Turmeric January 31, 2009

Do you like to use spices when cooking? If you don’t you should. Spices can really boost your health!

Research shows that turmeric can help prevent Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s rates tend to be lower in India where people consume a lot of of turmeric. It also may be lower there because they don’t fill their body with a bunch of processed foods. Curcumin, which is the substance that gives turmeric the yellow color is also known as a natural antioxidant.

 

Cooking tips:

– best known for being used in curries

-can be added to steamed rice for flavor and color

– can also be added to stir fried veggies

 

Enjoy!!

Anti-Inflammatory Foods January 13, 2009

My friends bother was talking about doing an anti-inflammatory diet and that sparked the idea of this blog post! I am hoping he will blog about his experience!

 

Did you know that certain foods can decrease inflammation? Cherries are often known to ease inflammation as well as the seasoning turmeric. According to the University of Arizona turmeric may help prevent rheumatoid arthritis. Omega 3 is also known to greatly decrease inflammation. Omega 3 can be found in salmon, flax seeds and walnuts. Also the best vegetable juice to reduce inflammation is cucumber and celery.

 

Obviously, if there are foods that can reduce inflammation there are certainly foods that contribute to inflammation. Want to take a wild guess at what foods are “pro” inflammation? If you guessed sugar, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages you are right! Red meat is also a big contributor to inflammation as well as white flour, eggs, fried foods and vegetable oils like corn and soybean oil.

 

It is so easy to fall in to the “quick” meals and processed food life style, but we are what we eat. Everything we eat is going to affect our body in one what or another whether it is now or later in life. I encourage you to eat more fruits and vegetables and limit or eliminate all processed foods from your diet. Your body will thank you!