Tomato, protector of the prostate.

Lycopene which gives tomatoes their red color,prevents prostate degeneration.

 

 

 

Nutrition experts have rediscovered the tomato. They see it as much more than an ingredient in salads or sauces. The healing power that the tomato exercises on a variety of disorders, as well as its preventive effect on certain types of cancer, particularly that of the prostate, make this vegetable a universally recognized medicinal food.

Properties of Tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes contain a great deal of water(almost 94% of their weight. They contain small amounts of carbohydrates (3.545), Protein (0.85%) and fats (0.33%).Its carbohydrates are formed primarily of glucose and fructose.

However, the tomatoes nutritional and therapeutic value is in its rich vitamin and mineral content, as well as its non-nutritive substances.

In terms if vitamins, the most abundant is vitamin c. Vitamins B₁, B₂, B₆, niacin and folates are all present in significant amounts. Most notable among its minerals are potassium, followed by iron, magnesium and phosphorus. They are also a good source of iron.

Non-nutritive components are substances present in food, which, although not considered nutrients in the traditional sense, play important roles within the body. They include:

Vegetable fiber-Tomatoes contain a small amount(1.1%) of soluble fiber in their pulp and particularly in the mucilage surrounding the seeds. The fiber contributes to the tomato’s cholesterol-reducing and laxative effects.

Organic acids, especially malic and oxalic, which contributes to the tomato’s unique flavor. As the tomato ripens, the concentration of these acids diminishes and its sugar content increases.

In spite of the acidic taste, which results from the presence of these acidic substances, the tomato has the same effect as the lemon: It has an alkalizing effect on the blood, organic tissues and the urine. This is because t contains many more alkalizing substances (mineral salts) than acids.

Lycopene: This vegetable pigment belongs to the group of carotenoids that gives tomatoes their typical red color. In contrast to beta-carotene, lycopene does not transform to vitamin A.

Together with beta-carotene, it is most abundant carotenoids in the human body.

It is found in the testicles, the prostate, and the suprarenal glands.

Lycopene is an extremely potent antioxidant, preventing the deterioration that the free radicals produce in the DNA of the cells

Lycopene intervenes in the mechanisms that control cellular growth. Without its presence, cells reproduce in a more disorderly manner.

Because of its composition, tomatoes are particularly indicated in the following cases:

Ø      Prostate conditions: Tomato is the richest food source of Lycopene, the carotenoid that protects the cells of the prostate from oxidation and abnormal growth. Regular tomato consumption in any form has been shown to be an important factor in the prevention of prostate cancer, one of the most frequent cancers among males. It also promotes proper prostate function overall.

Ø      Depurant:Tomatoes are remarkable blood alkalizers, which neutralize and help eliminate metabolic waste products,most of which are acidic.They are also diuretic,thus facilitating the work of the kidneys.Their regular consumption is highly recommended to “cleanse” the blood incase of gout(excess uric acid),kidney failure with an increase in blood urea,or chronic presence of toxins in the body because of a diet rich in meats and animal proteins.

Ø    Depressed immune system: Because of their richness in vitamins and minerals and above all antioxidant carotenoids(Lycopene and beta-carotene),tomatoes naturally stimulate the immune functions of the body.

Ø      Arteriosclerosis:Because of their antioxidant effect,tomatoes prevent the oxidation of cholesterol transported by low-density lipoproteins(LDL),whch causes the narrowing and hardening of the arteries associated with arteriosclerosis.

Ø      Cancerous disorders:Regular tomato consumption protects against prostate cancer,cancers of the mouth,esophagus,stomach,colon and rectum.

WATERMELON-A gift to the kidneys.

Watermelon is a very refreshing fruit. Biting into its sweet smelling pulp and feeling the mouth full of juice is a real hot-weather pleasure. Watermelon, together with other melons, has quenched the thirst of humans for thousands of years. During their desert wanderings, the Isralites longed for the melons and watermelons that they had eaten in the land of the pyramids. Egypt and Mediterranean countries continue being primary producers of the fruit. 

This fruit is usually eaten fresh, however, it is not recommended as dessert since it is somewhat indigestible because of its larger water content. Eating it after a meal dilutes gastric juices and puddles the stomach, disturbing digestion. Its juice is recommended for those with frail stomachs since it does not contain the pulp fiber which may be indigestible.

 

A good slice of watermelon is immensely superior as refreshment to bottled drinks. Children in particular take advantage of the refreshing and mineralizing effect of the watermelon. It has been recently known that watermelons contain some amount of lycopene, the same carotenoid that is plentiful in tomatoes. Lycopene is the substance responsible for the red color in both the tomato and the watermelon. In the body it acts as a powerful antioxidant and as a protective factor against prostate cancer.

The watermelon composition is similar to that of other melons, although it contains less vitamin C, folates, iron and potassium and somewhat more beta-carotene (provitamin A), Vitamin B1, and vitaminB6.

Its properties are very similar to those of other melons: hydrating, alkalizing (increasing solubility of acidic salts), diuretic and laxative. Watermelon may be even more diuretic than other melons. Watermelon is advised for disorders involving the kidneys and the urinary tract.

Diabetics tolerate watermelon well because of its low sugar content. Since it produces an immediate sensation of satiety, it is beneficial in weight loss treatments.

Garlic-Can protect against stomach cancer.

Garlic,Allium sativum,belongs to the onion family,Alliaceae.Garlic has been used throughout history for both medicinal and culinary purposes.The garlic bulb is divided into sections called cloves.

Garlic promotes the well being of the heart and immune systems with anti-oxidant properties and helps maintain healthy blood circulation.2-3 cloves a day cut the risk of subsequent heart attacks in half in heart patients.

The active component in garlic is the sulphur compound called allicin.Allicin is the chemical produced when garlic is chopped,chewed or bruised.Allicin is quite a powerful antibiotic that helps the body to inhibit the ability of germs to grow and reproduce.

Garlic has germanium,which is an anti-cancer agent.Onion consumption has been shown to reduce the risk of stomach cancer.Garlic  contains multiple anti-cancer compounds and anti-oxidants like quercetin,diallyl sulphide,allin and ajoene.These have the ability to block cancer causing agents such as nitrosamines and aflatoxins which have been linked to stomach,lung and liver cancer.Garlic’s ajoene and allicin have also been shown to retard cancer cells as a type of natural chemotherapy.

Garlic is known to stimulate production of nitric oxide in the lining of blood vessel walls,a substance that helps them to relax.As a result,it helps prevent arteriosclerosis and thereby reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.It helps strengthen your body defences against allergies.

Garlic Chicken

This delicious recipe will go well with smashed potatoes and sautéed beans.

Ingredients

8  chicken drum sticks(about 2.5 pounds),skin removed and trimmed.
2 heads garlic cloves.
0.3 cup white wine
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
0.3 cup chopped fresh scallion greens
3 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
0.5 teaspoon salt.
0.25 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 teaspoon Dijon mustard. 

2 teaspoon all-purpose flour

 

Preparation

1. Lightly smash garlic cloves.Sprinkle chicken with 0.25 teaspoon salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.Add the garlic and cook,stirring until beginning brown,about 2 min.Remove and transfer to a plate.
3. Add chicken to the pan and cook until browned on one side,about 4 minutes.Turn it over and return the garlic to the pan.Add wine and cook for 1 minute.
4. Whisk broth,mustard,flour and remaining 0.25 teaspoon salt in a small bowl.Add the mixture to the pan,bring  to a boil,then reduce the heat to maintain a lively simmer.Cover and cook until the chicken is cooked.Serve,sprinkled with scallion greens

Honey-Roasted Carrots

These honey-kissed carrots are a guaranteed hit for those with a sweet tooth.

Honey Roasted Carrots

Ingredients

Baby carrots	900g
Liquid Honey	2tbsp/30ml
Olive Oil	2tsp/10ml
Salt/Sprinkle
Pepper/Sprinkle

Method

Pre-heat oven to 230°C.Combine all 5 ingredients in large bowl. Toss well. Arrange in single layer on greasing baking sheet with sides. Bake in oven for about 15 minutes until tender-crisp. Serve 4.

Recipe by Jean Pare

Pinto Beans

Pinto beans are beige with red streaks and derive their name from the Spanish word ’painted’.They locally(Kenya) go by the name Mwitemania beans.

Pinto Beans

Nutritional Composition

• Pinto beans are loaded with dietary fibre,including soluble fibre,which helps reduce low-density lipo-protein or your ‘bad’ cholesterol levels.
• Mineral content-Molybdenum is a trace mineral needed by the body to utilize iron and metabolize carbohydrates.It helps counteract the effect of nitrosamines in the body,chemicals with ties to colon and esophageal cancer.Pinto beans are an excellent source of this mineral.
• Pinto beans are high carbohydrate foods,which means that they help boost your energy.
• Pinto beans are a good source of B-Vitamins, especially folate.Folate is essential for producing new cells and keeping existing cells healthy.It’s especially vital to get adequate folate during early stages of pregnancy,since deficiancies increase the risk of birth defects.
• Eating legumes,is an excellent way to help meet your daily protein requirements.Although the protein in pinto beans doesn’t contain all the essential amino acids your body requires on a daily basis,eating a variety of proteins throughout the day,will help ensure you meet your essential amino-acid needs.
• Not only are pinto beans rich in proteins,fibre and total carbohydrates,but consuming legumes regularly is an excellent way to meet your daily vitamin and mineral needs.Pinto beans are packed with iron,zinc,potassium,phosphorus,magnesium,thiamin and folate.
• Unlike red meat, pinto beans are fat free and salt-free,perfect for sodium free diets.Dietary fibre in pinto beans help to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Butter beans

Butter beans are believed to have originated in Guetamala and was a major food for the American Indian.Like other beans,it is a well rounded source of nutrition,rich in protein,fibre,iron and B-vitamins.They are also considered to be a low-energy-dense food,which means butter beans help to control  hunger when limiting your calorie intake hence helps you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.These beans  are fibre rich and help lower your risk of heart disease.

Butter Beans

Nutritional information

1.  Proteins-Proteins keeps your hair and nails strong.Your body also repairs damaged or weak muscle tissue with protein.Bean protein is digested better than meat protein.
2. Low Sodium-Butter beans are low in sodium.Too much sodium leads to swelling in your body and high blood pressure.This bean is great for you if you’re watching salt intake.
3. Copper-Butter beans are rich in copper,an element mainly found and stored in the liver.It works as an antioxidant in your body to prevent illness,cell damage and other health problems.
4.  Folate-Folate is needed for foetal development,red blood cell production and nerve function.Butter beans provide an excellent source of this mineral.
5.  Manganese-Butter beans are a good source of manganese.This trace element plays an important role in metabolism and bone development.
6. Iron-These beans are rich in iron,which provides cell growth in your body.
7.  Magnesium-This element works with manganese and calcium to build strong bones.This important mineral is found in butter beans.Eating a diet that contains foods rich in this mineral keeps you from experiencing muscle weakness,headaches and many other health problems.
8. Potassium-This is an electrolyte used in cell production and muscle contraction.It plays an important role in your heart health and digestion.It also helps to maintain strong bones.