Pumpkin Seeds, Curcubita Pepo

We are in the fall season and in October I think of the harvest and pumpkins in particular. Pumpkins are used around Halloween for Jack O' Lanterns. They are also made into delicious pies for Thanksgiving celebrations. These days it seems there is pumpkin in everything from donuts to pies, breads, soups and flavored coffee. Pumpkins are a member of the squash family. They are full of seeds inside and these seeds are very useful and popular for snacking and for health purposes.

Pumpkin seeds were used by the Aztecs in South America and are associated with Central American, Mexican and Native American foods. Squashes which are related to pumpkins, have been grown for centuries in Europe and Russia. The seeds have been a seasonal snack in these countries.

Pumpkins are a powerhouse of nutrition containing minerals like magnesium, manganese, potassium, copper and zinc. They also contain phytosterols which are antioxidants.They have the amino acids tryptophan and glutamate. Pumpkin seeds also contain vitamin C, Vitamin E, vitamin K and the B-complex vitamins. Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium which is supports heart health

Pumpkin seeds are known for their benefits to Men's prostate health, primarily because of their zinc content. They are also helpful for postmenopausal women. They help to decrease blood pressure, headaches, hot flashes and other problems that come with menopause. The raw seeds are a good source of omega-3s. Pumpkin seeds are traditionally used for parasites in the body. They were used traditionally to eliminate tapeworms.

Some studies show that pumpkin seeds are anti-inflammatory and there is some evidence that they are helpful for folks with arthritis. They are reputed to be a diuretic and are thought to help detox the liver and kidneys. I like the seeds shelled and roasted with salt. They make a great snack that is loaded with  nutrition.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/09/30/pumpkin-seed-benefits.aspx
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/pumpkin-seeds.html
http://pioneerthinking.com/health/benefits-of-pumpkin-seeds-for-men

Be sure and check out my web site at www.valerielull.com

Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Healthy Teas
Ten Spices for Health and Longevity
valerielull923@gmail.com

Herbs that Support a Healthy Immune System

Fall is a beautiful season with the changing color of the leaves and the harvesting of foods that have been growing during the spring and summer. However there is one downside. At this season of the year colds and flu are on the rise. People are looking for ways to find relief. Here are several herbs that are very helpful.

Echinacea - This is a popular herb that is native to the American prairies. The Native Americans used it and the settlers that came here used it. It grows wild and there are several different varieties. It can be used as a preventive measure as well as a remedy for colds and flu. It is available in capsules or as an extract.

Garlic - Garlic is a pungent herb that is nicknamed "the stinking rose". It has been used at one time or another for just about everything. Many studies have been on garlic and one of its properties is that it supports the immune system. It is another herb that can be used both as a preventive and as a remedy. It is antiviral and antibacterial. Garlic oil has been used for earaches, or rubbed on the sole of one's feet where it is absorbed into the body. Garlic can be eaten raw, or taken in capsule form.

Oregano - This herb is one of the strongest anti-oxidants around. It is famous in Italian cooking; especially on pizza. This herb is antibacterial and antiviral. It can come in capsules, or as an extract. Oregano oil is popular. I'll put a few drops of the oil into a glass of water and drink it.

Thyme - Thyme is another herb from the Mediterranean region that can be used for colds and flu. It is very popular in remedies for cough syrup. Thyme is known as an expectorant and it can be used in a steam bath to help relieve symptoms.

Goldenseal - This herb has been wild crafted to the point of almost extinction. There are now growers that grow it for the market, but people are cautioned not to pick it in the wild. Goldenseal is often combined with echinacea and the two are taken together. Goldenseal is great for strengthening the immune system.When you get goldenseal be sure that it has been grown and harvested ethically. It would be a shame to lose such an important herb.

 Be sure to ask your healthcare practitioner if any of these herbs are right for you. Some herbs and medications do not mix.

Sources
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20306929,00.html
http://www.rodalesorganiclife.com/wellbeing/5-essential-herbs-fight-flu
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/09/23/garlic-health-benefits.aspx

Be sure to check out my website at www.valerielull.com . I  have written two books, Ten Healthy Teas, and Ten Spices for Health and Longevity. They would make a great holiday gift for your friends.

Valerie Lull
Author
valerielull923@gmail.com
www.valerielull.com

Black Pepper, Piper nigrum

Black pepper is one of the most popular of all spices. It has been used for centuries in India where it originated. Wars have been fought over pepper. Pepper grows on a vine that produces small white flowers which develop berries that are called peppercorns. These are ground up into the spice we call pepper. Peppercorns come in white, and black. They both come from the same plant; they are just harvested at different times and processed differently. Black pepper is hot and smells strong and white pepper is hot but has less smell. Pepper oil is distilled from pepper.

Most people think of pepper in terms of culinary uses, but black pepper has a number of health benefits as well. Black pepper stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach which improves digestion. It also helps prevent the formation of gas in the intestines. It has diaphoretic properties that encourage sweating and diuretic properties that promote urination. Peppercorns stimulate the breakdown of fat cells. Some people even use black pepper to help them quit smoking.

Black peppercorns have potassium, calcium zinc, manganese, iron and magnesium. They also contain B vitamins, vitamin C, and vitamin A. They have antioxidants such as carotenes, zeaxanathin and lycopene. Anti-oxidants work against free radicals that can cause cancer and other diseases.

Black pepper has some unique household uses that I found interesting. It can be used as a laundry booster to keep the colors of your clothes bright. Sprinkle a half teaspoon of pepper into your laundry. It will wash away and your clothes will not fade.

Pepper can be used in your garden to keep pests and insects away as well as deer and rabbits. It makes an excellent scrub for your face. You can make a formula from sugar, massage oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper. Add a few drops of orange essential oil. Massage the mixture into your face, then rinse. Black pepper is readily available in any supermarket. Organic pepper is the best.


Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-800-black%20pepper%20and%20white%20pepper.aspx?activeingredientid=800&activeingredientname=black%20pepper%20and%20white%20pepper
www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname-foodspice&dbid=74
http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/black_pepper.html
http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/black-pepper-essential-oil.html
http://www.thealternativedaily/spice-up-your-health-with-black-pepper/

Be sure to check out my website at www.valerielull.com  Your comments are welcome as well as suggestions for topics for this blog. To leave a comment click on the words "no comment" below and the comment box will come up.

Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Spices for Health and Longevity
valerielull923@gmail.com