I’m talking about the green leafy but bitter ones here. So if you’re usually not into them better take a closer look of what I have to say about these amazing bitter greens:
DANDELIONS
Dandelion is a flowering plant with brilliant flowers making them more popular as ornamental than medicinal plant. There are many dandelion varieties but the most common is known scientifically as Taraxacum Officinale. So what is so great about these greens apart from being a decorative plant? Do you know that dandelions are rich in calcium, which is essential for growth and strength of bones, and is rich is anti-oxidants like vitamin-C and Luteolin, which protect bones from age related damages due to free radicals, such as weakening and loss in density.
Dandelion is highly diuretic in nature. In fact, its French name literally means “urinate in bed”. Dandelion juice can help diabetic patients by stimulating production of insulin from pancreas and thus help keeping low the blood sugar level. Dandelion sap, also known as dandelion milk, is useful in treating skin diseases which are caused due to microbial and fungal infection, as this sap is highly alkaline and have germicidal, insecticidal and fungicidal properties. Dandelion has pretty good iron, vitamin and protein content. The fiber in dandelion is also helpful in reducing cholesterol and thereby assists lowering of blood pressure.
ARUGULA
Also known as salad rocket is a nutritious leafy green vegetable of Mediterranean origin. It belongs to the brassicaceae family like mustard greens, cauliflower, kale and many others. It has scientific name Eruca sativa. This vegetable also rich in B-complex group of vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), and pantothenic acid those are essential for optimum cellular enzymatic and metabolic functions. Rocket salad is rich source of certain phytochemicals such as indoles, thiocyanates, sulforaphane and isothiocyanates. Together they have been found to counter carcinogenic effects of estrogen and thus help benefit against prostate, breast, cervical, colon, ovarian cancers by virtue of their cancer cell growth inhibition, cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. Rocket is very good source of folates. 100 g of fresh greens contain 97 mcg or 24% of folic acid. When given around conception period it helps prevent neural tube defects in the newborns. It is also an excellent source of vitamin A.
MUSTARD GREENS
These spicy, pungent mustard greens or leafy mustard are indeed one of the most nutritious green leafy vegetables. These greens actually have more vitamin A, carotenes, vitamin K and flavonoid anti-oxidants than many common fruits and vegetables. They provide an excellent source of vitamins B6, C, and E, folic acid, calcium, carotenes, manganese, copper, and fiber. They also offer a very good source of phosphorus, vitamins B1 and B2, magnesium, protein, potassium, and iron. Mustard greens are rich source of anti-oxidants flavonoids, indoles, sulforaphane, carotenes, lutein and zeaxanthin. Indoles, mainly di-indolyl-methane (DIM) and sulforaphane have proven benefits against prostate, breast, colon and ovarian cancers by virtue of their cancer cell growth inhibition, cytotoxic effects on cancer cells.
WATERCRESS
These are often cultivated commercially for the small, pungent leaflets; it is used as a peppery salad green or garnish. Watercress was formerly used as a domestic remedy and against scurvy. Watercress is rich in Vitamin C.
ESCAROLE
It is a variety of endive whose leaves are broader, paler and less bitter than other members of the endive family. High in folic acid, fiber, and vitamins A and K, escarole can be eaten raw or gently cooked. Endive is a very low calorie leafy vegetable. 100 g fresh leaves provide just 17 calories but contribute about 8% of RDA of fiber.
So the next time you fill that plate, remember to go high on greens!
References:
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/arugula.html
http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-dandelion.html
www.everynutrient.com/healthbenefitsofmustardgreens.html
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
It Couldn't Be Done - by Edgar Guest
Somebody said that it couldn't be done, But, he with a chuckle replied that "maybe it couldn't" but he would be one who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin on his face. If he worried he hid it. He started to sing as he tackled the thing that couldn't be done, as he did it.
Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that; At least no one we know has done it"; But he took off his coat and he took off his hat, And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.
With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin, without any doubting or quiddit, he started to sing as he tackled the thing that couldn't be done, and he did it.
There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done, there are thousands to prophesy failure; there are thousands to point out to you, one by one, the dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle right in with a bit of a grin, just take off your coat and go to it; just start to sing as you tackle the thing that cannot be done, and you'll do it!
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin on his face. If he worried he hid it. He started to sing as he tackled the thing that couldn't be done, as he did it.
Somebody scoffed: "Oh, you'll never do that; At least no one we know has done it"; But he took off his coat and he took off his hat, And the first thing we knew he'd begun it.
With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin, without any doubting or quiddit, he started to sing as he tackled the thing that couldn't be done, and he did it.
There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done, there are thousands to prophesy failure; there are thousands to point out to you, one by one, the dangers that wait to assail you.
But just buckle right in with a bit of a grin, just take off your coat and go to it; just start to sing as you tackle the thing that cannot be done, and you'll do it!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sea Salt vs. Regular Table Salt
Believe it or not, salt is good for your health! But why do we often hear our doctors advise us to stay away from salt or salt-treated foods? Yet we need salt to balance our diet. So are all salt the same? What really makes sea salt different from a regular salt? Let us take a closer look on the big difference between regular table salt and sea salt.
Our old table salt is highly refined, going through a process that removes the magnesium and trace minerals. Various additives are added, like aluminum compound to keep it dry. The natural iodine is destroyed during its refining process and only added back in the form of potassium iodide. As for sea salt, it is naturally dried under the heat of the sun. Therefore retains its natural iodine from the sea. It also means there is still large mineral content. With sea salt you don’t need to use too much of it since it has much stronger flavor than table salt.
According to Ayurveda doctors, sea salts are the most beneficial forms of salt because they don’t increase the sodium content of blood, unlike regular table salt. It is highly recommended for patients with high blood pressure. It is also a rejuvenator while aiding digestion and improving eyesight.
Types of sea salt:
Kosher Salt is a form of sodium chloride. Kosher salt is allowed to remain a more coarse-grained salt, meaning that the structure of Kosher salt under a microscope looks like a series of cubes stacked on top of each other, rather than a single grain. Because Kosher salt is not heavily refined or iodine treated, it has a flavor which many chefs consider to be more pure. For this reason, it is favored for seasoning in professional kitchens.
Black Salt is a unique type of Indian volcanic rock salt. It is actually purple to pinkish grey in color rather than black and has a very distinctive sulfurous mineral taste, rather like hard-boiled egg yolks. It is mined from the volcanic regions of Pakistan and India. Black Salt is used in Indian cuisine as a condiment. According to India’s classical medical science, Ayurveda, black salt is full of therapeutic benefits. It is rich in iron, and is a cure for flatulence and heartburn.
Maldon English Sea Salt is a fabulous pure crystal salt. It comes from Essex, which is located in Southeastern England. This fine salt is harvested by a family run business that has been panning salt since 1882. Currently, it has received a good deal of very favorable press, making it a very sought after salt. It is known for its pyramid-shaped soft flaky crystal and stunning white color. There is something very appealing about its appearance, and the flavor is also quite delightful. Maldon salt is drier than the many of the other French sea salts.
Himalayan Pink Salt is a pure, hand-mined salt that is derived from ancient sea salt deposits, and it is believed to be the purest form of salt available. The high mineral crystals range in color from sheer white, varying shades of pink, to deep reds, the result of high mineral and iron content. The Himalayan Pink Salt offered by Mountain Rose Herbs is “Gourmet Food Grade”, the highest quality of Himalayan salt available. It is used by holistic chefs, spas, health professionals, and individuals for its range of nutritional and therapeutic properties. Regular consumption of Himalayan Pink Salt provides essential minerals, trace elements, balances electrolytes, supports proper nutrient absorption, eliminates toxins, balances the body’s pH, and normalizes blood pressure, and increases circulation and conductivity. It can also assist with relief from arthritis, skin rashes, psoriasis, herpes, and flu and fever symptoms.
Grey Sea Salt or Sel Gris is an all natural sea salt from Guerande in Brittany France. Being unprocessed and unrefined this salt highlights food flavors. The taste of Sel Gris is the complex balance of the sea and her minerals with large grey crystals, a moist texture. It is excellent for seasoning meats and vegetables.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and discover the wonders of sea salts!
Source: http://www.bewellbuzz.com/nutrition/sea-salt/
Our old table salt is highly refined, going through a process that removes the magnesium and trace minerals. Various additives are added, like aluminum compound to keep it dry. The natural iodine is destroyed during its refining process and only added back in the form of potassium iodide. As for sea salt, it is naturally dried under the heat of the sun. Therefore retains its natural iodine from the sea. It also means there is still large mineral content. With sea salt you don’t need to use too much of it since it has much stronger flavor than table salt.
According to Ayurveda doctors, sea salts are the most beneficial forms of salt because they don’t increase the sodium content of blood, unlike regular table salt. It is highly recommended for patients with high blood pressure. It is also a rejuvenator while aiding digestion and improving eyesight.
Types of sea salt:
Kosher Salt is a form of sodium chloride. Kosher salt is allowed to remain a more coarse-grained salt, meaning that the structure of Kosher salt under a microscope looks like a series of cubes stacked on top of each other, rather than a single grain. Because Kosher salt is not heavily refined or iodine treated, it has a flavor which many chefs consider to be more pure. For this reason, it is favored for seasoning in professional kitchens.
Black Salt is a unique type of Indian volcanic rock salt. It is actually purple to pinkish grey in color rather than black and has a very distinctive sulfurous mineral taste, rather like hard-boiled egg yolks. It is mined from the volcanic regions of Pakistan and India. Black Salt is used in Indian cuisine as a condiment. According to India’s classical medical science, Ayurveda, black salt is full of therapeutic benefits. It is rich in iron, and is a cure for flatulence and heartburn.
Maldon English Sea Salt is a fabulous pure crystal salt. It comes from Essex, which is located in Southeastern England. This fine salt is harvested by a family run business that has been panning salt since 1882. Currently, it has received a good deal of very favorable press, making it a very sought after salt. It is known for its pyramid-shaped soft flaky crystal and stunning white color. There is something very appealing about its appearance, and the flavor is also quite delightful. Maldon salt is drier than the many of the other French sea salts.
Himalayan Pink Salt is a pure, hand-mined salt that is derived from ancient sea salt deposits, and it is believed to be the purest form of salt available. The high mineral crystals range in color from sheer white, varying shades of pink, to deep reds, the result of high mineral and iron content. The Himalayan Pink Salt offered by Mountain Rose Herbs is “Gourmet Food Grade”, the highest quality of Himalayan salt available. It is used by holistic chefs, spas, health professionals, and individuals for its range of nutritional and therapeutic properties. Regular consumption of Himalayan Pink Salt provides essential minerals, trace elements, balances electrolytes, supports proper nutrient absorption, eliminates toxins, balances the body’s pH, and normalizes blood pressure, and increases circulation and conductivity. It can also assist with relief from arthritis, skin rashes, psoriasis, herpes, and flu and fever symptoms.
Grey Sea Salt or Sel Gris is an all natural sea salt from Guerande in Brittany France. Being unprocessed and unrefined this salt highlights food flavors. The taste of Sel Gris is the complex balance of the sea and her minerals with large grey crystals, a moist texture. It is excellent for seasoning meats and vegetables.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and discover the wonders of sea salts!
Source: http://www.bewellbuzz.com/nutrition/sea-salt/
Monday, October 17, 2011
Inspirational ↓ Face Difficulties Positively
This parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer’s well. The farmer heard the mule praying or whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together, told them what had happened, and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.
Initially the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back, a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back, HE WOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP!
This he did, blow after blow. “Shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up!” He repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought panic and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!
It wasn’t long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well! What seemed like it would bury him actually helped him . . . all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.
THAT’S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity.
Initially the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back, a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back, HE WOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP!
This he did, blow after blow. “Shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up!” He repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought panic and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!
It wasn’t long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well! What seemed like it would bury him actually helped him . . . all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.
THAT’S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Inspirational ↓ The Obstacle
In ancient times, a king had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it.
Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the big stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. On approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. As the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway.
The peasant learned what many others never understand. Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve one's condition.
Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the big stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. On approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. As the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway.
The peasant learned what many others never understand. Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve one's condition.
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