Chestnuts

Perfect for wintery days!
Chestnuts may be called nuts but they are actually closer to fruits. Not only are they low in calories, about 10kcal per chestnut, they also offer amazing health benefits:

- Immune health / cancer prevention; contain powerful antioxidants, which are amazingly not destroyed after cooking; rich in fibre, iron, magnesium, vit E
- Heart health; rich in potassium and Magnesium, vit E
- Blood sugar balance; fibre keeps bowels regular; they help relieve haemorrhoids
- bone / teeth health; contain calcium; have anti-inflammatory properties
- Skin / eye health; contain almost all B vits and vit E
- improve varicose veins related swelling/pain; help with blood flow to the legs; have anti-inflammatory benefits

In Chinese Medicine, chestnuts are seen as warming, tonifying Kidneys; reducing liver Qi stagnation; and helping prevent nosebleeds and blood in stools.

Best to avoid in pregnancy and they are known to be diuretic and have blood thinning effects. Also just be aware, if you like them as much as I do, you might overeat and suffer some minor side effects such as stomach upset, headache or itching.

#chestnuts #nuts #chinesemedicine #vitamins #immunehealth #cancer #osteoporosis #bonehealth #minerals #antioxidants #vitamins #hearthealth #bloodsugar #nutrition #naturopathy

Sweet Potato

Go for PURPLE

Some people think sweet potatoes are a sweet variety of white potatoes; they are not! They actually belong to a different food group completely; and surprisingly they offer amazing health benefits.

Sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants, vitamins such as A, B6, C; in minerals such as potassium, manganese, and in fibre.

- Immune health support/ protection against cancer; rich in antioxidants especially in anthocyanins, purple variety richer; protection against heavy metals and oxidative damage, again purple better
- Eye/brain health; anti-inflammatory benefits, rich in phytonutrients, vit A, again purple better
- Gut health; rich in soluble and insoluble fibres
- Blood sugar balance; amazing benefit since they are so sweet; their glycemic index (GI) is low to moderate, again purple lower; they increase the protein hormone adiponectin which help regulate glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown

In Chinese Medicine, sweet potatoes are seen as cooling, strengthening Qi, Yin and spleen-pancreas; removing toxins. Just make sure not to overeat them as they may cause indigestion and bloating.

Best to store them in a dry cool place and make sure not to bake/roast/fry them so as not to sky rocket their GI. Also moderation is key. In short, purple variety is richer in all the nutrients and they are just YUMMY, they taste like chestnuts..
l love them!

#sweetpotatoes #vegetables #Immunehealth #nutrition #chinesemedicine #vitamins #minerals #fibre #guthealth #eyehealth #vision #brainhealth #bloodsugar #diabetes #glycemixindex

Blackstrap Molasses

Heard of them?
Probably not! Read on, you will thank me.

Molasses are produced mainly from sugar cane or sugar beets, but can also be made from other foods such as grapes or dates.
The extracted sugar cane juice is boiled many times; each time allowing sugar crystals to be formed and then removed. Blackstrap Molasses (BSM) is the residue once these sugar crystals are removed at the end of the 3rd boiling.

You see ‘sugar’ mentioned and you want to stop reading? Not so fast! BSM is so nutrient dense it is sometimes called a superfood. One tablespoon provides the following %s of daily required amounts:
20% Iron; 15% Calcium; 10% Magnesium; 25% Manganese; 10% Potassium and even some B6, B2, B3, selenium.
Impressed? You should be! also with only a glycemic index of 55 (upper limit of low).

BSM enhances energy, supports bone and nervous system health, helps form collagen, assists thyroid function, regulates blood sugar and blood pressure.

In Chinese Medicine, BSM is seen as warming, tonifying Yin, the spleen and the pancreas, harmonising the liver; though recommended only in small amounts for excess type person.

Wonder food? You bet. What is the catch?
The taste! This low calorie, sweet and bitter taste food is definitely an acquired taste... and I am still acquiring!!
I used it years ago, don’t know what made me stop, now I am trying to go back to it.
Best to buy organic, unsulfured, and use it in your cooking, possibly with your deserts.
Start slow, otherwise you won’t be my friend anymore.. and I can’t have that!

#blackstrapmolasses #bittertaste #chinesemedicine #bonehealth #osteoporosis #minerals #calcium #iron #hearthealth #cooking #anaemia #blood #nervoussystem #molasses #yin #liver

Saffron

Polyphenols are beneficial compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acid. They help improve digestion, blood sugar levels, brain and heart function and boost the immune system. They are abundant in various plants and high levels are found in berries, nuts, vegetables and beans.

Saffron, a powerful polyphenol, is possibly the most expensive spice as it uses a labour intensive harvesting method.
Saffron is an impressive antioxidant; it helps reduce inflammation, has anti-depressive effects, improves brain function, memory, mood, libido, and calms hyperactivity in children. In test tube studies, saffron has been shown to have cancer fighting properties, especially colon cancer.

In Chinese Medicine, saffron is seen as reducing PMS symptoms, stimulating Liver Qi, and removing stagnation.
Recent studies also show that saffron improves age related macular degeneration.

Best to buy saffron threads rather than powdered; crush and soak 20-30 mins in hot (not boiling) water, then add to your cooking.
If you want to buy saffron supplements, make sure to get a standardised, pure and clean product. Naked Pharmacy seems like a good choice. 30mg a day to be taken in the morning with food; do not exceed 1g and not recommended for pregnancy/lactating.

I’ve never taken saffron but the latest research showing its benefits for the eyes..makes it very tempting.

#saffron #spices #herbs #chinesemedicine #stagnation #Qi #PMS #digestion #bloodsugar #AMD #brain #memory #hearthealth

Basil

Don’t you just love tomato and basil salad? Besides it’s yummy flavour, Basil also offers great health benefits. It is a good source of vits K, A and C, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium and iron.

Basil contains flavonoids providing anti-oxidant protection. This reduces oxidative stress and strengthens the immune system. It’s volatile oils offer anti-microbial, antibiotic benefits (great for cuts and skin infections), and anti-inflammatory effects, strengthening the digestive tract, and the nervous system; Basil restores the body’s natural pH levels, helps an upset tummy, reducing bloating and water retention. It may also help reduce arthritis and fibromyalgia type pain.

In Chinese Medicine, Basil is seen as warming, reducing wind-cold symptoms, easing cold type asthma characterised with clear white mucus and a pale face. It’s calming effect, especially when consumed in tea form, helps relax, de-stress and focus the mind.

One small area of concern: Basil contains a chemical, estragole, when consumed in large amounts may be unsafe for the liver; also remember basil acts as a blood thinner!

To avoid leaves getting brown patches, store basil in damp paper on the top shelf of the fridge; cooler temps may hasten the browning!

Enjoy fresh basil in pesto, salads and Mediterranean dressings; in cooking add it at the end; in dried form it hasn’t got much flavour. Me? I love basil not just for its health benefits but really for its distinct aroma and flavour.

#acupuncture #acupuncturist #nutrition #nutritionist #naturopathy #naturopathicmedicine #health #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #wellness #healer #food #diet #dietplan #tcm #traditionalchinesemedicine #herbs #digestion #disease #minerals #aroma #selflove #vitamins #immunesystem #healthiswealth #herbs #alternativemedicine

Walnuts

These yummy nuts are full of nutrients. They are a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid (a form of omega 3) and gamma-tocopherol (vitamin E). These make walnuts significantly beneficial for heart health, energy and skin health. Walnuts are also great for reducing inflammation and pain.

In Chinese Medicine, they are seen as warming, therefore they should be avoided by those with heat signs such as red face. They also moisten the lungs (great for asthma) and intestines (helping constipation with dryness). Walnuts also nourish the brain and strengthen the kidney energy, helping with impotence.

Avoid raw walnuts as they might carry parasites; however make sure that the dry roasted ones are not cooked at high temperatures. Of course best to buy them organic and unshelled. Also eat them with their skin as it contains phenolic acid, tannins and flavonoids.

Best to freeze them (they last 9 months in the freezer) and soak them for 4 hours; and of course refrain yourself from getting greedy with them as they are quite fattening!

#acupuncture #acupuncturist #nutrition #nutritionist #naturopathy #naturopathicmedicine #health #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #wellness #healer #food #diet #dietplan #tcm #traditionalchinesemedicine #herbs #lifestyle #disease #body #immunehealth #hearthealth #healyourself #nuts #alternativemedicine #walnuts

Hempseeds

Considered a superfood, this cannabis sativa plant species may not be very tasty (at least for me!) nor contain any psychoactive compounds (just in case you hoped you could get high from them!) but are well worth adding to your diet.

Hemp seeds are very nutritious, rich in essential fats, fibre, vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc and potassium.

Many health benefits:
- Heart health; reduces blood pressure, inflammation and regulates cholesterol levels; rich in healthy fats, magnesium, potassium and in arginine (which, in the body, produces nitric oxide and hence relaxes blood vessels)
- Digestive health; rich in soluble and insoluble fibre, reduces blood sugar spikes
- Skin benefits; improves dryness and itchiness; rich in healthy fats and zinc
- Hormonal balance; reduces inflammation, helps with PMS and menopausal symptoms, rich in essential fatty acids
- Complete plant based protein source; contains all the essential amino acids; 25% of the calories coming from protein

As always, best to buy organic, soak for 2-4 hours. I like grinding and adding them to salads...and only in small amounts, as taste wise they are not my favorite from the world of nuts and seeds! 

#seeds #acupuncturist #nutrition #nutritionist #naturopathy #naturopathicmedicine #health #immunesystem #healthyfood #omega3 #healthyfats #food #diet #dietplan #tcm #traditionalchinesemedicine #herbs #lifestyle #disease #body #seeds #selflove #healyourself #heal #nuts #alternativemedicine #hempseed

Cumin

The small Cumin seeds add a lot of flavour to many dishes, especially the Indian and Middle Eastern ones. Cumin also offers some health benefits:

- Provides important nutrients, such as iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, B vits especially B1
- Enhances digestion; stimulates pancreatic enzymes and helps increase bile release from the liver for efficient digestion and nutrient absorption; great for flatulence
- Contains antioxidants such as terpenes and phenols, hence great for immune support with anti-cancer properties
- Helps control blood sugar and reduce cholesterol levels
- Anti-microbial properties; reduces food borne bacteria

In Chinese Medicine, it is said that Cumin’s warming and pungent qualities promote energy circulation; also by increasing metabolic rate Cumin may be useful in weight loss diets. However Cumin is not recommended for an inflamed stomach.

Whole cumin seeds may be dry roasted (until popping) then added to soups or cooked rice, buckwheat and quinoa. Some recommend to complement cumin with fresh lime juice for added flavour. I add cumin when cooking lentils, black or adzuki beans; and I love it in humus.

 #acupuncture #spices #nutrition #nutritionist #naturopathy #naturopathicmedicine #health #immunesystem #healthyfood #wellness #healer #food #diet #dietplan ##traditionalchinesemedicine #herbs #lifestyle #disease #body #fitness #flatulence #herbs #digestion #alternativemedicine #cumin

Almonds

in Ayurvedic Medicine almonds are said to build Ojas, the physical, intellectual and spiritual strength. Rich in healthy protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, they offer some important health benefits.

- Heart health; rich in healthy fats, protein, fiber, magnesium, vit E; help reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Blood sugar control; low in carbs, rich in biotin, healthy fats, protein and fiber
- Acid reflux ease; the only alkaline nuts (all the others are acid forming); a handful a day help prevent heart burn
- Alzheimer’s disease prevention; rich in vit E and Magnesium
- Weight reduction; almonds boost metabolism and reduce appetite

In Chinese Medicine, almonds are seen as relieving Qi stagnation in the lungs and easing constipation; but not recommended for those with damp conditions such as oedema and sluggishness.

Almonds are best soaked overnight. The skin may irritate the gut lining for some and can be removed easily after soaking; however the skin is bitter and offers antioxidant benefits, protecting against oxidative stress.

I love almonds therefore eating only a handful of them is really difficult for me, so I only soak 10-12 overnight to protect myself against my greediness!

 #acupuncture #acupuncturist #nutrition #nutritionist #naturopathy #naturopathicmedicine #health #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #wellness #healer #food #immunesystem #dietplan #tcm #traditionalchinesemedicine #herbs #magnesium #disease #body #fitness #selflove #healyourself #almonds #healthiswealth #alternativemedicine #nuts

Beetroot

Full of essential nutrients, beetroots offer amazing health benefits. They are a great source of iron, potassium, magnesium, folate and vitamins A and C.

- Heart Health; reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, high in potassium, nitrates and fibre
- Immune health; high in Vit C; beetroots’ high betacyanins (which give them their purple colour) help reduce cancer risk
- Reduce diabetes type 2 risk; though they are very sweet their high antioxidant alpha lipoic acid increase insulin sensitivity and reduce glucose levels
- Enhance exercise capacity; high nitrate content; improve muscle oxygen absorption capacity; increase stamina and energy
- Gut health; prevent constipation, high in fibre
Beet greens offer similar benefits to spinach and their high Lutein and Zeaxanthin levels help with eye health.
In Chinese Medicine, they are seen as calming, improving circulation and benefiting the heart and the liver. They help menopausal symptoms when consumed with carrots.

Be aware that beets are high in oxalates which might interfere with some nutrient absorption like calcium. Those with Kidney stones and digestive sensitivities like IBS should stay away.

Beetroots can be eaten raw in salads, but if cooked, best to steam for 15mins to preserve nutrients, though they are yummy baked. Lastly do not worry if your urine or stools turn pink or red.. this is harmless and quite common.

 #acupuncture #cancer #nutrition #nutritionist #naturopathy #naturopathicmedicine #health #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #wellness #antioxidantserum #food #diet #heart#vegetables #traditionalchinesemedicine #immunehealth #lifestyle #disease #body #fitness #selflove #healyourself #eyehealth #healthiswealth #alternativemedicine #beetroot

Coconuts

Coconut, fruit of the coconut palm, is very nutritious and contains both plant protein and important essential minerals.

- It’s powerful antioxidant polyphenols eg Gallic acid, reduce LDL cholesterol, prevent oxidative stress damage and improve immunity
- Low in carbs, high in fibre, therefore may stabilise blood sugar levels; and the arginine aids the pancreas to work more effectively; it’s high fibre also helps with bowel health
- it’s medium chain fatty acids, MCTs strengthen gut bacteria, reduce inflammation and benefit the brain
- it’s manganese and copper are great for bone health
- it’s iron, selenium and Copper help red blood cells formation and protection of cells
- It’s magnesium for electrolyte balance
- zinc and selenium for thyroid function
- topically used for youthful hair and skin, and prevents age spots and wrinkles; though for some it may encourage acne spots

In Chinese Medicine, coconut is seen as warming, strengthening and tonifying the heart; it’s milk increases yin fluids.

Recently coconut also appears as a favourite in Keto diets to induce ketosis where the body burns fat instead of glucose for energy.

Thanks to it’s stable oil with low rancidity, it is also recommended for cooking.

Remember though, coconut is high in calories and it’s a saturated fat so in excess may increase heart disease risk.

I use coconut oil mostly for oil-pulling; a teaspoon swished around the mouth for 20 mins 2x a week. After spitting it out, gargle with salty water. This way Coconut gets rid of harmful bacteria In the mouth and reduces plaque and gingivitis.

 #acupuncture #acupuncturist #nutrition #minerals #naturopathy #naturopathicmedicine #health #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #wellness #healer #food #diet #dietplan #tcm #traditionalchinesemedicine #bacteria #lifestyle #disease #body #gingivitis #immune #healyourself #plaque #healthiswealth #alternativemedicine #coconuts

Tomatoes

Don’t you just love the smell of freshly picked tomatoes.. so refreshing!

Some see tomatoes as fruit but mostly they are considered as nutrient rich vegetables.

Health benefits? Plenty:
- Anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant protection; contain vits A, C, E, B3, B6, K, folate, biotin, phytonutrients such as carotenoids and beta carotenoids, calcium, magnesium and manganese
- Bone Health; rich in lycopene, calcium and vit K
- Heart Health; help lower cholesterol, rich in vit B and potassium
- Benefit the skin, hair and eyes; rich in lycopene, vit A and beta-carotene

In Chinese Medicine, tomatoes are seen as cooling, relieving dryness, constipation and heat signs such as high blood pressure and headaches; cleansing the liver, purifying the blood.

Yes, tomatoes provide a lot of health benefits but some important aspects to be aware of. Tomatoes are acidic and may worsen acid reflux. Also, they may upset calcium metabolism and aggravate arthritis. Tomatoes are part of nightshade vegetables; these contain solanine which is an alkaloid toxic in large amounts; so tomatoes are not recommended in inflammatory conditions. For these reasons I tend to eat no more than 1-2 small tomatoes a day... though I love them!

 #acupuncture #acupuncturist #nutrition #nutritionist #naturopathy #naturopathicmedicine #health #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #wellness #healer #food #diet #dietplan #acidreflux #traditionalchinesemedicine #vitamins #lifestyle #eyes #hearthealth #anticarcinogenic #selflove #healyourself #cancer #healthiswealth #alternativemedicine #tomatoes

Bee Products

Let’s compare different bee products:

- Honey;

• refined, high in calories;

• raw and heated honey harmonises the liver, reduces constipation, dries up mucus;

• Manuka honey has antibiotic properties;

• raw honey is always preferable as most benefits are lost when heated.

- Bee pollen; 10-15g daily

• amazing nutritive tonic;

• fabulous protein, providing almost all amino acids;

• promotes growth, development, endurance, vitality and longevity;

• high in B vits including B12;

• boosts immune system, protects against radiation, free radicals and oxidative damage;

• helps with allergies such as hay fever;

• produces oestrogenic effects, helps with menopausal symptoms, vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence..

- Propolis; 500-1000g daily; throat spray for mouth and skin infections.

• enhances immune system, protects against bacteria, fungus, viruses and parasites;

• has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties;

• shows benefits in inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis;

• protects against the common cold; upper respiratory, vaginal and gastro intestinal infections;

• accelerates healing with skin and dental conditions such as gingivitis and mouth ulcers...

- Royal Jelly; 100-400g daily

• similar benefits to bee pollen but more powerful effects with energy and nutrition, and further benefits such as cholesterol reducing, hormone regulating and fertility promoting effects;

• also helps with arthritis and has anti- cancer properties especially with leukaemia..
  
  I hope you can find which one is for you but be aware with allergies with bee products; so start with minute amounts, just in case! 

#acupuncture #acupuncturist #nutrition #nutritionist #naturopathy #naturopathicmedicine #health #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #wellness #healer #food #diet #dietplan #tcm #traditionalchinesemedicine #herbs #nutrition #disease #immune #fitness #honey #healyourself #propolis #healthiswealth #royaljelly #alternativemedicine #beepollen

Blueberries

Blueberries are considered superstar fruit thanks to their unique powerful health benefits. Don’t ignore them, trust me they are important!

- Immune booster and protection against free radicals; rich in flavonoids, resveratrol, polyphenols, vit C and their anthocyanines inhibit cancer cells
- Heart health; reduce cholesterol and blood pressure
- Blood sugar regulation; low in glycemic index, provide blood sugar regulation to type 2 diabetes
- Cognitive Health/ Improve memory; protect nerve cells from damage
- Digestive health; they are not exactly considered prebiotics but when their polyphenols go to the colon, our microbes activate their prebiotic benefits

Bilberries, also known as European blueberries, are smaller in size but, thanks to their abundant anthocyanoside content, their benefits are significantly more powerful and provide further ones;
- Reduce inflammation, especially in the joints; collagen stabilising action
- Benefits the eyes; prevent glaucoma, cataract formation and macular degeneration; improve night vision

Bilberries are more difficult to obtain fresh, however they do come in powder form; both bilberries and blueberries can be frozen for 3-6 months.

I am sure most of you are familiar with the benefits of blueberries but are you eating them most days? If not, please make sure you do because their benefits are proven to be significant... #acupuncture #acupuncturist #nutrition #nutritionist #naturopathy #naturopathicmedicine #health #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #wellness #healer #food #diet #dietplan #tcm #traditionalchinesemedicine #fruit #lifestyle #eyes #diabetes #cancer #selflove #healyourself #bilberries #healthiswealth #immunehealth #alternativemedicine #blueberries

Plantain

Never heard of them? Unsurprising since they can be tricky to find in UK supermarkets. I had actually heard about them, but never tasted them.. until recently that is! And now I just love them; I could eat them every day!

Plantains look like bananas and are referred to as cooking bananas. They also taste between a banana and a potato, but nutritionally they are far superior to bananas.
They are rich In fibre, in vits A, B6 and C, and in minerals such as magnesium and potassium.
- Ease constipation, promote bowel regularity; rich in fibre
- Heart and Brain health; rich in Vit A, C and potassium, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels; also rich in neurotransmitter vit B6
- Weight loss; 220 calories in one plantain but it’s very filling and is a complex carb
- Immune system boost; rich in vits A and C, prevent free radicals; anti- cancer benefits
- Prevent osteoporosis; rich in potassium

Though can be eaten raw if ripe enough, I would not recommend it; some fry or bake them but boiling is the healthiest way. Once cooked, they can be peeled easily. The only drawback for me is that I can’t find them organic in any of the shops. So I spray them with vegetable wash... please try them.
Plantains are seriously yummy! I am hooked on them. Let me know what you think. #acupuncture #acupuncturist #nutrition #nutritionist #naturopathy #naturopathicmedicine #health #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #wellness #healer #food #diet #dietplan #cancer #traditionalchinesemedicine #magnesium #lifestyle #disease #body #vitamins #selflove #healyourself #banana #healthiswealth #alternativemedicine #plantain

Soy beans

Healthy or not? A controversial subject!
In Asian cultures soybean is consumed mainly in its fermented form which is seen as cooling, strengthening for the spleen and restoring the healthy functioning of pancreas.

Some inconclusive benefits:
- Benefits eyes and brain; contains lecithin and essential fatty acids in the form of Alpha Linolenic Acid
- Prevents bone loss and eases menopausal symptoms; provides calcium, vit K and isoflavone phytonutrients such as genistein and daidzen
- Restores youthful skin; contains vit E
- Protects against cancer; especially breast and prostate, but a lot more studies needed to confirm.
- Eases constipation; moistens dryness

Some important considerations:
- contains oxalates; not for those with sensitivities or kidney stones
- can cause allergic reactions; good to be aware
- most soy products contain denatured protein lacking the nutrients necessary for digestion
- contains goitrogens; so not for those with thyroid issues
- health benefits depend on plant genetics, growing, harvesting, processing and extracting conditions; these seem to be problematic especially for this legume

I am not convinced with soybeans so I would consume them only in small amounts and in fermented forms such as Natto, Tempeh, Tofu and Miso. In this form they provide pre-and probiotics and some even vits B, E, K, folic acid and iron too. Just be aware they can be very salty; and remember small amount goes a long way! #acupuncture #probiotics #nutrition #nutritionist #naturopathy #naturopathicmedicine #health #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #wellness #healer #food #diet #dietplan #tcm #traditionalchinesemedicine #prebiotics #lifestyle #tofu #body #tempeh #natto #selflove #healyourself #fermentedsoybean #healthiswealth #alternativemedicine #soybean

Stevia

Looking for a natural sweetener with almost no calories? Then Stevia is for you!
It has been used extensively in United States, South America, Japan and now in Europe too, to sweeten food and drinks. Some chew it just for pleasure. Known to be 300x sweeter than sugar, and most importantly Stevia has been found to have no side effects.

Stay away from clear extract or white powders as they are refined; always go for green/brown powders/ extracts.

Stevia is available in liquid, powder or tablet form. It is sold widely in health food shops. Just be careful, one or two drops of the extract goes a long way.

Surprisingly Stevia also offers health benefits:
- Dental health; suppresses dental bacteria growth and prevents cavities
- Weight loss help; fewer calories than sugar and one needs very little to satisfy one’s sweet tooth
- Blood sugar regulation; type 2 diabetics report that stevia helps control their blood sugar and insulin levels
- Reduces Blood Pressure; studies report that Stevia helps those with hypertension
- Physical and mental strength; reduces fatigue, increases alertness

If you didn’t know about Stevia I am sure you will be pleased to find out about it. Just be aware that it has a Licorice kind of aftertaste. I love Licorice but maybe you don’t! #acupuncture #acupuncturist #nutrition #nutritionist #naturopathy #naturopathicmedicine #health #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #wellness #healer #food #diet #dietplan #tcm #traditionalchinesemedicine #herbs #lifestyle #disease #weightloss #dentalhealth #diabetes #selflove #healyourself #sweetener #healthiswealth #bloodsugar #alternativemedicine #stevia

Ginger

Spicy, aromatic and pungent, ginger is a useful herb to have in your fridge. it is commonly used by Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine practitioners, offering great benefits:

• Digestive ailments - helps with gas, bloating, nausea (great during pregnancy), and vomiting; stops diarrhea, protects the intestinal track from toxic foods; inhibits H-pylori and therefore has anti ulcer effects

• Anti inflammatory - relieves pain, very effective for arthritis

• Antibiotic and anti fungal - relieves colds, flu, coughs, respiratory track infections, phlegm, bacteria from salmonella and pathogenic yeast

• Heart health - acts as blood thinner, prevents hardening of arteries, lowers cholesterol

• Antioxidant effect - increases the blood glutathione levels,

• Detoxification help - helps liver digest the fats from meat and gets rid of acidity and toxins from animal proteins
  
  

However, be aware that ginger is not recommended in heat conditions such as red face or eyes.

Cooking cooling foods such as mung beans with ginger relieves digestive issues.
Fresh ginger sliced in hot water, as tea, works well for digestion and for cold or wind cold conditions; though best not consumed on an empty stomach as it can cause heartburn for some.

Salmon

Last time I wrote about sardines, now about another nutritious fish, salmon! Please read on... Evaluate for yourself why you must include salmon in your diet.

• The excellent protein in salmon provides significant anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant benefits.

• The omega 3 in salmon provides a direct source of EPA and DHA; the plant sources of omega 3, such as flax seeds and walnuts provide only Alpha Linolenic Acid, which may or may not convert efficiently to EPA and DHA!

• Salmon is rich in vit D, carotenoids such as Astaxanthin; provides excellent source of vits B3, B6 and B12, Calcium and Biotin.

• The selenium, being important for efficient functioning of glutathione peroxydase, helps protect against oxidative stress.
  

All those nutrients mean salmon is amazing for:

• Heart health - lowers blood pressure, cholesterol, artery renewal

• Inflammatory diseases such as arthritis

• Brain and nerve health

• Eye and hair health

• Immune support

• Help with degenerative diseases such as MS
  
  

One important note: buy salmon wild if you want to avoid carcinogenic contaminants. Marinate it with lemon juice, spices and herbs for 30 mins, then either sauté with a little olive oil or best in a tagine for half an hour on low heat, on top of some stir fried leeks.

I hope I have convinced you with the overall beneficial nutritional profile of salmon to include it in your diet about 2x week. Enjoy!

Sardines

We’ve all heard about Omega-3 fatty acids‘ benefits, such as for heart health. Out of all the oily fish, however, sardines provide the best source. For me, the most important reason is, being very small in size and having a relatively short life-span, sardines have low levels of contaminants, especially mercury!

Other benefits? Plenty

• Sardines provide a highly concentrated source of B12 (important for nerves and blood cells)

• They are an amazing source of calcium and Vit D ( great for the bones)

• Sardines are very good source of quality protein, providing selenium, phosphorus, vits B2 and B3, iodine and copper
  

It is worth emphasising that Vit D together with omega 3 are amazing for immune support and for inflammatory conditions including auto-immune ones.

You can’t ask for more from such a small fish! I must warn you though about cooking them! Grilling sardines, though very tasty, is not advisable because of oxidative damage. Quickly stir frying after marinating with lemon juice, herbs and spices, is preferable. In Chinese Medicine, it is advised to make a soup or a broth with sardines after marinating in lemon juice for half an hour.

Whether you like them or not, you need to eat them. You can’t go wrong with sardines!