.


What is in cows milk ?
 
Cows milk is made up primarily of Calcium, Vitamin D and Protein.


Could I get enough of all the nutrients including Calcium without consuming cows milk, yoghurt and cheeses ?

Yes.  Most studies done have shown that a large percentage of woman world wide who have not developed osteoporosis or are at risk for such do not consume or limit the intake of dairy products.


Plant foods as sources of calcium

All the dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, chard, mustard greens, collard greens, lettuce and shredded cabbage.

Virtually all nuts and seeds especially sesame seeds.

Most beans such as navy, pinto, kidney, black etc.

Tofu particularly when it has been calcium precipitated. Meaning that calcium was used to help convert the soy milk into tofu.


Here are some other good sources of Calcium

                                                                          Amount                                 Calcium (mg)
Broccoli  fresh, cooked                                    150 grams (250ml)                       54
Pilchards tinned eaten with bones                    150 grams (2 medium)               495
Salmon tinned drained eaten with bones          100 grams                                   239
Sardines tinned drained eaten with bones          50 grams (2 large)                     191
Sesame seeds unhulled                                       20 grams                                     26
Spinach fresh cooked                                        180 grams (250ml)                     196
Watercress raw                                                   80 grams (250 ml)                       96


So in conclusion. The intake of calcium through dairy products alone will not give your body the necessary collaboration of vitamins and nutrients neccessary to ensure good strong bone health.

SOME MORE USEFUL KITCHEN TIPS

HANDY KITCHEN TIPS

1.     If you are making gravy and accidently burn it, pour it into a clean pan and continue cooking
        adding a little sugar at a time. This will cancel out the burnt taste. Avoid over sugaring it.

2.     Burned a pot of rice ?    Place a piece of WHITE bread on top of the rice for 10 mins to draw out
        the burned flavour.  Be careful not to scrape the burnt rice off the bottom of the pot when
        serving the rice.

3.     To make scrambled eggs or omelets taste rich add a couple of spoonfuls of  Sour cream,
        Cream cheese or heavy cream.  Beat together.

4.     If you want to reheat leftover pizza but dont want the crust soggy.  Pit it in a non stick pan on the
        stove, heat med low, and heat until warm.

5.     If you over salt a pot of soup or cassarole just drop in a peeled potato. The potato will absorb the
        excess salt.

6.     To warm biscuits, pancakes or muffins that were refrigerated, place a cup of water with them in
        the microwave. The moisture will keep the food moist and they will heat faster.

7.     Place a slice of bread into a bag of hard brown sugar. Within a couple of days it will be soft
        again.  I am also told a piece of orange peel also works wonders. (Have not tried it)

INDIAN SPICES - WHAT ARE THE ENGLISH NAMES

HERE IS A GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN INDIAN COOKING

Condiments and Spices

English                                                   Hindi

Asafoetida                                               Hing
Cardamon                                               Elaychi
Chilli                                                       Mirch
Cloves                                                     Lavang
Coriander                                                Dhania
Cumin                                                     Zira
Fenugreek                                               Methi
Garlic                                                      Lessan
Ginger                                                     Adrak
Mace                                                       Javithri
Nutmeg                                                   Jaipal
Oregano                                                  Ajwain
Tamarind                                                Imli
Turmeric                                                 Haldi


Cereals and grains

Millet                                                      Bajra
Barley                                                     Jay
Buckwheat                                              Kootu
Maize                                                      Makkai
Rice  - raw                                              arwa chawal
Rice - parboiled                                      usna charwal
Semolina                                                 Sooji
Wheat                                                      Gehun
Wheat flour                                             Atta
Wheat flour refined                                 Maida


I have included this because if you are like me I buy where I get the best prices, quality and range.
This sometimes entails going to an indian market and they cannot or wont tell you what the english name is.   

WHAT IS BLACK SALT

BLACK SALT

IS KALA NAMAK. A type of natural volcanic halite (the mineral form of sodium chloride  NaCI.

It is a pungent purplish to pinkish grey rock salt used in India and indian spices. It has a sulfurous hard-boiled egg aroma.   This is due to the contamination with sodium bisulfide in this rocky volcanic mineral.

Mined in the volcanic regions of India and Pakistan.


WHY IS BLACK SALT BENEFICIAL ?

Ayervedic doctors believe that SEA salt and especially ROCK SALT are the most beneficial forms of salt because they dont increase the sodium content of blood and therefore prescribe this to their patients suffering from high blood pressure. 
It is also known as a rejuvenator while aiding digestion, constipation and improving eyesight and is high in iron. 

Side effect :  Using to much can lead to stomach cramps.

WHY AM I SHARING THIS WITH YOU ?

While browsing through sites looking for different gluten/dairy free breads, I came across a bread recipe calling for black salt.
I could not understand WHY as this was not a site aimed at High blood pressure or anything along those lines.

I am quite convinced that a lot of these recipes call for unnecessary ingredients to make it sound
SPECIAL,  DIFFERENT.

People looking for information need the truth. Not garbage only there to increase sales.

TIPS TO HELP IN THE KITCHEN

Here are some tips to help you in the kitchen

1.     Take your bananas apart when you get them home from the store.
        If you leave them connected at the stem they RIPEN faster.

2.     Dont keep an array of fruits in the same bowl. This will cause them to lose their crispness and
        ripen faster.  (Unless of course you're learning to paint)
 
3.     Detach the  -  green leafy part of the carrot from the "carrrot" before storing.
        As the orange part of the carrot is actually the root the green leafy part will continue to call for
        moisture from the root thereby drying out the orange section.

4.     I have found that keeping avocadoes near your stove when cooking helps turn them from lethal
        weapons into delicious orbs ready for eating.  The other is to wrap them in newspaper in a dark
        place but if you are like me you they end up forgotten.

5.     To keep potatoes from budding in the bag put an apple in the bag.

6.     After boiling pasta or potatoes allow the water to cool off and use it to water your plants, the
        nutrients contained therein are great for plants.

7.     If you happen to have some leftover wine at the end of the evening (and you dont plan to drink
        if the next night,) freeze it in ice cube trays for easy addition to soups and sauces in the future.

8.     When boiling eggs, add a pinch of salt to keep the shells from cracking.

9.      Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminium foil. It will stay fresh longer and not mould.

10.    Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating raw.
         Peppers with 4 bumps are firmer and better for cooking.

Cheers for now. Hope these help. Let me go and feed my ever hungry family.

ASTHMA - WHAT TO EAT TO EASE SYMPTOMS

What is asthma   -    How Asthma and Lung diseases work

The body is made of a host of hard working defense mechanisms, good example of this is the AIRWAYS.

When unwanted particles enter the airways, the soldiers of the MUCOSAL LINING get the call to war. Cells and substances are created to push out the dangerous invaders.

In the case of Asthma, the lining becomes very thick and muscles contract to push out the invaders.
As airways become tightened oxygen delivery is greatly reduced.

Symptoms of asthma or lung disease include     -       shortness of breath with exertion,
                                                                                     a prolonged cough,
                                                                                     recurrent lung infections,
                                                                                     chest pain,
                                                                                     wheezing.

The first step in asthma prevention is obviously avoid trigger situations. e.g.  If pet hair is a trigger don't have animals in your home. (An air purifier in the home is often very helpful)

DONT SMOKE.  Above any other form of air pollution,cigarette smoke does the most damage to the cells of the body, especially the cells it comes into direct contact with -  the airway.

Modern medical treatment for asthma prevention rarely involves the recommendation of a change in
diet and quality nutritional supplements. Instead the bias that doctors have against diet change and supplements  often leads to an overuse and extreme dependancy on potent steriods like Prednisone and inhalants like Albuterol.

While it is important to follow the recommendations of your doctor, and while inhalants and bronchodilators can be necessary to treat severe symptoms.  One of the most important things you can do for asthma prevention is to change diet and take supplements. 
Medication only treats the symptoms it does not address good cell health.  Everything in your body starts with the cell.  

I now want to share the following with you : 

As you know I was at the Homeopath to work on my aneamia.  Amongst other things I was told to go off dairy products.
My husband in an effort to support me decided he would also cut out dairy  -  LOVE IS!!!!!!!!

After about three weeks he decided one evening he really needed some yoghurt. This he ate and within 5 minutes of eating the yoghurt his chest closed up and he needed to use his inhaler.
Then about a week after that he had some milk in his coffee and WHAMMO the same thing happened. His chest closed up.

When we were next at the Homeopath, he decided to ask her. 
She then tested him and could tell him that he was intolerant to dairy products and gluten. 
According to the homeopath most people who suffer from asthma have an intolerance to these.

My husband has been off dairy for two months and gluten - a month.

THE CHANGE IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING.

The medication he was taking prior to this was.  Symbicord (cortizone) pump morning and evening;
Ventolin inhaler always with him, used as needed;  and Sinucon tablets which he took three times some days.

I will do some maths here to show the cost of this, apart from the fact of the impact all this medication has on your overall health as this I do not know how to work out.

Symbicord pump                 R 534.60  60 days supply              R 3 207.60 per year
Ventolin inhaler                   R   45.95 30 days use                          551.40     ''
Sinucon tablets                    R   69.95/100  17 days use                1 538.90     "

Total                                                                                           R 5 297.90

Glen (hubby) no longer uses the symbicord pump or the inhaler and has only used sinucon once

this week as well as last week.

Glen is a canoeist, has been since he was 16. He has Natal and Gauteng colours.
In his training sessions he has impoved his overall time, without working harder -  6 minutes on a 2 hour timed session.
The average heartbeat rate has decreased by approx 20 beats per minute as recorded on a Polar Heart Monitor.
When he increases effort to 90% of HRmax the recovery period to 75% of HRmax is significantly reduced. Which in effect means his ability to maintain higher boat speed for longer periods is vastly improved.

HOW HAS THIS BEEN ACHIEVED

1.                  No dairy                          taking GOOD Calcium supplement instead. Some are like
                                                             chalk. Be careful
2.                  No gluten
3.                  Following the eating guide as posted in previous blog.  He does not worry about
                     calories as he is very active.
4.                  EATS foods that are known to be anti-inflammatory.
                     Avocado
                     Broccoli
                     Spinach
                     Kale
                     Sweet Pototoes
                     Mustard greens
                     Turmeric
                     Ginger
                     Bananas
                     Apples   
5.                  Takes Magnesium supplement (chelated). If you often get headaches and or cramps
                     especially in the legs chances are you lack magnesium.
6.                  Vitamin C supplement. 
7.                  Drink enough water (filtered).


Supplements that assist in asthma prevention

Grape seed extract  This highly potent extract is full of efficient bioflavoniods and antioxidants.

Vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene, These antioxidants are important to total body health especially in the case of your lungs.

Fish oil     Omega-3 fatty acids  helps your body neutralize and get rid of free radicals before they cause long lasting damage.


I hope and trust this is helpful to you.



THIS IS A RECIPE FOR QUICK EASY DAIRY FREE GLUTEN FREE

                               CHICKEN AND SPINACH RISOTTO

    Ingredients and method

Chicken thigh pieces with skin. 1 per person. For sake of ingredient quantities we will assume 4 pax.
                       Place chicken in pot. Skin side down. Add 1 tsp Ina Paarmans Vegetable spice and 1
                       tsp Ina Paarmans Seasoned sea salt.
                       Stove high. Let it brown for 3 minutes. Add 1 cup water. Turn heat to medium. Close
                       pot. Leave to simmer for about 10 minutes.

Two cups white rice and 1 cup black lentils
                       Rinse off rice and lentils. I cook my rice in a microwave. You cook the rice and
                       lentils and 1 teaspoon salt together as you would normally cook your rice.
                       This should take about 10 minutes. Do not overcook.

2 onions
1 tomato
400g spinach
1 tsp turmeric
                       Remove chicken from pot.  Remove chicken from the bone break into pieces. Size as
                       you wish
                       Chop onions and tomato medium. Brown in the pot.
                       Chop spinach medium
                       Add the rice and lentils with the turmeric.
                       Return chicken pieces to the pot.
                       Add two cups of water and the spinach.
                       Let it simmer for 4 minutes.

                       DELICIOZO   
                 
CHEERS FOR NOW