Are Red Wine, Chocolate and Grapes Good for You?

#a world that works for everyone

Does reading about healthy eating ever seem confusing? 

Red wine, chocolate and grapes are foods that are said to help us look younger, stave off aging and prevent heart disease. True or false? Resveratrol-a phytonutritent in red wine, dark chocolate,  grapes, berries, various herbs and peanuts has been associated with increased longevity and reduced rates of cancer and heart disease.1 Yet a recent study declared that consuming resveratrol  has little or no benefit in preventing heart disease, reducing the rate of cancer or preventing strokes.2

Evaluating a single nutrient’s benefit is challenging when subjects in the test pool are not following the same strictly controlled diet ….I believe  the jury is still out on possible benefits of resveratrol.

What's the real story? 

All natural foods contain phytonutrients which enhance our body’s ability to neutralize toxic chemicals called “free radicals” that promote aging and fermentation  and increase the build up of artery clogging plaque.3

Rather than focusing on one phytonutrient like reseveratrol. Let’s take a look at the other benefits of these foods……

What's so great about grapes? 

Grapes and grape juice contain abundant levels of Vitamins C & A, B vitamins and folic acid and the minerals manganese, potassium, copper, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, iron and selenium.

These nutrients can reduce high blood pressure, boost your immune response and help with depression and maintain healthy blood. Nitric oxide in grapes helps to prevent plaque formation in the arteries and reducing blood clots and inflammation in the cardiovascular system. Saponin another compound in grapes  helps to improves cholesterol levels and reduces inflammation in heart disease. A surprising benefit of grapes is that they have unusual antimicrobial properties that can neutralize negative bacteria in the stomach and intestines like E. coli, Salmonella and H. pylori.

What about red wine?

To a lesser extent wine has the same benefits as eating fresh grapes. Wine helps many people feel relaxed and happy which also relaxes the cardiovascular system. It can get tricky when people feel  like they need to have alcohol in large quantities or on a daily basis. No matter how many phytonutrients we find in red wine- too much alcohol can play havoc with healthy blood sugar metabolism and lead to addiction problems.

Is chocolate really that cool? 

Many studies have indicated that dark chocolate can lower the rate of heart disease and even reduce the risk of any disease.

At first the phytonuteint-flavonol was considered to be responsible for these benefits but new research has found an unlikely cause for chocolate’s health building effects.

Fiber not flavonols:

Natural, raw unsweetened cocoa is not easily digested. As it passes into the stomach and small intestines it interacts with our healthy intestinal bacteria and produces an anti-inflammatory response. As the cocoa fiber comes in contact with our naturally occurring intestinal bacteria  a natural fermentation process begins which releases compounds that break down cholesterol and improve our blood lipid levels.

Our very healthy intestinal bacteria –called lactobacillus responds to the cocoa fiber with a dramatic increase in it's numbers. This enhances our overall immune response. When our healthy bacteria levels are high they can decrease the presence and number of potentially negative disease producing bacteria that also live in the gut.

Say what? That’s right -pure natural unsweetened cocoa without sugar, extra fat or enhanced flavorings improves our immune response, lowers cholesterol and reduces inflammation in the body. 4

Sadly the delicious chocolate we all know and love is high in fat and sugar with extra flavorings. None of the things that make it taste so good increase these desirable health benefits.

In the same way that modest amounts of red wine  can help people feel happy and more relaxed eating modest amounts of chocolate can produce similar effects and when people feel happy and relaxed it improves cardiovascular health makes and makes us feel good.

Can you learn to like unsweetened cocoa nibs mixed into your breakfast cereal or your green salad? What about eating 4-5 ozs of grapes so that you get the added benefit of the  fiber and increased antioxidants instead of drinking a small glass of red wine.

I did ask Siri what she thinks.  Are red wine, chocolate and grapes good for me?

Siri said: 

“Please stop pairing red wind and chocolate…dry red wine and chocolate do not go well together. …

Resveratrol found in red wine , chocolate and grapes may not improve your health…..

Chocolate covered grape truffles will definitely make a spectacular finish to any meal……..” 

Oh dear even Siri isn't sure about this.....

What about just eating more fruits and vegetables? 

Yes- healthy amounts of fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of strokes In a deep analysis of 20 studies published in the past 19 years  which evaluated  760,629 people  and 16,981 strokes it was established that stroke risk decreased by 32% with every 200 grams /1 cup of fruit consumed each day and there was an 11% decrease with every 200 grams/1 cup of vegetables eaten each day.5

All I’m saying is -If you want to eat chocolate and red wine think about having them with some grapes or water cress or spinach, chard, apples, strawberries, banana, papaya etc. These fruits and vegetables are also very high in the health protecting phytonutrients.

I enjoy hearing about your healing adventures and respond to all communication so let me hear from you by posting your comments or emailing me direct.

References:

1.  Diets Rich in Resveratrol Fail to Reduce Death, Heart Disease or Cancer

2.  Red Wine, Antioxidants and Resveratrol-Good for Your Heart?

3. Phytonutrient Intake by Adults in the US

4. Gut Bacteria Play a Role in Why Dark Chocolate Is So Good for You

5.Fruits and Vegetables Consumption and Risk of Stroke

You might also enjoy: What Does Healing Mean?

                                   Super Foods-Fantastic Foods to Heal Naturally

Good Sleep-the Foundation of Spiritual Living

Sleeping an extra 60-90 minutes each night is a no cost treatment you can do at home to enhance happiness, health and safety. You can begin to improve your health and well being in just a few weeks with this practice and makes it less likely that you will develop hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, obesity and cancer and it reduces risk of early death.1

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 35% of adults are sleeping less than 7 hours a night. After 7 days of insomnia and sleepless nights genetic markers for inflammation, stress, heart disease, and metabolic problems begin to increase in the blood stream.2 One challenge of sleep deprivation is that the more tired we become the harder it is to realize how truly tired we are.3

Some people have sleep difficulties because of hormonal imbalances, sleep apnea, substance abuse and stressful situations. It’s a good idea to see your health practitioner if you have experienced more than a few weeks of poor sleep.

I believe that being rested allows our entire being to relax and know more peace, tranquility and joy. When we enjoy the inner harmony that good regular sleep brings our awareness is filled with peace and can more easily “wake up” to the truth of our Divine Being. 

I know and accept that you and I sleep in peace, wake in joy and live in goodness and love. Our mind and body are healed with restful sleep each and every night. And this creates the foundation for waking up to richer more spiritual living.

References:
1. More Sleep Would Make Americans Happier, Healthier and Safer
2. Lack of Sleep Alters Human Gene Activity
3. The Cumulative Cost of Additional Wakefullnes:Dose-Response Effects on Neurobehavioral Functions and Sleep Physiology From Chronic Sleep Restriction and Total Sleep Deprivation



I enjoy hearing from you-please post your ideas in the comments box or email me at the address listed above.

You might also enjoy: Better Sleep-7 Tips for a Good Nights Rest

Discover Your Best Healing-Where to Turn When You Want Help

I believe each of us is unique- so there is no one best way for everyone to heal.  Sometimes healing can be simple --just a matter or taking it easy and getting extra rest. At other times you may need to learn what feels best for your body.


People with serious health challenges  like cancer, parkinsons, ms, dementia -may be innundated with too many suggestions. The cause of an illness is not always known right away so at a time of high stress and possible physical discomfort-people can feel out of balance, overwhelmed and not know what to do…..

Did  you know there is a mantra to reveal the best method of healing for your individual situation? 

If you are feeling lost or unclear about which doctor or method of healing to use- Dhanvantre mantra can bring clarity. Dhanvantre also known as Dhanvantari is the ancient Hindu god of healing. This simple version of Dhanvantre chant is easy to learn. It can guide you to the best possible choices for your situation and also bring healing on the physical, emotional and spiritual levels.

“Om shri Dhanvantre namaha”

sounds like om shree Don-von-tray  nam-ah-ha

The translation is:



“Salutations to the being and power of the Celestial Physician.”

“Please direct me to the right healer or system of healing to help

me with my particular problem or condition.”1

A wonderful version of this chant by Deva Premal can be heard in the video posted below. If illness prevents someone from chanting on their own they can listen to this recitation and enjoy all the benefits. Does Dhanvantre mantra call to you?  Then find a quiet place and repeat this chant 108 times daily for 40 days.

For those times when greater clarity is needed- whether to beat obesity, sleep better, get rid of depression or find the healer to help you with a difficult situation-Dhanvantre mantra may bring  peace of mind and reveal the best path of healing for you. I’d love to hear about your experiences with Dhanvantre mantra. You can write to me in the comments section listed below or email me direct at the address listed above.

1. Thomas Ashley-Farrand, "Healing Mantras: Using Sound Affirmations for Personal Power, Creativity, and Healing", New York, Wellspring/Ballantine, 1999.


Learn more about chanting and how it works: Weightloss Breakthrough and Overcoming Sugar Addictions with Ganesha Mantra

 

Pain, Inflamation, Diabetes?----Try Turmeric

“Time is an herb that cures all Diseases.”

 Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) Poor Richard's Almanac

Ben Franklin was thinking more about the passage of time than natural healing when he wrote this quote. Yet there is a spice that does as least as well as the passage of time, a spice that is able to help with so many diseases: turmeric.

Turmeric is a member of the ginger family and is known as a sacred herb with remarkable healing properties since its first mention in the Atharvaveda 6000 years ago. Today, India’s Ayurvedic healers consider it to be a profoundly balancing and deeply purifying spice.

A World Wide Healing Tradition

From Hawaii to the rain forests of Central & South America, in China, Africa, Jamaica, Japan, Thailand and South East Asia-turmeric has been used as a valuable traded good for dyeing cloth, flavoring food and as a soil building crop.  Healers applied it to the body for itching, skin ulcers & wounds as well as to keep the skin youthful looking. It has been consumed for headaches, inflammation, weight loss, jaundice, fluid retention, diarrhea, eye conditions, ringworm, fertility issues, flatulence, colic, colds and fevers, parasites, leprosy, cancer and respiratory problems, as a children's remedy and to ease childbirth.

Today its use is widespread and now includes treatment for cataracts, liver diseases, atherosclerosis, Crohn’s disease and cystic fibrosis. Numerous studies have confirmed it’s value as a potential therapy for Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.1 

Turmeric Is Unique

Turmeric blocks the inflammatory enzymes that produce pain, swelling and inflammation as effectively as today’s hydrocortisone. It can actually slow the brain changes of early Alzheimer’s disease. As it moves through the blood stream turmeric normalizes insulin levels in type 2 diabetes and helps to balance blood lipids.2

Turmeric is rich in antioxidants. It is a good source of vitamin C, magnesium, fiber, vitamin B6, iron, potassium and manganese. Combining turmeric with black pepper, ginger or garlic enriches it’s ability to support your immune system and reduce inflammation.

Start Out With a Great Curry

Indian curries flavored with turmeric, ginger, black pepper and other spices are delicious and can be a fun way to enjoy turmeric. By itself it can taste a little bitter if you are not used to it.  

At home - you can  use also use turmeric for musculoskeletal  pain, feeling run down or to soothe your digestive system. It is considered very safe but if you are taking any prescription medication check with your MD before you try turmeric. Also its brilliant yellow color can stain your clothes so be careful with it.

How Much Turmeric to Use?

Drink  1-2 cups of Turmeric tea a day-it’s similar to chai in flavor but does not contain any caffeine.  Or you can use 400 mg of powdered turmeric in capsule 3 times a day. These two tea recipes are wonderful:

Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Tea

From littlefig.wordpress.com/2012/06/25/anti-inflammatory-turmeric-tea/‎

32 ozs boiling water

½ Tbsp turmeric powder or 1 thumb size piece of grated turmeric root

1 handful of cilantro chopped

1 clove of garlic peeled and crushed

1TBSP olive oil

2 lemons juiced

5 peppercorns whole

10 drops stevia or 1 2/2 TBSP raw honey

Cayenne pepper to taste

Place all ingredients in boiling water and let steep for 10 minutes then strain and enjoy. 

Turmeric Tea

1 cup almond milk, rice milk or Silk Coconut drink

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp turmeric powdered

¼ tsp powdered ginger

1 tsp honey or a few drops of stevia

Whisk the powdered ingredients thoroughly into to your liquid. Bring  it almost to a boiling point- then turn off flame and let steep for 2 minutes. Strain and enjoy. 

So whether you try a healthful Indian meal, add turmeric to your cooking or drink some turmeric tea….  I invite you to check this out for yourself.  Give it a try for a few weeks I‘d love to hear about your experiences.

References:

1.James A. (Jim) Duke.“The Garden Pharmacy:Turmeric, the Queen of COX-2 Inhibitors: Alternative and Complementary Therapies. October 2007, 13(5): 229-234. doi:10.1089/act.2007.13503.

2.Skulas-Ray AC, et al "A high antioxidant spice blend attenuates postprandial insulin and triglyceride responses and increases some plasma measures of antioxidant activity in healthy, overweight men" J Nutrition 2011; DOI: 10.3945/jn.111.138966.

 

Environmental Toxicity and You

Long before anyone was concerned about environmental toxicity Salavdor Dali painted this picture that once seen- is hard to forget. “The Persistence of Memory” depicts melting watches hanging in a barren landscape- in the distance a dead ocean bakes in the sun. A small army of ants has overtaken one of the clocks near a decomposing body. Quite a picture of what a toxic world might look like…….

Sadly we live in that toxic world already, and our bodies- as a result face many challenges associated with toxic exposure. For every second on your clock as time goes by 683.4 lbs or 310 kg of toxic chemicals are dispersed into our air, land and water. We are exposed to 10 million tons of toxic chemical every year (see the resource list at the bottom of this post for an international team of researchers who collate and publish real time date from environmental agencies). Most of us are not aware this happening-because we don't feel it- or of the changes in our bodies that can occur from these overloads.

Toxins Remain in the Body
Even if we manage to eat organically, live in a less polluted area or take other steps to reduce our exposure- over time these toxins build up remaining in our body for many years becoming more concentrated with a higher potential to cause problems as time goes on.

Heavy Metal Is Not Only Music
Lead, Mercury, Plutonium, Cadmium and Arsenic are the heavy metals that stick with us along with pesticides, industrial compounds, petrochemicals and other pollutants. Exposure to these chemicals even in small amounts are associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS),fibromyalgia (FM), neurodegenerative diseases like Parkingson’s and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), atherosclerosis and even cancer.

Indicators of Environmental Toxicity
Headaches, aches and pains, fatigue, muscle weakness, tinnitus, fertility problems, acne, rashes, chronic immune challenges, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, heartbeat irregularities, nausea, cramps, diarrhea, excessive sweating, kidney dysfunction, impaired memory, itching, burning or swelling sensations, and a host of respiratory problems are all potential indicators of environmental toxicity.

How Do We Remove Toxins from the Body?
In my post next week, I’m going to explain the difference between eliminating toxins form the body and detoxing. Please be sure to subscribe to these posts by entering your email address in the subscribe section above.

Resources

Worldometers-real time world statistics http://www.worldometers.info

An international team of researchers who collate and publish real time data and statistics evaluated data from the following agencies to calculate this information:
United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) Program - conducted by EPA
Tri Explorer - toxic chemical releases database search
ScoreCard - "the pollution information site" based on TRI data (U.S.)
WHBB Web Hosting Data - Green, Eco Friendly, Carbon-Neutral web hosting data plans compared.
Eurostat - Environment related Statistics
Eco-Friendly Sports Bottle
Learn About Asbestos Exposure
septic cleaning
cenegenicsJAX.com
OSHA Statistics & Data page - (OSHA) Occupational Safety & Health Administration (U.S. Department of Labor)
Toxic Waste - Wikipedia
GaBi - the world's premium Life Cycle Assessment Software. Get your free software demo!
"Estimate of Toxic Chemical Emissions Is Tripled" - New York Times, Published: May 12, 2000
Toxic Pollution And Health: An Analysis of Toxic Chemicals Released in Communities across the United States