Showing posts with label anticancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anticancer. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Food 411 - Goji Berries (Chinese Wolfberry)


This is one delicious berry that has received lots of attention in the natural health communites over the past few years. The goji berry, also known as The Chinese Wolfberry, is a small red berry that, when dreid, tastes slightly sweet, is a little bit chewey but always satisfyingly yummy.

Goji berries have a number of health benefits with a high antioxidant content.`They are also high in iron, selenium, vitamin B2 and vitamin C. Goji berries have been shown to have anti cancer properties, anti inflammatory, cardiovascular and benefits for serious diseases associated with the eyes.

A word to the wise:

Goji Berries are often treated with organochlorine pesticides (linked with cancer) where they are grown in China. Those grown in Tibet claim to be organic but there has been some question about that. High amounts of pesticide residue has been found on shipments to the US. The use of poisons are questionable, so thier consumption is up to your discretion. Avoid off brands found in mainstream markets. Markets like Whole Foods are very strict on what they will sell. They are an excellent resource for more information on goji berries.

If you would like to try a delicious tasting goji berry, you can find them at Whole Foods Markets. They are excellent as a stand alone snack, in oatmeal, on salads or with vegetables. For the best Goji Berries - organic and consciously grown - you can order them online by clicking here.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Food 411 - Basil

Just one whiff of this miraculous plant can send your senses into overdrive. Basil has antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties all contained in their delicious leaves. When used fresh and raw in salads and pesto, basil can help you get better faster from a cold or infection. Basil oil has proven useful in the treatment of acne and other skin conditions. It has also been linked with help in healing asthma and arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

A word to the wise:

Dried basil does not carry the medicinal weight that fresh basil leaves do. There are many varieties of basil. They are varied in their makeup but they all contain similar properties. Try Genovese basil for delicious pesto or lemon basil in salads.

For a fantastic basil pesto recipe, see the cookbook and guide "Done With Dairy. Giving Up Gluten" at www.lulu.com/deliciousandhealthy