FYI-HEALTH TALK

DRAGON FRUIT- MM good – but what is it?       

Botanical Name: Hylocereus undatus     
There is a Vietnamese farmer who lives across the street from the golf course where I play golf. He has a large variety of fruit trees on his land. I wondered, after I purchased a Dragon Fruit at a roadside fruit stand, whether he might have this fruit on his farm. As I cruised by on my golf cart – lo and behold, right in the middle of his Lychee trees there they were, a whole plot of Dragon Fruit trees.

I was so excited, I had to find out more about this delicious fruit. The one I bought looks like the picture above. This is the pitaya dragon fruit. It is indigenous to Central and South America, along with other Asian countries and as well it can be grown here in Florida. Actually, it is a cactus species. The trees can be grown from the seeds or if you are lucky you may find one already started in a nursery or who knows, maybe even Wal-Mart. To be a tree the cactus has to be staked. If not staked it will spread out over the ground. I like the tree effect. They produce beautiful pink or yellow flowers – sometimes called the “moonflower” because they bloom from evening to midnight. The flowers are pollinated by bats and moths. 

Dragon fruits have red or yellow skin. They look like artichokes and when cut open the pulp has many, many, small black, edible seeds.They have a mildly sweet flavor, like a blend of kiwifruit and pear. The woman I purchased them from showed me how to cut them by simply slicing the fruit lengthwise. You can scoop the fruit out with a spoon, but I find it easier to cut in quarters and then just peel the flesh/skin off. It is easy to peel. Eat only the white part with seeds. Any residual pink parts, if it is left on the fruit makes it taste bitter. There is a variety where the inside is pink with seeds instead of white. 

The Dragon fruit is rich in antioxidants. They contain vitamin C, several B vitamins, carotene, protein, calcium, iron and phosphorus for healthy blood and tissue formation. They are beneficial in many ways, as they strengthen the immune system, help to heal bruises faster, and aid in respiratory problems. They contain phytochemical captain, used as a medication to treat heart problems and the oil in the seeds work as a mild laxative. The seeds also are high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that lower the risk of cardiovascular disorders. I can go on and on with the benefits of eating dragon fruit to include: ridding the body of heavy metals, improve eyesight and lower the risk of prostate cancer risk. The one caution would be to eat the fruit in moderation – it does contain natural fructose which could be harmful to your health in excess.

Eat as you would any fruit – in moderation. They can be eaten alone, in fruit salads, added to smoothies, grilled, and just about any way you might want to invent.

Dragon fruit shortly after being harvested can last for up to 2-3 weeks in a plastic bag when kept in the refrigerator. You can also freeze dragon fruit, but the texture is altered a little bit, making it best to be used in a sauce or made into a sorbet.

 

ARE YOU READY TO HUNT DRAGONS?  I AM!

 

RADISH, I love radishes. We grew them in our “Victory Garden,” as gardens were referred to during the world war two years.

Radishes were idolized by the Egyptian and Greek cultures and in Mexico they even celebrate these root vegetable at their ‘Radish Festival’.

Radishes may be small but they are packed with nutritional power to include Vitamin B, C, sulfur, iron and iodine. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties it is known to have a positive effect on asthma symptoms, whooping-cough, gastric discomfort, gallbladder problems, arthritis, gallstones, and kidney stones.

Radish comes from the Latin word, radix, meaning ‘to root’. My dad loved the hot radishes, which belong to the mustard family. We called them horse radishes (white) – also known as Daikon – the hot comes from the glucosinolates they contain. Other radish varieties include red, black (have never seen), white and gold (have never seen). When buying any radishes, look for unblemished, bright-colored skin, firmness and with healthy looking leaves. The smaller radishes taste better. It was an exciting day when I learned you can eat the radish leaves. I separate the leaves from the root and store them in a ziplock bag in the refrigerator. I put a paper towel in with the leaves the same as I do when I separate lettuce leaves for storage. This keeps them fresh longer and can be stored this way for 2 -4 weeks.

Clean the radishes in a vinegar bath (to rid them of the pesticides, etc.), rinse in clean water and dry them. Eat them whole or slice them to be put in a salad. Radishes can also be pickled, braised, put on sandwiches, and the leaves can be added to smoothies. (By the way – radish leaves don’t even taste like radishes).

RECIPES:
My Favorites – Braised, and Radish/Avocado Sandwich

BRAISED RADISHES –
2 T Honey
1 T Lemon Juice
1 T Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
1 T Coconut oil
2 Bunches Radishes halved or sliced
1 tsp Sea Salt
1/2 ground pepper
1 T chopped fresh chives

In a small bowl, mix honey, lemon juice and vinegar together with a whisk. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add radishes and saute’ for 2 minutes. Add honey mixture and stir to coat. Reduce heat to medium, cook 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Add salt, pepper and chives. Serve as a side dish. MM Good!

AVOCADO RADISH SANDWICH –
1 whole avocado mashed
1 tsp lemon juice
diced radishes (cut up in smaller than sliced pieces) – as much as you want to add.

Mix the above together. Salt to taste. Spread the mixture over bread rounds. Spray with more lemon juice if you wish to. Eat open-faced.

These are my tests for today. TRY THEM and ENJOY – YUMMY, YUMMY!

 

Did you know that the body is one big Cell composed of many smaller cells, all working together to create your healthy body. Does it make sense that if even one of the smaller cells is not functioning properly, or is out of whack, that the body system’s will be in trouble and begin to develop health issues? We recognize cells by names such as adrenal, lymph, endocrine, kidneys, bladder, etc. When the body breaks down it goes through different stages of breakdown – which I will talk about in a future blog.

The system or cell to be discussed today is the Lymph or drainage system of the body.

The Lymph System along with the Kidneys are considered to be the sewage system of the body. The proper functioning of the lymphatic system is critical to the body’s ability to drain stagnant fluids, detoxify, regenerate tissue filter out toxins and keep up a healthy immune system. Along with working with the Lymph Nodes, this task is accomplished.

Lymph is an alkaline fluid found in the lymphatic vessels. It is usually a clear, transparent, colorless fluid; however, in vessels draining the intestines it may seem milky due to the presence of absorbed fats. Lymph may vary in composition in different parts of the body. Lymph contains proteins, salts, organic substances and water. Cells present are principally lymphocytes, formed in the lymph nodes and other lymphatic organs. The lymph is formed in tissue spaces all over the body and is gathered into small vessels which carry it centrally. It eventually enters the many ducts that have encompassing vessels throughout the entire body which plays a role in the health of the blood, lower limbs, pelvis, intestines and digestive organs, internal jugular trunk – to include head and neck. Lymph in passing from any region of the body to the main lymph ducts, must pass through lymph vessels which pass through regional lymph nodes. These filter the lymph, freeing it of foreign particulate matter, esp. bacteria.

The absorption of fatty matter chiefly takes place through the epithelial cells of the intestines, and those of the villi. These cells carry it to the lacteals when the particles break up into fat and protein matter.
(Ref. Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary)

“When lymph circulation stagnates, fluids, proteins, cells and toxins accumulate and cellular functioning is compromised” (Adair, Guyton, 1982). This opens the way to many physical ailments and hastens the aging process.

How do you keep the Lymph System clean, healthy, drained. My usual stock answer again is through the diet, what you eat. However, there is a technique of massage therapy called Lymph Drainage Therapy (LDT). It is an original hands-on method of lymphatic drainage.

The LDT process involves the use of gentle manual manipulations which aid in the re-circulation of body fluids. A trained massage therapist is able to detect the specific rhythm, direction, depth and quality of lymph flow anywhere in the body, assess the overall direction of lymphatic circulation, areas of stagnation, and then with their hand maneuvers find the alternate pathways for draining  lymph  and other toxic fluids from the body. LDT can prove beneficial in preventive health maintenance to include helping the recirculation of body fluids, stimulating the way the immune system functions, and balancing the autonomic nervous system.

Some of the benefits of this type of therapy include: reduction in ademas (swelling), relief of chronic and subacute inflammation and conditions such as acne, eczema and allergies, immune system stimulation, regeneration of tissues (e.g. burns, scarring), relief of chronic pain, deep relaxation to aid insomnia, depression, stress, loss of memory, relief from involuntary muscle hypertonus, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and etc.

I go to a great neuromuscular massage practitioner who is skilled in this type of therapy. I recommend massage therapy as a must to help repair the body, mind and soul along with, as mentioned before, a lifestyle change beginning with the food you eat…to include fruits, fruits, fruits and veggies as needed.

As you can see, there is more to the body healing and repairing process than just food and exercise.

I AM HAPPY WHEN YOU ARE HAPPY AND FEELING WONDERFUL!

…also called AF or Afib is one of the most common and under-treated heart rhythm disorders in America and the world. However, I don’t know how they treat it in other countries.

Just what is Atrial Fibrillation?
(information is from Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary)

ATRIAL…pertains to the atrium.
FIBRILLATION…pertains to irregular and rapid contractions of the atria working independently of the ventricles. Continue reading “Atrial Fibrillation…”

 

PROBIOTICS…A new and not so new word being used today in regards to good health. What are “Probiotics”? Probiotics are the beneficial microorganisms that inhabit a healthy digestive tract. They, basically, are responsible for promoting healthy digestion, nutrient absorption and a healthy immune system. Our digestive system cannot function at its best without an abundance of beneficial microbes in it. Probiotics are the good guys. They balance the natural flora creating an environment in which bad bacteria, yeasts and viruses cannot thrive. They support the health and integrity of the intestinal lining. Unfortunately, our digestive systems do not always contain enough probiotics. One reason for this is that the modern diet is largely devoid of probiotic-rich fermented foods – food where microorganisms grow on and break down the food making the food item rich with probiotics. The toxins in the air we breathe, and the chlorine in the water we drink and bathe in, also affect the lack of probiotics in the digestive system.

As there are Pro’s and Con’s on everything, there are also Pro’s and Con’s in regards to Probiotics.

PRO: Names associated with ‘probiotics’  include Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium. Research shows these to treat IBS (inflammatory bowel disease), infectious diarrhea, antibiotic-related diarrhea, skin conditions such as eczema, urinary/vaginal health, oral health and etc.

Probiotics – overnight, became newly famous, and research into probiotics tells us they can be found in everything from yogurt to chocolate, sauerkraut, pickled foods, Kefir and even olives.

CON: Wikipedia – tells us benefits have been claimed – such as the probiotics ability to cut gastrointestinal discomfort, improve immune health, and constipation, but, that none of these claims are backed by scientific evidence. It is also important that you know that ‘probiotics’, like many health related supplements, whether natural or prescription, may have adverse effects such as; cause bacteria-host interactions and/or unwanted side effects in rare cases.

Probiotics as supplements can be purchased, in most health food stores, OR you can make your own. Try this great recipe – hope you like Coconut!

Thank you Joy! I am sold. I am going to make my own PROBIOTICS!

STAY SAFE AND….GOOD HEALTH TO ALL!

 

In my last blog I talked about the specifics of a few herbs – in general. However, I doubt that many readers really understand what ‘Herbal Medicine’ is. Here, I hope to help you all to understand ‘Herbal Medicine’ better. All cultures throughout history have used the healing effects of herbs to help treat health problems. Written documentation of ancient herbal practices in India, China, Egypt and even the American Indian, etc. go back 5000 years. The Greek physician Hippocrates and Galen, a Roman doctor gave us the principles for using herbal health treatments for centuries that became the basis of botanical medicine. Some of these healing principles are still being used today. Here in our culture, we are experiencing a revolution in herbal healing, better known as “Alternative Medicine” or “Alternative Therapies”. Unlike modern medications, which isolate chemical compounds, herbs contain properties that each nourish and heal, as well as work together for a wonderful healing experience. As I have mentioned before in my blogs, Herbal medicine aims to treat the cause of illness, not just the symptoms. The result is the body healing itself – not just part – but the whole person. You will experience a strong and NEW YOU!

What are the forms of Herbal Medicine? Continue reading “Understanding Herbal Medicine”

 

Herbs? What are they? It is summer everywhere and hot, and humid and who knows what else. Here in Florida it is hot, hot, hot. People ask me all the time – do you grow herbs, and how do you know which ones are good to grow in this heat? If you have ever grown your own food you probably know a little about herbs. Then there are folks who grow nothing but herbs. So what are they – HERBS?

Herbal plants enrich our lives with their flavor, fragrances and beauty. If you grow them, you know that some of them thrive better in warm weather than cold weather – that is unless you grow them indoors. I have yet to grow herbs in the direct sunlight as is suggested for some herbs. I know if I put my basil in the sun it would be dead in a minute. I find it strange that the instructions that come with the plants even say to “plant in full sun” or even “partial sun”. Yes, Florida is sunny and yes, Florida is hot, but I never plant my herbs in the sun. I have a shady spot on the south side of my home where they love to grow. As well, I plant them in pots and not directly in the soil because I find they don’t grow as well in the sandy soil we have here. I like parsley, basil and chives, because I use them in cooking and in salads. They seem to be hearty and grow beautifully. I am an experimental gardener and grow what I know works for me….so I do not usually recommend to anyone on how to grow anything, whether it be food or herbs. However, I thought I would check out herbs because so many folks ask me about them. Here is a short rundown on a few herbs that most folks are familiar with. Continue reading “Herbs…”

Summer is the season for allergies which sometimes can cause SINUS issues. The Sinuses – located in the nasal area, are referred to as the paranasal sinuses: Frontal, Maxillary, Ethmoidal, and Sphenoidal. Anterior group: Frontal, Maxillary and Anterior Ethmoid. Posterior group: Posterior Ethmoid and Sphenoid.

Where is each part located? FRONTAL: is an irregular cavity in the frontal bone on each side of the midline above the nasal bridge. One may be larger than the other. A duct carries secretions to the upper part of the nostrils. MAXILLARY: A cavity in the maxillary bone opening at upper part of antrum into the nose. SPHENOIDAL: are the air sinuses which occupy the body of the sphenoid bone and connect with the nasal cavity. The function of the sinuses is not definitely known. Various theories give them the same function as nasal cavities, namely, warming, moistening, and filtering the air.

SINUSITIS – is sometimes allergy related. Sinusitis is inflammation of a sinus, esp. a paranasal sinus. The causative agents related to sinusitis includes viruses and bacteria. Predisposing factors involved with sinusitis can be inadequate drainage which may result from presence of polyps, chronic rhinitis, deviated septum, etc. These issues need a specialist’s care.

Sensitive sinuses, usually associated with allergies, can make it difficult to breathe. Doctors prescribe steroid sprays and antibiotics, but use of these on a regular basis often lead to serious health consequences.

The required treatment for sinus health of sinusitis is conservative shrinkage in the nasal mucosa to ease ventilation and drainage in the sinus. Years ago, also required was bed rest, forced fluids, and something for pain, as sinusitis can be painful in the sinus area, and cause fever, chills, and headaches, etc. The following video is an excellent source of information on the sinuses and treating SINUS ISSUES the natural way.

As noted in the video – Sinus health/sinusitis as related to allergies can be treated naturally. It requires the use of an antimicrobial agent that kills the offending microbes, but is harmless enough to use. Two mentioned are Organic Apple Cider Vinegar and Colloidal Silver. There are many other natural ingredients/products also noted for use to treat sinus issues. For over 12 years I have used  both the Apple Cider Vinegar and Colloidal Silver (which I make myself) to clean my nasal passages. It was said in an article I read recently that “Colloidal Silver can be used to relieve the burden of the immune system and prevent chronic irritation of the sinus passageways.” The video reiterated, as was mentioned previously that “One function of our sinuses is to filter the air we breathe” which is filled with viruses, bacteria, and fungi. You need to kill these pathogens to maintain sinus health.

Colloidal Silver Liquid can be purchased at Health Food Stores, or you can make it yourself. It can be delivered through the nose with the use of a Neti Pot (refer to video), nasal spray bottle or dropper, which I prefer. Before using these methods – blow the nose first to get rid of mucus, then coat the tissues of the nasal pathway using methods mentioned. Allow the liquid to stay in the nose as long as possible. If the liquid drips out, wipe away, but do not blow the nose again. You can repeat this a second time and leave in. If you swallow, don’t panic…colloidal silver is not toxic and will just remove bad bacteria on its way down your throat. I drink an 8 oz glass, for as many days as needed, of colloidal silver water to ward off flu and cold symptoms. IT WORKS!

 NOTE: Other natural agents mentioned in the video as being useful in treating sinusitis include: ginger, garlic, grapefruit seed extract, cayenne pepper, licorice, eucalyptus (the oil, which can be dropped onto a kleenex and then the essence inhaled into the nasal passage), the eating of antioxidant foods, Echinacea, and Vitamins C and Zinc, and, I add, herbal supplements.

As I did the research on this subject, many of my questions regarding the sinuses were answered, and I hope it has answered some of yours.

BREATHE HEALTHY – and GOD BLESS!

 

There are many milks on the market today. What to use? Dairy versus Alternative Milk?

Quoting Dr. Robert Morse N.D. –  Healer and Author of ‘The Detox Miracle SourceBook. “Cow’s Milk is for Cows. There is nothing bad about drinking milk from the time you first open your eyes at birth until you are two years of age. That is, provided the milk is from your mother, and is fresh, raw and natural.”

“Cow’s milk tends to be high in proteins, minerals and fats – a necessity for baby cows that will grow to 300-500 pounds in one year.” Human babies do not grow that fast, and because cow’s milk is a heavily concentrated milk it is difficult for infants to digest…thus you have a baby who suffers with digestive issues and mucus congestion in the sinus cavities, lungs, brain and ears. Still quoting Dr. Morse, “Many types of allergies are also created from the excessive congestion that starts with cow-milk consumption.” “Adults cannot digest milk at all and develop deeper congestive problems as they get older.” The “milk now becomes highly irritating to the mucosa of the GI tract, which causes even more mucus….which causes a heavy mucoid plaque to build up on the intestinal walls.” Continue reading “Milk Evaluations”

 

SAUERKRAUT

Fermented foods clean the gut and puts good bacteria into the intestinal tract. Fermented foods include Sauerkraut, Kimchi, etc. Today, I will talk about SAUERKRAUT. Store bought, processed sauerkraut is not as beneficial as homemade. I have always loved ‘sauerkraut’, but it wasn’t until I made my own that I found out how delicious it really is…FORGET ABOUT THE STORE BOUGHT!

Sauerkraut is a German Cuisine. I ate it all the time as a child, but I don’t remember my mom ever making it from scratch.

I researched years ago how to make it. There are many versions of homemade sauerkraut on the web, in books and magazines. The following is the version I found in the newspaper and decided to share it. Continue reading “Test Kitchen – Fermented Foods…”