Tag: health

Is Quinoa really good for us?

Today’s topic is Quinoa.

Over the past couple of years we have included this food into our diet. It is another one of the so-called ‘super foods’ that have become popular with foodies. We were aware that it was meant to be better for us than rice, however it was only recently that I looked into how and why. (Sources – Wikipedia, Grains & Legumes Nutritional Council of Aust. )

So what is Quinoa?

Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) originates from the Andes and is a staple food of the indigenous people there, the Quechua. It was domesticated 3,000 to 4,000 years ago for human consumption in the Lake Titicaca basin of Peru and Bolivia. Archaeological evidence shows livestock uses 5,200 to 7,000 years ago.

The ancient Incas called quinoa the “mother grain” and revered it as sacred. However, technically, quinoa isn’t a grain at all, but the seed of the Goosefoot plant. The goosefoot plant is not a grass, but rather plant botanically related to spinach and amaranth. It’s considered a ‘pseudo-cereal’. Loosely grouped with other grains due to being similar nutritionally and used in ways similar to ‘true’ grains.

To help ward off insects and birds, quinoa has a bitter residue of saponins, a natural occurring plant-defence. This makes it easier for farmers to grow the food organically. After harvest, the seeds are processed to remove the bitter-tasting outer seed coating.

It is still a good idea to thoroughly rinse the seeds under running water prior to cooking.

 Is Quinoa a ‘Super food’?

Quinoa is gluten free and provides protein, dietary fibre, B vitamins, and dietary minerals in rich amounts, above those of wheat, corn, rice, or oats.

It is considered to be a complete protein due to the presence of all eight essential amino acids needed for tissue development in humans. Our bodies don’t make all of these amino acids all by themselves, so we rely on our diets to supply them. Usually, only animal products like meat and eggs are able to provide all at once.

In regards to protein, Quinoa has twice the amount compared to other grains like barley, wheat, and rice.

It is a low G.I. carbohydrate, relatively low in fat, most of which is omega-6 polyunsaturated fat and is high in dietary fibre. One cup of cooked quinoa contains 40 fewer calories than the same amount of white rice, but the real benefit is in the carbohydrates. White rice contains almost 15 times the amount of carbohydrates than quinoa. Quinoa also provides more grams of fibre.

Quinoa is high in anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, which make it potentially beneficial for human health in the prevention and treatment of disease. It is definitely is good for us, I will leave you to decide if it’s ‘super’.

It is available in different forms
  • Quinoa grain/seed – cooks in around 15 minutes and when cooked, reveals a small white tail (the germ of the kernel). Great as a light, fluffy side dish served instead of rice. It can also be added to soups, salads and baked goods.
  • Quinoa flour –  has a tasty, nutty flavour and is often used in gluten free baking. This flour can also be used as a thickener in sauces, soups and other dishes, especially in cases where additional protein may be beneficial.
  • Quinoa flakes – are simply steam-rolled to create a quick cooking flake. The flakes can be used for a hot breakfast similar to porridge, added to pancakes, waffles or smoothies. Use them as a coating instead of breadcrumbs, or they may be used as an alternative to rolled oats in muffins or cookies.

Quinoa flakes are also great for thickening sauces, curries or casseroles. I actually add the flakes to my yoghurt at breakfast, increasing the fibre and protein content. They seem to disappear into the yoghurt and are virtually tasteless.

I hope that this information answers any questions you may also have had about this particular food. If you haven’t tried quinoa, give it a go, you may find you really enjoy it.

Till the next post,

Live clean n prosper.

Do Weeds have Therapeutic Properties?

 Todays post is all about therapeutics properties of Weeds. 

Yes, you read that correctly. One of the subjects that Scott is currently studying is called Materia Medica, which is Latin for medical material or substance. Basically he is learning all about the medicinal properties of many different things.

It’s amazing to find out that many of the plants that we consider to be weeds, have medicinal properties. Scott recently joked about how previously he was trying to kill these plants. Now we are trying to keep some alive and cultivate them. Here are a few plants that you might think twice about removing from your garden. 

Euphorbia hirta or Asthma weed

Asthma weed is recognised as a medicinal herb in many different parts of the world. Traditional Asian medicine has used the herb for hundreds of years.

Its primary uses include treating asthma, bronchitis and various other lung complaints, usually in combination with other anti-asthma herbs. Euphorbia hirta is also used in the treatment of cancer, diarrhoea, dysentery, fever, bowel complaints, kidney stones and abscesses.

It should not be used without expert guidance as large doses can be toxic and cause gastro-intestinal irritation, nausea and vomiting.

Stellaria media or Chickweed

Chickweeds are medicinal and edible plants. They are very nutritious, high in vitamins and minerals. The leaves are commonly used raw in salads and sandwiches. They can be cooked in soups and stews as well.

As a medicinal herb, the whole plant is used. The dried herb, as an infusion, is used to treat coughs, and in treating kidney complaints. New research indicates Stellaria’s use as an effective antihistamine. Therefore the plant is also effective when used as a compress or in a cream for itching skin conditions.

Taraxacum officinale or Dandelion

Considered a weed by most gardeners, Taraxacum officinale or Dandelion plant has several culinary uses. The flowers are used to make dandelion wine while the greens are used in salads. Besides that, Dandelion roots are also used to make a coffee substitute.

Native Americans used the plant as a food and as a medicine. Dandelion has been used as an herbal remedy in Europe, North America, and China over hundreds of years. Its different parts are used to treat infections, bile and liver problems.

Other uses for Dandelion are a laxative, as a plant bitter for digestion and as a diuretic.

Elytrigia repens or Couch grass

Elytrigia has been an official medicine in a number of countries throughout the world.

Traditional Austrian medicine treatments used the rhizomes (roots) against fever, internally as a tea, syrup, or cold maceration in water.

Its other medicinal uses include treating rheumatism and gout. It is also described as a ‘mild diuretic’.

The dried rhizomes of couch grass were broken up and used as incense in medieval northern Europe.

Who would have thought – weeds in the salad and couch grass roots as incense! (Sources – Materia Medica of Western Herbs by Carol Fisher, Wikipedia)

Interesting to find out that these are just a few of the common backyard weeds, which have medicinal properties. 

Till the next post, 

Live clean n prosper 

Using Tissue Salts for wellness

Today’s post is about Tissue Salts.

Several years ago when I was suffering from a head cold, someone suggested I try Tissue salts to ease the symptoms. Recently Scott feel victim to a head cold and decided to try the tissue salts. He found that they really made a difference.

We did some research into these little pills to better understand how they work.

It turns out that these tissue salt pills are homeopathic preparations of minerals found naturally occurring in the human body. They’re inexpensive and seem to be able to help with just about every common ailment from colds and flu to headaches and hangovers.

 What are they?

Tissue salts, also known as “cell salts” or “biochemistry salts”, are the same minerals that are found in rocks and in soil. These tissue salts exist on the border between homeopathic and nutritional medicine.

According to Biochemical therapeutics, the integrity, structure, and function of the body’s tissues and organs are dependent on necessary quantities of certain cell salts. These ‘cell salts’ are therefore integral functioning parts of each individual cell and of the body as a whole.

 The history behind them

Dr Wilhelm Heinrich Schuessler was a doctor of medicine, a physiological chemist and a physicist.

In 1873 he developed the Schuessler Tissue Salts using a unique system of cellular therapy,

Schüssler deducted that the tissues or cells of the body can be broken down chemically into twelve inorganic mineral salts. Disturbances in the levels of these salts cause disease. He established that restoring the accurate balance of tissue salts in the body would remove the symptoms of illness and restore health.

He also believed that the body needed only very small doses to nudge it gently back into balance. Dr Schuessler found that a homeopathically prepared micro dose was the most effective way for the body to assimilate these salts. The dose passes rapidly into the bloodstream and therefore into our cells.

Wikipedia states that biochemical cell salts are alternative remedies, based on inorganic salts that were elaborated by Scheussler. They are not classed as homeopathic remedies.

There is no evidence of medical trials in regards to Tissue salts. Nevertheless, many people swear by them.

 Who can use them?

To ease various conditions, you can take an individual tissue salt or a combination.

One of the major benefits of tissue salts is that they’re very safe. I did not find any information regarding side effects. However, as with most health matters, it’s always best to check with your health practitioner beforehand.

That said, tissue salts are generally suitable for everyone from babies to diabetics and even animals.

I hope that you found this information helpful as we did.

 Till the next post,

 Live clean n Prosper