Dental Care for Raw Food Eaters

These days it's almost impossible to find a person with perfect, cavity-free teeth.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, in America, anywhere from 75% to 95% of all people are prone to periodontal diseases.

Unfortunately, in the raw food movement, there's a higher incidence of dental decay. This is typically due to high fruit consumption and incorrect dental care. And there are still, unfortunately, some people who believe that if they just eat clean diet, they do not really have to take care of their teeth, that the food will do it for them (a "rumor" started by natural hygienists a while ago). And it's a pricey mistake to make.

Taking care of our teeth is crucial. If we learn how to take care of our teeth, not only can we prevent problems, we can also heal damage that is already done. There can be healing.

First, let's look at the cause of dental decay.

 According to Tom Cornwell of www.oramedia.com, dental decay is caused by an infection, whether it's decay in the enamel due to strep mutants or decay underneath the gum line caused by other pathogens like T. forsythia, T. denticola or P. gingivitis. These are different bugs. An average person has about 500 to 600 pathogens in their mouth. Of that, about 10% of them are actually dangerous.

The bacteria get into an area, colonize and create a biofilm. This is a housing project. This housing project is well fortified. If you're not mechanically removing that biofilm with a brush, floss or some good irrigation, then the pathogens are allowed to grow and duplicate at great speed.

We have to understand what causes decay. Once the bacteria find the food to feed on (and it finds plenty with fresh and dried fruit, nuts and seeds), they excrete lactic acid and that's what does the damage, that and the body's immune defense response to that acid byproduct. Once that happens you've got a mess on your hands.

Now, I am not saying you should stop eating fruit altogether, not at all - eating a variety of fruit daily is very important. However, you have to have a good, daily dental care routine to make sure that your food does not destroy your mouth. So let's get back to the basics and review what is required (and yes, I know we all know them, but do we do them?).

Brush. No matter what, always brush first thing in the morning upon awakening and right before going to bed. You should also brush after each meal, especially after eating sweet fruit, nuts, and dried fruit (if you work at the office, don't be caught without your toothbrush - keep one at your desk and one in your purse/car; I used to do it when I was in the corporate world).

We have five surfaces to each tooth-inside, outside, two sides that are between the teeth and then the crown. If a person has 30 teeth, that's 150 surfaces he has to be responsible for every day, several times a day. With proper brushing, you want to clean all surfaces possible. This means that to thoroughly clean your teeth it will take you at least 2-3 minutes of brushing.

If it's absolutely impossible for you to brush after a meal, take some water and swish it around in your mouth. You will loosen up debris from the teeth. Then brush at first opportunity.

Avoid commercial toothpastes - they are loaded with dangerous chemicals, including fluoride. Although some studies showed that fluoride can help fight cavities, don't forget that fluoride is a toxic chemical, so while helping you with cavities, it can cause irreversible damage to your body's other organs (you can read more about it at here). Natural toothpastes are really not that much better. For best results, use Tooth Powder or Tooth Soap.

 
 Floss and use oral irrigators. This must be done at least once a day. Floss allows you to reach places your toothbrush wouldn't. It removes food particles trapped between teeth that bacteria are feeding on. For best results, use dental tape - it's wider than floss and has better cleansing action.





Oral irrigators help you remove debris and bacteria lodged deep between teeth and below the gum-line that is hard to reach with a toothbrush or floss and they are a significant oral health benefit for people who wear braces, have diabetes, and periodontal pockets. Once you clean bacteria and debris out, the pockets will heal. There are various brands and models, my favorite are WaterPik and QuickBreeze.

















Don't ignore your tongue. A lot of people don't realize that you can have bacteria and other pathogens on your tongue. You have to brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper. Brush the insides of the cheeks and the roof of the mouth. If you brush your teeth and they come right in contact with a filthy tongue or cheeks, you kind of defeated the purpose.

Eat a healthy diet. Our body is an amazing, self-cleansing, self-healing machine. Your body WANTS to be healthy. When you create a healthy environment, the body will heal itself. The body re-grows new healthy gums, calcium and phosphorus are deposited in areas of soft enamel and dentin, thus healing cavities. Cavities can be made to heal, new bone will grow around the necks of loose teeth, and brand new gum tissue will grow to replace diseased and receeded gums.

However, you have to help your body in this process. Follow a good, well-balanced diet, high in greens and rich in trace minerals. You may also choose to take additional vitamin C and vitamin E, some A and D. For the people with stress problems, vitamin B complex, C and E are recommended. If you can, get hair and blood analysis. If you are low in zinc, iron, copper, potassium, magnesium and manganese, make sure you eat foods rich in these minerals.

Dr. Nara, the author of "Money by the Mouthful", explained, "A person has to have sufficient calcium in his system so that the saliva contains a fair amount of calcium. A person who is on an extremely low-calcium diet would not get any remineralization, and the saliva would not be such as to prevent decay." So eat those greens!

Get Your Stress Under Control. According to WebMD Health News, researchers found 57% of recent studies reviewed showed a positive relationship between gum disease and stress and related psychological symptoms like distress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

Although it's difficult to pinpoint the negative effects of stress on your gums, researchers say the studies suggest that elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol may be involved.

In addition, stress may make people more lax about their oral health habits. "Individuals with high stress levels tend to increase their bad habits, which can be harmful to periodontal health. They are less attentive to their oral hygiene and may increase their use of nicotine, alcohol, or drugs," says Preston D. Miller Jr., DDS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology, in a news release.

Researchers reviewed 14 studies published between 1990 and 2006 on the relationship between stress and gum disease in adults. The results, published in the Journal of Periodontology, indicated that most showed a positive relationship between stress and psychological factors and gum disease.

These steps are very simple and easy to follow. All you really have to do is commit fully to your own well-being, to your body, and your health.


This article is courtesy of Alina Vladimirova, Raw Food and Lifestyle Coach. She publishes "Radiant on Raw" - a free bi-weekly eZine for anyone who is ready to look great, feel amazing, and rediscover passion for living. Interested? Then sign up at www.RadiantonRaw.com.

For more information about the raw food diet and teeth click the image below.

May our quest for optimal health be successful.

Female Hormones In The Different Stages of Life

Many persons(men mostly) look at women as beings that are at the mercy of our hormonal cycles. No doubt, our hormones influence our lives greatly but for us to become slaves to them - I don't think so. I think that increasing our comprehension of the effects that our hormones have on our emotions, mind and body as women will make us more capable of lessening the negative and enhance the positive aspects. Let's take a look at the role hormones play in the different stages of our lives.

Infancy

The mass thought process is that hormones begin to kick in at puberty but during our early years they affect our bodies as well. Slightly enlarged breasts, with a few instances of a small bit of milk production can be seen in babies just born for example. This happens many times because of the female hormone, estrogen, that passes through the placenta during the time of the mother's pregnancy thus causing development of the breast in the newborn. A few weeks later it is no longer seen but in females there might be a reappearance in the first two years. This time the reappearance is because of the little girl's hormones affecting breast tissue. This may recur from time to time for a period of months or even years and then disappear during childhood.

Puberty

At this stage of development, hormones will commence to cause huge and lasting changes to a girl's body. Her breasts will become more pronounced and start to look like the breasts of an adult female. Underarm and pubic hair may be seen there will be a definite increase in height as the child experiences growth spurts. With few exceptions her periods will begin at a time when the growth spurt is starting to slow down. Puberty normally lasts for at least four years. Some girls may find that they have a hard time with the changes occurring in their body, emerging sexuality, the start of fertility and a the ups and downs of their emotions as they make the journey from being a child to becoming an adolescent.

Everything that is needed for the process of transitioning through puberty is there at birth, but doesn't manifest for many years. Inevitably, the hormones that before have not been active start to influence the young girl's body. There is a section of the brain known as the hypothalamus which begins to let go pulses of hormone, approximately every hour and a half. This releasing of hormones induces the pituitary gland (which is also located in the brain) to manufacture hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which then causes a female's ovaries to commence making other hormones.

Female sex hormones

The hormones of great significance produced by the ovaries are understood to be female sex hormones (sex steroids) and the two principal ones are estrogen and progesterone. The ovaries also manufacture some of the male hormone, testosterone. During the period of puberty, estrogen causes the breasts to develop and what happens is that the vagina, uterus (womb) and Fallopian tubes (that transport eggs to the womb) to complete its natural growth and development. In addition, estrogen has a part to play in the growth spurt and changes the apportioning of fat on a girl's body. This commonly causes more to be placed in the areas of the thighs, hips and buttocks. The hormone testosterone assists in the growth of muscles and bones.

From puberty forward, LH, FSH, estrogen and progesterone all play a crucial role in regularizing a female's cycle of menstruation, which then consequently causes her periods. Every single hormone has its own way of operating, mounting and falling at different points in the cycle but in unison they result in a predictable chain of events. A single egg (out of hundreds of thousands in each ovary) gains maturity (becomes 'ripe')and is then released from the ovary to commence its trip down the Fallopian tube and into the womb. If that egg isn't fertilized, the levels of estrogen and progesterone manufactured by the ovary starts to decrease. If the supporting action of these hormones are not present, the lining of the womb, which is engorged with blood, is shed, resulting in a period.

Pregnancy

In the event that the egg released from the ovary is fertilized and the female becomes pregnant, the hormones transforms strikingly. The expected and normal decrease in estrogen and progesterone at the conclusion of the menstrual cycle does not take place and there is no period. A fresh and different hormone, HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin), manufactured by the growing placenta, causes the ovaries to make the greater amounts of estrogen and progesterone that are necessary to sustain a pregnancy. The pregnancy testing kits that are sold are made in such a way that they can detect HCG in the urine of the woman's, and a lot of them can detect even minuscule quantities in as little as 24 hours or so subsequent to the first period that she missed.

When the pregnancy gets to the fourth month, the placenta becomes the main producer of estrogen and progesterone instead of the ovaries. The changes caused by these hormones are

1. The lining of the womb gets thicker
2. The amount of blood circulating (more specifically the blood that goes to the womb and breasts) increases
3. The muscles of the womb relax adequately to accommodate the baby that is growing. 

At just about the time that the baby is ready to be born, there are other hormones that begin to activate to help the womb to contract in the process of and after labor is finished, as well as to cause the breast milk to be produced and released.

After childbirth

After the child is born the amounts of estrogen, progesterone and other hormones decreases rapidly, causing a some changes to take place physically. The womb of the mother decreases in size and reverts to its size before pregnancy, the muscle tone of the pelvic floor improves and the quantity of blood circulating in the body gets back to normal. The profound alterations in the hormone levels is known to contribute in the occurrence of cases of postnatal depression, although research has shown no significant differences in the hormone changes of females who experience, and do not experience postnatal depression. A possibility may be that hormonal variations affect some women more easily than other women.

While we're on the topic of hormonal fluctuations, despite the fact that they have been the subject of study for a number of years, it is still not known if they are to blame for the range of physical and psychological symptoms now called premenstrual syndrome or PMS. Most persons accept the fact that quite a number of women have felt tenderness in their breasts, bloating in their stomachs, feelings of irritability, low moods and other things as the time of menstruation approaches but as to whether these experiences are because of hormone fluctuations, changes in brain chemicals, social and emotional problems or a mix of all three is still being debated.

Menopause

The next momentous hormonal change for most women happens at about the time that they experience their last period. This is called menopause. Between 3 to 5 years approaching the last period, there is a gradual decline in the usual workings of her ovaries. As a result of this deterioration her cycle of menstruation becomes quite unpredictable or it gets shorter or it may get longer. Periods may end up being heavier or lighter in flow. Ultimately, such a small amount of estrogen is produced by the ovaries that the lining of the womb does not get thicker and thus periods stop completely.

For a greater part our lives as women, estrogen aids us in the protection of our heart and our bones, as well as preserving our bladder, vagina, breasts and womb in an optimally healthy condition. The noticeable reduction of estrogen in a woman's body that takes place at the time of menopause and after, can result in damaging effects on our health; as well as bringing about irritating and distressing symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats. The deficiency of estrogen can increase the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis as well. Other problems may be vaginal dryness, discomfort while having sex, repeated occurrences of urine infections and inability to restrain natural discharges or evacuations of urine or feces. It may also cause depression, irritability and poor concentration, which is experienced by some women who go through menopause. There is good news, the menopause doesn't have to be a time of great distress - if lessened levels of hormones create disagreeable symptoms, treatments such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are said to be effective. One such company is seattle hcg diet clinic.   Herbs can also be employed as a means of prevention and cessation of women's health problems.

As we conclude this lengthy discourse we see that from the time we are born to the time we die, hormones have a very weighty role in the life of every woman. Hormones shape our physical structure in addition to some very significant experiences we go through such as menopause, pregnancy and childbirth. Many women curse their hormones, but rejoice in the fact that without our hormones our lives would be boring, dull, lifeless and uneventful.

Photos found at .pointlomahigh.com,5z5.com,blogs.denverpost.com,scholastic.com,thecutestblogontheblock.com

Carambola/Starfruit

Carambola is a star-shaped fruit hence its other known name - star fruit.  It is green when not ripe and turns yellow when ripe.  It is at its sweetest when very yellow. I personally like it when the edges just start to turn a little bit light brown.  The entire fruit can be eaten including the skin.  They are eaten raw, used to make juice or cooked. I discovered this recipe for Carambola chips. Jams and jellies are also made using carambola. 

wikipedia.org

Nutrients and health benefits of Carambola/starfruit


Carambola is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, and low in sugar, sodium and acid. It is also is a potent source of both primary and secondary polyphenolic antioxidants. About one cup (132grams) of Raw Carambola contains Vitamin A(2% RDA), Vitamin B1(Thiamin-1%), Vitamin B2(Riboflavin-1%), Vitamin B3(Niacin-2 %), Vitamin B5(Pantothenic Acid-5%), Vitamin B6(1%), Vitamin B9(Folate-4%), Vitamin C (76%), Vitamin E(1%), Protein(3%), Iron(1%), Magnesium(3%), Manganese(2%), Selenium(1%), Copper(9%), Zinc(1%), Sodium(0%), Potassium(5%), Phosphorus(2%), Calcium(0%), Water(121g).

Carambola improves wound healing, prevents cells from damages, improves gums health, improves teeth health, improves Immune System, protects from free radicals, reduces aging, lowers risks of some cancers, improves iron absorption, improves lung health, prevents one from having frequent colds, protects from frequent infections, reduces constipation, may reduce or prevent hemorrhoids, helps improve blood sugar levels, helps improve cholesterol levels, supports weight loss.

Warnings
Carambola contains oxalic acid which can be harmful to individuals suffering from kidney failure or under kidney dialysis treatment. Consumption by those with kidney failure can produce hiccups, vomiting, nausea, and mental confusion.

Medicinal Uses
In India, the ripe fruit is used to stop hemorrhages and to relieve bleeding hemorrhoids; the dried fruit or the juice may be taken to counteract fevers. It is said to help with diarrhea and "hangovers" from excessive drinking. A salve made of the fruit is utilized to relieve eye afflictions.

In Brazil, the carambola is recommended as a diuretic in kidney and bladder complaints, and is believed to have a beneficial effect in the treatment of eczema.

In Chinese Materia Medica it is stated, "Its action is to quench thirst, to increase the salivary secretion, and hence to allay fever."

A decoction of combined fruit and leaves is drunk to overcome vomiting. Leaves are bound on the temples to soothe headache. Crushed leaves and shoots are poulticed on the eruptions of chicken-pox, also on ringworm.

A decoction of the crushed seeds acts as a galactagogue and ernmenagogue and is mildly intoxicating. The powdered seeds serve as a sedative in cases of asthma and colic.

Other uses
The acid types of carambola have been used to clean and polish metal, especially brass, as they dissolve tarnish and rust. Interestingly enough while researching carambola I found out that the juice will also bleach rust stains from white cloth. 


wikipedia.org,hort.purdue.edu,seekthat.net,nutritiondata.com

Christophene

Christophene(also spelled christophine) is in abundance now in my kitchen so I decided to research the nutrients and benefits of this God created food and share with you. Christophene is a vegetable from the squash family. It is shaped like a pear and has a seed in the middle. The skin can be green or an off white, light yellowish color. The skin also can be smooth or prickly. It is known by many names depending on the region. Among its many names are chayote, mirliton, brione, chow chow, sayote and chouchoute.

 

Nutrients and health benefits

Christophene is rich in amino acids and vitamin C. For centuries people on our island(Dominica) have used it to lower high blood pressure. The leaves and fruit have diuretic, cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory properties, and a tea made from the leaves has been used in the treatment of arteriosclerosis and hypertension, and to dissolve kidney stones. Also found in the fruit in small amounts are calcium, sodium, thiamine, vitamin A, riboflavin and ascorbic acid.  Very low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Very high in dietary fiber, vitamin K, folate, zinc, copper and manganese. High in niacin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, magnesium and potassium. Infusions of the fruit are used to alleviate urine retention.

Culinary Uses

The taste of the christophene is mild and any seasoning of your choice can be added to it. It cooks very quickly so it's great for healthy eating in a hurry.

It can be prepared steamed or eaten raw. The raw part surprised me. In conversation with one of the ladies at church she said that she grates it and eats it just like she would do with a cucumber. I had never heard that before.  My only experience with christophene while I was growing up was using it in what we call a 'braff' (a sort of soup made with fish and or smoked meat, ground provisions(tania, dasheen, potato, green bananas). Since I've been married I've used it in various ways.  I've added it to my fish gravy, steamed it, lightly sauteed it with onions, garlic and a little sea salt.  I've used it in vegetable soups.  I've done a pumpkin and christophene medley as well.  Let's just say that I've broadened my scope from just 'braff'.  Seeing that my desire is to eat as much raw foods as possible, it was a wonderful discovery both from the sister at churh and my research to learn that it can be eaten raw.

Christophene is used in gravies as well with both fish and meat. It can be used in soups, stews, casseroles, salads. It is a very versatile vegetable. It can be stuffed, grilled, used in stir fries or roasted as well.

Storing

I’ve found that christophene lasts a very long time in the fridge. Christophene can last in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for almost a month. When left outside of the refrigerator I’ve found that it doesn’t last as long. If you peel and cut it and then refrigerate it doesn’t last long either. So the key is to keep it in its skin in a plastic bag in the fridge for it to last longer.

In researching I found out that the seed is edible. I’ve always removed it but since reading that I’m going to try using the seed as well. Definitely don’t want to miss out on a potential health benefit that may be present in the seed. Another new discovery is that the leaves and root can also be consumed. Interesting!

To read more on Christophene read Medicinal plant called sayote.

Answers.com, Wikipedia.com, blog.agriculture.ph, nature100percent.com

Homemade Toothpaste

In my steps toward a healthier, less toxic lifestyle, I've begun to eliminate as much chemicals from our home as possible. One of my most recent experiments is with toothpaste.

photo from youguru.net

I found it to be a worthwhile endeavour that will definitely cost less than the toothpaste we normally use. Coconut oil is one of the ingredients in the recipe. Since we have coconuts in abundance from my inlaws garden, hubby has been making coconut oil the non-heated way(details to come in another post) so that was not an expense for us. Another of the ingredients laid out in Homestead Momma's post: Homemade Toothpaste was oil of peppermint. I did not have the recommended oil of peppermint but did it anyway. The taste was okay. One of the things I searched for while in Guadeloupe is the oil of peppermint and I'm happy to report that I did get it. Now my homemade toothpaste will include it and give the familiar minty taste that we are used to.

Check out the recipe and give it a try. Anything that eliminates chemicals from our homes is a good thing. Of course if you can get natural toothpaste at a reasonable price then by all means do that. Being healthier also means being responsible with our budgets.

15 Can't-Go-Wrong Tips For Eating Raw

15 Can't-Go-Wrong Tips For Eating Raw. Enjoy!

1) Rinse your body through with at least one large glass of water first thing in the morning. Drink it warm and/or with lemon juice if this makes it easier for you!

2) Drink at least 6 pints of liquid per day, either through pure water, smoothies or fresh juices.

3) Drink away from your meal time - no closer then 30 minutes before eating, and no sooner than 3 hours after eating.

4) Only eat when hungry - yes, even breakfast.

5) Aim for one vegetable juice or superfood smoothie per day, minimum.

6) Fruit, when eaten, should be eaten before a main meal, never after.

7) Eat something green and organic at every main meal.

8) Eat at least one large leafy green salad per day OR drink one large green juice OR make one green smoothie.

9) Eat sprouted foods every day.

10) If you're eating more-raw eat a large fresh organic salad with each cooked meal.

11) If you're eating all-raw, eat at least one high density food in adequate amounts with your large fresh organic salad per meal (examples: flax crackers, sprouted wheat bread, nuts, seeds, olives, avocado, pâté, sprouted beans)

12) Avoid desserts wherever possible - eat them as a snack 3 or more hours after dinner. Desserts clog you up!

13) Try to go for savoury snacks over sweet ones. The sweeter ones, such as dried fruits and snack bars, are more likely to knock you off balance, and can exacerbate cravings and mood swings. Try a handful of sprouted sunflower seeds or some dehydrated crackers for something a bit more interesting and satisfying.

14) Make sure you have adequate time to prepare, eat and digest before getting back to business.

15) Try to eat no later than 7pm every night. If the sky is dark, your body is also shutting down for the day and digestion will be more difficult.

BONUS 16) Remember that you need to love what you do, love what you eat and love the way you feel - this above all must be true : )

© 2009 Karen Knowler

Karen Knowler, The Raw Food Coach publishes "Successfully Raw" - a free weekly eZine for raw food lovers everywhere. If you're ready to look good, feel great and create a raw life you love get your FREE tips, tools and recipes now at www.TheRawFoodCoach.com.


Do you have any other tips to share? What's helped you in your healthy eating journey?

It's Time To Break Up With Your Love... 5 Reasons Why

Break ups are hard and can sometimes be avoided with some work on the part of both parties.  But believe me when I tell you this is one break up that you must go through or you will really suffer for it.  It is time to break up with your love... of white flour. White flour is bad for you. White flour is devoid of any nutritive value. White flour has gone through numerous processes such as bleaching to refine it and make it last longer on the shelf. It is just not good for you.

Photo found at hubpages.com

Here are some startling facts I've found online that will help give you some understanding of the white flour scenario.

1.  First a one minute video explaining what happens to white flour inside our body:

The Effects of White Flour on the Body -- powered by eHow.com

Next, here are some articles that explain further:

2.  White flour is what's left after stripping virtually all the nutrients and fiber out of a whole grain of wheat. So what you're left with is a dead, lifeless powder that no longer goes rancid and can be used as a perfect binding agent to hold together sugar, sodium, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, additives, and other chemicals. White flour is basically "white gold" for food manufacturers. Products made with white flour are nutritionally useless, yet the American Dietetic Association recommends that we eat 8-11 servings of them everyday. The public has been programmed to believe that white flour products are "healthy" because they are low in fat, cholesterol and calories. So people eat things like pasta, bagels and pretzels and believe they are eating healthy because these foods are "fat-free." But what food manufacturers have failed to mention in their clever advertising is that white flour products have zero nutritional value and can lead to poor health. Read the rest HERE.

Photo found at www.globalhealingcenter.com

3.  White flour is created by removing the bran and germ from the wheat, which contains 76% of the products vitamins and minerals. In removing these parts, 97% of fiber is also lost. At this point, the product only holds less nutritional value, but it doesn't stop there. More...

4.  `During World War II Denmark stopped refining flour, an action which was not accompanied by any other marked changes in living habits. Later it was found that the death rate had dropped and that there had been a marked decline in cancer, heart disease, diabetes, kidney trouble, and high blood pressure.' (Mental And Elemental Nutrients, Carl C. Pfeiffer, Ph.D., M.D. p.72). Tells a story doesn't it? The following statement highlights in a little more detail the very real dangers associated with the use of refined white flour. Read the rest of the article here.

5.  From the July 2005 Idaho Observer: Bleaching agent in flour linked to diabetes. As if we haven’t enough to worry about, the newest tainted food supply concern is that flour in commonly consumed baked goods is being bleached with an agent that produces a toxin known to kill pancreatic cells, leading to diabetes. Though it has not yet been determined how many flour mills are bleaching with chloride oxide, the use of chlorides to bleach flour is an industry standard. More here.

Read enough yet? Here are a couple other articles
- Is Your Bread Slowly Killing You?
- The Hidden Truth About Enriched White Flour

Don't only take my word and the word of all these articles I've quoted. Do your own research as well. It's time to break up with your love of white flour.

Next up, some substitutes to white flour that will make you happier and healthier after this week's breakup.




Sources
www.ehow.com
www.hubpages.com
www.westonaprice.org
www.helium.com
www.keepwell.com
www.proliberty.com
www.buzzle.com
www.globalhealingcenter.com

Do Raw Food Eaters Get Enough Protein?

A Guest Post by Evelyn Parham of Natural Raw Living.

The Protein Question

I am often asked, "How do you get your protein.?" I am asked this question, because I am a raw food vegan. A raw food vegan, is a person who eats a 80-100% plant-based diet, and these foods are not cooked. Many people think that we must eat animal products to get an adequate amount of protein, but this is not true.

Our bodies need amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Fresh fruits, vegetables seeds and nuts are filled with protein and amino acids. I don't worry about protein, I just eat the plant based foods that are good sources of protein and call it a day.

If you are making dietary changes and are concerned about getting protein in your diet, there are many foods that you can eat that are good sources of protein.

Best Protein Foods

* Almonds
* Bee pollen (probably the best of all high-protein foods)
* Blue-green algae (from Klamath Lake)
* Brewer's Yeast (not good for those with candida or other fungal conditions in or outside the body)
* Chlorella
* Durian
* Earth's Essential Elements (E3 Live fresh algae)
* Goji berries (14% protein)
* Grass powders (dehydrated and powdered grasses)
* Green-leafy vegetables (such as parsley, spinach, kale, collards, green cabbage, arugula, etc.)
* Hemp seeds (contain the globular complete protein edestin)
* Hemp protein (30 grams of protein per tablespoon)
* Incan berries (16% protein)
* Maca (powdered root superfood from the Andes
* Mature grasses (chew on the blades before they have flowered)
* Olives
* Propolis (a resinous substance from saps collected by bees to build the hive)
* Pumpkin seeds
* Spirulina
* Sprouted grains
* Sprouted wild rice
* Sprouts of all types
* Vegetable powders (dehydrated and powdered green vegetables)

Source: Eating for Beauty by David Wolfe

As you can see, there a many ways you can get protein in your diet and there is no need to worry.

Have a great day! :)

Written by Evelyn Parham.

About Evelyn:
Evelyn writes about keeping it natural and eating the raw food vegan way at Natural Raw Living.

From Evelyn's profile:
I was inspired to change because of health reasons. I worked in public health for 10 years and have a M.S. in biology. I am an aspiring raw food vegan with a goal of becoming a Holistic Health Advisor. I enjoy educating and inspiring others to live a healthier lifestyle. I am a native Tennessean residing in Georgia with my husband and daughter.

Raw Breakfast and A Little More

Raw foods provide a dimension of energy and health that I did not know before. It's been about 8 months or so since we've changed our eating habits as a family. We've been incorporating quite a bit of raw foods into our eating plan. Here is a picture of one of our breakfasts - carrot-raisin slaw with sliced ripe bananas.

My goal is about 75 - 85% raw. I'm taking my time, no rush. Our general eating habits are quite healthy with no meats, dairy, coffee, sodas, refined cereals, white flour, white sugar, chicken bouillon cubes, etc. We eat fish and eggs and all sorts of vegetables, fruits, ground provisions(yams, dasheen, tania(yucca), green bananas), rice, oats, cornmeal, peas, beans.

We use sea salt, curry, tumeric, apple cider vinegar, limes, lots of garlic, onions, thyme, chives, parsley, celery and other herbs to season our foods. We use cinnamon, bay leaf, peppermint leaves, vanilla extract, almond extract and orange peel(thanks Mary) for our teas and as a base flavor for our cooked cereals. Here is one of our fruit snack plates - coconut pieces, prunes, orange wedges, carambola (star fruit) :

I am almost certain I've not mentioned everything we eat but it is becoming more and more natural or raw day by day. There are days when we eat more cooked than what I'd like but that's okay because we are still eating healthfully.  We do take vitamins and supplements and I am researching more and more about different types of herbs for both healing and general health.  We have a book called Little Herb Encyclopedia: The Handbook of Nature's Remedies for a Healthier Life that I continually refer to when seeking herbal remedies.

In another post I'll share what I've been using to replace the chemical laden store bought cleaners and personal care products.

Children on a Raw Food Diet

Can children thrive on a raw foods eating plan? That is a question that is asked by so many who are contemplating the transition to eating more raw foods. I've perused many websites, read numerous articles and the views and opinions are so varied it makes you wonder why bother.

I've come to the point where I trust my own instincts and the advice of my husband when it comes to our eating plan. We both agree that an eating plan that incorporates raw food as the majority is the ideal for any person. We don't necessarily subscribe to the view that one has to be 100% raw to be healthy but we know and believe that greater health is gained when the diet is more raw than cooked.  What is your opinion?  Do you think children can thrive on a raw food?

We have two boys ages 6 and 7. Obviously they are in the formative stages of their lives and need to have all the necessary vitamins, nutrients, foods and drinks for their growth and vitality. In my quest to eat what's best I will not sacrifice their health. This isn't an all or nothing situation. It's a journey of discovery, a continual improving, an ongoing changing of habits. I am thoroughly enjoying the process. I love cooking and all the flavors and textures that go with different types of dishes. This is a challenge I welcome - discovering new ways to serve fruits and vegetables both cooked and raw. My boys and my husband have been the guinea pigs in my experiments. We have some keepers and we have some that will never grace our table again.


The tool that I use to gauge whether we are eating as we should is the Vegetarian/Vegan Food pyramid. I posted about it some time ago and since finding that piece of information I've been a bit more relaxed in my mind because I have a guideline of sorts.

I believe that children can thrive on a raw food diet. It just takes careful monitoring of what they eat to ensure that they get all they need. I also believe that some sort of supplementation is necessary so that when we have times of busyness or sickness or financial shortage they will still be getting the nutrients they need. What do you think?  Do you subscribe to the trend of thought that no supplementation is necessary or do you think it is?

Here are some examples of the kind of snacks my boys eat:

 Grapes and sugar cane

Popcorn and orange wedges

Guava and pineapple

 

Papaya, ripe bananas, pineapple

Smoothie, peanuts, raisins, pistachio nuts

There are lots more pictures I could show you but the point is this.  There are enough varieties of  foods out there to feed children instead of all the sugar laden, chemically produced, artificial things out there that are being presented as food.  As to supplementation I would love to hear your thoughts on the matter.  Share websites you've found helpful and resources you've come across.  I am constantly learning and would love to get some more information to use for the health of my family.