Categories
Herbs & Plants Herbs & Plants (Spices)

Caraway

Botanical Name: Carum carvi
Family:    Umbelliferae
Genus:    Carum
Species:C. carvi
Kingdom:Plantae
Order:Apiales

Common Names:Caraway,Meridian fennel, Persian cumin

Other Names:
carvies (Scottish), wild cumin, Roman cumin, Persian caraway

Habitat :Caraway is native to western Asia, Europe and Northern Africa.The plant prefers warm, sunny locations and well-drained soil.

Description:
Caraway or Persian cumin (Carum carvi) is a biennial plant in the family Apiaceae, native to Europe and western Asia and Northern Africa, the Mediterranean and much of Europe. It falls into both categories of herb and spice, as it is the seeds that are used primarily, but if you grow it yourself , the leaves and the root are also edible. Caraway has been found in food dating back to 3000 BC making it one of the oldest cultivated spices. The Ancient Egyptians buried their dead with caraway to ward off evil spirits. It was also used as a food and a medicine in Ancient Greece and Rome. A Greek physician, Dioscorides prescribed oil of caraway to young ladies to rub into their skin and restore a healthy glow. Julius Caesar’s army ate a bread made of caraway root (chara). During the middle ages the use of caraway spread up from the Arabian pensinsula and into Northern Europe. Old herbal legends describe caraway’s power to keep things from getting lost or stolen. It was used in an ancient love potion, and it was also believed that if you tucked some into your possesions they would be protected from theft. As well it is known to be attractive to fowl and is used to keep chickens and pigeons from straying

The plant is similar in appearance to other members of the carrot family, with finely divided, feathery leaves with thread-like divisions, growing on 20–30 cm stems. The main flower stem is 40–60 cm tall, with small white or pink flowers in umbels. Caraway fruits (erroneously called seeds) are crescent-shaped achenes, around 2 mm long, with five pale ridges.

click to see the pictures.…...(01)....(1)..…(2)……...(3)...(4).………………………
Cultivation and uses:

Caraway is a biennial that takes two years for full life cycle, after it produces seeds it dies off. It can reach a height of 30-80cm with foliage that is frilly like the foliage of carrots. It has a thick root, similar to a parsnip and hollow fluted stems. The clusters of small flowers can be white, yellow or green. It is an easily grown plant that prefers a well drained soil and a sunny spot. After it flowers, the seed produced are brownish in colour, are ribbed and slightly cresent shaped. It resembles cumin and the two are often confused in Asia. It is commercially cultivated all over Europe as well as in Turkey, India and North African. Dutch caraway is considered to be of high quality and Holland is one of the largest producers.

The fruits, usually used whole, have a pungent, anise-like flavor and aroma that come from essential oils, mostly carvone and limonene. They are used as a spice in breads especially rye bread. Caraway is also used in liquors, casseroles, and other foods, especially in Central European and Scandinavian cuisine, for instance sauerkraut. It is also used to add flavor to cheeses such as havarti.

The roots may be cooked as a root vegetable like parsnips or carrots.

In one of the short stories in Dubliners by James Joyce, a character eats caraway seeds to mask the alcohol on his breath.
Culinary Uses
Caraway seeds can hold their flavour for months stored in airtight containers and kept away from light. It is suggested to add seeds after a dish is cooked, as a long simmer may turn the flavour bitter. It has a sweet warm aroma with a flavour similar to aniseed and fennel. It figures prominently in the cuisines of Germany, Austria, eastern Europe and Scandinavia. It seems to have a special affinity for apples, pork and sausages.The spice seems to counter act the fattiness of pork, duck and goose. It is an essential taste in sauerbraten, sauerkraut and rye bread. Smoked and skimmed milk cheeses from Austria, Germany, Hungary Holland and Scandinavia contain whole seed. There are medieval recipes for caraway flavoured cheese that are still in use today. (Dutch cheese). There are many liquers are flavoured with caraway (Kummel, Akuavit gins and Schnapps). It can also be used in cakes cookies, soups, omelets, rice and pasta dishes, cheese spreads and vegetable dishes. In Elizabethan times it was used to flavour bread, cakes and fruit, particularly apples. It was popular with english tea in a seedcake, similar to a pound cake served warm with butter. Caraway seeds were customarily chewed to freshen breath. The essential oil extracted from caraway is used to flavour liquers, mouthwashes, toothpastes and chewing gums

Medicinal Properties and Uses
The primary medical benefit of caraway is its effect on digestion. It is a carminative which means it helps with gas and digestion. It is helpful to chew caraway seeds after a heavy meal. It has been used for colic as it is a light sedative and it can be used to settle a queasy stomach (antispasmodic).Akvavit and several liqueurs are also made with caraway, and a tisane made from the seeds is good for colic, loss of appetite, digestive disorders and to dispel worms. Caraway seed oil is also used as a fragrance component in soaps, lotions, and perfumes.

Caraway water is well known for its carminative effect, particularly for babies.  This property of the seeds has been known and used from ancient times until today.  Caraway is also used as a flavoring for children’s medicines.  It is a good digestive and stomachic.  Other properties it is believed to have are: antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, appetitive, emmenagogic, expectorant and galactagogic (stimulates the secretion of bile).   It was used in cases of dyspepsia, diarrhoea and even hysteria.   Dioscorides is quoted as recommending pallid girls to take a tonic of caraway oil.  Modern researchers have discovered that two chemicals (carvol and carvene) in caraway seeds soothe the smooth muscle tissue of the digestive tract and help expel gas.  Antispasmodic, which appear to be present in caraway, soothe not only the digestive tract but other smooth muscles, such as the uterus, as well.  Thus, caraway might relax the uterus, not stimulate it.  Women may try it for relief of menstrual cramps.  For a pleasant-tasting infusion that might help aid digestion, relieve gas or menstrual cramping, use 2-3 teaspoons of bruised or crushed seeds per cup of boiling water. Steep 10-20 minutes.  Drink up to 3 cups a day.  If you prefer a tincture, take -1 teaspoon up to three times a day.  Low-strength caraway infusions may be given to infants for colic and gas.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Help taken from:www.theepicentre.com and en.wikipedia.org

http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_C.htm

Categories
Chemicals & Minerals

Sodium

[amazon_link asins=’B019LVXS52,B000GCN130,B0091T8UFS,B01M4L43XV,B017FUNE9G,B013KMNCJU,B01ETY478S,B00DODE48E,B002IY96B0′ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’01bcbfcf-dcf3-11e7-9310-a70b04f63adb’]

What is sodium?
A silvery-white mineral, sodium is one of the most abundant elements in nature. It is usually seen in combination with one or more elements and is chemically very active. About half of the sodium found in the body is in the soft tissues.

Why do we need it?
Sodium plays an essential role in the regulation of blood pressure and blood volume. It also assists with proper muscle contraction and the transmission of nerve impulses. Moderate sodium intake increases resistance to heat cramps and heat stroke, especially during periods of excessive fluid loss through sweating.In addition, manganese plays an important role in the synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids, and is essential for the utilization of choline, thiamin, biotin, and vitamins C and E. It helps activate enzymes that regulate blood sugar, energy metabolism and function of the thyroid gland.

How much sodium should you take?

According to the National Academy of Sciences, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for sodium is between 1,100-3,300 milligrams/day.

What are some good sources of sodium?
Sodium occurs naturally in nearly every food, from milk and beets to celery. It is most readily available in flavorings such as table salt, garlic salt, onion salt and soy sauce. One teaspoon of table salt contains approximately 2,300 milligrams of sodium. Sodium is also added to various food products. Added forms include monosodium glutamate, sodium nitrite, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and sodium benzoate. Processed meats such as bacon, sausage and ham, and canned soups and vegetables all contain added sodium. Fast foods are generally very high in sodium.

What can happen if you don’t get enough sodium?
Sodium deficiency can be attributed to starvation, vomiting, diarrhea, extreme sweating, or any condition with excessive fluid loss. Symptoms of sodium deficiency include intestinal gas, weight loss, short attention span, vomiting, heart palpitations and muscle weakness. Deficiency can cause a buildup of acids in the body, which can lead to arthritis, rheumatism and neuralgia.

What can happen if you take too much?
Excessive sodium intake can cause a loss of potassium in the urine, leading to potassium deficiency. Symptoms of excess sodium include edema, dizziness, and swelling of the legs and face. Excessive salt intake has also been linked to hypertension, and diets high in sodium may increase the likelihood of liver, heart and kidney disease.

Source:ChiroFind.com

Categories
Featured

Coconut Flower

[amazon_link asins=’B00BSZBEAG,B000YF99GM,B008RJMXPQ,B00IDCFXG8,B00MEWFRYG,B01N12YBQ8,B00MWK6BHM,B005HGOIQ4,B06Y2HDQMZ’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’finmeacur-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’73a17ce4-7fe9-11e7-97b7-a5d756ed8906′]

 Coconut Flower : A Natural And Delicious Alternative To Wheat And Grain That’s Packed with Dietary Fiber And Is A Good Source of Protein Too!

If you are serious about living healthier, then you will want to consider coconut as a regular part of your diet. Fortunately when it comes to coconut, there are endless ways to indulge! The best way to experience the many health-giving gifts of coconut is to use virgin coconut oil. It’s a small investment in your health that yields tremendous returns! It is Rich in lauric acid, coconut oil contains NO trans fat, strengthens your immune system and boosts your metabolism!

Coconut Flour in some of your baking recipes, you can literally recreate your favorite treats, turning them into delicious guilt-free health promoting foods.Coconut flour is made from fresh organic coconut meat that is dried, defatted and then finely ground into a powder very similar in consistency to wheat flour. However, that’s where the similarities begin and end.

Coconut flour is unlike any other consisting of 14% coconut oil and 58% dietary fiber! The remaining 28% consists of water, protein, and carbohydrate. If you haven’t tried coconut flour yet, here are some more excellent reasons to start:

Coconut Flour is ideal for baking. It has fewer digestible (net) carbs than other flours, and it even has fewer digestible carbs than some vegetables!

Coconut Flour is gluten-free and hypoallergenic. With as much protein as wheat flour, coconut flour has none of the specific protein in wheat called “gluten”. This is an advantage for a growing percentage of the population who have allergies to gluten or a wheat sensitivity.

Coconut Flour consists of the highest percentage of dietary fiber( 58%) found in any flour. Wheat bran has only is 27% fiber.

Coconut Flour can help you reach a healthy weight. Ideal for those who follow a low-carb eating plan, coconut flour works well as part of a weight loss program because it has high fiber, and foods with high fiber can help promote a feeling of fullness.

Whoever said “you can’t have your cake and eat it too” was definitely in the dark about the benefits of coconut flour!

Coconut flower is GLUTEN-FREE and studies that show celiac disease, a genetic disease that is a severe form of gluten intolerance that results in intestinal complications, may effect as many as one in thirty-three people.Most people are unaware that there are many reactions to wheat, aside from celiac disease, that can cause health problems. Most of us are addicted to breads, bagels, pizza, pasta, waffles and pancakes and would rather die than give them up, and many people do just that — die from the side effects of eating wheat!

But eliminating gluten from your diet is no small task. The good news is that food manufacturers are finally realizing there’s a growing need for a variety of gluten-free breads and foods.

The bad news is that large portions of commercially prepared gluten-free foods are made using soy flour and enough that soy is not the health food that you may think it is.

Some studies are linking soy to serious health conditions including:
Increased risk of breast cancer in women, brain damage in both men and women, and abnormalities in infants

Contributions to thyroid especially in women

Weakening of your immune system

Severe, potentially fatal food allergies

It appears that the tide is beginning to turn against the soy craze and many people are now wisely looking for healthier alternatives. Nut flour is becoming more popular but it is expensive and few people can afford to use it regularly. There are a variety of other flours like potato, garbanzo, and rice flour, but like soy, these can present a host of health challenges for many people too.

Coconut flour is a healthy and delicious alternative for most anyone who is allergic to nuts, wheat, milk or other common foods that trigger sensitivities. Because so few people are allergic to coconut, it is regarded as hypoallergenic.

If you are looking for a gluten-free way to make your favorite baked foods, coconut flour is a delicious, safe, healthy, relatively low-cost, and easy way to do it. You can make a variety of breads and pasties using little more than coconut flour, eggs, and coconut oil!

Coconut Flour may be The Secret Weapon to Managing Your Weight
Food contains two types of carbohydrate: digestible and non-digestible. Digestible carbohydrate consists of starch and sugar and provides calories. Non-digestible carbohydrate is the fiber and provides NO calories. Coconut meat is composed primarily of non-digestible fiber with a beneficial amount of water and smart oil.

Dietary fiber acts like a broom, sweeping your intestinal contents along your digestive tract aiding in elimination, regularity and helping to promote digestive health. Since you cannot digest the dietary fiber in coconut flour, you derive no calories from it.

Studies have shown that an additional 14 grams of fiber daily (the amount in about ¼ cup of coconut flour) is associated with a 10% decrease in calorie intake and a resulting loss in body weight. The health benefits of dietary fiber include:

Promotes heart health and supports your immune system

Facilitates better digestion and promotes digestive comfort

Promotes absorption of vitamins and minerals

Assists in detoxifying your body

Helps promote cholesterol health

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, only 24% of the carbohydrate in oat bran is composed of fiber. Soybeans contain only 29% fiber, and wheat bran is 42% fiber. When you add the abundant health-promoting qualities of coconut oil to those listed above.

CLICK & SEE THE PICTURES

 

When it comes to dietary fiber content, other local flours do not come close to rivaling coconut flour!
Dietary Fiber Can Help You Support Blood Sugar Health :.While dietary fiber helps support a healthy weight, it also plays a role in supporting blood sugar health. Dietary fiber slows down the release of glucose and therefore requires less insulin to utilize the glucose and transport it into the cell where it is converted into energy. Foods rich in soluble dietary fiber are low glycemic index foods.

In contrast, foods without dietary fiber allow for a fast release of glucose creating a need for more insulin. The excess glucose can also be stored in your body and increase your weight.

One research study (at the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology in collaboration with the Philippine Coconut Authority) was done on bakery products supplemented with increasing amounts of coconut flour using human subjects. The study found that increasing levels of coconut flour in bakery products resulted in a lower glycemic index.

Numerous studies like this one have shown that the abundance of dietary fiber found in coconut flour helps support blood sugar health and helps support a healthy weight. If you are interested in becoming more weight-conscious, adding coconut flour to your daily meals is a delicious and smart choice!

The Secret to Foolproof Cooking with Coconut Flour

You can make a wide variety of baked goodies using coconut flour. However, when baking with coconut flour, the standard rules that you use for other flours do not apply. If you want to avoid culinary blunders, it’s important to remember some basic rules.

Coconut flour will just fall apart if you substitute it 100% for another flour. However, through trial and error, and with the help of a terrific source, I’ve discovered that if you add eggs to the recipe, you can use 100% coconut flour in a recipe. The secret is to add one egg per ounce of coconut flour (on the average). Why eggs? Coconut flour has no gluten and the eggs take the place of gluten.

If you are wheat sensitive, looking for delicious ways to add healthy fiber to your diet, or just want to try something new and delicious — then you have nothing to lose and everything to gain (like help to support a healthy weight) by using coconut flour!

Easy to add to smoothies and desserts or to use as a thickening agent in sauces and gravies, coconut flour makes a great substitute for other flours called for in almost any recipe! It’s a great way to add fiber and flavor to your diet.

If one is interested to learn little more about coconut can visit :https://findmeacure.com/wp-admin/edit.php?s=coconut&submit=Search

Help taken from : Dr. Mercola’s writings.

css.php