Coffee Leaf Tea

There's something new in the world of tea, it is called coffee leaf tea. It is a drink that comes from the leaves of the coffee plant. It is both coffee and tea and scientists think it's healthier than both. It has 17% more antioxidants than green tea. It seems to include the best of both the worlds of coffee and tea.

Coffee is a seasonal crop and the idea of harvesting the leaves during the off season, to provide year long employment, is gaining popularity. People seem to like the taste of it and in some parts of the world it is taken in place of coffee because coffee is more expensive.

Coffee leaf tea has an interesting history. It has been used in parts of Africa since antiquity. It is called Kuti in Ethiopia and was used by the Ethiopian people for centuries before roasting coffee beans was invented. Coffee producers in Sumatra and Java tried to popularize coffee-leaf tea back in the 19th century and it was displayed in the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London  Now efforts are being made again to popularize coffee leaf tea around the globe.

Health benefits include a higher level of antioxidants. The phenols mangiferin and hydroxycinnamic acid are thought to reduce heart disease and diabetes. Further benefits are a reduction of cholesterol levels and protection of brain neurons. Scientists feel that more research needs to be done to confirm the health benefits, but the preliminary work looks promising.

There is very little processing of the product. The coffee leaves are picked and left to dry in the sun. Then they are slightly toasted. Coffee leaf tea is brewed the same way other teas and tisanes are brewed. Add some water to the leaves and let them steep. If you want to try something new, try some coffee leaf tea. Coffee leaf tea can be found in health food stores, and on the internet.



http://www.medicaldaily.com/tea-made-coffee-leaves-may-be-healthier-coffee-or-tea-244263
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/11/05/what-is-coffee-leaf-tea_n_6101778.
http://www.coffeeforums.com/coffee-facts/tea/coffeeleaftea.html
https://focusonfoodsafety.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/the-real-kick-coffee-leaf-tea/

Hot Apple Tea for Fall

I love fall. There is a crispness in the air and folks are harvesting all  the good foods we enjoy in the fall. One popular fall crop is apples. I think of baked apples, apple pie, apple cobbler, apple turnovers, apple cake and apple crisp. One way I enjoy apples in the fall is in the form of apple tea. Apple tea is so versatile, there are many  things that can be added to it to spice it up. Here are a few ideas.

Cinnamon apple tea is useful for folks who have high cholesterol and blood sugar problems. A study done by NWFP Agricultural University in Pakistan found that cinnamon can reduce blood sugar in patients with type two diabetes.The apples also contain vitamin B-6.

Apple ginger tea is a good combination for a cool fall day. When I drink apple ginger tea on a cool fall or winter morning the ginger helps to set the mood for the day and the apple sweetens it up. Ginger is good for digestive problems and is an anti-inflammatory. Cinnamon can be added to the apple and ginger for a flavorful blend.

Hot apple cider vinegar tea  has many health benefits. It was used in New England long ago to cure just about anything. There is an interesting book by D.C. Jarvis, MD, an old time country doctor, that gives many interesting anecdotes about using apple cider vinegar that you may find interesting. When you make the tea the best apple cider vinegar to use is Braggs. (I have no connection with Braggs, I just think it is a good product). Here is a recipe. For one cup use a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of  honey. Add hot water and enjoy.

Turkish apple is an interesting variation. There are various versions of it depending on what spices you use. A basic recipe has apple, cinnamon, cloves, and orange. Optional ingredients include black tea, rose petals, and honey or the sweetener of your choice. The tea is often used at  the end of a meal when one has overindulged. The tea can also cleanse the blood and urinary tract. Here is a basic recipe.
 2 apples, do not peel or remove seeds, cut in 6 pieces
 1 orange, do not peel, cut in 6 pieces
 1 cinnamon stick
 2 cloves
 4 cups of water.
Cook everything in a saucepan. Bring to a boil then simmer until fruit is tender. Strain into a bowl. Pour tea into cups. Drink with pleasure.

If you buy your tea in the supermarket you will find many different blends of apple tea. There are various spiced versions, and apple tea can be mixed with black tea, or green tea . Perhaps you can think up some good blends by using your creativity and imagination and share them in the comments below.

Do you have any suggestions for topics for this blog? Write them in the comments section below. To leave a comment click on the phrase 'No Comments'. It will take you to the comment box.

Be sure to check out my website at www.valerielull.com

Sources:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/257117-what-are-the-benefits-of-cinnamon-apple-tea/
http://www.bestofthislife.com/2012/04/ginger-apple-tea-hot-or-cold.html
Jarvis, D.C., MD Folk Medicine A New England almanac of natural health care from a noted Vermont country doctor, 1958, Fawcett Books, New York
http://thedetoxdiva.com/a-quick-fix-for-overindulgence-turkish-apple-tea/
http://www.food.com/recipe/turkish-apple-tea-382701

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

Warm Cocoa is Good for You

Most people who follow the news in the nutrition world are aware that chocolate is good for you. Does that apply to hot cocoa drinks? The answer is yes. Cocoa originated in South America with the Incas called it the "food of the gods". It spread to Europe around in the sixteenth century.

There have been several studies done on cocoa that suggests it can boost your brain health, lower high blood pressure and more.A study conducted on older adults with high blood pressure problems found that drinking two cups of cocoa a day for a month showed significant improvements in cognitive function and blood flow to the brain. One of the beneficial substances in cocoa called is flavanols. These are found in in red wine and tea as well. These flavonols help other things besides the brain. They help the circulatory system to maintain elasticity.

Along with helping hypertension, cocoa has been associated with helping decrease cholesterol in folks under 50, and increasing good cholesterol.It appears to lower risk factors in diabetes. Other health effects that have been associated with cocoa consumption include relief of angina pectoris, stimulation of the nervous system, helping digestion, mental fatigue, fever, kidney stones and stimulation of the appetite. In recent times the focus has been on ageing, hypertension and atherosclerosis.

There are some things you need to watch for. Cocoa is often made with milk and sugar. The milk lessens the good effects of the cocoa and sugar is not good for you. Cocoa can be made with milk substitutes such as soy, coconut or almond milk. Stevia, or agave or even honey may be a good substitute for sugar. Here is a simple recipe that might help.

Dairy and Sugar Free Cocoa

1 cup non-dairy milk
1 Tablespoon of Cocoa
Stevia to taste
1/4 teaspoon of vanilla and/or cinnamon if desired.

Place everything in a saucepan and stir over heat until heated to the desired warmth.
Pour out into a cup and enjoy.

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/diabetes/news/20110323/cocoa-rich-in-health-benefits
http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/119/10/1433.full
http://www.nutritionletter.tufts.edu/issues/9_11/current-articles/Drinking-Cocoa-Boosts-Cognition-and-Blood-Flow-in-the-Brain_1270-1.html
http://wholenewmom.com/recipes/homemade-hot-chocolate-recipe-dairy-free-sugar-free/

Are there any particular topics you would like to see published here? You are welcome to make  suggestions in the comments sections. I am interested in knowing what my readers want to know about.

Be sure and check out my website. Go to www.valerielull.com  My new digital book is out. It is called "Ten Spices for Health and Longevity". Many spices have good health benefits. You can have good food and be healthy too!

Valerie Lull

Author

"Ten Spices for Health and Longevity"

valerielull923@gmail.com

www.valerielull.com 

How To: 4 Unique Uses for Lemon in the Home

First published on the blog of  The American College of Healthcare Sciences. www.achs.edu

By

Valerie Lull, MH. CHRM

Lemons are a staple of delicious cuisine - from mouthwatering lemon pies and puddings to lemon chicken to citrusy salad dressings. My family had a lemon tree in our backyard, and it was fun to pick lemons for fresh lemonade on a hot day.

If you're a fan of herbs and holistic health, you also know there are medicinal and cleansing properties to lemon Citrus Limonum (Risso) that have been used since ancient times. There are hundreds of ways lemons can be used in the home - from cleaning kitchens and bathrooms to natural flea repellent and air freshener. Here are four of my favorite techniques that you may not know of for using lemon around the house

                             

1. Lemons for Flea Management

One unique use of lemon juice is that it can discourage fleas. Lemons contain the constituent limonene, which is often used in flea-management shampoos and treatments. Plus, using lemon and a bit of water is much more economical than expensive flea control products.

Recipe: Natural Lemon Flea Spray

• Cut up six lemons
• Boil lemons in a quart of water for five minutes
• Steep lemons for eight hours in the covered pot
• Pour the liquid into a spray bottle (this will last about a week if stored in the refrigerator)
• Spray on your pet after bathing and avoid the animal's eyes
• Spray on pet bedding and toys

2. Lemon to Perk Up Wilted Lettuce

Have some greens that have been sitting in the fridge for a day or two? Perk them up with lemon juice! I can't stand wilted lettuce, and lemon is a fantastic, natural remedy to wake up those greens.

1. Put the juice of 1/2 lemon in a bowl of cold water.
2. Put the wilted lettuce in the mixture and refrigerate for one hour. Dry the leaves completely before putting them into a salad or sandwich.

3. Mighty Lemon in the Microwave

Have stuck-on food splatterings in your microwave? Lemons could be your answer. Lemon juice can be used to give your micro a good cleaning without scratching the surface or using a lot of effort. Give this recipe a try:

1. Mix 3 of lemon juice into 11/2 cups of water in a microwave safe bowl.
2. Run the microwave on high for five to 10 minutes. Let the steam condense on the inside walls and ceiling of the oven.
3. Wipe away food spots with a dishcloth. This will clean stuck-on food spots as well as fill your kitchen and microwave with a citrusy fresh aroma.

4. Lemons for Puppy Training

Some folks have trouble with barking puppies. Did you know that dogs are not fans of the taste of lemon juice, and they can be trained with a squirt of lemon juice in their mouths? Although, do take care not to spray near their eyes!

Lemon juice can also be used to keep pets off the furniture. Here is the recipe:

Mix a teaspoon of lemon juice with 11/2 cups of water, add to a spray bottle, and spritz on your upholstery. This will also give the room a fresh, lemony scent and it can discourage jumping on the furniture.

These are just a few of the many creative ways lemon juice can be used in your home. Plus, doesn't it smell fantastic? It's inexpensive and it is better than using harsh chemicals when at all avoidable.

Don't forget to visit my website at www.valerielull.com   Also, check out my new digital book,Ten Spices for Health and Longevity. Available on www.amazon.com

Valerie Lull

Author

Ten Spices for Health and Longevity

www.valerielull.com

valerielull923@gmail.com

Herbs for Your Hair

Many of the folks that are interested in herbs and natural remedies also choose to use natural products for cosmetic and personal use. People have been using plant based preparations for hair care for thousands of years. Cleopatra used henna mixed with juniper berries to dye her hair. Greek women applied lemon to their hair and then walked in the sun to lighten it. Down through the ages a number of herbal preparations have been used for hair. Many of them are still in use today.

Elder, sage and henna, calendula and walnut, have all been used as natural hair dyes. Sage and rosemary are said to make hair grow. Many people have tried these herbs for baldness with varying results. Additional herbs for promoting hair growth include aloe vera, and burdock. Aloe cleanses the hair follicles by removing dead cells and sebum that block them and inhibit hair growth. Burdock is anti-inflammatory and promotes strong hair growth.

Olive oil moisturizes, and strengthens hair and contributes to its elasticity. A search of the internet will bring up many formulas for olive oil treatments for hair. Coconut oil is another favorite hair oil. Polynesian women have been using it for centuries. Constituents in the coconut oil strengthen and nourish the hair, preventing and repairing damage to the hair. Coconut oil is also a great moisturizer and conditioner for hair.

Here is a recipe for an itchy scalp. Mix olive oil and lemon juice and apply it to your hair. This mixture helps cleanse the scalp from dry skin and the olive oil helps to moisturize it. Use two tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of water. Massage it into your scalp. Let is sit for 20 minutes and rinse. Then shampoo your hair.


Sources:
http://www.thealternativedaily.com/13-natural-beauty-secrets-seductive-cleopatra/
http://www.diybeautytutorials.com/2014/06/discover-9-ancient-greek-beauty-secrets_13.html
http://www.naturallivingideas.com/best-herbs-for-hair-growth/
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/olive-oil-hair-repair.html
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/oils/coconut-oil-for-hair.html
http://www.womansday.com/style/beauty/advice/a1853/8-homemade-hair-treatments-110251

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is intended for educational and informational use. The author is not responsible for the results of using these herbs. If you wish to use herbal remedies  consult a dermatologist or hair care professional.

Be sure to check out my web site at www.valerielull.com and check out my new book Ten Spices for Health and Longevity.

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

Chocolate and Your Heart

 Have you ever eaten a delicious piece of chocolate and then felt guilty? You don't need to. Chocolate is actually good for you. There are a couple of qualifiers; the chocolate must be dark chocolate, and it must be eaten in small to moderate quantities to avoid weight gain.

It seems that there are antioxidants in chocolate that can protect you from free radicals, that play a role in heart disease. There are also plant constituents called flavanols that are heart healthy. Flavonoids are known to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. These factors can lower the risk of heart attacks, high blood pressure and atherosclerosis.

Theobromine is a substance in chocolate that some scientists think may also contribute to its heart friendly properties. It is thought to relax the blood vessels and preventing high blood pressure. Antioxidants, on the other hand, help to reduce cellular damage that is caused by free radicals. Free radicals cause oxidation of the cells, Free radicals can cause bad cholesterol to form plaque on the walls of your blood vessels.

To get these health benefits you  have to be sure to get the right kind of chocolate. The milk in milk chocolate negates the benefits of the flavonols. Heavy processing, by alkalizing, fermentation or roasting tends to destroy the health promoting flavonoids.  Most candy bars in the supermarket are loaded with sugar and many of them have milk. Be sure to look for chocolate that has at least 70% cacao. Raw organic chocolate is the best.

Research is in the works to produce a supplement that you can take that will give you the benefits of raw cacao without the added sugar or milk. It will be interesting to see the research on these supplements.

Sources:
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/heart/prevention/nutrition/food-choices/benefits-of-chocolate
http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/119/10/1433.full
http://thealternativedaily/research-gives-us-more-reasons-to-enjoy-dark-chocolate/

Check out my website at www.valerielull.com I have a new book out called Ten Spices for Health and Longevity. 

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

Coconut Flour

There are lots of folks who have decided for one reason or another to go gluten and/or wheat free. This often means that they cannot digest the wheat properly because of its gluten content. With such a large number of foods that contain wheat or wheat products, it can be a daunting process trying to eliminate everything that has wheat and gluten in it. Coconut flour is one alternative that people can use.Coconut flour has a number of things going for it.

High Fiber - Fiber is very important in digestion and elimination. Coconut flour is 75% fiber. Fiber is important for cleansing and detoxifying the body.

Gluten Free - It is a good substitute for folks who want to go gluten free. It has a sweet and delicious taste.

Digestion - Coconut flour has lots of nutrients that can benefit your heart. It is low in digestible carbs so people do not have the insulin spikes that come with high carbs. It appears to have regulating properties for blood sugar levels.

Protein and Healthy Fats - Coconut flour has 19 grams of protein in a 100 gram serving. Wheat flour has only ten. The healthy fats provide instant energy. Coconut flour is antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal.

There are some things to be aware of when baking with coconut flour. The flour is very dry and needs more moisture than grain flours. Use equal portions of liquid and coconut flour. If you do not use enough liquid your product will be dry and crumbly. Some cooks add several eggs to help things stick together. Often it works well to mix the flours. Use 1/4 the amount of flour in your recipe as coconut flour and use another non gluten flour like almond meal or sprouted spelt for the rest.

Sources:
http://blog.radiantlifecatalog.com/bid/59284/What-are-the-Health-Benefits-of-Coconut-Flour
http://www.livestrong.com/article/28183-health-benefits-coconut-flour/
http://draxe.com/coconut-flour-nutrition/

For more information check out my website at www.valerielull.com. I have recently published a new book in digital form called Ten Spices For Health and Longevity. You can go to my website or you can order it from Amazon.com

Valerie Lull

Author

Ten Spices for Health and Longevity

valerielull923@gmail.com