Food

Recipe – Alfredo Sauce and Cilantro Pesto

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Alfredo Sauce

2 cups water

2 Tbsp. cornstarch or arrowroot powder

½ can of navy or great northern beans

2 Tbsp olive oil

½ cup cashews (optional)

4 Tbsp. lemon juice

1-2 tsp. salt

¼ of a medium onion

¼ cup nutritional yeast flakes

2 cloves of garlic

Put part of the water in a blender and add remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth and then add the rest of the water and blend again. Pour into a saucepan and cook until thick, stirring so it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Pour sauce over fettuccini pasta and top with a tablespoon of cilantro pesto. It may also be spread over pica crust and topped with pesto.

Cilantro Pesto

1-2 bunches cilantro; washed, ends removed

1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

1 Tbsp. olive oil

¼ cup walnut or pine nuts, lightly toasted

¼ tsp. salt

Place liquids in the blender adding cilantro, stem down. Pulse until somewhat smooth. Add nuts and salt. Pulse until desired consistency or up to 1-2 minutes for smooth pesto. Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze. This will turn dark when frozen, but still good. For variety, you may substitute basil, sage or oregano for cilantro. Add jalapeno for spicy pesto and parmesan cheese substitute can be added if desired.

Food – Smoking and the Nervous System

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The brain, which is positioned within the skull, is the master control organ of the whole body. It is small, pinkish gray in color, weighing just over 3 pounds and the size of two large fists. It looks like a wrinkled walnut and has a consistency similar to oatmeal. There are four distinct sections of the brain. The cerebrum, which is made up of four lobes, is the upper most and largest part of the brain where all higher cognitive function occurs and where incoming information is received, analyzed and stored. The diencephalon forms the central core of the brain and is surrounded by the two halves of the cerebrum. It controls many of the internal organs, maintains equilibrium throughout the body systems, and is the center for the emotions and sleep/wake cycle. The third section of the brain is the cerebellum, which is located to the back of the skull and lower than the cerebrum. It cooperates with the cerebrum and the brain stem to produce smooth, efficient muscular movement. Finally, the brain stem is the lowest part of the brain and is the center for both vital organ control and protective reflexes. The spinal cord is located from the brain stem downward through the vertebras of the back and is the pathway for all information that travels between the brain and the body, carrying both motor and sensory impulses. The peripheral nervous system is a complex set of 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves. The cranial nerves carry information to and from the brain and structures in the head, neck, stomach, and heart. The spinal nerves carry information from the spinal cord to the body that deals with sensory information from within the body and the environment coordinating both voluntary and involuntary muscle movement.

Once smoke from a cigarette is inhaled, it takes approximately 7 to 10 seconds for the brain to be affected by the nicotine, tar, and over 4,000 chemicals, causing every cell in the brain to be poisoned by the chemicals and also the excess CO that is carried in the blood. The resulting changes in the blood vessels—roughness, narrowing, hardening, and stickiness of the wall lining and weakening of the vessel wall—all increase the risk of strokes for the smoker. Although the exact cause is not known, both genetics and environmental factors seem to play a role in the development of muscular sclerosis. The white matter of the brain and spinal cord become inflamed, develop lesions and the myelin sheath surrounding the nerves is lost. Smoking may initiate this inflammation. Brain tumors and problems related to improper chemical transmission in the brain and nerve cells are also problems related to smoking. With this added knowledge, it is hard to understand why anyone would choose to smoke.

 

Recipe – Sunflower Seed Mustard

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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.

 

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.