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Food Appeal - part 1
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When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. - Wayne Dyer |
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A slice of a carrot resembles the human eye. Carrots contain Beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor), which plays a chief role
in maintaining eye site and preventing night blindness. Specifically, the cornea depends on beta-carotene for maintenance
and protection, while the retina and macula depend on another compound called lutein. Besides carrots, orange carotenoids
are found in mangoes, cantaloupe, apricots, sweet potatoes and pumpkins. Lutein rich foods are dark green such as kale, spinach,
and chard. Cooked carrots can treat diarrhea and strengthen digestion (especially in infants). Fresh carrot juice is also
good for weak digestion and makes a great foundational juice to add other juices.
Like the heart, a tomato has four chambers and is red. Research shows that tomatoes have incredible benefits for the heart
and blood. Lycopene, the pigment that makes the fruit red, has been a buzzword within the last few years as a heart healthy
compound. Some of the known benefits of lycopene include the antioxidant action of scavenging free radicals, inhibiting cell
proliferation, and reducing the accumulation of platelets. It also lowers the risk of heart disease and many cancers (including
bladder, prostate, and pancreas). Lycopene is better cooked due to its heat resistance, and tomato paste is the best source.
Heat allows the lycopene to become more absorbable. Tomatoes are also high in vitamin A, C, potassium, and calcium. Eating
tomatoes with fat or oil will increase the absorption in the intestines. Organic ketchup is reported to contain three times
the lycopene as conventional brands. Tomatoes purify the blood, and, after digestion, they become alkaline helping to balance
the typical American's acidic diet. Also, they can be beneficial for high blood pressure and headaches. However, eating
more than 2-4 tomatoes per day weakens the body.
Grapes hang in heart-shaped clusters. Each grape looks like a blood cell, and current research shows that grapes are also
profound heart and blood vitalizing food. Grapes contain pterostilbene which is reported to lower cholesterol and triglycerides.
A fascinating discovery by Dr. Agnes Rimando showed that the humble little grape rivaled the effects of prescription triglyceride
and cholesterol lowering drugs. Plus, grapes are reported to have anti-cancer and anti-diabetic action as well. Among the
benefits to the heart, the grape inhibits tyrosine kinases which is a cause of heart disease, increases nitric oxide in the
heart which reduces blood clot formation, and increases resveratrol which keeps the heart flexible. The cell salts in grapes
help to build and purify the blood and improve the cleansing functions of glands.
Have you ever wondered why a walnut looks so much like a brain? Our brain has an uncanny resemblance to the walnut, in shape
and appearance. It looks like it has left and right hemispheres, upper cerebrums, and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles
or folds are present on the nut just like the neo-cortex. We now know that walnuts help develop over three dozen neuron-transmitters
for brain function. Walnuts are a source of omega 3 fatty acids which the brain and body rely on due to our own inability
to manufacture these Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's). A quarter of a cup of walnuts provides 90% of the RDA of these essential
oils for most of us. The Chinese have revered walnuts as a kidney tonic, and, in Chinese medicine, kidney function is closely
related to brain function. This harkens back to that old saying "like treats like". Walnuts strengthen kidney yang
energy, nourishing the kidneys and adrenals. They are great for treating conditions of weakness and cold in the lower back
and knees, frequent urination, and are especially good for the aging.