Adding Almonds May Let You Reign In Spain

For many, warmer weather means eating lighter and healthier. Here’s a quick, new recipe for a Summer Delight Salad. The sliced almonds help to give it a Mediterranean accent.

Summer Delight Salad

3/4 cup Sunkist® Almond Accents® Honey Roasted sliced almonds

8 cups torn spinach or mixed greens

1 (5-oz.) pkg. yellow teardrop tomatoes

1 cup quartered fresh strawberries

1/3 cup sliced red onion

1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

raspberry vinaigrette dressing

In large bowl, toss half the Sunkist® Almond Accents® Honey Roasted sliced almonds and the next 4 ingredients. Arrange onto salad plates; top with blue cheese and remaining Sunkist® Almond Accents® Honey Roasted sliced almonds. Drizzle desired amount of dressing over salad.

Makes 4 to 6 salads.

Preparation Time: 10 min.

Almonds are nutrient dense, vitamin rich and have long been used to add flavor and crunch to dishes from different parts of the Mediterranean. Sunkist® Almond Accents® are dry roasted with no added oil and have no cholesterol, no saturated fat, and just 1-2 grams of carbohydrates per serving. And now, using almonds in any dish may earn five lucky contestants a trip to Spain.

A Culinary Adventure

A seven-day, six-night epicurean adventure for two to Barcelona, including round-trip airfare, hotel, optional cooking lessons, food and wine tastings, excursions to wineries and local food producers and guided tours of historic sites, is the grand prize in a contest that celebrates the variety, flavor and health benefits that dishes that use almonds have to offer.

A Slice Of Spanish Flavor

Sunkist® Almond Accents® will send five grand-prize winners of its Barcelona Culinary Sweepstakes on the all-expenses-paid trip for two to Barcelona, Spain.

Two hundred first prizes, consisting of a set of hand-painted, hand-thrown dishes, will also be awarded.

Add Spice To Your Life With Mexican Food

One of the finest cuisines that satiate the gastronomic desires of people worldwide is Mexican food. Mexican food refers to a style of food that originated from Mexico. You will love Mexican cuisine due to its varied flavours, grand decoration and its enticing spicy taste.

The history of Mexican food can be traced back to pre-Hispanic traditions. The Aztecs and the Spanish colonists contributed handsomely to the evolution of the cuisine. Beef, chicken, pork etc. are some of the chief non-vegetarian ingredients. Pepper, broccoli, cauliflower, radish etc. are some of the vegetarian ingredients that are used in abundance. It is said that Mexican gastronomy is also to some extent influenced by the Caribbean and the French.

Mexican food varies in taste and style from region to region in the country. Climatic conditions, and ethnic differences have cast their impact on Mexican gastronomy. In northern Mexico, you will find beef and meat items aplenty. To the contrary, the south-eastern part of the country is famous for its spicy vegetable and chicken items. Now let us taste virtually a few well-known Mexican delicacies.

“Aquas frescas” is a refreshing beverage formed of fruits, cereals or seeds, sugar and water. The beverage is not only popular in Mexico, but also in Central America and the Caribbean islands. Aquas frescas has some highly sought-after flavours. Aagua de tamarindo is a popular variety of Aquas frescas that includes tamarind pods. Agua de jamaica is prepared with Roselle and agua de horchata includes rice. You can easily obtain the beverage from street vendors.

Another popular Mexican cuisine that will tickle your taste buds is “Arroz con Pollo”. This is a dish comprising rice and chicken in Spanish. This item is considered to be a traditional delicacy. The highly luscious dish is prepared from rice, sofrito – a mixture of vegetables and fresh herbs, saffron and off course – chicken.

Next, let’s have a taste of “Barbacoa”. From historical times till date, Barbacoa is perceived to the original barbecue. Barbacoa refers to meat slowly cooked over an open fire. Barbacoa de cabeza, a North Mexican delicacy, is slowly cooked cow head. Barbacoa percolated into Texan cuisine where it was gradually transformed to the highly admired barbeque.

After Barbacoa, let’s introduce “Pico de gallo” to our taste buds. The name is derived from Spanish meaning rooster’s beak. Pico de gallo is actually a fruit salad with limejuice spread all over. Salty white chilli powder is sprinkled before serving.

Our last Mexican platter of the day is “Taco”. Taco is a traditional Mexican offering comprising rolled maize tortilla with meat feelings. Generally grilled beef, picadillo, fish, pork or chicken is used for the filling. Taco tastes even yummier with chopped onion, chilli salsa, and other garnishes. In Mexico, you will find several varieties of Taco. The serving of a Taco is quite interesting. It is traditionally served flat on a tortilla and the tortilla itself is being warmed up on a comal. The tortilla being soft, it can be folded into a U-shape for ease of consumption. Cheese, lettuce and beef- all contribute to make Taco a mouth-watering dish.

Mexican gastronomy relate to rich variety of tastes. The food is considered to provide you a handsome dose of proteins, vitamins and minerals. However to some, Mexican food appears greasy and too much spicy.

Organic Foods Equal Improved Health

Organic food is food that is free from all genetically modified organisms, produced without artificial pesticides and fertilizers and derived from an animal reared without the routine use of antibiotics, growth promoters or other drugs. Once only available in small stores or farmers’ markets, organic foods are becoming much more widely available
Organic foods have been shown to improve your immune system, help you sleep better, shed the excess weight more easily, and improve your blood work just to name a few. Organic food can boast intense, realistic flavors, and a higher vitamin and mineral content.

And though logically it makes sense to consume a diet based on organic foods, some worry about the cost. But with careful planning and preparation, going organic is actually quite affordable. And, the peace of mind knowing you and your family are consuming foods that haven’t been treated with pesticides or genetically altered is worth the extra money spent.

The pesticides used by conventional farmers can have many negative influences on your health, including neurotoxicity, disruption of your endocrine system, carcinogenicity and immune system suppression. Pesticide exposure may also affect male reproductive function and has been linked to miscarriages in women. Additionally, conventional produce tends to have fewer nutrients than organic produce. On average, conventional produce has only 83 percent of the nutrients of organic produce. Studies have found significantly higher levels of nutrients such as vitamin C, iron, magnesium and phosphorus, and significantly less nitrates (a toxin) in organic crops.

So it’s a smart idea to buy and eat organic produce and free-range organic foods as much as possible for maximum health benefits. In addition, the knowledge that you’re supporting the organic foods industry that is dedicated to protecting the environment by steering clear of harmful pesticides and chemicals that can result in the loss of topsoil, toxic runoff and resulting water pollution, soil contamination and poisoning and the death of insects, birds, critters and beneficial soil organisms should help you feel even better.

Superfoods For A Superior Thyroid

An estimated 27 million Americans have thyroid disease, and more than half are undiagnosed. Frequently misunderstood, and too often overlooked and misdiagnosed, thyroid disease affects almost every aspect of health. Taking care of it with good nutrition is a smart step in the right direction. Here are some superfoods that research has shown can nurture a healthy thyroid, as well as some ones to avoid.

Coconut and coconut butter, or more commonly known as coconut oil, has been used as a food and medicine since the dawn of history. Unlike saturated animal fats found in meats and dairy products, coconut butter is a raw saturated fat containing fatty acids which the body can metabolize efficiently and convert to energy quickly. Research also shows it helps to regulate thyroid function.

Kelp is a stellar, nutrient-dense sea vegetable. It is also known as Laminaria and contains a natural substance that enhances flavor and tenderizes. Kelp works as a blood purifier, and promotes adrenal, pituitary and thyroid health. Its natural iodine may help normalize thyroid-related disorders, like overweight, and lymph system congestion.
Turkey is one of the leanest protein foods and is low in calories, making it an excellent healthy food choice. Turkey also contains selenium which has been shown to inhibit cancer development, improve the immune system, and aid in the metabolism of our thyroid hormone.

Thyroid patients should avoid the consumption of goitrogens, substances that suppress the function of the thyroid gland, and which can also cause an enlargement of the thyroid. Goitrogens are in foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, mustard, kale, turnips, and canola oil. Soy and peanuts also include goitrogens and should be avoided.

Both copper and iron are so important for thyroid function, so thyroid patients should take time to make sure they’re getting enough in their diets. Foods such as organ meats, oysters, clams, crabs, cashews, sunflower seeds, wheat bran cereals, whole-grain products, and cocoa products are all rich in copper. Foods like leafy green vegetables, beans, shellfish, red meat, and poultry are high in iron. Complement your iron intake with adequate amounts of vitamin C from foods such as citrus fruits, red berries, tomatoes, potatoes, and bell peppers to help maximize your body’s iron absorption efficiency.

Superfoods That Get You Moving

It’s no wonder so many Americans suffer with constipation (4 million of us, to be exact). Our diet of meat and processed food contains little fiber. Most of us are lucky if we’re getting in half of the 30 grams of fiber that we should each day. Without that bulk in our diet, it can make bowel movements practically immovable.

The human digestive tract was designed for unprocessed plant foods that are loaded with dietary fiber: beans, leafy greens, fresh and dried fruits, vegetables and whole grains. High levels of dietary fiber increase both the frequency and quantity of bowel movements, decreasing the transit time of stools, as well as the absorption of toxins from the stool.

Drink at least eight to twelve 8-oz. glasses of clean water per day. Hard, dry stools are a classic sign of dehydration. A good rule of thumb is to drink a glass of water when you wake up and then every hour after that.
Try adding some wheat or barley grass to your daily routine. Mix two to three teaspoons of a nutrient-rich blend of dehydrated wheat and/or barley grass in water, and have another serving later in the day. These drinks have a restorative action on the intestinal tract and are especially good for constipation.

As a supplement to a healthy, high-fiber diet, bran and prunes are particularly effective in relieving constipation. Whole prunes and prune juice possess good laxative effects. Eight ounces is usually an effective dose. A similar amount of aloe vera juice is also helpful.

Vitamin C rich foods can help as well, as they help with food and nutrient absorption. Try parsley, broccoli, bell pepper, strawberries, oranges, lemon juice, papaya, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, and Brussels sprouts, as they’re all great sources of vitamin C.

Superfoods To Combat Cirrhosis Of The Liver

Cirrhosis refers to the replacement of damaged liver cells by fibrous scar tissue which disrupts the liver’s important functions. Cirrhosis occurs as a result of excessive alcohol intake (most common), common viral hepatitis, obstruction of the bile ducts, and exposure to certain drugs or toxic substances.

People with cirrhosis often experience loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and weight loss, giving them an emaciated appearance. Diet alone does not contribute to the development of this liver disease. People who are well nourished, for example, but drink large amounts of alcohol, are also susceptible to alcoholic disease.

Adults with cirrhosis require a balanced diet rich in protein to allow the liver cells to regenerate. However, too much protein will result in an increased amount of ammonia in the blood; too little protein can reduce healing of the liver. Doctors must carefully prescribe the correct amount of protein for a person with cirrhosis.

In addition to protein, a balanced diet with adequate calories, fats, and carbohydrates can actually help the damaged liver to regenerate new liver cells. In fact, in some liver diseases, nutrition becomes an essential form of treatment.
Grains and legumes are great protein sources for those who suffer from cirrhosis. Red meat should be avoided since the liver is not working to its optimal capacity and most likely will have trouble processing fats. Nuts, seeds, and soy products are also good sources of low-fat protein.
Oatmeal, brown rice, whole grain breads and pastas should be part of a healthy balanced diet, as they are all whole grain carbohydrates that provide a steady supply of energy, important for your body’s ability to heal.
Cereals, breads, potatoes and legumes are great sources for the B-complex vitamins, which bolster metabolism, maintain healthy skin and muscle tone, enhance immune and nervous system function, promote cell growth and division — including that of the red blood cells that help prevent anemia. Together, they also help combat the symptoms and causes of stress, which is important to keep in check when you’re nursing your body back to health.
Citrus fruits, red berries, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, red and green bell peppers, cabbage, and spinach, are all great sources of vitamin C, which helps promote a healthy immune system. It’s imperative to stay as healthy as possible during the healing process, so your body can focus on liver repair.

Coupled with plenty of rest and lots of fresh water to help flush the toxins from your system, a well-balanced nutrition plan and a healthy, proactive relationship with your healthcare provider should put you well on the road to recovery.

Superfoods For A Spiffy Circulatory System

Circulation problems can be felt in a number of ways. Some symptoms include fatigue due to poor circulatory function, which may bring on other symptoms such as dizziness and fainting. The inability to concentrate, coldness in the hands or feet, headaches, angina, and high blood pressure are also other signs there could be problems with the circulation system. There are nutritionally-dense foods we can incorporate into our diets to ensure our circulatory system is functioning at its best.

If your circulation is poor, it is vital that the vitamin C content of the body is kept up, because it will help prevent hardening of the arteries and arterial ballooning. Citrus fruits, red berries, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, red and green bell peppers, cabbage, and spinach are all great vitamin C foods sources, and it helps promote a healthy immune system and is required to help make collagen, which holds cells together, which is vital in maintaining the integrity and strength of the arteries and veins.

Leafy green vegetables, almonds, hazelnuts, and vegetable oils like sunflower, canola, and soybean are all great sources of antioxidants, which are widely recognized for their ability to ward off diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Other great sources include broccoli, cabbage and kale.

Nuts are high in beneficial, unsaturated fatty acids and research shows a correlation between nut consumption and a reduced incidence of ischemic heart disease. Walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts are very high in these needed fatty acids.

Fish oils as in sardines and may help to improve or reverse atherosclerosis, angina, heart attack, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Fish oils help maintain the elasticity of artery walls, prevent blood clotting, reduce blood pressure and stabilize heart rhythm.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects body tissue from damage caused by unstable substances called free radicals. Free radicals can harm cells, tissues, and organs can cause damage to the cell walls of the vessels in the circulatory system. Vitamin E is also important in the formation of red blood cells. Wheat germ, corn, nuts, seeds, olives, spinach, and asparagus are all wonderful vitamin E food sources.

Superfoods for Relief from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The main indications of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), on the other hand, are overall general physical and mental weariness. There are many different causes of tiredness. Just because you’re frequently tired doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve got CFS. The condition must persist for more than six consecutive months and include other symptoms such as memory loss, sore throat, headaches and muscle/joint pain without swelling or redness.

Though there are several potential causes for CFS, the main reason for all fatigue is poor nutrition. Other causes could be faulty digestion, food allergies, obesity, sleep problems, tension or depression. Smoking, alcohol and drugs are also contributing factors.

The main indications are physical and mental weariness. It can be so severe that people are unable to participate fully in normal, everyday activities. Even getting plenty of rest doesn’t seem to make any difference for most sufferers. But, with basic lifestyle changes and a diet rich in whole food nutrients, almost anyone can help prevent or even reverse these symptoms.

You can switch to a more wholesome diet that consists mainly of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, red and green bell peppers, cabbage, and spinach are all full of vitamin C, which helps promote a healthy immune system. Zinc does the same. Red meat, fortified cereals, peanuts and dairy products are all good food sources of zinc.

And, for protein, focus on fish high in omega-3 oils and lean poultry, since they are loaded with essential fatty acids (EFAs) which help improve circulation and oxygen uptake with proper red blood cell flexibility and function. It’s imperative to get EFAs from your dietary choices, as the body cannot manufacture them. EFA deficiencies are linked to diminished mental capacities and immune function.

Other things that will help include decreasing stress and getting plenty of good quality rest and regular moderate exercise. Drink lots of pure, clean water, and avoid sweets, caffeine, sodas, processed and salty foods. Set obtainable goals and think positively.

Superfoods For Super Skin

It’s been said we are what we eat, and that sentiment definitely holds true when it comes to our skin. It’s our body’s biggest organ, and it deserves all the nutritional TLC we can give it. So take a look at what you’ve been feeding yourself, and therefore feeding your skin.

One the most important components of skin health is vitamin A, and probably one of the best sources of it is low-fat dairy products. It could be said the health of our skin depends on vitamin A. Low-fat yogurt is not only high in vitamin A, but also acidophilus, the “live” bacteria that is good for intestinal health. Turns out, it may also have an impact on the skin, since it aids in digestion. Other good sources of vitamin A include cod liver oil, sweet potatoes, carrots, leafy vegetables, and fortified breakfast cereals.

It’s important to also make sure you’re eating foods rich in antioxidants, such as blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and plums. The benefits of these foods for healthy skin are plentiful. The antioxidants and other phytochemicals in these fruits can protect the skin cells, so there is less chance for damage. This in turn guards against premature aging, and keeps skin looking younger longer. Other fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants include artichokes, black, red, and pinto beans, prunes, and pecans.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are essential to your skin. Include salmon, walnuts, canola oil, and flax seed. EFAs keep cell membranes healthy, and allow nutrients to pass through.

We also need healthy oils, which contain more than essential fatty acids. Eating good-quality oils helps keep skin lubricated and keeps it looking and feeling healthier overall. Look for oils that are cold pressed, such as olive or extra virgin oil. We only need about two tablespoons a day of healthy oils, so use wisely.

Selenium plays an important role in the health of skin cells. Turn to foods like Whole-wheat bread, muffins, and cereals; turkey, tuna and brazil nuts for this important nutrient. Recent studies show that if selenium levels are high, even skin damaged by the sun may only suffer minimal, if any, damage.

Choosing the whole grain versions of complex carbohydrates can have a significant effect on insulin levels. Processed and refined sugars can cause inflammation that may ultimately be linked to skin break outs.

Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties, and it protects the membrane of the cell. It may even help prevent or reduce skin cancer risks.

Water plays such an important role in your overall health, and it has a profound effect on your skin’s health as well. Well-hydrated skin is healthy and young-looking. It also helps move the toxins out of your system so they have less chance to do damage.

Superfoods For Sinusitis Relief

Sinusitis simply means inflammation of the sinuses, but this gives little indication of the misery and pain this condition can cause. Chronic sinusitis, sinusitis that persists for at least 3 weeks, affects an estimated 32 million people in the United States and Americans spend millions of dollars each year for medications that promise relief from their sinus symptoms.

Symptoms of sinusitis can include fever, weakness and tiredness, a cough that may be more severe at night, and runny nose or nasal congestion. In addition, drainage of mucus from the sinuses down the back of the throat (postnasal drip) can cause a sore throat.

However, by introducing a few of the superfoods from certain vitamin groups, we can lessen our chances of becoming afflicted with this painful and bothersome malady.

Citrus fruits, red berries, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, red and green bell peppers, cabbage, and spinach are all excellent dietary sources of vitamin C, which helps promote a healthy immune system.
The B-complex vitamins are actually a group of eight vitamins, which include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3) and folic acid (B9), and are essential for a healthy nervous system, processing carbohydrates for energy, and the creation of red blood cells. Organ meats, beans, whole grain cereals, oatmeal, potatoes, salmon, bananas, and spinach are only a few of the many food members of the vitamin B group with high levels of this group of nutrients.
Vegetable oils, nuts, green leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals are common food sources of vitamin E, an antioxidant that acts to protect your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of energy metabolism. Free radicals can damage cells and may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Vitamin E has also been shown to play a positive role in immune function.
Inhaling steam from a vaporizer or a hot cup of water can soothe inflamed sinus cavities. Another treatment is saline nasal spray, which can be purchased in a pharmacy. A hot water bottle; hot, wet compresses; or an electric heating pad applied over the inflamed area also can be comforting.

A person susceptible to sinus disorders, particularly one who also is allergic, should avoid cigarette smoke and other air pollutants. Inflammation in the nose caused by allergies predisposes a patient to a strong reaction to all irritants. Drinking alcohol also causes the nasal-sinus membranes to swell. Try to avoid dairy products, as they stimulate your body to produce more mucous.

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