Here's some superb advise from a website I found. I've been trying to eliminate or at least reduce the regular flour from my diet. That isn't easy when you love all things "baked goods" like I do. AND you have no kitchen skills. AND you don't follow directions well! Did I meantion I don't actually measure anything either? I'm screwed.
I've really only made coconut flour pancakes that turned out edible. They were surprisingly good. I put way too many blueberries in them, they took forever to cook, but were sweet and didn't need syrup. That was a pleasant surprise. So if any of you have a great (and easy) recipe. Please share with me. I'm hoping for a good go at a new twist on cinnamon rolls and scones in case you were wondering. nourishedkitchen.com/baking-with-coconut-flour/
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What we have seen in the past several years is that antibiotics have become a common ingredient in our daily life. The overuse of antibiotics has reached levels we could never imagine. We are at a point that no matter what the problem is, we take an antibiotic and we expect to feel better. As a result, we have drug-resistant bacteria that evolve faster than we can develop new antibiotics and drugs. But that has not always been the case. Antibiotics were developed in the 1940s, and long before then, foods and herbs were used as part of the medical treatment. Many of those natural antibiotics are still available to us, but we often overlook them. So, why should you use natural antibiotics and forget about prescription drugs? There are three main factors, the first one being that antibiotics often carry side effects. Some of the common side effects are gastrointestinal distress and allergies. The two other factors are the development of multi-drug resistant bacteria and gut imbalance due to the overuse of antibiotics. Now might be the time to get back to basics, to herbal and other natural antibiotics. Here are some herbs and foods that you can use instead of antibiotics. Echinacea Around the 18th century, Echinacea was the most popular herb in the United States. With the development of antibiotics, however, the use of Echinacea began to decline. But there is no reason to overlook this plant anymore, as there have been several studies that have shown that Echinacea is very effective against bacteria. The best way to consume it is through tea. The only thing you need to remember is that Echinacea can slow down your body’s metabolism. Garlic Arguably the most potent and best natural antibiotic out there. Garlic is superior to any other antibiotic, and studies have shown that it can be more potent than over-the-counter prescription drugs. But don’t consume the supplement form. Be natural and take garlic in crushed or chewed form. This way, you get the most benefits out of the “magic” compound in garlic, which is called allicin. This compound has almost the same properties as penicillin. Aside from antibiotic properties, garlic also has antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Garlic can be used to treat anything from inflammation and cold to serious infection. And we haven’t even mentioned the number of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that garlic contains. Onion If garlic is a bit strong for you, there is always a more friendly option: onion. Onions contain almost the same properties as garlic, just not as potent. Onion is also easier on your stomach, and the odor is not as strong. And as with garlic, onion is very inexpensive. Compare that to the money you pay for doctor visits and prescription drugs. Honey The use of honey as a natural antibiotic dates back to Ancient Rome. Back then, doctors used it to treat wounds on the battlefield as well as to prevent infection that might occur as a result of wounds. Our civilization has developed, but honey remains one of the best natural antibiotics because of its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Honey not only boosts the immune system, but it can also work as an energy booster. All the natural benefits of honey come from the enzyme that releases hydrogen peroxide, which helps to fight bacteria and heal skin. Consuming honey starts the process, which, in essence, helps your body fight off infection. Oregano Oregano, or more specifically oregano oil, has a number of healing properties. In the past few years, people have begun to understand the benefits of oregano oil, and consume it in a way to improve their immune system. That’s the prevention aspect of oregano oil. But you can also consume it when you have infections within the GI tract. A word of warning: do not consume oregano oil for long periods of time. If overconsumed, oregano oil can lead to a healing crisis due to bacteria die-off. Cabbage When you think of healthy cruciferous vegetables, you think of broccoli and kale first, and then everything else. But cabbage is the one with the most potent antibiotic properties. Cabbage contains 75% of your daily recommended dose of vitamin C. And that is in only one cup. You can consume shredded cabbage as a salad or as a side dish in the form of slaw. You can even go outside the box and prepare fresh cabbage juice. Add some honey as a sweetener, and you have an even more potent natural antibiotic. Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar is right at the top of the best and most potent natural remedies. Thanks to the acid in it, ACV can regulate the pH value of your body, which is the key to preventing and curing many diseases. Vinegar has antiseptic and antibiotic properties, and helps alkalinize your system. Add apple cider vinegar to salads as an easy way to use it. Cinnamon There are two spices that you can use on a daily basis. One is cinnamon and the other is ginger. Cinnamon is the sweet one, while ginger is the sour one (and you can use both in sweet and sour dishes). Cinnamon cannot be consumed on its own; you need to add it to certain dishes to get the full benefit. The best and easiest way to use cinnamon is to add it to a glass of milk with some honey. Honey and cinnamon make for a powerful combo for fighting infections. Note, though, that some people can develop an allergy to cinnamon. Coconut oil Coconut oil, like apple cider vinegar, is one of the healthiest home remedies. You just cannot list all the diseases that coconut oil can help with. Coconut oil is considered to be a natural antibiotic thanks to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. In addition, coconut oil is an antioxidant that can be used to boost your immune system. Just one spoonful in your morning coffee or milk is more than enough to keep you healthy. Turmeric People in India consume turmeric on a daily basis thanks to their curries. Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that gives food a rich color and smoky flavor. But aside from Indian cuisine, turmeric has been used holistically for centuries. In the past few years, the Western world has discovered turmeric, and the spice is now called a “miracle spice.” Turmeric not only has anti-inflammatory properties, but it is also effective against some of the worst bacteria, like Helicobacter pylori. When you consume turmeric as a natural antibiotic, a dosage of 400 to 500mg is all you need. Cayenne Pepper Cayenne pepper is another miracle spice that deserves a spot on the list, thanks to an ingredient called capsicum. For thousands of years, cayenne pepper has been used as a natural antibiotic. Additionally, cayenne peppers are extremely rich in vitamin C. Colloidal Silver The antibiotic and anti-allergic nature of silver has been known for centuries. But it wasn’t until the 1970s when intensive research into the use of silver in medicine started. Back then, Dr. Robert O. Becker found out that colloidal silver kills bacteria that no other antibiotic could kill, and there were no side effects. The medical suggestion for colloidal silver is that you use it only for external situations (e.g., ear infections and gargling). Goldenseal With so many diseases and conditions that goldenseal can help with, the herb has been called “the cure for everything” in recent years. Found in herbal remedies, goldenseal is as good a natural antibiotic as they come (you’ll have an easier time to write a list of conditions that goldenseal cannot heal). Some of the common infections that goldenseal can help with include fever, gum infections, fever, diarrhea, eczema, excessive menstruation, bladder infections, intestine infections, candida, conjunctivitis, and hemorrhoids. Ginger We talked about cinnamon earlier, and I said that ginger is the sour version. Or more precisely, a little hot version of cinnamon. In Asian culture, ginger is always served with sushi because of its natural antibiotic effects. Ginger helps with food poisoning, but the health effects of the spice go much deeper. One way to consume fresh ginger is by adding it to smoothies. Pau d’Arco The name might sound strange, but this herb is one of the most effective against candida. It wasn’t until relatively recently that Pau d’Arco got a stamp of approval from the medical world. In 2010, a study found that the herb has powerful natural antibiotic properties and can be used to counteract fungal overgrowth. The best way to consume this herb is via tea. The taste might not be delicious, but the health effects cannot be dismissed. Grapefruit Seed Extract The extract in its raw form is very concentrated. That means that it is best to dilute the extract to reap the full antibacterial and antifungal properties. There are some companies that make a commercial GSE, but it includes a chemical called “diphenol hydroxybenzene,” which is of questionable safety. But you can make your own grapefruit seed extract by grinding grapefruit seeds and mixing them with some glycerin. You can easily find articles describing how to make your own GSE at home. *This information was gathered from various websites. I wish I could remember which ones, but it's been a while. Here's the skinny on some good vs bad sugars from livestrong. www.livestrong.com/article/548796-what-foods-have-good-sugars-for-your-body/ ![]() Why fruit sugars make you healthier Here’s the easiest way to look at it: Refined sugars are bad for you. Sugars embedded in fruits are not. There’s no question that a diet high in refined sugar will lead to obesity and potentially diabetes, heart disease, dementia, macular degeneration, and tooth decay, not to mention increasing your risk of diseases like cancer. In contrast, fructose from whole, natural foods improves the way the body controls blood sugar. And just to test the theory that there’s no such thing as too much fruit, a study published by the journal Metabolism2 demonstrated that subjects could consume 20 servings of fruit a day with no negative effect on weight, cholesterol, or blood pressure. Eat the rainbow and enjoy it The take-home lesson here is that a healthy person really can’t eat too many fruits and vegetables, regardless of their natural sugar levels. The anti-cancer properties of fruits and vegetables are unsurpassed by any other food, supplement, or treatment. Not only are they loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, but fruits and vegetables are also the best way to take in cancer-fighting agents such as antioxidants and phytochemicals. On top of that, fruits and vegetables protect you against disease by making it easier to maintain a healthy body weight. Keep in mind, no single type of fruit or vegetable is the magic bullet for cancer protection. Each type contains varying levels of antioxidants, phytochemicals, and other nutritional properties, which is why it’s so important to eat a large variety, aiming for as many different colored foods as you can (as the saying goes, “eat the rainbow”). The next time you worry about your sugar consumption while contemplating eating an apple or a carrot, go ahead and enjoy the snack. Because not all sugar is bad, no matter what you may hear in “healthy” circles. ![]() Amazing Benefits Of FenugreekThe health benefits of fenugreek include relief from anemia, loss of taste, fever, dandruff, stomach disorders, biliousness, respiratory disorders, mouth ulcers, sore throat, diabetes, inflammations, wounds and insomnia. It is beneficial post pregnancy in lactation and helps in improving digestion, as well as in various hair care applications. It is also shown to reduce cholesterol levels and protect heart health, while simultaneously boosting the immune system and protecting you against flu and various infections. Fenugreek is an annual plant that is also known as methi in many places of the world. It is native to the Middle and Near East, and is widely used in the Indian subcontinent. It has small round leaves that can be dried, as well as seeds. There is even evidence that the ancient Egyptians understood the benefits of fenugreek, since its seeds have been found in tombs, particularly of Tutankhamen. This plant is grown in countries across the globe, but the majority is cultivated and consumed in India. Fenugreek is interesting, because it can be used for three distinct purposes. The leaves can be dried and used as herbs, the seeds can be ground into a spice, and the plant matter itself can be used as a vegetable, like sprouts and microgreens. This makes it so important, because there are healthy attributes in all of those plant parts that can boost your health! Most of the health benefits of fenugreek are due to the presence of saponins and fibers in it. It is also used for herbal healing. Its seeds contain a gumming substance called mucilage and when mixed with water, mucilage expands and becomes a gelatinous salve for irritated tissues. It is a member of the bean family and its scientific family name is Fabaceae. These health benefits are due to the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals found in this powerful plant. Nutritional Value Of FenugreekIt contains a wide variety of beneficial nutrients, including iron, magnesium, manganese, and copper, as well as vitamin B6, protein, and dietary fiber. Fenugreek also contains a number of powerful phytonutrients, including choline, trigonelline, yamogenin, gitogenin, diosgenin, tigogenin and neotigogens. Health Benefits Of FenugreekThe health benefits are explained in greater detail below. Good for Breast Feeding Mothers: India’s traditional ayurvedic physicians prescribe fenugreek to nursing mothers. This benefit is attributed to the presence of diosgenin in it. This can help increase the amount of milk that is produced by the breasts, and the magnesium and vitamin content of fenugreek also help improve the milk’s quality to keep your infant healthy. Reduces Menstrual Discomfort: Fenugreek is considered as a potent substance that eases the process of menstruation and relieves the associated symptoms. It is an emmenagogue, which means that it can open up obstructed menses to make the most feminine of processes work smoothly and comfortably. Minimizes Symptoms of Menopause: Fenugreek contains the chemicals diosgenin and estrogenic isoflavones, which are similar to the female sex hormone, estrogen. Loss of estrogen causes menopausal symptoms. So, eating it helps to reduce menopausal symptoms like mood swings, depression, cramps, and abnormal hunger pangs. It helps to monitor a number of other hormones as well, keeping many other bodily processes in line as well. Reduces Cholesterol: Research studies show that fenugreek consumption helps to reduce cholesterol level. It helps to reduce the level of low density Lipoprotein (LDL) significantly, which can prevent various conditions like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. It is a rich source of fiber, which scrapes excess cholesterol off of the arteries and blood vessels of the body. By reducing cholesterol content in the bloodstream, you reduce the chances of clots forming or becoming stuck in the vessels. Reduces Cardiovascular Risk: The seeds contain 25% galactomannan. This is a type of natural soluble fiber which specifically relates to a reduction in cardiovascular disease. Controls Diabetes: Fenugreek helps to alleviate type II diabetes. According to one study, it may also help people with Type I diabetes. Studies done by Indian researchers revealed that fenugreek added to type I diabetic patients’ diets helped to drop urinary sugar level by 54%. Because of the presence of the natural fiber galactomannan, fenugreek slows down the rate at which sugar is absorbed into bloodstream. A certain amino acid (4-hydroxyisoleucine) in fenugreek induces the production of insulin so therefore, 15-20 grams of fenugreek is recommended for controlling blood sugar on a daily basis. By slowly releasing insulin to the body rather than in massive chunks, overall bodily function is improved, and the plunges and peaks of blood sugar won’t be an issue for diabetic patients. Relief for Sore Throats: Fenugreek’s soothing mucilage helps to relieve sore throat pain and cough. Relieves constipation: It adds bulk to the stool due to its high fiber content. This also makes it helpful in treating constipation and diarrhea, while also relieving minor indigestion. Good for Kidney Trouble: Traditional Chinese medicine recommends fenugreek for patients suffering from various kidney conditions. Prevents Colon Cancer: Fenugreek possesses anti-carcinogenic potential. The steroid diosgenin in Fenugreek has been specifically linked to colon cancer prevention. Furthermore, the various non-starch polysaccharides like saponins, hemicellulose, mucilage, tannin, and pectin, lower cholesterol levels and inhibit bile salts from being reabsorbed by the colon. This can bind to the toxins and protect the colon’s mucus membrane, which can reduce colorectal cancer and other conditions that can negatively affect the colon. Appetite Suppressant: The natural soluble fiber galactomannan can swell in the stomach and thus suppress appetite by making you feel full. Fenugreek is also used to treat wounds, inflammation and gastrointestinal ailments. It helps in battling free radicals due to its antioxidant capacity. According to ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, it can be used for inducing labor and aiding digestion. It is also good at improving the body’s overall metabolism and health. Irritated skin conditions can even be soothed by the external application of fenugreek. Furthermore, it is used for fevers and muscle aches. Fenugreek is considered to be a safe, herbal food. It is used as a spice in many cultures and tastes oddly of bitter celery and maple syrup. Word of Caution: The only side effect seen in people taking high doses of fenugreek is mild gastrointestinal distress. It is not recommended during pregnancy because it may lead to miscarriage due to its strong effect on the female reproductive system. Where to buy fenugreek?Fenugreek can be found in major health food stores, such as GNC, as well as traditional big-box stores, from Target to Walmart. Fenugreek seeds can also be purchased from herbalists, and fenugreek leaves are available in many markets around the world. If you have your own fenugreek plant, you’ll have all the seeds you need! What are fenugreek seeds?Fenugreek seeds are, as you might expect, the seeds from the fenugreek plant, which bears the scientific name Trigonella foenum-graecum.The seeds are primarily used as a spice, and can be found sprinkled on top of many different Asian dishes. These seeds can also be found in powdered form, and used as a flavoring agent in curry pastes, soups and stews. These seeds look like small yellow-to-brown kernels. What does fenugreek do?Fenugreek has great health benefits, which is why they have become so popular in recent years. Fenugreek has a number of minerals, organic compounds, antioxidants and vitamins that can help regulate blood sugar, protect against heart disease, lower cholesterol levels, optimize digestion, protect the immune system and soothe the respiratory system. Fenugreek seeds or spice can even help you lose weight! How much fenugreek to take?If you are taking fenugreek for a particular reason, there can be some restriction or guidelines for usage amount. For example, if you want to take fenugreek to increase milk production (as a lactating mother), you can take up to 5500 milligrams every day (about 2-3 standard capsules 3 times per day). However, if you are simply using fenugreek as a general health booster, much lower doses are recommended and required to feel the effects. How much fenugreek to take for increasing milk supply during breastfeeding?One of the main reasons that women take fenugreek is to increase their milk supply while lactating and breastfeeding. Experts recommend taking fenugreek supplemental capsules if you are using the spice for this purpose. Each capsule is approximately 600 milligrams, and 2-3 should be taken at once at three different times of the day. For breastfeeding mothers, this may seem like a lot, but increasing those hormones takes effort! Is fenugreek safe?Fenugreek is generally safe and is widely known as a great tonic for various parts of the body. It can help to improve digestions and heart health, while protecting hormone levels, easing menstruation issues and protecting the body against infections. However, fenugreek can cause diarrhea, gas and indigestion in some people, particularly those who are allergic. These allergic reactions can be severe for some people. How to take fenugreek?You can consume fenugreek in any number of ways. Fenugreek seeds can be eaten whole, and are often used as toppings for certain dishes or soups. Fenugreek seeds can also be ground into a powdered spice form, which is another popular flavoring agent in the cuisines of some countries. Fenugreek leaves are a popular option to replace other leafy greens, and the powder can also be used to make a healthy, energizing tea. Where to buy fenugreek tea?Fenugreek tea, can now be found on the shelves of major grocery store and health food chains, including Walmart, Walgreens, GNC and Target. Seeds, powder and leaves are all available at some of these locations, in addition to smaller-scale natural health food stores and herbalists. Suffice to say, it’s not too hard to find! |
AuthorDebbie Krejci E-RYT 500 Yoga Teacher Training Retreat Uvita, Costa Rica, 2021
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