Forbidden Black rice

Forbidden Black rice only takes thirty minutes to cook and it is delicious. I add chopped tomatoes, onion, parsley, lemon and a whole avocado. Sometimes I will add lentils as well. This is a complete main meal.

Legend has it, that in China there was a special, heirloom variety of rice grown exclusively for the Emperor. This variety of rice was the rice we know today as black rice or emperor’s rice. Black rice was cultivated in small amounts, in specially designated fields, by highly trusted servants and its seeds were guarded day and night. It was strictly forbidden for anyone, but the emperor, to consume this variety of rice.

The reason black rice was so highly valued, and closely guarded, by the Chinese emperors, was because in ancient Chinese medicine, which relies heavily on the philosophy “food is medicine and medicine is food” black rice is seen as the main source of good health and longevity. In ancient days, black rice was viewed as the mystical source of the emperors’ good health and longevity and was consumed as a tonic. Therefore, anyone caught cultivating or consuming this rice was believed to be sabotaging or “stealing” the source of good health and longevity reserved especially for the emperor and thus was punished, severely.

Luckily, times have changed and no one will be punished today for consuming black rice. Though highly popular in Thailand and Indonesia, black rice is not a stable source of carbohydrates in most rice-consuming cultures such as the Indian culture and the Arabic and Persian cultures. That is mostly due to the fact that the Greeks banned the cultivation, importation, and consumption of black rice when they conquered the Middle East because they believed that the consumption of this food helped their enemies in battle. They did not, however, ban white rice, which they deemed worthless. As a result, India, one of the largest exporters of rice to the Middle East, both then and now, stopped the cultivation of black rice due to lack of demand. Therefore, white rice replaced black rice as the dominant source of carbohydrates in all Middle Eastern cultural cuisines. Due to events such as these, black rice, a food once highly revered by the world’s most powerful figures, faded into oblivion.

Though there is still a lot we do not know about the health benefits of black rice, a series of scientific studies have labeled it “The Long-Lost Superfood”, a treasure house of antioxidants, fiber, nutrients, minerals and amino acids capable of combating and preventing a host of health problems ranging from cancer, diabetes, and heart disease to Alzheimer’s. Apparently, the emperor’s of ancient China was right.

The black, outer layer of this rice, contains antioxidant-rich bran. The purple and reddish pigment of this rice, which gives it its black appearance, contains Anthocyanins, the same antioxidants found in such prominent superfoods as blueberries, Acai berries, and grapes.  credited to doug Veganhurt

My Favorite herbs Aka Sage

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a shrubby perennial that’s not only an obvious herb choice for the kitchen, but it’s a great garden plant in its own right. It’s leaves have a thick, “bumpy” texture, and feel rather fuzzy. Depending on the variety, foliage colors can be bright green, blue-green, purple, or edged with cream or gold (“variegated”).

From spring through mid-summer, it blooms with small, blue-violet or lavender flowers which aren’t show-stoppers in our eyes, but they are extremely attractive to birds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects and we gardeners applaud that. Sage is an evergreen herb will survive through the winter in zones down to 7, and it’s one of the easiest plants to grow. All of the attributes above puts sage at the top of my list for favorite garden herbs.

If left to it’s own devices in a loamy garden bed, sage will grow from 1′-3′ tall, but planted in a container it tends to stay much smaller. Plus, it’s simple to control the plant’s size as you harvest the stem and leaves. The flavor and scent is described as earthy, rich, and spicy.

growing_sage_the_untrained_housewife

Tips for Growing Sage

Success is almost guaranteed when you purchase sage as a one year start from a local nursery or garden center. When you transplant it from it’s nursery pot your garden or other container, be sure not to plant it too deeply into the soil. The crown of the plant (the place where all the stems meet at the base of the plant) should sit just above soil level.

Like many herbs, sage doesn’t like it’s feet “wet,” so plant it in a well-draining soil. It thrives in the sun, but doesn’t have a problem tolerating spots with light shade, especially if you live in an extremely hot area. Water sage regularly until it becomes established in it’s new home. After that, it’s happy with moderate watering.

Additional helpings of compost throughout the year cheers them up, and I don’t bother actually fertilizing, although many gardeners will at the beginning of spring. After a few seasons, you’ll want to trim off any woody parts to encourage growth and keep it looking its best (there won’t be any new growth on the woody parts anyway).

growing_sage_the_untrained_housewife

Harvesting Sage

You can begin harvesting sage leaves for the kitchen once you’ve seen some good growth on the plant, which means it’s matured. If your plant has over-wintered in a container, wait for the leaves to unfurl in early spring before harvesting.

Sage that’s been planted predominately as a kitchen herb (food) should have any flower spikes removed before they have a chance to flower. This is because the flowers will send a signal to the plant that it can slow down leaf production because it has met it’s goal for the season. We want to trick the plant into producing as many leaves as possible before it flowers in order to take advantage of a full harvest.

What is pH?

What is Ph
Every solution is either acidic or alkaline, including our body fluids. The body is designed to maintain a constant pH 7.4 in the blood. It does this by depositing and withdrawing acid and alkaline minerals from the bones, soft tissues, body fluids (blood, saliva, and urine). Your pH levels are usually more acidic in the morning, fluctuating during the day.

Why is pH important?
According to many experts, a healthy body has a balanced alkaline to acid pH level. Your pH levels are directly influenced by the foods you eat.  The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) contains more acid-forming foods than alkalizing foods. Picky eaters many times eat mostly acid-forming foods. Unfortunately, too much acid can cause health problems.

A balanced pH environment allows normal body function necessary for the body to detoxify. This enables our bodies to resist disease. A healthy body maintains adequate alkaline reserves to meet emergency demands. When excess acids must be neutralized our alkaline reserves are depleted, leaving the body in a weakened condition. Acidosis is an over-acidity in the body tissues and is one of the basic causes of diseases. Acidosis forces the body to take minerals, including calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium, from vital organs and bones to buffer (neutralize) the acid and safely remove it from the body. Because of the strain that is put on the body, it can suffer severe and prolonged damage due to high acidity.

“The real problem is one of alkaline deficiency, more than one of too much acid,” states Anthony Sebastian, M.D., of the University of California, San Francisco. “People eat plenty of acid-yielding animal protein, dairy products, and grains. The missing piece is an appreciate amount of fruits and vegetables, to produce an alkaline yield. Study after study has shown that most Americans–68 to 91 percent–don’t eat the five recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables.”

Test pH Levels at Home
Your pH levels can be tested quickly and easily right at home. In fact, every home should have pH strips to measure alkaline/acid balance in the family medicine chest, right alongside the thermometer. Both offer vital information on the body’s systems. Purchase pH test strips at a local pharmacy, whole foods store, garden nursery, or even pool supply store. Babies are born with a pH level of 7.4. Levels should be slightly alkaline and a healthy pH level is between 7 and 7.5, although 6.5 is considered in the normal range. The best time to test your pH is about one hour before a meal and two hours after a meal. Remember, that pH levels will vary throughout the day.

Green Food Is Yummy
After a glance at the following two lists, it becomes painfully clear why so many children and adults are ill. The first list contains acidic foods: most processed foods, fast foods, dairy, and meat. They are all acid forming, that is the effect they have on the body, not the taste. Some of these foods should be eaten in moderation, some not at all. Fast foods are acidic and are not part of a healthy diet. If your pH level is too acidic, for at time altogether avoid the foods on the acidic list. Dairy, whole grains, and meat are a part of a balanced diet. After pH has been restored, begin adding them back into a healthy diet.

The second list contains alkaline forming foods. Not surprising, most fruit and vegetables are on this list. These are foods to emphasize every day in your diet and to eat exclusively to bring an acidic level back to balance. Vegetables are alkaline and necessary for health. Unless a picky eater learns to eat whole foods, especially veggies, you can expect a lifetime of health challenges. To maintain a healthful alkaline blood pH at least 80 percent of total food intake should be alkaline foods and 20 percent acidic foods. This is always challenge for a picky eater, who avoids whole foods, especially veggies. The good news is you can transform your picky eater into a healthy eater.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Research is ongoing.

Shift pH balance:

Alkaline Forming Foods

These are foods to include, especially when balancing acidic pH levels:
Vegetables
Beans
Nuts & Seeds: almonds, pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, flax, spelt, lentils, sprouted seeds
Sprouts
Oils: flax, avocado, extra virgin olive oil, evening Primrose, borage & coconut oil
Most Fruit: especiallycitrus (lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, etc.), grapes and raisins, avocado, tomato & melons

*Apple Cider Vinegar causes one’s pH levels to become more alkaline. Apple Cider Vinegar in itself is alkaline because of its ash content. Once the body has burned the apple cider vinegar, what’s left over becomes ash. When you check for the pH of that ash and dissolve it with water, the content is alkaline. For adults the recommended dosage is 1 to 2 tablespoons in an 8 ounce glass of water, several times a day. Adjust your dosage of Apple Cider Vinegar mixed in a glass of water according to your pH level.

For more info on Apple Cider Vinegar, including recipes,

 

Water and Goat’s Milk are neutral

Acidic Forming Foods

Following are foods to avoid with a high acidic pH level.
Once pH has been restored to a proper balance, include meat, dairy, and grains to about 20 percent of your diet.
All Meat and Dairy: except goat’s milk(Dairy products are a part of a healthy diet, but when pH levels are acidic, avoid dairy until your pH levels are normalized.)
Crustaceans (shrimp, lobster, etc.)
Sugar & Condiments
Coffee & Tea
Some Fruit (When pH levels are acidic avoid these fruits until your pH levels are normalized: blueberries, canned or glazed fruits, cranberries, currants, and plums.)

Most Grains: wheat,pasta, rice (although, brown rice is low acid-forming), oatmeal
Nuts: peanuts, cashews, pistachios

Fast foods
Oils: margarine, corn oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil & hydrogenated oils

Vinegar (except for Raw Apple Cider Vinegar*)

Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar has been used to cure and prevent a variety of ailments for centuries. As early as the time of Hippocrates, vinegar was used to treat patients. There are hundreds of uses for Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), it could fill volumes. I’ll just hit the highlights.

ACV is a naturally fermented food with antibiotic and antiseptic qualities that fights germs, bacteria, mold, and viruses. It’s rich in enzymes and potassium, naturally supporting a healthy immune system. ACV contains over forty vitamins and minerals, including potassium.

There are studies confirming that ACV helps with weight loss and lowering blood sugar levels. Many of the accounts of ACV helping and even curing illnesses are anecdotal. For me, thousands of anecdotes equal data. In my experience, ACV stopped my acid stomach, stopped the effects of food poisoning for my daughter and again for a son-in-law. ACV stopped my 12-year-old granddaughter’s asthma cough in only two days. To our surprise, she began to have regular bowl movement’s shortly after including ACV in her daily routine. Seems this is another benefit.

Among other things, cider vinegar is very effective in detoxifying various organs, kidneys, bladder, liver etc., by keeping a proper alkaline/acidic balance in the body. It is a purifier, as it has a means of breaking down fatty, mucous, and phlegm deposits within the body. Cider vinegar also helps oxidate the blood which consequently prevents the blood from becoming too thick and gluey, which gives rise to a strained heart and blood vessels resulting in high blood pressure.

ACV promotes digestion and pH balance, it’s said to help soothe dry throats, helps remove body sludge toxins, helps maintain healthy skin, soothes sunburned skin, and relieves muscle pain from exercise. It’s said to kill yeast and fungus infections. ACV releases toxins from the liver and is reported to help numerous ailments including arthritis, high blood pressure, skin conditions, high cholesterol, insomnia, fatigue, liver and kidney problems, asthma, allergies, weight loss, indigestion, and acid stomach. ACV even is even a remedy for morning sickness.

This wonder food costs just over four dollars for a quart. It’s recommended to take 1 tablespoon in eight glasses of water at meals and before bed. The recommendation for children is one teaspoon in a glass of water. Vinegar has a strong taste, so some people may want to add it to apple or orange juice. If you purchase pH strips at a whole foods store, you can easily track your pH levels (7 to 7.5 is optimal).  Less than seven is acidic and higher is alkaline. Then adjust the amount of ACV you take: more if too acidic, less if too alkaline.

The cheaper white vinegar is a fantastic cleaning solution. Use it on pots and pans, dishes, cutting boards, full strength with baking soda for unclogging drains, diluted for windows. When my dogs leave a yellow spot on my rug, I dilute it in water, pour it on the spot, and wet vac away the spot and the odor. I’ve heard that sprayed on the ground, it will kill ants.

 

 

 

Tongkat Ali

Tongkat Ali 東革阿里

植物原药

  • Malaysia has a rich source of rain forests that contains thousands of plant with potential medicinal values. One of such plant is the tall shrub tree from the Simaroubaceace family, Eurycoma Longifolia Jack                                                      which are commonly found along thhilly jungle slopes of Malaysia.

The local name of the shrub is “Tongkat Ali” otherwise known as ‘Ali’s Walking Stick’ which is rather suggestive of its traditional function and that is to give support to aging males.

The medicinal elements are found in the roots. The roots of Eurycoma Longifolia Jack were used as a decoction by old natives, especially the elderly, for strength, vitality and energy.

Tongkat Ali has been used for generations as a source of male strenght and vitality. A strong  aphrodisiac capable of increasing erections, sperm and testosterone levels in men.

Additionally Tongkat Ali also used as an antioxidant, anti malarial, and to kill cancer cells.

 

There are many types of tongkat ali available

Eurycoma longifolia is a shrub-tree found growing wild along the hilly slopes of the rainforest of Malaysia and other parts of southeast Asia. Tongkat ali has been commonly prescribed in malay and asli’s herbal medicine as a febrifuge and a remedy for intermittent fever(malaria)ulcer, and as an aphrodisiac for men. In Indonesia, the plant is called pasak bumi and the roots are used for traditional treatment of dysentery and tertian malaria. In Vietnam, the plant is called cay ba binh, the tree that cures a hundred diseases. Longjack is in the superior class of herbs having powerful and numerous benefits in the system.
Tongkat ali is one of the most widely used herbal medications in southeast Asia, primarily because of its power to enhance libido and sexual function. It is also one of the only herbal medications that have been scientifically proven to work as an aphrodisiac. Everybody can easily check this fact at medline, the huge database of scientific medical article. The abstracts of these articles are accessible for free.
The truth of tongkat ali

This herb was widely used by the natives in the land for generations. The main use of the balk of this root was to help give men energy and strength in both overall body health and in the inner strength of the penis.

When taken continuously, like all food supplements, it helps achieve the following:

1) increase the bodies natural defences against bacterial & viral infections.
2) it helps strengthen the lower back of men making it stronger during intercourse.
3) helps increase the production of testosterones in men.
4) it makes erections rock hard
5) it helps prevents premature ejaculation in men
6) it breaks enhance the blood flow within the penis walls
7) anti malaria agent
8) helps in keeping the blood sugar lower.

Improves Circulation
Strengthens Immune System
Improves Physical and Mental Performance
Increases Energy Levels, Endurance, and Stamina
Reduces mental fatigue and exhaustion
Helps Tone Skin&Muscles
Improves Testosterone Production

Availability: Small wood pieces, 0.5 x 2cm in size.

Preparation: Put about 6 – 10 pieces of Tongkat Ali wood pieces into a cup of boiled water. Cover the cup for 5 – 15min. Serve before consumption.

Caution: For safety, take only the drinks immediately after preparation and dispose off the residue after consumption. Never leave it overnight before consumption and take no more than 4 times per week.

 

“Tongkat Ali is an effective aphrodisiac.” (Research paper)

Ang HH – School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Science Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia,

A Vegan or Plant-Based Diet Vs Keto Diet

‘No One Should Be Doing Keto Diet’

Dr. Kim Williams is a leading cardiologist (Photo: Plant Based News)

No one should be doing a ketogenic diet – unless weight loss is more important than their health, according to a leading cardiologist.

Dr. Kim Williams, the past President of the American College of Cardiology, made these comments about the diet – which involves eating large amounts of fat and very few carbs, in a bid to get the body into ketosis (a state where it is burning fat for energy when it doesn’t have enough carbohydrates to burn) in an exclusive video for Plant Based News.

Fans of the diet tout its ability to aid weight loss and improve certain markers around cardiovascular disease. But Dr. Williams believes the benefits are limited.

‘The science is wrong’

Dr. Williams said: “I like the basic concept that you change your dietary habits and you change something. You can make a change, you can discipline yourself.

“Unfortunately, the science of it is wrong. If all you wanted was short-term weight loss – and short-term could be a year or two – if that’s all you’re looking for, great.”

Dr. WIlliams agreed that there are other markers that a keto diet can improve in the short term, then added: “But are any of them independent of the weight loss? Probably not. If you lose a lot of belly fat, your insulin sensitivity improves, your blood sugar improves…it sounds and looks wonderful.”

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNW_5EqqWoo?start=116]
 

PBN Founder Klaus Mitchell interviews Dr. Kim Allan Williams. Subscribe to PBN’s YouTube Channel here

Mortality rate

He added: “There’s only one slight problem: and that’s cardiovascular events. If you look at mortality – I remember pulling out the slide from 2007, that’s the first one I saw, large randomized trial, looking at the ketogenic diet and showing that it increased mortality by about 22 percent.

“So I was talking about that and making sure everyone was hearing about that, and then there was one the Journal of the American Heart Association published a few years later that isolated the people who had had a heart attack in the past, the cardiology population that we’re seeing, and they were doing a ketogenic diet. It was a 53 percent increase in mortality. No one should be doing this.

“Don’t limit yourself to these two trials – take every trial that’s ever been published across the world, do a meta-analysis, I think they had 13 or 16 trials in it, and average them all out…and the answer was 31 percent increase in mortality. So it’s not something people should do unless your weight loss is more important than your life.”

You can watch the full interview – which was filmed at a UK Health Professionals Event -here

Health Benefits of Plant-Based Diets

Health Benefits of Plant-Based Diets

Many health benefits are associated with eating whole food, plant-based, oil free diets. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “appropriately planned vegetarian, including vegan, diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. These diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, older adulthood, and for athletes.” Unfortunately, many people do not avail themselves of the golden opportunities to enjoy numerous benefits derived from eating a whole-food plant-based diet.

The findings of the “Vegetarianism in America” study in 2008 revealed that only about 7.3 million people out of the over 200 million persons then living in the United States followed a vegetarian-based diet. That represented 3.65 percent of the American population as being vegetarians. Approximately 1 million out of the 7.3 million vegetarians adhered to vegan diets devoid of all animal products. This means that in 2008 only .5% of the population were vegan. That is one half of one percent. Over 192 million Americans remained missing out on the many health benefits derived from consuming plant-based diets.

Fast forward a few years and things have changed significantly. A report published by GlobalData in June of 2017 paints a very different picture. At that time a full 6% of United States consumers claimed to be vegan. Many voices are proclaiming 2017 as the year of the vegan. For individuals who have yet to make up their mind on whether they should adopt a vegan dietary lifestyle, here are 3 great reasons that might convince them to join the vegan migration:

1) Lower Cancer Risk

Cancer is the second leading cause of deaths in the United States, accounting for hundreds of thousands of deaths annually. Despite decades of scientific research dedicated to winning the war on cancer, mortality rates from cancer continue to climb. Animal products, such as meat, eggs, and dairy products, have been implicated in the causation of many forms of cancer, including breast, ovarian, colorectal, and prostate cancers. In contrast, the findings of a 2011 study published in the Journal of Cancer Research and Management show that a 10-12 per cent reduction in overall cancer risk is associated with habitual consumption of vegetarian diets. Whole plant foods are loaded with numerous cancer fighting compounds that help to inhibit the development, growth, and spread of cancerous cells and tumors in different parts of the body.

2) Better Cardiovascular Health

Cholesterol, saturated fats, and dietary carnitine from animal sources are well-documented as strong risk factors for cardiovascular disease. While animal products contain high amounts of saturated fats, cholesterol, and exogenous carnitine, whole plant foods are devoid of cholesterol. Adhering to a dietary pattern that focus on plant-based, oil-free foods helps to exclude these unhealthy nutrients that fuel cardiovascular disease risk from our diets and improve cardiovascular health. In addition, plant foods are rich in dietary fiber that helps to reduce the concentration of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol floating in the blood and lower cardiovascular disease risk.

3) Prevention and Reversal of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body cells cannot make use of glucose (sugar) because they develop resistance to insulin. Insulin is the hormone that transports sugar from the blood to the cells. Several studies have demonstrated that fat, not sugar, induces insulin resistance that results in the development of type 2 diabetes. The high blood sugar levels commonly found in type 2 diabetic patients is the result of the inability of sugar to get into the body cells. Elevated serum concentration of sugar is not the cause of type 2 diabetes; it is just another symptom of the disease. Eating a whole food, plant-based, oil-free diet helps reduce the concentrations of fat in the body and improve the response of the bodies cells to insulin. Type 2 diabetes can be better controlled, prevented, and even reversed by adhering to a low-fat vegetarian diet. Exercise is also helpful.

There are still more reasons to switch to whole food, plant-based, oil-free diets. Stay tuned to thalassanutrition for exciting scientific evidence in my future blogs.

Passion fruit

Surprising Benefits of Passion Fruit

  • The fruit has been named after its flower
  • It is a type of berry that is sweet and sour at one time
  • It is good for diabetics and keeps your heart healthy

Passion fruit, commonly known as Granadilla or ‘Krishna Phal, in India is a vine species native to Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. The fruit has been named after its flower which comes from one of the hundred species of the passion flower. Passion fruit is a type of berry which is sweet-sour, highly aromatic and seedy. It has varieties from purple passion fruit to yellow and golden one and also hybrids like the Kavery. Being a tropical plant, it needs well-drained soil with a high amount of humus and neutral pH to grow. So, it is commercially cultivated in the Nilgiri hills, north-eastern areas like Manipur, Mizoram and Meghalaya in India. The juicy fruits also has some great health benefits. Here are five surprising benefits of passion fruit:

1. Good for diabetics

Passion fruit has a low glycemic index (GI) and high fibre content (10.4%). This makes it a great fruit to maintain insulin levels for diabetics. -Fruits like passion fruit are high in fibre like pectin that can make you feel full without increasing the calorie intake,- says Dr. Sandhya Mishra, Diabetes Specialist.

diabetes 620x350

2. Younger looking skin

We all know that antioxidants are good for our skin. Passion fruit has many types of antioxidants in it like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, riboflavin and carotene. These antioxidants reduce the production of free radicals in our body. Free radicals are generated by our body cells as a by-product and can cause skin aging. The anti-inflammatory properties of passion fruit tend to soothe our skin.

(Also read: 7 Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods You Must Eat)

beauty

3. Enhances immunity

Step up your immunity with the jelly, juice or squash of passion fruit. Passion fruit is highly rich in Vitamin C, beta-cryptoxanthin and alpha-carotene that boosts your immunity. It also  has iron which increases haemoglobin in our red blood cells.

4. Keeps your heart healthy 

The rich content of riboflavin (Vitamin B6) and niacin (Vitamin B3) in passion fruit helps in regulating the thyroid activity in our body. It also prevents hardening of the arterial walls of the heart (atherosclerosis), keeping your heart functions running smoothly. The phenolic compounds and alkaloids can also help in relieving anxiety and treating insomnia to a certain level.

heart 620

5. Prevent osteoporosis

Passion fruit is known to be rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium, iron phosphorous, potassium and sodium. These minerals maintain bone density, help in speedy recovery of bones and prevent osteoporosis.

0 CommentsThe ripened fruit is large, plump and a bit wrinkled. The smooth one may not be ripe. You can have passion fruit with its seeds for more fibre content. Blend it in your smoothie, make a jam or just have it raw.

Nutella

A viral image has revealed that palm oil is one of the major ingredients in jars of Nutella, amongst excessive amounts of sugar.

The image displaying the true ingredients of the well-known, and globally adored, chocolate spread quickly went viral after its contents were revealed that many people did not expect. Different from the usual list of ingredients on the back of the jar that is commonly overlooked, this diagram shows layers of the brand’s five main ingredients in their raw form. These are palm oil, cocoa, hazelnuts, skimmed milk powder and sugar.

According to reports, the size of the labelled section in the diagram is said to represent the real proportion in the jar, which many were shocked to see was 50% white sugar. This image was released earlier this week following reports that Nutella may be taken out of supermarkets due to its “cancer-causing properties”. This came after a report, conducted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), claimed that palm oil was more carcinogenic than any other oil. However, since the reports, Nutella has denied the claims that the hazelnut chocolate spread carries cancer risks, stating that the palm oil that they use in every jar is high quality and safe to eat.

Whilst Nutella would not confirm or deny if the image is accurate, due to claims that the recipe is top secret, the nutritional information on each jar, as well as the website, reveals that there is 8.5g of sugar in every tablespoon of the spread, which means that every 400g jar contains a huge quantity of 227.2g of sugar. This vast amount works out to be more than half the jar’s weight.

Another major ingredient that has caught many people’s attention is the use of palm oil. Whilst palm oil is the cheapest oil on the market, the use of it is highly controversial, as it has major links with deforestation of major rainforests, as well as wiping out huge wildlife populations. Although palm oil is used in a huge array of common products, from cosmetics to food, the excessive consumption of the oil has had a major negative effect on the natural world. Palm oil plantations currently cover over 27 million hectares of the Earth’s surface. This has resulted in a huge loss of forests and human settlements, as these areas are completely destroyed to make room for the oil plantations, which have since been referred to as “green deserts”.

Despite this, Nutella relies on the use of palm oil to create the distinctive smooth texture, as well as prolonging the product’s shelf life. Nutella, which is made by Ferrero, insists that the product would not be the same without the use of palm oil, and a switch to alternative ingredients could cost the company an additional $8-22 million a year.

After the image went viral Nutella said in a statement, “We don’t disclose the full proportions of the ingredients in Nutella as our recipe is unique and we wish to safeguard this. The product’s label provides simple and clear nutritional information per 15g portion, or two heaped teaspoons, as well as per 100g. The ingredients are also listed on the Nutella website.”

Ferrero, who manufacture Nutella, added, “One of Ferrero’s core nutritional beliefs is that small portion sizes help people to enjoy their favourite foods in moderation. The labelling on our products enables consumers to make informed choices and helps ensure that Nutella can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.”

In response to the recent cancer scare from Nutella products, they said, “The health and safety of consumers is an absolute and first priority for Ferrero and we confirm that Ferrero products are safe. The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) has analysed the presence of contaminants in a large number of products and oils stating that the presence of contaminants depends on the oils and fats used as well as the processes they are subjected to.

“It is for this reason that Ferrero carefully selects quality raw materials and applies specific industrial processes that limit their presence to minimum levels, fully in line with the parameters defined by the EFSA. In addition, our auality teams constantly monitor such factors and guarantee the food safety of our products to the consumer.”

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Wheatgrass Juice

Making your own  Wheatgrass Juice is incredibly easy! Wheatgrass is known for its detoxification power, and is loaded with chlorophyll. This article will teach you every thing you need/want to know about wheatgrass (how to make it, how to grow wheatgrass, health benefits and side effects).What Is Wheatgrass?

Wheatgrass is freshly sprouted wheat of a wheat plant that is usually between 1-2 weeks old. It is used primarily as a drink, but can also be used topically as a rub to help treat blemishes and eczema.

It is a dietary supplement that can be juiced fresh, or it can be purchased in powder, liquid, or capsule form. Most people juice it in the morning and add it to their shakes, or it can be taken as a “shot” in the morning for a boost of energy.

It can be added to smoothies, lemonade, or used in homemade popsicle .

What Are The Benefits and Nutrition of Consuming Wheatgrass

Consuming 1-2 ounces of wheatgrass juice daily has been proven to have positive effects on the immune system. Known as liquid sunshine, this superfood is mostly filled with chlorophyll, which helps build the bodies blood count. It’s an immune system booster.

Not only is it known for it’s insane amounts of chlorophyll, but it’s also known for being filled with 19 amino acids, vitamins a,c, and e, and it contains 98 of 102 earth elements. Whew. Talk about power!

If you’re wanting to take something to really kickstart you into better health, drinking a shot of wheatgrass will help your body start detoxifying. A shot of wheatgrass helps remove toxins, the chlorophyll is antibacterial, and wheatgrass helps purify the liver.

Looking to lose weight? Stimulated by wheatgrass, your thyroid gland will thank you as it goes into overdrive to speed your metabolism after a shot of wheatgrass.

Wheatgrass is known for helping fight diseases, especially skin and tissue related ones.

Wheatgrass is high in alkaline and helps balance your body if it’s highly acidic. (Do you eat fast food often? If so, you’re most likely acidic.)

How To Grow Wheatgrass

Are you sold on wheatgrass yet? If so, growing wheatgrass can be done in the comfort of your home. It doesn’t take much to grow wheat grass. In fact, all you need is four ingredients.

Use organic wheatgrass seeds from a trusted place. It may also be known as wheat berries or hard winter wheat seed. You want to make sure they were not treated with pesticides. There are also organic wheatgrass growing kits available to purchase to make this process easier for those of us who have black thumbs 😉

For a 16 by 16 inch tray, you will want to use 2 cups of seeds. It’s important to rinse them in a strainer and then transfer them to a large bowl that you will fill with about 3 cups of filtered cold water. Once you cover your bowl with plastic wrap, you can set a timer to ten hours, or just take note of the time. Allow the bowl to sit out in room temperature on the counter or table where it will be undisturbed. After 10 hours, you’re going to drain the water, and refill it again with 3 more cups of water, cover, set aside for an additional 10 hours. After ten hours, you do it again, yes, again. Total of three 10 hour soaks. By now they should have sprouted and be ready for transfer.

Before you can transfer your seeds, make sure the tray or pot you are transferring them to has a few holes on the bottom. Use chemical-free paper towels to line the bottom of the pan. Then you’re going to add a one inch layer of organic compost or organic potting soil to your pan. Remember, you’re going to drink this grass. Keep it chemical free. Next, you’re going to start from one end and spread an even layer of seeds on top of the soil. You want to give the seeds a little wiggle space, but not much.

You can gently press the seeds in just a tiny bit, but do not cover them completely with soil. Then with a water mist sprayer, gently water the seeds. You can now cover the tray with some kind of protective, yet breathable material such as a thin hand towel or even newspaper. Keep it in an undisturbed area where there is partial sunlight. Each day, spray the seeds and material to make sure the seeds do not dry out. You want to keep the seeds and soil damp.

Continue this process for about four days. Once it begins to sprout, remove the material from on top. Continue to water daily and keep it where the natural sunlight partially hits it. It needs sunlight to grow, but direct sunlight will kill the grass.

The wheatgrass, once ready to cut, will split. You’ll know when it splits because the single strands will become two towards the top. This is the prime time to cut and use the wheatgrass. You usually only have about 5-7 days before it begins to fold over or turn brown once it splits.

When you’re ready to harvest the wheatgrass, either use scissors or a knife to cut it. Never rip it with your bare hands. You want to cut right over the root. You can refrigerate extras, but it’s best to take only what you will use, juice it and drink it right away.

When you’re harvesting your wheatgrass, be sure to inspect it. You do not want to consume any mold that can grow on the wheatgrass.

Side Effects Of Wheatgrass

As with any new supplement, you want to be cautious of trying out something new. Discuss with your doctor if wheatgrass is something you should try.

For most people, wheatgrass is a superfood they will continue to benefit from daily.

If you’re allergic to wheat or grass, you may want to avoid wheatgrass, since an allergic reaction may occur.

There are not many side effects from the consumption of wheatgrass. What has been reported is nausea, light headedness, diarrhea, and headaches. All which can stem from the detox that your body goes through when taking wheatgrass.

Start with small doses. Not more than one ounce a day. Work your way up to two ounces a day, slowly.