Mushrooms For Healthy Aging

Mushrooms have been known to prolong longevity in many cultures. However, not all mushrooms are edible. Some are poisonous, so be very sure when picking them during a forest walk.  However, there are many that are very nutritious.

Mushrooms are loaded with antioxidants, which control the free radicals in the body that promote aging. They contain vitamin B which makes red blood cells, lower cholesterol, and some mushrooms are believed to aid the immune system.

Add to this the exercise and fresh air that you enjoy while hunting the mushrooms and you have another reason to believe that mushrooms are a boost to your health as you age.

Grandma Nature

Have you ever smelled a tomato on the vine? It is such a delectable scent, so earthy-beautiful.

Tomatoes are varied in color, size and shape. There are small tomatoes, very large tomatoes, oblong tomatoes, and round tomatoes.  They are often sold now on the vine.  There are green tomatoes, yellow tomatoes and, of course, red tomatoes.

What do they all have in common?  They are a miracle for your health.  Antioxidants which play a leading role in maintaining good heart health are abundant in tomatoes.

They also contain lycopene, a substance thought to be effective in cancer prevention.

So versatile in their culinary capacity, they are a must in Italian cuisine with the delicious tomato sauce so often used in Italy.  Served with slices of mozzarella cheese and basil, they make a wonderful and healthy summer salad.  Remember to use olive oil.  In addition to the usual cocktail fare, cherry tomatoes make a wonderful addition to hors-d’oeuvre while bringing health benefits to the body.

Enjoy!!

Grandma Nature

When shopping in the grocery store from September to January you will probably see round red items in the fruit department.  They look like miniature pumpkins except for the color.  The skin is very hard and should you not be familiar with them, they are pomegranates.

When cut in half, they offer a lovely surprise!  The fruit is brimming with many beautiful shiny little dark red seeds.  Do not throw these seeds away!  This is the fruit, and what a fruit it is for good health.  The pomegranate is the oldest cultivated fruit and was thought to have healing powers. Today these healing powers have been proven, through many studies, to be correct.

Pomegranates are so rich in antioxidants that they surmount red wine and green tea.  Known as having anti-inflammatory properties, they are one of the most valuable foods for preventing heart disease.

Studies have shown as well that pomegranate juice helps to prevent or contain cancer, especially prostate cancer, but could be beneficial for other types as well.  As if these attributes were not enough this amazing fruit is saturated with vitamins A, C and E as well as potassium, making it important in lowering blood pressure.

Apart from juice, the seeds can be put on a green salad, for example, to accompany a festive meal.  They may also be added to rice to give a zesty flavor.  Chefs are finding more and more ways to use the pomegranate in their cuisine.  Why don’t you try the pomegranate as well and reward your body?

Grandma Nature

Many of us remember Popeye and his advice to eat spinach in order to become big and strong!  Well, unfortunately, this is not exactly true.

Yes, spinach does have some iron but it also has oxalate, which prevent much of the iron from being absorbed by the body.  To counteract this, simply drink or eat something with the spinach that has a lot of vitamin C.  Red and green bell peppers, strawberries, cantaloupe, and Brussels sprouts are some sources. This is essential in helping the iron to be absorbed in the body.

There is still good news regarding spinach. Its dark green leaves are full of antioxidants which aid in preventing cardiovascular disease and cancer.  In addition, the vegetable is full of beta-carotene which will help in preventing eye diseases such as macular degeneration.

As some antioxidants are lost in cooking, it is very important to eat spinach raw or very slightly cooked.

Spinach Salad
Fresh spinach, washed
Add chopped hard boiled eggs, chopped red pepper, and garlic roasted croûtons.
Serve with a salad dressing of extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and a bit of mustard.

Yum.  So healthy.

Grandma Nature