We all know about calcium, how good and necessary it is for strong bones and teeth.  We all probably know as well in what foods high quantities of calcium are found such as milk, cheese and yogurt among others.

Latest studies show that calcium is also helpful in maintaining the arteries and a healthy heart.  It is the only natural nutrient which plays this double role. In fact, it is known to lower blood pressure.  This wonder mineral also aids in weight loss, eliminating bad fat.

However, most recent research in various countries and through many tests show that in  order for calcium to be assimilated in the body and deposited where it should be, in the bones and the blood, and perform its miracles, vitamin K2 is needed.  Where is vitamin K2 found?

For many years the Japanese have known the benefits of menaquinones which is found in vitamin K2. The highest amount is in a food called natto (fermented soja) which they eat in abundance.  In other parts of the world where this food is not consumed one can get vitamin K2 in the following foods: dark green vegetables, meat, eggs and high fat dairy products.

A balanced diet, by eating a variety of food, will supply enough vitamin K2 so that one will feel healthy and strong because of the assimilation of calcium in the body.

Grandma Nature

When you see a banana do you think of a monkey?  It so happens that bananas are the most purchased fruit in supermarkets.  So, there is at least one similarity between man and monkeys!

Bananas are good for you.  They are full of potassium and magnesium.  Both are important as we age.  Potassium is very important in controlling blood pressure and stimulates enzymes and regulates metabolism.  Magnesium keeps the nerves solid and is efficient in preventing leg cramps. A combination of sugar and amino acids found in bananas enables the brain to synthesize serotonin, “the happiness hormone”.

Bananas are very low in calories and very inexpensive.  They can, of course, be eaten on their own but are delicious in baked goods and as an accompaniment to cereals as well.

Nurture your body by eating bananas. – One could even say that a banana a day keeps the doctor away.

Grandma Nature

It would be interesting to know the origin of the expression, “He’s driving me nuts”.  Nuts do not make you crazy!  On the contrary, they are very, very good for you.

There are many kinds of nuts-cashew, almond, walnut, Brazil nut, hazelnut, etc. and each has its own beneficial property for the body.  This is of special interest as we age.

Of all nuts, cashews have the highest rate of magnesium, which is very efficient in controlling cramps, especially leg cramps.

Pistachio nuts are used in baking and in mediterranean dishes.  They are very rich in vitamin B which is so valuable for the nervous system.

Walnuts are known to be very healthy for the heart, with their antioxidant properties.

Almonds play an important role in containing and even decreasing bad cholesterol levels while enhancing the good cholesterol.

Almonds and Brazil nuts are the only nuts that are alkaline in the acidic-alkaline chart.  Most of the food we eat is acidic, and it is this acidity in the body which promotes cancer and rheumatism among other ailments.

Judging from what is known about them, it is better to pick up a bag of nuts at the grocery store than potato chips or other starchy foods.  The choice of nuts is there, and they are all healthy.

Grandma Nature

PARMAGIANO REGGIANO

Mammamia!   What is this?

Actually, it is the Italian name for parmesan, the well-known, universally used Italian cheese so important in the cuisine of Italy.

Parmesan has a great quantity of calcium and is very low in fat, thus nearly no cholesterol.  This is a big contrast to most other cheeses which are high in fat.  Calcium, in addition to strengthening bones and teeth, is very important in controlling high blood pressure.

This cheese is also rich in protein and phosphorus and contains many vitamins.  It stimulates digestion and because of this it is very good for children.

Parmesan can be added to food during cooking or sprinkled on top of prepared dishes.  Aside from pasta, it is delicous in omelettes.  As cocktail food, serve small cubes of parmesan. It is very tasty, and the health benefits are enormous.

Parmesan is made in certain parts of Italy only, in the Parma region, and is aged for one to three years in cellars before being put on the market.   Add it to your grocery list and enjoy!

Grandma Nature

Watercress, what a lovely name. – And it does grow in water, being semi-aquatic.  Since modern medicine has existed, watercress has been considered a miracle vegetable as it is an aid in preventing and healing a number of conditions.

Watercress is a green salad type vegetable which can be used in various ways according to your taste and ingenuity. For example use it in sandwiches or mixed with other salads, or even on its own with a delicious vinaigrette. It has a peppery taste.

Calcium, iron and folic acid are important minerals found in watercress, and it is a potent antioxidant which is believed to help in controlling cancer cells.  It purifies the blood and kidneys. It eliminates metals from the body.  It is considered a powerhouse of good things for you with its minerals, vitamins and heart-preserving properties. It helps in reducing water retention which plays an important role in controlling cardio-vascular illnesses.

In addition it is loaded with the phytonutrients, lutein and zeaxanthin, which help prevent aging related changes in the eyes.  The amount of vitamin C is greater in watercress than in oranges and the iron content is higher than in spinach.  Rashes, eczema and other skin conditions are treated with substances containing watercress such as creams to be rubbed on the rash.

The moral to this story? – Always have some watercress within reach!

Grandma Nature

SAGE

It might be difficult to believe should one walk by a sage bush that it is such a valuable and versatile gift from Mother Nature.  In some parts of the world as in the south of France it may be found growing wild, so it is free as well as assuming one might pick a branch or two.

Probably the first thing one would think about sage is the Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey as it is an important ingredient in the stuffing.  It has healing powers too.  A hot sage gargle for sore throats and tonsillitis is recommended for curing these conditions   Add one or two teaspoons of dried sage to boiling water.  Then gargle!  The herb is not recommended for children due to the great amount of tannins found in it.

Actually there are two types of sage – Clary sage and Spanish sage, each with a different ability to treat symptoms.  Clary sage is efficient in combating stress or anxiety while Spanish sage is a more stimulating herb used in treating bronchitis, muscular aches and pains and poor circulation. Both treat conditions by baths, compresses, gargling and massage.

Used either in cuisine or for medicinal remedies, sage will bring comfort and joy to all.

Grandma Nature

We have been hearing much about beta-carotene these days.  What is it exactly?  No, it is not a carrot!  It is an antioxidant found in foods which seem to reduce cancer development and heart disease.  Carrots do contain a large quantity of beta-carotene as do other yellow, orange and red fruits and vegetables.  One thinks of orange when seeing the word carotene, and yet the antioxidant is found in great quantities in dark green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and Swiss Chard as well.

Studies have shown that for the beta-carotene to be most effective it must be cooked or cut into small pieces.  Some fat should be added when preparing the food in order for the beta-carotene to be assimilated in the body.  Other foods with high amounts are carrot juice, pumpkin, sweet potato, kale, beet greens, cantaloupe and red peppers.

Beta-carotene is converted in the body into vitamin A, which is necessary for good vision and the immune system.  It has an important function in helping to prevent lung cancer.    Enjoying these vegetables and fruits will not only provide a delicious meal but will keep you fit and healthy.

Grandma Nature

Sunflower seeds offer a healthy snack that will curb your hunger while improving your health by offering you significant amounts of vitamin E, magnesium and selenium.

Sunflowers are thought to be among the first flowers to be cultivated in North America, probably originating in Mexico and Peru.  Native Americans used the seeds for both food and oil for over 5,000 years.

Sunflower seeds offer many health benefits.  They are rich in vitamin E bringing anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular protection.  The sunflower seeds’ phytosterols lower cholesterol.  The magnesium they offer calms your nerves.  Research also shows that magnesium helps to lower blood pressure and to prevent migraines as well as keep bones healthy and increase energy.  Selenium in sunflower seeds helps prevent cancer and helps repair damaged cells.

How do you build sunflower seeds into your diet?  Keep sunflowers handy as a snack; sprinkle them on your salads, cereal and sandwiches.  They can be added to most any recipe and even crushed into a powder to coat your meats and vegetables in place of flour.

When we are healthy and have energy we feel good about ourselves.  Snack on sunflower seeds to enhance your age esteem.

Grandma Nature

The childhood tongue twister, “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers” has a philosophy to it.  If you picked a peck of peppers and ate them, you would be very healthy indeed!  For peppers have a powerhouse of nutrients for the AgeEsteemer’s body.  There are green, red, yellow, and orange bell peppers and smaller chili peppers.  The lovely little vegetables are tempting to the eye in their shiny coats.  They may be eaten raw or cooked, stuffed and baked, boiled, broiled, fried and mixed with other vegetables such as eggplant, zuchinni, and tomatoes as well as adding a hot spice to  food.

Bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C, fighting off cancer, eye diseases and even conditions such as Alzheimer’s.  Chili peppers, which are very hot, are good for unblocking clogged up lungs and bronchial tubes.  The compound that makes them hot acts as natural aspirin. In addition, when added to food they speed up the metabolism, thus enabling the burning of calories. One interesting study shows that they do not destroy the lining of the stomach nor do they cause ulcers.   Venture out now and pick a peck of peppers!

Grandma Nature

Cranberries

When one sees this cute little fruit many happy times come to mind such as holidays with cranberry sauce to complement a delicious roast turkey.

Cranberries grow on vines in bogs in northern North America.  There are vast areas in which the cranberry bushes are covered in water when harvested.  What a sight to behold! – A beautiful red sea of small, round balls bobbing up and down.  The American Indians used them to prevent and to treat infections of the urinary tract and  today cranberries are known as a wonder solution for cystitis.  They also aid in improving various digestive problems.  Liver, kidney and blood conditions are also improved or healed with the utilization of the cranberry.  In addition it has anti-inflammatory properties.

Cranberry got it name from “craneberry” because its pink flower was thought to resemble the head and neck of a crane; hence craneberry.  The berries are first white, then pink and finally become a glorious red. They are of the same family as the blueberry.

In addition to cooked cranberries in jams and sauces, cranberry juice and dried cranberries are easily available today in supermarkets.  Dried, they can be added to cereals, eaten as a snack or sprinkled on top of a green salad to give a festive appearance.  In whatever form they are consumed, they will bring you health along with happiness!

Grandma Nature