Considering this is Halloween Evening, and many of you have carved pumpkins in your home, here are some great facts about that wonderful fruit (yes, it's a fruit - it has seeds!) and some fun ways to prepare it! Did you know that the Natives used pumpkins, isqoutm or isquotersquash as they were called, for food and even healing? Not only did they flatten and dry thin strips of pumpkin, making them into mats, but research shows, many Native American tribes were well aware of the pumpkin's healing properties.   

      * Yuma tribes created an emulsion from pumpkin seeds and watermelon to help heal wounds.
                 The seed oil was also used to treat burns and wounds.

    * Catawabas ate pumpkin seeds either fresh or dry as a medicine for kidney support.

    * Menominees mixed powdered squash and water to for urinary support.

    * Modern folk healers believe the pumpkin to be beneficial in ridding the body of intestinal
             worms and also believe the ground stem of the pumpkin brewed into a tea may help ease
               women during their menstrual cycle.

Pumpkin Pie Pudding

• 2 Cups raw pumpkin, cubed
  
• 4 Tbsp Lemon Juice
• 3 dates, soaked
• 1 Cup almonds
• ½ Cup shredded coconut
• ½ Cup raisins, soaked
• ¼ tsp Nutmeg
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp honey
• ½ tsp ginger

Blend the pumpkin, almonds, lemon juice and soaked dates, adding water for a smoother consistency. Pour into mixing bowl and fold in coconut, raisins, and spices. 

Cinnamon
Arthritis
Cinnamon has recently been shown to act as a natural remedy for Arthritis pain.

Diabetes
Research suggests that cinnamon may help treat Type 2 Diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels and increasing the amount of insulin production in the body.

Cholesterol
Recent studies have shown that consuming small amounts of cinnamon can help reduce LDL cholesterol (the bad one). Simply eat half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder daily. The cinnamon can be added as a mild sweetener to coffee or tea.

Headaches and Migraine Pain
Cinnamon has been found to be an effective natural remedy for eliminating headaches and migraine relief.

Toothaches
Cinnamon has been known to help relieve toothache pain. Simply make a paste using five teaspoons of honey mixed with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Apply a small amount of this paste directly onto the aching tooth 2 or 3 times daily until the pain is relieved. You can store any extra paste in a small container at room temperature.  Preliminary results from studies have indicated that cinnamon has antifungal, antibacterial and antiparasitic properties. Cinnamon has been found to be effective in fighting vaginal yeast infections, oral yeast infections, stomach ulcers and head lice.

Anti-Clotting Actions
Cinnamaldehyde (also called cinnamic aldehyde) has been well-researched for its effects on blood platelets. Platelets are constituents of blood that are meant to clump together under emergency circumstances (like physical injury) as a way to stop bleeding, but under normal circumstances, they can make blood flow inadequate if they clump together too much. The cinnaldehyde in cinnamon helps prevent unwanted clumping of blood platelets. (The way it accomplishes this health-protective act is by inhibiting the release of an inflammatory fatty acid called arachidonic acid from platelet membranes and reducing the formation of an inflammatory messaging molecule called thromboxane A2.) Cinnamon's ability to lower the release of arachidonic acid from cell membranes also puts it in the category of an “anti-inflammatory” food that can be helpful in lessening inflammation.

Anti-Microbial Activity
Cinnamon’s essential oils also qualify it as an “anti-microbial” food, and cinnamon has been studied for its ability to help stop the growth of bacteria as well as fungi, including the commonly problematic yeast Candida. In laboratory tests, growth of yeasts that were resistant to the commonly used anti-fungal medication fluconazole was often (though not always) stopped by cinnamon extracts. Cinnamon’s antimicrobial properties are so effective that recent research demonstrates this spice can be used as an alternative to traditional food preservatives. In a study, published in the August 2003 issue of the International Journal of Food Microbiology, the addition of just a few drops of cinnamon essential oil to 100 ml (approximately 3 ounces) of carrot broth, which was then refrigerated, inhibited the growth of the foodborne pathogenic Bacillus cereus for at least 60 days. When the broth was refrigerated without the addition of cinnamon oil, the pathogenic B. cereus flourished despite the cold temperature. In addition, researchers noted that the addition of cinnamon not only acted as an effective preservative but improved the flavor of the broth.(October 1, 2003)

Blood Sugar Control
Cinnamon may significantly help people with type 2 diabetes improve their ability to respond to insulin, thus normalizing their blood sugar levels. Both test tube and animal studies have shown that compounds in cinnamon not only stimulate insulin receptors, but also inhibit an enzyme that inactivates them, thus significantly increasing cells’ ability to use glucose. Studies to confirm cinnamon’s beneficial actions in humans are currently underway with the most recent report coming from researchers from the US Agricultural Research Service, who have shown that less than half a teaspoon per day of cinnamon reduces blood sugar levels in persons with type 2 diabetes. Their study included 60 Pakistani volunteers with type 2 diabetes who were not taking insulin. Subjects were divided into six groups. For 40 days, groups 1, 2 and 3 were given 1, 3, or 6 grams per day of cinnamon while groups 4, 5 and 6 received placebo capsules. Even the lowest amount of cinnamon, 1 gram per day (approximately ¼ to ½ teaspoon), produced an approximately 20% drop in blood sugar; cholesterol and triglycerides were lowered as well. When daily cinnamon was stopped, blood sugar levels began to increase. (December 30, 2003)

Cinnamon's Scent Boosts Brain Function
Not only does consuming cinnamon improve the body’s ability to utilize blood sugar, but just smelling the wonderful odor of this sweet spice boosts brain activity! Research led by Dr. P. Zoladz and presented April 24, 2004, at the annual meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Sciences, in Sarasota, FL, found that chewing cinnamon flavored gum or just smelling cinnamon enhanced study participants’ cognitive processing. Specifically, cinnamon improved participants’ scores on tasks related to attentional processes, virtual recognition memory, working memory, and visual-motor speed while working on a computer-based program. Participants were exposed to four odorant conditions: no odor, peppermint odor, jasmine, and cinnamon, with cinnamon emerging the clear winner in producing positive effects on brain function. Encouraged by the results of these studies, researchers will be evaluating cinnamon’s potential for enhancing cognition in the elderly, individuals with test-anxiety, and possibly even patients with diseases that lead to cognitive decline. (May 9, 2004)

Calcium and Fiber Improve Colon Health and Protect Against Heart Disease
In addition to its unique essential oils, cinnamon is an excellent source of the trace mineral manganese and a very good source of dietary fiber, iron and calcium. The combination of calcium and fiber in cinnamon is important and can be helpful for the prevention of several different conditions. Both calcium and fiber can bind to bile salts and help remove them from the body. By removing bile, fiber helps to prevent the damage that certain bile salts can cause to colon cells, thereby reducing the risk of colon cancer. In addition, when bile is removed by fiber, the body must break down cholesterol in order to make new bile. This process can help to lower high cholesterol levels, which can be helpful in preventing atherosclerosis and heart disease. For sufferers of irritable bowel syndrome, the fiber in cinnamon may also provide relief from constipation or diarrhea.

A Traditional Warming Remedy
In addition to the active components in its essential oils and its nutrient composition, cinnamon has also been valued in energy-based medical systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, for its warming qualities. In these traditions, cinnamon has been used to provide relief when faced with the onset of a cold or flu, especially when mixed in a tea with some fresh ginger. Description Cinnamon is the brown bark of the cinnamon tree, which when dried, rolls into a tubular form known as a quill. Cinnamon is available in either its whole quill form (cinnamon sticks) or as ground powder. While there are approximately one hundred varieties of Cinnamonum verum (the scientific name for cinnamon), Cinnamonum zeylanicum (Ceylon cinnamon) and Cinnamomun aromaticum (Chinese cinnamon) are the leading varieties consumed. Ceylon cinnamon is also referred to as “true cinnamon”, while the Chinese variety is known as “cassia”. While both are relatively similar in characteristics and both feature a fragrant, sweet and warm taste, the flavor of the Ceylon variety is more refined and subtle. Ceylon cinnamon is more rare in North America than the cassia, the less expensive variety, which is the most popular in the United States.

I don't use Brazil Nuts very often. First, the are rather expensive where I live...and second, it's possible to overdose, so I keep my intake rather limited. It is one of my favorite pie crusts, however, and the best nut butter I've ever tasted...far better than peanut butter. In fact, that's the recipe I'll share with you. Enjoy making your own Brazil Nut Butter. :)

Butternut Squash

High in Fiber, Low in Fat
According to the Mayo Clinic, fiber is good for the gastrointestinal system, as it aids in the digestive process. Low-fat foods help with weight maintenance and can lower the risk for heart disease and diabetes.

Potassium
Dr. George Obikoya, recognized for his work on the importance of vitamins and minerals, claims that the electrolyte potassium is known to help lower blood pressure and be good for the cardiovascular and nervous systems. It can reduce joint stiffness due to conditions like arthritis, and is identified as being a natural pain reliever. Stored in the muscles, it can help manage headaches and migraines, and lead to rapid improvement of cuts and bruises.

Folate
Commonly recognized by the American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society, folate gets a lot of attention for its ability to help prevent brain and spinal-cord birth defects like spina bifida. It also aids in the prevention of heart attacks.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The American Heart Association supports the use of omega-3 fatty acids to help prevent heart attacks and strokes in people with coronary artery disease. It is believed that they lower risk for heart disease, cancer and arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids are also recommended for the treatment of high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Vitamin B6
The Mayo Clinic endorses vitamin B6 to fortify the nervous and immune systems, help normalize blood pressure, and prevent heart disease.

Beta-carotene and Vitamin A
The antioxidant beta-carotene has amazing disease-preventing talents, according to the Mayo Clinic. The human body transforms beta-carotene into vitamin A, which can help reduce the risk of breast cancer, colon cancer and age-related macular degeneration. It also aids in the development of healthy lungs in unborn babies. Beta-carotene can even help prevent heart attacks and strokes by halting the build-up of oxidized cholesterol in the body. In terms of diabetes, it has been known to regulate blood sugars. Its anti-inflammatory powers can reduce symptoms of arthritis and asthma.

Magnesium
The Mayo Clinic approves the mineral magnesium to help with calcium absorption and to build strong bones and teeth. These qualities make it an excellent dietary choice for people with osteoporosis. It also promotes heart health by preventing blood clots and maintaining blood pressure to reduce the risk for heart attack and stroke.

Eye Health
The flesh of butternut squash gets its orange color from beta carotene, a carotenoid that the body converts to retinol, or vitamin A. The Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center describes vitamin A, in the form of retinol and retinal, as essential for healthy eyes. Retinol binds to the protein opsin to form the visual pigment rhodopsin, which permits night vision by allowing rod cells to detect small amounts of light. A retinol deficiency leads to night blindness. Furthermore, long-term vitamin A deficiency leads to xerophthalmia, which can cause permanent blindness. Raw butternut squash provides about 400 percent of the daily value for vitamin A in every 100 g serving.

Heart Benefits
Butternut squash may provide nutritional benefits that improve heart health. It contains antioxidants such as beta carotene and vitamin C, which may lower the risk for heart disease by preventing free radicals from oxidizing LDL cholesterol. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health, lower vitamin C intake may lead to higher risk for coronary heart disease. A 100 gram serving of raw butternut squash has 35 percent of the daily value for vitamin C.  The fiber in butternut squash may contribute to heart health, too. According to the Mayo Clinic, dietary fiber may decrease inflammation and blood pressure.

Weight Management
Butternut squash can potentially aid in weight management. It has a low energy density, with about 45 calories per 100 grams. The Mayo Clinic identifies water and fiber as two components that make a food filling. Water composes about 86 percent of raw butternut squash, providing volume without calories. Raw butternut squash also has 8 percent of the daily value fiber per 100 g serving. Fiber can promote weight loss because it slows down digestion and makes you feel full longer. If you are eating butternut squash to lose weight, the preparation method is important. If you add high-calorie ingredients like butter and sugar, you will increase the calorie content of the dish.

Butternut Squash Soup

• 4 C butternut squash, peeled, seeded, diced
• 2 C water
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
  
• 4 dates, pitted
• 1 large, ripe banana
• 1 t curry (yellow is best)
• ¼ t allspice, dry ginger, cinnamon, cayenne
• 1 sprinkle salt

Blend all until smooth and warm. Feel free to add more water if necessary.

I love Pepitas, which is how I eat them…shelled, raw and delicious! Most of the time I eat them straight…no processing, no mixing, no other foods, just a yummy snack.  However, like any seeds, they also become a wonderful mylk, delicious pie crust, satisfying dip, and wonderful flour. They are VERY inexpensive right now, and you can simply get your own when carving your pumpkin this month, so start munching!

Pumpkin Seeds

Prostate Protection
They promote overall prostate health and alleviate the difficult urination associated with an enlarged prostate.

Improved Bladder Function
In some studies, pumpkin seed extracts improved bladder function in animals.

Depression Treatment
They contain L-tryptophan, a compound naturally effective against depression.

Prevention of Osteoporosis
Because they are high in zinc, pumpkin seeds are a natural protector against osteoporosis. Low intake of zinc is linked to higher rates of osteoporosis.

Natural Anti-Inflammatory
Pumpkin seeds effectively reduce inflammation without the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Prevention of Kidney Stones
They prevent calcium oxalate kidney stone formation, according to studies.

Treatment of Parasites
They are used in many cultures as a natural treatment for tapeworms and other parasites. Studies also show them to be effective against acute schistosomiasis, a parasite contracted from snails.

Great Source of Magnesium
1/2 cup of pumpkin seeds contains 92% of your daily value of magnesium, a mineral in which most Americans are deficient.

Lower Cholesterol
Pumpkin seeds contain phytosterols, compounds that that have been shown to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol.

Cancer Prevention
The same phytosterols that lower cholesterol also protect against many cancers.

I usually only enjoy radishes in salads, so after researching for this article, I've decided to start finding more ways to use them.  Holy moly, these little root veggies are incredible!  I had no idea! They are relatively inexpensive as well, so they may begin to take the place of other root veggies I use that are a bit more expensive.  I can’t wait to try a “stir fry” using radishes…I’ll let you all know how it goes.

Radishes

Jaundice:
Radish is very good for the liver and the stomach and it is a very good detoxifier too, that is, it purifies blood. It is miraculously useful in jaundice as it helps removing bilirubin and also checks its production. It also checks destruction of red blood cells during jaundice by increasing supply of fresh oxygen in the blood. The black radish is more preferred in jaundice. The leaves of radish are also very useful in treatment of jaundice.

Piles:
Radish is very rich in roughage, i.e. indigestible carbohydrates. This facilitates digestion, retains water, cures constipation (one of the main causes for piles) and thus gives relief in piles. Being a very good detoxifier, it helps heal up piles fast. Its juice also soothes the digestive and excretory system and this also relieves piles.

Urinary Disorders:
Radishes are diurectic in nature, i.e. increase production of urine. Juice of radish also cures inflammation and burning feeling during urinating. It also cleans the kidneys and inhibits infections in kidneys and urinary system. Thus it helps a great deal in curing urinary disorders.

Weight Loss:
Radishes are very filling, i.e. fills your stomach and satisfies your hunger easily without giving you many calories, as they are low in digestible carbohydrates, high in roughage and contain a lot of water. It is a very good dietary option for those determined to lose weight.

Leucoderma:
The detoxifying and anti carcinogenic properties of radish make it useful in treatment of Leucoderma. The radish seeds are used in this case. They should be powdered and soaked in vinegar or ginger juice or cows urine and then applied on the white patches. Eating radish also aids treatment of Leucoderma.

Skin Disorders:
Vitamin-C, phosphorus, zinc and some members of vitamin-B complex, which are present in radish, are good for skin. The water in it helps maintaining moisture of the skin. Smashed raw radish is a very good cleanser and serves as a very efficient face pack. Due to its disinfectant properties, radish also helps cure skin disorders, such as drying up, rashes, cracks etc. and also refreshes it.

Kidney Disorders:
Being diurectic, cleanser and disinfectant, it helps cure many kidney disorders. Its diurectic properties help wash away the toxins accumulated in the kidneys. Cleansing properties clean kidneys up and lessens accumulation of toxins in the blood, thereby decreasing their concentration in the kidneys. Its disinfectant properties protect the kidneys from any infections too. Thus it is good for overall health of the kidneys.

Insect Bites:
It has anti pruritic properties and can be used as an effective treatment for insect bites, stings of bees, hornets, wasps etc. Its juice also reduces pain and swelling and soothes the affected area.

Fever:
It brings down the body temperature and relieves inflammation due to fever. Drink radish juice mixed with black salt. Being a good disinfectant, it also fights infections which cause fever, thereby helping cure it.

Respiratory Disorders, Bronchitis and Asthma:
Radish is an anti congestive, i.e. it relieves congestion of respiratory system including nose, throat, wind-pipe and lungs, due to cold, infection, allergies and other causes. It is a good disinfectant and also rich in vitamins, which protect respiratory system from infections.

Liver & Gallbladder:
Radish is especially beneficial for liver and gallbladder functions. It regulates production and flow of bile and bilirubin, acids, enzymes and removes excess bilirubin from the blood, being a good detoxifier. It also contains enzymes like myrosinase, diastase, amylase and esterase. It protects liver and gallbladder from infections and ulcers and soothes them.

Cholesterol Reduction
Studies have shown that radish root could be effective in lowering cholesterol levels.

Blood Pressure
Radishes are high in potassium which is helpful in regulating blood pressure. High blood pressure is positively associated with higher sodium intake and inversely associated with potassium, calcium, and magnesium intakes. Decrease of sodium and increase of potassium, calcium, and magnesium intakes, which are characteristic of the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), has an excellent blood pressure lowering effect. Salt restriction, alcohol moderation, weight loss, exercise, and a DASH diet can achieve decreases in systolic blood pressure of approximately 10 to 15 mm Hg when applied together. Decreased intakes of sodium alone, and increased intakes of potassium, calcium, and magnesium each alone decrease high blood pressure.

Liver and Digestive Support
Black radish root has been used in folk medicine since antiquity as a natural drug for the stimulation of bile function. Radishes contain a variety of sulfur-based chemicals that increase the flow of bile, thus helping to maintain a healthy gallbladder and liver and improving digestion. Radish leaf extract is reported to be beneficial gastrointestinal activities, and is known worldwide for its laxative properties.  The leaves of the radish are a well-known home remedy for jaundice, but as yet there is no research to confirm their effectiveness as a treatment for jaundice.

Cancer Prevention
The radish belongs to the brassica group of vegetables, which include cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli. Numerous studies suggest that brassica vegetables are protective against cancers of the lungs and alimentary tract.  Brassica or cruciferous vegetables appear to reduce the risk of some cancers perhaps by preventing the formation of carcinogens in your body or by blocking cancer-causing substances from reaching or reacting with sensitive body tissues or by inhibiting the transformation of healthy cells to malignant ones.  Cruciferous vegetables all contain sulforaphane, a member of a family of chemicals known as isothiocyanates. In experiments with laboratory rats, sulforaphane appears to increase the body’s production of phase-2 enzymes, naturally occurring substances that inactivate and help eliminate carcinogens. At the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, 69 percent of the rats injected with a chemical known to cause mammary cancer developed tumors vs. only 26 percent of the rats given the carcinogenic chemical plus sulforaphane.  Cruciferous vegetables are the dietary source of glucosinolates, organic compounds that give brassica vegetables their flavor. The chemo preventive potential of radishes is partly due to their glucosinolates content, and a study in Italy has shown the Japanese daikon to demonstrate anti-cancer activity toward three human colon carcinoma cell lines.

Cha Cha Cha Chia! Chia, is familiar to most of us as a seed used for the novelty of the Chia Pet, clay animals with sprouted Chia seeds covering their bodies. Little is known, however, of the seeds tremendous nutritional value and medicinal properties. What?!  It’s food?!  Not only is it food…but it’s incredible food! I’ve discovered it and fell in love. Chia not only supplies many nutritional needs of mine, but is a fun little seed to play around with.  It helps make jello & tapioca pudding, and many other fun raw vegan dishes.  Still skeptical?  Just read…

Chia Seeds

For centuries this tiny little seed was used as a staple food by the Indians of the south west and Mexico. Known as the running food, its use as a high energy endurance food has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs. It was said the Aztec warriors subsisted on the Chia seed during the conquests. The Indians of the south west would eat as little as a teaspoon full when going on a 24hr. forced march. Indians running from the Colorado River to the California coast to trade turquoise for seashells would only bring the Chia seed for their nourishment.

            If you try mixing a spoonful of Chia in a glass of water and leaving it for approximately 30 minutes or so, when you return the glass will appear to contain not seeds or water, but an almost solid gelatin. This gel-forming reaction is due to the soluble fiber in the Chia. Research believe this same gel-forming phenomenon takes place in the stomach when food containing these gummy fibers, known as mucilages, are eaten. The gel that is formed in the stomach creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, thus slowing the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar.

In addition to the obvious benefits for diabetics, this slowing in the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar offers the ability for creating endurance. Carbohydrates are the fuel for energy in our bodies. Prolonging their conversion into sugar stabilizes metabolic changes, diminishing the surges of highs and lows creating a longer duration in their fueling effects.

As a source of protein, the Chia, after ingestion, is digested and absorbed very easily.  This results in rapid transport to the tissue and utilization by the cells.  This efficient assimilation makes the Chia very effective when rapid development of tissue takes place, primarily during growth periods if children and adolescents.  Also for the growth and regeneration of tissue during pregnancy and lactation, and this would also include regeneration of muscle tissue for conditioning, athletes, weight lifters, etc.

Another unique quality of the Chia seed is its high oil content and the richest vegetables source for the essential omega-3 fatty acid.  It has approximately three to ten times the oil concentrations of most grains and one and a half to two times the protein concentrations of other grains.   These oils, unsaturated fatty acids, are the essential oils your body needs to help emulsify and absorb the fat soluble vitamins, A, D, E, & K.  Chia seeds are rich in the unsaturated fatty acid, linoleic, which the body cannot manufacture.  When there are rich amounts of linoleic acid sufficiently supplied to the body trough diet, linoleic and arachidonic acids can be synthesized   from linoleic acid.

The Chia seed is also a rich source of calcium as it contains the important mineral boron, which acts as catalyst for the absorption and utilization of the calcium by the body. 

There are additional benefits from the Chia seed aside from the nutritive enhancements when used as an ingredient. It was also used by the Indians and missionaries as a poultice for gunshot wounds and other serious injuries. They would pack the wounds with Chia seeds to avoid infections and promote healing. If you place a seed or two in your eyes it will clean your eyes and will also help to clear up any infections. There is a wealth of benefits beyond the information outlined in this article and treasure-trove of benefits yet to be discovered. Chia seed, having a qualitatively unique situational richness along with a profound nutritive profile is one of man’s most useful and beneficial foods and is destined to be the Ancient Food of the Future.

 
Have you ever pick a tomato off the vine, dusted it off, and taken a bite out of it?  The pulp, seeds, and juices running down your chin as you savor the deliciousness...just imagine. I love that in Arizona you can grow food all year round.  In many parts of the country it is past time for tomatoes, but the fall planting season is upon us and we can continue to enjoy them.  If you have a particular sunny spot in your home, tomatoes can be grown year round. Mmmm…salsa, marinara, salad, soup, stuffed…any way you do tomatoes, they are incredible.  Today we will be learning why these babies should be on your grocery list every week.

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Anti-oxidant:

Tomatoes contain a lot of vitamins A and C, mostly because of beta-carotene, and these vitamins act as an anti-oxidant, working to neutralize dangerous free radicals in the blood stream. These dangerous free radicals can cause cell damage. And keep in mind, the more red the tomato, the more beta-carotene it contains. Also, remember that cooking destroys much of vitamin C, so stick with raw tomatoes for these benefits.

Diabetes:

Tomatoes also have plenty of the mineral chromium, which helps diabetics to keep their blood sugar level under control.

Smoking:

No, tomatoes can’t help you stop smoking, but what they can do is to help reduce the damage smoking does to your body. Tomatoes contain chlorogenic acid and coumaric acid, which help to fight against some of the carcinogens brought about by cigarette smoke.

Vision:

Because of all that vitamin A, tomatoes are also an excellent food to help improve your vision. This also means tomatoes can help your eyes be better about night blindness.

Heart troubles:

Due to potassium and vitamin B, tomatoes help to lower blood pressure and to lower high cholesterol levels. This, in turn, could help prevent strokes, heart attack and other potentially life-threatening heart problems.

Skin care:

Because of high amounts of lycopene, a substance found in many of the more expensive over-the-counter facial cleansers, tomatoes are great for skin care. The best way to use tomatoes for skin care is to peel a bunch of them, eight to twelve, then lay back and place the tomato skins on your face (or other skin areas). Make sure the inside of the tomato skins are against your skin, and let this sit for at least 10 minutes. Then wash off. You’re face will be cleaner and more shiny, though it also might be a little red from the tomatoes. Don’t worry, that red on your face will wear away.

Hair:

Remember all that vitamin A in tomatoes? Well, it’s good for keeping your hair strong and shiny, and its also good for your eyes, teeth, skin and bones.

Cancer:

Various studies have shown that because of all that lycopene in tomatoes, the red fruit helps to lessen the chances of prostate cancer in men, and also reduces the chance of stomach cancer and colorectal cancer. Lycopene is considered somewhat of a natural miracle anti-oxidant that may help to stop the growth of cancer cells.

Bones:

Tomatoes have a fair amount of vitamin K and calcium, both of which help to strengthen and possibly repair in minor ways bones and bone tissue.

Kidney stones and gallstones:

Eating tomatoes without the seeds has been shown in some studies to lessen the risk of gallstones and kidney stones.

Sources of Vitamins and Minerals

Tomatoes contain high amounts of vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin needed for good wound healing, and bone and teeth formation. A medium-sized tomato contains about 23 mg of vitamin C. If you consume a tomato of this size every day, your vitamin C needs are already covered. Additionally, vitamin C increases the absorption of iron. As such, if you are taking an iron supplement (like ferrous sulfate), you can facilitate better absorption by eating tomatoes and taking the iron supplement afterward.

Tomatoes also contain provitamin A, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B9 (folate or folic acid) and potassium. Vitamin A promotes good vision and bone and teeth strength, while the B vitamins promote efficient energy utilization. Potassium is a mineral that helps decrease high blood pressure and protects against heart disease.

Weight Management

Tomatoes only contain 21 calories per 100 grams. They are rich in water and fiber. Therefore, you can eat as many tomatoes as you want, without gaining weight. Regular consumption of tomatoes can help maintain normal cholesterol and blood sugar levels. The high amounts of fiber present in these fruits can also help clean your colon, keep your bowel movements normal and prevent colon cancer. If you want to create a diet that will give you satisfaction and health benefits while keeping you in shape, don’t forget to add tomatoes.

Easy Salsa

• 3 tomatoes
• 2 green onion stalks
• 1 clove garlic
• ½ bunch cilantro
• ¼ - 1 Jalepeno (depending on your desire of spicy)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Place everything in a food processor and pulse a few times.  No food processor?  Simply dice and mince everything fine and stir together.  Voila! 

 
I learned early on that green bell peppers were simply unripe…that as they ripened naturally while still growing, they would change color and develop more nutrition.  They are still very nutritious on their own, but when choosing bell peppers, I always reach for a rich colorful one. Red Bell Peppers back the best punch so they are my usual choice. Green peppers have twice the amount of vitamin C by weight than citrus fruits, and this powerful punch of vitamin C is an antioxidant that may be effective in preventing certain cancers. Red bell peppers have three times as much vitamin C, eight times the vitamin A, and eleven times more beta carotene than green bell peppers.

Red Bell Peppers

Nutrition
Bell peppers are best known for their exceptionally high content of vitamin C.  Just half a cup of chopped red, orange, or yellow peppers supplies more than 200% of the Daily Value for vitamin C. Red peppers also contain beta-carotene (an antioxidant and precursor to vitamin A), as well as the phytonutrients lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein and zexanthin. Peppers are also a source of fiber, folate and magnesium.

Healthy Lungs
Since peppers contain a wide array of antioxidants, they help detoxify the body and prevent disease. The carotenoid antioxidant, beta-carotene, has been shown to help protect the lungs from disease and studies have shown that people with emphyseama have vitamin A deficiencies.

Cancer Prevention
The antioxidant lycopene has applications in the prevention of certain types of cancer, particularly prostate, lung, bladder and pancreatic. Because peppers are rich in folate, fibre and vitamin C, eating them may help offset colon cancer.  The antioxidant beta-cryptoxanthin has been shown to have applications in lung cancer prevention.

Healthy Eyesight
Another health benefit of bell peppers is related to their ability to improve eyesight. The antioxidants lutein and zexanthin help prevent and slow macular degeneration, a type of age-related loss of eyesight. Supplementing with these antioxidants is now standard practice for this condition. There is also evidence that compounds on bell peppers can help prevent cataracts.

Healthy  Your Heart
Lycopene rich red peppers are a particularly good choice for heart health; but green peppers keep you out of the cardiologist’s office too because they’re a good source of cholesterol lowering soluble fiber. Bell peppers also contain B6 and folate to help lower homocysteine levels. High homocysteine levels have been associated with a higher risk of heart disease. Bell peppers are also an excellent source of the powerful antioxidant vitamins A and C which help to wipe out free radicals that oxidize cholesterol and lead to heart disease. There’s 162 milligrams of blood pressure lowering potassium in a cup of bell peppers – another positive for heart health.

 
Even I need this article.  I know parsley is wonderful, but tend to use it very rarely. I’ve made a few green smoothies out of it because it was ridiculously inexpensive, but wasn’t too impressed with it.  I suppose I’m just so used to seeing it as a garnish that even I forget to eat it.  I do use it for two medicinal purposes though.  I like it to freshen my breath.  If you haven’t noticed…I enjoy garlic. So, on the days when garlic is at every meal…a spring of parsley goes a long way and usually eliminates any taste in my mouth.  The second use is when I eat too much and have an upset tummy.  It doesn’t happen very much anymore…but it used to.  I’m not sure where the thought came from, but I’ve always known to eat parsley after overeating. So while I haven’t included parsley in my diet as a staple…after doing tonight’s research..it will so become one.

Did you know that parsley…

Fights cancer.
Parsley contains the volatile oil, myristicin, that have been found to inhibit tumor formation in animal studies, particularly those in the lungs. The oils are not only cancer-fighting, they're also known to neutralize carcinogens including those found in cigarette smoke and charcoal grill smoke. Parsley also contains folic acid, which has been found to help prevent colon and cervical cancers.

Antioxidant-rich.
Parsley contains beneficial antioxidant compounds called flavonoids. These compounds combine with oxygen-containing molecules and help prevent oxygen-based damage to cells. Parsley extracts have also been found to increase the antioxidant capacity of the blood in animal studies.

Good for the heart.
The folic acid in parsley is a critical nutrient in cardiovascular health. Specifically, folic acid helps convert potentially dangerous homocysteine into harmless molecules, a process that protects blood vessels and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Protects against rheumatoid arthritis.
A study published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that people who ate the least amount of vitamin-C-rich foods (like parsley) had a three times greater chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis than those who ate the most.

Heart Health:
Parsley is a good source of the vitamin folic acid, which is very important for the promotion and maintenance of a healthy heart. Its main function is to prevent the excessive accumulation of homocysteine (a harmful metabolite of protein metabolism) in the human body. This metabolite increases the risk of atherosclerosis, by reducing the integrity of the blood vessel walls and interfering with the formation of collagen.

Nutritionally Abundant
A major function of the vitamin A present in the herb is to maintain smooth and radiant skin, by fighting against acne. It also enhances the eye-sight. Parsley is also rich in many B-group vitamins (B6, thiamin, niacin and riboflavin), which are very essential for the production of energy from food.  A good source of dietary fiber, parsley adds roughage to the intestinal contents, promotes satiety, aids in maintaining a healthy colon and also helps relieve certain conditions, like hemorrhoids, constipation and diverticular disorders.   Apart from being a good source of vitamins, parsley is also rich in certain minerals, like iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc and manganese, which are involved in different metabolic processes in the human body.

Fresh Breath
Not only does chewing on a sprig of parsley after a dinner of spaghetti and garlic bread taste refreshing, it can also neutralize breath odor. The secret seems to lie with parsley's high concentration of chlorophyll which helps to offset a variety of not so pleasant odors. You always knew that green garnish was good for something, didn't you?

Low in Calories
You don't have to feel guilty when you chew on a sprig of parsley. Two tablespoons of this refreshing herb has a measly two calories. You can't do much better than this if you're watching your calorie intake.

Pargrapesley Juice

• ½ bunch parsley, chopped
• 3 pears, chopped
• 1 cup grapes
• 1-3 cups water

Blend all ingredients till smooth, adding more and more water until it has a juice consistency not a smoothie consistency.  What a refreshing drink!  It’s a great breakfast replacement.