McKinley Grapevine

Good Morning Everyone!

We are on to the letter “I” in our journey through the alphabet of healthy foods!

Incaberries – 

Incaberries are indigenous to the tropical regions of South America and are not true berries; they actually belong to the tomato family.  They are an exotic, organic fruit with a sweet taste but sour finish.  They are commonly consumed as a dried fruit either alone or mixed with other fruits in salads.  If you are someone who loves to bake, incaberries are ideal for breads, cakes, muffins and scones and can be used in place of raisins, cranberries or blueberries in many recipes.   While these berries are healthy for you, they should still be consumed in moderation because they contain 19g of sugar per serving.

Main health benefits:

• An excellent food for intestinal health and regularity
• Contain high levels of bioflavonoids which have been shown to have antiviral, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, and antioxidant properties
• Help to lower cholesterol (LDL cholesterol)
• Help the body to detoxify
• Improve the absorption of nutrients in the body

For more information visit:

http://www.incaberry.com.au/

http://goforlife.co.uk/15-incan-berries.html

For more nutritional information go to: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/calories/dried-fruit-inca-berry-25486152

Some great and healthy recipes for incaberries include:

Incan Berry Tabbouleh Salad – http://rawlivingandlearning.blogspot.com/2012/09/incan-berry-tabbouleh-salad.html

Pumpkin Inca Berry Granola – http://greatbodyskin.com/diy-pumpkin-incaberry-granola-gluten-free-and-sugar-free/

Incan Super-Power Bars – http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/incan-super-power-bars

 

Good Morning Everyone!

We are on to the letter “H” in our journey through the alphabet of healthy foods!

Honey – 

Energy: Honey is a great natural source of carbohydrates which provides the necessary energy that can help us get through our day.  Honey is known for its effectiveness in instantly boosting the performance, endurance and reducing muscle fatigue of athletes.  The glucose in the honey is absorbed by the body quickly and gives an immediate energy boost, while the fructose in the honey is absorbed more slowly allowing for sustained energy.  Honey has also been found to keep blood sugar levels fairly constant compared to other types of sugar. 

Immune Booster: Honey can be a powerful immune system booster!  Its antioxidant and antibacterial properties can help improve the functioning of your immune system and help you stay healthy and fight disease.  Dr. J.E. Williams is a pioneer in the field of integrative medicine, longevity and natural health.  Below, he lists the medicinal properties of honey.  Click on the link to learn about the different types of honey and the best ways to use them.

Medicinal Properties of Honey

• Anti-allergic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antibacterial
• Antioxidant
• Antiviral
• Arthritis
• Autoimmune protection
• Eye health
• Prebiotic effect promotes healthy gut
• Promotes calcium and selenium absorption
• Wound healing

http://renegadehealth.com/blog/2013/04/26/all-about-honey-raw-wild-manuka-what-kind-is-best-for-health

Quick Tips:

• Next time you work out, take a spoonful of honey to help you keep your stamina going
• If you are feeling lethargic in the mornings, instead of drinking a carbonated energy drink, try spreading honey on hot toast or replace the sugar in your tea with it for a refreshing surge of energy
• If you have a sore throat or chest congestion, drink 8oz of hot (or warm) water with some fresh squeezed lemon and 1tbsp of raw honey.  It will soothe your throat and can suppress a cough naturally
• Consume in MODERATION, while it is far better for you than refined sugar, it still contains sugar.  I would recommend consuming NO MORE than 2tbsp daily.

Some great and healthy recipes for honey include:

Healthy Sports Drink – http://simplerootswellness.com/essentials-for-replenishing-lost-electrolytes/

Honey Grapefruit with Banana – http://www.health.com/health/recipe/0,,10000001733118,00.html

Honey Lemon Chicken – http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/skinny-honey-lemon-chicken-recipe/

Honey-Roasted Acorn Squash Rings – http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/projects/healthy-recipes/recipes/honey-roasted-acorn-squash-rings

 

Hemp Seeds –

 

Hemp is considered one of the world’s most nutritious plants.  Hemp seeds contain all nine of the essential amino acids (that our bodies cannot produce) making them a perfect protein for everyone, but especially for vegans.  These seeds are an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids and are easily digested by the body.  You can add hemp seeds to your smoothies, sprinkle them in salads and cereals, or substitute them for nuts in your baking. 

Health Benefits:

Below is an article written by Dr. Josh Axe.  He outlines the complete nutrition profile of the hemp seed and lists 7 major benefits that deal with:

• Hormones

• Arthritis and Joint pain

• Weight Loss

• Digestive Health

• Hair/Skin/Nails

• Cancer

• Heart Health

http://draxe.com/7-hemp-seed-benefits-nutrition-profile/

For more nutritional information go to: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/calories/234550111

Some great and healthy recipes for hemp include:

Raw Tabbouleh Hemp Seed Salad – http://kimberlysnyder.com/blog/2013/05/26/raw-tabouli-salad-with-hemp-seeds/

Herb and Hemp Stuffed Potatoes – http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/herb-and-hemp-stuffed-potatoes/

Hemp Pesto Pasta – http://rawfoodrecipes.com/recipes/hemp-pesto-pasta/

Simple Hemp Noodles – http://rawfoodrecipes.com/recipes/simple-hemp-noodles/