Food Matters - You Are What You Eat!

"Let thy Food be thy Medicine and thy Medicine be thy Food." -- Hippocrates

That's the message from the founding father of modern medicine echoed in the controversial new documentary film 'Food Matters' from first-time Producer-Directors James Colqhuoun and Laurentine ten Bosch.

"With nutritionally-depleted foods, chemical additives and our tendency to rely upon pharmaceutical drugs to treat what's wrong with our malnourished bodies, it's no wonder that modern society is getting sicker. 'Food Matters' sets about uncovering the trillion dollar worldwide "Sickness Industry" and giving people some scientifically verifiable solutions for curing disease naturally." - James

And in what promises to be the most contentious idea put forward, the filmmakers have interviewed several world leaders in nutrition and natural healing who claim that not only are we harming our bodies with improper nutrition, but that the right kind of foods, supplements and detoxification can be used to treat chronic illnesses as fatal as terminally diagnosed cancer.


Watch the film today Food Matters



The film's official website can be found at http://www.foodmatters.tv

Stinging Nettle

Did you know you can eat stinging nettle? That nettles contain the highest plant source of iron? It is an EXCELLENT source of vitamins, minerals and protein. It is literally a “super-food.” Forget all these designer capsules and energy drinks. Nettles are far more nutritious, and they are FREE!

I had no idea you could eat these things, I tried to avoid stinging nettle as much as possible, until our friends came to visit last weekend. We were walking our property and there was a big batch of stinging nettle, my girlfriend says "you should pick those and make lasagna with it"...what? lasagna with stinging nettle? She said its delicious and if I wasn't going to pick it that she would.

We picked our stinging nettle, soaked it overnight (just to make sure the stinging was gone). We boiled it, and tossed it with some butter, garlic and salt. I must say my friend was right, its delicious!

Some of the health benefits of eating nettle include:

stabilizing blood sugar; enhancing the operation of the circulatory, immune, endocrine, nervous, and urinary systems; reducing fatigue and exhaustion; reducing allergic and menopausal problems; and eliminating chronic headaches.

Coconut Oil

If there was an oil you could use for your daily cooking needs that helped protect you from heart disease, cancer, and other degenerative conditions, improved your digestion, strengthened your immune system, and helped you lose excess weight, would you be interested? This is what coconut oil can do for you.

Many of you have probably heard that coconut oil is good for you. I have actually never used it but just the other day my girlfriend was telling me that she uses it in her hair and moisturizes with it after her shower and I must say her skin was very soft! My brother in law is also a big fan and buys it regularly from the health food store. I thought I would do a little research on this great smelling natural product and test it out for myself, I mean who doesn't want to be healthy and have baby soft skin! Coconut Oil does it all.

What Coconut Oil DOES NOT Do: Does not increase blood cholesterol level. Does not promote platelet stickiness or blood clot formation. Does not contribute to atherosclerosis or heart disease. Does not contribute to weight problems. What Coconut Oil DOES Do: Reduces risk of atherosclerosis and related illnesses. Reduces risk of cancer and other degenerative conditions. Helps prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal (including yeast) infections. Supports immune system function. Helps control diabetes. Provides an immediate source of energy. Supports healthy metabolic function. Improves digestion and nutrient absorption. Supplies important nutrients necessary for good health. Supplies fewer calories than other fats. Promotes weight loss. Helps prevent osteoporosis. Has a mild delicate flavor. Is highly resistant to spoilage (long shelf life). Is heat resistant (the healthiest for cooking). Helps keep skin soft and smooth. Helps prevent premature aging and wrinkling of the skin. Helps protect against skin cancer and other blemishes. Functions as a protective antioxidant."

Hair Care:

Coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrition for hair. It helps in healthy growth of hair providing them a shiny complexion. I tend to get really try scalp during the winter, regular massage of the head with coconut oil ensures that your scalp is free of dandruff. Coconut oil is extensively used in the Indian sub-continent for hair care. It is an excellent conditioner and helps in the re-growth of damaged hair. It also helps get rid of head lice. It provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair. It is therefore used as hair care oil and used in manufacturing various conditioners, and dandruff relief creams. Apply it to dry hair when you are hanging around the house, leave it in for as long as you can, wash it normally and you can apply conditioner after if you find your hair tangles easily. It can also be left in overnight for a deep conditioning.

Skin Care:

Coconut oil is excellent massage oil for the skin as well. It acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skins including dry skin. The benefit of coconut oil on the skin is comparable to that of mineral oil. Further, unlike mineral oil, there is no chance of having any adverse side effects on the skin with the application of coconut oil. Coconut oil therefore is a safe solution for preventing dryness and flaking of skin. It also delays wrinkles, and sagging of skin which normally become prominent with age. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections. Therefore coconut oil forms the basic ingredient of various body care products such as soaps, lotions, creams, etc., used for skin care.

Weight Loss:

I had no idea that coconut oil could help with weight loss! It contains short and medium-chain fatty acids that help in taking off excessive weight. It is also easy to digest and it helps in healthy functioning of the thyroid and enzymes systems. Further, it increases the body metabolism by removing stress on pancreases, thereby burning out more energy and helping obese and overweight people reduce their weight. Hence, people living in tropical coastal areas, who eat coconut oil daily as their primary cooking oil, are normally not fat, obese or overweight.

Next time you are at the market, pick up some coconut oil and give it a try!

A Fresh Start-Day 3

Vinegar
One of my favorite household products. Powerful and economical, distilled white vinegar is one of nature's most versatile cleaners. Its odor can be overwhelming, but the smell dissipates as it dries. If you find the smell is too pungent, try adding lemon juice to neutralize it. I usually open some windows and the smell is gone pretty quickly.

All-Purpose
In a reusable spray bottle, mix a solution of 1 part water to 1 part vinegar for an effective all-purpose cleaner that disinfects and deodorizes. Use this solution to clean countertops, sinks, appliances and floors, but avoid granite or marble because vinegar's acid can damage them.

Bathroom
The all-purpose vinegar cleaning solution above can remove soap scum and hard water stains, and clean tile grout. To remove mildew, directly apply pure white vinegar and let sit for a minimum of 30 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Conventional toilet bowl cleaners are among the most toxic cleaning products. To get a sparkling, odor free toilet, pour 1 cup of vinegar into the toilet and let it sit for several hours to help deodorize and kill germs. Use a toilet brush to easily remove toilet rings, and flush.

Kitchen
The microwave often becomes a haven for strong smells and hard to remove food. Here's an easy trick: Mix 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar and 1/2 cup water in microwave safe bowl and bring the solution to a rolling boil in the microwave. Odors will dissolve, and baked on food will loosen for easy removal with a damp cloth.
Finish off the kitchen with a sponge soaked in pure vinegar, which will remove grease from ovens and exhaust fan grids.

Laundry
Many people have heightened sensitivities to the perfumes and chemicals in fabric softeners. Remember the blog on fabric softner sheets? If not make sure to read it. Vinegars naturally breaks down laundry detergent, so adding 1/2 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle will give you softer sheets, towels and clothes.

A Fresh Start-Day 2

SALT

Good old-fashioned table salt can be used as an abrasive cleaner.

All-Purpose
Abrasive coarse salt can help remove stains, caked on food or mildew on stovetops and in bathtubs, or anywhere scratching is not a concern. Mix baking soda with salt to whiten while scrubbing away grime.

Kitchen
Salt works well on pots and pans with caked-on food. Soak pots and pans with 3 tablespoons of salt in a couple inches of water. The mess should come off with ease. Scrubbing cast iron pans with salt cleans the pan without removing the seasoned finish.

A Fresh Start

Spring is upon us and you know what that means. Spring cleaning! Some of us get excited for this time of year, its a time to get down and dirty! Using harsh chemicals can contaminate your home with toxins, defeating the purpose of spring cleaning. Common household cleaners expose you to chemicals and have adverse effects on your family's health. Why clean your home with poison? Especially when there are so many natural alternative ways to clean and disinfect your home. Over the next 5 days I am going to share with you 5 common kitchen ingredients to help you with your spring cleaning in a natural way.

Lemons
Lemons are natural disinfectants because of their antibacterial properties. For many, the refreshing citrus smell exemplifies cleanliness.

Kitchen

Cut a lemon in half and use it to clean wooden chopping boards or to help remove stains from countertops. Let lemon juice sit for a while, then wipe clean. Avoid marble and granite surfaces because the acid can be corrosive. (try club soda instead)
Dip a cut lemon in coarse salt and scrub copper-bottomed pots and pans. Use the same preparation to help dissolve soap and hard water stains in sinks. Throw the used lemon into your compost pile for Eco-friendly waste disposal.
One of my personal favorites is placing a lemon into your garbage disposal and turning it on for a quick, easy way to clean this hard to reach area. It kills bacteria and leaves a nice fresh scent.

Laundry

Lemons are natural bleaching agents that can help brighten white linens and clothing. Add 1/2 cup of lemon juice to the rinse cycle to brighten whites and give them a fresh citrus smell.

Hot and Sweaty

Bikram Yoga, if you haven't tried it you really should. Don't let the heat scare you, it does get easier. I am on my second week and I am in LOVE with it.

Bikram Yoga is a series of 26 postures conducted over 90 minutes, beginning with one warming up breathing exercise, progressing through 24 asanas or postures and finishing with one toxin eliminating breathing posture. This series of postures systematically and scientifically works through the entire body.

Each posture is completed twice, each leads on from the next, preparing the body. The room is mirrored to allow for greater body awareness and to refine and deepen our postures with easy self-correction.

Classes are held in a heated room. The warm room allows for greater flexibility, it minimises muscle strain, lactic acid build up and reduces the chance of injury, allows for greater cleansing of the body and helps build tremendous stamina and endurance.

There is much evidence both scientific and anecdotal to support the benefits of Bikram Yoga when practiced regularly. Problems of alignment, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, insomnia, high and low blood pressure, and so many other medical problems have shown much improvement for so many with regular practice.

Some of the benefits of Bikram Yoga:

Works every organ, gland, nerve, tendon, ligament and muscle in the whole body every Bikram Yoga session
Expands your capacity to breathe deeply and fully
Prevents injury and may prevent or improve chronic illness
Promotes better sleep, you may even need to sleep less
Fabulous body toning effects
Weight loss or gain depending on your body's needs
Improvement in posture and body awareness
Improve the healing and regenerative powers of your body
Improvement in T-cell function and your immune system
Improvement in your lymphatic system
Lengthening and strengthening of muscles
Increased flexibility
Improvement in peripheral circulation
Improvement in metabolism / digestion
Gives the body a cardiovascular workout without negative impacting forces
Nervous system is exercised
Endocrine and exocrine glands are massaged and stimulated to better function
Muscular and skeletal network are enhanced
Weight bearing exercise will help prevent osteoporosis
Improves heart and lung function
Improves back conditions of pain and misalignment
Improves flexibility of your spine in its range of motion in all directions allowing the improvement in function of your central nervous system. Better nervous system communication means a better functioning body and mind
Helps cultivate a sense of well being and a more peaceful mind
Integration of both sides of the brain to improve memory, learning, body coordination and balance
Builds mental strength and teaches you to hold your mind in a focused and meditative state

Dry Brushing

If you're interested in a natural pick-me-up that rivals a morning cup of jo, you've got to try dry brushing. The largest organ of the body is our skin. Not only is it an organ, but it is a major area for the elimination of toxic wastes from our systems. The bowel, lungs, kidneys and skin are our four channels of elimination. Each of these organs ideally should release two pounds of toxins per day. In addition to eating healthfully, that means no fast food! We must also get plenty of exercise in the fresh air and wear natural fiber clothing to keep our skin well. Never use soaps, cosmetics or lotions are are full of chemicals. Don't use deodorants that contain aluminum. Choose soaps, oils, locations and deodorants that are made with natural ingredients. the skin can become very toxic from years of rubbing or spraying chemicals into it or wearing synthetic fibers.

Skin brushing is one of the finest ways to detoxify the skin and promote good circulation. Brush your skin with a natural vegetable fiber brush before you take your shower or bath. Brushing the skin when it is dry rather than wet is very important because dry brushing removes more dead skin cells and toxins. Brushing the skin allows the pores to stay open, so metabolic wastes can be released. Always brush towards the heart. When brushing the face use a smaller softer brush.

Benefits of skin brushing:

1. Helps prevent wrinkles by tightening the skin.

2. Release uric acid crystals that can cause gout or kidney stones.

3. Cleanses and purifies the kidney's.

4. Removes dead skin cells and opens the pores sop toxins may be released.

5. Helps to break down cellulite after 30 days of consistent brushing (3-5 minutes).

6. Improves blood circulation to the skin and all parts of the body.

7. Cleanses the lymph and improves immunity.

So, for the greater overall health, take care of your skin!

Wheatgrass...tastes like dirt but it works wonders!

I got introduced to wheatgrass at a very young age. My parents used to grow it in our kitchen and every morning we would cut a chunk of wheatgrass and put it through the wheatgrass juicer. I got to tell you every time I drank this I had to plug my nose, not the best tasting stuff although some people actually enjoy it...not me! I recall one day I took more then I was accustomed to and it made me quite nauseaous, so start with an ounce and you should be fine.

Wheatgrass is one of the rare foods that can give the human body every known nutrient that is needed for living. Do you pound back an energy drink to get you through that 3pm crash? No more need for those sugar packed so called “energy drinks”, one shot of wheatgrass boosts your energy levels in a safe and natural way and improves the function of your immune system.

Wheatgrass is 70 percent Chlorophyll which is the basis of all plant life. Chlorophyll purifies the blood and science has proven that chlorophyll arrests growth and development of harmful bacteria. Wheatgrass is known for its extraordinary ability to detoxify and drastically reduce the parts per million of pollutants that have made their way into our bodies, such as pesticides, preservatives, heavy metals, and crystallized acids. Wheatgrass juice contains multiple vitamins (Choline) which helps to control cholesterol and fat build up, (Vitamin A) which helps bone growth, Vitamin B, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin E,and many other. Some of the benefits of Wheatgrass are discovered as it helps to purify the liver, it improves blood sugar problems, it slows the aging process, whitens teeth and because it controls your appetite is excellent for weight loss.

Wheatgrass helps the digestion system, prevents tooth decay, it freshens breath, it softens and soothes skin when it is placed in bath water. Dr. Ann Wigmore helped people get well from chronic disorders for 30 years using wheatgrass. Who would have ever thought that a tangy green juice could do all that.

Wheatgrass is easy to grow in your own home. Look for organic wheat berries and grow them in a light, rich soil using high minerals, with sea kelp as food. This will ensure you receive a multitude of minerals in your homegrown wheatgrass. So next time you go to Jamba or Jugo Juice try a shot of wheatgrass and let me know what you think.

Gettin Down With Superfoods

Superfoods…sure we have all heard about bananas, blueberries, and tomatoes and then there are your tropical superfoods like papaya, pineapple and acai berries. Have you ever heard of goji berries, and mangosteen? Imagine a superfood -- not a drug -- powerful enough to help you lower your cholesterol, reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer, and, for an added bonus, put you in a better mood. Did we mention that there are no side effects? You'd surely stock up on a lifetime supply. Guess what? These life-altering superfoods are available right now in your local supermarket. Here are some of my favorite superfoods.

Goji Berry
Often called the most nutrient-dense food on earth. Everyone knows that blueberries are high is antioxidants, they measure at 6,220, the goji berry measure in the 17,000 range! Wow that is one amazing berry. It also has one of the highest energy ratings ever recorded at 355,000 Bovis, human’s measure in at 6,500 Bovis. Ladies listen up… For 1,000’s of years Goji berries have been consumed by the Tibetan Himalayan people for their anti-aging properties. They contain more essential components of complete protein than wheat. You eat your grapes or spinach as a source of iron; Goji berries iron content is 20 times higher. Oranges contain vitamin C, while goji’s contain more vitamin C by weight than oranges and are packed with B1, B2 and B6. It’s also a great source of essential fatty acids. There are people undergoing chemotherapy benefit from goji berries ability to double white blood cell count and triple T cell count due to their polysaccharide content.
Bottom line is: About 30 berries (a handful) taken each day can help achieve great heath benefits such as, replenish vitality, enhance visual acuity, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, protect liver function, burn fat, strengthen bones and muscles and supply the heart with energy. A little secret …it also helps with impotence.

Mangosteen
Not to be confused with mangoes. This tropical fruit doesn’t taste or look like mangoes. Do you suffer from Arthritis or joint pains? Mangosteen is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine effects, which can help people prevent many disease systems and generally stimulates the immune system. Mangosteen fruit has been said to be anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral. It helps fend off all of these conditions in our bodies. This tropical fruit is also recognized as one of the greatest natural source of xanthones, a family of powerful antioxidants. In addition to cultivation of fresh mangosteens, several companies have launched production of mangosteen juice, which has a longer shelf-life than fresh mangosteens and is easier to export internationally. Find in your local health food store. Be aware of online knock offs!

Mangoes
I spent 2 months in Thailand where I would sit on the beach and eat fresh mangoes all day. Little did I know the health benefits that went along with this amazing fruit. This aromatic, sweet-flavored tropical fruit not only tastes delicious, it is a source of extremely powerful, protective antioxidants and a variety of phytochemicals and nutrients that qualify it as a superfood.They are a good source of vitamins A, C, E and B6 as well as copper, niacin, and folic acid. People who suffer from cramps and stress, Mangoes are an excellent source of potassium and magnesium. Mangoes are a good source of fiber and contain enzymes that aid indigestion. It protects against cancer, infectious disease, and intestinal disease and has even been proven to destroy viruses in clinical test tube experiments.

Hempseed
Seeds of the plant cannabis sativa, hemp seed, contain all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids necessary to maintain healthy human life. No other single plant source has the essential amino acids in such an easily digestible form, nor has the essential fatty acids in as perfect a ratio to meet human nutritional needs. Hemp seed provides a rich source of chlorophyll to alkalize your body. It is also one of the most sustainable crops available. These can be added to your daily routine-simply sprinkle some on your cereal, yogurt or salad or do what I do and blend them into your daily smoothie!

Asparagus
Ever wonder why your pee smells like asparagus after eating it? I like to call this “aspara-pee”. Asparagus is a superior alkalizing vegetable, asparagus has the ability to quickly change the pH of the body resulting in “aspara-pee”. At just 20 calories in six spears, asparagus is a good source of folate, beta carotene and potassium. Asparagus is also a powerful antioxidant. It is also rich in folic acid and vitamin C. So next time you substitute your asparagas for something else, think twice…aspara-pee isn’t that bad, is it?

Blueberries
Packed with antioxidants and phytoflavinoids, these berries are also high in potassium and vitamin C. Note that the darker they are, the more anti-oxidants they have. Not only can they lower your risk of heart disease and cancer, they are also anti-inflammatory but not as anti-inflammatory as cherries.

Chocolate
Not just an aphrodisiac…which men wish was true! Chocolate possesses amazing qualities and properties found in its most natural and unprocessed form. Raw chocolate in particular contains an impressive list of approximately 1,200 valuable nutrients, vitamins and minerals, some of which come in significant quantities as well.

Watercress
Watercress is a better source gram for gram of vitamins C, B1, B6, K and E, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese and zinc than apples, broccoli and tomatoes.. Only raw broccoli has more vitamin C and magnesium.

Although these and other superfoods have the capacity of being great health enhancers, always research your sources and eat organic, local food whenever possible.