March 2017

Olive Branch Wellness Center
Wellness Newsletter



Celery, a Superfood? You Bet!



Celery has so many nutritional and health benefits, it's earned the title "functional food." It is rich in vitamins, including folic acid (one serving provides 9% of your RDA), riboflavin, niacin and vitamin-C, and is an excellent source of vitamin K.
We all know celery is low in calories and full of dietary fiber. But did you know that eating celery can help you reduce your blood pressure?

Celery contains a phytochemical called phthalides. Research shows that an extract made of phthalides will relax the tissues of the artery walls to increase blood flow and reduce blood pressure. Eating the whole vegetable also provides a wealth of minerals that regulate blood pressure like potassium, sodium (the good kind), calcium, manganese, and magnesium.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ray Ilg, ND

Raynette Ilg, N.D., is the owner of Olive Branch Wellness Center in South Elgin, IL. A Naturopath who earned a Bachelors of Science in Biological Medicine and then a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from National University of Health Sciences, she employs Nutritional Guidance, Herbal Medicine, Hydrotherapy, and Homeopathy in her clinic. Dr. Ray can be contacted via her website,
Olive Branch Wellness Center




Celery leaves are a rich source of flavonoids such as zeaxanthin, lutein, and beta-carotene which all have antioxidant, cancer protective and immune-boosting functions, and can help protect you from lung and oral cancers. Celery seeds also contain a concentration of many of the plants beneficial flavonoids, antioxidants and minerals.

But here's the best reason to eat "ants on a log:" New research from the University of Missouri shows that celery contains luteolin, a natural compound that can reduce the risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women who are on hormonal replacement therapy (HRT puts women at a higher risk for breast cancer).







Researchers found that luteolin reduced the blood vessels that feed breast cancer cells, increasing the rate of the pre-programmed death rate of cancer cells. Luteolin also inhibited breast cancer cells from developing into "cancer stem cells" that make cancer more deadly. It shows special cancer-fighting properties on progestin-driven tumors, the type that can happen with hormone replacement therapy. Researchers are now exploring whether luteolin can be given as an injection for those with progestin-dependent breast cancer.

Luteolin can also help fight leukemia, and thyroid, lung and prostate cancers, and shows promise in fighting colorectal cancer.
So whether you eat it in salad, in soup, with peanut butter, or as a crudité – crunch celery your heart and health's content!





Olive Branch Wellness Center 630-370-7290


www.olivebwc.com





The Monthly "Vita - Mini"







B12



B12 is an essential vitamin that is necessary to build blood cells, nerve tissue, and DNA. It's another critical component of giving us access to energy! Like many vitamins, the body cannot manufacture B12 so we must get it through our diet or a supplement.
B12 is one of the few nutrients that cannot be found in plant foods. The main sources of B12 are animal products like meat, dairy, shellfish and eggs.  That's why vegetarians and vegans need to be extra careful about taking enough supplemental B12 so that they don't develop a deficiency. Another group at risk for B12 deficiency are those who've had bariatric surgery, or those with absorption issues such as Crohn's disease.
Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency include: numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, fatigue or weakness, anemia, brain fog and memory loss, balance problems and a swollen tongue.
A simple blood test can identify whether your B12 levels are optimal. Watch out! You can still be deficient even if you are eating enough B12 in your foods and supplements. This is because some people are missing what is called "intrinsic factor" in their gut to help them absorb B12. Work closely with your health professional if you suspect B12 deficiency, to track whether dietary changes are working, or whether you need vitamin B12 injections.










Jeana's Cucina







 

 

 

 

 



Pumpkin Chia Pudding



Ingredients:

    1/2 cup chia seeds

    1 tsp cinnamon

     1/2 tsp allspice

    1 tsp vanilla

    1/2 tsp ginger

     1/4 tsp cardamom

    1/8 tsp nutmeg

    1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut milk beverage

    1/2 tsp almond extract

    15 oz can pumkin puree











    Preparation:


    Dump & Stir

    First~ The chia and 5 dry spices.

     Second~ The milk and 2 extracts.

    Once they are combined and the spices are dissolved, fold in the pumpkin.

    Store, refridgerated, airtight container.

    Top with whipped cream, chopped almonds or coconut flakes. (Optional)






     







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