Health And Wellness Blog

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Rhubarb - A True Sign of Spring

When I see the Rhubarb stick its head above the ground - I know Spring is just around the corner. Last year my Rhubarb plants were small and spindly - so during the winter I put some “hot” manure on the plants. They are now fabulous!

Rhubarb is one of my favorite Spring plants. It makes a great sauce, mixes well with other fruits for a tangy flavor, and my daughter likes to eat it raw. Rhubarb contains high amounts of Oxalic Acid - so it needs to be consumed in small amounts especially by people that have mineral deficiencies because of its laxative nature. However it is great for people that are living in high pollution areas for the same reason. Oxalic acid helps to remove toxins from the body.

Rhubarb is good for you and it will help you too -and it tastes good. My favorite sauce recipe is:

• Chunked Rhubarb stems - amount to your liking - do not peal
• Agave Nectar - to taste
• Cinnamon to taste

Cook over low heat stirring occasionally until the Rhubarb breaks down. Add Agave Nectar and Cinnamon to taste. Eat either warm or refrigerated. My favorite way is warm over Vanilla ice cream. One more thing about Rhubarb - When it puts up a seed pod the best thing to do it pick it off. If it is left on the plant then the Rhubarb Stems will become pithy and not as tasty.

Here are some other Rhubarb recipes from the blogoshpere

What do you do with rhubarb? - This year I finally made a rhubarb jam that they can’t get enough of — DH even said not to bother making other types while DS indicated he really liked it, too, but doesn’t want us to forgo making grape jelly since he prefers that with …

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble - I’ve never baked with rhubarb. But I spotted some at the grocery store and I felt inspired. Why not try something new? And what better way to eat rhubarb as accompanied by ripe strawberries and baked with a delicious crumbly topping? …

Is rhubarb good for you? - The distinguished history of rhubarb was one of the topics discussed on clever quiz show QI last week. As well as discussing Yorkshire’s rhubarb triangle, it turns out that rhubarb was very popular for its health-giving properties in …

Almost good for you: Rhubarb and Apple Crisp - I feel it unfair that anything like an apple crisp has been labeled a “dessert”. After all, apples are good for you, right? And when you add a vegetable, you really can’t call it a dessert. Can you? OK, I’ll admit that crisps are …

 Enjoy the Spring Dotty

I am several weeks into blending fruits and vegetables. I have settled on 2-3 fruits and 4-5 vegetables per smoothie. This ratio will give the smoothie enough natural sugars to make it very tasty and satisfying. Make sure at least 2 or 3 of the vegetables are leafy greens - this is a food category that is missing in most of our diets but is greatly needed. So far I have seen improvement in my:

• digestion
• acid reflux
• insomnia
• frequency of urination at night
• Condition of my hair

I have noticed that my appetite is better and my sugar cravings have decreased. I have not written down any of my favorite drinks - I suppose I should. I do include 1 banana, and either blue berries or huckleberries in each drink. I also like celery in each drink. Here is an example of a typical drink:

• 2 cups of purified water
• 1 stalk of celery
• 1 banana
• Quarter cup of huckleberries
• 3 Radishes
• 3 leaves of Red Leaf Lettuce
• 3 leaves of Kale

Blend until smooth and enjoy!

Here are 2 more articles on Blending Fruits and Vegetables

Apr 5, Juicing Vegetables, Blending, Dehydrating, Sprouting - Quick and easy instructions for juicing vegetables, dehydrating foods, sprouting grains, germinating nuts and blending fruits..

This just in: fruits and vegetables are GOOD for you. - Blending up fruits and making lots of salads like Montel told me to, and speed-walking around an imaginary track. All of this should make for riveting conversation on my date tomorrow, obviously. What have you been doing lately?

Here’s to your health!

Dotty - Aspiring Blending Expert

Green For Life – My Personal Journey
I have recently read a book called Green for LifeGreen for Life by Victoria Boutenko. This book is absolutely fascinating. Victoria has done research on nutrition and how different foods affect our bodies. Her findings are simple to understand and really make sense. The book shows the value of blending leafy green vegetables.

Since reading the book I have started to drink 2 or 3 glasses a day of blended vegetables. Although I am not severely unhealthy, I do have issues that need to be changed or fixed. Some of the challenges I have are:

• Always Tired
• Excess Mucus Production
• Weak Fingernails and Dull Hair
• Indigestion
• Acid Reflux
• Low Blood Sugar
• Poor Circulation
• Dry Skin
• Muscle Pain
• No Ambition
• Sugar Cravings
• Weight Gain
• Pre Menopausal Symptoms

Although none of these things are considered a major health issue –I would like them to go away. My experiment is to make green smoothies at least twice a day and at the same time eat healthier. I started this journey 2 weeks ago and so far I have seen some improvement. I have far less acid reflux and I do not need to take a nap in the afternoon. I will be posting my progress here each week. My challenge is for other people to try blending and post their progress as well.

To Your Health
Dotty

Asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables. I have noticed that after eating asparagus the urine produced is very pungent - always wondered why. Come to find out that asparagus contains the diuretic asparagine which helps to eliminate water through the kidneys. It can treat many kinds of kidney problems, but should not be eaten if kidneys are inflamed. Too much asparagus can irritate the kidneys.

My favorite way of eating asparagus is to sauté it in butter (real butter not margarine). Cook it to desired tenderness. Add any other vegetables like onions, peppers, mushrooms, etc. Whatever are your favorites. Then add eggs and scramble. This is a very healthy, low glycemic breakfast or dinner.

Spinach builds the blood and stops bleeding - it is a specific remedy for nosebleeds. It is a diuretic and is particularly useful in the treatment of diabetic dryness and thirst. It cleanses the blood of toxins that cause skin disease and discharges marked by redness and inflammation.

Spinach is rich in iron and chlorophyll which builds blood. Its sulfur content helps relieve herpes irritations. It also has abundant vitamin A, which makes it valuable in the treatment of night blindness.

Cautions: People who tend to get kidney stones should eat spinach sparingly. Spinach is not for those with loose stools or urinary incontinence.

Information taken from Healing with Whole Foods