I've been so busy at home lately it can be difficult to keep up. I understand a hectic schedule. Nonetheless we need to be diligent in taking care of ourselves properly. We were created for a great purpose. It's not all about us, but it is all about Him, Yeshua the Messiah! When He created the world He made wonderful real whole foods for us to consume. Whole foods are not a new trendy concept, it was literally God breathed. King Solomon, in the bible, was right in the book of Ecclesiastes 1:9 when he wrote, " That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun."
Over the next couple of weeks I want to touch upon the missing nutrients from our daily diets, and the ones we are told to supplement with that can actually be dangerous. Today we will focus on magnesium and calcium. Have you noticed that calcium is put into almost everything these days? There is calcium put into milk, it's put in by the way because the natural calcium gets taken out by the harsh processing of the ultra pasteurization and homogenization. It's put into cereals, orange juice, non-dairy milks, and even chewing gum.
The calcium that is put into these food like products is called fortified calcium, in other words synthetic man made in a lab calcium, extracted from rocks and shells. We were originally designed to naturally absorb our vitamins and minerals from our foods. It was not intended for our nutrition to come from rocks and shells. We were actually given fruits, vegetables, and other seed bearing plants like it says in the bible in the book of Genesis 1:29-30, "And God said, See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food; and it was so."
From childhood it is drilled into our heads that we need so much calcium. Don't get me wrong, we need calcium, its an important mineral. Our concept of how much we need, however is very askew. I can't help but wonder if its purposeful sabotage to keep us sick along with some many other lies we are told. It can be dangerous to accumulate too much calcium in our bodies, especially when it is synthetic. Not all vitamins and minerals are the same. Too much calcium can be dangerous for the heart and arteries. Often times older women are told by traditional doctors that they need to supplement with calcium, then she will go to Walmart and get the cheapest supplement she can find, and think she is doing the right thing. I frequently encounter older women who come to see me for health counseling or to buy supplements at the natural supplement store I work just in that same position. Most times these women haven't been shown any kind of proof for a calcium deficiency.
There are tremendous amounts of calcium in chia seeds, blue green algaes/seaweed like chlorella and spirulina, and leafy greens like kale, spinach, collards, and swiss chard. If you are fortunate enough to still live in a state in the USA where raw milk is legal that is also an excellent source of calcium. There is absolutely no reason why enough calcium could not be taken in through a healthy daily diet...unless you are missing the usually under-looked and missed magnesium.
Magnesium is a major mineral. Unfortunately due to an unbalanced fast food diet filled with well...fillers like white bread, rice, and sugar, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, processed soy, and other garbage that makes its way into grocery stores and school cafeterias everyday, its no wonder we are deficient. Deficiencies can be caused from heavy metal toxicity from aluminum, lack of vitamin D3, too much sugar in the diet as it pulls minerals out of the body, lack of greens in daily diet, and filtered water. When we filter our water from all of the yuck, we are also filtering healthy minerals. It's important to replace those minerals by eating organic produce from soil that is mineral rich, using unprocessed sea salts like Celtic and Himalayan that contain magnesium. Avoiding caffeine is imperative because it decrease magnesium quite a bit in the body.
Magnesium actually affects our absorption of calcium. SO it is super important that we are getting enough. It is almost impossible to get too much. A lack of this super mineral can cause symptoms like migraines, fast heart beats, mood swings, trouble sleeping, and lethargy. Magnesium supplementation is not a bad idea if you don't not eat a varied diet. A natural homepathic supplement called Calm is a wonderful choice. Often times children that have hyper active tendencies, ADD, ADHD, or autistic are deficient in magnesium. Foods rich in magnesium are chlorophyll rich foods like green veggies, nuts and seeds like sunflower, flax, sesame, almonds, and pumpkin. Brown rice, tart cherries, and dried herbs like coriander, chives, and basil.
An additional way to maximize magnesium absorption and relieve stress that depletes magnesium is making it a weekly practice to do a foot soak in warm water with epsom salts. Epsom salts are a combination of magnesium and sulfate. Both of these minerals are taken in well through the skin. I suggest doing this 2-3 times a week in the evening as it can be relaxing and magnesium is helpful for resting and sleeping. Take 1/2 cup of epsom salts and pour into a tub or basin with warm water and soak feet for 20-30 minutes. Feel free to add wonderful healing essential oils like lavender or four thieves blend.
Supporting Articles:
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/12/17/magnesium-benefits.aspx
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/18/dangers-of-too-much-calcium/
http://www.everydayhealth.com/heart-health/too-much-calcium-may-double-death-risk-in-women-9770.aspx
http://thebreathoflife.net/learningcenter/the-importance-of-magnesium/
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Hemp Milk
Several weeks ago I talked about how hemp seeds are really AWESOME! They are a great source of fiber, healthy fat, and protein. Hemp seeds are really versatile in the kitchen. A fun and yummy way to use them is to make seed milk with them.
The great part about making your own non dairy milk is you control what's in it. The stuff on the shelf is basically a processed food. You also control what you keep it in. Using a glass jar or bottle would be the optimal way to store them. You want to prevent leakage of toxins from plastic or aluminum.
I am using the recipe from my earlier post, with a slight variation. That's another reason to make your own is you can get creative! Flavor it however you want.
Hemp Milk Recipe
4 cups of filtered water
1 cup raw shelled hemp seeds
1/2 Tbsp Simply Organic Vanilla
Just blend!
The great part about making your own non dairy milk is you control what's in it. The stuff on the shelf is basically a processed food. You also control what you keep it in. Using a glass jar or bottle would be the optimal way to store them. You want to prevent leakage of toxins from plastic or aluminum.
I am using the recipe from my earlier post, with a slight variation. That's another reason to make your own is you can get creative! Flavor it however you want.
Hemp Milk Recipe
4 cups of filtered water
1 cup raw shelled hemp seeds
1/2 Tbsp Simply Organic Vanilla
Just blend!
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Kale Pesto
Today's entry will be brief. I wanted to share a recipe I played with in the kitchen today. Since kale is sooooo kool and Wednesdays are typically pasta nights for us...it's an easy dinner before church, I thought I'd use my favorite green to make another favorite of mine...pesto! If you are not familiar with pesto it is a pasta topping/sauce. It is traditionally done with basil. I didn't have any fresh basil, however I have an abundance of kale right now so I figured, why not? It turned out really well. The best part is that its another way to get kale into my picky 12 year old...he loves pesto....thats a high score for this Momma!
PS: Pesto is also great on quinoa, flax bread( or any bread you eat), tomato slices, and chicken
Kale Pesto Pasta
Ingredients:
1 16oz bag Trader Joes Organic Brown Rice Penne Pasta
3 large handfuls Organic or Pesticide Free Kale
1 Fresh Garlic Clove
1 Freshly Squeezed Organic Lemon
1/3 Cup Raw Walnuts
1/2 Tsp Celtic Sea Salt
1/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Optional: 1/4 Tsp Chlorella Powder (Totally not a must, but if you have it this is a great way to sneak it in since pesto is already green)
Optional: Grated Romano Cheese to sprinkle on top
Directions:
Cook pasta according to directions. Then put everything else into the food processor or blender until creamy. Mix a few dollops in a bowl with the pasta and enjoy! It's so easy and so good for you!
PS: Pesto is also great on quinoa, flax bread( or any bread you eat), tomato slices, and chicken
Kale Pesto Pasta
Ingredients:
1 16oz bag Trader Joes Organic Brown Rice Penne Pasta
3 large handfuls Organic or Pesticide Free Kale
1 Fresh Garlic Clove
1 Freshly Squeezed Organic Lemon
1/3 Cup Raw Walnuts
1/2 Tsp Celtic Sea Salt
1/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Optional: 1/4 Tsp Chlorella Powder (Totally not a must, but if you have it this is a great way to sneak it in since pesto is already green)
Optional: Grated Romano Cheese to sprinkle on top
Directions:
Cook pasta according to directions. Then put everything else into the food processor or blender until creamy. Mix a few dollops in a bowl with the pasta and enjoy! It's so easy and so good for you!
Friday, April 19, 2013
Superfoods: Ginger
It's so amazing the transitions that we go through in life and the changes that we make. Often times we make changes that we would never have anticipated ourselves taking part in, yet these changes are many times for the better. When I started making changes in my dietary lifestyle I learned how extremely important our digestive health is and the integral part it plays in our immune health. You cannot separate one from the other. I realize over the past several weeks I have sung the praises of many Superfoods. They are truly wonderful. I honestly do not know of any that are as potent or have the same properties of ginger root.
Ginger is grown predominantly in Asia and the Caribbean. It has medicinal and culinary uses. It has a lovely flavor with a spicy kick. It is in the same plant family as turmeric. This does not surprise me knowing the properties of turmeric. They also look very similar. I have had ginger as a regular part of my health regimen for several years. Over the past year I am to the point where I consume it almost daily. I put it in smoothies, cook with it, use it in tea, and put it in desserts. It is excellent for digestion.
It relieves nausea very well. It's super for pregnant mom as to be for soothing their stomachs without any nasty side effects. Sometimes eating out can be an adventure, a dangerous one in fact. Consuming raw ginger can help in a pinch to relieve stomach distress from food sensitivities. It is an effective anti-inflammatory, especially combined with turmeric. You can eat the root raw, make a tea with it, or take a high quality supplement. Get organic whenever possible. If you have a cold or are congested eating small prices of raw ginger throughout the day as well as blending in a smoothie can be very effective for immune support in addition to being a mucous solvent. That means it breaks up all of the yucky gunk.
This phenomenal root also can be pressed for its essence or essential oil. Topically you can take advantage of its healing anti-inflammatory properties by blending with a carrier oil and applying to the inflamed joints and muscles. You can also rub it with a carrier oil on your stomach for relief from digestive distress.
There are just too many incredible ways to use ginger. Here's a smoothie recipe to try it out with:
1-2 handfuls organic kale
1/2-2/3 cup pineapple
1 date
1 Tbsp coconut butter
2 inch hunk raw organic ginger root
1 cup coconut milk or almond milk
1 cup ice
Blend and enjoy!
Ginger is grown predominantly in Asia and the Caribbean. It has medicinal and culinary uses. It has a lovely flavor with a spicy kick. It is in the same plant family as turmeric. This does not surprise me knowing the properties of turmeric. They also look very similar. I have had ginger as a regular part of my health regimen for several years. Over the past year I am to the point where I consume it almost daily. I put it in smoothies, cook with it, use it in tea, and put it in desserts. It is excellent for digestion.
It relieves nausea very well. It's super for pregnant mom as to be for soothing their stomachs without any nasty side effects. Sometimes eating out can be an adventure, a dangerous one in fact. Consuming raw ginger can help in a pinch to relieve stomach distress from food sensitivities. It is an effective anti-inflammatory, especially combined with turmeric. You can eat the root raw, make a tea with it, or take a high quality supplement. Get organic whenever possible. If you have a cold or are congested eating small prices of raw ginger throughout the day as well as blending in a smoothie can be very effective for immune support in addition to being a mucous solvent. That means it breaks up all of the yucky gunk.
This phenomenal root also can be pressed for its essence or essential oil. Topically you can take advantage of its healing anti-inflammatory properties by blending with a carrier oil and applying to the inflamed joints and muscles. You can also rub it with a carrier oil on your stomach for relief from digestive distress.
There are just too many incredible ways to use ginger. Here's a smoothie recipe to try it out with:
1-2 handfuls organic kale
1/2-2/3 cup pineapple
1 date
1 Tbsp coconut butter
2 inch hunk raw organic ginger root
1 cup coconut milk or almond milk
1 cup ice
Blend and enjoy!
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Fiber: Do You Get Enough?
Fiber is essential for the body. Our bodies cannot and will not function properly without it. Fiber is the indigestible part of plant food. It is in all plant foods including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and grains. Animal products and fats do not contain fiber.
Fiber acts like a mop to our intestines. It cleans everything out so we keep our intestinal tracts clean and healthy. The lack of real raw plant fiber can lead to numerous digestive disorders. There is fiber in cooked food, but it is broken down and not as effective. Most adults need 25-30 grams of fiber daily. Unfortunately as it stands in the USA most adults are only getting half that amount.
When our bodies do not have enough fiber they do not function properly. Fiber pushes out toxins and infected bacterial strains through out digestive tracts. Without fiber we cannot properly excrete these items through our feces in turn becoming constipated and then ill. We need to be able to go to the bathroom regularly.
In order to stay satiated throughout the day it is important to include a lot of raw plant fiber in your daily diet. Most people think its protein that keeps you full, on the contrary it is fiber and healthy fat. A healthy amount of raw fiber keeps you fuller longer then leads to weight loss. Eating more plant food allows more food to be eaten that's lower in calories and contains healthy fat. Having a plant based daily diet is a fool proof plan to get enough fiber.
A great simplistic way to include a lot of raw fiber is implementing a daily smoothie into your routine. A smoothie makes eating enough vegetables and fruit possible. You can consume so much more in a smoothie than you ever could in a bowl or on a plate. Sipping on plant fiber throughout the day prevents over eating, promotes regularity, and provides energy.
Recipe to Try:
2 Handfuls of Organic Kale
1 Stalk of Organic Celery
2 Limes, peeled
2 Organic Apples (gala, honey crisp, Fuji, or pink lady)
1 1/2 Cups Spring Water
1/2 Cup Filtered Ice
Blend it all and enjoy!
Fiber acts like a mop to our intestines. It cleans everything out so we keep our intestinal tracts clean and healthy. The lack of real raw plant fiber can lead to numerous digestive disorders. There is fiber in cooked food, but it is broken down and not as effective. Most adults need 25-30 grams of fiber daily. Unfortunately as it stands in the USA most adults are only getting half that amount.
When our bodies do not have enough fiber they do not function properly. Fiber pushes out toxins and infected bacterial strains through out digestive tracts. Without fiber we cannot properly excrete these items through our feces in turn becoming constipated and then ill. We need to be able to go to the bathroom regularly.
In order to stay satiated throughout the day it is important to include a lot of raw plant fiber in your daily diet. Most people think its protein that keeps you full, on the contrary it is fiber and healthy fat. A healthy amount of raw fiber keeps you fuller longer then leads to weight loss. Eating more plant food allows more food to be eaten that's lower in calories and contains healthy fat. Having a plant based daily diet is a fool proof plan to get enough fiber.
A great simplistic way to include a lot of raw fiber is implementing a daily smoothie into your routine. A smoothie makes eating enough vegetables and fruit possible. You can consume so much more in a smoothie than you ever could in a bowl or on a plate. Sipping on plant fiber throughout the day prevents over eating, promotes regularity, and provides energy.
Recipe to Try:
2 Handfuls of Organic Kale
1 Stalk of Organic Celery
2 Limes, peeled
2 Organic Apples (gala, honey crisp, Fuji, or pink lady)
1 1/2 Cups Spring Water
1/2 Cup Filtered Ice
Blend it all and enjoy!
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Are You in Need of Healing?
It was almost four years ago when I was healed. Four years ago when the God of the Universe sent His Holy hands down to touch my body. Not sure why, but I've felt the need lately to re-share my testimony of healing.
In 2009 I was 30 years old and I was sick. I suffered from 18 years of chronic migraines. I was getting debilitating migraines 3-4 times a week that would usually incapacitate me for many hours. I would vomit and have diarrhea. I was at the time a military wife, my husband was always gone. I homeschooled our two boys.
I also experienced chronic fatigue, was over weight, had halitosis, blood in my stool, constant inflammation in my muscles, had terrible dizzy spells, and chronic nausea.
I had been to my general practitioner, a neurologist, other specialists. I had every test taken you could imagine. Not a single person could figure me out. Sound familiar to anyone?
I was on medication for the migraines, so called preventative as well as for on the spot pain. I wound up getting tension headaches in between the migraines and developed Vertigo. I was getting poisoned by the medication according to my neurologist.
For nine years I was also on antidepressant medication. I had been on several throughout that time. I had stopped taking them at age 28, thats a whole other story, nonetheless my body was full of toxins. I also had trashed my body through dealing with anorexia for years.
I knew these conditions were not in any sense normal. I was too young to feel that way. These things our society has come to accept just felt so wrong to me. I knew these drugs I was taking were not medicine. Medicine heals you, and I was not being healed.
I felt worse than I ever had in my life. One late evening in the middle of a migraine I grabbed one of the bottles of pills. I was already on the floor, writhing in pain. Head pressed up against the bed, I began to pray. I prayed to the Holy God of the Universe, Yeshua the Christ.
When I prayed, I prayed differently than ever before. This was my last chance or recourse of living some kind of life with quality. I asked Yeshua to remove all of my pain. I named every ailment. Then I said, "I know you can do it! You are healer, not these drugs in my hands, not these human doctors, you are the great physician." Then I threw the pill bottle across the room.
That was at the end of March 2009. Then came April 1st and it happened to be that for the last few days I had felt well, quite normal, dare I say healthy. I became panicky. I had realized it all at once...did God answer my prayer? Did He heal me? I then began to doubt. My unbelief into the evening brought on a migraine from stress, and I became discouraged. I thought I knew it was too good to be true.
It was a different migraine than ever before. As quickly as it came it went. Then I heard a small voice whisper, "Daughter, I did heal you. Now you have changes to make." (Side note: Did you notice He did on April 1st? See God has a sense of humor too.)
I didn't know what that meant and foolishly did not pursue it. I went along as usual. I continued though to be migraine free. Then came June. I found a lump in my left breast.
After much insisting from a close friend I went to see my doctor. She was very alarmed. She sent me to a specialist. It was a month and a half before I found out the tumor was benign. During that time was my wake up call. It was time to listen to my Heavenly Father. It was time to listen to Jehovah Rapha, the God that Heals.
I spoke with The Lord and He began to show me exactly what I needed to do to get well. I asked Him what I could do on my end to be a responsible, good steward with this house in which He lives, that I call my body. I learned about food, what it does to and for our bodies. I learned about natural supplements and other healing methods.
Then He also told me to share with as many people as possible what I have learned and continue to learn, so I did. I started this blog, I talked to family, and I talked to friends.
Another close friend began to ask me often why I don't take this God given passion and mission to be my occupation as well. I remember I would give her every excuse. I'm just a mom. I don't know enough. All I can do is homeschool and manage my household. (Ha! Did you read that one...all I can do is homeschool and manage my house? Look here's my shout out to stay at home moms and homeschoolers...if you can do that, you can do anything!) I also said I'm not smart enough. I don't know how to run a business. The list goes on and on.
She continued to lift me up and encourage me. Through a friend of hers she also learned about a school with a nutrition led program that she thought I should check out. Well I absolutely loved the school, it was different than anything I'd seen and on board with many things I believed.
Even still I refused and clung to my stubbornness. For the next nine months or so that school then popped up everywhere for me, never had I seen it before. I knew this was God telling me once again to leap.
It was by faith that I began to trust Him more and more. Walking your faith and talking your faith are two different things. Much has changed throughout the years in several aspects of my life. He continues to refine me and shape so that I will fully rely on Him. When going through trials don't underestimate what God is training you for...it will change your life. Receive His healing today, He already died and rose again for you. Trust in The Lord. Ask Him for the desires of your heart. He loves you more than you can ever imagine.
In 2009 I was 30 years old and I was sick. I suffered from 18 years of chronic migraines. I was getting debilitating migraines 3-4 times a week that would usually incapacitate me for many hours. I would vomit and have diarrhea. I was at the time a military wife, my husband was always gone. I homeschooled our two boys.
I also experienced chronic fatigue, was over weight, had halitosis, blood in my stool, constant inflammation in my muscles, had terrible dizzy spells, and chronic nausea.
I had been to my general practitioner, a neurologist, other specialists. I had every test taken you could imagine. Not a single person could figure me out. Sound familiar to anyone?
I was on medication for the migraines, so called preventative as well as for on the spot pain. I wound up getting tension headaches in between the migraines and developed Vertigo. I was getting poisoned by the medication according to my neurologist.
For nine years I was also on antidepressant medication. I had been on several throughout that time. I had stopped taking them at age 28, thats a whole other story, nonetheless my body was full of toxins. I also had trashed my body through dealing with anorexia for years.
I knew these conditions were not in any sense normal. I was too young to feel that way. These things our society has come to accept just felt so wrong to me. I knew these drugs I was taking were not medicine. Medicine heals you, and I was not being healed.
I felt worse than I ever had in my life. One late evening in the middle of a migraine I grabbed one of the bottles of pills. I was already on the floor, writhing in pain. Head pressed up against the bed, I began to pray. I prayed to the Holy God of the Universe, Yeshua the Christ.
When I prayed, I prayed differently than ever before. This was my last chance or recourse of living some kind of life with quality. I asked Yeshua to remove all of my pain. I named every ailment. Then I said, "I know you can do it! You are healer, not these drugs in my hands, not these human doctors, you are the great physician." Then I threw the pill bottle across the room.
That was at the end of March 2009. Then came April 1st and it happened to be that for the last few days I had felt well, quite normal, dare I say healthy. I became panicky. I had realized it all at once...did God answer my prayer? Did He heal me? I then began to doubt. My unbelief into the evening brought on a migraine from stress, and I became discouraged. I thought I knew it was too good to be true.
It was a different migraine than ever before. As quickly as it came it went. Then I heard a small voice whisper, "Daughter, I did heal you. Now you have changes to make." (Side note: Did you notice He did on April 1st? See God has a sense of humor too.)
I didn't know what that meant and foolishly did not pursue it. I went along as usual. I continued though to be migraine free. Then came June. I found a lump in my left breast.
After much insisting from a close friend I went to see my doctor. She was very alarmed. She sent me to a specialist. It was a month and a half before I found out the tumor was benign. During that time was my wake up call. It was time to listen to my Heavenly Father. It was time to listen to Jehovah Rapha, the God that Heals.
I spoke with The Lord and He began to show me exactly what I needed to do to get well. I asked Him what I could do on my end to be a responsible, good steward with this house in which He lives, that I call my body. I learned about food, what it does to and for our bodies. I learned about natural supplements and other healing methods.
Then He also told me to share with as many people as possible what I have learned and continue to learn, so I did. I started this blog, I talked to family, and I talked to friends.
Another close friend began to ask me often why I don't take this God given passion and mission to be my occupation as well. I remember I would give her every excuse. I'm just a mom. I don't know enough. All I can do is homeschool and manage my household. (Ha! Did you read that one...all I can do is homeschool and manage my house? Look here's my shout out to stay at home moms and homeschoolers...if you can do that, you can do anything!) I also said I'm not smart enough. I don't know how to run a business. The list goes on and on.
She continued to lift me up and encourage me. Through a friend of hers she also learned about a school with a nutrition led program that she thought I should check out. Well I absolutely loved the school, it was different than anything I'd seen and on board with many things I believed.
Even still I refused and clung to my stubbornness. For the next nine months or so that school then popped up everywhere for me, never had I seen it before. I knew this was God telling me once again to leap.
It was by faith that I began to trust Him more and more. Walking your faith and talking your faith are two different things. Much has changed throughout the years in several aspects of my life. He continues to refine me and shape so that I will fully rely on Him. When going through trials don't underestimate what God is training you for...it will change your life. Receive His healing today, He already died and rose again for you. Trust in The Lord. Ask Him for the desires of your heart. He loves you more than you can ever imagine.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Superfoods:Quinoa
So the last two weeks of Superfood posts are covering foods that are maybe not labeled Superfoods, but in my kitchen they are because of their versatility and high nutrition! This week we will discuss Quinoa (Keen Wah)! Do you know what this is? Do you love it yet? If it is not in your kitchen, get it there! If you don't like it, I guarantee you haven't fixed it properly.
Quinoa is a gluten free grain replacement. It however is not a grain at all, it is a seed. It is extremely low glycemic. This makes it a Paleo Friendly food! It is a COMPLETE PLANT PROTEIN containing 8.1 grams of protein per cup! That is super great! It is rich in folic acid, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium.
Traditionally the quinoa plant is grown in South America, specifically in areas like Peru and Chili. However, it is from what I am learning a very hearty plant that can be even grown in containers! I'm excited about that since my living quarters are about to decrease. The leaves can be eaten in salad as well as the seeds being cooked. The oxalic acid rate is kind of high in the leaves though so if that's an issue stay away from those.
Quinoa is best to be soaked before being eaten. Two reasons for this are enzymes and saponins. Any times we soak nuts, seeds, and grains it makes enzymes more available in our foods. Enzymes are an important catalyst in digestion. You don't want to eat quinoa without soaking and cooking or at least soaking and sprouting.
Quinoa contains a plant compound called saponins. Saponins are a neat aspect for plants because it makes them bitter to the taste, which wards off pests and birds. Unfortunately large amounts ingested in our bodies can be toxic. An easy fix is soaking well and rinsing. In the USA most packaged quinoa has been per-rinsed, so that takes a little effort out of kitchen prep work. Just read the box or bag.
It has become so popular you can find it easily in the specialty markets like Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and Fresh Market. Health food stores that are smaller and local are bound to carry it. I've also seen in in Kroger and Costco. Then of course you can purchase it online.
If you actually haven't tried it yet, then I suggest going somewhere like Whole Foods Market and getting a 1/2 lb in bulk to try it. I've been told the quinoa in the bins is pre-soaked as well. Check on that in your local store.
You can use quinoa just like you would rice. It generally takes about 11/2 cups of water to 1 cup of quinoa. I throw the water and quinoa in the pot together. It takes about 10 minutes on the stove. Stir it occasionally. You know it's cooked when the little off-white circles seem to have separated from the seeds.
I've used quinoa in salad with greens, or I've added homemade dressings to it with other veggies. It goes great in a stir fry! You can make a type of lasagna casserole dish with it. It goes great with black beans for a Tex Mex dish. It loves avocado, oh wait, maybe that's me who loves avocado. Fix it like oatmeal in the morning. Cooked quinoa can even be a protein source in smoothies. Most recently I used up some leftovers in a protein bar recipe. I have also thrown leftovers in soup. The sky is the limit!
Quinoa is a gluten free grain replacement. It however is not a grain at all, it is a seed. It is extremely low glycemic. This makes it a Paleo Friendly food! It is a COMPLETE PLANT PROTEIN containing 8.1 grams of protein per cup! That is super great! It is rich in folic acid, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium.
Traditionally the quinoa plant is grown in South America, specifically in areas like Peru and Chili. However, it is from what I am learning a very hearty plant that can be even grown in containers! I'm excited about that since my living quarters are about to decrease. The leaves can be eaten in salad as well as the seeds being cooked. The oxalic acid rate is kind of high in the leaves though so if that's an issue stay away from those.
Quinoa is best to be soaked before being eaten. Two reasons for this are enzymes and saponins. Any times we soak nuts, seeds, and grains it makes enzymes more available in our foods. Enzymes are an important catalyst in digestion. You don't want to eat quinoa without soaking and cooking or at least soaking and sprouting.
Quinoa contains a plant compound called saponins. Saponins are a neat aspect for plants because it makes them bitter to the taste, which wards off pests and birds. Unfortunately large amounts ingested in our bodies can be toxic. An easy fix is soaking well and rinsing. In the USA most packaged quinoa has been per-rinsed, so that takes a little effort out of kitchen prep work. Just read the box or bag.
It has become so popular you can find it easily in the specialty markets like Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and Fresh Market. Health food stores that are smaller and local are bound to carry it. I've also seen in in Kroger and Costco. Then of course you can purchase it online.
If you actually haven't tried it yet, then I suggest going somewhere like Whole Foods Market and getting a 1/2 lb in bulk to try it. I've been told the quinoa in the bins is pre-soaked as well. Check on that in your local store.
You can use quinoa just like you would rice. It generally takes about 11/2 cups of water to 1 cup of quinoa. I throw the water and quinoa in the pot together. It takes about 10 minutes on the stove. Stir it occasionally. You know it's cooked when the little off-white circles seem to have separated from the seeds.
I've used quinoa in salad with greens, or I've added homemade dressings to it with other veggies. It goes great in a stir fry! You can make a type of lasagna casserole dish with it. It goes great with black beans for a Tex Mex dish. It loves avocado, oh wait, maybe that's me who loves avocado. Fix it like oatmeal in the morning. Cooked quinoa can even be a protein source in smoothies. Most recently I used up some leftovers in a protein bar recipe. I have also thrown leftovers in soup. The sky is the limit!
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