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Recipes...
PUMPKIN SPICE PROTEIN DRINK
Ingredients
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
2 bananas, sliced and frozen
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
2 dates, pitted
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1 pinch ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground cloves
1 pinch ground ginger
Directions
Blend almond milk, bananas, pumpkin, dates, protein pow-
der, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger
together in a blender until smooth. Serve chilled.
Philip A. Franco
Naturopath / Herbalist
NATURAL BALANCE
The Natural Medicine Centre
#115 Cascade Rd. St. Ann’s
Phone:(868) 624-3727 / 62-HERBS
Natural Process
Aging, unfortunately, is a natural process which we all
must endure. The ironic thing is that we ‘don’t want to
get old’, but ‘we want to live as long as possible’. We
certainly can slow down the aging process and resist and
heal disease processes.
Influences
Aging is influenced by many factors: Diet, exercise,
physical activity, hygiene, living environment, sunlight,
social interactions, psychological outlook and loving
relationships. Drugs, genetics, and the use of natural
medicines and supplements also play an important part.
Protein and Digestion
Either inadequate protein intake or incomplete protein
digestion is a problem in the aging adult. On average a
handful of nuts, a pot-spoon or two of legumes (beans or
peas), a couple slices of cheese, and an egg daily would
usually quantify adequate protein. The real problem is
that our hydrochloric acid production in the stomach
declines at about age 50 in women and age 60 in men;
this together with the use of antacids and acid blockers
significantly impairs the digestion of dietary protein.
Impaired digestion may not only lead to muscle wasting
but also to invasion of food borne pathogens into the
body.
Many people over 50 have a problem absorbing B12
which can lead to anemia, peripheral nerve damage and
paralysis of limbs.
Anti-aging Supplements
Start with the basics. A good strength Multi Vitamin is
important as food doesn’t have the nutrient levels they
used to have. A separate 200 to 500 IU Vitamin E d-alpha
(not dl-alpha) to prevent the oxidation of LDLs, thereby
preventing their ability to form plaque in the arteries is
recommended. Vitamin C, 500 to 2500 mg is always
useful as a major antioxidant and for enhancing your
immune system, it also actually removes existing arterial
plaque when combined with 2 amino acids, Lysine and
Proline. Supplementation with B12 may be necessary for
those who suffer from B12 deficiency, to prevent nervous
system damage.
Omega Fats
Omega Fats is probably the most important functional
food you can consume, and I recommend Udo’s Oil, a
Natural Medicine
Tips for the
Aging Population
plant based product giving you the correct ratio of the
omega 3,6 and 9.
Please note that Fish DO NOT make Omega 3!
They get it from the phytoplankton and other plants in the
ocean.
Plants make Omegas!
Also it is not possible to remove fish oil from fish without
heat, and heat destroys Omegas. And, we need more
than 1000 mg per day. In fact we need about 15,000 mg
per 50 pounds of body weight. Therefore a 150 lb person
requires 3 tablespoons daily to provide 45,000 mg per
day.
Omega 3 prevents excess inflammation and reduces
cardiovascular disease, and is the building blocks of our
brain and nerves. Omega 6 makes all our cell membranes
and all our Hormones like Estrogen, Progesterone,
Testostorone, Thyroid Hormones and Insulin.
Salt
Our bodies need and crave salt, but the white stuff is bad
and devoid of nutrients, and causes a mineral imbalance
in the body and hardening of the artery wall, cataracts
and kidney stones. Use a good quality Sea Salt that is grey
in color which would provide an array of minerals and
trace elements.
Anti-oxidants
Oxidation causes destruction of cells and tissues and is
the process that is responsible for the aging process and
most diseases. Many vitamins and herbs have powerful
antioxidant properties. Besides the antioxidant vitamins
C, E, and beta-carotene. Grape seed extract, Chinese
green tea, Turmeric, St Mary’s Thistle, Reishi and Shitake
mushrooms are the premium anti-oxidant herbs that will
slow down the aging process.
Vascular tonics like Hawthorn, Bilberry, and Ginkgo
are my recommendation for older persons, to keep the
circulation healthy. We need to have good circulation
of the blood so as to feed our tissues with oxygen and
nutrients from our diet.
Slow down your oxidation and you will slow down your
aging!
Benefits of Nutmeg
The nutmeg tree is indigenous to the Banda Islands of
Indonesia but is also grown in the Caribbean, especially in
Grenada. The first harvest of nutmeg trees takes place 7-9
years after planting, and the trees reach their full potential
after 20 years. At one time, nutmeg was one of the most
valuable spices. In England, several hundred years ago, a
few nutmeg nuts could be sold for enough money to enable
financial independence for life.
Since ancient times, this popular spice has been used as a
remedy for various ailments or to improve health in general.
Here are some of the health benefits:-
1. Brain Tonic
Nutmeg can effectively stimulate your brain to help
eliminate fatigue, stress, anxiety or depression, and to
improve concentration.
2. Pain Relief
Nutmeg can be used to treat inflammation and abdominal
pain. If you are suffering from aching joints, muscle pain,
arthritis, sores and other ailments, apply nutmeg oil to the
affected areas.
3. Indigestion Relief
For digestion-related problems like diarrhea, constipation,
bloating, flatulence and so on, nutmeg oil can effectively
offer you relief by removing the excess gas from your
intestines. Nutmeg can also boost your appetite.
4. Bad Breath Treatment
Nutmeg can rid your mouth of bacteria which causes bad
breath, it can also be used to treat gum problems and
toothaches, hence it is a common ingredient in many brands
of toothpastes.
5. Liver and Kidney Detox
The liver and kidney are two of the organs where toxic
build-up usually develops. As a tonic, nutmeg can clean
your liver and kidney and remove these toxins. Nutmeg is
also effective in preventing and dissolving kidney stones.
6. Skin Care
Nutmeg can help you achieve smoother and healthier
skin. A scrub made from nutmeg powder and orange lentil
powder can remove blackheads. For acne marks, mix some
nutmeg powder with honey to make a paste, then apply to
the acne marks.
7. Sleep Aid
If you have difficulty sleeping at night, drink a cup of milk
with some nutmeg powder. This will help you achieve
relaxation and will induce sleep.
Nutmeg Side Effects
Warning: Large dosage (30 grams which is about 6
tablespoons a day) of nutmeg can be toxic, producing
disorientation, double vision, and convulsions, but these
side effect will not be produced even with generous amount
in culinary usage.
