Les Escargolettes

Sepsenahki “Chef Ahki” Aahkhu est un chef cuisinier que j’ai découverts pendant une de mes balades nocturne sur le net. Elle est auteure chanteuse et propose d’excellent conseil nutritionnel à travers son blog qui permet aux gens d’apprendre à manger sainement tout en prenant son pied en cuisinant des fruits et légumes. Sepsenahki est la fondatrice de Exoticearth, c’est un site qui s’adresse à tous ceux qui veulent découvrir la base de la cuisine végétarienne bio en s’informant sur les protéines végétales et comment préparer des céréales, des légumineuses, du tofu, du seitan, des fruits et légumes pour manger sain. Elle offre à travers son site des cours de cuisine pour les végétaliens ainsi que des conseils sur la manière d’utiliser correctement des aliments conçus pour guérir et nécessaires à l’équilibre de notre corps.. Je ne suis pas fan de nourriture saine, mais depuis peu l’idée de faire attention aux…

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Health Benefits of Carrots in your Diet

Carrot Juice because of its many health benefits is also known as the  “ Miracle Juice.” Many people suffering from various ailments have found that including carrot juice in their diet has really improved their health.

It is also a protective agent in the maintenance of health in both adults and children.

In other words carrots are a goldmine of nutrients

Nutrition is the cornerstone of good health. As we go through life, there are so many illnesses that could have been prevented with better nutrition. This has been proven beyond any shadow of doubt over the past few years. 
Research has proven that getting the proper level of antioxidants into our bloodstream will reduce the risk of cancer. Consumption of carrots increases the level of key antioxidants in the bloodstream.

Here are some of the many benefits of consuming carrots:

Carrots can regulate blood sugar and promote colon health, because it is rich in fiber.

It is also helpful in the following cases:

• Obesity,
• Poisoning of the blood,
• Gum disease,
• Insomnia,
• Inflamed kidney,
• Liver,
• Gallbladder,
• Alzheimer’s disease,
• Colitis,
• Ulcer and painful urination.

Carrots are also known for their Anti-Cancer properties. So the question is, how much beta-carotene do we need every day? The present recommendations call for 1.5 milligrams daily, the amount most people consume. However, recent research indicates this should be increased to at least 6 mg. and possibly 20 mg. daily. To obtain this amount four servings of fruit and vegetables are required each day.

Now keep in mind that it is preferable to get your beta-carotene from the actual vegetable rather than capsules.

Beta-carotene supplements are not the same as beta-carotene-rich foods.  Instead, it is better to get your antioxidant vitamins safely from the packages nature intended—fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.

▪   Be creative! The more colorful your meal is, the more likely it is to have an abundance of carotenoids, as well as other healthy nutrients.

▪   Keep a bag of baby carrots nearby—most likely the perfect snack. Try them plain or dipped in hummus, almond butter, or light vinaigrette.

▪   Limit storage of fruits and vegetables. Once plants containing carotenoids are pulled from the vine, their active antioxidants gradually lose their potency. For fresh, seasonal produce, check out your local farmer’s market.

▪   Don’t overcook vegetables. While you still get a substantial amount carotenoids in cooked vegetables, you will definitely get much more if you enjoy them raw. There are a few exceptions. Carrots, for example, actually release more of their carotenoids if you cook them. Always Remember, EAT YOUR CARROTS

The following foods have large quantities of beta-carotene.

Food	Beta-Carotene (Micrograms)
Apricots, 1 cup raw	1,635
Broccoli, 1 cup raw	807
Brussels sprouts, 1 cup cooked	669
Cantaloupe, 1/8 melon	1,325
Carrot, 1 large	15,503
Guava, 1 cup raw	750
Kale, 1 cup raw	3,577
Mango, 1 cup raw	3,851
Pumpkin, 1 cup raw	31,908
Red bell pepper, 1 cup raw	2,840
Spinach, 1 cup raw	1,196
Sweet potato, 1 cup raw	26,184
Tomato, 1 cup raw	446
Watermelon, 1/16 melon	634

RECENT STUDY FINDS CHICKEN CONTAMINATED WITH E-COLI AND FECAL MATTER

Small Study Finds E. coli Contamination on Nearly Half of Chicken Sold at Grocery Stores                       

A new study from a pro-vegetarian non-profit advocacy group indicates that nearly half the packages of ready-to-cook chicken products available at retail grocers are contaminated with E. coli bacteria.

According to a New York Times report on a “small study” conducted by the group Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, 48 percent of the 120 samples the group collected from grocery stores in 10 major U.S. cities contained at least some level of measurable E. coli bacteria.

The group collected samples of various types of chicken products commonly available at grocery stores in the U.S. Numerous name brands were included, such as samples from Pilgrim’s and Perdue, according to the report. Grocery chains like Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons sold the samples taken for the study.

Some of the samples tested for E. coli levels higher than allowed by federal law for chickens leaving their processing plant, before they’re placed on store shelves.

Critics of the study, mostly pro-chicken advocates, say the research methods were flawed and it does not take into account the other means by which chicken or other foods at the grocery store can become contaminated.

A food safety expert at Penn State University said in an interview for the New York Times report, this most recent study does not account for the possibility of the samples they collected being contaminated after they left a processing facility en route to the store, or even at the store.

Indeed, this study is not the first of its kind and compared to some previous research, it actually downplays the likelihood pre-packed chicken or other meat products available at the grocery store are contaminated with various food-borne pathogens.

And while those studies have noted that the actual meat product was contaminated with the bacteria, the packaging – both inside and outside the plastic wrapping – was contaminated and poses a serious risk of cross-contamination to other products in the store. A consumer can spread food-borne bacteria like E. coli simply by handling a package of raw meat at the grocery. If the consumer doesn’t wash their hands before continuing their shopping trip, they risk contaminating every product they touch in the store.

This most recent study suggests the E. coli found in the samples of packaged chicken collected is an “indicator of fecal contamination,” suggesting the chicken left its farm contaminated. Federal regulations allow raw meats to contain some level of bacterial contamination, working on the theory that it will be killed during the cooking process. The study cited statistics showing that most chickens are not inspected at a farm; instead most are passed based on one chicken being declared free of dangerous levels of bacteria. The USDA requires one chicken for every 22,000 be inspected on large-scale farms. Smaller farms must submit tests showing their poultry is safe once a month.

E. coli poisoning can cause serious illness in certain individuals, especially children and the elderly. Early signs of infection are nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. More serious cases of E. coli poisoning require hospitalization for treatment

The Microwave, a true health hazard

Are Microwave Ovens Safe?

Microwave ovens are now present in over 90% of American homes. They offer a fast way to prepare and reheat food, which is perfect for today’s fast paced world. In fact, microwaves have become commonplace in American homes and have even replaced the conventional oven and stove-top for preparing meals.

However, there has long been concern about the safety of microwave ovens. The results of some of these studies may alarm you. As you read about some of the radiation dangers associated with microwaves, you may wonder whether microwave ovens may not be safe after all, and why they are not discouraged more by the government.

What Indications Can We Take from Medical Practices

Consider this: Pediatricians tell parents specifically not to microwave their babies’ formula. It kills whatever is good in them, in effect leaving you garbage to feed your babies. You can’t precisely control the heat and can burn the babies too. Do you think that other foods are safe from this? They aren’t. And in another example: In hospitals, patients are given warmed blood in their transfusions. Hospitals never heat the blood in microwaves. What’s the reason? The reason microwaves are disallowed is because, in both of these examples, the microwave destroys what it heats.

Microwaves don’t work different ways on different substances. Whatever you put into the microwave suffers the same destructive process. Microwaves agitate the molecules to move faster and faster. This movement causes friction which denatures the original make-up of the substance. It results in destroyed vitamins, minerals, proteins and generates the new stuff called radiolytic compounds, things that are not found in nature.

 

Did You Know?

Russians have banned the use of microwaves due to the negative impact it had on people’s health. A few of the effects that the Russian scientists observed included: the creation of cancer-causing agents, increased chance of cancer development, and decreased nutritional value of the food.¹

 

The Dangers of Microwave Radiation

Obviously, the dangers of microwave radiation are very real. These devices can cause a variety of health problems in humans. Here are just a few of the possible health effects² related to microwave ovens:

• Microwave ovens turn some minerals into cancerous agents.
• Foods from a microwave may cause tumors in the stomach or intestine. This may be an explanation for the increased rate of colon cancer in America.
• Regularly eating microwaved foods may cause an increase in cancerous cells in human blood.
• The radiation dangers involved with microwaved food may cause decreased immune system function in humans.
• There is even a mental danger to eating foods from a microwave. Regularly doing so may cause memory loss, emotional problems, and a decrease in intelligence.
• A steady diet of microwave-cooked food may cause your body to shut down its hormones production.

Microwave Radiation is a very serious concern that many people will overlook in order to maintain their toxic paces. Many people have not even heard of the threat of microwave cooking and heating. That doesn’t make it any less harmful. In fact, that makes it all the more insidious because there are people in key positions who could bring these dangers to the forefront. As it happens, they don’t. So, once again, we must look to ourselves to seek out the answers to make the best decisions that we can. We have the indicators that we need when you consider these: if it’s not safe for infants and hospitals, the rest of us should steer clear of it too.

How To Eliminate Radiation From Microwave Ovens

• The only way to completely eliminate the radiation dangers associated with microwaves is to get rid of all of your microwave ovens and never use one again. Never eating food prepared in a microwave is a sure way to avoid and negative health effects.
• Use convection ovens to heat your meals. They offer safe heating by circulating hot air to raise the temperature of food.
• Don’t dismiss the traditional methods of stovetop and oven cooking and heating. It may take longer but it’s definitely worth the effort.
• When you think you need to microwave food because you’re always on the go, it may be a sign that you need to slow down and put more space in your break-neck schedule. This will help to relieve some stress too.

 

Natural Health and Organic Living

MORINGA HEALTH BENEFITS

Moringa Benefits | Moringa Oleifera Benefits

 

Moringa oleifera’s health benefits have long since been well understood and cherished by the people of Asia and Africa. The Moringa tree’s uses as a health and medicinal plant can be traced back centuries; there are documented references of Moringa oil being placed in the tombs of ancient Egyptians.

In fact, the Moringa tree’s benefits are so significant, it has been called the Tree of Life in many cultures.

What the east has long since known is now being understood by the west, as more and more people in Europe and America begin to explore the benefits of alternative healing.

Because the Moringa tree is rich in nutrients, and because the tree’s various parts can all be used, Moringa’s many benefits vary depending on which part of the plant is being used. The young, immature Moringa oleifera pods are the most valued and widely used of all the tree parts. The pods are extremely nutritious, containing essential amino acids, forming a complete protein source, and many vitamins, minerals, co-enzymes, and antioxidants.

How can Moringa oleifera benefit you?

The possibilities are endless. Here are just a few of the many real benefits people discover when taking Moringa oleifera:

• Increased physical energy – Tune your body up with naturally occurring nutrients to make your energy last longer

• Mental and emotional balance – Moringa oleifera’s amazingly powerful nutrient compounds help restore stability to the chemicals that govern our thoughts and emotions. You have to experience it to appreciate it!

• Faster recovery – Moringa oleifera’s complete amino profile, along with dozens of vitamins and minerals, makes it a perfect recovery food after grueling workouts and physical strain.

• Nutrient-dense mother’s milk – Increased iron, potassium, Vitamins A, B, C, E, and dozens of other important nutrients are all readily absorbed from Moringa oleifera and transferred from mother’s milk to the growing newborn. No wonder Moringa is called ‘Mother’s Best Friend’ in cultures across Africa!

• Healthy blood sugar levels – antioxidants and unique regulating compounds help control blood sugar and keep the blood free of unhealthy substances.

Just a few of the other many benefits of Moringa oleifera include increased flexibility, improved sensory perception, better sleep cycles, decreased depression and anxiety, and improved memory. Moringa has been used to help those with diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, and even cancer.

Highly valued Moringa oil is extracted from the pods, and even the remaining seed cake does not go to waste. The seed cake can be used as a coagulant to clarify dirty and turbid water. It is used as an effective means of removing sediment and bacteria from water, helping to purify and treat water naturally, a useful benefit in areas where industrial water treatment is not available.

Moringa leaves are perhaps equally valuable and provide powerful benefits to anyone who is conscious of their nutrient intake. The leaves of the Moringa tree are among the most protein-dense leaves of any plant species. Moringa leaves also contain high levels of vitamin A comparable to carrots, calcium comparable to milk, and vitamin C comparable to oranges, as well as high amounts of other vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals.

Unlike factory produced synthesized pills, the Moringa leaf is crushed and inserted directly into a capsule, retaining all its nutritive value.

Moringa leaves can be used in food preparation, and also brewed as a tea, either alone or in combination with other teas. Even a small glass of Moringa tea benefits the drinker with a host of nutrients.

It is impossible to list the complete benefits of Moringa, simply because they are too numerous to write out. What is guaranteed is that our Moringa Products are freshly produced and packed to retain their nutrients. They are safe to consume by all ages, and will benefit you and your family for years to come.

Choose Moringa Source for your Moringa and discover the many benefits in store for you!

Health Care Companies and “Health”

 

While perusing the Internet looking for information for my blog, I came across a very interesting story on chefahki.com .  In this particular article she discusses her experience at a health fair at Spellman.

 

You see Ahki a chef and Naturopath was initially invited to speak about healthy eating and natural lifestyle practices at a health fair at Spellman. To her dismay, she was informed at the last minute that her services were not longer needed.

The reason she was given:  “HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES CAN BE REALLY STRICT ABOUT THESE THINGS…”

Nonetheless she decides to attend the event to find, Chase bank handing out lollipops, nurses giving flu shots, and pre-packaged smoothies.  Quite a HEALTH FAIR right?  This story caught my eye because it speaks volumes about HealthCare companies and their impact on your actual health.  Hummm Let’s see, the healthier you are, the less money they make.

The plan is to give you just enough processed food not to kill you right away, but to keep you sick long enough for health care companies to make a killing (the pun is intended.)

 

Here is some food for thought:  if there was a concerted effort to keep you ill so you could die early and assuming you could die before you reached age 67, who do you think will benefit? The government perhaps? And why? Doesn’t Social Security kick in when you reach age 67? If you die before you reach that age there is no danger of Social Security ever running out. That’s because you won’t be around to collect it at the age are supposed to. Ponder that!

 

 

Conscioushealth~

Good Vegetarian VS bad Vegetarian

I hear almost everyday that someone is becoming or would like to become a vegetarian.  Oftentimes the desire to eat meat will outweigh your goal to adopt a more sane and healthy diet.  How to succeed? There is no written formula, simply good and solid will power.   Perhaps the most disturbing thing amongst vegetarians or shall I say a huge misconception, is the idea that eliminating meat or animal products automatically makes you a healthier person.  While that may be true to a certain extent, there is much more to it.

First, watching your sugar intake, your salt intake, carb intake and so on.

Using bread as a substitute for meat is certainly not the way to go, (I’ve tried it.)

Overtime I have learned that being a vegetarian is a lifestyle, it involves being very conscious about what you put in your body. Eliminating meat from your diet is only the first step.  Most people who decide to become vegetarians tend to turn to

refined white pasta, meatless pizza made with bleached white flour. They eat candy, French fries, potato chips and drink soda. Although that does technically make them a vegetarian, they are missing the key word VEG in vegetarian.  There are good vegetarian and bad vegetarians, and bad vegetarians are generally in poor health.

If you are toying with the idea of becoming a vegetarian, it is important that you select a wide variety of healthy foods that meet your nutrient needs.

Here are a few healthy tips to help you achieve your goal.

1-Eat whole foods, they usually don’t have a label and contain only one ingredient.

Whole food includes, apples, cabbage, blueberries, quinoa, garlic, hummus, chickpeas (NOT FROM A CAN). Any food from a can is NOT whole food.

2-READ LABELS if it isn’t made entirely of whole food ingredients don’t buy it and don’t eat it.  (Sodium Benzoate is a preservative and is included in many foods.

Your food should contain 5 ingredients or less and should all be whole foods.

3-Replace your protein. This is perhaps the most important question to ask yourself as a vegetarian, am I getting enough protein? If you decide to become a complete vegan and eliminate eggs and dairy you should get your protein from beans.

chickpeas, kidney beans, lima beans lentils quinoa are all great sources of protein.

Consuming soy is not mandatory, in fact it is not recommended.

4-Eat no more than one serving of fruit for every 4 servings.

With a fruit or vegetable that is dense like broccoli, carrots, apples and potatoes, a serving equals a half-cup.  For less dense foods like spinach, sprouts and kale, one cup equals a serving.  Lots of fruits mean lots of sugars and it’s best to moderate consumption.

5-Eat a Rainbow – Different colored plants contain a variety of phytonutrients and antioxidants in their nutrient cache.  While green is the foundation of a vegetarian diet, be sure that you are regularly including food plants that are red, orange, yellow, blue, purple and even white (garlic, onions, oatmeal, etc.)

6- Vitamin B-12 (coalmine – the nutrient that is hardest to come by when eating a plant-based diet is vitamin B-12.)  You can have a simple blood test done to check your levels.  If it is determined that you are deficient in this vitamin, you can take a supplement.  The most bio-available form (and the hardest to find on the shelf) is the methylcobalamin version.  A sublingual (under the tongue) lozenge is best.

7- Cravings – the more healthy foods you eat; the more healthy foods you will crave.  I didn’t believe it either, but it’s true.  As you body adjusts to a natural, plant-based diet, you will find yourself craving foods like blueberries or broccoli or sweet potatoes instead of chips and cookies.  You may even develop as aversion to such things.  Give it time.  The longer you do it, the easier and more enjoyable it gets.  Consider starting with “Meatless Mondays” and working from there.

Being a vegetarian isn’t the easiest thing in our society but it is one of the healthiest as long as you do it correctly.  So ditch the chips and cookies for some apple slices and cashews and enjoy the healthy benefits of a “good” vegetarian lifestyle.

Bad Vs Good Vegetarian

Bad Vs Good Vegetarian

Bentonite Clay’s Healing Properties.

 Bentonite clay is one of the most versatile and inexpensive natural treatments available. It provides a world of health benefits and is heralded for its safe and effective cleansing properties.

Bentonite clay is composed of aged volcanic ash found in different parts of the world and has been used in treating medical conditions since earliest recorded history. The largest and most popular deposit is found near Fort Benton, Wyoming – hence the name bentonite clay.

Some of the many health benefits of bentonite clay are:

*Cleansing the liver, colon and skin;
*Balancing bacteria in the digestive tract;
*Improving nutrient assimilation; and
*Strengthening the immune system.

In addition, bentonite clay can also eliminate food allergies, food poisoning, colitis, viral infections, and parasites. It is an effective treatment for arthritis, cataracts, diabetic neuropathy, pain, wounds, diarrhea, stomach ulcers, animal and insect bites, acne, anemia and alcoholism; it is effective in treating all digestive conditions and aids in weight loss. Bentonite clay also re-mineralizes cells and tissues, alkalizes the body and is very effective in protecting our bodies against radiation.

Bentonite clay contains montmorillonite, the primary mineral thought to be responsible for its beneficial qualities. It also contains magnesium and approximately 67 other trace minerals. The properties of particles in bentonite clay and how they are distributed contribute greatly to the curative properties of bentonite clay. These particles contain a negative charge that attract all types of toxins and pathogens, which include bacteria, toxins, metals, and pesticides, all of which have a positive charge.

How to take bentonite clay:

Mix one to two teaspoons of clay to an 8 ounce glass of properly filtered water. Do this for three days and after the third day, refrain from using it for four days. On the fifth day, resume taking it for four days, discontinuing use the following three days. This schedule can be continued during the acclimation process which may take up to four weeks.

It is best to take bentonite clay on an empty stomach (at least one hour before a meal or before taking supplements and herbs) to keep it from interfering with the absorption of nutrients and beneficial items. Many health care practitioners recommend taking bentonite clay with psyllium husks, as well as drinking plenty of water, and keeping the body hydrated in order to help prevent constipation. The reason bentonite clay may lead to constipation is because of its ability to absorb many times its weight in pathogens and toxins. Degenerative conditions in the digestive tract can also lead to constipation.

Bentonite clay can be used as external packs for such conditions as bone and muscle damage, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, skin conditions (including eczema and psoriasis), infected wounds, eye strain and tumors, and one to twelve cups of bentonite clay poured in a hot bath will rejuvenate the skin.

Interactions:

When taking bentonite clay internally, it is important that it be taken under the supervision of a health practitioner if:

*The individual is taking any prescription medications; and/or
*High blood pressure is present.

People diagnosed with iron intolerance should not take bentonite clay without blood sample monitoring.

It is also important to note that bentonite clay should not come in contact with any metals.

I recommend the one below.

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