The Health Benefits of French Sorrel
Posted by Jennifer (the student) on March 30, 2012
Last spring, I purchased a small French sorrel plant from a farmer’s market. I had never tried sorrel but I was intrigued after reading many European recipes using sorrel. Last year, my little sorrel plant allowed me to try several simple recipes.
I really liked the tart lemony flavor it adds to simple dishes like scrambled eggs.
This year, my small plant has tripled in size and is thriving. Obliviously sorrel is easy to grow since I am not much of a gardener. Its shield-shaped leaves are similar to spinach. Sorrel is both an herb and a green and can be used to replace spinach in most recipes. If replacing spinach just reduce the amount of sorrel since it has quite a tart flavor.
Some of the health benefits of sorrel are its low in calorie and high in fiber. In addition, it is high in vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, iron, magnesium and calcium.
Caution should be used if you suffer from heartburn, sorrel may be to acidic for you. Also, sorrel should not be cooked in cast-iron or aluminum cookware.
If you come across sorrel this spring give it a try. I am glad I added it to my diet.
♥ ♥
The Health Benefits of Spring Cleaning
Posted by Jennifer (the student) on March 26, 2012
Every spring, I start making lists of all the projects I want to accomplish. Once I complete all of these projects I always feel so good about my home and myself. I think most of us do because a clean and organized home is good for your health.
Some of the health benefits of spring-cleaning are:
- Organization leads to stress reduction. When everything is in it’s place, time is not wasted looking for misplaced items. Being organized lets you be in control of your life and domain.
- A good deep cleaning rids your home of dust, mold and bacteria, which helps your immune system take care of you.
- Just the act of cleaning gets your body moving and burning calories. Both your body and home will benefit.
Make spring-cleaning a priority for your health and home. Happy cleaning!
The Health Benefits of Artichokes
Posted by Jennifer (the student) on March 12, 2012
If you love artichokes like I do then you have probably noticed that they are starting to show up in the markets. Artichokes have a long season, starting in the spring and going all the way though fall.
Artichokes are rich in antioxidants. In fact, they are the highest source of antioxidants among all fresh vegetables. Antioxidants offer so many benefits like improving heart health and decreasing blood cholesterol. Also, boosting regeneration of livers cells and cancer prevention.
Artichokes are high in insoluable fiber helping to regulate the digestive tract, improve digestion, and controlling blood sugar. In addition, they are low in calories, high in potassium, folic acid and vitamin C.
When choosing artichokes look for all over green color with few brown spots. The leaves should be tight and firm and they should feel weighty.
With all the health benefits they offer I hope I have inspired you to pick up a few artichokes. I will be.
♥ ♥
The Health Benefits of Almonds
Posted by Jennifer (the student) on February 17, 2012
Almonds are one of the world’s most popular nuts, with all the health benefits almonds offer; it is easy to understand their long-standing popularity. Just one serving a day, ¼ cup, provides countless health benefits.
Health benefits:
- Reduces risk of heart disease
- Helps to maintain & lower cholesterol levels
- Improves blood flow & promotes normal blood pressure
- Protects against diabetes by lessening surges in blood sugar
- Boosts memory
- Strengthens bones
- Lowers risk of developing gallstones
- Helps with weight loss & maintenance
Nutrients:
- Protein
- Calcium
- Monounsaturated Fat (healthy fat)
- Fiber
- Vitamin E (antioxidant)
- Magnesium
- L-Carnitine
- Potassium
- Copper, Phosphorus, Riboflavin
Almonds are so easy to work into your daily diet. I always keep a large jar of raw, unsalted almonds in my pantry. They are a quick, easy portable snack. In addition, I like to sprinkle slivered almonds on cereal or salads they add a nice crunch. Almond milk is great in coffee and can be used to replace dairy milk in most recipes. No matter how you add almonds to your diet, your health will benefit.
♥ ♥
The Health Benefits of Sunchokes
Posted by Jennifer (the student) on February 4, 2012
One of my new farmer’s market finds is the Sunchoke, also known as Jerusalem artichoke. I have found them at produce markets but not any of my supermarkets.Sunchokes are from the sunflower family and look like a knobby ginger root.
They remind me of a combination of potatoes and jicama in taste and texture and can be eaten raw or cooked. These tubers can be used in any dish you would make with potatoes. Best of all, they are available year round.
Sunchokes are a good potato substitute for diabetics. They assist in blood sugar control and healthy digestion. If you are sensitive to gas-producing foods, try in small amounts at first.
Usually I am in a hurry, so I have just been roasting them. Preheat oven to 350. Then, scrub them thoroughly with a vegetable brush. I leave the skin on and roughly chop them. Then lightly coated them with olive oil and season with sea salt, fresh ground pepper, and herbs de provence. Bake for about one hour. Test with fork for tenderness. Top with lemon zest and enjoy.
♥ ♥
