Beets have some great benefits. Here are a few ways to incorporate beets into your diet. The Healthiest Ways to Use Beets Raw When eaten raw, beet are firm, crunchy and mildly sweet tasting. Beets make an excellent addition to smoothies, juices, or salads because consuming them raw guarantees you are not losing any of their important benefits during the cooking process. Once they are cooked, beets become somewhat different tasting, taking on a softer and sweeter taste. Cooked Beets are often paired with cheeses like goat cheese, balsamic vinegar which balances their sweetness, and arugula which adds a nice peppery counterbalance to the beets earthy and sweet taste. Today, beets are still used as one of the main ingredients in traditional eastern European cuisines, including recipes for borscht and various soups. They are often commonly pickled or canned which changes their taste a bit and can destroy some of their nutrients depending on the exact preparation method and brand that you buy from. Roasted Beets have a naturally sweet taste due to their higher sugar content, and this makes them ideal for roasting where their sugars have the chance to caramelize. Although it’s important to note that even though beets seem very resistant and tough, they are actually a very delicate vegetable. Beets are prone to oxidizing and losing some of their nutrient value when they are overheated and overcooked. Add some other veggies like potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, brussel sprouts and even sweet potatoes, for a wonderful meal. Cut all veggies to medium size pieces, In a bowl, add veggies, a bit of olive oil and Celtic sea salt. Place into a 9x12 casserole dish. Bake in the oven covered with foil, for about 45 minutes, on 400 degrees. Take foil off, and broil on high for about 10 minutes or until slightly brown. Yum! Try these great Beet Juice recipes: Immune Boost:
Vitamin C Boost:
Purple Potion:
Source: https://draxe.com/beet-benefits/ https://www.healthambition.com/7-delicious-nutritious-beetroot-juice-recipes/ DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
"In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand." Eccl. 11:6 The parable of the sower in Mark 4:26-29 excited much questioning. Some of the hearers gathered from it that Christ was not to establish an earthly kingdom, and many were curious and perplexed. Seeing their perplexity, Christ used other illustrations, still seeking to turn their thoughts from the hope of a worldly kingdom to the work of God's grace in the soul. "And He said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come." "As the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth." Isa. 61:11. As in the natural, so in the spiritual sowing; the teacher of truth must seek to prepare the soil of the heart; he must sow the seed; but the power that alone can produce life is from God. The good seed may for a time lie unnoticed in a cold, selfish, worldly heart, giving no evidence that it has taken root; but afterward, as the Spirit of God breathes on the soul, the hidden seed springs up, and at last bears fruit to the glory of God. In our lifework we know not which shall prosper, this or that. This is not a question for us to settle. We are to do our work, and leave the results with God…The object of the Christian life is fruit bearing--the reproduction of Christ's character in the believer, that it may be reproduced in others. There can be no growth or fruitfulness in the life that is centered in self. If you have accepted Christ as a personal Saviour, you are to forget yourself, and try to help others. Talk of the love of Christ, tell of His goodness. Do every duty that presents itself. Carry the burden of souls upon your heart, and by every means in your power seek to save the lost…As you receive the Spirit of Christ--the Spirit of unselfish love and labor for others--you will grow and bring forth fruit. The graces of the Spirit will ripen in your character. Your faith will increase, your convictions deepen, your love be made perfect. More and more you will reflect the likeness of Christ in all that is pure, noble, and lovely…Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own. It is the privilege of every Christian not only to look for but to hasten the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, (2 Peter 3:12, margin). Were all who profess His name bearing fruit to His glory, how quickly the whole world would be sown with the seed of the gospel. Quickly the last great harvest would be ripened, and Christ would come to gather the precious grain. Christ Object Lessons, Pg. 63-69 The adaptogenic herb, Astragalus, has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years, working beneficially on many body systems to bring back balance and healing. Here are just a few benefits of using Astragalus.
Immune System It boosts the immune system by increasing the number of stem cells in bone marrow, which then encourages them to develop into active immune cells. A study out of Beijing displayed its ability to control t-helper cells 1 and 2, essentially regulating the body’s immune responses. Cancer Astragalus has been used as a liver cancer treatment in Chinese Medicine and can actually restore immune system in up to 90% of patients. Drinking a 4 oz. cup of Astragalus tea has been shown to reduce tumor size significantly. In addition, in instances of chemoresistance treating liver cancer, astragalus has shown potential in reversing multidrug resistance and as an addition to conventional chemotherapy, according to a study published in theJournal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. Possible Natural Treatment for Colds and Flus There is evidence that suggests long term use of Astragalus may help prevent colds and relieve allergy symptoms such as runny nose, itching and sneezing, according to the Natural Comprehensive Database (NMCD). Given inavenously, it has shown promice of benefiting chronic hepatitis patients. Anti-Aging Astragalus also works on DNA cells called telomeres, which are responsible for how we age. Using Astragalus can promote free radical elimination, regrowth of tissues, and signs of aging. Type II Diabetes In Diabetic patients, Astragalus has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity, protect pancreatic beta cells (those cells that produce and release insulin), and act as an anti-inflammatory in areas related to diabetic symptoms, such kidney disfunction. Many of the herb’s phytochemicals work effectively in the natural treatment and regulation of Type I and Type II Diabetes. Due to these anti-diabetic effects, it may show promise as a potential treatment for Type 2 diabetes. Dr. Andrew Weil says: This is one of my favorite immune-boosting tonics. I recommend taking astragalus preventively through the flu season for its anti-viral effects – of my favorite ways to take it is as astragalus iced tea. This herb is nontoxic and can be used long-term to increase resistance. https://draxe.com/astragalus/ http://blogs.naturalnews.com/astragalus-herb-stops-aging-decomposes-cancer-repairs-dna-fights-type-2-diabetes/ http://www.drweil.com/vitamins-supplements-herbs/herbs/astragalus/ Drink Your Medicine Besides being a powerful adaptogenic, or system balancing herb, Red Clover is a source of many nutrients including calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C. Red clover also contains isoflavones (chemicals that act like estrogens and are found in many plants). This tea can be consumed as a daily treat to calm the spirit and heal the body! Red Clover Diaper Rash Cream
Because of it's ability to regenerate cells and it's anti-inflammatory properties, red clover is a go-to herb when it comes to rashes, eczema, psoriasis, or any other skin problem such as poison ivy and boils. It soothes, calms, and heals the skin. This is why using red clover in a "Baby Butt Cream" is the perfect fit. Along with red clover we have added Bentonite Clay, which absorbs odors, controls moisture and fights bacteria. Don't forget this cream can also be used for adults for all kinds of skin conditions and even boo-boos! Would you like to take a walk on the wild side? No, not that wild side silly.....I'm talking about Wild Greens! Right now in many places there are some very nutritious "weeds" growing right in your back yard! These can be used in some great salads, juices and even your favorite smoothie!!
So you say, "I don't like avocados!". Well, we hopefully after reading this, you will learn to LOVE them!
Although all plant foods are beneficial and should be consumed for a healthy body, there are some that stand out above the rest. These plant foods have incredible ways of nourishing the body and detoxifying harmful chemicals and toxins. You will notice, that for the most part these foods help cleansing, heal and detoxify the liver and kidneys, which are your top channels of elimination. Include these foods whenever possible to keep your channels of elimination up and running smoothly!
Have you ever heard about Black Gold? You have? Well, I am going to tell you about a different black gold that is actually a good natural remedy for you and your family.
Inflammation has been proven time and time again to be one of the fundamental processes involved with the development and acceleration of disease. Because of this, researchers have been investigating different plants and plant compounds that are rich in antioxidants in order to ascertain their effectiveness in both curing and preventing disease.
I'm always trying to figure out ways to use that nice pulp left over after juicing my vegetables. In the past, I've made baked carrot muffins, soup, and even a raw carrot cake and a raw burger mix. But I think my favorite way of using the nutritious pulp is to make raw crackers. Flaxseed crackers have many healthful benefits, but adding the veggie pulp just raises the bar a bit. Of course, a lot of the nutrients were in the juice I drank, but there is still quite a bit left including some great fiber.
These crackers turn out better when using a dehydrator. Yum! Nothing like fresh, hot biscuits for breakfast! But most biscuit recipes have some undesirable ingredients which for some could contribute to high blood pressure and high cholesterol because of the sodium and dairy content, not to mention those with wheat sensitivities. Well, I think I have an answer to the problem.
Do you want to try something interesting? One day, I was trying to come up with a way to make gravy for these great Spelt Biscuits, and I didn't have tofu. And I didn't have non dairy milk. But....I did have sunflower seeds. Yep, sunflower seeds. Of course, it sounds odd, but wouldn't you want to know how good it turned out! Remember, food is our medicine, and sunflower seeds are the only plant food which has Vitamin D. We need this so important vitamin to assimilate and use calcium and magnesium. So since most of us don't get outside very much especially this time of year, why not add some sunlight to your meal?
Here ha go! Ingredients: 1 C. Sunflower Seeds (soaked overnight and drained) 1 t. Garlic Powder 2 T. Nutritional Yeast 1 t. Sea Salt (more or less to taste) 1/4 t. Celery Seed 1 1/2 T. Cornstarch (non-GMO) Pinch of Cayenne Do you ever have all of the greatest intentions of eating healthy when you start off to work, then end up eating junkie and feeling junkie? Well, here is just one great way to prepare your your meals for the week and keep your diet on the healthy side!
Using a Mason Jars:
When you are ready to eat, just shake the jar thoroughly and you go good to go. Tip: make sure to keep the jars upright to prevent the greens from getting into the dressing. |
AuthorNaturopathic Lifestyle Educator and Wellness Coach, Sonja Upham, received medical missionary training and lifestyle education at Uchee Pines Lifestyle Center in Alabama and Hallelujah Acres in North Carolina. She moved from her position as Webmaster and class lecturer at Uchee Pines back to North Carolina where she serves as Assistant Health Ministries Director at her local church, and Co-founder of HeavenScent Wholistic Health, along with her husband Dave. Furthering her education she attended Global College of Natural Medicine, receiving her Master Herbalist and Holistic Health Practitioner certifications. She is currently working towards her doctorate in Naturopathy. Archives
October 2016
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