The Power of Dates

Dates have been used as sweeteners, snacks and and even used as breaking "fast" by Muslims according to their culture.  By doing this it helps in not overeating of food once the fast is over.  Dates are easily digested, allowing our bodies to make full use of all the minerals and nutrients they contain.  The dietary fiber helps move waste through the colon reducing the risks of colon cancer.  The soluble and insoluble fiber and amino acids help to improve and maintain a healthy digestive system.  The iron content in dates is a major component of hemoglobin in our red blood cells, which helps in maintaining healthy oxygen levels in the blood.  Potassium, which is a an electrolyte, in dates helps control heart rate and blood pressure.  All the B vitamins such as carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin are absorbed into the retina to maintain light-filtering functions and protect against macular degeneration.  

Despite all these benefits, one cup of dates has almost 30 mg's of fructose sugar , but have a low glycemic index number which can maintain blood sugar level significantly.  Dates are a whole food, but by weight they are 80% sugar. Fruit Loops are 40% sugar, but not a whole food but highly processed along with many other "nonfood" products.  Israeli scientists did some research on the subject and the results were astonishing: Dates are fantastic!  Some consider dates are the most ideal food!

By just eating 3 dates per day here some of the many benefits obtained:

*Improved digestive health- the high soluble fiber draws water into the digestive tract.

*Treat and prevent anemia- they are a great source of iron which reduces the effects of anemia.

*Bone, blood and immune system health- keeps bones strong with magnesium, manganese and selenium. Diets rich in selenium are known to prevent cancers.

*Heart health- the potassium helps to reduce strokes, heart attacks and lowers LDL cholesterol.

*Energy boosts- being filled with natural sugars and fiber keeps energy levels up without the crash.

Here's a quick, easy and raw recipe for an energy shot that I use all the time: AROO Spartan Balls.

For some more information on the "Power of Dates" here's a great article from Organic Facts.

AROO Spartan Balls

Food for Thought

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Oxygen, The Life Force

Everything needs oxygen to survive, except for a few  multicellular organisms .  Oxygenation is necessary for sustainability of our oceans, lakes, rivers and complete water supply.  Our soils which grow our foods need oxygen to feed microbes, organisms etc. which provide nourishment for crops.

We breathe because oxygen is needed to burn the fuel (sugar and fatty acids)in our cells to produce energy.  Oxygen is transported by red blood cells to our entire body where it is used to produce the energy our cells need to stay healthy.  Ever since 1931, Dr Otto Warburg, won the Nobel Peace Prize in medicine for the discovery linking low oxygen and cancer cells growth.  Cancer cells don't use oxygen for energy, instead use glucose for fuel.  Oxygen-rich tissues equal good health.

So how do we get these oxygen rich tissues and good health?

When we eat properly, our food can provide oxygen.  By being hydrated properly it allows for greater oxygen exchange.  By maintaining a slightly alkaline inner environment  our cells will be naturally oxygen-rich.  If our detox system is strong it clears the cells of metabolic debris and helps to maintain healthy cells.  On the other hand, a lousy diet, processed foods, too little water, stress and excessive acidity all add up to an overwhelmed immune system.

With a diet consisting of mostly raw foods such as raw vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds will help keep our cells healthy and thriving. Plants with high chlorophyll content like kale, chard, spirulina and chlorella have high oxygen levels.  Raw, fresh food equals higher oxygen. Cooking speeds up the oxidation of anything we eat.  We should try to eat most of our food raw or minimally heated for optimum health.  Although some foods like tomatoes and carrots are even better for you when slightly cooked. 

Some tips for getting more oxygen:

*Go outdoors. The concentration of oxygen is higher than indoors and usually a lot cleaner. 

* Breathe consciously. Inhale deeply, fill your lungs and empty them completely. Too many of us breathe to shallow.( our bodies will be stressed and tight)

*Inhale thru your nose. It filters out the dirt, pollution and other strange things that would otherwise go in our lungs.

* Get some exercise everyday. Physical activity requires us to inhale and exhale deeply and in a controlled way.

*Eat more veggies. They are full of oxygen and nutrients.

*Drop the animal products, processed foods and sugar. They are like the "Dead Sea"

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

The Amazing Aloe Plant

After a long day at the beach nothing feels better on your sunburned face or shoulders then some cool aloe vera gel.  After a quick burn from that hot pan on the stove, reaching for a slice of aloe is the first thing you want to do.  But there are numerous other uses for this miracle plant then just burns.

This succulent has been used throughout history as a medicinal ingredient in Egypt, China and India. Legend has it that it was Cleopatra's beauty secret, favored by Aristotle and Alexander The Great, it is mentioned in the Bible numerous times, and scientific research has supported its many benefits.  Also known as the "Lily of The Desert" this succulent is known for soothing scrapes, burns, healing infections and even promoting weight loss, controlling type 2 diabetes, boosting the immune system and detoxing the body.  I have said this before "It amazes me the healing power of plants and how we benefit from them".

Here are a few reasons to work Aloe into your wellness routine:

*Its great for the skin: Aloe purifies the blood, reverse collagen damage and wrinkles. Great for scrapes, cuts and burns. (Alexander the Great was said to have conquered the island of Soctra just to replenish his stock of Aloe for his army!

*It balances you: In Ayurvedic medicine it's said to be tridoshic which means it balances out the five elements of earth, water, air ,fire and ether within our systems.

*It boost immunity: Aloe's polysaccharides are anti bacterial, anti fungal and anti viral. It supports both the liver and spleen.

*Its a superfood: It is very nutrient dense with vitamins A,C,E, and minerals such as calcium, selenium, magnesium, chromium and zinc. Also high in fiber, amino acids and enzymes, which makes it great for:

*Digestion: It balances the entire digestive system from mouth to lower spout. It helps to heal IBS, colitis and ulcers. It dissolves intestinal plaque and helps replicate healthy epithelial cells that coat our digestive pipes.

*Fights Inflammation: Aloe contains many natural steroids which reduce the pain and swelling of arthritis. See here for a great article.

Aloe Vera can be easily grown anywhere, even indoors in colder climates.  It should be a definite plant to add to your garden or indoor plant selection.  If using for internal purposes such as smoothies, juices etc. you can only use the species aloe barbadensis. Just check the plant label when purchasing from your nursery. Or you can just buy aloe gel in bulk on Amazon, etc. As always organically grown is preferred.

This is our 200th post!

Thank you for being a part of our journey.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Recommended Reading 09/03/17

Lizzie says "Listen Up!" it's recommended reading time. There is a sign at "The Hemingway Home" in Key West that states "Dogs have owners, Cats have staff".  It couldn't be more true with Lizzie, we have been blessed with her Majesty being part of our family for almost seventeen years now.  From being a stray 6 month old alley cat to her "staff" lovingly taking care of her she is quite the character. 

Here are the recommended reading and viewing suggestions for the week:

We all know its hot out so stay hydrated with the "5 Healthiest Beverages You Should Be Drinking Right Now".

"King Curtis" would never say bacon is NOT good for you.. don't eat them, love them.."8 Things You've Never Known That Pigs LOVE To Do"

Another important reason from last weeks post on our breathing.. "Why You Should Practice Breathing Through Your Nose(And Not Your mouth)

It amazes me that there is still a debate on if "climate change" exists.."Exxon Misleads The Public" It doesn't surprise me at all after reading "Run To Failure and The Making of Deepwater Horizon Disaster"

Nearly 660 million people in the world live without clean water..Charitywater.org is doing something about it.  Listen to its founder on "Rich Roll Podcast with Scott Harrison" we all can make a difference.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd