Health Benefits of Barley

Controls Blood Sugar Better

Dutch researchers used a crossover study with 10 healthy men to compare the effects of cooked barley kernels and refined wheat bread on blood sugar control. The men ate one or the other of these grains at dinner, then were given a high glycemic index breakfast (50g of glucose) the next morning for breakfast. When they had eaten the barley dinner, the men had 30% better insulin sensitivity the next morning after breakfast.

Lowers Glucose Levels

White rice, the staple food in Japan, is a high glycemic index food. Researchers at the University of Tokushima found that glucose levels were lower after meals when subjects switched from rice to barley.

Beta-Glucan Lowers Glycemic Index
Scientists at the Functional Food Centre at Oxfod Brookes University in England fed 8 healthy human subjects chapatis (unleavened Indian flatbreads) made with either 0g, 2g, 4g, 6g or 8g of barley beta-glucan fiber. They found that all amounts of barley beta-glucan lowered the glycemic index of the breads, with 4g or more making a significant difference.

Insulin Response better with Barley Beta-Glucan
In a crossover study involving 17 obese women at increased risk for insulin resistance, USDA scientists studied the effects of 5 different breakfast cereal test meals on subjects’ insulin response. They found that consumption of 10g of barley beta-glucan significantly reduced insulin response.
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Beats Oats in Glucose Response Study

USDA researchers fed barley flakes, barley flour, rolled oats, oat flour, and glucose to 10 overweight middle-aged women, then studied their bodies’ responses. They found that peak glucose and insulin levels after barley were significantly lower than those after glucose or oats. Particle size did not appear to be a factor, as both flour and flakes had similar effects.

Reduces Blood Pressure
For five weeks, adults with mildly high cholesterol were fed diets supplemented with one of three whole grain choices: whole wheat/brown rice, barley, or whole wheat/brown rice/barley. All three whole grain combinations reduced blood pressure, leading USDA researchers to conclude that "in a healthful diet, increasing whole grain foods, whether high in soluble or insoluble fiber, can reduce blood pressure and may help to control weight."

Lowers Serum Lipids
University of Connecticut researchers reviewed 8 studies evaluating the lipid-reducing effects of barley. They found that eating barley significantly lowered total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and triglycerides, but did not appear to significantly alter HDL (“good”) cholesterol.

Cholesterol and Visceral Fat Decrease with Barley
A randomized double-blind study in Japan followed 44 men with high cholesterol for twelve weeks, as the men ate either a standard white-rice diet or one with a mixture of rice and high-beta-glucan pearl barley. Barley intake significantly reduced serum cholesterol and visceral fat, both accepted markers of cardiovascular risk.

Significantly Improves Lipids

25 adults with mildly high cholesterol were fed whole grain foods containing 0g, 3g or 6g of barley beta-glucan per day for five weeks, with blood samples taken twice weekly. Total cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol significantly decreased with the addition of barley to the diet.

Barley Pasta Lowers Cholesterol
University of California researchers fed two test meals to 11 healthy men, both containing beta-glucan. One meal was a high-fiber (15.7g) barley pasta and the other was lower-fiber (5.0g) wheat pasta. The barley pasta blunted insulin response, and four hours after the meal, barley-eaters had significantly lower cholesterol concentration than wheat-eaters.

Slow Digestion may help Weight Control

Barley varieties such as Prowashonupana that are especially high in beta-glucan fiber may digest more slowly than standard barley varieties. Researchers at USDA and the Texas Children’s Hospital compared the two and concluded that Prowashonupana may indeed be especially appropriate for obese and diabetic patients.

Greater Satiety, Fewer Calories Eaten with Barley
In a pilot study not yet published, six healthy subjects ate a 420-calorie breakfast bar after an overnight fast, then at lunch were offered an all-you-can-eat buffet. When subjects ate a Prowashonupana barley bar at breakfast they subsequently ate 100 calories less at lunch than when they ate a traditional granola bar for breakfast.

Eating Nuts Lowers Risk of Weight Gain

Almonds

Almonds contain the most fiber — about three grams per ounce — compared to other nuts, and are richest in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. Almonds may even help you slip into those skinny jeans: In one International Journal of Obesity study, when two groups of obese adults followed low-calorie diets for six months, those who included almonds in their weight loss plans lost more weight than those who ate more complex carbohydrates. Other research shows that almonds are especially healthy for people worried about their blood sugar: Those who ate about 20 percent of their calories from almonds for four months saw their bad LDL cholesterol drop and their insulin resistance decrease compared to a control group who didn’t eat them. Almonds may even safeguard your gut: A test-tube study (funded by the Almond Board of California) found that the nuts raised levels of good bacteria that bolster the body’s immune system.

Daily Consumption of Almonds May Help You Eat a Healthier Diet

If you've been reluctant to add almonds to your diet because of their high calorie count, a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition may help convince you to give these delicious, nutrient-dense nuts a try.

In this study, the normal eating patterns of 43 men and 38 women were followed for 6 months. Then they were told to eat approximately 2 ounces or one-quarter cup of almonds daily but were given no other instructions about changing their diet, and followed for an additional 6 months. By the end of the study, a number of very beneficial changes were seen to naturally occur.

Although nuts are known to provide a variety of cardio-protective benefits, many avoid them for fear of weight gain. A prospective study published in the journal Obesity shows such fears are groundless. In fact, people who ate nuts at least twice a week were much less likely to gain weight than those who almost never ate nuts.

Cashews: Brainpower Boosters

Cashews are particularly rich in iron and zinc. “Iron helps deliver oxygen to all of your cells, which can prevent anemia, and zinc is critical to immune health and healthy vision,” says Bauer. Cashews are also a good source of magnesium: One ounce provides almost 25 percent of your daily need. Magnesium may help improve memory and protect against age-related memory loss, according to a study in the journal Neuron.

Pistachios: The Skinniest Nut

Pistachios are the most slimming nuts, with less than four calories each. Their shells make them especially dieting-friendly: “Eating them in the shell automatically slows down your pace so the snack lasts longer and you eat less overall,” says Bauer. They may also help you breathe easier: University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center researchers found that eating two ounces of pistachios daily may reduce lung cancer risk. Pistachios are rich in the antioxidant gamma-tocopherol, a form of cancer-fighting vitamin E. Pistachios are also packed with potassium, a mineral essential for a healthy nervous system and muscles, and are a good source of vitamin B6, which can lift your mood, fortify your immune system, and more.

Hazelnuts: More Than Just Coffee Flavoring

An all-around healthy nut, hazelnuts are notable for their high levels of monounsaturated fats, which can improve cardiovascular health and help to manage type 2 diabetes, according to Bauer. They’re also rich in the antioxidant vitamin E, which may prevent cataracts and macular degeneration, maintain healthy skin, and reduce risk of dementia.

Help Prevent Gallstones

Twenty years of dietary data collected on over 80,000 women from the Nurses' Health Study shows that women who eat least 1 ounce of nuts, peanuts or peanut butter each week have a 25% lower risk of developing gallstones. Since 1 ounce is only 28.6 nuts or about 2 tablespoons of nut butter, preventing gallbladder disease may be as easy as having a handful of almonds as an afternoon pick me up, tossing some almonds on your oatmeal or salad or packing one almond butter and jelly sandwich (be sure to use whole wheat bread for its fiber, vitamins and minerals) for lunch each week.

Practical Tip: Don't let concerns about gaining weight prevent you from enjoying the delicious taste and many health benefits of nuts!

Spread some nut butter on your morning toast or bagel.

Remember how many great childhood lunches involved a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Upgrade that lunchbox favorite by spreading organic peanut butter and concord grape jelly on whole wheat bread.

Fill a celery stick with nut butter for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Sprinkle a handful of nuts over your morning cereal, lunchtime salad, dinner's steamed vegetables.

Or just enjoy a handful of lightly roasted nuts as a healthy snack.

FLAXSEED

So far, there is not enough clinical evidence to endorse the use of flax seeds medicinally.

Flaxseed

Sprinkling ground flaxseed into a smoothie or bowl of cereal will turn your breakfast into a gold mine of omega-3 fatty acids; just two tablespoons contains more than 100% of your recommended daily intake for those heart-healthy fats. Flaxseed, which has a nutty flavor, also is rich in fiber and lignan, an antioxidant that's been shown to protect against breast cancer.

A word of caution: Whole flaxseeds will pass through your body without being digested, so be sure to buy them ground or grind them yourself with a coffee or spice grinder.

Is Flaxseed Good for Hormones? Flax seeds are the tiny, brown seeds of the flax plant. They are also referred to as linseeds or by the scientific name Linum usitatissimum. Ground flax seeds are added to foods or juices, and people take them for a variety of medicinal uses.

Before beginning to take flax seed or any other medicinal herb, you should consult with your health care provider for instructions.

Flaxseed & Hormones
Flax seed or flax seed oil are commonly taken to combat the discomfort of menopause. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center web site, a few studies have shown flax seed to be as effective in treating hot flashes and night sweats as hormone replacement therapy. But UMMC also says that a few more studies seem to show that flax seed had no success in treating menopausal symptoms.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine, USNLM, says that flax seed is also often used to relieve painful menstrual periods.

Flax seed also contains compounds known as lignans that mimic the effects of natural estrogen on the body. Because of this, some people take flax seed to prevent the occurrence of some types of cancer. However, it may actually be dangerous for anyone with breast cancer. Much more study needs to be done before flax seed can be recommended.
Forms of Flaxseed Used

The UMMC site tells us that flax seed oil or ground up flax seeds are used to treat a wide variety of conditions. Flax seed oil should be refrigerated and it will go rancid in a matter of a few short weeks, so be aware of the age of the oil and discard and replace it often.

The seeds of the flax plant can be ground and added to salads or juices and consumed. This method of using flax seeds also adds the effect of relieving constipation. Flax seed should be eaten shortly after grinding so they keep all of their useful properties. Never heat flax seed oil or ground flax seed because it will spoil.

Brain Foods That Help You Concentrate

Caffeine Can Make You More Alert

There's no magic bullet to boost IQ or make you smarter -- but certain substances, like caffeine, can energize you and help you concentrate. Found in coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, and some medications, caffeine gives you that unmistakable wake-up buzz, though the effects are short-term. And more is often less: Overdo it on caffeine and it can make you jittery and uncomfortable

Sugar Can Enhance Alertness
Sugar is your brain's preferred fuel source -- not table sugar, but glucose, which your body processes from the sugars and carbs you eat. That's why a glass of something sweet to drink can offer a short-term boost to memory, thinking, and mental ability.

Have too much, though, and memory can be impaired -- along with the rest of you. Go easy on the sugar so it can enhance memory without packing on the pounds.

Eat Breakfast to Fuel Your Brain
Tempted to skip breakfast? Studies have found that eating breakfast may improve short-term memory and attention. Students who eat it tend to perform better than those who don’t. Foods at the top of researchers' brain-fuel list include high-fiber whole grains, dairy, and fruits. Just don't overeat; researchers also found high-calorie breakfasts appear to hinder concentration.

Fish Really is Brain Food

A protein source linked to a great brain boost is fish -- rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are key for brain health. These healthy fats have amazing brain power: A diet with higher levels of them has been linked to lower dementia and stroke risks and slower mental decline; plus, they may play a vital role in enhancing memory, especially as we get older.
For brain and heart health, eat two servings of fish weekly.

Add a Daily Dose of Nuts and Chocolate
Nuts and seeds are good sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, which is linked to less cognitive decline as you age. Dark chocolate also has other powerful antioxidant properties, and it contains natural stimulants like caffeine, which can enhance focus.
Enjoy up to an ounce a day of nuts and dark chocolate to get all the benefits you need without excess calories, fat, or sugar.

Add Avocados and Whole Grains

Every organ in the body depends on blood flow, especially the heart and brain. A diet high in whole grains and fruits like avocados can cut the risk of heart disease and lower bad cholesterol. This reduces your risk of plaque buildup and enhances blood flow, offering a simple, tasty way to fire up brain cells.
Whole grains, like popcorn and whole wheat, also contribute dietary fiber and vitamin E. Though avocados have fat, it's the good-for-you, monounsaturated fat that helps with healthy blood flow.

Blueberries Are Super Nutritious
Research in animals shows that blueberries may help protect the brain from the damage caused by free radicals and may reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Studies also show that diets rich in blueberries improved both the learning and muscle function of aging rats, making them mentally equal to much younger rats.

Benefits of a Healthy Diet
It may sound trite but it's true: If your diet lacks essential nutrients, it can hurt your ability to concentrate. Eating too much or too little can also interfere with your focus. A heavy meal may make you feel tired, while too few calories can result in distracting hunger pangs.

Benefit your brain: Strive for a well-balanced diet full of a wide variety of healthy foods.

Vitamins, Minerals, and Supplements?
Store shelves groan with supplements claiming to boost health. Although many of the reports on the brain-boosting power of supplements like vitamins B, C, E, beta-carotene, and magnesium are promising, a supplement is only useful to people whose diets are lacking in that specific nutrient.

Researchers are cautiously optimistic about ginseng, ginkgo, and vitamin, mineral, and herb combinations and their impact on the brain.

Check with your doctor.
Get Ready for a Big Day
Want to power up your ability to concentrate? Start with a meal of 100% fruit juice, a whole-grain bagel with salmon, and a cup of coffee. In addition to eating a well-balanced meal, experts also offer this advice:
Get a good night's sleep.
Stay hydrated.
Exercise to help sharpen thinking.
Meditate to clear thinking and relax.

What Are the Benefits of Hemp Seeds?

You've heard the buzz about hemp seeds, but you're not sure you want to add it to your diet because of random drug tests at work. Well, you can put your worries to rest. While it may look like marijuana, the hemp plant is actually a different species of cannabis and contains very little of the active ingredient, THC -- or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol -- that gives marijuana its reputation. And the hemp seeds, loaded with healthy fats, protein and essential nutrients, offer a number of benefits and make a healthful addition to your diet.

Good for Your Heart and Mind



If you're looking for a vegetarian source of omega-3 fatty acids, hemp seeds make a good choice. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that help reduce inflammation, and getting more in your diet may reduce your risk of heart disease. They may also help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in concentrated amounts in the brain, and may play an important role in helping memory and cognition. So, start the day with a little heart and mind boost by adding hemp seeds to your hot cereal or yogurt.

Protein Power
Hemp seeds contain all of the essential amino acids, which makes it a complete source of protein just like chicken, fish or beef. Adding three tablespoons of hemp seeds to a salad or smoothie adds 10 grams of high-quality protein. While protein is not lacking in the American diet, the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends including more non-meat sources of protein, and hemp seeds make a healthy choice.


Minerally Speaking
Hemp seeds are also a rich source of a number of essential minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc. Three tablespoons meets 50 percent of the daily value for magnesium and phosphorus, 25 percent of the daily value for zinc and 15 percent for iron. Meeting your daily magnesium and phosphorus needs is important for bone health. Iron is necessary for delivering oxygen throughout your body, and zinc supports immune health.


Better Bowels
Fiber is a nutrient many Americans do not get enough of in their diet, according to the Dietary Guidelines. Women need 25 grams of fiber a day, and men 38 grams. Whole hemp seeds are comprised of 10 to 15 percent fiber, or about 1 gram per 3 tablespoons. Fiber in food like hemp seeds improves bowel function by helping prevent constipation. The fiber also increases feelings of fullness so you eat less.


A Word About Calories
While hemp seeds offer a number of nutritional benefits, they are a concentrated source of calories, with 170 calories per 3-tablespoon serving. To help control calories, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 suggests when including foods like hemp seeds in your diet to limit your portion and use them in place of other sources of protein such as meat or chicken.

Hemp Seeds for Weight Loss
Kym Douglas, in the book "The Black Book of Hollywood Pregnancy Secrets," notes that hemp seeds are one of the superfoods that are a great weight-loss helper. This may be in part due to hemp seeds being high in omega-3 EFAs, which, according to Margaret Furtado in "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery," has been shown in studies to increase satiety in those who are overweight or are trying to cut down on calories. Furtado adds that omega-3s have been shown to have anti-obesity effects.

Considerations
Hemp seeds may thin the blood due to their high omega-3 content. If you currently take blood thinning medication, check with your doctor before adding hemp seeds to your diet. The oils in hemp seeds can go rancid over time, so it is advised to keep them in the refridgerator and dispose of them if you do not consume them within two months.

Careful with Green Smoothies

Why Green Smoothies May Not Be Good for You

According to traditional Chinese medicine, raw produce are cooling in nature, and if you chronically feel cold or often get colds, or just had a baby, you may want to lay off a high intake of raw foods. Instead, eat the greens cooked, enjoy more soups (pureed carrot or broccoli soups are good), and warming ingredients, such as garlic and ginger.

If you have problems with diabetes, hypoglycemia, or high blood sugar levels, and are super sensitive to sugar, make sure to follow recipes that are lower in high-glycemic fruits, such as bananas, and higher in protein and fats (such as flax seeds and a good quality protein powder) for your green smoothies, if you choose to drink them.

If you have had problems with kidney stones, be careful with green smoothies, especially if they are made with spinach or swiss chard because those two types of greens are very high in oxalates, which can cause stones to form.

“The omega-3 fatty acids and cod liver oil are also very effective in preventing oxalate deposition,” according to William Shaw, PhD in his article “The Role of Oxalates in Autism and Chronic Disorders.” So if drinking green smoothies makes you feel good but you are concerned about ingesting too much oxalic acid, you may try mixing in some cod liver oil.

Who Are Green Smoothies Good for? 

If you are extremely active (like I was when I was dancing full-time), having a green smoothie mixed with coconut water may help nourish your body, replace enzymes lost when sweating, and cut your cravings.

If you do not absorb your nutrients well and need to hydrate and nourish yourself with high doses of anti-oxidants, then green smoothies may be the perfect food for you. Drink it slowly, at room temperature, and try chewing your smoothie.

If you chronically crave sweets because of low energy or emotional tribulations, green smoothies made on the sweeter side may help you stave off a binge, especially if you add in some nuts such as cashews, a banana, and some blueberries. It will taste sweet, creamy, and wonderfully nourishing.

12 signs you're a super health foodie

1. You make green smoothies for breakfast, because you know they are full of nutritional goodness and fibre.

2. You love strolling through health food stores to see what newsuperfoods or raw bars you haven’t tried yet.

3. Your favourite thing to do on the weekend is go to your local farmers market to stock up on fruit and veggies, because you know that eating fresh, in season produce that is pesticide free is much better for your health.

4. You grow your own herbs and use them when you cook.

5. You make raw, sugar-free desserts with ingredients like cacao, chia seeds, avocado and coconut, and naturally sweeten them with medjool dates, mesquite or lucuma.

6. You have homemade fermented veggies lined up along your kitchen bench. You know that adding some to meals is one of the best ways to boost your friendly gut bacteria and in-turn digestion and immunity.

7. You make your own yoghurt and almond milk, because you don’t like sweetened store bought varieties.

8. You wouldn’t dream of having bottled fruit juice, it has to be a fresh veggie juice with ingredients like kale, beetroot, carrot, cucumber, celery, spinach, and ginger.

9. You super charge your meals by adding nutritional powders like acai,spirulina, super greens, and maca.

10. You go for purple carrots, not the regular orange type, because they are rich in antioxidants, and you go for super berries such as acai, maqui, goji and camu camu over common strawberries and blueberries.

11. You activate your nuts and sprout your own grains, seeds and legumes, to increase their digestibility and nutritional content.

12. You proudly take pictures of everything you cook and post it on Instagram or Facebook.

Ten foods you should eat

Quinoa
Quinoa contains more protein than any other grain. It can help lower cholesterol levels as it is a great source of fibre and helps to promote cardiovascular health. Quinoa contains a range of important nutrients, such as iron and B vitamins, for red blood cell production and energy; calcium, for strong bones; magnesium, for nervous system health; and vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. It's also an ideal grain for diabetics as it has a low glycaemic index, which will help keep blood-sugar levels stable and prevent sharp spikes in insulin. You can use quinoa as a substitute for rice.

Seaweed

Seaweed is extremely nutritious and contains health-promoting compounds not found in any other plants. Eating seaweed is an excellent way to increase your antioxidant intake and help protect against cancer. It's also a good source of zinc, needed for immune health; B vitamins and iron, to improve energy levels; and iodine, for healthy thyroid function.

Seaweed is also a good source of calcium, for strong bones and teeth. There are many different types of seaweed including kelp, nori and arame. It can be added to soups, stir-fries and salads, or used for nori rolls.

Chia seeds

Chia seeds are the richest plant source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, which our body needs to keep our brain and heart functioning as well as they can. They may be tiny but these healthy seeds are packed with goodness, such as protein and fibre. Chia seeds are so easy to add to the diet; just sprinkle over breakfast cereals, salads or vegies, or blend them through smoothies.

Kale

Eating kale regularly helps support liver detoxification and reduce the risk of cancer, as it contains anti-cancer nutrients in the form of glucosinolates, together with high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients such as omega-3 fats. Kale is a great source of fibre, helping to keep blood-sugar and cholesterol levels stable. It also boasts high doses of vitamin C and A, both important for boosting immune function. Kale also provides vitamin K, which is good for bones and blood clotting. It can be eaten raw or cooked.

Black rice

Black rice is one of our new superfoods. It contains high levels of health-boosting antioxidants called anthocyanins, which are also found in blueberries. Just one spoonful of black rice bran contains more antioxidants than a spoonful of blueberries. Antioxidants are important for neutralising free radicals in the body that cause damage to cells and cause chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Black rice is available from health-food stores or websites and can be cooked the same way as other rice varieties.

Purple berries

Purple berries, such as acai, elderberry, blackcurrant and chokeberry, are some of the richest sources of antioxidants of all fruits. They are about 50 per cent higher in antioxidants than more common berries. Their dark purple colour indicates high levels of the powerful antioxidants anthocyanins. Including these berries in your diet will help protect you from chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, and help slow down the ageing process. Purple berries are excellent sources of vitamins A and C, which are both important immune-boosting nutrients.

White tea

White tea comes from the same plant as green tea. However, its leaves are harvested at a younger age. White tea contains higher levels of antioxidants than green as it is less processed. White tea contains antioxidants that have been found to have many health-promoting properties including boosting cardiovascular health, helping to lower cholesterol, reducing the risk of cancer and enhancing weight loss. White tea, which has a smoother, gentler taste to green, also contains less caffeine, so it is a better choice for those who are sensitive to caffeine. Three cups a day is a great way to reap the health benefits of this super tea.

Beet greens

Beet greens, the leafy tops of beetroots, are delicious steamed or stir-fried with olive oil, garlic and lemon, or added to soups, risotto, quiches or stir-fries. They are rich in vitamin C; one cup contains 60 per cent of your recommended daily intake. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and helps support immune function and wound healing. Beet greens also contain beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A and aids healthy eyesight and gums. Beet greens are ideal for pre-pregnancy diets, as they are a rich source of folate and iron.

Kefir

Kefir is a fermented milk drink, considered a probiotic food. It contains more than 30 beneficial bacteria. Including kefir in your diet will help promote a healthy balance of intestinal flora, which will improve digestion, boost immune health and help to produce vitamins B12 and K.

Kefir also provides plenty of calcium and magnesium, to look after your nervous system, and vitamin A and D, to support immune function. Kefir is a great source of protein and is rich in the amino acid tryptophan, which is known for its calming effect and sleep support. Kefir is best drunk on its own or added to smoothies. It is available from health-food stores.

LSA

LSA, made from ground linseeds, sunflower seeds and almonds, is an easy, extremely versatile way to add extra nutrients to meals. LSA is rich in protein, which helps to keep your blood-sugar levels balanced and curb sugar cravings. LSA will provide you with a good dose of healthy omega-3 fats to promote a healthy heart and brain function, and it contains important minerals such as calcium, zinc and magnesium. Try adding a spoonful of LSA to muesli or other breakfast cereals, smoothies, yoghurt, rice dishes or muffin or cookie mixtures.

The Mother Food...Quinoa

A complete protein and fantastic wheat-free alternative, the demand for quinoa has risen sharply in recent years. Nutritionist Jo Lewin shares recipes, cooking tips and the nutritional highlights of this fashionable grain-like crop...

An introduction to quinoa

Quinoa, pronounced ‘keen-wa’ is a great wheat-free alternative to starchy grains. There are two types: red and creamy white. Both types are slightly bitter when cooked and open up to release little white curls (like a tail) as they soften.

Grown in South America (Peru, Chile and Bolivia) for thousands of years, quinoa formed the staple diet of the Incas and their descendants. In recent years, foodies in the UK and the US have heralded it as a superior alternative to bulgur wheat, couscous and rice. Though it often occupies a similar role to these grains in dishes, quinoa is actually in the same family as beets, chard and spinach.

Nutritional highlights...

The UN named 2013 ‘International Quinoa Year’ in recognition of the crop’s high nutrient content. With twice the protein content of rice or barley, quinoa is also a very good source of calcium, magnesium and manganese. It also possesses good levels of several B vitamins, vitamin E and dietary fibre.

Cooked quinoa seeds become fluffy and creamy, yet maintains a slight crunch. It has a delicate and subtly nutty flavor, versatile for breakfast (as a cereal), lunch (as a salad) or dinner (as a side). 

Quinoa is among the least allergenic of all the grains, making it a fantastic wheat-free choice. Like buckwheat, quinoa has an excellent amino acid profile, as it contains all nine essential amino acids making it a complete-protein source. Quinoa is therefore an excellent choice for vegans who may struggle to get enough protein in their diets. 

Research 

Quinoa is high in anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, which make it potentially beneficial for human health in the prevention and treatment of disease. Quinoa contains small amounts of the heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids and, in comparison to common cereal grasses has a higher content of monounsaturated fat. 

As a complete protein, quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids – including the elusive lysine and isoleucine acids, which most other grains lack. Naturally high in dietary fibre, quinoa is a slowly digested carbohydrate, making it a good low-GI option. 

8 Health Benefits of Quinoa:

1. High quality protein with the nine essential amino acids, the protein balance is similar to milk. At 16.2 to 20 percent protein, it has is more protein than rice (7.5 percent), millet (9.9 percent) or wheat (14 percent).

2. Great source of riboflavin. Riboflavin has been shown to help reduce the frequency of attacks in migraine sufferers by improving the energy metabolism within the brain and muscle cells.

3. Inca warriors had more stamina and quicker recovery time by eating these quinoa seeds, making it a truly ancient powerfood.

4. Antiseptic. The saponins from quinoa are used to promote healing of skin injuries in South America. 

5. Not fattening! Only 172 calories per 1/4 cup dry (24 of the calories from protein and only 12 from sugars, the rest are complex carbohydrates, fiber and healthy fats). 

6. Gluten-free. Since it is not not related to wheat, or even a grain, it is gluten-free. 

7. Alkaline-forming. Although it is not strongly alkaline-forming, it is comparable to wild rice, amaranth, and sprouted grains. 

8. Smart Carb: It is a complex carbohydrate with a low glycemic index, so it won’t spike your blood sugar.

Ensure there are no tears or holes in the packet of quinoa you are buying as moisture can affect the freshness of the grain. Store in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dry place where it can last for several months. 

Safety

When boiling quinoa, the compound that coats the seeds (saponins) creates a foam. These saponins give quinoa a slightly bitter taste. It is best to remove any leftover saponins on the quinoa coat; thoroughly washing the seeds before cooking by putting them into a sieve and running them under cold water. Once you have rinsed it well, it can be cooked like rice. It will expand to several times the original size during cooking. 

Ethical considerations

Quinoa has generated much debate in recent years. Since experiencing a rapid increase in demand, the domestic cost of production has also risen sharply, with the local Andean population unable to afford it and imported junk food being more budget-friendly. Land that once grew a multitude of diverse crops are now dedicated quinoa fields. Our well intentioned health goals may unwittingly be driving unfavorable conditions for local growers.

Seaweeds, The Popular Sea Veggie !

Seaweeds are one of nature's true wonder foods! They are one of the most nutritionally dense plants on the planet and also the most abundant source of minerals in the plant kingdom as they have access to all the nutrients in the ocean. 

Being a superfood, a little goes a long way!

Benefits of Seaweeds

Blood Purifying: 

The chemical composition of seaweeds is so close to human blood plasma, that they are excellent at regulating and purifying our blood. 

High in Calcium: 
They can contain up to 10 times more calcium than milk and 8 times as much as beef. 

Alkalizing:
They help to alkalize our blood, neutralizing the over-acidic effects of our modern diet.

Have Powerful Chelating Properties: 

They offer protection from a wide array of environmental toxins, including heavy metals, pollutants and radiation by-products, by converting them to harmless salts that the body can eliminate easily.

Contain Anti-oxidants: 

Seaweeds contain lignans (naturally occurring chemical compounds) which have anti cancer properties.

Detoxifying: 

They are rich in chlorophyll (the pigment that makes some seaweeds green) which is a powerful, natural detoxifier that helps to draw out waste products.

Boost Weight loss: 
Seaweeds play a role in boosting weight loss and deterring cellulite build-up. Their naturally high concentration of iodine, helps to stimulate the thyroid gland, which is responsible for maintaining a healthy metabolism. At the same time, its' minerals act like electrolytes to break the chemical bonds that seal the fat cells, allowing trapped wastes to escape.

Seaweeds That You Can Enjoy Everyday

Nori

Nori is best known as the seaweed used to make sushi rolls. You can make your own at home, but make sure you use the untoasted nori sheets for maximum nutrient content.

Kelp

Kelp, also known as brown algae, is the most common seaweed found along the ocean shores. Due to its thick leaves it is perfect for a hot seaweed bath. It is also available in supplement form.

Dulse

Dulse is a red seaweed and can be bought either whole or as flakes. Dulse sold as flakes does not need to be soaked and can be added straight to any meal. Whole dulse is better soaked, drained of water, and sliced before adding to your dish. It is great to use as seasoning on salads, vegetables and soups.

Arame

Arame is a ‘black’ stringy looking seaweed. It needs to be soaked for a few minutes before it is added to cooking, where it will double in size. It can be added to any grain dishes, stir fries, soups, salads and curries. 

Wakame

A deep green seaweed, wakame is sold fresh or dehydrated. It tastes best when hydrated in water for a few minutes before being used. Sprinkle in soups, stocks, stews, stir fries or savory dishes.

Kombu

Used in Japan for centuries as a mineral rich flavour enhancer. Add a strip of kombu when cooking beans to make them more digestible and to reduce gas. Add a strip of kombu to your sprouts when soaking them to allow them to soak up the minerals.

When sourcing or buying seaweed, choose certified organic brands where possible. Seaweeds will absorb the properties of the water in which they are grown, so you want to ensure that they have been grown and harvested in unpolluted waters that are pure, and free from harmful chemicals.