Healthy Body

4 medium baking potatoes
1 C. chopped spring onions
1 C. chopped mushrooms
1 (8 oz.) package soft tofu, drained & mashed
2 Tablespoons chopped parsley
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon honey
paprika
Butter flavored cooking spray

Wash and dry potatoes. Using an ice pick or sharp knife, stick a hole all the way through each potato. Coat potatoes with a thin layer of cooking spray. Place potatoes in a microwave safe dish and cook on high for 10 minutes. Turn potatoes over and cook 10 minutes longer. Cut baked potatoes in half lengthwise and scoop out insides, leaving a cup that is about ¼ inch thick.

Combine onion and mushrooms in skillet. Cover and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until mushrooms become tender. Combine scooped out potato with tofu, parsley, mustard and honey. Mix well. Stir in mushrooms and onions.

Re-fill potato skins with tofu mixture and sprinkle with paprika. Reheat in microwave for 2-5 minutes or until heated through. (Serves 4)

Low salt, low fat, low calorie, no cholesterol

According to the dictionary, proteins are: “fundamental components of all living cells and include many substances, such as enzymes, hormones, and antibodies that are necessary for the proper functioning of an organism. They are essential in the diet of animals for the growth and repair of tissue and can be obtained from foods such as meat, fish, eggs, milk, and legumes.” Raw milk is high in protein and here are the reasons why raw milk may be a healthy alternative.

Raw milk contains all the amino acids we need and since proteins consist of amino acids, it follows that we need amino acids to build protein. These proteins allow for easy absorption of iron, have anti-cancer properties, and anti-viral properties. They also help prevent bacteria from forming on the teeth, which can cause cavities.

In addition, the protein in raw milk can rid the body of “bad” bacteria and provide antibodies that play an important role in resisting viruses and toxins. These proteins have also been known to decrease the symptoms of asthma.

It should be noted here that pasteurizing milk not only destroys the “good” bacteria and other necessary nutrients, but significantly reduces the overall amount of protein in the milk.

To further delineate the importance of protein in milk, take a look at a label on a carton of regular milk and 1% milk. The protein amount is 16% or 8 grams for both. In raw milk, the protein is 80% casein. What is casein? It is the protein consisting of amino acids which are digested at a slower rate. This is important because it releases the amino acids over a seven-hour period. The whey protein in raw milk is 20%, and its amino acids are released within an hour.

Why is slow amino acid release so important? Ask any body-builder and he will tell you that it allows for increased muscle growth which is based upon how well protein breaks down in the body. The slower the body absorbs the protein, the less likely the protein will be suppressed.

Other important components of raw milk are enzymes which are made up of different kinds of proteins. One enzyme found in raw milk, for example, acts as an anti-bacterial agent.

While we know that pasteurized milk is void of some of the necessary nutrients and enzymes that are most beneficial to the body, raw milk contains protein and enzymes as well as vitamins necessary to maintain one’s overall health. Remember, too, that bacteria in raw milk also serves as a protective agent against pathogens.

Eczema is a skin condition which causes red, dry skin, and it can appear anywhere on the surface of the body. Although there are topical creams such as hydrocortisone medications that can be used to alleviate the symptoms, organic coconut oil to treat eczema can be more effective.

Since coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids and has an anti-inflammatory agent, when applied to the affected area it not only penetrates rapidly but can reduce the inflammation caused by eczema.

In addition, the medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil prevent bacterial infections from forming on the skin. While the topical creams available today can be readily used to ward off dry skin, the difference is that these creams contain other agents which may or may not offer relief. On the other hand, organic coconut oil is unprocessed and its results are immediate. It is a more natural method to use for a variety of skin conditions.

Eczema can present itself in many different forms, including:

- Atopic dermatitis which is inherently genetic, especially among families who have a history of allergies or asthma.      - Contact dermatitis which is caused by irritants such as cleaning detergents, cosmetics, and related allergens.
-Â Seborrheic dermatitis which is predominant among individuals who have oily skin.
-Â Stasis dermatitis which is a condition caused by excessive fluid that accumulates beneath the skin.
-Â Neurodermatitis which can be developed by irritants such as clothing.
-Â Perioral dermatitis which is similar to acne and could be caused by topical creams or makeup.

One of the ways to prevent eczema is by avoiding those products that irritate the skin such as make-up, scented creams and soaps, perfumes, fabric softeners, and other allergens.

Eczema is an irritating condition that affects children and adults. As a general rule, keeping the skin moisturized on a daily basis can alleviate the symptoms and prevent skin inflammation as well. This is especially true during winter months. Having organic coconut oil on hand is not only a great idea to treat eczema, but it can also be used to massage your skin.

As we learn more about the health benefits of natural remedies, we are also less likely to depend upon prescription medications or over-the-counter topical creams to cure skin conditions. Coconut oil is just one of the many effective alternatives used to treat a variety of health problems. Besides treating eczema, it assists in weight loss, can be used as an alternative to other oils, can be used on salads, and has absolutely no chemicals, additives, or preservatives. No wonder the palm on which it grows is called ‘The Tree of Life”.

Ingredients:

4 (5 oz.) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 C. lite apricot preserves
Dash ground allspice

Directions:

Pat chicken dry and place on broiler rack. Broil for about 6 minutes. Brush first side with lemon juice, turn chicken over and brush with remaining juice. Broil second side 6-9 minutes or until no longer pink. Heat apricot preserves and allspice in a small saucepan. Spoon over chicken breasts and serve. Wonderful served with brown rice. (Serves 4)

Low salt, low calorie, low fat, low cholesterol

The historical significance of the coconut and the oil extracted from it has been the source of numerous studies and research. The fact that the coconut has been proven to be beneficial to our health cannot be overstated. The nutritional value of coconut oil, however, is just as important. Let’s examine the reasons why.

Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids, which means when the oil is consumed as part of a diet regimen, it is rapidly turned into an energy source and not body fat. This process allows for weight loss since one becomes fully sated after each meal.

Coconut oil also plays a role in digestion. Studies indicate that because this oil can be easily absorbed, it is primarily utilized for individuals who have problems digesting foods. The oil also allows for the absorption of minerals which is vital to the elderly in decreasing the rapidity of degeneration. In addition, because coconut oil absorbs calcium and magnesium, it is used for infants who are malnourished.

Studies performed among Polynesians assert that when coconut oil is consumed as part of their normal diet, they have less risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Moreover, their cholesterol levels were dramatically reduced.

Coconut oil has also been touted as supporting the immune system since it contains the medium chain fatty acids which consist of saturated fats. These fats allow for the antioxidants to remain intact whereas unsaturated oils are said to quickly break down vitamins essential to one’s health. This is especially effective in the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients.

Research into coconut oil and cancer has yielded significant results. It shows that unsaturated fats play a role in the advancement of colon and breast cancer, whereas saturated fats decrease the incidence by a wide margin.

While researching the effect of vegetable oil, results have determined that it can cause disease and increase the aging process. However, coconut oil can be used as an alternative method in reducing the amount of hydrogenated and polyunsaturated oils that can cause these diseases from the outset.

Finally, we know that coconut oil has an anti-microbial agent. The lauric acid in coconut oil allows for the anti-microbial agent to exist, unlike other oils available today.  While coconut oil contains the medium chain fatty acids, so does breast milk. Thus, when coconut oil is added to a mother’s diet, it effectively helps protect the infant from developing bacterial infections.

Coconut oil has been recognized as one of the most formidable dietary oils for centuries, with a high nutritional value. It cannot be denied, then, that this oil has helped decrease the incidence of disease and has proven to be among the most effective medicinal cures nature can provide.

Few may have considered bee pollen to be a source of nutrition for humans. However, bee pollen is actually known to be rich in protein, vitamins, amino acids, and folic acid.

Individuals who maintain a diet that is lacking in nutrition are vulnerable to many diseases. Bee pollen is widely used to improve health and has the ability to increase the production of blood cells in those who have anemia, prevent allergies, increase energy levels, build up the immune system against allergens, prevent infections, and may have anti-cancer properties as well.

What are the components in bee pollen that makes it so effective? Well, it contains eighteen amino acids, vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, phosphorous, potassium, fatty acids, carbohydrates, and protein. It also contains rutin which, taken as a supplement, can increase blood circulation, and has been used to treat hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

The nutritional value of bee pollen to humans is quite amazing when you think about it. It really does sustain life and is considered to be a healthy, nutrition-filled food. According to one study done with honeybees, researchers have stated that “if bee pollen had none of its other vital ingredients, its content of rutin alone would justify taking at least a teaspoon daily, if for no other reason than strengthening the capillaries.”

They even go as far as to say that not even animal products contain the amount of protein that can be found in bee pollen. Also, the amino acid in bee pollen is higher than that found in dairy products and meat.

Bee pollen used as a nutritional supplement can enhance stamina, as well as prevent aging, prostate conditions, rheumatism, and cerebral hemorrhage. It also has an antibiotic agent that has been shown to be effective against salmonella poisoning and certain bacteria.

While we probably know that taking bee pollen can prevent allergies in which one can develop an immune reaction to allergens, it is quite exciting to know that it has so many nutritional values as well. As we strive to find alternative methods to improve and enhance our health, the benefits of bee pollen are well documented and cannot be overstated.

One holistic doctor commented that bee pollen is the best treatment available to reduce the symptoms of old age and should be used as a natural geriatric remedy worldwide.

Ingredients:

1 (4 serving) package sugar-free, instant, butterscotch pudding mix
2/3 C. and 2/3 C. nonfat dry milk powder
1 ¼ C. and 1 ¼ C. water
1 (6 oz.)Â chocolate piecrust
1 (4 serving) package sugar-free, instant, chocolate pudding mix
½ C. lite whipped topping
2 Tablespoons chopped pecans
1 Tablespoon mini-chocolate chips

Directions:

In a medium bowl, combine dry butterscotch pudding mix, 2/3 C. dried milk powder, and 1 ¼ C. water. Mix well with a wire whisk. Pour mixture into piecrust.

In a medium bowl, combine dry chocolate pudding mix, 2/3 C. dried milk powder, and 1 ¼ C. water. Mix well with a wire whisk. Pour mixture over butterscotch layer. Refrigerate about 15 minutes
Before serving, spread ½ C. whipped topping over chocolate layer. Sprinkle chopped pecans and mini-chocolate chips over top. Refrigerate until ready to serve. (Serves

Low calorie, low fat, low salt

Got Milk? Raw milk, that is? There is an interesting debate between proponents and opponents of raw milk who have been asked this question: Is raw milk suitable for children? Before you weigh in with your verdict, here are the nuts and bolts of why this subject has become so intense.

The basis upon which these two sides cannot agree has to do with pasteurization. Raw milk has bacteria, but so does pasteurized milk. The difference is that the E. coli bacteria found in raw milk is less prevalent than in milk that has been pasteurized. Research has shown that children who are given raw milk develop a resistance to such diseases as pneumonia, tuberculosis, diphtheria, and other related illnesses. While we know that there is a high level of calcium in milk, scientists found that the growth of children drinking raw milk was far superior to those who did not ingest raw milk.

If you think about countries such as Africa, for example, part of the Masai’s diet is goat’s milk. In other countries and regions where people rely on cows and other animals to provide nutrients, raw milk is at the top of the list.

While it is true that cows should be healthy and the milk should be fresh, scientific data has proven that raw milk has been found to be good for children, and that it contains high concentrations of calcium, iodine, and protein which are essential components in promoting good health.

On the other side of the aisle are the opponents of raw milk who strongly suggest that raw milk is as bad as poison. Their rationale is that children develop tuberculosis which is caused by the germs contained in raw milk. While scientists generally discount this theory, there was a study which disclosed that one child out of seventy developed this disease. The research goes on to admit that fourteen children who drank pasteurized milk, however, developed TB.

There is another part of the equation that these debates inject. According to opponents, farmers would have to purchase machinery to process the raw milk. What if they can’t afford to? Proponents would counter with this argument: what did everyone do before Louis Pasteur came along?

While we know that pasteurization removes some nutrients and good bacteria, there is no scientific data that suggests raw milk is a bad thing. As a matter of fact, the data indicates that children and adults have become ill from drinking pasteurized milk as opposed to raw milk.

So there’s the debate in a nutshell. Considering that so much research has been done to explain the effects of raw milk versus pasteurized milk, it seems possible that this discussion is largely based on a political agenda and not the nutritional benefits derived therein.

Ingredients:

1 lb. smoked, turkey sausage
1 (32 oz.) jar sauerkraut, drained
2 C. unpeeled potatoes, thinly sliced
½ C. thinly sliced onion

Directions:

Place sauerkraut in large casserole dish. Top with potatoes and onions. Cut sausage into about 10 pieces and layer on top of potatoes and onions. Cover and cook at 350 degrees F for 1 hour, until potatoes are tender. (Serves

Low salt, low calorie, low fat

While approximately 1% of the population prefers drinking raw milk because of its many health benefits, there is a one question that should be addressed: is it okay to drink raw milk during pregnancy? Proponents would argue yes; however, the consensus among doctors as well as the National Institute of Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention are definitive in their answer – an unequivocal no. Here are the reasons why pregnant women should not ingest raw milk.

Raw milk that is not “clean” or does not go through the pasteurization process contains harmful bacteria such as listeria, salmonella, and E. coli. It is estimated that pregnant women are more likely to develop listeriosis than healthier adults. This can be extremely harmful not only to the pregnant woman but the fetus as well.

For example, there is a domino effect which can cause a myriad of problems. According to doctors, there are hormonal changes in a pregnant woman which can affect the course of treatment. While medication may cure the illness, it may affect the unborn fetus. How? It can cause miscarriages, illness, and even death. Even if the newborn survives, the immune system in an infant is not fully developed and their illness can become even more pronounced which would require appropriate medications to treat the newborn. This is the domino effect.

While it is true that raw milk that is clean and acquired from a farmer whose practices are beyond repute can be utilized, there is always the possibility that the bacteria can cause severe illness in a pregnant woman, which in turn can affect the fetus. Although it is also true that the “good” bacterium in raw milk plays an important role in preventing diseases among children, it can have an opposite effect in women who are pregnant.

In addition, any foods that are made from raw milk, such as cheeses, can also be harmful to pregnant women. Some of the symptoms associated with drinking or eating foods derived from raw milk can include vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and body aches.

There are a number of online blogs wherein women state they have been drinking raw milk during and after pregnancy. Some even swear by its benefits. They have not developed any illness from it and their babies are born healthy. In fact, some women state that raw milk is part of their family’s diet.

While the controversy surrounding the question of drinking raw milk during pregnancy will no doubt continue, since the data suggests that pregnant women have a higher chance of developing illness, one has to conclude that pregnant women should not drink raw milk.