Parsley to me was formerly known as a herb used to garnish meals, making them look more appealing, but often the only part of a meal left on the plate. I have always enjoyed the taste of it in small amounts but never really been too fussed about going out of my way to eat it.
Over time, and after developing severe anaemia, I discovered a few of it's benefits such as Iron which I desperately needed to get more of into my diet. Recently I have found out some incredibly amazing health benefits that can be gained from eating parsley and I was so astonished at how impressive this fuzzy little green plant is, that I wanted to share it with you all!
Parsley is super rich in Vitamins A and C, in fact just two tablespoons of parsley contain around 12% of the RDA (Recommended Daily Intake) of vitamin A and 16% of the RDA of vitamin C. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen, the main structural protein found in connective tissue. This essential nutrient will not only accelerate the body's ability to repair wounds, but also maintain healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin A fortifies the entry points into the human body, such as mucous
membranes, the lining of the eyes, and respiratory, urinary and intestinal tracts. Moreover, lymphocytes, or white blood cells, rely on vitamin A to fight infection in the body.
Parsley contains an antioxidant arsenal that includes luteolin, a flavoniod that searches out an eradicates free radicals in the body that cause oxidative stress to cells, also promotes carbohydrate metabolism and serves the body as an anti-inflammatory.
Two tablespoons of parsley have a whopping 153% of the RDA of vitamin K, which is necessary for the synthesis of osteocalcin, a protein that strengthens the composition of our bones. Vitamin K also prevents calcium build-up in our tissue that can lead to atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Homocysteine, an amino acid that occurs in the body, threatens the body's blood vessels when its levels become too high. Folate (vitamin B9) found in parsley helps convert homocysteine into harmless molecules, helping ward off cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis.
Parsley is Anti-Cancer. Studies show that myristicin, a compound found in the essential oil of parsley, not only inhibits tumor formation (especially in the lungs), but also activates the enzyme glutathione-S-transferase, which helps the molecule glutathione attach to, and fight against, oxidized molecules. Myristicin can also neutralize carcinogens like benzopyrene in cigarette smoke that can pass through the body, consequently fighting against cancer especially that of the colon and prostate.
So there you have 5 GREAT reasons to add or increase your consumption of Parsley!
Parsley can easily be added to a stir-fry, a juice or a smoothie, soups or salads, and the more you eat it the more you will crave and enjoy it! :-)
Xx Samara
Thursday 27 September 2012
Sunday 16 September 2012
KNOW YOUR MILK: 4 Great Foods That Contain More Calcium Than Milk
Many people believe that Cow's Milk is a good source of calcium and therefore that it is good for you. However this is not the case.
Cow's milk is produced to feed baby cows, just like goat's milk is for baby goats, cats milk is for kittens, etc, Human breast milk is for baby humans....
QUICK FACTS:
- Not even grown cows will drink cow's milk, as it is not properly digestible to them.
- The hormones is cow's milk are not tolerable to the human body and can cause numerous health problems, hormonal imbalances, and auto-immune attacks on the body which leads to intolerance's, food allergies and a weakened immune system.
- Animal fat in milk is particularly damaging to the arteries which can lead to many severe health problems later in life.
- Pasteurised milk is particularly harmful as it is very hard to digest due to the food enzymes are destroyed through the heating process.
- Although milk is high in calcium, not much of its calcium is actually obtainable by the human body.
- Cow's milk and dairy products in general are a leading cause of high cholesterol
4 GREAT SOURCES OF CALCIUM
That are much higher than milk.
1) Almonds - 1 cup of almonds contains around 378mg of calcium, whereas 1 cup of whole milk contains around 276mg of calcium. The added health benefits of Almonds are; a leading source of vitamin E, high in fibre, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, protein and iron. They also contain phytochemicals (plant chemical compounds that are shown to support great prevention and protection from chronic illnesses such as heart disease and stoke. PLUS eating almonds has the same effect as the cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins (but in a natural, lasting way).
2) Rhubarb - Drained and cooked, contains around 348mg of calcium. Rhubarb is also high in fibre, making it great for the digestive system, high in vitamin C and promotes a healthy immune system.
3) Sesame Seeds - Contain approximately 1404mg of calcium per cup, which makes them a great way to get extra calcium into your diet as they are perfect for sprinkling over salads, or adding to a stir-fry or soup. They are also a great source of antioxidants, vitamin and minerals, fibre, and cancer-preventing properties, and have been used since ancient times as a traditional medicine.
4) Green Collards - such as spinach, kale, leafy green vegetables, and broccoli - are all some of the absolute best sources of calcium, as well as being high in iron and vitamin C - a perfect combination for absorption, full of soluble fibre, and multiple other nutrients with potent anti-cancer properties. They are anti-viral and support a healthy, strong immune system. Green, leafy vegetables ideally should take up the most part of your daily food intake for optimum health. :-)
Xx Samara
Cow's milk is produced to feed baby cows, just like goat's milk is for baby goats, cats milk is for kittens, etc, Human breast milk is for baby humans....
QUICK FACTS:
- Not even grown cows will drink cow's milk, as it is not properly digestible to them.
- The hormones is cow's milk are not tolerable to the human body and can cause numerous health problems, hormonal imbalances, and auto-immune attacks on the body which leads to intolerance's, food allergies and a weakened immune system.
- Animal fat in milk is particularly damaging to the arteries which can lead to many severe health problems later in life.
- Pasteurised milk is particularly harmful as it is very hard to digest due to the food enzymes are destroyed through the heating process.
- Although milk is high in calcium, not much of its calcium is actually obtainable by the human body.
- Cow's milk and dairy products in general are a leading cause of high cholesterol
4 GREAT SOURCES OF CALCIUM
That are much higher than milk.
1) Almonds - 1 cup of almonds contains around 378mg of calcium, whereas 1 cup of whole milk contains around 276mg of calcium. The added health benefits of Almonds are; a leading source of vitamin E, high in fibre, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, protein and iron. They also contain phytochemicals (plant chemical compounds that are shown to support great prevention and protection from chronic illnesses such as heart disease and stoke. PLUS eating almonds has the same effect as the cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins (but in a natural, lasting way).
2) Rhubarb - Drained and cooked, contains around 348mg of calcium. Rhubarb is also high in fibre, making it great for the digestive system, high in vitamin C and promotes a healthy immune system.
3) Sesame Seeds - Contain approximately 1404mg of calcium per cup, which makes them a great way to get extra calcium into your diet as they are perfect for sprinkling over salads, or adding to a stir-fry or soup. They are also a great source of antioxidants, vitamin and minerals, fibre, and cancer-preventing properties, and have been used since ancient times as a traditional medicine.
4) Green Collards - such as spinach, kale, leafy green vegetables, and broccoli - are all some of the absolute best sources of calcium, as well as being high in iron and vitamin C - a perfect combination for absorption, full of soluble fibre, and multiple other nutrients with potent anti-cancer properties. They are anti-viral and support a healthy, strong immune system. Green, leafy vegetables ideally should take up the most part of your daily food intake for optimum health. :-)
Xx Samara
Beating the Sweet Cravings
Once you have developed a love for sweets or sugary things, it can be a hard habit to break.
For me the transition was easy because when I crave something 'sugary' I know that my body needs energy so I have some sweet fruit instead. This leaves me feeling good, rather than feeling bad about myself for eating crap. Plus a massive bonus is skipping the sugar crash at the end of a sugar treat, as fruit's natural sugars release more flowing and naturally.
However, it is inevitable that you are going to want a treat every now and then, and this is OK! You deserve one!
I like to invent treats that I can reward my kiddies with, without punishing their bodies.
This is a little something that I came up with a few weeks ago, and it took me literally 5 minutes to make. I baked them for a further 10 minutes to make them golden brown. So here you have a treat prepared in around 15 minutes and you can make as many as you want! They can be stored in containers and kept in the fridge for about 3 days.
Ingredients -
- Sliced almonds (without skin)
- Almond meal
- Organic coconut cream (you can substitute the coconut cream with water, coconut water, almond milk or rice milk)
- Shredded coconut
- Natural organic maple syrup (you can substitute this with natural honey)
Method -
- Combine Almond meal with a little coconut cream (or preferred option) and the maple syrup (or honey) until you achieve a dough-like consistency.
- Mix shredded coconut and sliced almonds through the "dough" and roll into tiny balls
- I rolled the balls through a small amount of honey and then through coconut to achieve the above picture.
- Bake on high for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
TIP- I used mini cupcake papers and a mini cupcake tray to hold into place.
This is a treat that the whole family can enjoy and it is actually good for your body!
Variations -
Try mixing it up buy using different ingredients such as chopped walnuts or pecans, natural cocoa bean powder, or natural vanilla bean powder (NOT vanilla bean sugar).
Stay tuned for "Ice Cream" recipes that go great with this!
Quick health facts about this snack:
1) 1 cup of almonds contains much more calcium than 1 cup of cows milk and is much better for your health.
2) REAL maple syrup contains manganese and zinc which are natural antioxidants that are good for your immune system, the male reproductive system and help to prevent damage to the heart. It is also 3x sweeter than cane sugar, making it a great sweetener.
3) Coconut is very rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals - making it highly nutritious! It is great for cleansing the body, both inside and out!
Xx Samara
For me the transition was easy because when I crave something 'sugary' I know that my body needs energy so I have some sweet fruit instead. This leaves me feeling good, rather than feeling bad about myself for eating crap. Plus a massive bonus is skipping the sugar crash at the end of a sugar treat, as fruit's natural sugars release more flowing and naturally.
However, it is inevitable that you are going to want a treat every now and then, and this is OK! You deserve one!
I like to invent treats that I can reward my kiddies with, without punishing their bodies.
This is a little something that I came up with a few weeks ago, and it took me literally 5 minutes to make. I baked them for a further 10 minutes to make them golden brown. So here you have a treat prepared in around 15 minutes and you can make as many as you want! They can be stored in containers and kept in the fridge for about 3 days.
Ingredients -
- Sliced almonds (without skin)
- Almond meal
- Organic coconut cream (you can substitute the coconut cream with water, coconut water, almond milk or rice milk)
- Shredded coconut
- Natural organic maple syrup (you can substitute this with natural honey)
Method -
- Combine Almond meal with a little coconut cream (or preferred option) and the maple syrup (or honey) until you achieve a dough-like consistency.
- Mix shredded coconut and sliced almonds through the "dough" and roll into tiny balls
- I rolled the balls through a small amount of honey and then through coconut to achieve the above picture.
- Bake on high for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
TIP- I used mini cupcake papers and a mini cupcake tray to hold into place.
This is a treat that the whole family can enjoy and it is actually good for your body!
Variations -
Try mixing it up buy using different ingredients such as chopped walnuts or pecans, natural cocoa bean powder, or natural vanilla bean powder (NOT vanilla bean sugar).
Stay tuned for "Ice Cream" recipes that go great with this!
Quick health facts about this snack:
1) 1 cup of almonds contains much more calcium than 1 cup of cows milk and is much better for your health.
2) REAL maple syrup contains manganese and zinc which are natural antioxidants that are good for your immune system, the male reproductive system and help to prevent damage to the heart. It is also 3x sweeter than cane sugar, making it a great sweetener.
3) Coconut is very rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals - making it highly nutritious! It is great for cleansing the body, both inside and out!
Xx Samara
STUFFED ZUCCHINI RECIPE!
 |
| STUFFED ZUCCHINIS with a baked cauliflower mash, topped with tomato relish, accompanied with fresh salad. |
ZUCCHINIS
- Cut one large zucchini in half, and hollow out with a blunt knife or spoon.
- Combine chopped tomato, mushroom, green capsicum, red onion and crushed garlic with the remaining chopped zucchini filling.
...
- Lightly saute in extra virgin olive oil
- Place filling into zucchinis and sprinkle the tops with almond meal.
- Bake in oven at 180 degrees for 15-25 minutes until cooked and slightly golden.
BAKED CAULIFLOWER MASH
- Steam cauliflower until cooked and mash with a little sea salt and almond or rice milk.
- Brush with olive oil and bake for a few minutes until outside is crisp, golden brown.
TOMATO RELISH
In a fry pan, combine diced tomato, green and red capsicum, pine nuts and saute in olive oil.
Add sea salt and pepper to taste.
TIP
- I make this often as a substitute for tomato sauce, and the ingredients vary - sometimes I add a fresh herb that I have available, such as coriander, thyme, basil, parsley, garlic, or onion.
SIDE SALAD
- Shredded Iceberg lettuce
- Baby spinach leaves
- Cubes of tomato
- Green capsicum sticks
- Cucumber
- Avocado
- Drizzle with lime or olive oil
- Top with fresh field mushrooms
YUM!
- Place filling into zucchinis and sprinkle the tops with almond meal.
- Bake in oven at 180 degrees for 15-25 minutes until cooked and slightly golden.
BAKED CAULIFLOWER MASH
- Steam cauliflower until cooked and mash with a little sea salt and almond or rice milk.
- Brush with olive oil and bake for a few minutes until outside is crisp, golden brown.
TOMATO RELISH
In a fry pan, combine diced tomato, green and red capsicum, pine nuts and saute in olive oil.
Add sea salt and pepper to taste.
TIP
- I make this often as a substitute for tomato sauce, and the ingredients vary - sometimes I add a fresh herb that I have available, such as coriander, thyme, basil, parsley, garlic, or onion.
SIDE SALAD
- Shredded Iceberg lettuce
- Baby spinach leaves
- Cubes of tomato
- Green capsicum sticks
- Cucumber
- Avocado
- Drizzle with lime or olive oil
- Top with fresh field mushrooms
YUM!
Xx Samara
Saturday 15 September 2012
HEALTHY NACHOS RECIPE!
Everybody wants to be able to enjoy comfort food every now and then, so I like to invent ways for my family and I to be able to do this without exposing ourselves to harmful ingredients.
This recipe was a real hit at my house!
NACHOS!
CHIPS
- Organic crisp 'chips' made from brown rice flour, poppy seeds, water and sea salt.
- ground turmeric to sprinkle on chips
METHOD
- Crisp chips under grill or in oven for 5-15 minutes, until warm and crisp.
- Place all salsa ingredients in a blender except the kidney beans, blend until there is a smooth salsa like consistency.
- In a pan, combine the cooked kidney beans with the salsa mixture and stir until heated to your desired preference.
TIP
- Most supermarkets have chips or crackers readily available that are wheat, gluten, dairy, egg and sugar free if you don't have time to make your own. ORGRAN is a great Australian brand that sells many products like this.
ORGRAN also have spiral pasta available that consists of only 3 ingredients - Brown rice flour 99% and Spinach and Beetroot 1%. I highly recommend it as a healthy alternative to pasta, this way you never have to go back to wheat products but can still enjoy some comfort food every now and then, because let's face it - everyone loves pasta!
CHIPS
- Organic crisp 'chips' made from brown rice flour, poppy seeds, water and sea salt.
- ground turmeric to sprinkle on chips
SALSA
- Kidney beans
- Coriander
- Parsley
- Garlic
- Red Onion
- Tomatoes
- Red Capsicum
- Sea Salt
- Ground Black Pepper
- Kidney beans
- Coriander
- Parsley
- Garlic
- Red Onion
- Tomatoes
- Red Capsicum
- Sea Salt
- Ground Black Pepper
optional, garnish with a little fresh parsley
METHOD
- Crisp chips under grill or in oven for 5-15 minutes, until warm and crisp.
- Place all salsa ingredients in a blender except the kidney beans, blend until there is a smooth salsa like consistency.
- In a pan, combine the cooked kidney beans with the salsa mixture and stir until heated to your desired preference.
TIP
- Most supermarkets have chips or crackers readily available that are wheat, gluten, dairy, egg and sugar free if you don't have time to make your own. ORGRAN is a great Australian brand that sells many products like this.
ORGRAN also have spiral pasta available that consists of only 3 ingredients - Brown rice flour 99% and Spinach and Beetroot 1%. I highly recommend it as a healthy alternative to pasta, this way you never have to go back to wheat products but can still enjoy some comfort food every now and then, because let's face it - everyone loves pasta!
Xx Samara
If Wheat is Bad, Why is it Promoted in the Food Industry?
If wheat is really bad for you, then
why is it in most of what we would buy in a supermarket?
The fact that wheat does so much more harm than good to the body could arise many questions as to why the food leaders and the government would produce and dispute it into our communities for a “food source”.
1. Wheat is a multi-billion dollar industry
2. It creates jobs
3. It accumulates money into the economy
4. It is full of opioid peptides which makes it highly addictive, increases consumption
5. And can be modified and packed with artificial ingredients to make it taste really good
6. And sceptics may not so much agree with this one but – Honestly it also creates so many little 'insignificant' health problems (as well as significant ones) that it also helps the medical industry, such as doctors, Medicare and pharmacies to thrive.
I know it doesn't sound like a fair thing to say but most people would agree that the government can be really poor at making good decisions for us when money is involved.
There is so much evidence out there to be obtained, but yet most people are completely unaware about the ways they are putting themselves at risk and potentially over time, letting themselves deteriorate by consuming wheat.
There is so much media, advertisement and propaganda to promote the sales of wheat that it can cause many people to struggle in making the right decisions when it comes to purchasing and eating food, but try cutting it out of your diet, even for just a few weeks, and notice the amazing differences in yourself, body and mind.
It's common knowledge that the supermarket is full of items that are bad for your health. So next time you visit, try sticking to the fresh food isles and enjoy how much better you feel!
I promise to get
some creative recipes up in the meantime. :-)
Xx Samara
The fact that wheat does so much more harm than good to the body could arise many questions as to why the food leaders and the government would produce and dispute it into our communities for a “food source”.
Here are a few
reasons:
1. Wheat is a multi-billion dollar industry
2. It creates jobs
3. It accumulates money into the economy
4. It is full of opioid peptides which makes it highly addictive, increases consumption
5. And can be modified and packed with artificial ingredients to make it taste really good
6. And sceptics may not so much agree with this one but – Honestly it also creates so many little 'insignificant' health problems (as well as significant ones) that it also helps the medical industry, such as doctors, Medicare and pharmacies to thrive.
I know it doesn't sound like a fair thing to say but most people would agree that the government can be really poor at making good decisions for us when money is involved.
There is so much evidence out there to be obtained, but yet most people are completely unaware about the ways they are putting themselves at risk and potentially over time, letting themselves deteriorate by consuming wheat.
There is so much media, advertisement and propaganda to promote the sales of wheat that it can cause many people to struggle in making the right decisions when it comes to purchasing and eating food, but try cutting it out of your diet, even for just a few weeks, and notice the amazing differences in yourself, body and mind.
It's common knowledge that the supermarket is full of items that are bad for your health. So next time you visit, try sticking to the fresh food isles and enjoy how much better you feel!
I promise to get
some creative recipes up in the meantime. :-)Xx Samara
Friday 14 September 2012
The Truth About GMOs
I've stumble across this useful resource and I would like to share it with you all. This book is a real eye-opener!
"SHEDDING LIGHT ON GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOOD"
"WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE FOOD YOU ARE EATING
AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF"
By Beth H. Harrison, PhD
GMO Quick Facts:
Source - http://www.thetruthaboutgmos.com/
Protect yourself and choose GMO and MSG free products.
Xx Samara
"SHEDDING LIGHT ON GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOOD"
"WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE FOOD YOU ARE EATING
AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF"
By Beth H. Harrison, PhD
GMO Quick Facts:
- No crops on the market today are genetically engineered to increase crop yield, resist drought, or reduce chemical fertiliser use. They haven't helped third world countries, they aren't feeding the world, and they haven't lowered food prices at all.
- GE food has never been proven safe for human consumption; scientists have no idea what it will do to people who eat it. There is a significant body of scientific evidence that has proven serious human health risks associated with it.
- As far as U.S. regulatory agencies are concerned, if a biotech company says its products are safe, that is enough for approval.
- Genetically engineered food is not labeled in the United States. At the same time, more than 40 countries have either banned GE food outright or have laws requiring the labeling of it—giving citizens in those countries the freedom to choose not to eat it.
Source - http://www.thetruthaboutgmos.com/
Protect yourself and choose GMO and MSG free products.
Xx Samara
Picture source: JoeMohrToons.com
Why Wheat and Gluten are Bad for Your Health
Most people don't know that all grains, including grains that don't contain
gluten - like oats and corn, are actually bad for you because they contain
stomach irritating lectins and mineral binding phytates. Gluten
containing grains and wheat not only cause the same problems as other
grains, but their impacts are much worse.
Most people are only aware that wheat is harmful to those who suffer from Celiac Disease, which is an auto-immune disease caused by a reaction of the immune system against gliadin (a protein in gluten), but it is evidential that gluten can affect everyone, only that Celiac's react more severely.
The three biggest concerns about wheat are;
1) Gluten is a compound that composes around 80% of the protein found in wheat, rye and barley
2) Wheat Germ Agglutinin (WGA) is a lectin found in wheat that can be particularly damaging.
3) Opioid peptides are psychoactive chemicals and those is wheat are similar to those found in other well known psychoactive drugs such as morphine, heroine or opium. In fact, it's these same opioid peptides found in these drugs and wheat that make them so addictive. So when you are "craving" that piece of cake or toast, or bowl of pasta your brain is actually having withdrawals from these harmful chemicals.
Gluten
- Causes abdominal inflammation in at least 80 percent of the population
- A further 30 percent pf the population develop antibodies against gluten proteins in the stomach
- Almost the whole population has the genetic potential to develop antibodies against gluten.
- Antibodies reacting is the stomach is a prevention to serious damage elsewhere in the body - when it doesn't react right away, gluten proteins can enter the bloodstream more easily and trigger immune reactions in other parts of the body, such as the thyroids or brain.
- Gliadin is the main protein in gluten to cause problems in the body, and its structure can be similar to other proteins found in the tissues of organs such as the thyroid or the pancreas. Antibodies against gliadin can eventually end up attacking those organs and ultimately cause auto-immune disorders such as hypothyroidism or type 1 diabetes.
- The inflammation in the stomach from gluten causes intestinal cells to die prematurely and causes oxidation on those cells. Basically, this creates a leaky intestine which can allow bacterial proteins and other toxic compounds to get into the bloodstream, which can also lead to auto-immune attacks on the body.
- When the stomach secretions are leaky it also means that food is not digested properly and nutrients can not be absorbed fully, which can lead to nutrition deficiencies.
- Antibodies against gluten proteins have also been shown to attack heart tissues, and cause heart disease.
- Gluten has been strongly associated with cancer. Especially those who suffer from Celiac Disease have more potentially to develop cancers of the stomach and bowel. However, the risk is there for all people who eat wheat, not just Celiac's sufferers.
WGA - Wheat Germ Agglutinin
- WGA, like gluten, irritates the intestines and causes premature cell death, leading to the same symptoms as mentions above.
- WGA disrupts the mucus membrane in the stomach, which can lead to a bacterial overgrowth and lead to a number of digestive issues such as ulcers or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- The lectins (sugar binding proteins) can often end up circulating in the body and the brain, where it can cause leptin resistance (leptin is a protein hormone that plays a key role in regulating energy intake and expenditure, including appetite and metabolism), and can also cause similar effects to insulin. This is two leading promoter of obesity as both leptin and insulin are the two most important hormones used to properly regulate and maintain a normal weight and energy balance.
- WGA also causes vitamin D stores to deplete abnormally fast and can therefore lead to vitamin D deficiency and its accompanying issues such as weakening of the bones, a weak immune system and venerability to infectious diseases and bacterial attacks.
Opioid Peptides
- Are found in wheat, and are known to cause addictions which leads to withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, shakes, weakness, vomiting, depressed feelings, etc.
- They have also been associated with Autism and Schizophrenia. Both Autism and Schizophrenia sufferers often see their symptoms reduce tremendously when they remove wheat from their diet.
- There has been many studies conducted, evidential reports and, in fact tests available to show the neurological defects that can come about from being exposed to gluten peptides. Typically, if someone had an intolerance to gluten, ranging from mild to severe, one of the body's defence mechanisms is to produce antibodies against the proteins which it reacting with (as mentioned above), causing an inability to digest wheat, rye and barely. The undigested peptides can be detected in a urinary sample, which would then contain urinary peptides, or incompletely broken down pieces of protein. The undigested peptides from gluten can then react with opiate receptors in the brain, thus mimicking the effects of opiate drugs such as heroine and morphine. These compounds, called neuropeptides have been shown to react with areas of the brain's temporal lobes, which are involved in speech and auditory integration. Neuropeptides also decrease the ability to feel pain, and effect cognitive function.
- Oipioid peptides are associated with many gastrointestinal, neurological, and neuro-developmental disorders.
Summary - Even though most people can indulge in these foods without seeing any negative consequences, the damage may be still developing and up until any given day you may not suffer symptoms but the likelihood of illness developing later in life grows with the consumption of wheat.
When it comes to things that humans are not adapted to eat and digest, wheat and gluten are somewhere around the top of the list.
In my opinion and in the opinion of many others who strive for optimum health, wheat should be completely avoided.
Xx Samara
Most people are only aware that wheat is harmful to those who suffer from Celiac Disease, which is an auto-immune disease caused by a reaction of the immune system against gliadin (a protein in gluten), but it is evidential that gluten can affect everyone, only that Celiac's react more severely.
The three biggest concerns about wheat are;
1) Gluten is a compound that composes around 80% of the protein found in wheat, rye and barley
2) Wheat Germ Agglutinin (WGA) is a lectin found in wheat that can be particularly damaging.
3) Opioid peptides are psychoactive chemicals and those is wheat are similar to those found in other well known psychoactive drugs such as morphine, heroine or opium. In fact, it's these same opioid peptides found in these drugs and wheat that make them so addictive. So when you are "craving" that piece of cake or toast, or bowl of pasta your brain is actually having withdrawals from these harmful chemicals.
Gluten
- Causes abdominal inflammation in at least 80 percent of the population
- A further 30 percent pf the population develop antibodies against gluten proteins in the stomach
- Almost the whole population has the genetic potential to develop antibodies against gluten.
- Antibodies reacting is the stomach is a prevention to serious damage elsewhere in the body - when it doesn't react right away, gluten proteins can enter the bloodstream more easily and trigger immune reactions in other parts of the body, such as the thyroids or brain.
- Gliadin is the main protein in gluten to cause problems in the body, and its structure can be similar to other proteins found in the tissues of organs such as the thyroid or the pancreas. Antibodies against gliadin can eventually end up attacking those organs and ultimately cause auto-immune disorders such as hypothyroidism or type 1 diabetes.
- The inflammation in the stomach from gluten causes intestinal cells to die prematurely and causes oxidation on those cells. Basically, this creates a leaky intestine which can allow bacterial proteins and other toxic compounds to get into the bloodstream, which can also lead to auto-immune attacks on the body.
- When the stomach secretions are leaky it also means that food is not digested properly and nutrients can not be absorbed fully, which can lead to nutrition deficiencies.
- Antibodies against gluten proteins have also been shown to attack heart tissues, and cause heart disease.
- Gluten has been strongly associated with cancer. Especially those who suffer from Celiac Disease have more potentially to develop cancers of the stomach and bowel. However, the risk is there for all people who eat wheat, not just Celiac's sufferers.
WGA - Wheat Germ Agglutinin
- WGA, like gluten, irritates the intestines and causes premature cell death, leading to the same symptoms as mentions above.
- WGA disrupts the mucus membrane in the stomach, which can lead to a bacterial overgrowth and lead to a number of digestive issues such as ulcers or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- The lectins (sugar binding proteins) can often end up circulating in the body and the brain, where it can cause leptin resistance (leptin is a protein hormone that plays a key role in regulating energy intake and expenditure, including appetite and metabolism), and can also cause similar effects to insulin. This is two leading promoter of obesity as both leptin and insulin are the two most important hormones used to properly regulate and maintain a normal weight and energy balance.
- WGA also causes vitamin D stores to deplete abnormally fast and can therefore lead to vitamin D deficiency and its accompanying issues such as weakening of the bones, a weak immune system and venerability to infectious diseases and bacterial attacks.
Opioid Peptides
- Are found in wheat, and are known to cause addictions which leads to withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, shakes, weakness, vomiting, depressed feelings, etc.
- They have also been associated with Autism and Schizophrenia. Both Autism and Schizophrenia sufferers often see their symptoms reduce tremendously when they remove wheat from their diet.
- There has been many studies conducted, evidential reports and, in fact tests available to show the neurological defects that can come about from being exposed to gluten peptides. Typically, if someone had an intolerance to gluten, ranging from mild to severe, one of the body's defence mechanisms is to produce antibodies against the proteins which it reacting with (as mentioned above), causing an inability to digest wheat, rye and barely. The undigested peptides can be detected in a urinary sample, which would then contain urinary peptides, or incompletely broken down pieces of protein. The undigested peptides from gluten can then react with opiate receptors in the brain, thus mimicking the effects of opiate drugs such as heroine and morphine. These compounds, called neuropeptides have been shown to react with areas of the brain's temporal lobes, which are involved in speech and auditory integration. Neuropeptides also decrease the ability to feel pain, and effect cognitive function.
- Oipioid peptides are associated with many gastrointestinal, neurological, and neuro-developmental disorders.
Summary - Even though most people can indulge in these foods without seeing any negative consequences, the damage may be still developing and up until any given day you may not suffer symptoms but the likelihood of illness developing later in life grows with the consumption of wheat.
When it comes to things that humans are not adapted to eat and digest, wheat and gluten are somewhere around the top of the list.
In my opinion and in the opinion of many others who strive for optimum health, wheat should be completely avoided.
Xx Samara
It's Easy Being Green!
....I know Kermit the Frog always says that it's not easy to be green... But really it is!
Now that green and leafy vegetables make up 50-70% of my daily intake of goodness (and by goodness I mean food) I feel vibrant and energetic throughout my whole day! In fact, my days are a whole lot easier and far more enjoyable to get through.
There is no better way then to start your day with greens! They will give you plenty of nutrients and energy to go and go and GO! Plus every single calorie is full of goodness!
Typically when I first wake up I drink a litre of water to rehydrate from my sleep, I do some Yoga, and then I make a fresh green juice for breakfast. So I thought it would be nice to share this juice recipe that I like to make in the morning to kick-start my day:
GREEN JUICE ..Mmmm
4 Kale Leaves
2 Lemons
4 Green Apples
Ginger
A handful of fresh Cilantro (Corriander)
Half a handful of parsley
2 Celery sticks
1 small Cucumber
*And optional is 1 Orange to sweeten the taste.
This makes around 2 Litres in my juicer, so you can half the ingredients if you wish to make less quantity.
It's surprising how quickly you will start to enjoy the flavours and actually crave them! I have two daughters who are just under 2 years and 4 years old, and they both wake up in the morning and ask me to make them this juice, they guzzle it down and want more!
Enjoy! :-)
Xx Samara
Now that green and leafy vegetables make up 50-70% of my daily intake of goodness (and by goodness I mean food) I feel vibrant and energetic throughout my whole day! In fact, my days are a whole lot easier and far more enjoyable to get through.
There is no better way then to start your day with greens! They will give you plenty of nutrients and energy to go and go and GO! Plus every single calorie is full of goodness!
Typically when I first wake up I drink a litre of water to rehydrate from my sleep, I do some Yoga, and then I make a fresh green juice for breakfast. So I thought it would be nice to share this juice recipe that I like to make in the morning to kick-start my day:
GREEN JUICE ..Mmmm
4 Kale Leaves
2 Lemons
4 Green Apples
Ginger
A handful of fresh Cilantro (Corriander)
Half a handful of parsley
2 Celery sticks
1 small Cucumber
*And optional is 1 Orange to sweeten the taste.
This makes around 2 Litres in my juicer, so you can half the ingredients if you wish to make less quantity.
It's surprising how quickly you will start to enjoy the flavours and actually crave them! I have two daughters who are just under 2 years and 4 years old, and they both wake up in the morning and ask me to make them this juice, they guzzle it down and want more!
Enjoy! :-)
Thursday 13 September 2012
Why I Started this Blog
Hello to everyone who has found this blog, and thank you!
I hope for you to find information that helps you think twice, and opens your mind to a new, positive understanding of food and life.
The purpose of my blog is to give inspiration and advice to people of all ages, sizes, personalities, and genders. I hope to deliver new ideas and ways of thinking in fun, educational, creative, truthful, and non-judgemental ways.
I am a self-taught health, nutrition, and life lover and explorer. I believe in balancing your physical and mental state to know yourself on a higher and more fulfilling level, and therefore getting the highest potential of enjoyment and purpose out of life.
Through discovering the journey to optimum health, building a loving relationship between yourself and food, and learning to open the mind to new ideas and new challenges, the opportunities are endless.
I encourage people to take control of their own lives and don't settle for less then the best. Your future is in your hands and you can decide where yours will take you!
Basically I support real food, and I believe that a healthy balanced diet is essential to enjoy life, and free your body and mind from pain and illnesses, both physical and mental. A healthy balanced diet to me consists of fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs and spice, nuts, and legumes and plenty of water! It is best when our food source is plant-based and eaten raw for at least 70-80% of meals for optimum health. Keep following my blog posts to find out why!
Although I try to eat as much of my food raw as I can, I do also enjoy cooking so I will share recipes that are both raw and cooked, all which are healthy - wheat free, gluten free, egg free, dairy free, meat free, free from animal derivatives, vegan, and most of all, delicious!!!
I will also share information to support reasons and understanding as to why these types of 'foods' such as wheat, gluten, dairy, meat, etc, cause damage to the human body.
Lastly, the main purpose of this blog is to give educated information free of charge, because I believe that everyone deserves a bright and healthy future. Without the knowledge, people keep doing what they have always done. It can be hard to let go of ideas about health and food that are enforced into us from a very early age, especially when they come from people that want the best for us - our parents, grandparents, teachers, family and friends. But just remember that much of their ideas, although always taught with good intention, comes from media and propaganda. It is up to us to educate ourselves and our children so that we can enjoy life as it should be!
You can start to reverse any health problems in your body, and it can happen fast! I have noticed that drugs and medications usually always reduce symptoms from illnesses and disorders, but they rarely erase them, and more then often they come with a range of symptoms of their own. But you would be surprised at how much and how quickly eating the right foods can not only change your whole outlook on how you think and feel, but can reduce illnesses and disorders in the body and mind effectively, long-term and short-term, for efficient healing that lasts.
I've suffered anaemia that I could not shake, no matter how much iron supplements or red meat I guzzled down, it lead to an auto-immune disorder 'pernicious' anaemia. With my stomach at its most sensitive I also developed a gluten intolerance that lead to a lactose intolerance and an auto-immune disease "Celiac's disease" - then these lead to other complications that I suffered such as digestive problems, low blood count, adrenal fatigue, chronic fatigue, low blood pressure, dizziness, vertigo, nausea, lethargy, lack of motivation, anxiety, and the list could go on. I was determined to find a natural way to cure myself from these burdens and after trial and era, recently I discovered the answer. So simply and surely I have been able to turn my life around with just food!! Now I want to share it!
So, if you want positive change in your life, are open to learning and trying new things, or just want a little bit of extra guidance, inspiration or motivation on your journey to optimum health, then this is the place for you! :-)
Xx Samara
DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical physician and I cannot offer medical advice online. I recommend always consulting your doctor, physician or naturopath before trying a new diet, cleanse or detox program.
I hope for you to find information that helps you think twice, and opens your mind to a new, positive understanding of food and life.
The purpose of my blog is to give inspiration and advice to people of all ages, sizes, personalities, and genders. I hope to deliver new ideas and ways of thinking in fun, educational, creative, truthful, and non-judgemental ways.
I am a self-taught health, nutrition, and life lover and explorer. I believe in balancing your physical and mental state to know yourself on a higher and more fulfilling level, and therefore getting the highest potential of enjoyment and purpose out of life.
Through discovering the journey to optimum health, building a loving relationship between yourself and food, and learning to open the mind to new ideas and new challenges, the opportunities are endless.
I encourage people to take control of their own lives and don't settle for less then the best. Your future is in your hands and you can decide where yours will take you!
Basically I support real food, and I believe that a healthy balanced diet is essential to enjoy life, and free your body and mind from pain and illnesses, both physical and mental. A healthy balanced diet to me consists of fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs and spice, nuts, and legumes and plenty of water! It is best when our food source is plant-based and eaten raw for at least 70-80% of meals for optimum health. Keep following my blog posts to find out why!
Although I try to eat as much of my food raw as I can, I do also enjoy cooking so I will share recipes that are both raw and cooked, all which are healthy - wheat free, gluten free, egg free, dairy free, meat free, free from animal derivatives, vegan, and most of all, delicious!!!
I will also share information to support reasons and understanding as to why these types of 'foods' such as wheat, gluten, dairy, meat, etc, cause damage to the human body.
Lastly, the main purpose of this blog is to give educated information free of charge, because I believe that everyone deserves a bright and healthy future. Without the knowledge, people keep doing what they have always done. It can be hard to let go of ideas about health and food that are enforced into us from a very early age, especially when they come from people that want the best for us - our parents, grandparents, teachers, family and friends. But just remember that much of their ideas, although always taught with good intention, comes from media and propaganda. It is up to us to educate ourselves and our children so that we can enjoy life as it should be!
You can start to reverse any health problems in your body, and it can happen fast! I have noticed that drugs and medications usually always reduce symptoms from illnesses and disorders, but they rarely erase them, and more then often they come with a range of symptoms of their own. But you would be surprised at how much and how quickly eating the right foods can not only change your whole outlook on how you think and feel, but can reduce illnesses and disorders in the body and mind effectively, long-term and short-term, for efficient healing that lasts.
I've suffered anaemia that I could not shake, no matter how much iron supplements or red meat I guzzled down, it lead to an auto-immune disorder 'pernicious' anaemia. With my stomach at its most sensitive I also developed a gluten intolerance that lead to a lactose intolerance and an auto-immune disease "Celiac's disease" - then these lead to other complications that I suffered such as digestive problems, low blood count, adrenal fatigue, chronic fatigue, low blood pressure, dizziness, vertigo, nausea, lethargy, lack of motivation, anxiety, and the list could go on. I was determined to find a natural way to cure myself from these burdens and after trial and era, recently I discovered the answer. So simply and surely I have been able to turn my life around with just food!! Now I want to share it!
So, if you want positive change in your life, are open to learning and trying new things, or just want a little bit of extra guidance, inspiration or motivation on your journey to optimum health, then this is the place for you! :-)
Xx Samara
DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical physician and I cannot offer medical advice online. I recommend always consulting your doctor, physician or naturopath before trying a new diet, cleanse or detox program.
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