Food

Food – Tasty Yellow Turmeric

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I have never been to India but I have been to Indian restaurants here in this country. The food is really tasty. In India, as well as the restaurants here, they use that yellow seasoning which gives Indian food its distinctive flavor. Turmeric is a member of the ginger family and contains many compounds, but the family of compounds thought to be most responsible for turmeric’s medicinal effects are the curcuminoids, which are also responsible for giving turmeric its bright yellow color. The most important—and the most studied of the curcuminoids—is curcumin.

Turmeric Known for Alleviating Arthritis and Joint Inflammation

“Turmeric is part of the healing systems of India, China, and the Polynesian Islands, and occupies a place of distinction in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. One reason is its phenomenal anti-inflammatory properties, which are believed to be due to the presentence of curcuminoids. One of turmeric’s many traditional uses has been for the treatment of arthritis, because of its ability to lower inflammation. In one study, curcumin was found to be virtually as effective as the anti-inflammatory medication phenylbutazone. It is used in India to relieve arthritis, and can be useful for muscle pains as well as joint inflammation and even carpal tunnel syndrome. …

“There are at least thirty published studies indicating that curcumin has an antitumor effect (either reducing the number or size of tumors or the percentage of animals who developed them). Of course these are mostly animal studies, but still that’s pretty promising. … One study, published in 2006 in the medical journal Oncogene, showed that curcumin inhibited the growth of human colon cancer cells. While no one is claiming that turmeric cures cancer, there is plenty of reason to believe that it is a really useful adjunct to the diet of everyone concerned with staying healthy.

“Curcumin also has a positive effect on cholesterol, both in rats and in humans, making it a great adjunct to a heart-healthy diet. And it has powerful antioxidant properties as well. …

Why Your Liver Loves Turmeric

“This ability to fight inflammation and also to serve as an antioxidant makes curcumin, a very liver-friendly food. I like to recommend it for people with various liver ailments, including hepatitis. Though it is not the only thing I would use for serious liver problems, it’s definitely part of the arsenal. … Dr. Mark Stengler, author of The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies, also recommends it for hepatitis and says that it is frequently used to lower elevated liver enzymes.” The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, by Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S, pages 292, 293.

Turmeric is also very easy to use and it has a really pleasing taste and a beautiful color—it tastes good on almost any food you put it on.

 

 

Recipe

Delicious Sunflower Seed Mustard
¾ cup raw sunflower seeds 1 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. turmeric             1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. onion powder 7/8 cup of water
½ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice  
Blend until smooth. It will thicken as it sets.

 

Recipe – Nutty Rice Waffles

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Nutty Rice Waffles
1 cup uncooked brown rice, soaked overnight ½ cup water
½ cup raw cashews ½ cup shredded coconut
1 ¾ cup water 1 tspn. Maple flavoring
1 cup cooked brown rice ½ tsp. almond extract
½ cup chopped pecans (optional) ½ tsp. salt
Blend uncooked rice, cashews and ½ cup water in blender until smooth. Add remaining ingredients except chopped pecans, and blend until smooth. Pour batter into a bowl and stir in chopped pecans. Pour batter into a preheated waffle iron treated with oil. Cook about 8-10 minutes until steaming stops.

 

Food – Smoking and Cell Damage

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In previous issues we have discussed the broad effects of smoking on the respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. In this article we will address some general effects that smoking has on health.

Besides lung cancer there are many other types of cancer affecting the mouth, throat, vocal cords, pancreas, stomach, intestines, cervix, kidney and bladder that are increased due to smoking. In women who smoke, the reproductive system of the female is affected by a decreased fertility. This can cause an increase in miscarriages, stillborn infants, congenital birth defects, premature, underweight and undersized infants and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

A study performed at Berkeley University and published in The American Journal of Epidemiology, April 2006, showed a fourfold increase in childhood leukemia if the child’s father smoked before the conception. Although not all studies with childhood leukemia have been consistent, this was a significant study into the effects of paternal smoking on children. The European Journal of Cancer Prevention reported that fathers who smoked over 20 cigarettes daily are faced with enhanced hazards of fathering a baby with a central nervous system tumor. According to Dr. Bouffet, when men smoke tobacco it may stimulate transformation or change in the sperm. The results of another study published in The American Journal of Public Health, May 1985, showed overall cancer risks to adults to be increased by 50 per cent among the offspring of smoking men. The incidence of ear infection, bronchitis, pneumonia, colds, and asthma increases not only in the smoker, but also in those in the family or the work place regularly breathing the secondhand smoke.

Some cosmetic changes associated with smoking include accelerated aging and wrinkling of the skin, yellowing of the skin and especially the fingers and the hair becomes more brittle and grays earlier. It is a very sobering thought that the poison from cigarettes entering into the blood stream is carried to every cell of the body. Smoking produces carbon monoxide poison, which attaches more aggressively to the red blood cells than oxygen. It then robs every cell in the body of the oxygen necessary for maintenance, growth and repair. Is it any wonder that so many conditions of ill health and disease are directly related to smoking and who knows how many more are indirectly related?

Clearly, cigarette smoking is an attack of the devil against mankind and another way in which he can enslave men through his/her carnal flesh. What a blessing it is to understand the eight laws of health and counsel that states, “True Temperance teaches us to dispense entirely with everything hurtful and to use judiciously that which is healthful.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 562.

Recipe – Zucchini Easy Pan

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Zucchini Easy Pan

Put some olive oil in a deep dish pan. Spread one layer of sliced onions, sliced tomatoes, sliced potatoes and, lastly sliced zucchini. Sprinkle it with a little salt and add another layer of each as before, starting with the onions, finishing with the zucchini. Sprinkle it again with salt and add a little more olive oil. Bake at 350 degrees until vegetables are tender. It will cook in its own juice. Very tasty and easy!.

Recipe shared by Julia Hornback. Thanks, Julia!

Food – Cost of Smoking

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The cost of smoking can never be truly determined because of the loss of human life and potential, but it is just a matter of math to determine the cost of smoking if all of the cigarettes smoked over a lifetime were purchased today. You can see the cost of purchasing cigarettes in the table on the right.

Because of inflation, this table would have to be adjusted, making the numbers much higher the longer the person smokes. These numbers are astonishing, but they are only a part of the financial cost. The cost of damage to clothing, furniture, cars, homes and workplace also has to be considered. There is also expense related to lost work time and productivity. Injury related to inattentiveness can be very expensive. In July 2005, Dateline stated that the estimated cost of smoking related to lost productivity was 92 billion dollars. It quoted that 75.5 billion dollars of medical expenses was incurred in 1998. The cost of human suffering cannot begin to be estimated and the cost of lost life can only be enumerated, not estimated. About one-third to one-half of all smokers are killed by their habit and the average lifespan of a smoker is decreased by 12–15 years. This results in nearly 500,000 deaths annually in the United States, which represents about 1,400 people dying each and every day from smoking. Worldwide about 5.4 million people die annually from smoking, equating to over 15,000 people per day. These numbers are projected to increase to 6.4 million by 2015 and 8 to 10 million by 2030.

It is extremely hard to understand intellectually how anyone could decide to smoke or continue to smoke when these statistics are known. It is especially difficult when the benefits financially and physically are so marked in such a short time once someone quits smoking. Looking at the table below, there could be a savings the first month of $170 to $680. This alone is a huge incentive to stop. The physical benefits of smoking cessation are seen in a very short time. Within 20 minutes of the last cigarette, the blood pressure and pulse begin to return to normal. The temperature of the hands and feet will increase to normal. Within eight hours after quitting the carbon dioxide level in the blood drops to normal. Within just 24 hours after quitting, the chance of a heart attack decreases. By the time two weeks to three months pass, the circulation improves and lung function can increase by up to 30 percent. In one to nine months, coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath all decrease. The ability of the lungs to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce infection is greatly improved. The risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker within just one year. Within 5 to 15 years after quitting, the stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker. Ten years after quitting, the lung cancer death rate is about half that of a continuing smoker. The risks of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney and pancreas are also decreased. The risk of heart disease is that of a nonsmoker about 15 years after quitting.

So clearly there are costs associated with smoking and benefits to not begin or to quit once started. Won’t you think about this or share it with someone who smokes?

Recipe – Frozen Berry-Nut Parfait

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12 oz. Mori-Nu tofu

¾ cup fresh blueberries

½ cup diced fresh or frozen strawberries

2-3 Tbsp natural sweetener or to taste

3 tsp. vanilla extract

¼ cup chopped, toasted walnuts

In a food processor, combine all ingredients except the nuts, and process until smooth. Stir in the nuts. Transfer to a pint container, cover and freeze for about 30 minutes, or until cold and frosty. Serve immediately. This can be served later, but it will form ice crystals if frozen longer than directed, and is not as creamy.

Food – Are You Ready to Quit Smoking?

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Once you decide to quit smoking, the first thing to work on is a game plan. The most successful place to start is with a realization that it is not the Lord’s will that any should damage their body and mind with this habit nor be enslaved by it. God has given great and precious promises to help those who have made a decision to change bad and addicting habits. “Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” Mark 9:23, 24. It is important that the smoker believes he/she can quit smoking and give any remaining doubt to the Lord—help my unbelief! Fear of failure is also common, and a great text to help with this is Isaiah 41:10: “Fear thou not, for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Lastly, it is critical for the smoker to realize that he/she is not strong enough on his/her own to do this, but with Christ as the Helper success is guaranteed: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13. With this dependence on God, the smoker is ready to develop the game plan.

Any plan must be initiated, so it is important to set a date to stop smoking. Remember, procrastination is the enemy of accomplishing anything worthwhile, so the sooner the better. It is important to prepare your home and surroundings to eliminate all roadblocks to success. Totally rid your house, vehicle, and work area of all cigarettes and smoking paraphernalia. As quickly as possible, wash your clothes, including dry cleaning winter coats or suits, bedding, and things that carry the odor of cigarette smoke. Vacuum your house, furniture, and vehicle thoroughly. Wash or dry clean your curtains, as these hold the smell of cigarettes and can hinder your quitting efforts.

Many people just do not know what to do with their hands or mouths when they stop smoking, so be sure to have carrot or celery sticks to chew on. Others have found that flavored toothpicks help. Have a calming, soothing, decaffeinated herbal tea available to drink. If you enjoy crafts, woodworking, mechanics, etc., plan to have a project that you can begin on your quitting day. It is also helpful to pick a day that you will remember, your birthday, the birthday of a loved one, just something to know that from this day forward, you are a non-smoker, and finally, begin to tell everyone you know that with the Lord’s help you are going to be a non-smoker.

It is also important to identify why you smoke. This varies and will affect the game plan. If someone smokes because of stress, then the plan must include some stress reduction modalities. Make a list of reasons why you smoke and then tailor part of your plan to address these reasons.

Food for Life – Spiritual Power

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“For every soul struggling to rise from a life of sin to a life of purity, the great element of power abides in the only name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12. If any man thirst for restful hope, for deliverance from sinful propensities, Christ says, let him come unto Me, and drink. John 7:37. The only remedy for vice is the grace and power of Christ.

“The good resolutions made in one’s own strength avail nothing. Not all the pledges in the world will break the power of evil habit. Never will men practice temperance in all things until their hearts are renewed by divine grace. We cannot keep ourselves from sin for one moment. Every moment we are dependent upon God.

“True reformation begins with soul cleansing. Our work for the fallen will achieve real success only as the grace of Christ reshapes the character and the soul is brought into living connection with God.

“Christ lived a life of perfect obedience to God’s law, and in this He set an example for every human being. The life that He lived in this world we are to live through His power and under His instruction.

“In our work for the fallen the claims of the law of God and the need of loyalty to Him are to be impressed on mind and heart. Never fail to show that there is a marked difference between the one who serves God and the one who serves Him not. God is love, but He cannot excuse willful disregard for His commands. The enactments of His government are such that men do not escape the consequences of disloyalty. Only those who honor Him can He honor. Man’s conduct in this world decides his eternal destiny. As he has sown, so he must reap. Cause will be followed by effect.

“Nothing less than perfect obedience can meet the standard of God’s requirement. He has not left His requirements indefinite. He has enjoined nothing that is not necessary in order to bring man into harmony with Him. We are to point sinners to His ideal of character and to lead them to Christ, by whose grace only can this ideal be reached.

“The Saviour took upon Himself the infirmities of humanity and lived a sinless life, that men might have no fear that because of the weakness of human nature they could not overcome. Christ came to make us partakers of the divine nature, and His life declares that humanity, combined with divinity, does not commit sin.

“The Saviour overcame to show man how he may overcome. All the temptations of Satan, Christ met with the word of God. By trusting in God’s promises, He received power to obey God’s commandments, and the tempter could gain no advantage. To every temptation His answer was, It is written. So God has given us His word wherewith to resist evil. Exceeding great and precious promises are ours, that by these we might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:4.

“Bid the tempted one look not to circumstances, to the weakness of self, or to the power of temptation, but to the power of God’s word. All its strength is ours. Thy word, says the psalmist, have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee. By the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. Psalms 119:11; 17:4.

“Talk courage to the people; lift them up to God in prayer. Many who have been overcome by temptation are humiliated by their failures, and they feel that it is in vain for them to approach unto God; but this thought is of the enemy’s suggestion. When they have sinned, and feel that they cannot pray, tell them that it is then the time to pray. Ashamed they may be, and deeply humbled; but as they confess their sins, He who is faithful and just will forgive their sins and cleanse them from all unrighteousness.

“Nothing is apparently more helpless, yet really more invincible, than the soul that feels its nothingness and relies wholly on the merits of the Saviour. By prayer, by the study of His word, by faith in His abiding presence, the weakest of human beings may live in contact with the living Christ, and He will hold them by a hand that will never let go. Ministry of Healing, 179–182.

Recipe for September 1996:

Savory Millet Casserole

1 Cup Whole Millet

1 46 oz. Can Tomato Juice

1 Tbsp. Onion Powder

1 tsp. Garlic Powder

4 Tbsps. Sesame Seeds

1/2 Cup Chopped Cashews

1 Can Chopped Olives (4 oz.)

1 tsp. Sea Salt

3/4 tsp. Sage

3/4 tsp. Savory

1/2 tsp. Sweet Basil

1 Can sliced Mushrooms (4 oz.)

Mix all ingredients and bake in a shallow covered casserole dish at 325 degrees for 2–3 hours or until liquid is absorbed. In the middle of the baking time, stir thoroughly, and sprinkle the cashews over the top.

Recipe – Marinated Baked Tofu

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1 16 oz. brick tofu

1 Tbsp. chicken-like seasoning

2 Tbsp. Bragg’s Liquid Aminos

Dice the tofu and place in a bowl with the seasoning. Toss to coat evenly. Place the seasoned tofu on an oiled cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes, or until lightly browned. This can be frozen; if frozen it becomes more the texture of meat.

Submitted by Blythe Hoppe and used by permission of Best Gourmet Recipes from the chefs of Five Loaves Deli & Bakery (Neva Brackett, Published December 1, 1999, by Jim Bracket).

Food – I Choose Not to Smoke

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Once the decision and commitment is made to quit smoking, a stop smoking plan needs to be initiated. Enlist the help of the Lord through Scripture reading, meditation, and prayer. Look for a good friend who can support you during this time. Set a date to stop and then do it. Whenever you feel the urge to smoke, invoke your power of choice by saying, “I choose not to smoke.” The urge to smoke only lasts for 30 seconds to 3 minutes and will disappear quickly if you focus your mind elsewhere. Regardless the temptation, never give up your power of choice. To persist in your decision not to smoke is to succeed.

It is important to create new habits to replace old ones. As a habit is repeated, little pathways are established in the brain that allows the activity to be done without thinking. By replacing the bad habit of smoking with a good habit, new pathways are created in the brain while the old pathways tend to fade. It is important during this time to avoid, if possible, being in settings where others are smoking.

The nervous system of a smoker becomes accustomed to functioning with nicotine. When smoking has ceased, the reduced nicotine disturbs the unhealthy balance of the nervous system, causing withdrawal symptoms. The most common symptoms are cravings, irritation, anger, weight-gain, problem with concentration, depression, headaches, restlessness, insomnia, and anxiety. These are no cause for alarm, because they will be reduced after 24–72 hours and tend to disappear after a few weeks.

Altering your diet will improve your game plan to stop smoking. It is important not to overeat and stress the brain with a full stomach. Eat slowly, pausing between bites, and chew your food well. Avoid foods high in fat and sugar, and all drinks that “go with” your smoking habit—coffee, tea and soda. Absolutely abstain from all alcoholic beverages. It is especially beneficial to include foods high in protein and complex carbohydrates in your diet.

Because toxins are often eliminated through the skin, excellent hygiene during this time is vital. A steam bath will help eliminate toxins. You can treat yourself to a mild, calming, non-caffeinated herbal tea. Adequate rest, a relaxing, warm shower or footbath before retiring is beneficial. It is also very important to get a healthy amount of sunshine, do deep breathing exercises in the fresh outdoor air along with daily exercise.

It is beneficial to know why you smoke and then have a strategy to deal with this. If it is due to nervousness, combat the nervousness with exercise. If you like to physically manipulate the cigarette, and then start a project that uses your hands. Most of all stay busy so your mind and body are active and not dwelling on the fact that you are not smoking.

By affirming that the Lord is your strength (Exodus 15:2; Isaiah 41:10), believing (Mark 9:23; Philippians 4:13), and beholding Christ (II Corinthians 3:18) you can be changed from a smoker to a non-smoker. Choose to start your journey today, or help someone else begin a smoke-free life.