January 2017
Olive Branch Wellness
Center
Wellness Newsletter
Spice Up Your Diet for Health!
Here at Olive Branch Wellness Center, we teach our patients that food is your medicine. The great news is that how you spice it up can also deliver big health benefits. Your spice cabinet may actually be the best medicine chest in your house!
The benefits of the following spices and herbs are backed by research or are showing promise in preliminary testing:
Turmeric – contains the active compound "curcumin," a champion in reducing inflammation linked to Alzheimer's disease, dementia, cancer and heart disease. Turmeric is the ingredient in curry powder and mustard that gives them both their yellow color.
Cilantro – is also known as the coriander plant. Cilantro is anti-inflammatory, has cholesterol-lowering properties, and may also make blood less likely to form clots that can cause heart attacks. It may also have antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-allergenic properties.
Cinnamon – is proven to reduce blood sugar levels as well as reducing inflammation that can lead to cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
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
Basil – treats stomach pain, gas and loss of appetite.
Garlic – is shown to reduce fat deposits in coronary arteries, reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, and is a natural antibiotic and detoxifier. Eat garlic raw for the best antibiotic effect.
Ginger – aids digestive system maladies, fights nausea, motion sickness and diarrhea. Studies show it may also be effective in fighting cancer, lowering cholesterol, and improving heart health by reducing levels of oxidized lipoproteins, which are a marker for coronary heart disease.
Thyme – as a tea or vapor can soothe a sore throat or cough. When applied topically as a salve to the throat, it can help relieve laryngitis
Cayenne Pepper and Paprika – are both made from ground peppers and have a compound called "capsaicin." Capsaicin is what gives peppers their heat, and is an antioxidant that may reduce the risk for cancer and heart disease, increase immunity, and decrease cancer cell survival.
Cumin – is both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that may prevent and even fight many types of cancers and infections. It can improve digestion and reduce headaches.
Be sure to purchase high quality, preferably organic spices and herbs. Cheap spices can sometimes be contaminated with heavy metals, pesticides or powdered fillers. Spices and herbs can lose both their flavor and nutritional potency over time, so toss out the old jars and tins in the back of your cupboard and replace them.
Olive Branch Wellness Center 630-370-7290
www.olivebwc.com
The Monthly "Vita - Mini"
B10 - PABA
Vitamin B10, also known as PABA (para amino benzoic acid), supports the growth of beneficial microorganisms inside the body and helps our intestinal bacteria produce folic acid. It also acts as a coenzyme in protein metabolism and the formation of red blood cells. PABA also helps in the optimal utilization of protein by the cells.
It's also good for your skin, as it can protect skin from free radical damage. Free radicals can come from harmful chemicals or overexposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. That's why you will find most sunscreen lotions contain PABA. It is also an effective agent in removing fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots from the skin, thereby preventing premature ageing.
Vitamin B10 acts as an anti-allergen that can treat and prevent skin conditions such as eczema and vitiligo. Watch out though, as the use of vitamin B10 in skin lotions has also provoked allergies in some people.
B10 supplements can help correct irritable bowel syndrome as well as gastrointestinal inflammation and disorders. It has shown positive health effects in curing rheumatic fever.
Great natural food sources of vitamin B10 include leafy greens, mushrooms, eggs, whole grains and yogurt.
Jeana's Cucina
Are you Ready for some Football!
Skinny Bell Pepper Nachos
Ingredients:
-
1 pound lean ground turkey
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp onion powder
3/4 cup salsa, no sugar added
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Sour Cream for topping
Sliced Green Onions for topping
Preparation:
Cook ground turkey over medium-high heat, breaking up as it cooks. Cook until the turkey loses it's pink color and is cooked through. Drain off any fat.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Combine cooked turkey with spices and salsa. Evenly distribute mixture into the bell pepper boats, top with cheese. Bake on a parchment lined baking sheet for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
If you prefer softer bell peppers, add a few tablespoons water to the bottom of a large casserole dish, add filled nachos, cover tightly with foil and bake 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven and add sour cream and sliced green onions.
