Change to Vegan

Turmeric is one of nature’s most powerful healers. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Tumeric has been used for over 2500 years in India, where it was most likely first used as a dye.

The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer’s disease.

Here are 20 reasons to add turmeric to your diet:

1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.

3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.

4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.

5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.

6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.

7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.

8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.

11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.

12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.

13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.

14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.

16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.

17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.

18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.

20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules.

Once you start using turmeric on a regular basis, it’s fun to find new ways to use it in recipes.

I have been really busy lately, dealing with my Mom’s Alzheimer’s, etc.  It has used a lot of my energy.  One thing that it has enforced in me is how important it is for us to live healthy, eat healthy and exercise.  Alzheimer’s is now thought to be caused by high cholesteral.  If this is really the case, we can absolutely control it through diet and lifestyle.

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I have been visiting my Mom for a bit, who has Alzheimer’s.  One of the pieces of information I gleaned from my travels was that high cholesterol is now considered one of the roots of this horrible disease.  People asked me if I am worried that I might have Alzheimer’s too.  My answer is, “No.”  I eat no bad cholesterol.  I exercise daily.  My diet primarily consists of vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds.  I eat some grains, but no gluten.  I am not worried about Alzheimer’s.  But, if you subscribe to the “normal” N. American diet, you should be worried.  And, I will tell you that you do not want to lose your mind, the way my Mother is losing hers!

http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/news/20090804/high-cholesterol-linked-to-alzheimers

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/06/health/dementia05.html

http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/2008/04/18/linking-alzheimers-and-cholesterol.html

There is something that I have discovered through some of our guests that is an absolutely amazing addition to my life.  The Shatki Acupressure Mat, or bed of nails,  helps cure stress, neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, muscle pain, muscular tension, sciatica, insomnia, poor circulation, digestive problems, arthritis, TMJ, tension headaches, migraines, fatigue and depression.

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Greens & Zucchini

Carrot & Goji Berry Salad

The best way to fill your tummy is with crunchy, raw veggies.  I love any kind of raw salad, like these.  This is so much better for you than heavy foods.  We all need to eat more raw foods.  You receive more energy from the food and do not ever feel as full and weighted down.  Salads are easy and delicious.  Buy your favorite veggies and chop them up, season them and enjoy.

We are always trying new things here at Cashew Hill.  My daughter had an idea that we should add mint leaves and crushed peanuts to our spring rolls.  They were great!

And, we had our Vegan Eggless Benediction over brown rice and found it to be wonderful as well.  It is a meal that everyone seems to enjoy, whether vegan, vegetarian or carniverous.

We keep experimenting on our vegan kitchen.  We will share some of what turns out great.  The sun is shinning here on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and we are spending plenty of time out in it.

I have been busy this week, running my lodging establishment in Costa Rica.  I realized yesterday that I was too busy to prepare good food for myself and to enjoy the moment.  I told myself to slow down and savor the moment.

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One of the most important things for a healthy life is exercise.  Yes, you need to eat right, but you also need to move your body, daily.  A sedentary lifestyle can damage your health, even if you eat healthy.  You age faster when you do not exercise.  And, you lose your flexibility, limiting your activities.

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Apple Cider Vinegar is an old time folk remedy for many ailments.  It is used increasingly today for diabetes, cancer, weight loss, alkaline/acid balance, dandruff, sunburn, high cholesterol, acid reflux, acne, blood pressure, etc.  I use it myself, on a daily basis.

Braggs Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

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My favorite meal is a good salad.  I am not talking about lettuce and tomato here.  I am talking about lettuce, spinach, basil, purple cabbage, tomato, purple onion, avocado, carrot, sweet pepper, cucumber, celery, sunflower seeds and a wonderful homemade dressing.

Colorful, Crunchy Salad

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