Here's To Your Liver!

Aren't those some absolutely gorgeous fruits and vegetables?
Well, not all of us can make them look that good, but we can all make them taste fantastic. 

Fresh fruits and vegetables are critical to good health.  They not only help us regulate insulin in the body, but they help to detoxify our bodies and regulate our digestive systems.

In addition to drinking sixty-four ounces of purified water each day, in order to maintain good health you must eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each and every day.

I also believe that the more of these you consume in a raw state, the better.  I am an advocate of a vegan diet for ANYONE who is suffering serious illness.  I have seen it work over and over again. 

I also believe that if you are going to continue to eat meat, fish and poultry you need to read the labels carefully.  So many of the health problems occurring in our world today are caused or contributed to by the hormones, preservatives and additives in the foods we purchase and consume today.  I no longer drink cows milk.  I have chosen to drink Almond milk instead because in every sense it is now better and safer for you.

I will not buy fish or other food products which are either produced or processed in China.  Have you payed attention recently to how POLLUTED the country of China actually is?  Check it out online.  You will be shocked and sickened, and hopefully you will not eat foods processed or produced in that country. Recently while shopping in our local Kroger store, I found huge amounts of frozen seafood which was produced and/or processed in China!  I actually had to HUNT for some that wasn't.  Be careful and read labels.  It takes a few minutes, but it could save your life.

Wild caught seafood is USUALLY better for you than "farmed," unless of course that which is farmed is done so under very strict supervision.  Wild caught SALMON is always a better choice.

Organic vegetables tend to be very expensive, but there are certain times that purchasing them is more important.  Things such as berries and fruits which can not be peeled should always be organic.  The pesticides and sprays frequently used on these items can be quite toxic.  Watch those genetically modified fruits and vegetables also...we really don't know what they may be doing to us.

Along those lines, let me offer you a simple and wholesome salad which will be good for detoxifying your liver and all of your body.  Eat up and stay healthy.

Black Bean and Corn Salad

15 ounce can of Black Beans, rinsed
4 ears of RAW corn, cut from the cob
2 large stalks of celery, finely chopped
1 medium sweet onion, finely chopped
1 large avocado, chopped finely
1 firm, medium tomato, chopped finely
1/4 cup Lime juice
2 Tablespoons TRUVIA or other stevia (a natural sweetener which does not add calories)
Salt and Pepper to Taste   ( I prefer gray sea salt for it's delicious flavor)

Mix all of these ingredients in a large bowl and allow to "meld" for at least 1/2 hour.  Serve alone or over fresh spinach, romaine or spring greens.

Absolutely delicious and wonderfully good for you!

EAT UP!

Eating Raw: Corn

Continuing on my venture in sharing about raw foods, I would love to tell you just how delicious and healthy RAW corn is.

Number one, when you are buying fresh corn choose full ears and peel down the green husk and peek beneath to make sure the kernels are full and round and not shriveled.
The husk should not be dry and brown but crisply green and fresh looking.

Here are a few facts you might not know about corn:

1 6 1/2" ear (or 1/2 cup) has approximately:

* 75 calories
* 15 grams carbohydrate
* 2 grams protein
* 1 grams fat
* 2 grams fiber

Corn calories are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, folate, phosphorus, manganese, vitamin B1, and vitamin B5.

In other words...the nutritional value of corn is worthy of considering! It's NOT a source of "empty" calories like so many other "starchy" foods (pretzels, white bread, white pasta, cookies, muffins, cakes, etc.).

The nutritional value of corn goes beyond vitamins and minerals. Corn is packed with health-protective substances called beta-cryptoxanthin and lutein.

These are the carotenoids (plant chemicals) that give corn it's yellow color and they have disease protecting effects against lung cancer and macular degeneration.

So, how is the best way to eat raw corn? Here is a great recipe for you to enjoy!

RAW CORN SALAD

1 large ear of raw sweet corn
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1 large ripe tomato, diced
3 Tblsp. parsley, minced
1 celery stalk, diced
1/4 cup sweet red onion, chopped
1 TBSP freshly squeezed lime juice (you may use cider vinegar instead)
Salt and Pepper to Taste
2 TBSP Olive Oil
1 TBSP Honey

Wash all vegetables, remove kernels of corn from cob, dice tomato, dice celery, chop red pepper and onion, and mince the parsley. Add lime juice, salt and pepper, honey and olive oil and mix well.

Sometimes I add Rinsed canned black beans to this salad. Delicious and healthy.

Hint: Raw corn on or off the cob is delicious. Simply clean, wash and enjoy!

If Fresh corn is not available you may use thawed frozen corn...always prefer frozen vegetables over canned...less processing means more food value.





In case the salad doesn't float your boat, here are some other serving suggestions for corn. And, please note that corn is one vegetable that is FREQUENTLY genetically modified...buy organic when it is available to play it safe!
* Eat corn on the cob drizzled with flaxseed oil or sesame oil.
* Sauté corn with green chilis and onions.
* Combine black beans, corn, and roasted red bell peppers. Serve over a bed of salad greens or roll in a lettuce leaf.
* Roll scrambled egg whites + salsa + avocado in a corn tortilla.
* Add corn kernels and diced tomatoes to guacamole.
* Add to creative salads.
* Season with chili powder and onion powder and grill.
* Grill, remove from cob, and mix with chopped tomato, sweet onions, jalapeno pepper and lime juice for a tasty salsa.
* For a low cal snack: organic air popped popcorn

Eat Up and Stay Healthy!