1. When purchasing nuts make sure they do not taste bitter which indicates that they are old and rancid
2. The best way to eat seeds and nuts is to soak or dry roast them in a pan
3. Soaking them overnight (e.g. almonds) to initiate the sprouting process, which makes fats and proteins more digestible
4. Roasting reduces the effect of rancidity and cuts down the oiliness, making nuts and seeds easier to digest
5. Lightly dry roast the nuts and seeds, as overheating makes the oils harmful
6. Store them in a sealed container in the fridge
7. Roasting increases their warming qualities for the fall and winter, sprouting improves their cooling and fresh qualities for the spring and summer
8. People with sensitive digestion should follow simple food-combining principles (i.e. eat nuts and seeds alone or with or green and non-starchy vegetable)
9. The medicinal value is greatly increased when chewed well
10. Eaten in large amounts they can cause problems in digestion, with blemishes and pimples, and are notorious for producing foul-smelling flatulence

Continue Reading

For the Southern Hemisphere:

In winter there is a natural accumulation of mucus, dampness and dryness due to cold and wet weather, so efforts should be made to keep warm and dry. Warm baths sauna, sunbaths and living in an insulated and heated house are beneficial. Heavy, warm and dry clothes should be worn.

Warm drinks and foods have a heating effect and should be preferred to cold, raw and frozen foods and drinks. A light diet is recommended consisting of a lot of soups and stews. Enjoy a lot of root vegetables and leafy greens in combination with legumes (lentils and beans) and gluten free whole grains (quinoa, brown rice, buckwheat, millet and amaranth), as well as nuts and seeds. Also, use fresh ginger, turmeric, coriander, rosemary, thyme and cumin in your cooking which aids digestion, improve circulation, creates internal warmth and counteracts mucus production.

As the external atmosphere is so cold, the body retains heat and attempts to preserve it. Therefore, the internal digestive fire becomes stronger and is able to metabolize oil and fats as well as soft cheeses (e.g. goats and sheep’s feta). So if you have a strong digestive fire, enjoy more cold pressed oils during winter.

[...]

Continue Reading

by Guest Author Deborah H.

a. The Myth of Good and Bad Cholesterol

Most people view cholesterol as a bad thing, but the truth is there are actually two types of it. There is good cholesterol (HDL) and there is bad cholesterol (LDL). You’ll know you have too much LDL if you end up with plaques in your arteries. This results in a blood flow block in your arteries as the opening gets smaller. Your high blood cholesterol is not the result of taking in dietary cholesterol. The presence of saturated fat and Tran’s fat is the reason for the high cholesterol. Exercising often and taking in fibrous and unsaturated foods will keep your cholesterol down.

b. What do the Cholesterol Numbers mean?

On an average, adults will usually need to have cholesterol checks every five years. Each time you get a cholesterol check it will yield four results –  total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and Triglycerides. You will probably need more exercise and dietary change if you go above or below the healthy levels.

Total Cholesterol – less than 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L)

LDL Cholesterol – less than 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L)

HDL Cholesterol – greater than 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L)

Triglycerides – less than 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L)

c. Heart Protection and Vitamin E

Getting your Vitamin E is best done through eating roasted nuts and seeds, organic green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, mustard greens, chard and cold pressed vegetable oils. This helps reduce your risk of getting a heart disease but does not prevent attacks.

d. Five Great Foods to Lower Your Cholesterol

1. Whole grains: These contain a high amount of soluble fiber which can lower LDL.

2. Fish: Fish is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids, which lowers LDL and raises HDL.

3. Nuts: Not only are nuts high in fiber, but they contain the healthy fats you need to keep LDL in check.

4. Plant Sterols: This is found in foods like cold pressed oils (e.g. avocado, flax seed and olive oil), nuts, organic vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. 2 grams per day will lower your LDL by 10-15%.

5. Fermented Soy (e.g. raw, organic miso, tamari and tempeh): When consumed in moderation those foods can lower LDL by up to 3%.

About the Author – Deborah H. Land writes for the cholesterolloweringdiets blog, her personal hobby website she uses to help people eat healthy to lower bad cholesterol levels.

Continue Reading

Chia Seeds

1. Are an endurance foods
2. Are the highest source of omega-3 fatty acids
3. Lubricate dryness
4. Relieve constipation
5. Reduce nervousness
6. Treat insomnia
7. Improve mental focus
8. Act as an anti-inflammatory
9. Contribute to stable blood sugar levels
10. Are beneficial for weight loss
11. Are a superior source of dietary fibre, iron and calcium

Note: Add 1-2 tsp in your 1 liter water bottle and drink in between meals. You can also use chia seeds for your breakfast, smoothies, juices and in salads or garnish your foods with them.

Continue Reading