The mind body and soul connection isn't as unattainable as one might think. With a little consideration towards what you put in and on your body, you can feel and look better inside and out!
I kicked off New York FashionWEEK last night at Moo Shoes, who hosted a great event with great vegan food and fashion. By 7pm the boutique was packed, it felt like a Christmas party with good cheer! Sorry to be chiche but everyone was so nice and no one was elitest in the slightest. Everyone was just excited to be meeting new people, sharing work, and supporting the designers.
I met the designer and brains behind Love Is Mighty. Every ballet flat and heel is made by hand in India from waste materials like candy wrappers. The workers are paid fair wages and the materials are sourced form a school program in which the children bring them to school, as a sort of educational experience. of course all workers are paid fair wages. The designers hopes are to preserve the tribes' crafts before the people are all sourced for jobs, like construction which is a more stable income in their modern economy.
After my sample of raw thai from Rawlicious I had to the mini raw cupcakes from Sherry's Short Cakes which were so yummy and pretty. I mean who doesn't like gold flakes in their chocolate! Their was also bits of Rescue Chocolate from Brooklyn, one of the vendors on forAnima !! I love Resue Chocolate! The founder and dog lover, is adorable and a portion of the profits go to various foundations.
I also met the designer, Joshua behind Brave GentleMan. He had his loafers, boots, bowties and ties for men on display. All men's shoes are men under fair wages in the European Union. They were so handsome. I wished that I had a brother or boyfriend to buy them for! But alas, I could "pet" them in awe and when you see then shoes up close, you will want to as well. I hope that one day forAnima can work closer with Brave GentleMan and Novocas.
I needed someplace to work other than my balcony in Ditmars Stienway and since I really don't like commuting to Manhattan for work ("only when I have to" is my moto these days), I really needed to find a place to work. I wasn't holding my breath for the type of organic, fair-trade, quiet, coffee shop (that has gluten free or vegan options for my tummy) that I normally check in to. Really anything was fine. But, I was beginning to think that these types of places didn't exist here in Queens. Astoria doesn't have a Brooklyn or Astor Place demographic so any cafe around here is usually a standing/foam cup of coffee/Greek/loto/convenience store, where the donuts... are kept in a warmer... and if its not that, then cafe most likely stands for Greek diner.
But I found one!
And not that I found one that I liked among many cafes. I mean, I only found one cafe type of coffee shop that I was hoping for.
It's called Waltz.Astoria and run by the cutest mother-daughter duo. The walls are covered with decorations (just about every holiday is represented), antiques, books, and nicknacks. No the food is not guaranteed organic and there is usually only one type of muffin for the day and two types of cookies. There is, however, a menu with one or two vegetarian options! But they are small and don't get crowed that a college town coffee shop would, so I think they do alright with the 6 or 7 regulars that work there and the others that stop in for their coffe.
The first day I went in, I decided to get coffee out of sleep depravation. I don't normally have caffeine and don't crave coffee but once in a blue moon I will have some. Out of curiosity I ordered the Greek Iced Coffee. It was unbelievable. No words to describe it. I asked how it was made but couldn't understand the grandmother.
Smile and nod.
The next day I reverted back to tea and ordered the Greek Iced Tea. Even more impressive! AND it had foam!! I don't know how it's made either but everyday when I come to work here I order the same thing because it's just that yummy.
http://www.waltz-astoria.com/ 23-14 Ditmars Boulevard Astoria, NY 11105 (718) 956-8742
I first read about carrageenan when looking through Dr. Andrew Weil's website. There are number of places on his website where you are gently warned of it's side-effects, and I say gently because (as Dr. Weil and many other experts for that matter explain) when tested the agent has proven not to be as safe as they thought it to be when organic dairy and soy producers started using it as a filler and thickener in their products. Dr. Weil has messages at the bottom of articles such as:
Avoid carageenan. This commonfood additive is used
as a thickener and emulsifier in ice cream, yogurt, cottage cheese and
other processed food products, including soy milk.
It has been linked to intestinal ulcerations in animal studies.
(Read labels on soy products carefully.)
Diagram Credit: The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry
Carrageenan is a red seaweed extract found in Atlantic Ocean near Britain, continental Europe, and North America. After being processed can be classified into one of the following to categories. Carrageenan has a low molecular weight, “degraded” carrageenan, or
high molecular weight, or “undegraded” carrageenan. The gum form is not as healthy as it looks and is one of the non-organic ingredients that is lurking in your organic food. "Organic foods" that are produced (or processed still have to be made, packaged shipped, and be "shelf stable" (as companies like to say) just like all other processed foods so "organic" mass-produced foods tend to use a few chemicals additives as well.
Here is an article from The Daily Green about the 38 Non-Organic Ingredients Found in 'USDA Organic' Foods. There is also a paper from the Cornucopia Institute on The Organic Watergate, which discusses, among other things, the bias and inadequacy of previous technical review on carrageenan. The paper is very enlightening for those who want to brush up on the hidden politics of the National Organic Standards Board created by congress and the board's shortcomings. Anyway, I could talk about the USDA and FDA for hours... refocusing,
The Organic Watergate's at the institute open their discussion of Carrageenan by revealing:
"Carrageenan was reviewedin 1995 by three scientists with professional relationships to corporate agribusiness, and only one pointed out the potential human health impacts of degraded carrageenan. This is especially outrageous since the scientific community had known for decades, based on an abundance of peerreviewed published literature, that degraded carrageenan is an inflammatory agent and carcinogenic in lab animals. Degraded carrageenan was listed as a “possible human carcinogen” by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer in 1983 – more than a decade before the 1995 TAP review." They go on to explain that the International Agency for Research on Cancer identifies degraded carrageenan as an inflammatory and carcinogen given the low molecular weight of the agent. And here is why there is a debate among boards because even though "this inflammatory property of degraded carrageenan is not in dispute, especially since the medical research community has used degraded carrageenan for decades to induce acute inflammation in experimental trials conducted with lab animals, to test antiinflammation drugs, Carrageenan processors tend to portray the difference between degraded and undegraded carrageenan as a simple, black-and-white distinction. They claim that food-grade carrageenan sold to food processors falls entirely in the undegraded category."
The Cornucopia Institute also created an amazing timeline of the development of use and debate of carrageenan from 1969-2012. I found the paragraph on events in March 2003 to be interesting:
"March 2003: The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Food reviews
Tobacman’s 2001 article, and reviews recent safety data on carrageenan. The
Committee suggests that the amount of degraded carrageenan in food-grade
carrageenan be kept to levels below 5%, 'in order to ensure that the presence of any
degraded carrageenan is kept to a minimum.' The Commission also reaffirms its earlier
position that it remains inadvisable to use carrageenan as an ingredient in infant formula."
Then in 2005:
"Marinalg, the industry trade group, convenes a working group to determine the levels of
degraded carrageenan in its products. The working group tests 12 samples of food-grade
carrageenan from a variety of suppliers in six different laboratories, to measure the presence
of degraded carrageenan and determine if the 5% limit is feasible. The results from the
industry’s own test results are cause for serious concern...."
Finally, in recent development:
"February 2012: Despite human health and environmental concerns raised in the technical
review, the Handling Committee unanimously votes to relist carrageenan on the
National List of Approved Substances."
"May 2012: The National Organic Standards Board will again review carrageenan during the
sunset process, and will decide whether to continue allowing carrageenan in certified organic foods. "
But this becomes a problem because then those who have not "connected the dots" between the FDA, the corporations and the government, reassure people that carrageenan is a safe ingredient and should not be confused with poligeenan. This is a chemically degraded derivative of carrageenan, which is used for industrial (non-food) purposes. Claiming that it was improperly named "degraded carrageenan" for a while which gave the true carrageenan a bad name... They are then allowed to say that research indicates that poligeenan creates unfavorable health effects, but food-grade carrageenan has no known toxicity or carcinogenicity, and is recognized as safe by the FDA!!
Do with this what you may. I know conventional thought has a hard time grasping the need for all organic products much less a vegan diet and some may even say... But, like they say, knowledge is power and every little bit will help to steer our industry in plant-strong direction. Nutrition labels on mean nothing these days. These days carrageenan is not only in soy and milk products (cheese, almond milk, ice cream etc.) but companies but it in your meats and pet food! I'd rather eat a whole avocado rich in "good for you" fats, then sit down with a plastic bag of "fruit" gummies, that are marketed as fruity and healthy but have 5 to 8 ingredients. Fresh produce, local and home-made food is vital to nutritional health and the more you do it, the less time consuming it is.
A cute video by film-maker Johnny Kelly and music by Coldplay performed by Willie Nelson, commissioned by Chipotle in support of a sustainable farming future and to raise awareness about factory farming. The video depicts the growth and development of a farmer, until he ultimately "realizes the error of ways".
I was doing research today for the vegan e-commerce marketplace, forAnima, that I work for here in New York and found Brooklyn Brine's pickles while browsing the vegan artisan foods on the Green Grocer's site (based in Washington D.C.). The grocer’s website is great! They provide company history, information and video for most almost all their artisans, which is how I happened upon this video interviewing the owner of Brooklyn Brine Pickles.
Jones' story is really inspring. When he started out he was working 27hr days in a shared restaurant space. Now even with national exposure and his own space he promises that everything is still handcut, labeled and packaged! The executive director of the New York Industrial Retention Network, Adam Friedman, also speaks on the struggles of start-ups in New York in terms of finding space and investors in a price competitive industry and high cost environment. Take a look see ! :)
I've got the Institute for Integrated Nutrition on the brain.
Not only am I enrolled and starting the program soon but I interviewed yesterday for a wonderful job at their offices here in New York!! I hope hope hope that they accept me! The position is the perfect low-key, calming environment that I need in this concrete jungle because I feel as though I'm in over-drive all the time.
This brief post from IIN's blog popped up on my Facebook feed today about spices for healthy digestion, which I think is a sign because my struggles growing up and throughout college are what made me so passionate about nutritional healing in the first place! Take a look, they discuss cumin, turmeric (which I've blogged about before), cardamom (one I had never heard of), black pepper, and coriander. Here is the link to IIN's blog:
ALSO, I speaking of finding a calming environment to work in...
Since I got to New York I have been searching for a quiet cafe to work at. Sounds impossible right? Well it kind of is. But today, I did! And they have an amazing menu! I'm hesitant to even tell you their name... but the baristas are great and the environment reminds a lot of the wharf at home in Boston. Jack's Stir Brew Coffee down in the Financial District right Near the Brooklyn Bridge on Front St, is the place to be. I guess they are kind of a bug deal, starting out on Front St. and growing into a (small) franchise.
The hot apple cider "stir brewed" with chai tea (on the right) was absolutely amazing and when their chocolate chip cookies came out of the oven, they just offered me one! There was a steady flow of regular which made for some funny/cute back ground noise, but not enough to bother me while I worked. I will definitely be going back!
FYI : Since they are small they can't afford people making house at their tables so they though they have plugs, they don't have wifi available.
When I first moved to Manhattan I was pleased to find the Green Bean Cafe. Given the name I knew that this would be my new go-to cafe because of the warm and fuzzies it gives me. There was a Green Bean cafe in my lovely little town Northampton, Ma, a place I had called home for the last 4 years.
I went in and ordered a kale smoothie because if they can make kale drinkable...they really know their stuff. As I waited, I browsed their pretty impressive menu, was overwhelmed by their nature themed decorations (too big and too many for the cramped space) and (of course) tried their sample munchies, which were very yummy!
The Jolly Green Giant was hands down the best kale smoothie I’ve had. Ever. They used spinach, pineapple, banana, and in particular the apple juice which made all the difference, I think! They also have a wonderful selection of vegan and raw options, which not many places do (and well, might I add), like Raw Maple Granola Bars, Raw Chocolate Squares and Raw Parfaits.
While at the doctor's office, the Nate Berkus show was on, an interior designer made famous on the Oprah show. He was interviewing Jessica Alba on her eco-home lifestyle which included a discussion on her new eco-diaper line, which is why I tuned in being a lover all things baby and an employee of Impish, a small eco-baby store, in Northampton MA. Among other things, they also discussed her lawn which I thought was funny in the beginning but in the end was interesting. She uses ForeverLawn, which she explained is artificial grass she laid down so that her Hollywood home would not consume any more water than it needed to, especially leaving in a drought prone area such as California.
photo cred : news.stylecaster.com, Green Living
And I thought why don't more people consider it? We would save so much water. But maybe there other implications, like production or cost... But still, I think I might do more good than bad, given the number of sprinkler systems that are in constant use.
I have reblogged this from my tumblr, just thought it was a nice graphic.
Not a Drop to Drink: America’s Very Real Water Crisis (Infographic)
“Over-consumed and under-conserved by an ever-growing global populace, freshwater is the “next oil,” the single biggest issue facing our world in the 21st century, say experts.” “Replacing grass lawns with native plans (especially in dry communities) can save over 15,000 gallons per year.”
Mixed greens, with tuna (watch where you buy and how you prepare your tuna), blueberries and cucumbers. If you need salad dressing add some sea salt and a little extra virgin olive oil!
I did this for a dinner party one night, I put all the fresh produce on a platter with mixed greens and everyone made their own salad! This day I used three types of peppers, baby tomatoes, onions, and corn. I just put a mixture of balsamic, virgin olive oil and sea salt on mine. Plus it makes the table look gorgeous!
This is one of my favorite quick meals! I use the Israeli couscous from Trader Joe's (the Trader Joe's brand) broccoli, edamame, sprinkled with fresh grated cheddar cheese and soy sauce (which usually takes care of my salt craving). You could also put virgin olive oil and sea salt !
The Anti-Inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-illness, anti-acne, anti-feel bad Diet.
I have been on Dr. Andrew Weil's regiment for about a month now, before which I had never heard about. I never followed that USDA food pyramid before and always new the "nutrition facts provided were nonsense, and never really had any reason to pay attention to them. I never ate processed food, junk foods, oily or heavy foods, not much gluten or sugar to begin with. If it has more than 7 ingredients on the side of the bag or anything I can't say or identify, I don't eat it. I mean.... I never even take medicine or medications of any kind no matter the cold or period cramp, (you know unless someone tells me to stick the IV in my arm because I might die! There are extreme exceptions of course). I did allow on cheese but never bought milk or ate ice cream. In the past couple years I had cut down on meat consumption not only for moral reasons (like having a soft spot for fuzzy farm animals small and large) but also due to on going political an media exposure of the horrors of the meat industry that I was becoming more aware of. I've always been pretty much dairy free and didn't buy meat. I only ate these if they were given to me at a dinner party for example, as not to seem picky, rude or make a scene. Also, I swear by the statement "It's very easy if you make all your own food, which is not as time consuming as people make it out to be". All organic, natural, and local products were the way I rolled and many of my digestive problems disappeared, keeping in mind that I adopted other routines as well, such as fish oil capsules twice a day, ginger or peppermint tea at night, digestive yoga and massages and trail running.
I thought I was doing pretty well! I mean I was very healthy. But I'm always learning about new foods and I am very curious about food science, what could this possibly offer.
I noticed his picture right away and scoffed because I thought this guy was just another Dr. Oz or some doctor trying to make a buck. But like I said, my beloved therapist, who shares very similar lifestyle and opinions as my own, recommended him so I continued on... Then I started to read his websites, watch clips of his movies* and found that he is a huge supporter of alternative living. he promotes staying away from commercial food products and over prescribed medical drugs, both of which are ever changing, have very little evidence of success and a laundry list of side affects and adverse reactions, like the birth control I took for 2 1/2 years and the digestive medications that I taking four times a day for 8 years. I had problems that I never dreamt possible. Dr. Weil calles it a mix of sense and nonsense, especially anti-aging products, beauty medical and supplements.
Dr. Andrew Weil's Anit-Inflammatory Pyramid
photo cred: www.drweil.com
http://www.drweil.com/drw/ecs/pyramid/press-foodpyramid.html
So. Here I was drowning in his wealth of knowledge concerning food & cancers of South East Asian cultures, Jewish death rituals, his experience with depression/SSRI's, spices, foreign fruits and veggies, vitamins (synthetic and natural), and his 12 point program to name a few!! Of course not all applied to me but I learned a lot of things that I never expected! Enriching to say the least.
Here are my reactions to the diet, after a month or so.
I did not have to change much but have learned more about the science behind the healthy foods that I was used to eating. For example, slow vs quick digesting carbohydrates and that the slow help reduce the inflammatory responses in the body. Before I was very restrictive at home so that I could have fun when I went out. Now I am a little more upfront and outspoken about my restrictions and don't buy anything pre-made even if it is organic or natural. I make everything and use lots of fresh food. After researching his recommended spices and anti-inflammatory list of foods ( I also looked up the science behind not only out of curiosity but because it almost acts as motivation) I have used more of those ingredients in my cooking, such as turmeric, a spice which you can about on my blog. For the only part, it that has been difficult of an adjustment for me but the sweets... which is supposed to be only 70% dark chocolate. I cut suger before (no high-fructose, no produced or packaged sweets and never ordered desserts at restaurants) but I liked to bake once in a while and I was smart about my ingredients so now I only have a piece or two of dark chocolate and save my baked goods for friends and family, that's right! no. licking. the. bowl.
I hope this has been enlightening for you as well. If you were considering his message just another gimmick or diet, I hope you'll reconsider. Below I have listed his websites, his school in Arizona (The Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine), and other helpful links. Take a look!
*Dr. Weil, doesn't like the term diet, because it's goal is not to lose weight, although some people making drastic changes might. ***Please PLEASE read my upcoming piece on the hidden post side affects after coming of long term use of birth control!!! It will discuss the hormonal side affects that doctors and OBs never ever tell, but only after it's too late. *available on Netflix, Dr. Weil : Healthy Aging, Dr Weil : Guide to Eating Well, etc.
www.drweil.com on Herbs and Supplements:
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/PAG00324/Supplements-Vitamins-Herbs.html Head to Toe Wellness Guide:
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/PAG00363/Dr-Weil-Head-to-Toe-Wellness-Guide.html Recipes and Cooking:
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/PAG00318/Dr-Weils-Healthy-Kitchen.html Mental Health:
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/PAG00062/Mental-Health-Center-Dr-Weil.html Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine http://integrativemedicine.arizona.edu/
Perfect thank you gift and activity for a rainy day.
RECIPE
Browned Butter Chocolate and White Chocolate Chunk Cookies (this was the first time that I have “browned” butter… it was so easy though, no baking feat, by any means. If I can do it without messing up the first time, so can you!)
2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoons baking soda
12 tablespoons of unsalted butter, browned and cooled (see below)
1 1/2 cup brown sugar, only gently packed
1 egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
2 ( and then some )teaspoons vanilla extract
all the dark and white chocolate you desire (keeping in mind that you’ll stragically place pieces on the top immediately after they come out of the oven)
1. Preheat the oven to 325 F degrees (I was using an older oven this time, so I preheated the oven to 350.)
2. In a medium size bowl, combine the flour and baking soda together. In a separate bowl, combine the brown butter and sugars with a hand-held whisk. Then mix in the egg and egg yolk and vanilla extract.
3. From there add the flour/baking soda mixture a little bit at a time and incorporate until a nice dough forms. (Some switch from using a whisk to using a rubber spatula half way through the combination of mixtures, I just use a fork to mix everything up… just letting you know that its not totally necessary for bomb cookies! ;)
4. Fold in all of your chocolate, except for the amount set aside for garnishing.
5. Stick the dough in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes while you clean up a bit. ( I completely skipped this step, in the interest of time, but I will try it next time.)
6. Using a scale or a cookie scoop (I used a plain old spoon… nothing fancy), scoop out about 2 tablespoons worth of dough and roll it into a ball. Then rip the ball in half. Place one half (ripped side down) onto a cookie sheet and then place the other half (ripped side up) onto the first half. Repeat for each cookie, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie on the cookie sheet.
7. Bake cookies for 12-16 minutes or until the edges start to get slightly golden brown. (Mine took about 16 minutes).
8. Immediately after you take them out of the oven, garnish your cookies with a couple chocolate chunks that you set aside earlier by pressing them into the cookie. This will make your cookies look full (and awesome).
9. Let them sit on the cookie sheet for 1-2 minutes and then transfer to a cookie rack and allow the cookies to cool completely.
{for those of us that don't understand the dictionary breakdown... saytAn}
Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images via livestrong,com After reading up on the wheat gluten product from various websites (listed below) I found that it is the vegetarians dream, not only because of its texture but because is takes on the flavors of seasonings. Seitan is comparable to tofu, it's soy-bean counterpart.
It's made by simply washing the wheat flour dough, dissolving the starch and leaving the insoluble gluten. The meat substitute was coined by the Japanese in the late 1960's but had been used beforehand for centuries in China.LiveStrong.com gives a wonderful breakdown of its make-up. Those that are gluten-free should stere clear because it is still has the effects of other gluten products. It is a wheat gluten packed with protein, or "26 grams of protein per 4-ounce serving, or 48 percent of your daily recommended intake to be exact". Unlike other wheat products and the assumed carbohydrates properties, it does not because they are washed away in the extraction process of the wheat composite from the flour. There is plenty iron but unfortunately there is often a high salt content as well because of sauces and other seasonings that cooks add, so those watching sodium intake beware. But guess what?! On the bright side, seitan is pretty much fat-free due its plant properties, so no cholesterol effects!I first had seitan at Candle Café (see blog for description) in the tuscan seitan parmesan sandwich,a "breaded seitan cutlet with melted tapioca cheese and roasted garlic tomato sauce on a potato onion roll. Served with fried potatoes and a mesclun salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette". I had to use their menu description because I would not have done it justice. I'm pretty knowledgable in all things foodie but not all knowing and this was completely new to me. It was very tasty and I encourage you all to try it. My next feat will be how to cook with it...!!
I first heard of turmeric when was researching Dr. Andrew Weil's Anti-Inflammatory Diet. In his pyramid, along with teas, dietary supplements, whole soy foods, asian cooked mushrooms, he has a recommended assortment of spices and herbs that help maintain your health. Among the obvious were, garlic, ginger and cinnamon, and then there was one of them being turmeric.
Under Herbal Remedies, on his website he gives a rather in depth description of the root and the tea:
Technical Name:
(Curcuma longa) Rhizome related to ginger
Used for:
Arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis; it acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent
Available In:
As culinary spice, in powdered form; as medicinal extract, in tablets or capsules. Labeled as standardized turmeric extract or curcumin.
Herb Drug:
None known
Interaction:
In rare instances, daily use over extended period of time can cause stomach upset and/or heartburn. If pregnant, do not use without your doctor's approval. Do not use if you have gallstones or a bile duct dysfunction; however, curcumin, an active component of turmeric, can increase bile solubility and is recommended for the condition.
When Buying:
Look for products standardized for 95% curcuminoids. Products made by New Chapter containing curcumin are highly recommended. For cooking, brightly colored and aromatic powder is best.
Dosage and Warning:
400 to 600 mg of extracts (tablets or capsules) three times per day or as directed on product. Dried spice is not effective for treating conditions.
I then went on to research more benefits and found amazing articles on turmeric face masks, lotions etc. and most of them are home remedies! As I ate my broccoli scrambled eggs powdered with a little sea salt, pepper and lots of turmeric (all cooked along with the eggs), I read this article from HealthyDiaries.com on the 20 health benefits of turmeric:
The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Tumeric has been used for over 2500 years in India, where it was most likely first used as a dye.
The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer’s disease.
Here are 20 reasons to add turmeric to your diet:
1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.
3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.
4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.
7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.
9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.
11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.
12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.
16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.
17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.
18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.
Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules.
Once you start using turmeric on a regular basis, it’s fun to find new ways to use it in recipes. My favorite way to use it is to add a pinch of it to egg salad. It adds a nice flavor and gives the egg salad a rich yellow hue.
Because of all these properties, the root powder makes for an amazing face mask for problem skin!! check out my posting from Anam Saleem’s Blog!!
Contraindications: Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction. Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult with a doctor before doing so as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.
Hands down the best spinach, kale smoothie I’ve had. Ever. They used pineapple and apple juice which made all the difference, I think. It's owned by the slightly larger cafe two doors down called Beanocchio's.
"The Green Bean café is dedicated to bring you healthy food in a easy and convenient way. We are great for you and don't sacrifice the taste. Mr. Green bean is happy to bring the freshest organic ingredients for his personal garden to share them with you."
Knowing my health nut nature, the Lee's took me to the Candle Café. I knew I wanted to try their food after I read their mission statement,
"CANDLE CAFE IS DEDICATED TO BETTERING THE HEALTH OF THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE PLANET BY SERVING FOOD FRESH FROM FARM TO TABLE™. OUR ORGANIC VEGAN CUISINE IS ROOTED IN SUSTAINABILITY, ECO-FRIENDLY PRACTICES, LOCAL FARMING, AND COMPASSION FOR ANIMALS." www.candlecafe.com
I had also never heard of Seitan, so I was intrigued to see a "Grilled Seitan Burger" and a "Tuscan Seitan Parmesan Sandwich". I ordered the latter and loved it! The prices were also not expensive at all! They have everything from blended smoothies to organic wines to accompany your brunch or dinner! Overall wonderful menu. This is great place to take the food conscious friend or give a colleague a good impression ;)
Once I do some more research on Seitan I will definitely be posting more on the wheat-like product. I'm super curious.
I took a photo with my iPhone of all their fresh produce that was beautifully displayed on the front bar table to excite the awaiting patron. It was definitely making my mouth water!
