Brussels, broccoli and cauliflower essential to your health

Brussels sprouts

Milk Thistle seed

Not everyone enjoys the flavor of Brussels sprouts.  Broccoli and cauliflower are often left off the menu when the "cook" has an aversion to eating these essential vegetables.  Sadly, many children could not identify them in the produce section.

Toxins and the body  The liver plays an important role in cleansing the toxins from the body.  Whenever there is something to be removed from the blood stream in order to protect the body's cells from potential damage, the liver can get the job done.  This is even true when heavy metals enter the blood stream.  

The role of the dynamic trio  What happens to the toxins after the liver filters them out?  They are stored. . . that is until the proper order of events takes place to bind the toxins and release them for elimination.  This is where Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower play an important dietary and liver detoxifying role.  These incredible vegetables were created with the special antioxidants, vitamins and other phytochemicals that bind to toxins in the liver in order to be carried out of the body. These three vegetables are necessary agents to detoxify the liver.

Milk thistle seed comes from the milk thistle plant (every plant part is edible).  It is the source of the phytochemical Silymarin, available in supplement form.  Milk thistle has been identified as the most potent  liver detoxifier known.  I do not believe that Silymarin by itself, without other important dietary measures in place, can completely restore a sick liver to full health.  Milk thistle seed is not available in groceries, but can be purchased online or at a natural food store.  One tablespoon a day of ground milk thistle seed for a couple of weeks post chemotherapy was an effective liver detox for my husband.  His liver function comes back very normal in all of his blood tests. 

More great sources that detox  There are other important foods that detoxify the liver at a slower pace, such as gelatinous seeds like flax and chia or cruciferous vegetables.  The blue green algae, spirulina, can bind with metals such as mercury. Some herbs like parsley and cilantro are great liver detoxifiers as well - but the dynamic veggie trio of Brussels, broccoli and cauliflower plus milk thistle seed beat all the other foods hands down! 

How can I develop a taste for them?  For those who dislike Brussels, broccoli and cauliflower, I would suggest trying broccoli and cauliflower in their raw state first.  It is the cooking process that brings out the undesirable bitter taste of the phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) for which half of the population has the genetic ability to taste (I am one of these special people).  Brussels seem to have the most bitter flavor among the three vegetables.  I have been told that roasting Brussels doesn't draw out the PTC as much as boiling, so that is how I will try to prepare them next time.  Gladly, I have loved both broccoli and cauliflower since I was very young.  The taste for these foods can be achieved through regular exposure.  Eat them often and season them up for your personal preference.  After a few tries, you will find the most tolerable way to prepare them.  Keep eating them and soon you will find that you crave them because your body has learned that these foods are useful for your health.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2077713/Its-genes-Scientists-brussel-new-research-love-hate-sprouts.html

http://www.ehow.com/way_5262697_simple-daily-liver-cleanse.html

Strawberries, angiogenesis and weight loss

Angiogenesis is the body's ability to grow capillary blood vessels, an important function of the body which is needed for healing.  During exercise, the muscles benefit from angiogenesis, giving blood supply to any damaged tissues.  Healing is dependent on angiogenesis in the event of a cut or some other injury.

It is now understood that the body regulates a delicate balance of angiogenesis, making sure that there is not an excess or deficiency of the body's ability to supply blood vessels.  The body is actually able to block the formation of new capillaries  and prune back the supply of blood vessels when they are no longer needed.  Cancerous tumors, however, release angiogenic growth factor proteins in order to get the needed blood supply for the tumor to grow.  Without the blood supply needed to feed it, cancer cannot thrive.

There are many herbs and foods that provide anti-angiogenic properties which can effectively starve cancer cells by blocking the formation of capillaries.  Following is a non-exhaustive list of these foods.

Green tea                        Strawberries            Blackberries                     

Raspberries                      Blueberries              Orange

Grapefruit                        Lemon                   Apple

Pineapple                         Cherries                 Red grapes

Bok Choy                         Kale                       Soy beans

Ginseng                           Turmeric                 Artichoke

Nutmeg                           Licorice                 Pumpkin

Parsley                            Garlic                     Tomato

The following TED talk with Dr. Li is informational regarding anti-angiogenic foods.  He points out that foods can work together, in synergy, to provide very potent anti-angiogenic results.  He also notes that adipose tissue in the case of obesity is highly dependent on new blood vessel supply.  In a lab study, weight loss could be achieved by giving obese mice anti-angiogenic drugs.  Dr. Li also comments that nature has given us chemotherapeutic foods. Cancer patients can look at these as something that they can do for themselves by consuming a diet rich in anti-angiogenic foods.  Perhaps eating from the vast number of anti-angiogenic foods while trying to loose weight could bring great results, too. 

Dr. William Li's 2010 TED Talk

http://illnessisoptional.com/learning-center/articles/healthy-eating/anti-angiogenesis-a-break-for-cancer-prevention/1178

http://www.angio.org/ua.php

Kick the crud - White pine needle tea

There are warnings that women should not drink white pine needle tea if pregnant or planning to get pregnant.  Also, individuals with an allergy to pine should not try this.

White pine needle tea has some medicinal properties for colds, chest colds or for diseases like scurvy (vitamin C deficiency).  It is high in vitamins A and C, both of which are essential for boosting the immune system.  Pine is antiseptic and aromatic, providing help to the airway when used as a steam.  The tea is mild and could be made with other herbs such as peppermint to improve the flavor or add a bag of green tea to increase the antioxidants.

White pine is identified by its long needles, attached to the branch in groups of 5.  Another pine, the Red pine, has long needles in groups of 3.  I have read that other varieties of pine can serve as an alternative to white pine, but I don't recommend using anything other than white pine.  It is best to use needles that are green and attached near the end of the branch to ensure the youngest needles are used.

I have heard from a couple of people that this tea was what did the trick to help them beat the lingering cough going around this season.  My hubby and I are drinking it occasionally to boost our defenses in an attempt to avoid the crud!

For more tips to boost your immune system, check out my blog post from Jan. 3, 2013.
http://restoringhealththroughnutrition.blogspot.com/2013/01/boost-your-immune-system.html

White Pine Needle Tea

1/4 to 1/2 cup white pine needles, finely chopped (I make a weak version with 1/4 cup)

3 cups nearly boiling water

honey or sweetener of choice optional

Steep for 30 minutes or overnight.  Strain, sweeten if desired, and drink hot or cold.  Tea should have a reddish color when ready to drink.  Serving size - one cup.

When to buy organic and foods lowest in pesticide

I find it very helpful to know what to shop for when I go to the grocery.  Sometimes, I have to buy fruits and vegetables that are not organic.  When should I not buy the food item at all unless I can find the organic option?  Here is a list of the "Dirty Dozen Plus" and the "Clean 15" that are safe to consume even with limited pesticides.

The following information comes from the website for the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit dedicated to informing the public in order to protect public health and environment. 

http://www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary/

Dirty Dozen Plus^™

Buy these organic

1

Apples

2

Celery

3

Sweet bell peppers

4

Peaches

5

Strawberries

6

Nectarines
– imported

7

Grapes

8

Spinach

9

Lettuce

10

Cucumbers

11

Blueberries
– domestic

12

Potatoes

Plus

+

Green beans

+

Kale/Greens

+ May contain pesticide residues of special concern

Clean 15^™

Lowest in Pesticide

1

Onions

2

Sweet Corn

3

Pineapples

4

Avocado

5

Cabbage

6

Sweet peas

7

Asparagus

8

Mangoes

9

Eggplant

10

Kiwi

11

Cantaloupe
- domestic

12

Sweet potatoes

13

Grapefruit

14

Watermelon

15

Mushrooms

Control type 1 - reverse type 2 diabetes with plant based diet

Transforming health by correcting the diet seems too simple, doesn't it?  Maybe it seems a little radical.  Perhaps it looks like quackery to some folks.  However, eating plant-based is less time consuming than checking blood sugar levels all day long, less expensive than paying the doctor and hospital, and more effective in protecting precious organs and limbs than drug therapy.  

A person in poor health has the perfect motivation necessary to take health back.  Sick people can experience renewed health through the life-saving approach of a nutritional, plant-based diet.  Michael Goldberg explains how he has seen people - who have not had diabetes as long as he - suffer from all sorts of health complications such as vision loss, obesity and amputation.  Now THAT is radical!  

Michael Goldberg keeps his type 1 diabetes in check - McDougall Program

Dr. Barnard, in the following video, explains the concept of molecular mimicry as a possible trigger for type 1 diabetes which  is a result of destroyed pancreatic tissue.  Studies first made a connection between cow's milk and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 1 childhood diabetes) back in the early 1990's.  Recent studies reveal that the elimination of childhood exposure to cow's milk protein can greatly decrease the chance of type 1 diabetes. 

Forks Over Knives - Dr. Neal Barnard on Diabetes

Now, here is a great explanation of how diabetics are over-insulinized (in order to chemically control the blood sugar levels) which results in fat storage, creates starvation and drives hunger.  Need I comment that high fructose corn syrup and sugar are destroying the health of our nation?

Dr. Lustig - The Skinny on Obesity episode 3

I must finish this post with something positive.  Sergei had childhood diabetes.  Not anymore.  His story is encouraging and motivating for anyone who is ready for a change.

Green Smoothie Power with Sergei Boutenko

Making almond milk

• Soak 1 cup almonds in water 6-8 hours or overnight
• Strain and rinse almonds thoroughly
• Combine soaked almonds with 4 cups water in juicer, adding water evenly with almonds
• Strain milk and refrigerate
• Almond pulp can be saved in the freezer for use in baked goods or for making crackers     http://www.elanaspantry.com/vegan-almond-pulp-crackers/

Almond milk can be made with a juicer, Vitamix or common kitchen blender.  Our preferred ratio of almonds to water is 1 cup almonds to 4 cups water.  Any ratio is acceptable as long as you like it.  It can be made from a 1:2 (which would be difficult to strain) up to a 1:4 ratio!  The most important piece of equipment is a strainer.  I have a stainless steel strainer with a closely woven mesh.  There are nut milk bags that are made specifically for straining home made "milk".  A bag would strain out most of the nut meal that can still get through a strainer, but I don't bother to use a nut milk bag.  If using a Vitamix, the almonds can be blended completely into the water making a very rich and "creamy" milk with no need to strain.  In that case, running the Vitamix for a minute allows ample time for the machine to do a thorough job. 

We discovered that home made almond milk was absolutely delicious!   We really don't drink almond milk as a "milk beverage" unless we have an occasional hot cocoa.  Most of the time, our almond milk is the "creamer" for our morning coffee.  When we eliminated dairy from our diet, I went on a quest for a cream substitute.  Oat milk, rice milk and coconut milk fell short of my expectations.  Almond milk from the grocery store was barely tolerable, and we had a difficult time finding packaged almond milk that didn't have carrageenan in it.  (Carrageenan is a seaweed derivative that is added to foods and cosmetics.  In research, carrageenan induces colon cancers and enhances growth of implanted tumors.)  So we bought a one pound bag of raw almonds, soaked them overnight, rinsed them and put them through our juicer.  We were hooked! 

Why we don't consume dairy  

• Without a doubt, dairy contributes to the increased incidence of colon, prostate and breast cancers.  The dairy protein, casein,  enhances tumor growth.  
• The fat in dairy products contributes to elevated cholesterol which leads to a host of metabolic diseases, especially the clogging of arteries.
• Based on the world-wide studies of diet and disease, dairy consumption has been implicated as a contributory factor in many diseases: Allergies, Anal fissures, Chronic constipation, Type 1 diabetes, Crohn's disease, Ear infections and Multiple sclerosis to name a few.
• It is unknown if some bovine diseases could be linked to human diseases: bovine leukemia virus and human leukemia, Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (MAP) and Crohn's or irritable bowel syndrome.
• Cheese contains a high fat content.  Toxins and chemical pollutants bind with fat and are therefore found in higher concentrations in cheese.

Arthritis and inflammation treatable with diet!

It is possible to find a cure for your disease.

This girl shares her story in a "Star McDougaller" video.  She found a cure for her Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis by eating a starch based (vegan) diet.  Accidental consumption of dairy or eggs can trigger her RA.

McDougaller, Juliea Baker cured Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis with diet

Phyllis Heaphy cured RA with McDougall diet

and additional elimination of: wheat, corn, citrus

The concept of leaky gut, molecular mimicry and food as a connection between what we eat and our diseases is fascinating and makes sense to me.  There is a great deal of hope for people who are suffering with arthritis, other auto-immune diseases and diseases of metabolic syndrome.  With the motivation and understanding of the connection between food and disease, a person can take back his or her health!

   

Many foods have natural anti-inflammatory properties!

At the bottom of this paragraph, I have posted a good link to a list of anti-inflammatory foods.  The best foods are fruits, vegetables and sources of omega 3 fat like walnuts and flax seed.  The list includes fish, which I personally would not consider eating due to possible toxins and naturally occurring cholesterol (inflammatory agent). http://www.naturalantiinflammatory.org/anti-inflammatory-foods.html

I have mentioned before that I have soreness in joints that were previously impacted in an auto accident.  On the council of my chiropractor, I have included fresh pineapple (just 1/2 cup or less) in my diet everyday to reduce inflammation.  Along with that, we include cayenne, lime and lemon in our daily green vegetable juice.  The results have been good.  My joint stiffness has been reduced by 50%.  Perhaps I will try to eliminate the five plant allergens that were mentioned in Phyllis Heaphy's video to see if there is any connection.  The five mentioned are the following: wheat, corn, citrus, tomatoes and strawberries.

What about coffee?

• There are studies that indicate that coffee has some anti-inflammatory properties.  One study (Carcinogenesis June 2011) shows that the phenolic phytochemicals in coffee can suppress colon cancer metastasis.  Cancer is a type of inflammation.

• Coffee containing caffeine can cause dehydration (unless it is offset by an additional 10 oz of water per cup of coffee).  Dehydration can lead to joint pain.  

• Coffee also raises cholesterol levels which can elevate inflammation.  A 1999 study sited in the American Journal of Epidemiology showed that trials using filtered coffee (with paper filters) demonstrated very little increase in serum cholesterol whereas unfiltered coffee showed an increase in total and LDL serum cholesterol.  This is something to note for those who enjoy espresso, French press, or just like to save money on paper filters by using a basket - like I have been.

Black or green tea may be a better option as a hot beverage.  However, with a paper filter, perhaps coffee would be okay for a healthy person who has no adverse reaction to it.