Raining almonds!

Almonds: packed full of protein, fibre, calcium, magnesium, potassium (yes, 3 of the 4 most alkaline minerals) vitamin E and other antioxidants and phytochemicals - and unsaturated fat.

If possible, remember to soak your almonds overnight in order to increase the potential for the body to digest the nutrients and goodness...

HEALTH BENEFITS:

*Regulates cholesterol: Regular consumption of almonds helps to increase the level of high density lipoproteins (HDL) and reduce the level of low density lipoproteins (LDL), thereby effectively controlling cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is called bad cholesterol.

*Good for heart: Mono-saturated fat, protein and potassium contained in almonds are good for the heart. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and reduces the risk of heart diseases. The presence of magnesium in almonds helps to avoid heart attacks.

*Regulates blood pressure: Potassium present in almond helps to regulates blood pressure. Almonds are very low in sodium which also helps in containing blood pressure.

*Good for brain: Almond is a source of many nutrients which helps in brain development. Almond induces high intellectual level.

*Prevention of cancer: Almond improves the movement of food through the colon, thereby preventing colon cancer.

*Protection against diabetes: Almond also helps in reducing the rise in sugar and insulin levels after meals. This offers protection from diabetes.
Good in pregnancy: Almond contains folic acid. Folic acid helps to ensure no birth defects in newborn babies.

*Reduce weight: Unsweetened almond milk helps one to reduce weight. The mono-saturated fat contained in almonds satisfies appetite and prevents over-eating. Studies have revealed that almond rich low calorie diet is good for obese people to assist in shedding their weight.

*Avoids constipation: Almond contains fiber. Fiber rich food help avoid constipation.

*Boosts energy: The presence of Manganese, Copper and Riboflavin helps in energy production.

*Prevent Gallstones: Regular consumption of nuts helps reduce the risk of developing Gallstones by about 25 percent.

One avoids the risk of Alzheimer's disease by consuming almonds. Consumption of almonds is also good for improving complexion and boosting immunity.

So...stock up on those almonds...(unsalted and unroasted)

All about avocados...

Avocados don't ripen until after they are picked.

They are ripe when they yield to a gentle squeeze on the round end.

If you buy them and they are hard, let them sit out on the counter for 3 to 5 days...OR...to help them ripen faster, put them in a paper bag with a banana or apple and let sit at room temperature for 1 to 3 days.

Once your avocado is ripe, you can store it in the fridge for 5 to 7 days. Do not place a hard avocado in the fridge. The skin will turn darker, but it will not ripen.

You can FREEZE avocado! Not whole or in slices, but as a puree. Just empty the avocado into a bowl and mix it with lime juice ( 1 T per two avocados). Put into container with lid, leaving room at the top for expansion during freezing, and freeze up to 5 months! Plan to use the puree within 3 days at most after thawing it, and drain off any water before using it.

To help prevent browning, put plastic wrap directly on the surface so that no air gets at it.

HEALTH BENEFITS:
Did you know that avocados have several health benefits? Scientists have proved that a certain toxin present in avocados is able to kill cancer cells - it is used both in prevention and treatment of prostate and breast cancers. Furthermore, potassium in avocado can regulate pressure of blood, and oleic acid in avocado can be used to lower cholesterol level in the blood.

Now go buy your box of avocados!! :)

Time for DINNER!

I'm still learning, so I don't know if I'm eating totally alkaline yet, but here is a simple meal for dinner. All of my family enjoyed it, except Addyson wasn't too fond of the fish...

Salmon (fresh is best, but frozen is next best)

Brown Rice with black beans and pico (go light on the rice)

Broccoli (again...fresh is better)

Here is a really yummy recipe for the Salmon:

Ingredients (Makes 3 servings)
1/2 cup cilantro, stems removed, chopped
1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil, separated
1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
1 lb salmon fillet (3 small)
Directions
1Grease pan with 1T olive oil.
2Place fillets, skin side down in an 8x8 baking dish.
3Combine cilantro, garlic, lime juice, remaining olive oil, and (if desired) salt in a small bowl.
4Pour mixture over fish.
5Bake at 425 for 12-15 minutes, to desired doneness. (Thicker fillets will require additional time.).

ENJOY!!