Posts tagged: Cooking

Super Foods That Can Boost Your Immune System and Loved by Star Chefs!

 

 

Beauty is not only skin deep it is how healthy you are as well, having a healthy body is a must for looking beautiful eating right is a factor in achieving that, for it truly is true you are what you eat, therefore knowing which foods to eat to help you achieve the very best health is a must. Many herbs and wild foods have been studied and have shown to help build  immune systems and help fight cancer and help in your over all health, but it is important to know which ones to add and keep in your diet to achieve and keep quality health.Many Star Chefs are offering dishes using wild weeds. Doctors have now been exploring  foods that have proven power in acheiving good health. They call them super foods.

There are many super foods and eating super foods as well as organic herbs and some wild foods and greens can help you achieve good health and boost your immune system which can help you fight off colds and some cancers.Webmd did an article on the super foods and stated ” Some super foods  are tomatoes, apples, broccoli, studies have shown that eating tomatoes and broccoli, together,  the combination was more effective at slowing prostate tumor growth than either was alone (from a study in which male rats were given prostate tumor cell implants).Apples that have the peel still on them it has shown that the bulk of an apple’s anticancer properties are hidden in the peel. The phytochemicals in the apple flesh seem to work best with the phytochemicals in the peel to reduce the risk of cancer. Tomatoes that are cooked with the peel on,  with olive oil. ninety-eight percent of the flavonols (powerful phytochemicals) in tomatoes is found in the tomato skin, along with great amounts of two carotenoids. Absorption of these key nutrients is much greater when the tomatoes are cooked and when you eat some smart fat (like olive oil) along with the cooked tomatoes. Cruciferous vegetables. Two phytochemicals naturally found in cruciferous vegetables (cambeneindole 3-carbinol) were more active when combined, according to research that tested the compounds alone and together in rats. The researchers found that the two compounds were able to protect the rats against liver cancer much better together.

Both cambene and indolecarbinol are known to activate important detoxification enzymes that help the body eliminate carcinogens before they harm our genes. Foods rich in cambene include Brussels sprouts and certain varieties of broccoli. And all cruciferous veggies are rich in indole 3-carbinol”.

 

Other foods good for building your immune system is  Purslane a weed it can do wonders. It grows wild and is used by many Great Chefs and is highly sought after by the rich and famous costing upwards of $30.00 per once wholesale, ibuysss.com Magazine included in an article showing Chefs such as Star Chef Steve Johnson using  purslane.The very edible weed grows in many places. I have gone walking and have spotted it growing out of cracks of side walks and many places that just any plant can not grown, it is viewed as a determined plant, as it can survive the most hostile environments such plants when wild are viewed as important meaning many feel if a plant can grow in such hard environments it has more powerful properties that are good for you. Purslane has been found to be rich in Omega-3 fatty acids it is richer then many leafy vegetables.It also contains vitamins (mainly vitamin A, vitamin C, and some vitamin B and carotenoids), as well as  magnesium, calcium, potassium and iron. Also present are two types of betalain alkaloid pigments, the reddish betacyanins (visible in the coloration of the stems) and the yellow betaxanthins (noticeable in the flowers and in the slight yellowish cast of the leaves).

 

Both of these pigment types are potent antioxidants and have been found to have antimutagenic properties in laboratory studies one wonderful way to eat purslane is to mix it in a salad with other greens such as mizana, if picking purslane in the wild, use a guide who knows all types of wild plants, never pick any wild green or flower or herb unless you know. One good way to know a plant is to grow it your self you can also purchase seeds and plant purslane on your own. If you cultivate it there are many more purslane plants to grown such as golden purslane or the green variety, both are good. Eating salads rich in greens are also good and can do wonders for your health it is best to grow your own and you can do that very easy on a windowsil or in a pot on your porch or a spot in your yard that is covered from animals. There are are many items you can get to enable you to keep the critters out! There are many seed mixtures that offer a good balance and mix.

 

 

A Quality mix will include greens and herbs, such as green onion which you pick by snipping off the top Kyona Mizuna, Red Russian kale, Komatsuna, Red Giant mustard, and Tatsoi, all of these greens are high in nutrients add colored lettuces which are high in vitamins stay away form empty green iceberg lettuce which has no value at all. Eat vitamin  rich foods with high properties of nutrients. Colored lettuces  have a high number of vitamins over the green iceberg which is mostly water.

 

A word about organic greens and organic foods as you know there is no truly organic food as they are grown in soil and all soil is polluted from over the years of lead in the gas as well as many pesticides used in growing and in the enviroment that do not break down, but still it is good to buy foods that the grower or producer did not use chemicals in the production. Eating right goes a long way in the way you feel and being healthy and staying away from drinking alcohol and smoking is a must to achieve better health and keeping it. It is wise to study herbs as they continue to offer many wonderful properties that are good for your immune system such as garlic for colds and Cayenne  pepper is used worldwide to treat a variety of health conditions, including poor circulation, weak digestion, heart disease, chronic pain, sore throats, headaches and toothache. Chamomile  is a good herb for helping to relieve stress. Knowing which foods to eat will go along way in achieving a more beautiful you.

Six Foods That Could Make You Live Longer

Everyone knows that a balanced diet full of fresh vegetables and fruits, complex carbohydrates, low-fat proteins, and low-fat dairy foods will ensure a healthy, long life. But did you know there are several foods that have proven to provide many health benefits including longevity in life?

Spinach

Most foods that help to improve life expectancy are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants fight against free radicals (harmful elements in the environment form the sun, wind, and pollution) that destroy cells and essentially wear down the body. Think of antioxidants as internal filters that protect cells from breaking down.

Green leafy vegetables such as spinach are high in vitamins A and C, which are both considered antioxidants. Raw, uncooked vegetables will always give you more nutritional bang, but steamed broccoli is still a powerful food. Find a way to incorporate spinach into your salads, sandwiches, and side dishes regularly.

Flax seeds

Flax seeds contain the essential fatty acid, Omega 3, which is a critical component to cellular health. Additionally, Omega 3 reduces risk of stroke, heart disease, certain cancers, arthritis, and some brain illnesses. Fish and eggs are high in Omega 3, but flax seed oil has up to six times more Omega 3 than other sources. Flax seeds can be added to a home made trail mix or flax seed oil can be purchased for a tasty salad dressing.

Nuts

Almonds and walnuts are particularly good for your health because they are packed full of omega 3, antioxidants, folic acid, selenium, and copper. Nuts are an excellent source of protein and healthy fat too. Studies show that nuts work to maintain cardiovascular health and help control weight. Toss a few nuts on your salad or take a handful as an afternoon snack, and you can’t go wrong.

Blueberries

A blueberry is often coined a superfood, or a food that has health benefits beyond just nutritional value. Blueberries contain many antioxidants and are low on the glycemic index (less sugar). A small serving of blueberries contains high levels of vitamins C and K, B3, manganese, and fiber. Other superfoods include the acai berry, broccoli, and oats.

Green Tea

Studies show that green tea not only acts as a powerful antioxidant, but also increases metabolism. With a single cup of green tea every day, you will work to keep your waist line in check. By controlling weight, the risks of heart disease and diabetes are decreased. Other benefits of green tea include cholesterol control and cancer prevention.

Kidney Beans

High in protein, kidney beans help to detoxify your body of sulfites and also provide a healthy source of fiber. Fiber leaves you feeling full, which will help control weight, and helps maintain digestive and overall health. Other low-fat, high-protein beans include black beans, pinto beans, and navy beans.

Bonus Treats

Other excellent foods that are proven to provide health benefits include dark chocolate, red wine, and coffee. While all of these foods should be eaten or drank in moderation, they serve as good food options when it is time to indulge.

This article is presented by Le Cordon Bleu North America. Le Cordon Bleu North America offers Le Cordon Bleu culinary education classes and culinary training programs across the United States. To learn more about the class offerings, please visit Chefs.edu for more information.

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