by dnshah | Jan 10, 2017 | Age Defying, Diet and Weight Loss, Health and Wellness Tips
I’ve eaten parts of moringa all my life as I was born in India and it is a delicious ingredient common in Southern regions of India. It is regarded as a “miracle tree” there. I also know that the benefits of moringa are so great, it is now offered as a supplement.
Moringa health benefits may include:
- Anti-inflammatory – which could help with chronic illness
- Immune boost – which could help fight against infections, skin ailments, and allergies
- Nutrient-dense food – which could help with nutritious menu planning
- Blood-Sugar Balancer – which could help better manage menu planning for all, especially diabetics
These collective benefits may help minimize symptoms of so many disorders and diseases while providing essential vitamins and minerals to nourish your physical body. It sounds great, but here’s the catch.
It is a bit messy to eat, so many people shy away from indulging. When there is a food that is so good for you…it’s practically a superfood, you have to get your hands a little dirty! I use it in a hearty stew as it lends a savory texture and flavor. It will not fit on a spoon well, so I pick it up and put it in my mouth. While still holding an edge, I close my mouth and sandwich it between my teeth (top & bottom). Then I gently pull it out while my teeth scrape the contents of this fibrous vegetable. Your fingers are left with the fibrous stem that is not eaten, while your mouth is enjoying the creamy flesh and pods which have absorbed the taste of your stew.
It is available at ethnic Asian markets throughout the US in the freezer section under the name “drumsticks”, and it is a very easy ingredient to work with in stews and dals.
by dnshah | Aug 28, 2016 | Health and Wellness Tips, Juices and Smoothies, Recipes
INGREDIENTS
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- 6 ounces coconut milk
- ½ cup ice
- ½ cup collard greens
- ½ medium banana
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- ½ medium orange
- 3 medium strawberries
- 1 serving protein powder, (Naked Pea)
- 1 Tablespoon sesame seeds
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METHOD
1. Combine all of the ingredients into the blender/bullet.
2. Blend together until smooth and consistent.
NUTRITION
Serving Size: 1 Smoothie (16-oz.)
Calories:337; Fat: 10g; Carbohydrates: 38g; Sugar: 21g; Sodium: 122mg; Protein: 34g
by dnshah | Apr 29, 2016 | Health and Wellness Tips
May is my birth-month! I especially think of my childhood and my mom making turmeric milk, “aka Golden Milk, for me and my sister when we were growing up. Turmeric milk has been used for centuries in India and other parts of Asia for strengthening immunity. Turmeric is an anti-viral, anti-bacterial, antiseptic super root/spice. Back then turmeric milk was dairy-based and didn’t have any sweetness, so it was a disappointing flavor from a kid’s perspective. Today there are so many choices of milk-alternatives and natural sweeteners. I had the pleasure of tasting a Korean version of turmeric milk, which was delicious and nutritious; and it inspired this version of turmeric milk. Treat yourself and kids today to an immune building preventative remedy for whatever new illness is around the corner! It is especially good for colds and flu. Introducing my new & improved….turmeric milk! Boost your immunity, invest in your health, and savor the deliciousness!
Golden Milk
- 2 cups unsweetened coconut milk
- 2 Tablespoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch ground black pepper
- pinch ground cardamom
- pinch saffron
METHOD
- In a small saucepan, heat milk, turmeric, ginger, black pepper, and cardamom over medium heat until it boils.
- Turn off the heat.
- Mix in the honey.
- Pour into a mug and sprinkle with cinnamon before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
by dnshah | Apr 28, 2016 | Age Defying, Diet and Weight Loss, Health and Wellness Tips
Our RESET Detox is a 7-day eating program, while our RENEW detox is a 10-day eating program designed for anyone interested in doing a gentle detox. Typically it’s a good idea to detox at least twice/year. Our world continues to become more toxic with increased contaminants in our water, air, and foods (& toiletries& beauty products…). We have a limited number of defense type responses to the unlimited number of toxins we encounter, so it is recommended to take a break from your normal routine and clear out external toxins. Boost your body’s natural function to release, recover, RESET, and RENEW! The benefits associated with regularly boosting detoxification may include:
- an energy boost
- better sleep
- improved immune response
- reduced symptoms of a chronic illness
- less aches and pains
- less eye-twitching
- less headaches
- weight loss
Sound good? Can you commit to just 7-10 days of adopting some new clean eating habits? Yes, you can!
REGISTER HERE
by dnshah | Apr 5, 2016 | Age Defying, Diet and Weight Loss, Health and Wellness Tips, Obesity, Stress Management
I’ve been talking about the Blue Zone study in the last few months. The Blue Zones are the places where the average age of population is significantly higher. Earth’s 5 Blue Zones hold the most centenarians and their wisdom on longevity of life. Why do some live longer than others? The longest living woman resides in Italy. She just celebrated her 115th birthday. What secrets could she share with us?
The latest thoughts on the subject are that longevity can be influenced by genetics (10%), environment (50%), and diet & exercise (40%). What this means is that although we can’t control our genes, it can’t determine our fates either. The things we can control have a greater say in our longevity.
One dietary strategy promoting our longevity is to eat superfoods daily that enhance our immunity. If our immune systems remains strong and healthy, so do we. “G-BOMBS” is a powerful acronym detailing out various food types to eat daily. G-BOMBS stand for Greens, Beans, Onions, Mushrooms, Berries, and Seeds.
Greens are no surprise on this list as there are so many phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in our plant-based nutrition. Also there are so many varieties and tastes to accommodate even the selective eaters. Add some kale or spinach to your meal today!
Beans are a term used to describe all plant-based proteins, including dals, legumes, pulses, and peas. They are the tiny seeds of life to a plant, and consist of good proteins. Red lentils are my favorite.
Onions are protective alliums, and when combined with garlic become ideal remedies for cold and flu infections. People who consume onions and garlic regularly can have up to 56% reduction in their risk of colorectal cancers.
Mushrooms are a category of fungus with many different varieties, shapes, sizes, and flavors. They are shown to be potent anti-cancer nutrition as women that regularly eat mushrooms have a 64% reduction with risk of breast cancer. Think about that the next time you grill a Portobello!
Berries are powerful antioxidants which protect the body from cells going rogue, not to mention a great source of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. They also boost brain function and immunity. My smoothie is not complete without a handful of colorful berries.
Seeds include tasty complementary proteins and fats when combined with other plant-based foods. Seeds have great omega fatty acids which satisfy and complete proteins that aid in immune protection. I enjoy eating pumpkin seeds in cereals, salads, and even smoothies.
When G-Bombs are consciously consumed in a regular diet, one’s immune system becomes stronger and better protects against ailments. So the next time you are choosing what to eat, think G-Bombs for your health!
