Gut Health: Part 2

Gut Health: Part 2

The number one cause of death in the U.S. is heart disease.

We have the power to supply our heart with "clean blood".  Or, we 

can power our heart with "dirty blood", which leads to disease and death.

From the ancient wisdom of Hippocrates; "All disease begins in the gut"

Here are five ways to transform your body's health.

*Skip processed foods that leak endotoxins into your blood.

Processed foods can cause the cells lining the GI tract to separate,

and allow the toxic bowel contents to leak directly into our bloodstream

and arteries.  In a 1997 study at the University of Maryland's school 

of Medicine, volunteers eating a McDonald's Egg McMuffin showed

signs of artery damage within one hour. And a bacterial toxin called 

endotoxin was circulating in the bloodstream causing inflammation

and injury in the heart and lungs.  Keep your blood clean by avoiding 

processed foods, including processed sandwich meats rich in endotoxins

from dead bacteria.

*Avoid grilled foods.

Grilling or barbecuing foods creates a chemical reaction' especially

meats, that creates advanced glycation end products (AGEs)

These harmful chemicals enter our bloodstream and cause inflammation

 and aging reactions.  To clean up your blood, skip charred and grilled foods, 

especially animal products.

*Choose a plant-based diet to lower your TMAO blood levels

Eating meat leads to the increased production a chemical called

TMAO in our GI tract reaching our heart arteries and stimulates Coronary

Artery Disease.

In contrast, people who eat a plant-based diet mostly have "clean blood"

free of TMAO.

*Eat more fruits and vegetables to fight cancer.

In a study of prostate cancer patients  by Dr Dean Ornish,  demonstrated that eating 

a plant-based diet for three months, produced a change in the blood of patients that rendered

it capable of killing prostate cancer cells. Their blood cells literally became "chemotherapy"

without the side effects. 

*Eat more fruits and vegetables to heal your arteries.

In another study, patients with heart disease eating a plant-based diet for three months

altered the activity of genes involved with artery inflammation and damage.  It turned 

off those genes and turned on those genes which favored healing and health.

Our heart and arteries are innocent bystanders of the blood we bathe them in.

We can control the nature of our blood by the foods we consume. The health 

of our GI tract influences the status of our heart and arteries.By eating a diet rich 

in vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants we can create clean blood

throughout the body.

Clean plant-based nutrition, stress management, clean air, clean water and sound 

sleep can transform your health!

  

This information was from an article by Dr Joel Kahn.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

  

Gut Health: Part 1

We are super organisms!
Gut Health: Part 1

We have over 100 trillion microbial bacteria living on and in our bodies.

For every human cell there is 10 resident microbes, making us more microbial than human.

You could say we are super organisms!

Our lifestyles and standard american diets are "starving" our good micro biome in our intestines.

The overindulgence of bad diets( processed foods, junk food, sugar, meat and dairy, etc.) are depleting the good bacteria that keeps us healthy.  In the process, it encourages the overgrowth of the wrong bacteria. The resulting imbalance makes us prone to disease, obesity, and negatively affects our metabolism, hormones and cravings. Even our immunity and genes our affected.

Processed foods, sugar(not fruit) etc. all cause inflammation and negative effects on our bodies.  

Chronic inflammation is involved in diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancer and much more. This type of food serves as "fertilizer" for pathogenic microorganisms and yeast, causing them to multiply rapidly.

For optimum health, a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods along with cultured or fermented foods,

which are high in probiotics is best.

Here is a link to 5 Fermented Foods You Should Be Eating 

and a easy Vegan Coleslaw 

also check out Bananas For A Superlife

This might be an overload of resources but...10 Foods for Great Gut Health

Let's live a Super Life!

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

The Wonders of Chia seeds

The Wonders of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are one of the oldest sources of nutrition.

It's been documented to have been consumed by the ancient Aztecs and Mayans as early 

as 3500 B.C.  Both for nutrition and medicinal purposes.

They are rich in nutrients and are easy to use.  They can be eaten raw, soaked in juices and 

added to a variety of different foods,  like cereals, puddings, baked goods,smoothies, 

salads, quinoa and veggie dishes.

They have an amazing ability to absorb water and fat.  So they can be used to thicken sauces

and even as an egg substitute in recipes.

Here are some benefits:

*They are high in antioxidants, which helps fight free radical damage in the body

*They are typically Non-GMO, organic, and non-irradiated.

*They are very low carb (1 gram per ounce).High in fiber, helping to support

a healthy digestive system.

* They are a great source of protein( appr. 14%) Which helps to reduce appetite

and improve muscle repair.

*They help in weight loss, with the high fiber content and ability to absorb water,

making you feel full.

*They support healthy bones.  Gram for gram, they have more calcium(18%RDA in one ounce) than 

most dairy products. They are also high in phosphorus,magnesium and protein. 

*They help to detoxify the body.  They have the highest combined plant source

of omega-3, fiber and protein. They help to support your natural detoxification,

repair your cells and support a healthy digestive system.

*They are a natural beauty food. A blend of healthy fats and minerals including

zinc,which promotes healthy skin, hair and nails.

*They protect your heart. One tablespoon of chia provides 100% of RDA for omega-3 ALA.

Omega -3 helps to lower cholesterol and maintains proper artery function.

*They reduce the risk of colon cancer. With their high fiber content it helps improves 

intestinal health and regularity.

*They are gluten-free and are great for lowering blood pressure and inflammation.

I eat them everyday:

 As a gel on oatmeal with fruit, by sprinkling ground seeds on salads 

or adding to smoothies.

The possibilities are endless.

Here's a pudding recipe from the: The Plantpower Way

Cacao Chia Pudding

1/2 cup chia seeds

Filtered water

1/4 cup raw honey or maple syrup

or

4 pitted/soaked dates

1 small avocado

1 tablespoon coconut oil

2 tablespoons cacao powder

In a small bowl, soak chia seeds in 2 cups water, 

stir until they expand and become a gel.(3-4 min)

If using dates, soak them in water for about 30 minutes.

In a Vitamix or blender,

Add avocado, coconut oil, honey or dates and cacao powder

Pour in chia seed gel and blend on high.

Place in serving bowls and chill for 2 hours or devour immediately!

There will be no post next weekend.

Our son and I will be in Atlanta participating in the Atlanta Spartan Super. 

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

"Plants"..it's whats for lunch!

Plants...It's whats for lunch!

 Here's two quick and easy lunch ideas with very little prep time needed.

This afternoon, Kris wanted Asian inspired lettuce wraps.

She already had some colored bell peppers sliced, so it was a quick fix.

Lettuce Wraps

Several Butter or Boston lettuce leaves, rinsed.

1 slice each of green, red and yellow bell pepper.

1 slice oven roasted "Tofurky."

A mixture of Just Mayo and dried dill.
Add whatever else you like.  Avocado, red onion, water chestnuts etc.

I decided I wanted a little something different:

Chickpea Sammies

1-15 oz. can of chickpeas.

1/2 cup of diced green, red and yellow bell peppers.

1/4 cup of diced sweet onions.

Pinch of garlic powder.

Pinch of smoked paprika.

Sea salt and black pepper.

Mash the chickpeas or put them in a food processor for a few seconds.

Add all other ingredients.

Stir in a little bit of Just Mayo as well as dried dill or chipotle powder, 

depending on your preference.

Stir until the consistency resembles tuna salad.

I had mine on sliced homemade whole wheat bread with Organic Romaine lettuce.

Quick and easy!

Lizzie the sous chef says:

Have a great week!

Be kind.

Jackfruit Carnitas

Jackfruit Carnitas

Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world — one fruit can weigh between 10 and 100 pounds and contain hundreds of seeds that are rich in protein, potassium, calcium, and iron.

The fruit known as a jackfruit is being hailed as a "miracle" crop that could save millions from starvation.  You can follow this link for more information. 

Here's my favorite recipe using jackfruit.  With the right seasonings, you will think you are eating pulled pork!  You can find canned jackfruit at your local Asian Market.

Jackfruit Carnitas

1-2 tbs coconut oil

1 small onion diced

2-- cloves crushed garlic

Homemade spice blend:

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp chipotle seasoning

1/4 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp oregano

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp sea salt

pinch of cinnamon

1 tsp lime juice

1 tbs maple syrup

1 tsp Bragg's or Coconut Amino acids

In a large skillet, on medium heat saute onions and crushed garlic.

Stir until onions are clear. Add lime juice, maple syrup and Bragg's.

Drain and rinse jackfruit, break apart and shred fruit ( like pulled pork)

Add spice mix and fruit, stirring to completely for good coverage.

The fruit will start to brown and liquid will dissolve.

Ready to roll into a burrito with black beans and salsa or guacamole. 

Serves well with sweet potato fries.

For a Jackfruit "Pulled Pork" variation:

Wet sauce:

3 tbs tomato paste

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp oil

1/2 tsp tamarind paste or sweet chili sauce 

1/4 cup water

2 tsp maple syrup

Add sauce to cooking fruit and spices and simmer until ready to eat.

Serves well on toasted buns, with coleslaw made with "Vegenaise or Just Mayo".

 For nutritional information see: Jackfruit

Have a great week!

Be kind!

Judd

Fighting Diabetes With The Power Of Plants

The Power of Plants

In a new study from the U.S.National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys,

up to 14% of adults in the U.S. had diagnosed or un-diagnosed type 2 diabetes (2011-2012).

About 38% had diagnosed or un-diagnosed pre-diabetes.  About 1/3 of those with pre-diabetes

don't even know they have it!  From what I understand, research shows that our diet and lifestyle determines the chances of developing type 2 diabetes.

There is no reason with the nutritional information available today that we can not live a long and 

healthy life. Our bodies are capable of preventing and reversing diseases through the food we

consume on a daily basis.

Please take one hour of your time and watch this video from Dr. Michael Gregor:

Food as Medicine

It will change your outlook on the healing power of food.

Have a great week!

Be kind.

Judd

Pina Colada Sorbet

Happy Labor Day!

It has been a busy past few weeks.  We have  got our daughter, Bree, moved to

Lexington, Ky. She is enjoying the different weather then here in Florida. Lower humidity

to say the least and soon the temps will be dropping also. It was great seeing friends and family

for the short time we were there. We will now be making more trips north!

Here's a quick dessert recipe for Labor Day:

Pina Colada Sorbet 

3 cups frozen pineapple

1 banana

1 16oz. can of full fat coconut milk

Blend all together in blender,

Transfer to airtight container and freeze for 2-3 hours.

You can add some rum if desired!

Over the next several weeks I am going to be blogging about our "Gut Micro-biome"

Did you know there are 500-1000 different bacteria living on our skin and in our

intestines. There are 10 times the amount of bacteria than human cells, totally more 

then 100 Trillion bacteria!  The microbiome in our intestines effect every aspect of our lives.

including health, moods, risks of diseases etc..

According to studies, plant based diets are the best way to have a healthy micro-biome.

Hers a link to a great podcast about superfoods for a superlife;

Rich Roll Podcast: Darin Olien 

and video about animal fats and the effects on our micro-biome:

Nutritionfacts.org

Have a great week!

Be kind!

Judd