Why/How Pumpkin is One of the Most Nutritionally Valuable Foods Known to Man?

Why/How Pumpkin is One of the Most Nutritionally Valuable Foods Known to Man?
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Think of the word pumpkin and images of jack-o-lanterns and whipped cream covered Thanksgiving pies will probably pop into your mind. Pumpkin is traditionally considered a holiday food and is a staple in our kitchen pantries and freezers during that festive time of the year. However, did you know that pumpkin now heralded as one of the ‘Super Foods?’

According to Dr. Steven Pratt, author of SuperFoods Rx: Fourteen Foods That Will Change Your Life, “Well, pumpkin is one of the most nutritionally valuable foods known to man. Moreover, it’s inexpensive, available year round in canned form, incredibly easy to incorporate into recipes, high in fiber, low in calories, and packs an abundance of disease fighting nutrients.”

What exactly makes pumpkin so super? The powerful antioxidants known as carotenoids give this food its super status. Carotenoids have the ability to ward off the risk of various types of cancer and heart disease, along with, cataracts and macular degeneration. Dr. Pratt mentions many other disease fighting super foods in his book as well, but we are most interested in pumpkin because of the year-round availability and ease of use in canned form.

How can we add this wonder food to our diets through out the year? Take advantage of the benefits and great taste of pumpkin with the following delicious Pumpkin Recipes.

Any day Pumpkin Pancakes

2-1/2 cups flour
1 cup of buttermilk
1 tsp. salt
2-1/4 tsp. soda
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 cup of pumpkin

Measure flour into bowl and add dry ingredients. Stir in buttermilk and add pumpkin. Mix Well. Cook on hot griddle or skillet until golden brown.

Pumpkin Spiced Muffins

1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup pumpkin
1/4 cup milk
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl cream butter with brown sugar. Beat in eggs, then
pumpkin and milk. In a small bowl combine flour, baking powder, spices, salt and baking soda. Add to the creamed mixture. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

Barley Superfood new Health Benefit Found

Barley Superfood new Health Benefit Found
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Most people would be surprised to find out that the number-one cause of premature aging and disease in the Western world is the over-consumption of food. This is true not only because too much food can make us fat, but also because everything we eat must be processed by our bodies, which requires an expenditure of energy. Because the body has to be continually processing calories, we suffer much wear and tear. Within each cell of the human body, vitamins, minerals, antioxidan...


Most people would be surprised to find out that the number-one cause of premature aging and disease in the Western world is the over-consumption of food. This is true not only because too much food can make us fat, but also because everything we eat must be processed by our bodies, which requires an expenditure of energy. Because the body has to be continually processing calories, we suffer much wear and tear. Within each cell of the human body, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, healthful fats, and other important nutrients are the important parts that create energy and repair the wear and tear that our body is continually fighting. The modern diet is extremely abundant calories, but yet extremely light on these healing, renewing substances. A diet that is calorie-dense yet nutrient-poor has a serious effect on the state of our health, causing us to be overfed and malnourished.

Barley in the most energy-efficient food available in nature, having major implications for those who are concerned with maximizing longevity, avoiding disease, increasing athletic performance, and fighting obesity. Barley is much more than a supplement found at your local health food store, it is a complete food which has been converted into a super food through an all-natural process, making it so powerful and functional that it can be used to nourish those who are struck by famine. Actually, the United Nations uses it as a relief food for those in famine-stricken countries because of its ability to support human life better than any other single food.

In ancient Rome, sprouted barley gruel was used as a food for gladiators and also as a staple for the roman army. Sprouting is known as a way to transform grains or beans into a more nutrient-dense food that is easier to digest. The unique activating procedure, where the grain isn’t sprouted but pre-sprouted instead, uses a low-temperature process that was first used as a replacement for mother’s milk, as a formula for infants who were unable to nurse. The process that is used to activate barley preserves enzyme activity, vitamins, and minerals, bringing it just to the point where it’s ready to sprout then putting it into a state of suspended animation, where it is then transformed into a powder that mixes easily into any drink or recipe.

Barley transforms into a gel in the GI tract, slowing its passage through the body, which in turn allows maximum nutrient absorption. It also stabilizes glucose levels and is great for use by diabetics. Its composition is unique among others, being extremely energy dense, providing four hundred percent more energy than barley that hasn’t been pre-sprouted. Barley is often used to improve athletic endurance, help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, control hunger, boost the immune system, and detoxify the blood. It has a very low glycemic index, allowing it be used in low-carbohydrate diets. This super food is rich in soluble fiber and beta-glucans, which explains its healthy effects on cholesterol, blood sugar balance, and the immune system. The pre-sprouting process that is used also to increase the grain’s content of beta-glucan a substance known to boost the immune system. Have you had your barley today?

Health Benefit of Superfood -Tomato

Health Benefit of Superfood -Tomato

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Want to help your body stay healthy? Eat a tomato!
The tomato has been called many things throughout history: Peruvian apple, love apple, and even, by Americans at least, a vegetable. Today, however, this lovely fruit is fast becoming known as Superfood!

While not able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, this super hero of the nutrition world is able to do some pretty amazing things. For example, some studies show the tomato may help decrease the risk of prostate cancer, as well as breast, lung and stomach cancers. And the Herald Sun reported in 2003 that the yellow jelly around the seeds have yet another benefit: They may stop blood cells from clumping together, which sometimes leads to strokes and heart attacks.

What is it about this little red fruit that makes it so amazing? Lycopene.

Okay, so the word lycopene doesn’t sound very appetizing, but this powerful antioxidant is the chemical in tomatoes that not only is responsible for it’s red color, but also responsible for its disease-fighting powers.

Just ask an Italian. Italian cooking relies very heavily on tomatoes and tomato products. And, some studies have suggested that this heavy intake of tomatoes by Italians has resulted in a lowering of cancer of the digestive tract.

Now, you’re probably thinking you have to consume tons and tons of fresh tomatoes to enjoy any health benefits. Not true. In one research study it was reported that people who ate tomatoes at least every other day had greater lung capacity. And, the tomatoes don’t even have to be fresh! Again, research shows that the lycopene in tomatoes is more easily absorbed by the body if processed into ketchup, sauce and paste. So, not only are tomatoes a superfood, they’re an easy superfood to include in your diet.

Of course, fresh tomatoes are still beneficial, and packed with wonderful nutrients (not to mention delicious). Just remember the one rule of fresh tomatoes: don’t put them in the refrigerator. The refrigerator destroys not only the flavor, it also destroys the nutrients.

So, go ahead, do something good for your health tonight. Have a tomato.

Health Benefit of Superfood Acai

Health Benefit of Superfood Acai
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The acai berry is is strange in the way that only 10% of the berry is actually edible, the main reason for this is it has a large stone which takes up most of the berry. It is a dark purple berry slightly smaller than a grape, acai is more communally mixed with ice cream, meal bars and also energy drinks. The acai berry requires rapid precessing after its late harvest.

The acai berry grows in the rain forests of the amazon in south america and is considered by some as being more than an organic fruit. These rain forests remain untouched by any sort of manufacturing, everything in this region is grown the way it was intended by nature and no mass production is add in any way.

Pronunciation of this fruit is "ah-sigh-ee", acai, or euterpe oleracea (arecaceae) has been seen to excell in heathly attributes and greatly aids metabolism. It is highly promoted by Dr. Nicholas Perricone, a health guru and best-selling author, calling the acai a "superfood."

It wasnt until the turn of the millenium when the acai berry was dicovered to be in north america and it hails from the palmberry tree. It usually grows in the amazon, the natives of this region cultivate the berry and have enjoying it health producing properties for many years now. Acai is usually consumed as a puree or in a smoothee or milk shake, this drink is more communally served on the Brazilian beaches and tropical resorts, although acai is an aquired taste, as it tastes mostly of wine wine with a hint of choclate.

Acai is abundant in anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that has been proven to combat cholesterol and free radicals, consuming acai has been proven to reduce blood related disorders and relax the blood vessels. It is also a great help in preventing arthresclerosis and is a powerful combatant of cancer. Red wine is healthy for you because of the anthocyanin content from the grapes. the Acai berry has over X30 the anthocyanin than any grape.

Aside from anthocyanins, another benefit of the acai berry is an acid called aleic acid which is very good for the heart. Oleic acid also keeps a cancer-causing oncogene (this is found in many breast cancer patents) from acting up, Acai is also great for anyone who has any sort of digestive conditions.

Acai is good as a dietary supplement, it is very low in fat and colestrol and yet high in fiber. These benefits are usually found in the skin, the acai skin contains nutrients such as phytosterols, vitamin C, E, manganese, chromium, copper, and even boron as well as a few others including calcium, acai contains more calcium than even milk.

In recent studies have been conducted and acai has other benefits other than the ones that have been mentioned in this article such ailments would include a variety of virus's and prostate problems. It also helps improve lipoprotein metabolism and reinforces your immune system. One of the less known attributes of acai is it is said to have very powerful aphrodisiac properties, because of its revitalizing qualities. To produce this aphrodisiac, you need to mix the acai pulp with guarana another fruit grown in south america, although this is the most powerful combination the acai berry can be mixed with any fruit or mixture even milk or beer.

Unfortunately now the acai berry is not found in any store in the united states this is mainly because the fruit spoils very quickly, the only way that this berry can be got is thought a frozen or pureed form. In brazil the athletes would take the berry as part of their daily diet and consider it a must for a healthy lifestyle

The acai berry is small and although you can find the nutrients that it has elsewhere the difference here is that acai crams all of them into a small space, this has been considered to be a premium way to undertake a good healthy lifestyle.

Other benefits of this amazing berry include greater energy, stamina, digestion and mental stimulation. Drink acai in juice or smoothie form also helps you sleep better at night. Acai also includes more proteins than an egg white, it also serves as a revitalizing agent supplying you with the energy of a speeding train, this is a good way to increase sex drive and performance.

Health Benefit of Superfood of Goji

 Health Benefit of Superfood of Goji
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Himalayan Goji Juice is the only liquid on earth that contains all the nutrients you need to boost your energy and strength naturally while nurisng high blood pressure, cancer, heart disease kidney disease, diabetes, and a long list of other health problems.

The polysaccharides are probably the most vital nutrient in goji berries, most notably the lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP). Research reveals that LBP polysaccharides are exceptional sources of the fundamental cell sugars important for proper immune function and intercellular communication.

The juice also contains 19 amino acids (including eight essential ones); more protein than whole wheat; 21 trace minerals including germanium (an anti-cancer trace mineral rarely found in foods); Vitamin C at higher levels than even those found oranges; Vitamin E (rarely found in fruits, only in grains and seeds); B-complex vitamins, necessary for converting food into energy; essential fatty acids (EFAs), which are required for the body’s production of hormones and for the smooth functioning of the brain and nervous system; Beta-Sitosterol, an anti-inflammatory agent (Beta-Sitosterol also lowers cholesterol and has been used to treat sexual impotence and prostate enlargement); and a complete spectrum of antioxidant carotenoids, including beta-carotene (a better source then even carrots) and zeaxanthin (protects the eyes).

Goji berries are the richest source of carotenoids of all known foods. Himalayan Goji Juice will give you the nutrients you need to stay healthy and disease free.

The goji berry, original to Asia as a medicinal food for thousands of years, has been studied extensively in modern times to substantiate its health benefits. It is a deep-red, dried fruit about the same size as a raisin. The Goji berry tastes to some extent like a cross between a cherry and a cranberry.

<b>Some of the many beneficial effects from using goji berries and juice are:</b>

1. Strengthens the immune system
2. Increases longevity and protects from premature aging
3. Helps prevent cancer and aids remission
4. Protects the liver
5. Builds strong blood and promotes cardiovascular health
6. Supports eye health and improves vision
7. Maintains healthy blood pressure and blood sugar
8. Stimulates secretion of human growth hormone
9. Strengthens muscles and bones
10. Supports normal kidney function
11. Improves fertility and treats sexual dysfunction
12. Helps reduce obesity

Goji berry is especially beneficial for hypoglycemic people and for hyperactive children, and is also widely used to reduce the craving for sugar. It has been traditionally regarded in Asia as a longevity, strength-building, and sexual potency food of the highest order, widely thought to increase sexual fluids and enhance fertility.

Many sources note that the berry contains a full protein (as opposed to partial proteins as in bread). Additionally, several other beneficial compounds are reported to have been discovered in the analysis by the Beijing Nutrition Research Institute: Selenium and Germanium (these are well-known anti-cancer agents); Beta Sitosterol (anti-inflammatory agent to lower cholesterol, and has been used to treat impotence and prostate enlargement); and Zeaxanthin and Lutine (to protect the eyes); Betaine (produces Choline to helps detoxify the liver); Cyperone: (used in treatment of cervical cancer and known to benefit blood pressure, heart and menstruation problems); Solavetivone (nn anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent); physalin (effective in treating leukemia, cancer and hepatitis B).

Packed with most of the nutrients, goji berries help keep us free from infection and illness, and sustain the strength of body cells, organs and systems. Their make-up and benefits have been reported in many scientific journals.

The New #1 Superfood: The Most Powerful Antioxidant Known In The World

 The New #1 Superfood: The Most Powerful Antioxidant Known In The World
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There has been a groundbreaking discovery in the field of health and nutrition. Though it has been featured in the media and become an underground buzz, it is still generally unknown. It is the anti-aging and health re-vitalizing power of a little Brazilian fruit, now declared the new #1 superfood: the acai berry.

Before this recent finding the blueberry was acclaimed as the most nutrient rich food. It had been recognized for its extremely powerful antioxidant properties.

Antioxidants are essential for full body health. In the natural process of the body’s workings, cells are constantly metabolizing. This creates byproducts called free radicals. Free radicals are molecules missing an electron. A free radical will seek to stabilize itself and by stealing an electron from a healthy cell. This creates yet another free radical, causing more cell damage. The process snowballs as we age and eventually we begin to feel its effects at around age 35 or 40 - the domino effect of untreated massive cell damage. Things begin to go wrong.

As the unchecked flow of free radicals damages cells we begin to see degeneration, aging and disease. Free radicals can invade a cell wall, damage the DNA, and begin the process that can start cancer. They can invade the cell and cause the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, to slow down or stop working altogether. Depending on where this happens, it can disrupt many of the body’s natural systems - from neuronal firing to hormonal balance.

Antioxidants are molecules loaded with extra free electrons. By providing the body with a powerful source of external antioxidants, the free radicals are now able to stabilize themselves by getting their electron from the antioxidants instead of from your cells. This prevents further cell damage.

The blueberry is packed with anthocyanins, an antioxidant phytonutrient which is a far more powerful source of antioxidants than Vitamins A and E. Anthocyanins have been shown to neutralize free radical damage which can result in so many health conditions, such as cataracts, varicose veins, peptic ulcers, heart disease, cancer - the list goes on and on.

Blueberries have been recognized as being far more powerful in supplying antioxidants than wine. Now they have been replaced as the #1 nutrient rich, antioxidant packed anti-aging superfood by the acai berry (pronounced ah-sigh-ee).

The acai berry contains the same antioxidant phytonutrients as blueberries, anthocyanins, except in FAR greater amounts. Blueberries have been shown to deliver 38% more anthocyanins than red wine. The acai berry has been shown to be an antioxidant 33 times more powerful than red wine and 5 times more powerful than ginko biloba.

Dr. Nicholas Perricone in his new book the Perricone Promise calls the acai berry the most perfect food on the planet. It rates #1 on his list of recommendations of the top ten ingredients to look and feel younger, enjoy revitalized health and decelerate the aging process.

The acai berry is also very unique, being packed with so many nutrients. It has amino acids, which is unheard of in fruits and vegetables in North America. It has the protein content of an egg, the essential fatty acids of olive oil and is rich in the A and B vitamins. It is a ‘multivitamin’ food!

Ingesting it has incredible health benefits. Even if you are healthy you will probably notice positive effects as you introduce a more balanced nutrition to your body, including increased energy and mental clarity.

Antioxidants have been recognized as an essential part of our diet in order to restore our health and prevent future disease. Now we have access to the most powerful antioxidant ever discovered. This can take our health to whole new levels.

What is the best way of adding the exotic acai berry to your diet? The best delivery of an antioxidant is ideally in liquid form, so look for a juice product. Look for a company that responsibly helps to conserve the Brazilian rainforest. Ideally the company is one that is closest to the source, harvesting and processing in Brazil. Make sure the company has the highest quality pharmacological processing in order to ensure that you are getting the best product, and the best results.

The Health Benefits Of Salmon

The Health Benefits Of Salmon

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A New Old Super Food?

The modern North American diet is one rich in saturated fats, deep fried foods, and high sugar drinks. Cola, alcohol, and fast food have all taken their toll on the overall health and fitness of the North American population, and now a full two thirds of the population is considered overweight or obese, with nearly ten percent of the population being morbidly obese.

The mere mention of a change in diet immediately instills fears of ultra-strict calorie pinching and meal planning, yet it does not have to be so. The right combination of foods, combined with moderate physical activity, is all that one needs to get back into shape and back on track with their health.

It Hails From the Sea

Salmon is one food that carries the weight of the world on its shoulders, or should I say, off of yours. High in lean protein, amino acids, creatine, and essential fatty acids, Salmon is the perfect food for someone looking to gain lean muscle mass and ditch some stored fat.

A four ounce fillet of Salmon contains almost half your daily supply of most essential nutrients, such as vitamins B12 and B3, and over eighty percent of your daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains a full days supply of vitamin D and trytophan. What's best is that it does all of this while only packing 261 lean, worry free calories.

How Does Salmon Help You?

The sheer number of advantages and good benefits which come from a steady intake of Salmon is quite remarkable, and experiencing them only involves a few minor changes to your diet. There is no calorie counting, food blocking, or madness-inducing starvation sessions involved with this diet modification, only the subtraction of three high-fat meals a week and the addition of three high-value meals which feature Salmon as the entree.

The consumption of Salmon supplies your body with a steady and easily digested serving of lean protein, allowing your muscles the opportunity and resources to develop without adding the layers of fat to go with it. The eventual result, over a decent period of time, is the creation of lean muscle mass and a reduction in fat stores across the body. Though the consumption of Salmon alone won't decrease your body fat index, if it replaces other, high-calorie and high-fat meals, the consumption of Salmon will certainly get you off to a great start.

The omega-3 acids and high vitamin content of Salmon also gives your body an edge cardio wise. Your heart will pump healthier and more efficiently, and your risk for various heart diseases will be significantly reduced. Again, this is the result of all of the good things that Salmon gives you and the removal of some of the bad meals that Salmon is replacing. Keep in mind that if you are consuming nothing but fast food and fried snacks there is nothing that anyone or anything can do to help.

Incorporating Salmon Into Your Diet

There are many sources of Salmon, such as fresh Salmon fillets or canned Salmon (similar to canned Tuna). As a general rule, you want to focus on fresh wild Salmon as opposed to farmed Salmon. There are many varieties of wild Salmon, though we have become particularly fond of the deep, rich taste from Alaskan Wild Salmon.

Replacing two or three high-fat meals with a Salmon based one every week is all it takes to enjoy the numerous benefits associated with Salmon. Like most things, there are thousands of different and creative ways to prepare Salmon, so search around for a recipe that tickles your taste buds.

Our particular favorite method of preparation is either grilling or poaching a six ounce fillet- try a few different methods and see which ones you love. If you are unsure of how to prepare Salmon, make an evening of it and go out to dinner to a restaurant which features it. Be sure to call ahead to confirm that the restaurant you have in mind has a Salmon based entree.

When everything is said and done, Salmon is a versatile, hard-working part of a healthy lifestyle. It can be prepared a million and one different ways, and it always tastes great. The best part, however, is knowing that you can enjoy Salmon without having to feel guilty.

Bon appetit!