There are frequent stories reported about antibiotic resistant germs, and it seems that they are increasing every year. I believe that much of the reason for the development of these resistant strains is the overuse of pharmaceutical antibiotics.
Garlic is a natural antibiotic, and it affects many of the antibiotic resistant germs, including fungi, yeast and bacteria. Garlic both directly affects the microorganisms, and seems to enhance natural killer cells in the body, which are an important of the immune system, and help the body to fight certain bacteria, viruses and even cancer. (I don't mean to imply that garlic is a substitute for pharmaceutical antibiotics; if your doctor recommends antibiotics, please take them.)
Garlic has a reputation for improving blood cholesterol levels, and was approved by the German Commission E (an official series of herbal monographs, or reports, published by the German Federal Health Agency) as a treatment for arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and elevated cholesterol levels.
These are all excellent reasons to add garlic to your daily diet. I use garlic regularly in cooking, as I enjoy the added flavor. Garlic has been used all around the globe in nearly every type of cooking, and as part of nearly every herbal tradition. There are many recipes available for adding garlic to your diet, in almost any type of cuisine. (See my previous post, What If I Don't Like Broccoli? for some online recipe sources.)
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
What If I Don't Like Broccoli?
Over the last few years, there have been many articles written in various media touting broccoli as a cancer preventative. Generally, the articles mention cabbage family or cruciferous vegetables as having similar properties. And since cancer is one of the leading causes of death, eating foods that reduce the likelihood of getting cancer is a good thing.
But, a lot of people find the cabbage family to be repulsive; they don't like the flavor, or even the smell as the vegetables cook. Cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, or broccoli all seem too strongly flavored.
The cruciferous family has several milder vegetables, especially watercress and mustard greens. (Chinese cabbage and collard greens are also in the cruciferous family.)
All the members of the cruciferous family contain various phytochemicals (a big word that means plant chemicals) which seem to offer some cancer preventative benefits, and they are all rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
If you have been thinking you should be eating more vegetables from the cabbage family, but you, or your family, object to the taste or smell, try one of these milder tasting alternatives.
(You may find recipes to cook these vegetables at many online sites, my favorites are epicurious.com, and foodtv.com.)
But, a lot of people find the cabbage family to be repulsive; they don't like the flavor, or even the smell as the vegetables cook. Cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, or broccoli all seem too strongly flavored.
The cruciferous family has several milder vegetables, especially watercress and mustard greens. (Chinese cabbage and collard greens are also in the cruciferous family.)
All the members of the cruciferous family contain various phytochemicals (a big word that means plant chemicals) which seem to offer some cancer preventative benefits, and they are all rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.
If you have been thinking you should be eating more vegetables from the cabbage family, but you, or your family, object to the taste or smell, try one of these milder tasting alternatives.
(You may find recipes to cook these vegetables at many online sites, my favorites are epicurious.com, and foodtv.com.)
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Home Remedy That May Prevent Kidney Stones
If you have ever had kidney stones, you know it is quite an ordeal. But there is a natural home remedy you can take that prevents kidney stones from growing.
According to a study done at the University of Wisconsin SChool of Medicine and Public Health, the citrate in lemonade binds with crystals in the urine and prevents stones from growing.
You can get the benefit of the citrate without the added sugar by drinking lemon water. Simply squeeze the lemon into the water you drink every day. In addition to helping to prevent kidney stones, the lemon water is very refreshing when the weather is hot.
As with anything, a little is good; several glasses a day will help. Don't overdo it, though. Lemons are very tart and acidic, but they are also very high in sugar.
According to a study done at the University of Wisconsin SChool of Medicine and Public Health, the citrate in lemonade binds with crystals in the urine and prevents stones from growing.
You can get the benefit of the citrate without the added sugar by drinking lemon water. Simply squeeze the lemon into the water you drink every day. In addition to helping to prevent kidney stones, the lemon water is very refreshing when the weather is hot.
As with anything, a little is good; several glasses a day will help. Don't overdo it, though. Lemons are very tart and acidic, but they are also very high in sugar.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
A Natural Remedy for the Blaahs
With the northeast section of the US stuck in a pattern of clouds and rain, people have been asking me if there are any natural remedies that will lift their spirits.
My suggestion is peppermint, or any member of the mint family.
If you have peppermint essential oil, take a few drops and place them on a tissue, or towel, and just take a few deep breaths. The aroma will lift spirits, and also increases mental alertness.
If you don't have the essential oil, a few leaves of fresh mint will do the job. (You can use any member of the mint family, Peppermint, Spearmint, or Basil all work well.) Sijmply take a few leaves and roll them back and forth in your hands a few times, until the leaves are bruised and you can smell the mint. A few deep breaths, and you are on your way to feeling better.
This will not work if you are deeply depressed. In that case, please consult with a medical professional, who can recommend the best way for you to recover.
My suggestion is peppermint, or any member of the mint family.
If you have peppermint essential oil, take a few drops and place them on a tissue, or towel, and just take a few deep breaths. The aroma will lift spirits, and also increases mental alertness.
If you don't have the essential oil, a few leaves of fresh mint will do the job. (You can use any member of the mint family, Peppermint, Spearmint, or Basil all work well.) Sijmply take a few leaves and roll them back and forth in your hands a few times, until the leaves are bruised and you can smell the mint. A few deep breaths, and you are on your way to feeling better.
This will not work if you are deeply depressed. In that case, please consult with a medical professional, who can recommend the best way for you to recover.
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