Herbal Blog

• 06Feb

  Coconut or palm sugar can be a source of substitute sugar for diabetes, weight control and better immunity

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  Palm sugar is concentrated sap of the coconut flower, the one which is also used to make the local drink “tuba”. When made into syrup or sugar it contains fructooligosaccharides or FOS for short. These are non-digestible carbohydrates or sugars that are found in plants, especially fruits. Because FOS are non-digestible, they pass through the human digestive virtually unchanged. When FOS reach the colon, they are used by the good or beneficial bacteria, also known as bifidobacteria or bifidus, for growth and multiplication. These beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract enhances the digestion and absorption of nutrients,helps in detoxification and elimination processes, and boost the immune system.

  

  

  Phot from: http://www.coconutstudio.com/Coco%20LocoXYZ_files/P1010015flowers.jpg

  Tags: coconut, palm, sugar

• 15Jan

  Turmeric Rice – a recipe for a rich antioxidant meal for the eyes

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  It is said that diabetic retinopathy is much lower in India than in Europe. This observation was attributed primarily to the large consumption of turmeric, which, is also a good medicinal plant for diabetes.

  In a study of 32 people with uveitis by the University of Maryland Medical Center, USA, turmeric was effective in reducing inflammation. Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye between the sclera [white outer coat of the eye and the retina [the back of the eye]). It also appears that it also prevents blindness due to cataract and optic nerve damage. These findings, including the recurrence of the conditions were comparable to standard medical treatment (steroids). It was noted that none of those treated with turmeric (as curcumin) had any side effects.
  

  These reports show that turmeric is an important protector of the eyes, most specially diabetics. Aside from taking food supplements containing turmeric such as tea, we can innovate on a turmeric rice and curry by adding more turmeric or locally know as luyang dilaw.

  

  How to prepare your turmeric rice: When cooking rice, of about 1 cup, add 2 inches of sliced turmeric, bring to boil. After about 5 minutes stir several times for even blend and color then continue cooking until rice is done.

  You can also substitute chicken or beef stock for water and add some salt to you desired taste and a small amount of butter. When fully cooked fluffed with fork and you have turmeric rice pilaf.

  Tags: healthy recipe, turmeric rice. turmeric

• 08Jan

  Moringa oleifera (Malunggay) – local plant for an affordable detox

  Food and Meals, Home Remedies 33 Comments
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  Medicinal value: Malunggay contains phytosterols (Pterygospermins) that removes free radicals in the body.

  Dr Aligui’s Version of Malunggay Juice

  

  Ingredients:

  1cup of malunggay

  1/2 cup water

  1/2 cup of chopped green apple or a slice of  pineapple or squeezed dalandan.

  Procedure:

  Blend all then strain excess fiber.

  Take daily for 1 week or more; coupled with meat free diet (no beef, pork or chicken) or for a continuous detox two times weekly.

  Nutritional value: per 25 grams or 1 cup = Protein 42%, Calcium 125%, Magnesium 61%, Potassium 41%, Iron 71%, Vitamin A 272%, and Vitamin C 22% (2 cups enough for a daily requirement of an adult)

  Tags: malunggay

• 30Jan

  Let’s bake oatmeal cookies

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• 16Sep

  Apple Sauce or Jelly for Nutrition in Diarrhea

  Food and Meals, Home Remedies 74 Comments
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  Apples (Malus domestica) are a good source of nutrition as well as nutritional support in diarrhea. Apples contain a substance called pectin. Pectin is a heterosaccharide which is derived from the cell wall of plants and the extraction of this substance is enhanced by cooking. It stabilizes and thickens food; it is an additive to food and as such is a “gelling agent.” Apple sauce or jelly is a good preparation for snacks and food supplement in cases of diarrhea. Ideally, a blender is used to prepare apple sauce but in case one has no blender, the following can be done:

  1. Peel and grate apples

  2. Cook in low fire with some water until soft and almost sauce-like

  3. Add brown sugar and cinnamon to taste; but not very sweet

  4. Put over crackers so kids can enjoy

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