Hemp A great protein

 July 20th, 2012 

 

So when I say hemp most people think Marijuana!   No hemp does not contain THC.   To grow marijuana you have to have special seed that grows a plant high in THC, the property responsible for the drug response. Commercial hemp seed contains very low amounts, plus they contain a substance that counteracts THC.

Hemp protein is a protein found in the seed of the cannabis sativa plant. Despite its origin, hempseed does not contain psychoactive compounds and is an excellent source of protein, essential fatty acids and various nutrients. Hemp has many benefits over other protein sources. Many vegans prefer it over soy. While soy has a higher overall protein content, hemp protein is easier to digest .

Protein from hempseed contains all eight essential amino acids. Hemp protein is a source of iron, calcium, B vitamins, magnesium, vitamin E, phosphorus, zinc, manganese and copper. In addition, hemp protein is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health and most American diets are  lacking in fiber.
What are the benefits of Hemp?  It is a building block for hormones and helps prevent inflammation. Hemp is therefore believed to relieve a range of health conditions, including addiction, arthritis, attention deficit disorder, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, constipation, diabetes, diarrhea, earache, edema, fatigue, immune deficiency, menopause, obesity, osteoporosis, premenstrual syndrome, tuberculosis, atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. It also relieves skin conditions such as eczema, neurodermititis and psoriasis.  Wow That is a lot!

So how should you eat it?

I add it to my smoothies, yogurt,  and I also like it my cereal.  I use the protein shake above and add coconut milk to it with fruit and I like it.  I have found that I can also hide it in other foods and my kids don’t even notice it.  I like the slight nutty flavor to it.  I have not tried hemp oil yet but once I do I’ll tell you.

This looks like a great cereal that Nature’s path is coming out with.  Qi’a (pronounced KEE-ah) is our NEW Superfood Cereal made with Chia, Hemp and Buckwheat. This power trio of seeds is full of plant-based Protein, Fiber and ALA Omegas. Boost your nutrition with only 2 Tbsp. of cereal and feel the energy from these powerful, functional, and nutritious super seeds. Enjoy a blend of cinnamon raisins and green apples for delicious flavor and added nutrients.  It combines the great protein from the Hemp with the great energy from the Chia.  It also has Cinnamon to stabilize sugar levels. It sounds like a super way to start a day.

So tell me what you think.  Have you tried Hemp?

Why you should eat Brazil Nuts

 July 19th, 2012 

Brazil nuts contain all the essential amino acids, making them a complete protein. One ounce of Brazil nuts provides 774 percent of the daily recommended value of selenium. Selenium is a trace mineral essential to immune and thyroid function. While selenium deficiency  may cause anxiety disorders, asthma, depression, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and seizures.

A 1-oz. serving of Brazil nuts contain 27 percent the RDA for magnesium which helps with the functioning of muscles, the production of protein and absorption of energy from food. They also offer 25 percent of the RDA for copper which can help the body use iron, maintain bone and connective tissue health, promote thyroid function, support the production of melanin and protect and repair tissues. With 20 percent of the RDA for phosphorous, Brazil nuts also support bone and teeth health. Brazil nuts also provide manganese, zinc, vitamin E, potassium and riboflavin.

The Bad News

They might interfere with the absorption of some nutrients. While their monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats may be beneficial in lowering cholesterol when ingested in small quantities, Brazil nuts have a  high level of saturated fat (25%)  that could possibly raise cholesterol levels if the nuts are consumed in large quantities.  So only eat two a day. The high fat content  also means they go rancid easily. Store them in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain their freshness.

Overdosing on selenium can cause a toxic condition known as selenosis, leaving you with a host of nasty symptoms like hair loss, brittle hair,  nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, sloughing of the fingernails, fatigue, irritability, and nerve damage. Less common are cirrhosis of the liver and kidney failure. Brazil nuts also can stimulate skin rashes, affect the nervous system, make you feel fatigued and disrupt digestion causing diarrhea.

These nuts may have great health benefits but only in small quantities.  This is a great example is a little is good and more is NOT better.   So eat them sparingly but enjoy them.

Source

Live Strong

Real Food Nutrition Summit

Hernia

 July 17th, 2012 

A hernia is a condition in which tissue protrudes through an opening in the muscles. It commonly occurs in the groin and navel areas and may happen at a previous surgical incision site. Surgical treatment repairs the hernia using mesh or by closing the opening in the muscle. Consult your doctor for specific diet recommendations after surgery.  The type of surgery also depends on how quickly the recovery will be.  Some hernia operations can be done  laproscopic and recovery is faster.  If the surgery is going through the abdominal cavity recovery will take longer. The location of the hernia also determines what you will be able to eat.

Immediately following surgery, you may feel nauseous or not have much of an appetite. As a result, your doctor will typically have you follow a clear liquid diet. You will be able to drink small amounts of clear liquid, including tea, broth, or gelatin. If you do not feel nauseous, you can progress quickly to a full liquid diet.  Juicing is a great option.  Juicing will give you the vitamins needed without causing stress on your system.  Important anti oxidants will help you start healing.

As your stomach feels better, appetite increases, and nausea subsides after surgery, you can slowly add solid foods to your diet. The timing of this transition varies. There are no dietary restrictions, and you can eat regular foods as tolerated.

Incorporate high-fiber foods into your diet to keep food moving through your intestine. Fiber helps your digestive tract’s functioning. Raspberries, pears, whole-wheat pasta, cooked barley, beans, broccoli and artichoke are good sources of fiber.  A great way to get fiber in the diet is drinking home made  smoothies.  Protein  is also important  for healing.

High Fiber Berry Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 cup kale
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup almond milk or use cold green tea
• 1/4  of an avocado
• 2 teaspoons hemp
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 ice cubes

Combine all ingredients in blender and whip until smooth. If berries are not fully ripe, add a little honey or Stevia  for sweetness. serves 2

This will add anti oxidants, protein , fiber and the cinnamon with help stabilize your glucose levels.

Drinking eight to 10 glasses of fluids each day  also helps you stay hydrated and prevents constipation by keeping the stool moving through your intestine.

Resource

Live Strong