Sautéing Tip

Instead of sauteing with oil, use an ingredient from the recipe to saute with. For example, if making stir fry, saute the veggies and tofu in soy sauce or chill sauce instead of oil. (If you have some time, you can put the tofu in the oven for a while prior to sauteing, which will make it a bit more dry and crisp for the stir fry)

Food and Our Body

A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye and YES science now shows that carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.

A tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart is red and has four chambers. All of the research shows tomatoes are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows that grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds are on the nut just like the neo-cortex. We now know that walnuts help develop over 3 dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.

Celery, Bok Choy, rhubarb and more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don’t have enough sodium in your diet the body pulls it from the bones, making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Eggplant, avocadoes and pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female—they look just like these organs. Today’s research shows that when a woman eats 1 avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly 9 months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods; modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them.

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the motility of male sperm and increase the numbers of sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the Glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries.

Grapefruits, oranges, and other citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look like body cells. Today’s research shows that onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes.

Bruschetta

By: Mansi Parikh

8 roma tomatoes, diced
4 cloves garlic, chopped/minced
2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil (evoo)
3 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
1/4 teaspoon fresh black pepper (to taste)
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives
1-2 tsp. lemon juice (to taste)
1 bottle Basil Pesto sauce
1 loaf French or Italian bread

Mix the tomatoes, garlic, EVOO, balsamic vinegar, basil, salt, pepper, kalamata olives, lemon juice and toss gently.

Cut up loaf of bread into thin slices (about 1/4" to 1/2" thickness). Optional- you can slight toast or bake these slices for a bit of a crisp. This actually tastes really good, but takes a little more time.

Onto the sliced bread, spread a layer of pesto sauce. Place 1-2 spoonfuls of the mixture on top of the bread. Then on top of the tomato mixture add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese!

Enjoy!!!

Basil

DNA Protection Plus Anti-Bacterial Properties

The unique array of active constituents called flavonoids found in basil provide protection at the cellular level. Orientin and vicenin are two water-soluble flavonoids that have been of particular interest in basil, and in studies on human white blood cells; these components of basil protect cell structures as well as chromosomes from radiation and oxygen-based damage.

In addition, basil has been shown to provide protection against unwanted bacterial growth. These "anti-bacterial" properties of basil are not associated with its unique flavonoids, but instead with its volatile oils, which contain estragole, linalool, cineole, eugenol, sabinene, myrcene, and limonene. Lab studies show the effectiveness of basil in restricting growth of numerous bacteria, including : Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O:157:H7, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Essential oil of basil, obtained from its leaves, has demonstrated the ability to inhibit several species of pathogenic bacteria that have become resistant to commonly used antibiotic drugs. In a study published in the July 2003 issue of the Journal of Microbiology Methods, essential oil of basil was even found to inhibit strains of bacteria from the genera Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas, all of which are not only widespread, but now pose serious treatment difficulties because they have developed a high level of resistance to treatment with antibiotic drugs.(September 8, 2003)

Studies published in the February 2004 issue of Food Microbiology, have shown that washing produce in solution containing either basil or thyme essential oil at the very low concentration of just 1% resulted in dropping the number of Shigella, an infectious bacteria that triggers diarrhea and may cause significant intestinal damage, below the point at which it could be detected. While scientists use this research to try to develop natural food preservatives, it makes good sense to include basil and thyme in more of your recipes, particularly for foods that are not cooked such as salads. Adding fresh thyme and/or basil to your next vinaigrette will not only enhance the flavor of your fresh greens, but will help ensure that the fresh produce you consume is safe to eat. (March 25, 2004)

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

The eugenol component of basil's volatile oils has been the subject of extensive study, since this substance can block the activity of an enzyme in the body called cyclooxygenase (COX). Many non-steriodal over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), including aspirin and ibuprofen, as well as the commonly used medicine acetaminophen, work by inhibiting this same enzyme. (In the case of acetaminophen, this effect is somewhat controversial, and probably occurs to a much lesser degree than is the case with aspirin and ibuprofen). This enzyme-inhibiting effect of the eugenol in basil qualifies basil as an "anti-inflammatory" food that can provide important healing benefits along with symptomatic relief for individuals with inflammatory health problems like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel conditions.

Nutrients Essential for Cardiovascular Health

Want to enrich the taste and cardiovascular health benefits of your pasta sauce? Add a good helping of basil. Basil is a very good source of vitamin A (through its concentration of carotenoids such as beta-carotene). Called "pro-vitamin A," since it can be converted into vitamin A, beta-carotene is a more powerful anti-oxidant than vitamin A and not only protects epithelial cells (the cells that form the lining of numerous body structures including the blood vessels) from free radical damage, but also helps prevent free radicals from oxidizing cholesterol in the blood stream. Only after it has been oxidized does cholesterol build up in blood vessel walls, initiating the development of atherosclerosis, whose end result can be a heart attack or stroke.

Free radical damage is a contributing factor in many other conditions as well, including asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The beta-carotene found in basil may help to lessen the progression of these conditions while protecting cells from further damage.

Basil is also a good source of magnesium, which promotes cardiovascular health by prompting muscles and blood vessels to relax, thus improving blood flow and lessening the risk of irregular heart rhythms or a spasming of the heart muscle or a blood vessel.

In addition to the health benefits and nutrients described above, basil also emerged from our food ranking system as a very good source of iron, and calcium, and a good source of potassium and vitamin C.

From: Whole Foods
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=85

Spicy Tofu and Eggplant with Garlic Sauce

By Mansi Parikh

Part 1
1 pound extra-firm tofu
4 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp. water
1/2 tsp sesame oil

Part 2
2 Chinese eggplants peeled or unpeeled, (Cut into approx 1" strips)
1/3 cup water
1/2 tsp sesame oil
7-8 garlic cloves, minced
1-inch peeled fresh ginger, grated

Part 3
2 tbsp soy sauce or (low sodium)
3/4 cup water
2 tbsp vegetarian hoisin sauce
3 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar
2 1/2 tbsp hot chili sauce
1 tomato, coarsely chopped
sprinkling of sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Part 1: Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes and press them lightly between towels. Combine 4 tbsp. soy sauce with 3 tbsp. water and 1/2 tsp. sesame oil. Dip each slice of tofu into the mixture and leave for a few minutes. (the longer you leave the tofu in the liquid, the more flavor it will absorb.) Heat 1/2 tbsp sesame oil in a non-stick skillet and place the tofu cubes in the skillet and cook until browned. Turn over and brown the other sides, then set aside.

Part 2: Heat 1/2 tbsp sesame oil in a non-stick wok and add the eggplant and 1/3 cup water. Cover and cook, stirring often, until eggplant begins to brown. Then add the garlic and ginger and cook for 2 more minutes.

Part 3: Add 2 tbsp soy sauce or (low sodium), 3/4 cup water, 2 tbsp vegetarian hoisin sauce, 3 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar, 1/2 tbsp dark sesame oil, 2 1/2 tbsp hot chili sauce to the eggplant and simmer uncovered until all the eggplant slices are completely cooked--they will be very soft and start to fall apart.
Then add the tofu cubes and tomato and cook until heated through.

This makes for a great quick, low calorie meal.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with brown rice

Black Bean Chilli

Prep and Cook Time: 30 minutes
Calorie count: 268
Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion chopped
• 1 medium green bell pepper diced about ¼ inch pieces
• 1-1/2 cups + 1 TBS vegetable broth
• 6 medium cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 cans black beans, drained
• 1 can (8oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15oz) diced tomatoes, (do not drain). (Can use 2 large fresh roma tomatoes instead)
  
• 2 TBS ground cumin
• 2 TBS red chili powder
• 2 TBS dried oregano
• 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
• ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro
• salt & black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat 1 TBS broth in a medium size soup pot. Sauté onion and bell pepper in broth over medium heat for about 5 minutes stirring frequently, until translucent. Add garlic, cumin, red chili powder and continue to sauté for another minute.
2. Add 1 ½ cups broth and rest of ingredients, except cilantro and corn. Simmer for another 20 minutes uncovered. Add corn and cook for another 2 minutes. Add chopped cilantro and season with salt & pepper to taste.

   Serves 4

Thank You whole foods!

Cumin Seeds

Iron for Energy and Immune Function

Cumin seeds, whose scientific name is Cuminum cyminum, are a very good source of iron, a mineral that plays many vital roles in the body. Iron is an integral component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells, and is also part of key enzyme systems for energy production and metabolism. Additionally, iron is instrumental in keeping your immune system healthy. Iron is particularly important for menstruating women, who lose iron each month during menses. Additionally, growing children and adolescents have increased needs for iron, as do women who are pregnant or lactating.

Seeds of Good Digestion

Cumin seeds have traditionally been noted to be of benefit to the digestive system, and scientific research is beginning to bear out cumin's age-old reputation. Research has shown that cumin may stimulate the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, compounds necessary for proper digestion and nutrient assimilation.

Cancer Prevention

Cumin seeds may also have anti-carcinogenic properties. In one study, cumin was shown to protect laboratory animals from developing stomach or liver tumors. This cancer-protective effect may be due to cumin's potent free radical scavenging abilities as well as the ability it has shown to enhance the liver's detoxification enzymes. Yet, since free radical scavenging and detoxification are important considerations for the general maintenance of wellness, cumin's contribution to wellness may be even more farther reaching.

Home remedies using Cumin*

1. A fine paste of cumin seeds (cumin seeds ground with water), when applied on boils or aching body parts gives relief from pain.

2. Water boiled with ground Cumin has to be given regularly to lactating mothers. This increases breast milk and reduces inflammation of uterus.

3. Boil ground Cumin in water and allow it to cool down. Add a pinch of cardamom to filtered Cumin water. Gargling with this flavored water helps to keep the mouth fresh, heals mouth ulcers and eliminates foul smell.

4. Roast Cumin without oil till it warm. Grind this to a fine powder along with rock salt. Massage gums with this powder. This helps to prevent bleeding from gums and strengthens them.

5. Boil a tea spoon of Cumin in a glass of water, allow it to cool. Consuming this water frequently relieves indigestion and flatulence.

6. Consuming powdered Cumin with honey reduces colic pain and reduces diarrhea caused due to indigestion.

7. A tea prepared by boiling cumin seeds and a small piece of fresh ginger help to give relief in common cold.

8. Mix a spoon of ground roasted cumin seeds ,½ spoon of fresh ginger juice and a pinch of salt in a glass of butter milk. Frequent consumption of this butter milk helps to relieve piles and sooths inflamed intestine.

9. Patients suffering from irritable bowel syndrome can use pomegranate juice mixed with roasted and ground Cumin powder. This helps to reduce frequency of stools and sooths colon.

Precaution has to be taken while roasting cumin seeds. Cumin seeds have to be roasted in low heat till it becomes warm and should be taken off from stove when it is sufficiently warm to touch. This precaution helps to prevent the escape of volatile compounds of Cumin.

*These remedies are a collection of treatments that may not have been scientifically proven. Please these remedies with a sense of caution. We do not by any means endorse these remedies as cures and as a substitute for medications prescribed by your physician. Please consult a Naturopathic, Homeopathic, Ayurvedic, or a holistic physician before trying any of the above stated remedies.