Health Benefits of Eating from the Sea-Detox with Seaweed

Seaweed the super food from Asia may just help protect against a number of serious illnesses while encouraging weight loss. Seaweed has health properties that are full of antioxidants, calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C that protect against heart disease while encouraging a healthy thyroid.  It also provides weight loss properties that add to its appeal among fitness enthusiasts. 

Commonly served as a side salad at your favorite local sushi restaurants it is well worth the few extra dollars on your bill. It is typically served in its green form and is mixed with ginger to create an appealing taste. Harvested in Asia and the U.S. you can feel good about protecting the environment as it has been known to improve coral reef health thereby promoting farming and sustainable agriculture. 

Seaweed provides a strong source of iodine that regulates the thyroid (1). The thyroid is responsible for a host of things that include hormones, fat storage, energy levels, heart rate, and skin dryness (2). Ensuring that your thyroid is receiving the right nutrients and is managing your metabolic condition correctly helps fight the damaging secondary effects. 

If you are hoping to lower your cholesterol levels you might want to check on the benefits of the Omega-3 fatty acids inherent in seaweed.  These acids improve upon good fats and reduce triglycerides in the blood (3). Eating the right kinds of fats I your diet help to improve upon your heart health and protect your arteries. 

Like any other food, seaweed is not a savior for health and nutrition, but does provide some unique benefits when eat in moderation. During the occasional time you may go out to eat and order sushi , make sure you also order a side dish of seaweed. Eaten in moderation seaweed has benefits that far surpass many other types of food and offers a nice alternative to your traditional salad.

Three Wonderful Benefits of Almonds

The benefits of almonds are significant as they are considered one of nature’s wonder foods that improve general health. Their benefits lay in being a high source of protein, removal of free radicals, and improving heart health. Those who avoided high fatty foods can now eat a handful almonds five times a week while still encouraging weight loss and greater fitness. 

People who like to stay in shape and are active have heard throughout the years that only low-fat foods are helpful in this process. We found that low-fat foods across the board can actually be damaging to the body. The goal is to reduce saturated fats while eating an appropriate amount of un-saturated fats for body development. 

Almonds and almond milk are great methods of obtaining their benefits. I went to the farmers market in Little Italy and found a local vendor selling natural almonds flavored in different types of seasonings. I opted for the coco-cinnamon blend out of the 10 or so different choices. Over the years I have become more disciplined and can try a few without overdoing it. Remember that Almonds have a lot of fat in them so you will still want to limit yourself. 

The benefits:

Protein: A single handful of almonds (approximately 1 oz) provide a quarter of our daily protein (Ying, et. al., 2011). Protein leads to healthy muscles and bone strength.  Those who spend some time in the gym can appreciate the benefits of obtaining protein from a natural source versus protein shakes. 

Anti-oxidants: Free radicals can slow down work out recovery, cause cancer, and other diseases. The vitamin (E and B) help to not only improve upon cognitive functioning but also the rebuilding of the body. 

Cardio Vascular Disease: Almonds contain vitamins, hytosterols, fiber, minerals and antioxidants that fight against heart disease (Brufau, et. al., 2006).  It increases HDL and lowers LDL which protects the heart and vessels from damage.  

Brufau, G. Boatella, J. & Rafecas, M. (2006). Nuts: a source of energy and macronutrients. BR Journal of Nutrition, 2. 

Ying, B., et. al. (2013). Association of consumption with total and cause-specific mortality. New England Journal of Medicine, 369.

Healthy Living: Hardy Black Bean and Cod Soup

Black Bean and Cod is a hardy soup that is sure to stick to your ribs and warm any chill from the evening air. Beware you must love black beans and cod fish to enjoy this recipe.  A single serving provides 29 grams of protein with approximately 310 calories. As a dinner, this soup offers a number of positive benefits that extend beyond its muscle building properties. 

Black beans support cardiovascular health, nervous system functioning, and protects against cancer (1). Black beans also support colon health by allowing it to produce appropriate bacteria to ensure the track functions effectively (2). You are not only getting your protein but also protecting your body. 

I’m lazy and like to cook with a slow cooker when I can. Beans can take a long time to cook well and ensure the right consistency. A crock pot allows you to cook your beans without having to monitor a simmering pot. The water used to cook the beans becomes part of the soup mix instead of discarded. 

Directions:

-Pour beans in a slow cooker.

-Cover with water by approximately 3 inches.

-Cook on low for 8 hours.

-Put the rest of the ingredients in slow cooker and turn the setting on low for 9 hours. 

Ingredients:

-2 cans chicken brother or bouillon cubes.

-8 oz cod broken apart.

-2 garlic cloves

-1/2 cup diced onions

-1 cup diced tomatoes

-Black pepper, seasoning salt, salt, etc… for taste

The Health Benefits of Soba (Buckwheat) Noodles

Burning with spicy Thai food I reached for a glass of water. Mouth stinging someone mentioned the health benefits of Soba noodles that sparked an immediate Google search. Soba noodles (Buckwheat) are native Japanese food that contains significant health benefits for blood pressure, cholesterol, fat accumulation, and fitness (1). You can find these noodles in most health stores, Asian markets, and even some chain grocery chains. 

Are you are trying to get in great shape but are addicted to pasta which keeps foiling your fitness levels? Soba noodles offer that healthy alternative that doesn’t skimp on taste nor costs considerably more than commercial brands. You can use Soba noodles in most noodle recipes which helps in ensuring that your transition to a healthy lifestyle is easy and tasty. As a buckwheat product it doesn’t contain all of the negative effects of processed wheat noodles (2). 

Buckwheat noodles are regularly cooked, rinsed and served cold (3). They are high in protein and low in calories (4). This make them a great way to gain protein in your food and ensure that you are meeting the protein and amino acid requirements for muscle gain. Unlike many other muscle building of foods this one affords an opportunity to keep body fat off while still providing enough nutrition. No protein shakes needed here.

Even though my first experience with Soba noodles was over Thia food it became something more useful for regular use. The noodles are not only for the Asian dish but can be customized for the American palate. You can make regular food like spaghetti, garlic noodles, and other favorite dishes with the Soba. A few ideas can be found HERE. There are others if you are willing to search around.