"Cures Everything But Death"

Black Seed for thousands of years has been hailed as a miracle cure. Its Latin name is Nigella Sativa. It is known also as Black Cumin. In India it is known as Kalonji and Charnuska in Russia. Black Seed has been regarded highly in the Middle East for more than 3000 years. In the bible it is called "fitch" and in the Hadith the prophet Mohammad said "Black Seed cures everything but death". The personal doctors of the pharaohs always kept a bowl of black seed on hand for use as a digestive aid and as a effective medicine for colds, headaches, toothaches and infections. Archaeologist found a bottle of Black Seed oil in the tomb of the Pharaoh Tutenkhamun. This seed was recognized in Europe during the 1st century AD when Pliny the Elder and Roman Scientist wrote extensively about its healing properties in his Naturalis Historica. By the 5th century Hippocrates the father of medicine applied the herb under the names melanthion and melaspermon - "black leaf or black seed".

O.k. by now you are probably saying "enough with the history what does this herb actually do?" To begin with Black Seed works by assisting the body in its own natural healing process. It has an unprecedented strengthening effect on the immune system. By boosting the immune system it helps destroy invading bodies and restores optimum health. Black Seed is regarded as a "body enhancer." This means it will work with your body to function at its best to combat illnesses as they arise. Black Seed is an excellent source of essential fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. EFA's are essential for vital cell maintenance and the stabilization of cell membranes. They bring about the quick healing of wounds, contribute to smooth skin, and aid in metabolizing cholesterol and fat in the blood. EFA's play an important role in the smooth functioning of the brain and nervous system.

Here is a list of some of Black Seed other medicinal purposes:

-Pain reliever

-Anti-oxidant

-Fever reducer

-Anti-bacterial: Destroys and inhibits the growth of destructive microorganisms.

-Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.

-Anti-microbial: Destroys and inhibits the growth of destructive microorganisms.

-Prevents and eases muscle spasms.

-Anti-tumor: Counteracts or prevents the formation of malignant tumors.

-Diuretic: Stimulates urination to relieve bloating and rid the body of excess water.

-Stimulates bile and aids in the digestive process.

-Stimulates menstrual flow and activity.

-Reduces blood pressure.

-Stimulates the lactation of milk in nursing mothers.

-Laxative: Causes looseness or relaxation of the bowels.

-Suppresses or strengthens immune system activity as needed for an optimum balance.

Black Seeds, Black Seed oil, and so forth. How does one take this herb? I discovered Black Seed three years ago and I take 2 teaspoons of the oil every morning. I find that along with a healthy diet it keeps me from getting sick and getting seasonal allergies. The grounded seeds add a beautiful taste to most dishes. I use it as a pepper substitute in many foods. Oh and if you can get your hands on honey with black seed, yum! Black Seed oil can also be used topically, to heal skin, as a moisturizer,and to stimulate hair growth. This herb reaps with so many health benefits and there are so many ways it can be used. It has been used successfully in healing chronic respiratory problems in animals such as: horses, cows, donkeys, and goats.

When buying black seed oil make sure that it is organic and of the highest quality. You want it to be "cold pressed" and "first pressed". High temperature pressing chemically alters the oil and lessens its effectiveness. I've been buying Black Seed oil and Black Seed products from Black Seed Herbal Essence since I first discovered it, http://www.blackseedherbalessence.com/ . Their Black Seed oil along with their other Black Seed products are all organic and of high quality. Another big plus is that their website is loaded with tons of information on the herb.

Take Me To The Land of Hunza

Imagine a place where degenerative illnesses like cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, and high blood pressure do not exist. A place where the life expectancy is one hundred and twenty and men father children at ninety. The place is Hunza (pronounced hoonza) and the people are called Hunzacuts. Hunza is situated at the extreme northern point of India, where the borders of Kashmir, China, India, and Afghanistan converge. It is an inaccessible valley about 9000 ft above sea level. Hunza is pretty much cut off from the outside world. Not only do these people live to be in their hundreds but they live to be that age in good mental and physical health. Why is this sort of existence enjoyed in Hunza and not in the United States? What is the mystery behind this "Utopian" country? Some say it's the pure mineral-laden glacial water the Hunzacuts drink. Others attribute it to their strong spirituality and belief in God. Mostly, it has been credited to one theory their diet. To begin with these people eat only fresh and natural foods. There are no supermarkets in Hunza which means no packaged foods therefore no chemical additives or preservatives. They eat their food in its original unsalted state. The most processing which is done to food would be in drying fresh fruit in the sun and making butter and cheese from milk. There are no chemicals or artificial fertilizers used in growing food. It is against the law in Hunza to spray pesticides in gardens, therefore their soil is rich in minerals

O.k. but what is so great about their diet that it promotes longevity and excellent health? A large part of their diet consists of whole grains such as barley, millet, buckwheat, and wheat. These grains are unprocessed. Since these grains are not bleached they keep their germ and bran which are the most nourishing parts of the grain. When you buy white grains like flour, and bread the wheat germ and fiber has been removed. Wheat germ supplies vitamin E and fiber is necessary for healthy digestion. The grains the Hunza's eat are rich in phosphorus, potassium, calcium, manganese, and other minerals. Vegetables are a big part of the Hunza diet and they eat them mostly raw. If they do cook them they are boiled in water for a short time and the water from the vegetables is drunk afterward. They grow spinach, lettuce, carrots, peas, turnips, squash, and various herbs. Salads are a relevant part of every meal. They are made with a grape vinegar and apricot oil dressing. The people of Hunza are not vegetarian but very little meat is eaten. Live stock is not abundant because food for cows, chickens, and goats is scarce. Also pasture land is limited. Meat may be eaten twice a year for special occasions like weddings or holidays.

Fruits like apricots, mulberries, peaches, black and red cherries are grown in large quantities. Apricots are a strong staple in the Hunza diet. They are eaten raw in the summer and sun dried for the winter months. The stones of the apricots are cracked open and the kernels are also eaten. The oil from apricots is used in cooking and also on the skin and hair. The women of Hunza are said to have amazing skin. The dietary factors about apricots is that they are an excellent source of vitamins A,C, E, and beta-carotene. Apricots are rich in minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, and phosphorus and they're also rich with the powerful antioxidant Lycopene. Lycopene promotes wellness by strengthening the immune system and protecting the LDL cholesterol from oxidation which helps prevent heart disease. Apricots are great for digestive health because they're rich in fiber.

Though we live in the West the Hunza diet is not difficult to follow and learn from. When it comes to illness we need to think and take preventive actions. It is never too late to change your eating habits. If you got on a train and realized it was the wrong train would you stay on that train? No! You would get off and get on the right train. Jay Milton Hoffman who wrote Hunza 15 secrets of the world's healthiest and oldest living people stated: "There are many people today who are on the wrong train so far as healthful living is concerned. They are travelling fast on the wrong train to sickness, disease, and eventually death, which wrongful living habits always bring. Should they continue? No. When people know better they should change their way of living." There is so much to be said about the Hunza lifestyle and diet and I could go on forever but this is only a blog. For anyone who is interested in learning more about these people I recomend Jay Milton Hoffman's book along with Hunza Health Secrets for Long Life and Happiness by Renee Taylor and 50 Secrets of the World's Longest Living People by Sally Beare.

The Skinny on Avocado

Let's get down to why if you are not including avocados into your diet why you should. Avocados have been toted as a fattening food which has caused many to stay away from them. We need to stop focusing on a food's calorie content. That is not what is important here. What is important is its nutritional contribution to human needs. Avocado is a fruit which reaps with nutritional and even cosmetic benefits and I will explain why.

Avocado is high in monounsaturated fats. Monounsaturated fats are good fats which lowers LDL (low-density lipoprotein or "bad fat") and triglycerides. Both are associated with heart disease. Researchers have discovered that avocados are rich in beta-sitoserol, a natural substance which is shown to lower blood cholesterol levels. In the December 1999 issue of American Medicine researchers found that beta-sitoserol was shown to reduce cholesterol in 16 human studies. Contrary to popular assumptions avocados can be helpful in terms of weight loss and management. Its monounsaturated fat speeds up the basal metabolic rate as compared with saturated fats. Its high fat content makes an overall sound diet. In other words you will feel full quicker and not run the risk of having that binging break down.

Avocado is a rich source of vitamins and minerals. They contain potassium, vitamin E, B vitamins, calcium, limited zinc and moderate phosphorus. Vitamin B6 is important for our nervous system, red blood cells, teeth, and gums. A recent report printed in Nature's Guide by William Sears, MD stated that avocado has 3 times as much B6 per gram as a banana. The vitamin and mineral contents in avocado are shown to be cancer protectors. The 2005 J.Nutri Biochem report stated that the carotenoids and tocopherols (chemical compounds which may have vitamin E activity) in avocado were shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cell lines in vitro. Avocado's contain the antioxidant glutathione which fights free radicals. Dr. David Herber, director of the UCLA Center for Human nutrition has stated that evidence suggest glutathione may help prevent certain types of cancers and heart disease in humans. The glutatione, folate, and the potassium found in avocado also help prevent high blood pressure and stroke.

Last but not least avocado is a beauty food! The oil from an avocado can be used as a natural cosmetic. Its high vitamin content along with protein and lecithin attributes to its regenerative skin properties. Avocado oil has been said to heal sun damage and scars. Eight plant oils were tested (almond, apricot kernel, safflower, peanut, jojoba, olive, coconut and sesame) and avocado oil was found be the most effective sunscreen. It makes a wonderful moisturizer as well. Avocado oil absorbs quickly into the skin while softening and soothing it at the same time. I use it myself as a night time moisturize and I find I reap the benefits.

O.k. so I have filled you in on all the wonderful health and healing benefits of avocados. The next time you consider using butter or cream cheese on your bagel or mayo on your sandwich opt for mashed avocado instead. My favorite is mashed avocado and tuna on a sprouted ezekial muffin. Avocado slices are also great additions to a salad. Oh and let's not forget that the oil is wonderful as a natural cosmetic.

It's All About The Onions

Whenever I order a Middle Eastern salad from my favorite Middle Eastern restaurant I always request that they withhold the onions. Eating onions in the raw is not my thing for two reasons. The first reason is that onions cause the kind of bad breath, which is not easily erased with a toothbrush and toothpaste. The second reason is that I do not particularly like the taste. However I do cook with onions to add flavor to my meals. The other day while I was doing research on herbs and vegetables I ran across tons of information on the health benefits of onions. This information was repetitive but it made me realize that the next time I order that Middle Eastern salad I should perhaps insist that they not leave out the onions. Here is why.

Did you know that onions contain phytochemicals called flavanoids, which help vitamin C in its function in the body? Flavanoids improves the integrity of blood vessels and decreases inflammation. This is all very helpful to our cardiovascular system by promoting heart health and reducing the risk of heart disease. Onions are also a good source of nutrients, vitamin B6 and C, chromium, folate, maganese, potassium, copper, and phosphorus.

Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant which combats a variety of illnesses and onions are very good source of it. According to the journal "Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology" quercetin reduces the size and amount of precancerous lesions in the intestinal tract. Eating onions just two or three times a week can lower the risk of colon and ovarian cancer significantly. The quercetin and vitamin C found in onions help promote a healthy immune system. These two substances also act as anti-inflammatory agents, which reduce the effect of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The chromium found in onions is a substance that helps maintain proper hormonal balance in the body. It also helps cells respond to insulin which aids in lowering blood sugar.

Onions also contain a substance called growth plate chondrocytes. This substance promotes bone health by preventing the function of osteoclasts. These are cells that break down bone tissue. Onion contain prebiotics and are a good soure of fiber. Prebiotics encourage the growth of good bacteria in the digestive system. This helps promote proper digestion.

For those of you whom onions have been a staple ingredient in your diet thumbs up to you! You're quite a few steps ahead. For the non onion lovers like myself we probably should rethink those taste buds and begin to reap the benefits!

Chia Seeds Not Just For Chia Pets

I would never have known the seeds smeared onto that ceramic animal who would eventually grow a green fro were a Super Food. Well not until I walked into Whole Foods the other day and saw containers of Chia seeds and capsules displayed on a main shelf. I read the container and saw they contained omega 3 fatty acids (fats which protect against inflammation and heart disease) and were loaded with fiber. I was instantly sold ! After purchasing these seeds I decided to do some of my own research on my new health find. What I found out will amaze you.

1. Chia seeds were used in pre-Colombian times and were apart of the Aztec and Mayan diets. They were also the basic survival ration of the Aztec Warrior. One tablespoon could sustain an individual for 24 hours. The Aztecs would also use Chia seeds medicinally to relieve joint pain and skin conditions.

2. Chia seeds are loaded with not only omega 3 fatty acids but also omega 6.

3. Chia seeds are high in dietary fiber. Two table spoons give you 7 grams of fiber.

4. Chia seeds contain important nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, niacin, and zinc.

5. Chia seeds are high in protein (20%)

6. Chia seeds have also been found to be beneficial to diabetics. Why is that? When chia seeds are consumed, they form a gelatinous substance in the stomach, which helps inhibit the speed in which carbohydrates are turned to sugar by the stomach's digestive process.

7. Chia seeds are also high in ant-oxidants.

So exactly how do you eat these seeds? For starters you can eat them raw. You can also sprinkle them into your salad, yogurt, omelet, cereal, water, or juice. I've been adding two table spoons everyday to my green smoothies. I find this added addition leaves me feeling quite full. It has only been two weeks of me on chia seeds and so far so good. I promise to keep you posted on any amazing side affects and even not so amazing.