Lemon Water

Apparently in chinese medicine, it's advised to begin the day with lemon/lime water/juice. I spoke to a chinese medicine doctor, and she said it would energize my system.

Well, just hearing about it got me all inspired and excited, and I was compelled to write another post about its benefits. (after buying a bunch at the market)

Ok, it's anti-bacterial, anti-fatigue, anti-septic, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer.

Hmm, you're likin' these lemons already, ain'tcha?

Fortified with vitaminc C and anti-oxidants, it boosts the immune system and gets rid of free radicals.

Digestion is improved, as it boosts metabolism.

It purifies the blood.

It detoxifies the body.

It stregthens liver functioning,

and helps with urinary tract infections.

There are various other benefits as well. for example:

"Daily consumption of lemon water can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. It rejuvenates the skin and gives a clear, radiant and glowing complexion. "

Beloved, readers

go forth and drink thy lemon water/juice!
(and try not to add sugar)

G-d bless!

Check it out:
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/health-benefits-of-lemon-water.html

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=27

aah, the Outbacks..

Having lived my whole life in the city, I never expected to find myself staying in the outskirts of Jerusalem, in Gush Ezion-countryside! And I have to say, I'm lovin' it. The air is fresh, the pace is slower than that of the city, and down the road, the donkey is braying his own tune.

Granted, it has its challenges.

A couple of weeks back, we had a seroius attack of fleas from the neighborhood strays. And, when the storm winds blew, I thought the rickety roof from my caravan had flown away. (it hadn't)

And I do miss Jerusalem. The hustle and bustle. The availability of simple items like Prigat Cranberry Juice (great for bladder infections!) The many, various get-togethers and events.

Yet, when I've reached the end of my shopping list and head back home to the Gush, my shoulders relax and I look forward to going back home. Quiet as it is. Rugged and rocky.

Aah! The outbacks.

There are certain things that should never change.

But things have to change.

Peoples develop, nations arise.

Technology advances. Stem cells. Biotech.

Facebook.

Speed.

Thank G-d, it gets a lot of stuff done.

hey, I like my laptop. And my washer!

And yet certain things should never change.

Listening to the innervoice.

Speaking to G-d.

Giving charity.

Respecting oneself.

Slowing down.

Having compassion.

Eating REAL food.

Being happy.

Love.

Holiness.


G-d bless!

Warming Teas for Winter

Winter has arrived!! After weeks of dryness, the rain is finally come. G-d had a sense of humor and decided to throw in few handfuls of strong winds. And I do mean strong. Especially when my caravan starts shaking left and right.

During these cold days, I naturally reach for a hot cup of tea to warm up. But as I am learning not all teas are made the same.

In Chinese Medicine, it's taught that each food carries a certain "temperature" that affects the body.
For example, when you eat a cucumber, it produces a cooling effect on the body. Which is great to eat during the hot summers. Well, each food can affect the temperature in your body. Hmmm...maybe even produce....wind? (I'm still learning...)

So, tea in it's most unprocessed form is actually cooling. And generally, you want to drink cooling teas in the summer and warming teas in the winter. Green tea falls in the catergory of a cooling tea, good for the summer; and black, roasted teas are best for winter.

I love concocting my own teas, and recently found lists of great warming ingredients that are fit for the cold, windy winter season.
Fresh ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, rosemary, cardamon, anise, and sage will make for fantastic brews. Some you may want to boil or steep in hot water then strain.

I just had a brew of clove, ginger, and cinnamon tea.

Now, I'm going to pull out my heaviest blankets, scarves and socks. In this cold weather, it's very important to keep the neck and kidney area protected As they are vulnerable to the season change and store the body's immune system and life-energy. In fact, in Japan, they have a special scarf called a haramaki to protect the mid-section (kidney area).

So, welcome, high and mighty winds and rain. And please G-d, with Words of prayer and a lil' old Chinese wisdom, we can keep warm and healthy and greet G-d's winter in strength.

G-d bless!!!

Check it out:

http://www.amazing-green-tea.com/chinese-tea-and-health.html

http://rawgourmet.com/blog/winter-chills-craving-warm-food

http://www.naturalnews.com/027908_Chinese_Medicine_kidneys.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/5281046.stm (Are teas dehydrating? Check it y'self)

Alexander the Great goes to Africa

From Miriam blackfirewhitefire.blogspot.com I LOVE this post!!

Stories from the Talmud
Sometimes I enjoy learning stories from Jewish sources. Here is one of my favorite ones. (details are adapted my me!)

Alexander the Great was famous for his military might. When countries heard he was approaching, they would all but tremble with fright!

One day, Alexander the Great had set out to conquer a small village in Africa run by women. Word got out. The Nubian leaders gathered their skirt in their hand, and with their head scarves flaying in the wind, bolted towards the queen. A quick meeting needed to be done!

In quick hushed voice they spoke in their native African tongue. What should they do? How can they ever defeat the Great Alexander. Slowly slowly a plan was devised.

The day came. Alexander the Great and all his military might approached.

They came and towered over the entrance of the village. Lo and behold! Without weapons, the women came out. One by one, led by the queen in all her regality. It was a quiet but noble and beautiful procession. Drums played suspensfully in the background and no one spoke a word, save the the excited wind blowing around them.

Finally, the queen spoke.

"I salute you, the great and mighty Alexander. You are well known for your fierceness in battle and for your great victories."

Everyone listened intently.

"We have protected and defended our village, just us women alone. And we have been successful! Now, if you should come and attack us and win, what would it be said? The great Warrior fought with women and won?! What kind of victory would that be? Now supposing WE WON? What would be said then?"

With a faint smile, Alexander the Great, conceded, "You are wise. I will not conquer your land. Now fetch me some bread for me and my men and we will be off!"

The queen bowed graciously and returned with her whole procession back into their village. As soon as they were out of sight, again they hurried and huddled to think and talk!

He needs bread? they wondered. Surely, there is a trick to this! So they, again, devised another plan.

Once again the whole solemn procession came out bearing bread. By then everyone had dismounted from their horses and waited for the bread. The women passed bread to everyone. However, when they bit into the bread, they realized it was hard! Each bread had inside of it gold!

"What is this!" Cried Alexander.

"Great and mighty Alexander" The queen began, unperturbed, "would you really be satisfied to come all the way over here, for a morsel of bread?"

With this, Alexander nodded and left. But before he left, he wrote on the gate of their city: "I, Alexander of Macedon, was a fool before having come to this country of women in Africa and having received their advice."

Happy Chanukah!!

Sugar and Fibroids

Here's an article linking white sugar/flour/high glycemic load and fibroids.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62F55R20100316

excerpt:
"Scientists are not sure why diet might affect the growth of fibroids. One possibility, however, is the effect of foods on blood sugar. Higher-carbohydrate diets can lead to higher insulin levels, which are in turn linked to levels of other hormones thought to encourage fibroid growth."

Why arent scientists sure about diet affecting fibroids. Diet effects EVERYTHING. But the mainstream may not want ppl to know that.

In any case, I wanted this article just to emphasize that white sugar/white flour plays a big role in fibroid growth.

And it's not only diet, but as Dr. Northrup points out in her book, Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom, fibroids may also be linked to emotional frustration in one's life.

To my absolute glee, this actually fits with the ideas in Chinese Medicine. Writes Beinfeld and Korngold that "when powerful emotions are squeezed down and held back, qi (a person's energy) becomes congested. When this occurs over a long period of time, blood begins to congeal forming lumps and masses."

Fibroids

more on this later....

G-d bless!

Check out:
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62F55R20100316

Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom, Northrup

Nature's Remedies, Vijay Fadia

Blessed are You....

Blessed are You, G-d, King of the universe, Who fashioned man with wisdom and created within him many openings and cavities. It is obvious and known before Your Throne of Glory that if but one of them were to be ruptured or but one of them were to be blocked, it would be impossible to survive and to stand before You.
Blessed are You, G-d, who heals all flesh and acts wondrously.

G-d bless!!!

Check out
Artscroll Siddur (Jewish Prayer)

My Sunset Chats

G-d is here.
I am seeking Him out!
and finding Him in everything that happens in my day.

Like a parent to a child, He is constantly sending us guidance, advice, and comfort.
We have to believe that there are messages for us to receive.
And surely, we can send our own messages to Him.

Better than an email.
Faster than an SMS.

Through prayer.
In our own words.

Talk about everything and anything that you are going through.
G-d is seeking you out as well.
Seeking a relationship with you.
"Talk to Me!"

What are you hoping for?
What are you thankful for?
Why are you angry?
What doesn't seem right?

Sigh. Groan. Move!!

Give thanks for the good we have in our lives.
Hashem is constantly looking to give us good.
His good.

"Even if you can't open your mouth at all, just the fact that you stand there putting your hope in G0d, lifting your eyes upwards and forcing yourself to speak and even if you say no more than a single word the entire time-all this endures forever... (Likutey Moharan II)

As the Chi Moves...

Habib Koite

aah nice and smooth....

G-d bless!

Kung Fu Africa!

"Green Eyes"

There I was in the health food store, among the aisles, as innocent as can be. It was a hot afternoon-the kind of day where everyone stays indoors during the noon hours. I really needed to get some grub and so braved the hot sun. And although the store was quite empty, I could feel someone's eyes on me.

It didn't matter if I moved to the left or the right. It didn't matter if I ventured towards the rice noodles, the Eco-friendly detergent, or even the perplexed saleslady, the eyes were riveted on me. Green "eyes" on a green "body". Watching me quite boldly, I must say. Behind it's clear, plastic wrappings, stood this lettuce, dark green and ORGANIC!!! I peered back, and held it's gaze for long time. It had the same shape as regular lettuce... I inched closer and poked it. Firm. Full.

Mesmerized, I seized this green wonder and took it home!!! (after paying of course..)

Would we get along, I wondered? After all, I wasn't familiar w/ ORGANIC lettuce. I knew that it would have lots of vitaminerals (vitamins and minerals), like vitamin A, K, and folate and less pesticides...

In fact, I did find this particular lettuce w/ it's thick leaves to be abit bitter. Oh, woe!!! I lamented. Organic wonderful, but bitter??!! Was this some cruel joke?!! How was I supposed to down this??!! Or expect to serve it to others?

So, the lettuce and I had a...ahem conversation.
"How can we make this work?" "What are your needs?" "I'm only accustomed to non-organic kinds of lettuce. What is YOUR personality like?" "What if you were allowed to sit abit in a lovely dressing of olive oil and lemon. To pamper yourself for abit, take in your new surroundings....

Lo and behold, after sitting in a glass bowl for a while, next to fellow cucumbers, red peppers, and avocados, yes, reader, this organic green wonder and I DID get along. The juices of the other veggies had lulled the bitter taste out from the leaves, resulting in a happy and contented lettuce, and a hapy and contented...me!

In fact, this organic lettuce and I realized we actually had a lot of commmon friends and similar outlooks on a lot of things. ie. Modern farming methods can really strip away vitaminerals in foods, (which nonone is going to mention) and that folks should eat organic whenever they can and eat it often!!! (locally grown veggies is best!) and we gotta know how to work it!!!

G-d bless!!!

The Marvelous Magnetic Magic of Magnesium!!

And NOW...
the
marvelous

the
magnetic

the
magical

mineral of 2010...

MAGNESIUM!!!!

On the program today, this wonderful G-dly gift will help protect and strenghten your body for better health by...

1. contributing to cell growth and development. Protein synthesis galore!

2. regulating nerve and muscle tone, thus preventing muscle fatigue, migraines, etc. and ensuring proper transmission of nerve cell signals.

3. regulating blood pressure,

4. releasing and binding serotonin in the brain

5. working with CALCIUM to provide structure to our bones, as 2/3 of magnesisum is found in our bones.

6. in fact, providing support to our cardiovascular system, digestive system, nervous system, muscles, kidneys, liver, hormone-secreting glands, and brain!!


Now, food processing does deplete magnesium. Most of the mineral is removed when wheat is refined into white flour; alot is lost when molasses is turned into sugar. And vegetables lose it when they are boiled in water or frozen. Antacid use, certain meds, and farming practices also deplete magnesium.

But fear not, folks!!! Fear not!!
This magnificent mineral can be found in many MANY sources including, but not limited to:
Kelp, swich chard, spinach, summer squash, millet, molasses, almonds, beets, cooked beans and oats, cucumbers with the peel, celery, ripe tomatoes...

Whew! I'm outta breath!

You, too, can benefit from this much needed nutrient for the rest of your life by going to your local supermarket and getting magneisum-rich foods for yourself and your family...

TODAY!!!! TODAY!!! TODAY!!!

G-d bless!

Check it out:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=75

Letting Go of Lack

Changing the way we view ourselves and the world around us...

http://www.randygage.com/blog/letting-go-of-lack/

Anti-depressants

A very thought-provoking article to read about anti-depressants. Are we being duped??!!

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/05/08/robert-whitaker-interview.aspx

The Basics

"If you want to optimize your health, you simply must return to the basics of healthy food choices. And try as they may, industry lobbyists still cannot force you to buy these types of junk foods. The choice is entirely yours, and consumer demand will always win eventually, so the more people demand healthy, unadulterated foods, the more they must produce, one way or another."

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/05/04/how-the-us-government-contributes-to-the-obesity-epidemic.aspx

*A good reminder for us to add vegs and greens to our meals. I remember having once a bag of chocolates for dinner!! It's one thing to have it here and there, but to replace a whole meal is too much. At least that was just one day. Can you imagine if I kept that up??! On this track, what will the next generations be eating??!!

ooh, gotta stay on track!!

G-d bless!

The Non-Grain Super Grain: Quinoa

During the Pesach/Passover festival the eating of leavened bread and products are forbidden. Instead we eat unleavened matza. There are some Jews of European background who have taken on the tradition of avoiding rice as well. My single friends and I would groan anticipating the week of dry matza and constant potato-based meals. (Truth is, that is the time when people REALLY get creative w/ their cooking, whipping up delicious concoctions from matza or potato flour.)

One day, I visited a friend who was quite excited about her new discovery for Pesach. Malka, whose grand-parents are from Poland, was not eating rice, but she was eating lots of quinoa. Quinoa is a grain-like food with a nutty/(earthy?) flavor. "It's the best!" she raved. "It's just like rice, and I feel full afterwards. Now, I can be normal on Pesach!"

I had eaten it before, but her excitement inspired me to look more into this quinoa wonder...

Well, first thing I learned. It is not a grain!

It's actually the seed of a plant hailing from the Chenopodium family, and it's actually related to beets and spinach. Go figure. For many years, it was cultivated in the Andean regions of Peru, Chile and Bolivia and was the staple food of the native Indians. However, the Spanish conquerers arrived and in their attempt to rule and control, quinoa fields were destroyed and growing quinoa became illegal.

Since then, it had been "rediscovered" in the 1980s and is now grown in America and is readily available.

A rather dramatic "grain," hunh?
There's more...
Quinoa is the only "grain" that is a complete protein, having all essential amino acids. Animals need amino acids to make proteins in the body and most species can synthesize around half on their own. The 9 remaining Essential Amino Acids must be obtained externally from the diet. Grains and legumes typically lack certain amino acids, ie. corn is deficient in lysine and beans are deficient in methionine. I'm always impressed with vegetarians who know how to mix and match various legumes to make a complete protein. Eating rice and beans is a well-known example of getting a complete protein.

Manganese, magnesium, iron, copper ,phosporous, and B vitamins also help make quinoa the awesome super grain that it is. From helping w/ migraine headaches to supplying cancer-preventive fiber; from protecting cardiovas. health to providing anti-oxidant power, quinoa has got it goin' on!
Plus it's low in gluten and easier to digest than other grains. However, it is relatively higher in fat.
The Andean Indians valued quinoa also for its ability to stimulate breast milk.

I love adding raisins and nuts to quinoa...then again, I love adding them to almost everything. Ooh, and cranberries. You can spice that baby up with cumin and a lil' soy sauce. You can sautee onions and scallions beforehand. Mmm, super grain, here I Come! Thanks, Malka for the inspiration! And thanks to G-d, the All Good and Beautiful for His "inspiration!"

G-d bless!
http://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2324/2
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=142
http://www.brighthub.com/health/diet-nutrition/articles/9991.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essential_amino_acid
Nourishing Traditions, Fallon

The Vitamin-n-Mineral Quiz!

Here's a vitamin n mineral quiz to help us remember some important key points of these friendlies found in nature. I didn't go in depth to keep it short and sweet, but hopefully the few hints will be enough to get the answers.

Get ready, set, go!!

Which vitamin or mineral...

1. is a water soluble vitamin, helps in tissue repair and healing of wounds.

2. is major constituent of bone and teeth, helps maintain proper acid-alkaline balance, and is found abundantly in dairy products and seaweed.

3. is part of the hemoglobin molecule and therefore needed for vital, healthy blood, and is found in eggs and meat.

4. helps regulate the sense of taste, benefits the reproductive organs, particularly the prostate, and is a crucial for developing fetuses. found in red meat, fish, nuts, seeds and ginger. (Is a mineral)

5.is part of the B vitamin complex and is also crucial for developing fetuses. Defiencies lead to cleft palate, spina bifida.

6. aka as thiamine, is the first B vitamin found. (which number?)

7. is a B vitamin and is needed for the health of nerve cells and red blood cells. And also needed to make DNA. Some say it's usable form is only found in animal foods.

8. is a powerful anti-oxidant that helps also to keep the skin healthy and prevents cardiovascular disease. is found in unrefined veg. oils, butter, grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and dark green leafy veg.

9. is needed for many biochemical processes, including water-balance regulation. In excessive amounts, can lead to high blood pressure.

10. is a mineral needed for strong, flexible bones, healthy cartilage, skin, hair and nails. It protects against TOXIC ALUMINUM. Some food sources include MILLET, CORN, FLAX, and the STEMS of green vegetables. Also apples, carrots, raw cabbage...(this could be a hard one!)


So, how'd you do? Check your answers below!!



1. Vitamin C
2. Calcium
3. Iron
4. Zinc
5. Folic acid
6. B1
7. B12
8. Vitamin E
9. Sodium
10. Silicon

G-d bless!!!


Check it out!
Food is Medicine, Cousin
Nourishing Traditions, Fallon
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-B12/NS_patient-vitaminb12
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17435951
http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/minerals/health-benefits-of-silicon.html

Making a Difference