My Portuguese Blog

Visit my other blog
Living and Sustainable Food -
Google automatic translation from Portuguese to English

Raw Food TV - Click to see

Followers

Donations Welcome!!!

Friday, August 26, 2011

What is the most powerful antioxidant?



Goji Berry* (Syn. Wolfberry; gouqizi)



Plant Source: Lycium barbarum Land L. chinense Mill. (Family Solanaceae).
Other names: Chinese Wolfberry, Lycium Fruit. Tibetan Goji Berry

Background information: The name Tibetan Goji Berry is in common use in the natural health food market. Berries from the Goji plant that are claimed to have been grown in the Himalaya region form the basis of a very large health food market. The etymological origin of "Goji" is unclear but it is likely a simplified spelling of gǒuqǐ.
Both species of Goji (Lycium barbarum and Lycium chinense) are deciduous woody perennial plants, growing 1-3 m high. L. chinense is grown in the south of China and tends to be somewhat shorter, whileL. barbarum is grown in the north and tends to be somewhat taller.
In addition to being cultivated in China, Goji also grows on extensive vines in the sheltered valleys of the Himalayas in Tibet, and in Mongolia. The round, red Goji berries are very tender and must be shaken from the vine rather than picked in order to avoid spoiling. The Goji fruits are preserved by slowly drying them in the shade. The berry has been eaten locally in the Himalayan and Tibetan regions for centuries and is celebrated in festivals. The Goji fruit is nicknamed the "happy berry" because of the sense of well being it is said to induce.
Goji berries and lycium bark play important roles in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where they are believed to enhance immune system function, help eyesight, protect the liver, boost sperm production, and improve circulation, among other effects. In TCM terms, Goji berries are sweet in taste and neutral in nature; they act on the liver, lung, and kidney channels and enrich yin. Goji berries can be eaten raw, brewed into a tea, or prepared as a tincture.


Goji berries are nutritionally rich, containing beta-carotene, Vitamins C, B1, B2 and other vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids. Companies marketing the berries also claim the berries contain such nutrients as isoleucine, tryptophan, zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium, phosphorus, B6, and vitamin E.
Culinary uses: As a food, dried Goji Berries may be eaten raw or cooked. Their taste is somewhat similar to that of raisins. Dried Goji Berry is an ingredient often used in Chinese soups. Young shoots and leaves of the Lycium bush are also grown commercially as a leaf vegetable. A wine containing Goji Berries (called gǒuqǐ jiǔ; 枸杞酒) is also produced.[1]

Part Used: Ripe fruit.
Goji Health Properties: Yin tonic, improves vision, boost sperm production, benefits complexion, nourishes Liver and Kidney, replenishes vital essence (semen), powerful antioxidant, antimutagenic, improves circulation, anti cancer properties.
Goji Berries contain complex phyto-nutrients and bio flavinoids: 
Betaine, which is used by the liver to produce choline, a compound that calms nervousness, enhances memory, promotes muscle growth, and protects against fatty liver disease.


Physalin, which is active against all major types of leukemia. It has also been used as a treatment for hepatitis B.


Solavetivone, a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound.


Beta-Sitoserol, an anti-inflammatory agent. It has been used to treat sexual impotence and prostate enlargement. It also has a cholesterol lowering effect.


Cyperone, a sesquiterpene that benefits the heart and helps maintain normal blood pressure. It has also been used in the treatment of cervical cancer.


The Goji Berry is being called the world's most powerful anti-aging food. Goji is rated #1 on the ORAC scale (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), which measures the antioxidant level in foods. It is a test developed by USDA researchers out of Tufts University in Boston. Foods that score high in an antioxidant analysis called ORAC may protect cells and their components from oxidative damage, according to ORAC studies of animals and human blood at the USDA Agricultural Research Service's Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston. ARS is the chief scientific agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/feb99/aging0299.htm

Most Common Traditional Uses of Goji: General weakness, lack of energy, aching back and joints, tinnitus, dizziness, diabetes, blurred vision, cough, wet dreams, sexual inadequacies. 
Modern/Recent Uses:
Internal: - Toxic side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
External: - Burns, ulcers, bedsores, frostbite, furuncles.
One of the most well-known traditional properties of Goji fruit is its ability to improve vision. This has been documented for over fifteen centuries. Modern scientific studies have finally supplied some substantiation to this property. It turns out Goji fruit not only contains high amounts of b -carotene (~ 8 mg/100g) but this b -carotene is in a highly biologically active form which is readily utilized by the body.[6]
However, b -carotene is not the only nutrient in Goji fruit. Goji is also reported to be very rich in amino acids (half in free form), other vitamins (B1, B2, C, nicotinic acid, etc.), and polysaccharides that have antioxidant and immuno-modulating effects in experimental animals as well as other nutrients. Since oral administration of Goji fruit to humans in various studies have also improved their immune functions, raised the serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and haemoglobin but lowered the level of lipid peroxides as well as reduced senility symptoms, the polysaccharides obviously are an important active component of lycium fruit.[6] Yet only about 25 years ago, scientists in America were still viewing polysaccharides only as carbohydrates (like starch and sugars) that supply our body with energy and that they had no other functions. They were so used to looking for instant response in their search for fast-acting drugs from nature that they either didn't know how to deal with anything slow-acting or did not have the patience that is normally a characteristic of the Old World. It was only when more and more evidence of these other properties of polysaccharides kept emerging from Japan, China and Europe that American scientists started to pay attention. Now, they have finally acknowledged that certain carbohydrates (polysaccharides) play important roles in our health other than simply supplying energy.[6]

Another well-known and long-documented traditional property of Goji fruit is its ability to "benefit complexion and maintain one's beauty"; Goji is also considered to have anti-aging properties. To drug-oriented American scientists, this certainly sounds ridiculous. But various studies have shown Goji fruit to have numerous beneficial effects, including, antioxidant, immuno-potentiating, antimutagenic, hypoglycaemic, hypolipemic, hypotensive, etc., all of which contribute to the slowing down of the aging process or help us live longer. 
The beautifying property of Goji fruit may have some scientific basis after all which may justify its use in skin-care cosmetics, as recent laboratory studies not only demonstrated its antioxidant effect but also its ability to increase dermal hydroxyproline level in mice, indicating increased collagen synthesis. All these effects are good for the skin.[6]

Medicinal Use Research: - A sweet tonic decoction made from the Goji fruit has traditionally been used to lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels[5]. Goji acts mainly on the liver and kidneys[1, 2, 5]. Goji fruit has traditionally been taken internally in the treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes, poor eyesight, vertigo, lumbago, impotence and menopausal complaints[5]. Goji fruit is harvested when fully ripe and is dried for later use[5]. The Goji root bark is a bitter, cooling, antibacterial herb that controls coughs and lowers fevers, blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels[1, 3, 5]. It is taken internally in the treatment of chronic fevers, internal haemorrhages, nosebleeds, tuberculosis, coughs, asthma etc[5]. It is applied externally to treat genital itching[5]. The bark is harvested in the winter and dried for later use[5]. Diuretic, purgative, [1, 2]. The plant has a long history of medicinal use, both as a general, energy restoring tonic and also to cure a wide range of ailments from skin rashes and eyesight problems to diabetes[3]. A tonic tea is made from the leaves[3]. The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. Goji is also a good source of essential fatty acids, which is very unusual for a fruit. Goji is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers[4].

  What is the most powerful antioxidant?


Deceptive Marketing:
Since the early 21st century the dried Goji fruit has begun to be sold in the West as a health food (typically under the name "Tibetan Goji Berry"), in ever increasing quantities and often accompanied by grossly exaggerated claims regarding its purported health benefits. However, the Goji berry is said to contain 2500 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of fruit, making it one of the world's richest sources of vitamin C behind the Australian billy-goat plum and the South American camu-camu.  It is rated #1 on the ORAC scale (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), which measures the antioxidant level in foods. This means pure and unadulterated Goji Berry juice is a proven and powerful anti-oxidant full of bioflavinoids, scientifically proven to be very beneficial to human health. But can you trust what the marketing men say about their particular product?
Unfortunately for the natural health industry, Goji Berry Juice is joining the ranks of that other well known and common plant product Aloe Vera, in that it is making millionaires out of greedy and unscrupulous promoters in the United States (and other countries), thanks to its name recognition and to the lack of standardized testing methods to determine its quality and the amount of active ingredient. Greedy suppliers, brokers and manufacturers frequently stretch 1kg or litre of 100% genuine Goji Berry liquid or powder into literally tens or even hundreds of litres of finishedGoji Berry "health" drink, reaping outrageous profits. The taste of the Goji Berry juice or drink the unsuspecting public experience is mostly due to citric acid, flavours and preservatives. These dubious manufacturing and marketing methods are starting to impact on the perception held by members of the public when it comes to assessing the health benefits of genuine Goji juice. 
The image for Goji juice is not helped by wild claims being made by irresponsible manufacturers that Goji juice will cure cancer as has been the case recently in New Zealand. Companies marketing the Goji juice drinks often also include the unsupported claim that a Chinese man named Li Qing Yuen, who was said to have consumed wolfberries daily, lived to the age of 252 years (1678-1930).


References
[1] Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974 ISBN 0094579202
This is one of the best books on the subject. Lists a very extensive range of useful plants from around the world with very brief details of the uses. Not for the casual reader.
[2] Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles 1985
An excellent Chinese herbal giving information on over 500 species.
[3] Larkcom J. Oriental Vegetables John Murray 1991 ISBN 0-7195-4781-4
[4] Matthews. V. The New Plantsman. Volume 1, 1994. Royal Horticultural Society 1994 ISBN 1352-4186
[5] Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student.
[6] Dr Albert Leung & Steven Foster: Encyclopedia of Common Ingredients Used in Foods, Drugs, and Cosmetics.
Dr. Leung a world renown scientist specializing in pharmacognosy, has been able to draw upon his ability to read original Chinese, thus including references from dozens of major Chinese classic works as well as numerous modem Chinese texts. In addition, references are made to over 50 journals dealing with Chinese traditional and herbal medicine, many of which are not translated into English and are thus not available in many of the standard computer databases.






FruitsORAC Score
Grams Needed to
Reach DRI
Goji Berries25,30020
Black Raspberries7,70065
Prunes5,77087
Bilberry4,460112
Pomegranates3,307151
Raisins2,830177
Blueberries2,400208
Red Raspberries2,400208
Blackberries2,036246
Strawberries1,540325
Noni Fruit1,506332
Plums949527
Oranges750667
Cherries670746
Red grapes739677
Pink grapefruit4951010
White grapefruit4601087
Apples2182294
Banana2102381
Pears1343731
Watermelon1005000
VegetablesORAC ScoreGrams Needed to
Reach DRI
Garlic1939258
Spinach1,770282
Steamed spinach909550
Yellow squash1,150435
Brussels sprouts980510
Alfalfa sprouts930538
Broccoli880568
Broccoli flowers890562
Beets840595
Avocado782639
Red bell pepper710704
Baked beans503994
Onions4501111
Corn4001250
Peas, Frozen3751333
Eggplant3901282
Potato3001667
Sweet Potato2951695
Cabbage2951695
Cauliflower3851299
Carrot2102381
Tomato1952564
Cucumber608333
OtherORAC ScoreGrams Needed to
Reach DRI
Dark Chocolate13,12038.1
Milk Chocolate6,74074.2
Rooibos tea (200ml)750133








460

Sources:



http://www.health-report.co.uk/goji_berry.html
http://oracvalues.com/

















Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Raw Food for Beginners

Come and learn the basics of Raw Living Foods.

This is my first workshop in Denmark...and it's going to be great!

PM me if you would like to participate.









More details on Facebook.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Muesli LG





Muesli LG

1 Banana
2 tbsp Organic Raisins
1/2 cup of Cashew nuts
2 tbsp mixed seeds - Pumpkin and Sunflower (first soak them and dry it before use - u can store it for several days)
1/2 cup Almond Milk (u can use any other milk u like - preferably raw)
1/2 teas spoon of Cinnamon
4 tbsp Dehydrated Sweet Potato 

Just mix and enjoy


9 Healing Herbs and How to Use Them in Your Cooking


Veggies are important and herbs are too.

By Sara Novak

fried tofu with cilantro photo
Sara Novak

We've been told time and time again to eat our veggies but more often than not we tend to forget that herbs can be just as crucial for adding nutritional density to the foods we eat and even better, they add tons of flavor to all our favorite recipes.
If you're a big fan of herbs then you know that they can be pricey so it's best to grow your own whenever possible and it's pretty simple.
Here are some of nature's most healthy herbs. They make us feel good from the inside out from calming our nerves to settling our stomachs. 

9 Healing Herbs 


1. Basil


basil pesto photo
Photo: Thinkstock
Chefs the world over love basil and nutritionists agree. Basil is rich in flavonoids which prevent cell damage from both radiation and oxygen. Two of the main flavonoids are orientin and vicenin. Basil also provides vitamin K, iron, calcium, vitamin A, manganese, magnesium, vitamin C, and potassium.

2. Ginger


ginger photo
Photo: Thinkstock
Historically, ginger is known for being very effective for an upset stomach as well as nausea. Its antiviral components make it good for prevention and treatment of the common cold.


3. Garlic


garlic natural health photo
Photo: Burke/triolo productions/Thinkstock
Studies have shown that garlic's powerful antioxidants are great for preventing damaging free radicals as well as protecting against heart disease. It's known to powerfully reduce high blood pressure as well.

4. Flat Leaf Parsley


tuscan white bean dip photo
Photo: Sara Novak
Parsley is rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. These components are good for controlling blood cholesterol levels and preventing constipation. It's also rich in antioxidants, specifically apiin, apigenin, crisoeriol, and luteolin. In fact, it's known for having some of the highest levels of antioxidants.

5. Cilantro


fried tofu with cilantro photo
Chinese Five Spice Tofu with Cilantro and Steamed Veggies
Photo: Sara Novak
Cilantro is known for its ability to pull toxins from the body. Often times when you're doing a fast, you use cilantro atop your kitchari to remove pesticides and insectides from your system consumed from the non-organic foods that you eat.

6. Turmeric


fresh turmeric photo.jpg
Photo: Thinkstock
A study reported on the BBC found that turmeric kills cancer cells. Tests released by a team at the Cork Cancer Research Centre show turmeric can destroy gullet cancer cells in the lab within 24 hours. That's no small deal. Now the question is, are you getting your fill?

7. Mint


eggplant with mint vegetarian photo
Eggplant with Mint and Capers
Photo: Sara Novak
The strong aroma of mint is very effective at providing relief in respiratory disorders resulting from asthma and colds. Mint is also good for promoting digestion so it's ideal to eat before a meal.

Source: http://planetgreen.discovery.com/food-health/9-healing-herbs-and-how-to-use-them-in-your-cooking.html
Monday, August 8, 2011

Cherry Mousse




12 cherries (6 pitted for the mousse - 6 reserved for the dish)
1/2 avocado
1 tea spoon raw cacao
1/2 tea spoon chia seeds
1 tbsp of honey (use any other sweetener if u prefer)

Blend it till creamy

Sprinkle a bit of coconut for deco

Tastes like "bonbons"

Stuff it!!!





Stuff

1/2 carrot
1/2 avocado
1/2 cup courgette (zucchini)
1 tsp coconut oil
2 mushrooms
Salt (I used half a tea spoon - u may choose more or less)

Process it in a "S" shaped food processor (but don't make a cream out of it)

U can put the stuff wherever u want (I used what was available)...u may stuff someone too (joking) ... LOL

Lettuce
Mushrooms
Red Bell Pepper

Decoration

Olives
Cherry Tomatoes
Asparagus
Basil leafs
Cinnamon Chili Sauce (from previous recipe http://www.facebook.com/ph​oto.php?fbid=1015034374816​2176&set=a.101503129164771​76.394138.681287175&type=1 )





Friday, August 5, 2011

Love is more important than nutrition!

Love is more important than nutrition! Love opens! Fear closes! Stress makes us less intelligent! Share your experience and serve as inspiration for others! (LG)

Layers










layer 1

linseed (1 tbsp)
Raw Cassava Flour (4 tbsp)
almonds (4 tbsp)
salt (pinch or more if u like)
olive oil (1 tbsp)
1/2 cup water

layer 2

avocado (1/2)
Red Pepper (1/2)
Garlic (1/2 clove or less)
salt (pinch or more if u like)

layer 3

alfalfa

top layer

Cherrie Tomatoes
Olives
Peppers yellow (1/2)
Pepper Beak (small peper from Brazil - use something else instead)
Sesame Seeds

Prep

Make the several layers mixing the Ingredients in a food processor - serve in layers

Experiment in Pink - Black Currant's Sauce

Experiment in Pink - Black Currant's Sauce
(the photo/presentation is not the best but I will eat it alone...so...)

I don't usually mix much fruits with each other but this time tried a different salad with a Black Currant's Sauce

Ingredients - Greens Marinated

Zucchini
Avocado
Goji Berries
Alfalfa Sprouts
Sesame Seeds
Poppy Seeds
Sesame Oil
Lemon Juice
Himalayan Salt
Nutmeg

Marinate aprox. half an hour

Black Currant's Sauce

1 tbsp Coconut Milk (u can use other vegetable milk)
1 tbsp Black Currants
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tbsp Lemon Juice
Salt to taste
Pepper if u wish
1/2 tsp Cardamom

Just blend it

Lay the marinated greens on a plate together with some Cucumber sticks. Add the sauce on top of the Cucumber...decorate with a few Black Currants

Pressed Cabbage With them All

Pressed Cabbage With them All

Had a lot of ingredients from previous dishes in the fridge so before they got spoiled I decided to make a nice salad with it.

Arugula
Mangetout Peas
Red Pepper
Corn
Mushrooms
Romaine Lettuce

Pressed Cabbage

Cut white cabbage very fine, add some salt, lemon juice, sunflower seeds, and sunflower oil. Press with your hands till it becomes soft - let it rest for at least half an hour. If u make a lot save it for later in the fridge...it can last for several days if covered.

Lay all in a plate and enjoy!


Very easy to make and yummy. The secret is the sunflower oil that gives a nutty taste to it.

Boat of Chocolate and Dates

I am Sailing
I am sailing
With a boat
Full of Chocolate, cashew ,dates and a "wind" of coconut flakes
raw, raw the boat...
in a vanilla sea...


Recipe

1 cup of dates (pited) . or date paste if u can find it
1 tbsp raw cacao
1 tea sp vanilla exctract
1/2 cup of cashew nuts

Blent it - put it in the fridge for at least an hour

Decorate with coconut flakes
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Health Benefits of Peppermint Oil


The health benefits of peppermint oil include its ability to treat indigestion, respiratory problems, headache, nausea, fever, stomach and bowel spasms and pain. Due to the presence of menthol, menthone and menthyl esters, peppermint and peppermint oil find wide applications in manufacture of soap, shampoo, cigarette, toothpaste, chewing gum, tea and ice cream.


Unlike many other herbs and essential oils, numerous health benefits of peppermint and peppermint oil have been studied and proved by the scientific community. As a result, peppermint oil is also sold in the form of capsules and tablets.
Peppermint oil is also used as a flavoring agent. You will find very few people who will not find peppermint suitable to their palate.
Peppermint oil contains numerous minerals and nutrients including manganese, iron, magnesium,calcium, folate, potassium, and copper. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.


The health benefits of peppermint oil include the following:





  • Indigestion: Peppermint oil is very helpful in digestion. Often people put a few drops of peppermint oil in a glass of water and drink it after their meal due to its digestive properties. It is carminative and therefore helps in removing gas. Peppermint oil is a good tonic for those who have a low appetite. It also helps during motion sickness and upset stomach. Preliminary research has proved that peppermint oil in the combination ofcaraway oil can be used for treating heartburns.
  • Dental Care: Peppermint oil, due to its antiseptic properties, is useful for dental care. It removes bad breath and helps teeth and gums deal with germs. No wonder, it is added in numerous toothpastes. It is also useful for treating toothaches.
  • Respiratory Problems: Menthol, which is present in abundance in peppermint oil, helps in clearing the respiratory tract. It is an effective expectorant and therefore provides instantaneous, though temporary, relief in numerous respiratory problems including nasal congestion, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, cold and cough. As a result, it is used in numerous cold rubs. When these cold rubs are rubbed on the chest, they remove nasal and respiratory congestion immediately.
  • Nausea and Headache: Peppermint oil is a good home remedy for nausea and headache. Applying peppermint oil in diluted form on the forehead is known to remove headache.
  • StressStress: Like most other essential oils, peppermint is able to provide relief from stress, depression and mental exhaustion due to its refreshing nature. It is also effective against anxietyand restlessness.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome: The muscle relaxing property of peppermint oil has been found to ease irritable bowel syndrome. This has been validated through preliminary scientific research though the exact mechanism is still unknown.
  • Antispasmodic: Peppermint oil is very effective for gastroscopy, colonoscopy and during double-contrast barium enema. It is applied intraluminally. Further benefits of peppermint oil due to its antispasmodic properties are being studied.
  • Urinary Tract Infection: Peppermint oil can be used for treating urinary tract infection (UTI). However, thorough scientific studies are yet to be conducted to confirm this.
  • Pain Relief: Peppermint oil can be used externally for providing relief from pain. It is believed that the presence of calcium antagonism in peppermint oil aids in removing pain. It is cooling in nature and therefore helps reduce fever.
  • Immune System: Peppermint oil increases your immunity to diseases and therefore helps you in preventing a number of diseases.
  • Blood Circulation: It also improves blood circulation.
  • Hair Care: Peppermint oil is very useful for hair care as it gives a cooling effect to the head, and removes dandruff and lice.
  • Skin Care: Peppermint oil contains Menthol, which is good for skin. It gives a cooling effect. Further it nourishes dull skin and improves oily skin.
It is further believed that peppermint oil is useful for treating cancer and tuberculosis.
Peppermint blends well with various other essential oils including eucalyptus, rosemary, lemon, marjoram, etc.


What the Science Says

  • Results from several studies suggest that peppermint oil may improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
  • A few studies have found that peppermint oil, in combination with caraway oil, may help relieve indigestion, but this evidence is preliminary.

Sources

  • Peppermint. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:297–303.
  • Peppermint. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturaldatabase.com on July 22, 2009.
  • Peppermint oil (Mentha x piperita L.). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturalstandard.com on July 22, 2009.
  • http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/natural-essential-oils/health-benefits-of-peppermint-oil.html
  • http://nccam.nih.gov/health/peppermintoil/
  • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peppermint