Tidbits

Bacterium Blues vs Soy’s Joys
For years, the cause of Crohn's disease has eluded researchers and no lasting cure has been found. Crohn's disease is not a killer but it does ruin the lives of sufferers. Symptoms of the intestinal affliction include chronic diarrhea, daily abdominal pain, weight loss, extreme tiredness and psychological problems.

A leading medical researcher at St George's Medical School, London has found a bacterium, not completely killed by normal milk pasteurization, causes Crohn's disease. The micro-organism is believed to exist in up to 54 percent of the dairy herds in Western Europe and North America. Fortunately, milk alternatives are widely available and flavor-wise, have come into the spotlight in recent years. Soy milks come natural or fortified, along with rice, almond and oat milks. These provide nourishing healthy alternatives to dairy.

- Article by Shared Vision

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*FDA studies have shown that soy protein, when part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, the No. 1 cause of death in North America. Under FDA guidelines, foods containing at least 6.25 grams of soy protein per serving can carry labels claiming the healthy heart benefit.
 

In China, kiwifruit is known as a “Chinese Gooseberry”, but New Zealand growers suspected that a more exotic name would fare better in the marketplace and changed the name to “kiwi” in honour of their national bird. 

Did you know that parsley has more calcium per serving than milk? (Whole Milk 118 mg, Parsley 203 mg per 100 g serving). This easy to grow and versatile herb is also packed with iron, vitamin C, flavinoids and carotenes, known for their cancer fighting properties. Cultivation of parsley started 2000 years ago, when the plant was used primarily as a herbal remedy (for liver and blood cleansing) and then slowly used as food. In modern times it has been relegated to a mere garnish, but with degenerative disease prevalent, maybe it's time to re-introduce this powerful plant to our diet.

Sources: “Micro-Organisms in Milk Cause Crohn's Disease”, Lycos Environmental News, Jan 2000 “The Healing Foods”, Hausman & Hurley, 1989 FDA Talk Paper #T99-48, October 20, 1999, Parsley Power by Sally Errey, R.N.C.P.
 

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Parsley is a member of the umbelliferous family, along with carrots, celery, parsnips and cilantro. There are more than 30 varieties of parsley and it is the most common herb in the United States.

Sources: “The Encyclopedia of Nutrition and Good Health ”, Ronzio PhD, CNS, FAIC, 1997 "The Healing Power of Foods", Murray ND, Trillium ,1993

"Skip the Carcinogens"
Did you know that barbequing meat produces carcinogenic compounds? Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are formed when burning fat drips into an open flame. Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) are formed when amino acids and creatine (a chemical found in muscles) react at high temperatures. - But don't despair, these innovative alternatives will add colour and vitality to your barbeque this Summer.

"Cancer is Preventable".
Consumption of 400 grams/day or more of a variety of vegetables and fruits - could, by itself, decrease overall cancer incidence by at least 20%. "The evidence is convincing that diets high in vegetables and/or fruits protect against cancers of the mouth and pharynx, oesophagus, lung, stomach colon and rectum, larynx, pancreas, breast and bladder."

Source: World Cancer Research Fund, Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: a global perspective July 1997

Flaxseed Shown to Slow Tumor Growth
In a recent Canadian study, flaxseed consumed daily was found to slow tumor growth in breast cancer patients. A muffin with 50 grams of ground flax seed was fed to participants in the Toronto study. Those who had a normal muffin experienced no reduction in tumor growth. 50 grams of flax seed equals about 2 tablespoons. Flax consists of protein, oils high in omega 3 fatty acids and fiber. The lignans in the fiber are considered to be an active disease fighter. So how do you incorporate flax seed into your diet? Whole seeds can be ground using a coffee grinder (or purchased ground) and sprinkled liberally on breakfast cereals or salads or you can try this delicious recipe.
 

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The fibre in flax is not just valuable for it's food content. It is also woven into fibres combined with linen for cloth. Flax seed is native to the Mediterranean and has been used as a food item for well over 5,000 years. Canada is the world leader in the production and export of flax seed.

Flaxseed shown to slow tumor growth In a recent Canadian study, flaxseed consumed daily was found to slow tumor growth in breast cancer patients. A muffin with 50 grams of ground flax seed was fed to participants in the Toronto study. Those who had a normal muffin experienced no reduction in tumor growth. 50 grams of flax seed equals about 2 tablespoons. Flax consists of protein, oils high in omega 3 fatty acids and fiber. The lignans in the fiber are considered to be an active disease fighter. So how do you incorporate flax seed into your diet? Whole seeds can be ground using a coffee grinder (or purchased ground) and sprinkled liberally on breakfast cereals or salads or you can try this delicious recipe.

Source: The Healing Power of Foods, M Murray, ND, 1993 Trillium Publishing.
 

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The fibre in flax is not just valuable for it's food content. It is also woven into fibres combined with linen for cloth. Flax seed is native to the Mediterranean and has been used as a food item for well over 5,000 years. Canada is the world leader in the production and export of flax seed. The Healing Power of Foods, M Murray, ND, 1993 Trillium Publishing
Contact Sally for consultations or seminars at 734-7125 ext 234. Also phone the Centre for Integrated Healing (734-7125) for details of Sally's Food Glorious Food cooking program.

Did You Know?
Tea is reported to be the most widely consumed beverage world-wide after water. This refers specifically to what is called leaf tea, as distinct from herbal tea. With more than 3000 choices of types of tea, deciding which tea to drink could be confusing. The good news is that studies have shown that compounds in all three types of teas (Green, Black and Oolong) have cancer and heart disease preventing properties.
If you still love your coffee, try getting your tea intake from the fabulous muffin recipe on the recipe page.

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Tannins in black tea are anti-oxidants and exhibit HIV virus-suppressing activity. These tea phytochemicals also influence the sensitivity of the taste buds, lowering the response threshold to salt (ie making the perception of salt greater). Ascorbic acid facilitates the absorption of iron from tea. This may be a reason for other cultures adopting the habit of drinking tea with lemon juice.
 

New Year - New Liver….
After the indulgences of the festive season, January is a great time to cleanse and de-toxify the body. This can be done using a herbal remedy, such as swedish bitters or de-toxifying teas. These remedies give the liver, one of our main elimination organs, support.

Artichokes are often featured in these remedies and they can be incorporated into your diet for maximum effect. Fresh artichokes are also very low in calories and work well in regulating blood sugar levels as their starch is in the form of insulin, which the body handles differently from other sugars. When choosing artichokes freshness is indicated by vibrant green colour. Over ripe artichokes have hard-tipped leaf scales that are opening or spreading.

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In folk history, artichoke has long been used for treating liver conditions and recent scientific evidence has supported this. Artichokes, through promoting bile flow, have been shown to lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels in human studies.
Sources: “The Encyclopedia of Nutrition and Good Health ”, Ronzio PhD, CNS, FAIC, 1997 "The Healing Power of Foods", Murray ND, Trillium ,1993
July 2000 Food submission

Nuts About Almonds
With summer upon us and the current trend towards raw foods gaining popularity, it's hard to expand food options beyond raw fruit and veggies. However, nuts and seeds can be "sprouted" just like beans and alfalfa. Soaking nuts and seeds begins the sprouting process, which alters fats and proteins into simpler, more digestible forms. The nuts will double or more in size over night.

Almonds have been referred to as the "King of Nuts". Most of their oil is monounsaturated, resembling olive oil and they have twice the content of calcium per 100g serving than whole milk.

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Almonds are related to the peach and cherry family. The almond originated in western Asia and North Africa. California is now the largest almond producing area in the world. Nuts are best purchased in their shells. If these are not available, make sure the ones you buy are stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer.

Sources: “The Encyclopedia of Nutrition and Good Health ”, Ronzio PhD, CNS, FAIC, 1997 "The Healing Power of Foods", Murray ND, Trillium ,1993
 

Tasty Tomato Time
Botanically speaking, the tomato is a fruit and is related to capsicum peppers, eggplant and potato. This versatile fruit is a good source of Vitamin C and it’s latest claim to fame is it’s intense orange-red colour that provides the powerful carotenoid , lycopene. Lycopene acts as an anti-oxidant against health damaging free-radicals, reducing the risk of cervical, bladder, colon, breast and prostate cancers. To maximize it’s effects however, tomatoes need to be cooked. This breaks down the cell walls and releases the antioxidant.

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The modern tomato originated from an ancestor in the region of Peru and Ecuador and was first domesticated in Mexico. Tomatoes were long regarded as poisonous by Europeans, and were used only as a decorative plant. It was not until the 1800’s that tomatoes were generally accepted as foods. The first whole food to be genetically engineered, commercially produced and approved by the FDA (1994) was a GE tomato that has an extended shelf life.

Butter or Margarine? Here’s the answer.
The debate has been whether to choose the natural, but high in saturated fat butter, or the processed margarines that are high in un-natural “trans fats”. A Tufts University study has the answer to what to spread on your toast. Their results showed that butter caused the highest cholesterol levels, followed by (in order) stick margarine, shortening, soft margarine, semi-liquid margarine and soybean oil. However, all options increased cholesterol levels to some extent.

My recommendation is to spread flaxseed oil on your bread. Rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, this oil has been found to lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and can reduce the pain, inflammation and swelling of arthritis. A little goes a long way!

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Whole flaxseeds offer the benefits of the omega-3 EFA’s plus magnesium, potassium, B vitamins, zinc, fibre and protein. Grind flax seeds and add to salads, cereals, baked goods or fresh juices. The typical diet supplies twice as much omega-6 oils as needed (from corn, peanut, sunflower and safflower oils) but supplies very little omega-3. This imbalance is associated with several health problems.
 

Sources: “Good Medicine”, p4 Autumn 1999
“Prescription For Nutritional Healing”, Balch & Balch “The Healing Foods”, Hausman & Hurley, 1989 FDA Talk Paper #T99-48, October 20, 1999
 

Food as a Source of Love
Recently I've noticed that in our hurried lives we don't stop to think of the potential of food and it's preparation as a gift of love. Choosing foods that are optimal for our health is an affirmation of self-respect. Buying exquisite produce and consuming delicious food is a definite act of self-care.

In Cooking for Regeneration, Cecile Tovah Levin writes " We are permeated by the food of light, vibrations, air and water. We are nourished by the food of plants. We are sustained by the food of love, by the endless love of our Heavenly Father and Earthly Mother. We are inspired by the interpretation of that love through music, art, and the beauty of nature."

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Raspberries, strawberries and blackberries are all members of the rose family. Hybrids of the blackberry include boysenberries and loganberries. Berries are one of the most heavily sprayed crops and organic sources are recommended.
 

Ageless Eating
Did you know that the main cause of wrinkles and discoloration of the skin are sun damage and free radicals? Skin is the most visible organ of the body, and hair is it’s product. If your body is poorly nourished, your skin and hair will reflect that. But the right nutrients in the form of antioxidants can help protect your skin and hair as you age. Carrots, sweet potatoes, or other orange or green vegetables provide the plant’s source of sun protection - beta-carotene, vitamin C, E and the mineral selenium.

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In the early part of the 20th century, doctors used vegetable-rich diets to help those with a very light complexion tan rather than burn. This practice has been scientifically proven to be effective.

Eat your greens: a handful of wild greens can contain a day’s requirement of vitamin C, with fewer than 10 calories.

A slice of toast, a doughnut, a bowl of oatmeal, coffee or a glass of milk satisfies only 4% of our daily requirements.

As a source of vitamin C, wild greens are 1,250 times more effective per calorie.
 

Sources: Eat Right, Live Longer, Neal Barnard MD
Ageless Body, Timeless Mind, Deepak Chopra MD
 

These contributions were compiled by Sally Errey, a Nutrition Consultant with a holistic approach to foods, energy and healing.

Contact her for consultations, cooking classes and seminars, or visit the schedule page.