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Ever so often I read an article that is profound and makes me sit up and evaluate how I look at things and treat other people that do not share my values. This article by Dennis Merritt Jones -- speaks to God's creation and divine presence in all things including even the lowliest weeds.
Last summer, I would go on long walks and would pick marigolds and other field flowers such as dandelion flowers. Most people consider dandelion to be a weed but the flowers and leaves are edible and also have medicinal properties. The interesting thing about the dandelion flower is that it has a vibrant yellow color. The flower would close at night into a tight bud and then open in the morning.
I also found out from the owner of Herban Wellness, a local wellness shop located in Kirkland, WA, that dandelion root is used for cleansing. Dandelion has been used for its medicinal and anti-inflamatory properties -- for treating infections, bladder infections, and as a diuretic for liver cleansing.
So next time you see a weed, take a second look at it and remember the awesomeness of all of God's creations and his divine presence in all things!
Disclaimer: The statements regarding the nutritional and medicinal properties of the various foods have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These items are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your own physician for guidance regarding your health and nutrition.
The article below is from the Underground Reporter newsletter.
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Did You Know...
... that bioactive compounds in yerba mate tea have been shown to cause cancer cells in the colon and liver to die?
Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. One of the reasons colorectal cancer is so deadly is that it has no symptoms until the advanced stages—so it can be exceptionally difficult to diagnose.
However, when caught early enough, this cancer can be quite curable. Doctors recommend regular screening as a preventative measure, but what if you could simply kill any developing cancer cells from the comfort of your own kitchen?
According to a recent study conducted by scientists from the University of Illinois, one of the best possible ways to prevent colon cancer could be by drinking a cup of yerba mate tea.
What is Yerba Mate?
Yerba mate is made from the leaves of a tree (Ilex paraguariensis) native to South America. The people indigenous to that region have long been aware of yerba mate's medicinal applications. Now, researchers worldwide are beginning to investigate—and confirm—the tea's healing powers.
Stopping Colon Cancer at Its Cellular Source
The University of Illinois study is just one exciting example of scientific validation of yerba mate. Elvira de Meja, an associate professor of food chemistry and food toxicology at the University, headed the research team. For the study, de Meja and her colleagues isolated and purified caffeine derivatives—including caffeoylquinic acid, or CQA—of yerba mate tea.
The team then used those derivatives to treat colon cancer cells in vitro (in a laboratory vessel, such as a test tube). As the team increased the concentration of CQA, cancer cells began to die away as the result of a process known as apoptosis.
"Put simply, the cancer cell self-destructs because its DNA has been damaged," de Meja explains. She and her fellow scientists believe this ability of yerba mate to induce apoptosis and cancer cell death makes it a promising treatment option for all types of cancer.
The results of de Meja and her team's work were published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research in 2011. Considering the implications of those results, more inquiries into yerba mate's potential as an anti-cancer weapon are sure to be forthcoming.
Fighting Cancer by Reducing Inflammation
Not only do the caffeine derivatives from yerba mate kill cancer cells, but they also reduce cellular inflammation. Inflammation can trigger cancer's onset and progression. The tea's anti-inflammatory capabilities are one of the major reasons de Meja sees it as such a viable cancer-fighting agent.
Benefits Include Heart Health, Fat Loss, and More
In addition to fighting cancer, yerba mate's potent caffeine derivatives may be helpful in combating other disease associated with inflammation. And separate studies have also suggested a host of other benefits obtained from drinking yerba mate, showing that it ...
Reduces oxidative stress on the heart and liver Protects DNA from damage Kills liver cancer cells in humans Improves the flow of blood Lowers risk of heart disease Reduces fat accumulation
90% More Antioxidants than Green Tea
Aside from the caffeine derivatives, yerba mate is rich in several important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Some blends of yerba mate have 90% more antioxidants than green tea. Some of the other significant compounds found in yerba mate include:
B vitamins Vitamin C Potassium Zinc Quercetin Theobromine Theophylline
A Beginner's Guide to Drinking Yerba Mate (Just One Cup Kills Cancer Cells!)
When prepared traditionally, it is brewed and served in a hollowed-out gourd. A metal straw with a filter on one tip is used to prevent drinkers from sucking up the leaves.
The tea is available in a more convenient, pre-bagged form at most health food stores. It can be found at some of the larger supermarkets as well.
The beverage's flavor is typically described as smoky... bitter... and woody, which may explain why many American consumers have had to acquire the taste.
If the first sip doesn't go down smoothly, just think of all the disease-fighting powers you're drinking in. When you remember that yerba mate's health benefits far outweigh the effort it takes to tolerate the taste, the medicine goes down more easily.
The University of Illinois study showed that the concentration of bioactive compounds contained in just one cup of yerba mate tea is sufficient to kill off colon cancer cells.
"We believe there's ample evidence to support drinking mate tea for its bioactive benefits," says de Meja.
Disclaimer: The statements regarding the nutritional and medicinal properties of the various foods have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These items are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your own physician for guidance regarding your health and nutrition.
Disclaimer: The statements regarding the nutritional and medicinal properties of the various foods have not not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These items are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your own physician for guidance regarding your health and nutrition.
Disclaimer: The statements regarding the nutritional and medicinal properties of the various foods have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These items are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your own physician for guidance regarding your health and nutrition.
I first heard of Natto, an ingredient in Japanese cooking, on Iron Chef Japan. Natto is made from soybeans fermented with Bacillus subtilis. It is a rich source of protein and probiotics.
According to Dr. Mercola, research has shown that Natto is high in Vitamin K2 which includes "Menaquinone 7" or "MK-7". Dr. Mercola states that another source of Vitamin K2 is cheese, particularly, curd cheese. Curd cheese is also a good vitamin K2 source because it’s lower in fat (animal fat) than regular cheese. However, when compared to Natto in equal portions -- Japanese food Natto contains over 27 times more vitamin K2 than curd cheese.
So how can we incorporate Natto into our diet? I found a website -- Shizouka Gourmet -- that teaches you how to make Natto from scratch and also provides a number of easy recipes for both vegans and health-conscious omnivores like me.
Making Natto from scratch may be a stretch for some of us, so I suggest that you check out what is already available and ready to use from your local Japanese grocery store such as Uwajimaya.
Disclaimer: The statements regarding the nutritional and medicinal properties of the various foods have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These items are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your own physician for guidance regarding your health and nutrition.
