The post Carol’s Review of the New Spices and Dressings appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

Spices

We have used this spice in a few recipes lately and then I saw on Dr. Oz how important it is for our health.  I found this article on Health Diaries that discusses the benefits.

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. My favorite way to use it is to add a pinch of it to egg salad. It adds a nice flavor and gives the egg salad a rich yellow hue.

Contraindications: Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction. Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult with a doctor before doing so as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant. Article from Health Diaries.

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The post Turmeric is one of nature's most powerful healers. appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

Southwestern Salad

Mixed salad greens
chicken breast, cooked and shredded
corn kernels
rinsed black beans, drained and rinsed
chopped red and green bell peppers
chopped tomato
shredded cheese

Mix together with cilantro dressing and serve immediately.

Peanut Cilantro Dressing

3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
2 bunches cilantro leaves, finely chopped
1/2 C. fresh lime juice
1 1/2 tsp. wine vinegar
1/2 tsp.  ground cumin
3/4 tsp.  salt
1/2 tsp.  freshly ground pepper
1 Tbsp. raw honey
1 Tbsp. creamy organic peanut butter
1/2 C. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 C. olive oil

In a magic bullet or food processor, finely mince garlic cloves and ginger. Add cilantro leaves and process until finely chopped. Add remaining ingredients and blend until well mixed. Keep in fridge in a sealed container and it will keep for up to a week.

The post Phase 4 Southwestern Salad appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.