How’s your Phytonutrient Health? Raw Tomatillo Tacos!

2 Comments October 14, 2014 DrD4Health

The various colors of Fruits and Vegetables can be thought of as complementary forces that interact to form a dynamic system in which our body can achieve vital nutrients.

Fruits, Vegetables and other plants provide essential Phytonutrients as well as essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that each color group has to offer.

Phytonutrient Examples:

Phytochemicals, also known as phytonutrients, are a large group of plant-derived compounds believed to be responsible for much of the disease protection derived from diets high in fruits, vegetables, beans, cereals, and plant-based beverages such as tea and wine.

Of these phytochemicals, flavonoids are the most diverse group of phytochemicals. Research suggests that flavonoids, in particular, may be an important phytochemical group that contributes to the reduced mortality rates observed in people consuming high levels of plant-based foods.

How many Fruits & Veggies do you actually need?

• Children 2 to 6 years old should get three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit, for a total of five.

• Children older than 6, teenage girls, active women and most men should get at least four servings of vegetables and three servings of fruit, for a total of seven!

• Teenage boys and active men should get five servings of vegetables and four servings of fruits, for a total of nine!

According to the CDC, more really does matter and it truly depends on your particular body and your particular genetics and life-style. Are you sensitive or intolerant to certain fruits & veggies, have you had your DNA tested for MTHR Polymorphisms? Consider really getting to know your food genes!

Research reveals that if you create a variety and balance of Fruit & Veggie Phytonutrients in your daily life, the result will greatly contribute to:

• Strengthening your immune system
• Lowering your risk for certain cancers
• Warding off Type 2 Diabetes
• Reducing High Blood Pressure
• Preventing some Eye Diseases
• Maintaining Urinary Tract health
• Maintaining Heart Health
• Improving Memory
• Helping build Strong Bones & Teeth

Start eating a Rainbow of Colors everyday and you raise your chances of having Optimal Health & Phytonutrient Power!

Here is a Yummy Yummy recipe for Tomatillo Tacos. This Deelicious recipe has so many colors of nature’s rainbow, you will be well on your way to receiving some of your daily requirements.

Tomatillo Taco Ingredients:

1 Head of Radicchio
1/2 cup of Cilantro Leaves (de-stemmed)
3 Medium to Large Ripe Avocados (peeled, pitted, diced)
2 Cloves of Garlic (peeled)
1/2 Red Onion (chopped)
1 teaspoon of ground Cumin
3 Tomatillos, (husked, chopped)
2 Medium Tomatoes (diced)
2 Limes (juiced)
1/2 Lemon (juiced)
Sea Salt & Pepper to taste
2 Cups Cucumber (diced)
1/4 Chopped Basil (optional)

Tomatillo Taco Instructions:

1) Combine the Tomatillos, Cilantro, Avocado, Red onion, Garlic, Lime juice, Lemon juice, Cumin, salt and pepper in a food processor or blender and pulse until combined.

2) Separate Radicchio Leaves

3) Dice Cucumber

4) Coarsely Chop Tomatoes

To serve Tomatillo Tacos:

1) Place the Radicchio leaves on a platter.

2) Gently place a heaping Tablespoon of diced Cucumber on each leaf.

3) Place a generous tablespoon of Tomatillo mixture over Cucumber.

4) Sprinkle some diced tomato over Tomatillo mixture.

5) Slice Basil strips on top of tomatoes.

6) Sprinkle Sea Salt on top.

*mixture makes about 30 tacos

Mmmm… I can’t wait to eat these Deeelicious tacos!

I look forward to hearing what you think of these tasty treats! Ohhh, they are so Yummy Yummy Baby!

Stay Healthy & Happy ~ Dr. D.

Protein from Vegetables vs. Meat… What’s the big deal?

4 Comments October 7, 2014 DrD4Health

What you eat impacts everything from your skin to your bones to your cognitive abilities… It even contributes to how animals are treated in this world!

Ounce for ounce and Calorie for calorie… Broccoli and Kale provide more protein than Porterhouse steak!!!

Cooked Kale and Broccoli also provide more Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin C and Folate than Beef Short Loin and Porterhouse Steak.

Protein is a macro nutrient necessary for the proper growth and function of the human body. Although there are vegetables that have proteins, Harvard School of Public Health found that it critical to eat a variety of protein choices so you can get all of your Amino Acids! Growing evidence reveals high-protein food choices do play a role in health—but eating healthy protein sources like avocados, beans, or nuts in place of red meat can lower the risk of several diseases while lowering cruelty towards animals🌝.

A study from May 2012 by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that saturated fats found in red meat and full-fat dairy products causes the brain to age more quickly than other kinds of fat. The good news is that you can slow brain aging by consuming healthy oils like Avocado, Coconut Oil and other monounsaturated fats.

This Protein Juice blend includes:

1/2 an Avocado
1 Cup of Cashews
3/4 Cup of Raspberries
3/4 Cup Mango
2 Cups of Mixed Greens (Spinach, Kale, Moringa )
1/4 Cup Cucumber
1 Cup of Coconut Water
1/2 Lemon

There is considerable debate over the amount of protein a person needs to consume per day, but the current recommended daily intake is listed below:

BENEFITS OF EATING PROTEIN FROM VEGETABLES & FRUITS:

Various studies show that eating even small amounts of red meat, especially processed red meat, on a regular basis is linked to increased Free Radicals, increased risk of Heart Disease and Stroke.

People who are Gluten Sensitive or have GI issues also tend to have low digestive enzymes and need to be extremely careful about eating meat, paying particular attention to added dyes, antibiotics and of course, gluten.

Meat is very high in fat, cholesterol and if non-organic, it has synthetic hormones. Many meat proteins in food are found to be responsible for food allergies and mucus in the gut?

Meat causes your body, mind and organs to age, where Organic Vegetables promote Anti-aging, they are high in Vitamins & Antioxidants, have good Fiber, low-fat Protein, and they are great for your Heart and Brain.

Try replacing red meat with healthy proteins such as this Protein Juice Blend above – you may greatly lower your risk of disease, you will be having cruelty free meals and discover that life can be Yummy Yummy Baby with out meat!

Stay healthy and happy! ~ Dr. Dee

Depression and Sleep Deprivation: Magnesium is Key

6 Comments October 4, 2014 DrD4Health

Do you have chronic Depression & Sleep Deprivation? Is this your nightstand?

I can’t tell you how many people consistently tell me that they have insomnia. Regardless of age, race and socioeconomic status, people are having a hard time sleeping, which often results in Depression!

Many of these people have another thing in common, they suffer from Depression & Sleep Deprivation often because of an undiagnosed Magnesium Deficiency.

Yes, your “Sleeping Aides” may be covering up an undiagnosed Magnesium Deficiency! Most traditional doctors don’t really test for Magnesium levels nor know how to test for Magnesium Deficiency.

Important Magnesium Facts:

1) Assessing magnesium status is difficult because most magnesium is inside cells or in bones. There is not one single way of diagnosing magnesium levels, so it is important to pay attention to other symptoms!

2) Many doctors forget to tell their patients that Magnesium and Calcium actually compete with one another and should be taken separately- not together!

3) It can be EXTREMELY dangerous for people over the age of 40 to be taking Calcium- especially if Heart Disease or Heart Attacks run in your family.

There are many wonderful and relaxing songs, books and oils that can help us fall asleep, but some people need natural supplements to help stay asleep!

Possible Causes of Magnesium Deficiency:

1) Are you a Celiac or H-Pylori patient?

2) Do you have malabsorption issues?

3) Do you drink alcohol regularly?

4) Do you eat foods high in sugar or caffeine?

5) Do you have Chronic Constipation?

If you have insomnia and answered yes to any of these questions, consider Magnesium Deficiency.

Although Magnesium is absolutely critical for survival, the Standard American Diet typically does not provide adequate levels of Magnesium.

Incredibly, numerous studies show that if adequate levels of Magnesium exist, it is very difficult for disease to exist.

Yes, Magnesium helps every organ in your body, especially your brain and heart!

What are your family genetics?

Unless you have a severe genetic Calcium disorder or have taken radiation, then your Calcium risks need to be assessed before taking supplemental Calcium on a daily basis.

Again, many traditional doctors are unaware of potential Heart Risks associated with taking Calcium supplements.

By consuming foods high in Magnesium, combined with topical magnesium oil and oral magnesium, you may help restore your Emotional Balance & Sleep and any underlying Magnesium deficiency.

Due to depleted minerals in our soil, Magnesium rich foods alone are typically not sufficient in raising Magnesium levels, however, every bit of Magnesium in our food does actually help.

Some Magnesium rich foods include Cashews, Almonds and Broiled Spinach.

If you have a Magnesium Deficiency, then magnesium foods may not be enough and you may need to speak to your Holistic Health Practitioner about Magnesium supplementation, along with Vitamin D and B6.

The Linus Pauling Institute supports the latest RDA for magnesium intake (400-420 mg/day for men and 310-320 mg/day for women).

Some other symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency:

– Insomnia, Restless leg syndrome

– Headaches, Irritability, Seizures

– Diabetes, Poor Nail Growth, Low Blood Pressure

– Anxiety, Confusion, Abnormal Heart Rhythms

– Joint pain, Inflammation, Muscle aches

– Depression, Anxiety & Mood Swings

Are you aware of the stressors, unresolved feelings and thoughts that may be keeping you up? This is really important to address!

If you have tried everything and nothing is working, consider Magnesium supplementation while you are resolving your emotional stressors.

There is a reason sleeping pills and alcohol don’t work!

Again, the most Bioavailable and effective way of taking Magnesium that will survive stomach acid is Topical Magnesium Oil combined with oral Magnesium Acetate/Magnesium Gluconate capsules or Magnesium Citrate Capsules.

In the mean time, here is a Cashew Cheese Recipe that will add a little Magnesium to your diet!

Please click this Cashew Cheese Link for the recipe! Go get some Yummy Yummy sleep! Stay healthy & happy ~Dr. Dee

***The food listed on this site is not to be used treat any illness, diseases or conditions. These recipes, remedies and reflections are here to raise awareness of healthy food options and why I chose the particular ingredients.

It is important to take caution in giving ASD children/adults Cashews. Cashews are high in Copper which is great for some people but contraindicated for many people on the Autism Spectrum.
Please follow your doctor’s advice and/or the RDA for the proper Magnesium dosage for yourself.

Magnesium can possibly loosen stools so it is important that you take the right dosage that works for your own particular bowels.

Topical magnesium can itch and really tingle your skin the first week of using it, this is normal and will completely subside.
Stay healthy and happy and go get some yummy sleep ~ Dr. Dee

Raw Vegan Southwest Zucchini Lasagna

23 Comments September 29, 2014 DrD4Health

Cumin, cumin, cumin…

There are some things I miss about Texas, such as, friendly drivers, everbody loving the same team, all of my childhood friends and the taste of Cumin! My momma was always adding Cumin to everything! I just love the smell and taste of it!
Tex-Mex food is just different than Southern Californian Cuisine. Oh don’t get me wrong- I do love the flavors out here… but nothing says home like Southern-Tex-Mex food with Cumin!

Why Cumin? It appears Cumin has been used by thousands of years by the Egyptians, Indians and the Native Americans…

Cumin seeds contain numerous phyto-chemicals that are known to have antioxidant and anti-flatulent properties. The seeds are also an excellent source of dietary fiber.

The active ingredients in Cumin are known to improve gut motility and be a digestive aide by augmenting gastro-intestinal enzyme secretions.

A study on rats by researchers at Mysore University, published in the “Indian Journal of Medical Research” in 2004, found cumin useful for both dyspepsia and diarrhea which are prevalent in Celiacs. Cumin appears to stimulate the liver to secrete more bile, which aids in the breakdown of fats and the absorption of nutrients, leading to healthier digestion. In the study, cumin increased bile secretion in the rats by 71 percent.

Cumin Essential Oil is also of great benefit! Cumin oil is a bactericidal, carminative, digestive, diuretic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, detoxifier, emenagogue, stimulant, nervine, and tonic substance.

This Golden Spice is an excellent source of minerals like iron, copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, selenium, zinc and magnesium. Copper is required in the production of red blood cells. Iron is required for red blood cell formation. Zinc is a co-factor in enzymes regulating growth, development and sperm generation.

Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps maintain our heart rate and blood pressure. Our body uses Manganese as a co-factor for the powerful anti-oxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.

Cumin spice also contains great amounts of B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, vitamin B-6, niacin, riboflavin, and other vitamins like vitamin E, vitamin A and C. There is so much goodness in Cumin, it’s easy to see why it’s been used by various cultures around the world! Oh, how I love learning the healing properties of food!

I want to take this opportunity to remind you that it is very important to know our B-Vitamin Status! Are you experiencing any pain, inflammation, auto-immune issues? Being aware of our homocysteine levels and genetic polymorphisms is very helpful in maintaining long-term health and well being. In the meantime, Cumin is a great way of helping you get some vital nutrients, vitamins and anti-oxidants!

I’m not sure how my mom always made Cumin work into her recipes, but she did! Here is my attempt at channeling her Cumin that always left us Cummin back for more! Mmmm… this lasagna is Yummy Yummy Baby!

Savory Southwest Lasagna Ingredients

3 Zucchinis
Zesty Cumin Marinara (See below)
Cashew Cheese (see below)
1 Tomato, sliced
1/3 Cup of Red Onion, sliced
1/3 cup Black Olives, sliced & pitted
1/3 Cup Sun Dried Tomatoes
Fresh Oregano
Cumin

Instructions for Lasagna

To make Zucchini Strips, use a Mandoline slicer or a large ceramic peeler for long thin slices.
In a 9 X 13 baking dish, create layers with Zucchini ribbons on the bottom (as if pasta layers).
Next, gently slather the Cashew Cheese on Zucchini, then spread 1/2 the diced tomatoes, 1/2 sliced Red Onions.
Next pour & spread 1/2 the Marinara, then sprinkle 1/2 the black olives over Marinara, then Oregano leaves.
Create your second layer by repeating the exact same steps.

Zesty Cumin Marinara

3 Medium Tomatoes (about 3 cups chopped)
1 1/2 Cloves Garlic
3/4 Cup Fresh Basil leaves
1/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 Juice Lemon (fresh)
1/2 Juice Lime (fresh)
2 teaspoons Pitted Medjool Dates
1 teaspoon Oregano
1 teaspoon Rosemary
1 teaspoon Sea Salt
5 Tablespoons Sun-Dried Tomatoes
1/8 teaspoon of Cumin

Instructions for Zesty Cumin Marinara

Put all of the ingredients inside a food processor, EXCEPT the sun-dried tomatoes. Once the mixture is smooth, slowly add the sun-dried tomatoes until you see that it is thickened and not too runny.

Ingredients for Cashew Cheese

3 Cups of Soaked Cashew Nuts
Juice of 1 Lime
Juice of 1 Lemon
3 Cloves of Garlic
3/4 Cup of Basil leaves
1 teaspoon of Sea Salt
1 Cup of Spring Water

Instructions for Garlic Cashew Cheese:

Place all ingredients in the Food Processor, but slowly add in the water until you see that it is a smooth and creamy texture.
This cheese can be used for so many different things, including wraps and vegetable dip to name a few.

First Layer

Second Layer

I’m looking forward to hearing about your South-Western Italian Night!

Stay Blessed! Dr. Dee

Vegan Lemon-Ginger-Nectar Tea and Jelly

3 Comments September 26, 2014 DrD4Health

Lemon-Ginger Tea

Mmmm… there are few things that are as soothing as some healing tea.

If you are cold, tea will warm you;
If you are too heated, it will cool you;
If you are depressed, it will cheer you;
If you are exhausted, it will calm you…

William Gladstone

The sun is always shining here in California, but somehow I can feel the cold is coming… Autumn is here and winter is around the corner!

It must be the holiday flavors that make this soothing tea feel like winter in the summer heat! The cinnamon and cloves have a wintery way of inviting snuggles and sweet kisses…

My husband sips it as he does his reading, I sip as I snuggle up next to him, dreaming of my new blog… our toddler is coloring and enjoying tea from his sippy cup, the aroma even has our dogs feeling warm & cozy. The entire family is snuggling, relaxing and being creative… life is sweet 🙂

This Tea and Nectar jelly are a perfect Wintertime Remedy… even in this super heat!

Simmering Tea

Why these ingredients?

Lemons are detoxifying, alkalizing, full of Vitamin C- what a perfect ingredient! Lemon’s go one step further by fighting infection and cleansing your Liver and Bowels. Fresh lemon juice added to a large glass of warm water in the morning is a great Detoxifier.

Ginger is used to treat various types of “stomach problems,” including motion sickness, morning sickness, colic, upset stomach, gas. Ginger is also used for pain relief, arthritis, sore muscles, menstrual pain, respiratory infections & cough.

Cloves are anti-fungal, antibacterial, antiseptic and analgesic. They’re packed with antioxidants and are good sources of minerals, omega-3s, fiber and vitamins.

Cinnamon is one of the oldest spices known. Like Lemon & Ginger, it is known for its healing properties for cold/flu. It helps fight fungal and bacterial infection and is also known to help fight diabetes, alzheimers, MS and can lower cholesterol.

Coconut Nectar has Coconut sugar, not table sugar. Table sugar has zero nutritional value, whereas Coconut Nectar is from the sap of the Coconut blossom and has several nutrients. Most notable are B vitamins, Iron, Zinc, Calcium and Potassium, along with a lower glycemic index than regular table sugar. *this ingredient is optional and not necessary.

All together, these ingredients create a Yummy Yummy Healing Tea Remedy for you and little ones!

Lemon-Ginger-Nectar Tea:
2-3 Lemons (small/medium)
1-2 Ginger Nuggets (approx 4 inches long)
1/2 Tablespoon of Cloves
3 Cinnamon Sticks
Coconut Nectar (to taste)

Instructions for Tea:

-First thoroughly wash your Lemons & Ginger.
-Thinly slice both lemons and place in pot.
-Thinly slice your Ginger about 1/8 inch, place in pot.
-Next add the Cloves to the Pot.
-Add 3 Sticks of Cinnamon
-Add 8 cups of Spring or Alkaline Water to your pot.
-Simmer on low/medium heat for 30 mins.
-If you see a nice yellow tint, your Yummy Tea is ready!
-Use a ladle and pour some into your cup.
-Add about 1 tsp of Coconut Nectar to your cup, get comfy & cozy… enjoy!

Lemon-Ginger-Nectar Jelly

Coconut Nectar Bottle

Nectar Jelly Ingredients & Instructions:

-Use ingredients above, excluding Cinnamon & Cloves.
-1-2 cups of Coconut Nectar (12-16oz).
-Thinly slice the Lemon/Ginger the same way as above.
-Using a Mason Jar, layer your ingredients (12-16oz).
-Pour Nectar on bottom, then Lemon, then Ginger.
-Repeat each step until the Jar is full, Nectar is on top.
-Close lid, store in your refrigerator for min. 36hrs.
-Anytime you need Yummy Healing Nectar, spoon some into a cup.
-Pour hot water over it, let it steep then enjoy!
-You are going to love this Lemon-Ginger-Nectar Jelly… It’s so Yummy Yummy Baby!

Lemon-Ginger-Nectar Remedy

Stay healthy this Winter, Dr. Dee 🙂

** I also use it for sore throats & cough, swallowing 1 spoonful.

*LEGAL DISCLAIMER

*Ginger is very safe, and we use it for cough/flu, but if you are taking blood thinners, please consult your doctor before taking Ginger or any of these ingredients on a regular basis. We only drink 1-2 cups a day (1 for kids). Drink water with every cup! As always, use precautions and test for allergies.

*This is a remedy my family uses, this does not serve as medical advice, please consult your doctor for any medical concerns.