Treating High Blood Pressure

Treating High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for death in the world.

It is beneficial to have your blood pressure down around 110/70.

Those eating a plant-based diet naturally have a  reading in this range.

According to a study by the Seventh Day Adventists' of 89,000 people, those who ate a 

vegetarian diet (eggs and dairy were included) cut their risk of high blood pressure by 55%.

Those who ate a strictly plant-based diet cut their risk by 75%.

Foods that are high in potassium, like bananas, ground flax seeds (a few tablespoons possess one of the strongest anti-hypertensive effects of plant-based foods) and watermelon offer the greatest protection against high blood pressure.   

Here is a great article from Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine:

8 Ways to Naturally Lower Blood Pressure 

Also 2 videos from Nutrition Facts.org 

How to Prevent High Blood Pressure with Diet part 1

How to Prevent High Blood Pressure with Diet part 2

You know I am obsessed with Rich Roll's Podcast, so here's two of the best from Cardiologists'
 

Dr Joel Kahn 

Dr Robert Oustfeld 

And Darin Olien, Superfoods for Superlife   

I have linked this video before, but I believe everyone needs to watch this more then once.

Food as Medicine 

It is a little over an hour long, but its well worth it!

This should give you plenty of great information to enjoy during the Holidays.

Have great week.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Be kind.

Judd

Cinnamon

Cinnamon

The aroma of the holidays to me is cinnamon.

Cinnamon has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years.

In ancient Egypt, it's value was worth more than gold and was primarily a 

gift for the kings.

There are two types of cinnamon:

Ceylon, known as true cinnamon and of higher quality.

Cassia, the more common variety of today, found in the majority of products.

It is made by cutting the bark of the Cinnamomum Tree, then when it dries it forms 

strips that can ground into powder.

The distinct smell and flavor comes from the compound called Cinnamaldehyde.

This compound is responsible for most of it's powerful effects on our health and metabolism.

* It is loaded with antioxidants which protect us from free-radicals.

* It is highly anti-inflammatory and helps to fight body infections and repair tissue damage.

*It may cut the risks of heart disease by lowering cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure.

*It helps to improve "insulin sensitivity", by helping insulin to transporting blood sugar into the bloodstream. Which helps in controlling Diabetes.

*It helps to inhibit buildup of a protein called Tau, which is contributes to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

* Cinnamaldehyde has anti-fungal and  antibacterial properties and inhibits the growth of certain bacteria such as Listeria and Salmonella.

All cinnamon has great health benefits, but the "Cassia" variety also has a compound called

coumarin. You should to try to limit your use of this common variety and get "Ceylon"

It is available in powder, sticks and oils at your local health food store or online at cinnamonvogue.

Don't worry unless you are using it on everything you should be fine.  

Here's a great way to start or end the day.

In a medium sauce pan combine;

1 tablespoon of turmeric powder or paste

1 teaspoon  coconut oil

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon honey

4-6 ounces coconut or almond milk

Stir over medium heat

Before mixture boils pour into mug

Enjoy

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Coming in 2016: Essential Oils 

I Love Broccoli!

I Love Broccoli!

I could eat broccoli everyday.  

Broccoli is part of the Brassica family, which includes kale, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts,

collards, bok choi, mustard etc.  This diverse group includes plants that the leaves, flowers, stems and roots can all be cooked and eaten.  They are the most commonly eaten plant group worldwide.  Broccoli is inexpensive and can be found at just about any grocery store.

Broccoli is a great source for the antioxidants vitamin C, beta-carotene and quercetin.

They are renowned for quenching free-radicals and reducing risks for cancer.  They are essential

for good health, promoting healthy immune systems, nutrient absorption (e.g. iron)
and overall vitality.

Broccoli is rich in calcium, making it an excellent vegan source of the nutrient that supports strong bones, which prevents osteoporosis.

Broccoli is an source for glucosinolates, which are sulfur containing chemicals.  These have

been shown to prevent oxidative stress, stimulate the immune system and reduce cancer growth.

They are anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and help to eliminate toxins from our bodies.

Broccoli is a great source of potassium and soluble fiber which help in blood sugar levels,

preventing heart disease and managing diabetes.

The best way to eat broccoli is raw.  Cook or steam it for only about 5 minutes to retain its nutrients.

Nutrient fact: Sprinkle on a pinch of ground mustard

to reactivate the glucosinolates, so to get all the health benefits.

Here's a informative video on broccoli:

Broccoli- the DNA whisperer

I believe I'm going to steam some right now with a little Earth Balance and garlic!

From Project 431, here's a great motivational video: Be Hungry(Fight for It).

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd