Hemp: Food for Your Heart and Much More

Hemp has always been an important grain in traditional Asiatic food and medicines. Hempseed, considered a superfood for many reasons, is gaining popularity in the West. The American demand for omega-balanced hempseed oil is fueling a windfall for hemp farmers.

American farmers have watched as Canadian farmers clear huge profits from hemp at $250 per acre in the 2013 market. While soy, a major crop, nets U.S. farmers about $71 per acre.

Hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant and a cousin of marijuana. Hemp contains 0.3% or less of the psychoactive component THC, while marijuana plants typically contain 5% to 20% THC. You cannot get high from hemp, however starting in 1937 U.S. drug laws banned the cultivation of hemp.

In the 2014 farm bill, signed by President Obama on Feb. 7, hemp grown for research purposes was removed from the Controlled Substances Act, which is the main federal drug law. Scientists in the West continue to discover new benefits of the seed and its derivatives.

Besides being a superfood, hemp has dozens of uses. The Dutch manufacture a stronger-than-steel hemp fiber that is used in Mercedes door panels. Hempcrete is a hemp fiber insulation that outperforms traditional fiberglass insulation.

Many uses of hemp:

• Food and nutrition
• Bodycare
• Paper
• Fabric textiles and rope
• Fuel
• Building materials
• Plastic alternatives

One of the advantages of growing hemp is that it needs half the water of wheat, which will be of great benefit to farmers in the drought ridden western U. S. It is believed that hemp will revive family farming in this time of climate-change. Hemp is also a good rotation crop as it returns nitrogen to the soil.

Hempseed oil contains linolenic acids an omega-3 fatty acid that helps prevent coronary heart disease and sterols are that are beneficial to lowering cholesterol.

Hemp benefits individuals

•                Those interested in preventative health and wellness

•                Diabetics

•                Those with obesity

•                People with chronic constipation

•                Elderly individuals with chronic health problems

•                People with high blood pressure

•                Individuals on carb-reduced diets

•                Individuals battling high cholesterol

•                People with Celiac Disease

•                People battling depression

•                Pregnant and lactating mothers

•                Children with hyperactivity disorders

Hemp seed oil contains active ingredients that reduce platelet aggregation and antioxidant that have anticancer actions. It also contains antioxidants, which are beneficial against diseases, such as Alzheimer's, hardening of the arteries, dermatological diseases and lipid metabolism where fatty acids are broken down. In 2013, Medical News Today reported on a study investigating medical marijuana. Findings suggesting that the THC content of marijuana may be medically beneficial for treating autoimmune diseases.

Hempseed oil is nutritious and tastes good. It contains: an excellent balance of polyunsaturated fatty acids; the vitamins: A, C, E, and beta-carotene; and the minerals: phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, and calcium.

Hempseed can be purchased and used in these forms:  as raw shelled seed, protein high fiber drink mix, hemp oil, as a non-dairy beverage, a powdered fiber, hemp heart, hemp butter, cereal flakes, teas, nutritional capsules, and in body lotions and soaps.

Research studies demonstrate health benefits for:

• Atherosclerosis
• Anticancer
• Strengthens immune system, antioxidant properties
• Bad cholesterol
• Blood clotting-- protection against clot-induced strokes and myocardial infarctions
• Skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis
• Heart disease and helps prevent a variety of heart conditions
• Degenerative diseases
• Chronic inflammation

For thousands of years, we have used parts of the hemp plant for food, textiles, paper, fabric, and fuel oil. Modern technologies have made it possible to create alternatives petroleum products that help us lessen our reliance on polluting and expensive fossil fuels.

The hemp plant is a renewable resource that grows quickly, naturally resists plant diseases, requires little weeding, thrives in most climates, and enriches soil.

Because of over fishing and chemical contamination of the oceans, hemp has become in important source of omega-6 and omega 3 fatty acids. Hemp is used in animal feed, as fishing bait and in bird feed (hemp is preferred by song birds.).

Hemp is a good alternative to the toxic chemicals present in petroleum-based lotions and cosmetics.  Also, because of chemical contamination of the oceans and over fishing many individuals have switched to hempseed oil for essential omega-3.

Thomas Jefferson is quoted as saying hemp is the first necessity to the wealth and protection of the country. The American government encouraged farmers to grow hemp to help aid the war effort during World War II. Levi Strauss is original denim fabric for jeans made of hemp, as was the fabric for the first American flag. Hemp can be used to create biofuels that replaces gasoline that burns without creating pollutants.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/doug-fine/thomas-jeffersons-favorit_b_5582029.html

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/272024.php

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

www.leafscience.com/2014/02/.../9-surprising-health-benefits-hemp-seed

http://www.thehia.org/

http://www.informationdistillery.com/hemp.htm

Pineapple: The Excellent Fruit

For my gift to the hostess, I like taking a pineapple as a gift when I’m invited to dinner---forget the wine! Nothing tastes better than freshly juiced pineapple in the morning.

I love everything about pineapples. I love the look of pineapples with their geometric-patterned skin and spike-y, green leaves. The exotic smell—that makes me think of sunshine and blue sky. In the Colonial United States, families would set a fresh pineapple in the center of the table as a colorful, festive centerpiece. This symbolized the best in welcome and hospitality. Carvings of pineapples were put on doors as a welcoming symbol to visitors.

The scientific name of pineapple is Ananas comosus. Ananas, the original name of pineapple, comes from the Tupi (native people of the Brazilian coast) word nanas, meaning "excellent fruit." The natives of southern Brazil and Paraguay spread the pineapple throughout South America. Eventually it reached the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico. The Maya, and the Aztec peoples cultivated pineapples. In 1493, Columbus found pineapple on the leeward island of Guadeloupe. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pineapple)

In general, it is not a good idea to eat fruits with meat because they digest at different rates and this causes fermentation in the gut. However, fresh pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain is a fantastic digestive enzyme for proteins, meats.  Pineapple is an excellent paring with meats, as is the fruit papaya, which also contains enzymes.

Pineapple contains: B-complex; thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and potassium and antioxidants and polyphenols, such as beta-carotene. One cup of pineapple has 70 to 85 calories. It is rich in fiber and is low in fat and cholesterol.

Pineapple benefits these health concerns: Digestion; Fertility; Inflammation; Heart health; Skin; Kidney stones; Strengthens bones; Gums; Lowers risk of macular degeneration; Intestinal parasites.

A local Osteopathic doctor always recommends his patience eat pineapple when they are fighting off viruses that cause cough and colds. The bromelain is effective in suppressing coughs and loosening mucus. Pineapple juice can be used as a facial peel—leave on the skin for two minutes then wash off.

How to choose a pineapple:  Choose a fresh one with a firm, plump body, without bruising or soft spots, and green leaves at the crown. If the outer shell is green, this does not mean the pineapple is not ripe. Do not worry if the leaves pull from the crown easily. Pineapples should be picked at their peak ripeness. They do ripen once picked. Canned or packaged pineapple should be packed only in it’s own juice, not heavy (sugar) syrup. Whole or cut pineapple should be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days at most. However, some experts believe pineapple will be softer and juicier if kept at room temperature for 1 or 2 days before cutting.

Pineapple Chicken Tenders

 http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Pineapple-Chicken-Tenders/

Original recipe makes 10 appetizer servings

•                
1 cup pineapple juice

•                
1/2 cup packed brown sugar

•                
1/3 cup Tamari, or soy sauce (choose low sodium)

•                2 pounds organic chicken breast tenderloins or strips

•                skewers

Both soy sauce and Tamari are byproducts of fermented soybeans. However, Tamari contains little to no wheat (always double-check if avoiding gluten)

Directions

•                In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Remove from heat just before the mixture comes to a boil.

•                Place chicken tenders in a medium bowl. Cover with the pineapple marinade, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

•                Preheat grill for medium heat. Thread chicken lengthwise onto wooden skewers.

Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill chicken tenders 5 minutes per side, or until juices run clear. They cook quickly, so watch them closely.

Other Great Uses for Pineapple:

1.      Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

2.      Grilled Pineapple

3.      Acorn Squash (and Pineapple)

4.      Pico De Gallo

5.      Pineapple Casserole

6.      Polynesian Chicken

7.      Pineapple Sorbet

8.      Pineapple Jam

9.      Pineapple Fudge

10.      Sweet and Sour Vegetables

11.      Hawaiian Pizza

12.      Kabobs

13.      Pineapple Popsicles

14.      Pineapple Cheese Ball

15.      Tropical Fruit Salad

16.      Pineapple Marshmallow Salad

17.      Squid With Garlic and Pineapple

18.      Pork and Pineapples

19.      Honey Roasted Pineapple

20.      Cocktails!

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/276903.php

http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/8-healthy-facts-about-pineapple

http://www.wisebread.com/20-delicious-ways-to-use-pineapple

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/pineapple.html

Chlorophyll: Excellent Internal Detox

A well-known spiritual teacher suggested we drink chlorophyll water as a cleansing tonic. Chlorophyll counteracts the toxins in our food, environment, and our toxic lifestyles. I tried drinking water with chlorophyll added. I found I immediately felt energized. Over the following days I felt less ache-y, energized and my stomach was “happy.” In professional words: less body inflammation, improved metabolism, and improved alkaline/acid balance.

Over-acidity is a widespread problem in the USA. The reasons for this include stress, excessive sugar intake (including alcoholic beverages), and bad food combinations. The overly acidic body is the breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, illness and disease.

Chlorophyll ingestion keeps the circulatory and digestive systems much healthier. Chlorophyll is included in many of the natural nutritional supplements because of its benefits to the body. The body’s ability to alkalize is a powerful process for turning off carcinogenic incubations.

Toxins come from our diet, drug use and medications, environmental exposure, and dietary fats, especially oxidized fats and cholesterol. Detoxification is the process of clearing out, neutralizing or transforming toxins. Excess mucus and congestion are symptoms of body toxicity.

Symptoms of Body toxicity:

• Poor digestion
• Sluggish colon
• Reduced liver function
• Poor kidney function
• Impaired respiratory system
• Skin Conditions

Chlorophyll is the green pigment found in plants, which gives them the ability to absorb light and produce energy. Green plants/foods change carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide converting them into oxygen. Chlorophyll is chemically identical to human blood except the center element in chlorophyll is magnesium. While the center element in blood is iron.

According to some researchers, chlorophyll literally becomes human blood because chlorophyll has the ability to release magnesium and absorb iron as the central element. Thus it becomes hemoglobin and this increases the body’s ability to disburse oxygen.

Dr. Arthur Patek (1936) reported research results from a study done with anemia patients. They took different amounts of green foods along with iron. The blood hemoglobin demonstrated that red blood cells increased faster with the intake of green foods than when taking iron alone. This finding confirms chlorophyll has a chemical structure similar to red blood cells.

Chlorophyll is the pigment that gives plants and algae their green color. Chlorophyll is a chemical protein, which gives plants a green pigmentation. It is obtained from green leafy vegetables like broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, and algae.

Benefits of Chlorophyll, from an article by Candy del Carmen

1. Aids gastrointestinal problems, improving the digestion and assimilation, aids in loosening and cleansing the colon.

2. Promotes formation of hemoglobin and red blood cells, which is responsible for boosting our energy.

3. Treats bad odor from internal bacteria (sulfur compounds at the root of breath odor problems), and reduces the stringent smell of urine, infected wounds and feces.

4. Detoxifies toxins that cause cancer,

5. Beneficial for the body’s assimilation of calcium and other heavy minerals into the bloodstream fast with the least amount of digestion saving vital energy

6. Helps dissolves eye cataracts, which is same as an arthritic formation, the hard calcium has come out of solution and and settles on the lens of the eye.

7. Fights infections. Antioxidant properties, and anti-inflammatory compounds, contains Vitamin A, C and E, and antiseptic properties of chlorophyll have the ability to kill germs by strengthening the tissues.

Current Research

In scientific research, Chlorophyll demonstrates therapeutic effectiveness for these conditions:

• Detoxifying the liver
• Anti-inflammatory for pancreatitis
• Antioxidant and chemical protective properties against toxins
• Herpes Simplex
• Benign breast disease
• Tuberculosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity

Early evidence suggests that chlorophyll may aid in the reduction of side effects laser therapy used in management of cancer tumors. The benefits of chlorophyll in benign Fibrocystic breast disease are attributed the alteration of liver enzyme pathways involved in estrogen metabolism. Chlorophyll may treat herpes simplex and herpes zoster. Pancreatitis (chronic): Chlorophyll-a may reduce the mortality rate of experimental pancreatitis. Active destructive Pneumonia: Chlorophyll may help to regulate the immune-modifying effects in patients with active destructive pneumonia. Some research indicates symptoms of Yusho poisoning, caused by ingestion of contaminated rice oil, are counteracted. Protection from aflatoxines (which promote tumors): Chlorophyll may improve the detoxification cancer promoting toxins. Reduction of odor from incontinence/bladder cathertization: Based on historical use, chlorophyll has been suggested to improve bodily odor in colostomy patients. Rheumatoid arthritis: Diets high in chlorophyll have been hypothesized to modify intestinal flora resulting in improved management of immune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis. Tuberculosis: Preliminary evidence suggests that immune parameters and free radical indices are improved when chlorophyll is taken take during chemotherapy.

Supplement your diet with liquid concentrate chlorophyll.  Add multiple drops to water, another healthy, natural juice, or tea drinks---or swallow straight. BE SURE TO SHAKE CONCENTRATE WELL BEFORE ADDING TO WATER. Chlorophyll provides a long-lasting boost of energy, by increasing the overall oxygenation of cells---a much healthier alternative to “caffeine shot” drinks.  It contains magnesium and copper, which are minerals that the missing in the majority of Americans’ diets. Generally, supplement with a small amount of chlorophyll daily for optimal benefit. Generally tasteless when mixed with juices, chlorophyll drops will make your mouth turn green when placed directly on the tongue. The concentrated form has no additives and is natural and effective. Typically, you will feel energized almost immediately or within a few hours.

Cooking to Maintain Chlorophyll


We tend not to think of it, but cooking as chemistry--but it is. Applying heat to foods can create a chemical change. Cooking green vegetables causes the magnesium atom at the center of the chlorophyll to be replaced by a hydrogen atom causing some vegetables to turn an olive-gray color. After 20 minutes of boiling two thirds of the chlorophyll in broccoli is removed. To preserve the concentrations of chlorophyll, green vegetables should be steamed for short steaming times. Eating raw greens is t he easiest way to obtain health benefits from chlorophyll.

CAUTIONS: Chlorophyll is considered safe and without many side effects or toxicities. If there are adverse effects, they are: nausea, diarrhea, green stools, and abdominal cramping, green discoloration of the urine, photosensitivity in some people. Those with liver function problems may have yellowing of the skin. Patients taking immune suppressing drugs should be cautious as chlorophyll enhances the immune system. Individuals taking diabetes drugs may need dosages lessened.

http://www.insidershealth.com/article/chlorophyll_how_it_cleanses_purifies_and_heals_your_body/3679

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/chlorophylls/

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-712-chlorophyll

http://www.alliancegym.com/6-chlorophyll-benefits-healing-powers/

http://www.healthline.com/natstandardcontent/chlorophyll