his is a wonderful version of the traditional gazpacho made by cooking white beans with garlic, onions, and sweet paprika, and then pureeing the mixture. The resultant creamy, salmon-colored bisque sets the stage for chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and green pepper.A splash of vinegar is added at the end, giving the soup a refreshing lift, much appreciated on a hot summer’s day
Celery contains active compounds called phthalides, which can help relax the muscles around arteries and allow those vessels to dilate. With more space inside the arteries, the blood can flow at a lower pressure. phthalides also reduce stress hormones, one of whose effects is to cause blood vessels to constrict. When researchers injected 3-n-butyl phthalide derived from celery into laboratory animals, the animals' blood pressure dropped 12 to 14 percent. Of course, injection of a celery extract into laboratory animals is very far from food consumption by humans, and the researchers participating in this as yet unpublished study cautioned against overindulging in celery until clinical trials could be conducted with food and humans. But the potential helpfulness of this already nourishing food in lowering blood pressure seems likely, and it doesn't hurt that celery ranks as a very good source of potassium and a good source of calcium and magnesium, because increased intake of these minerals has also been associated with reduced blood pressure.
Almonds contain several phytochemicals including beta-sisterol stigmasterol and campesterol which is thought to contribute to a healthy heart. A handful of almonds a day helps reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL, or ‘bad’ blood cholesterol by as much as ten percent.
Along with the news of non-existent Alzheimers in India, the report came that a substance called Curcumin (an extract of turmeric which is a major ingredient in curry powder) is being credited with extremely beneficial effects on health problems of all kinds: hiv, cancer, diabetes, healing of muscle injuries, and myriad other maladies. The research on Curcumin is quite full and convincing
As an antibacterial agent and stimulant, paprika can help normalize blood pressure, improve circulation, and increase the production of saliva and stomach acids to aid digestion.
As an antibacterial agent and stimulant, paprika can help normalize blood pressure, improve circulation, and increase the production of saliva and stomach acids to aid digestion. High heat leaches the vitamins from peppers, thus commercially-dried peppers are not as nutritious as those dried naturally in the sun.
The composition of green peas imparts them with preventive properties.
Folic acid, along with B6, lowers homocysteine levels in the blood. This is a substance that encourages “bad cholesterol” to oxidize and block arteries, leading to heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, green peas reduce the risk of heart problems. Homocysteine also weakens bones and causes osteoporosis, so green peas are good for the bones.
Vitamin K in peas also contributes to bone health. It raises osteocalcin ( a non-collagen protein in the bone) levels, and thus strengthens the bones. Moreover, it maintains the clotting of blood.
Sesame oil protects against:
Dry nasal membranes, Bleeding gums, Winter colds , Influenza
The health benefits of raisins include relief from constipation, acidosis, anemia, fever, and sexual weakness. Raisins also help in weight gain, eye care, dental care, and bone health.
Celery is known to contain at least eight families of anti-cancer compounds. Among them are the acetylenics that have been shown to stop the growth of tumor cells. Phenolic acids which block the action of prostaglandins that encourage the growth of tumor cells. And coumarins which help prevent free radicals from damaging cells.
Condiments, like relish, pickles and sauce, are generally low in carbs (and calories) because we use them in small quantities. Higher carb condiments include those with added sugar, like sweet pickle, and tomato ketchup (catsup) which contains corn syrup.
Green pea’s fiber, mostly insoluble, aids intestinal motility and may help lower cholesterol. Of the myriad nutrients peas provide, iron is particularly important since it's hard to find non-animal foods with much of this blood-building nutrient.
Tomatoes contain many B vitamins, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They’re also high in carotenoids, plant pigments that, because of their antioxidant qualities, can be very helpful in preventing cancer and other conditions caused by free radicals.
People who are meat eaters, but are looking for ways to reduce the amount of fat in their meals, can try eating more chicken. The leanest part of the chicken is the chicken breast, which has less than half the fat of a trimmed Choice grade T-bone steak. The fat in chicken is also less saturated than beef fat. However, eating the chicken with the skin doubles the amount of fat and saturated fat in the food. For this reason, chicken is best skinned before cooking.
Many of the health benefits of carrots and other vegetables in the diet are related to the possibility of a reduced risk of cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends a diet rich in a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains to obtain the most benefits.
As with a wide variety of other fruits, pineapple prevents constipation. It is also may relieve constipation once you already have it. The main reason is because pineapple does contain fiber, which helps with regulation. Many people believe that the best way to get the fiber needed to prevent constipation is to drink pineapple juice. In reality, the best way to get the natural fiber is through eating the fruit, as many pineapple juices tend to consist mainly of sweeteners and other additives.
Prunes helps to slow aging process of the brain and body.
Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which is known for being anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-fungal. Coconut oil is also being used by thyroid sufferers to increase body metabolism, and to lose weight. Virgin coconut oil is also used for making natural soaps and other health products, as it is one of the healthiest things one can put on their skin.
The Ayurveda has regarded lemon as a valuable fruit and admired its properties. Lemon is sour, warm, promoter of gastric fire, light, good for vision, pungent and astringent. It checks the excessive flow of bile and cleanses the mouth. It dislodges phlegm (cough) and expels wind from the digestive tract. It helps in digestion and removes constipation. It prevents vomiting, throat trouble, acidity and rheumatism. It destroys intestinal worms.