What is Himalayan Salt?

You may have noticed that almost all my recipes of late include, Sea Salt, more specifically; I have switched to using Himalayan Pink Sea Salt exclusively.

“Himalayan Salt is far superior to traditional salt. Himalayan Salt is millions of years old and pure, untouched by many of the toxins and pollutants that pervade other forms of ocean salt.”

Himalayan Salt is a pure, hand-mined salt that is derived from ancient sea salt deposits, and it is believed to be the purest form of salt available.


Is it healthy?

Himalayan Salt has a purer and higher in mineral content than that of regular table salt. “This form of salt has also been maturing over the past 250 million years under intense tectonic pressure, creating an environment of zero exposure to toxins and impurities.”

“Himalayan Salt has a rich mineral content that includes over 84 minerals and trace elements such as: calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron.”

“Regular consumption of Himalayan Salt provides essential minerals, trace elements, balances electrolytes, supports proper nutrient absorption, eliminates toxins, balances the body’s pH, normalizes blood pressure, and increases circulation and conductivity. It can also assist with relief from arthritis, skin rashes, psoriasis, herpes, and flu and fever symptoms.”

Traditional table salt has been stripped of iodine and other nutrients via “chemical cleaning.” What’s left is sodium chloride or an unnatural chemical form of salt that the body doesn’t recognize.

As table salt is not naturally white, it has also been bleached. You’ll notice that Himalayan Salt ranges in color from sheer white, varying shades of pink, to deep reds, the result of high mineral and iron content.
Himalayan Salt is typically hand-mind, hand-washed, hand-crushed and sun dried. Table salt is typically mined from underground salt deposits. Table salt is more heavily processed to eliminate minerals and usually contains an additive to prevent clumping.


What to do with it…

Use Himalayan Salt just as you would normal salt as it dissolves in the same way. This enables you to cook and bake with it. This salt goes well with soups, salads, pasta, vegetables, grains, baked goods, pancakes and anywhere else you desire are little saltiness.

Himalayan Salt can also be used topically for therapeutic reasons, such as: to stimulate circulation, relax the body, soothe sore muscles and remove toxins from the body. Use Himalayan Salt in bath salt recipes, body scrubs, aromatherapy and for all types of spa applications.


Where to get it…

I keep my pantry stocked with FunFresh Foods Himalayan Pink Sea Salt from Vitacost.com or Amazon. Although due to its gaining popularity you may find it in regular grocery stores and most definitely gourmet shops.


How to Store it…

This type of salt has as self-life about 4-5 years when stored in an airtight container in a cool dry place.

Keep It Healthy!

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sea-salt/AN01142

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/himalayan-crystal-salt-benefits/

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/pinksalt.php

Why Omega-3's?

Omega-3s are referred to as essential, because our body cannot create them, we must ingest them.  However, fish and supplements (DHA/EPA) are not the answer.  Instead, to receive optimal benefits, it is best to consume omega-3s via plant-based foods, such as ground Flax Seeds.

But let’s, back up, why are Omega-3s so great?

For starters they are highly anti-inflammatory and protect against heart attacks, stroke and dementia, while limiting the severity of arthritis, depression and even dry wrinkly skin and dry scalp.  They are absolutely necessary for brain and retinol development in a growing fetus.  Omega-3s also keep our hair, skin, and nails healthy and they also maintain/improve our sight and intelligence.  As well as help the body assimilate insulin and help prevent cancer cell growth.

Keep It Healthy!

Source: Main Street Vegan by Victoria Moran

Chakra Cleansing & Activating Guided Meditation

What Are Brazil Nuts?

Brazil Nuts are a medium sized nut that grow in the Amazon Rainforest.  The trees in which they grow can live over 500 to 1,000 years.  They come roasted or salted, but raw is best.  Brazil Nuts are 18% protein, 13% carbohydrates, and 69% fat by weight. 91% of their calories come from fat. The fat breakdown is roughly 25% saturated, 41% monounsaturated, and 34% polyunsaturated.  "Despite their high calorie content, eating nuts and seeds regularly is actually associated with lower body weight, possibly due to appetite-suppression from healthy fats."

These nuts are a good source of Vitamin E, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B-6, Copper, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, Zinc and Selenium.

Selenium

“Selenium is a trace mineral that has an essential role in ensuring good brain health, particularly as an anti-oxidant.” Studies have found that depleted levels of selenium result in poor memory, bad moods, and decreased cognitive function, while increasing selenium improves mood, clarity of thinking, and energy levels.”  

Selenium plays an important role in:

• Thyroid Function
• Anti-oxidant Activity
• Heavy Metal Detoxification
• Infection-fighting
• Cancer Prevention
• Mental Health
• Preserving Cognitive Function
• Proper Immune System Function 

Selenium is available in grains, nuts, fruits, vegetables and animals.  Fruits and vegetables, however, on't seem to have that much.  However, Brazil Nuts are the richest food-based source of Selenium. 

Daily Recommended Allowance (RDA)

One ounce of Brazil Nuts (6-8 nuts) contains 544 micrograms of Selenium or 777% of the recommended daily allowance, making Brazil Nuts the richest source of food-based Selenium.  To get the RDA of 55 mcg, strive to consume 2-3 Brazil Nuts every day. 

More Is Not Better

Do not over consume Brazil Nuts (400 mcg a day) as this can lead to toxicity issues.  “Early indicators of excess intake are a garlic odor in the breath and a metallic taste in the mouth. The most common clinical signs of chronically high selenium intakes, or selenosis, are hair and nail loss or brittleness. Other symptoms include lesions of the skin and nervous system, nausea, diarrhea, skin rashes, mottled teeth, fatigue, irritability, and nervous system abnormalities.”   “Acute selenium toxicity can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, acute respiratory distress syndrome, myocardial infarction, hair loss, muscle tenderness, tremors, lightheadedness, facial flushing, kidney failure, cardiac failure, and, in rare cases, death.”  “Selenium toxicity caused by a supplement can actually contribute to nerve damage, according to Texas Tech University.”

Storage

The high polyunsaturated fat content, primarily omega-6 fatty acids, in shelled Brazil nuts causes these nuts to become rancid quickly, so it's best to store in the fridge.

Keep It Healthy!

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brazil_nut

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthProfessional/

http://www.naturalnews.com/021644_selenium_cognitive_function.html#ixzz2YTPiUZmh

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/brazil-nuts.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/417789-minerals-nerve-damage/#ixzz2YYew2J2I

Chestnuts Roasting On A...

If you're like me, you grew up listening to that song and can finish that lyric.

Yet, while a fond Christmas memory, I have never actually eaten chestnuts, let alone roasted chestnuts.  So, I did some digging and figured out how to do it, sans the open fire.  Bonus, it's quite simple!

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees
2. Using a sharp paring knife, press a large "X" into the flat side of the nut, make sure to cut through the shell, so it can split open
3. Place nuts on a shallow baking pan
4. Roast for 25-40 minutes, shaking the pan periodically
5. Remove pan from oven to cool
6. Once cool enough to handle, peel (cold nuts are hard to peel)
7. Be sure to remove the outer papery skin
8. Consume immediately

Helpful Tips:

1. Don't hold the chestnut in your hand while scoring.  Hold against a cutting board instead.  Ove' Glove?!?!
2. Cooking times vary depending on the age and size of the chestnut - older and larger will require more time
3. Shaking the pan ensures even roasting
4. Peel by squeezing the nut between your thumb & index finger
5. If you can find frozen, pre-cut chestnuts, go for it!
6. Fresh chestnuts are firm to the touch and heavy in the hand, with no space between the shell and the meat of the nut inside
7. Uncut nuts will explode (trust me)
8. Chestnut season runs from early October through late December

If you really get into this, check out the Chestnutter!

Now for you purest, you can eat chestnuts raw, unless you have the following conditions: severe intestinal problems, kidney problems, liver disease and those who are pregnant (sorry, you'll just have to wait).

Happy Holidays!

Hoff's Unstuffed Cabbage II

Hoff's Unstuffed Cabbage II
Yields: 6-8 servings
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free


Ingredients:

• 1 cup prepared Jasmine Rice
• 1 14 oz. package Gimme Lean® Sausage
• 16 oz. shredded Cabbage
• 1 cup Sauerkraut
• 1 15 oz. can Tomato Sauce
• 1 11.5 oz. can V8 Juice
• 1 medium Onion (chopped)
• 2 -3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 2 tbsp. Italian Seasoning
• 1 tbsp. White Sugar
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• Sea Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of Water to boil, add Cabbage & cook for 15 minutes or until soft & drain
2. In a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, sautée Onions, adding Garlic just as the Onions start to brown, add a pinch of Salt
3. Break-up Sausage in skillet until crumbled pieces are achieved
4. Place Cabbage back in large pot with a pinch of Salt, stir
5. Add Sausage, Onions & Garlic with a pinch of Salt, stir
6. Add Kraut with a pinch of Salt, stir
7. Add Tomato Sauce, V8 Juice, Seasonings & thoroughly combine
8. Heat through and enjoy!

Hoff Thoughts:  I developed this recipe, because I love stuffed cabbage but lack the desire & patience to bother with the actual wrapping of it.  Plus, I wanted to get all those vital nutrients from the Cabbage, after all, it is a Green.  While I do know how to chop cabbage, I chose a shortcut for this recipe instead and bought a bag of Cole Slaw mix or Shredded Cabbage if you will.  Serve over Mashed Potatoes!

The 7 Chakras