Measuring Up

Our busy day-in-day-out life leaves little time to create something that looks as if it were styled by the Food Network.  I mean to say, creation takes a bit of thoughtful preparation and consideration.  Time is of the essence in the average American's schedule.  It took God 6 days to create the heavens and the earth.  I hope it doesn't take that long to make dinner.  In order expedite matters it pays to be prepared by having a stocked kitchen filled with your favorite ingredients.  Time can stand still in the kitchen when it searching the cabinet.  One can find the most interesting things when trying to finding that last ingredients or missing kitchen tools.  The frustration of not finding the needed measuring spoon or precise ingredient can cause one to abandon a meal and call for take out. 

Here are three basic equivalency charts that you may have seen.  You may have known the information noted on these charts along with your high school locker code.  I remember being tested in mandatory cooking classes in school.

 These equivalency charts found on kitchen towels and cutting boards are a great kitchen addition or to add to your "kitchen file" at home.  

The liquid and dry measures will help you to keep rolling in the kitchen and not slow you down when cooking.  If you can't find a tablespoon one can use 3 teaspoons.  When substitute measuring try and be as precise as possible.  A 4 heaping tablespoons to generate a 1/4 of a cup can measure up to 1/3 of a cup.  Note the difference between heaping and level in your recipes.  

Prepare in advance by using a one cup measure of water and add it to your favorite drinking glass.  For instance, if you know the one cup measurement  reaches the top of the blue flower then you can reach for that same glass at dinner time. 

HAPPY WHEAT

Can scientists create gluten-free wheat strains that are safe for people with celiac disease, and suitable for making bread? According to a team of researchers writing in the journal PNAS, the answer is 'yes.'

Wheat Kernels hold a complex mix of proteins that contain gluten.  Experiments are underway to identifying and separating the most glutenous enzymes in wheat.  The resulting seeds were planted and wheat was found to contain significantly lower amounts of gluten.  

The work has just started however the promises are immense.

http://bit.ly/YzTDWv

GLUTEN FREE GINGER TEFF COOKIES
 

Bake, share, and enjoy this tasty gluten-free variation of the classic ginger cookie. This recipe is full of health supportive ingredients you can feel good about passing along as delicious gifts to spread healthy good cheer this holiday season. After all, is there an easier way to spread health and wellness to a new audience than through a warm and gooey spiced holiday cookie?
 

Photos Source: Swell Vegan
 

This recipe was adapted by one of our very own Natural Chef students, Danielle Greco, as part of her final project on anemia (original recipe from Heidi Swanson, 101 Cookbooks). Blackstrap molasses is a great source of iron, which is particularly helpful for those with anemia. The molasses in this recipe is not only nutrient dense, but its distinct sweet and savory flavor brings a delightfully delicious and festive flavor to this holiday cookie.

     Ingredients - Yield: 15 cookies

     ½ cup Teff flour                        ¼ cup coconut oil
     ¼ cup potato starch                 ¼ cup blackstrap molasses
     ½ cup almond flour                   3 Tbs date sugar
     ½ tsp xanthan gum                   1 Tbs fresh grated ginger
     1 tsp baking soda                     1 egg
     2 ½ tsp ground ginger              ¼ cup crystallized ginger
     1 tsp cinnamon                         1 orange, zest only
     ½ tsp salt

     Method

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Sift the three flours into a large bowl, along with the xanthan gum and baking soda. Whisk in ground ginger, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Heat the coconut oil in a skillet until it is just barely melted, remove from heat. Stir in molasses, date sugar, and fresh ginger. The mixture should be warm, if it is hot to the touch, let it cool a bit.
3. Beat the egg in a separate bowl, then add molasses mixture and whisk to combine. Pour the wet mixture over the flour mixture, and add the crystallized ginger and orange zest. Stir to combine.
4. Refrigerate the dough for 10-15 minutes. Once cooled, roll dough into medium sized cookies with the palm of your hands and place onto baking sheet a couple inches apart. Flatten with a fork, if desired.
5. Bake 7-10 minutes, until cookies puff and the top begins to crack.
6. Allow to cool, serve, and enjoy!

Thanks Bauman College for this wonderful recipe

Thanksgiving-The Day After

The average Thanksgiving Dinner totals a whopping 2400 calories.  How are you going to counter act this annual feast.  It's best to clean the intestines with lighter meals, lots of roughage and less animal flesh.  It's ok to have that wonderful meal but now it's time to balance the blood sugar and get the body back on track.  For the next week, track your food intake and get back to balancing the system.

Thanksgiving health tips, balance the body after Thanksgiving, Veda Nutrition, Art of Nutrition, gluten free eating, balance and health with Veda Florez

Label GMO's

I had the opportunity to attend a "Label GMO's" event in my area.  10 states including California will vote on statewide propositions this November.  The ballot measures will require labels on all genetically modified foods.  The California initiative is the brain child of Pamm Larry, from Southern California.  She began her journey posting on facebook and in her blog.  Her ability to stir Californians grew over the course of 2011 and she banded with a partner in crime in January 2012.  They traveled to local meetings and spoke to anyone who would listen.  The team gathered enough signatures to add the initiative to the California state ballot.  Their singular efforts shows how grassroots movements can change the world.

The author of "Seeds of Deception", Jeffrey Smith spoke at the event.  He talked about the tipping point for American to instigate change.  Smith calculated that 5% of our population would have to band together against the likes of Big Business and Monsanto.  A massive Europe shift occurred when the populous joined together.  GMO labeling is now required.  Smith reported that GMO originated foods have been forced out of the European marketplace because consumer choose with their wallets. 


Why is this important for American consumers?  From 1997 - 2000 twice as many cases of I.B.S., Gluten Intolerance, Castro-intestinal difficulty, Autism, Anxiety and Ulcers have been reported.  Jeffrey Smith also authored "Genetic Roulette".  This book explains the link between these disorders and pesticides used to kills bugs.  Monsanto's pesticides were created to kill bugs by making their intestinal linings bleed.  Research show pesticide transference from plants to animals and to man.  


These two books outline the great American lie by the federal government.  The government lied to consumers by touting the safety of food products that were sprayed with pesticides.  The U.S. government bogged down in red tape relies on industry to police itself.  Monsanto reports show pesticides well within the safety levels however the data is and the industry are manipulated.  The for-profit manipulation of the government has Americans getting sicker and sicker.  


I recommend you do your research and find out the ramification of GMO labeling in your state.  Please consider joining the millions of American who are apposed to GMO foods.  


 See Below for more information on the event:

JUST LABEL IT - WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW! Initiative on the 2012 CA NOV BALLOT. Important GMO Labeling Event featuring: * Maria Muldaur: renowned singer * Jeffrey Smith: author, “Seeds of Deception” * Pamm Larry: leader of California GMO Labeling Initiative * Claire Hope Cummings: author, "Uncertain Peril" * Robin Carpenter (moderator): radio talk-show host 50 COUNTRIES -INCLUDING CHINA- LABEL THEIR GMO'S- WHY NOT US? Polls show Americans overwhelmingly want GMO foods labeled, but the USDA allows their production and sale without labeling or adequate testing. GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) are plants or animals that have had DNA introduced from unrelated species creating new and aberrant proteins. GMOs have been linked to allergies and other health problems. Interactive tables with local community groups and an opportunity to interact with the speakers. Refreshments, wheelchair accessible. For more information, call 415-454-9898. Sponsored by Good Earth Natural Foods, GMO-Free Marin, and Community Media Center of Marin

Road Trip

Road Trip

I took a 90 mile drive from Marin County, close to San Francisco to the town of Davis which is close to Sacramento.   I wanted to find the source of great tasting bread.  I met the owner and baker of Natural Food Works, a health food store, restaurant and retail shop.   I had the opportunity to taste their wonderful egg based gluten free bread at a gluten free Meet-up.  Natural Foods works has been in business for over 20 years.  It's a staple in the college town of Davis and anyone into health food knows of its location.  It is part of the local color.  The owner raised her children in the store and her son still helps manage the facility.  

The philosophy of the store is not only to create a gluten free bread and pasta but to make and sell food that nourishes the body and the feeds the soul.  The Proprietor comes from the school of Alice Waters who is said to have started the California Cuisine movement.   Natural Food Works like Alice Waters' Chez Panisse uses natural, organic ingredients.  The food tastes like true home cooking.  When I walked in the door the smell of fried chicken wafted through the air.  The chicken batter is made of course from gluten free ingredients and the chicken is free range.  

 I'm particularly impressed with the spongy             sandwich bread, made with freshly milled artisan flour and free range eggs.  It's also casein free.                  

 I sampled cookies that were made from real          butter as I toured the facility.                                      

Here, I'm standing with the owner talking to her about freshly made pasta.  See the rack of pasta?  Tune into the Veda Nutrition Show for a close-up.   

Natural Food Works creates an array of products. French Baguettes, croutons, Panini Bread, All Purpose Rolls and Cinnamon Buns are available at their on-line store. 

http://www.naturalfoodworks.com/store/products.php?cat=16

IThe Farmers Kitchen Cafe was rated in 100 best restaurants in and around Sacramento, CA.  and received the Best of Sacramento Dining Award.   

" Farmer’s Kitchen Cafe... At this Davis cafe, dishes are free of gluten and casein... and the focus is on locally grown and organic fruits and vegetables."

 I would give Natural Food Works a rating of      4.5  on our 5 bags of  gluten free flour scale and          highly recommend that you visit their web site at      www.naturalfoodworks.com.                                                   

Here are a few photos from my interview for       the "Veda Nutrition, The Gluten Free Show"          

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UPM researchers develop a functional biscuit for suitable for celiac patients - Topix

Made of Teff flour and reportedly good for diabetic patients as well.  


UPM researchers develop a functional biscuit for suitable for celiac patients - Topix

Bees a Symbol of Purification

My Mother talked about the generous health benefits of honey and described its usage in her farming community.  Her farm family counted on bees to pollinate the crops. I would like to ask her, her thoughts on modern-day farms trucking in bees for pollination.  Mother also talked about the deep rich color and generous quantities harvested by her Grandfather.

I have no way of knowing what type of bees my Great Grandfather used.  However, I assume they were local to the area and at the time, I'm sure, the methods were organic.  My Mother described my Grandmother slathering honey on a farm-hands bloody wounds and packing the would with herb bandages in efforts to stop bleeding and prevent infection.  Growing up, we used honey as a cough syrup and  minor kitchen burns.  I remember Mother putting honey on a curling iron burn.  We kept our honey next to the Aspirin bottle.

Now, medical professionals have done the research and describe white blood cell response and antioxidant activity.  The attached article lists a specific type of honey tested.  Manuka honey originally from New Zealand has the world a buzz.  Its unsurpassed healing powers are documented.  Attached is an article from my local paper. 

________________________

http://www.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_20809838/dr-dustin-ballard-medicinal-uses-honey-are-pretty
________________________

Bees, not just for Honey

My Accupuncturist, Sandra Wolfson, LAc, of Fairfax uses bees for therapy.

Sandra describes the bee hive:
"Propolis is strong antibiotic glue used by the bees to repair their hive and seal the nest from invasion. The beehive is one of the most sterile environments found in nature. Propolis is made from the resin of the poplar and fir trees mixed with enzymes, pollen and wax from the bees. It is highly antimicrobial and a natural form of penicillin. Great for inflammations, infections, swellings, skin issues, sore lips and gums and sore throats!"
 
Her treatments stimulate circulation and I think, activate natural blood responses.  After my session, I felt a lovely feeling of calm and relaxation.  My back never felt better.  It was God's natural gift. 

This is how Sandra describes Bee Venom Therapy.  "A progressive strategy both ancient and modern for reducing inflammation and pain in the body. Bee Venom contains "Peptide 401" which is believed to be 100 times more powerful than cortico-steroids."

Complimentary Apitherapy Sessions
http://www.tamarawolfson.com/bee-therapy.html www.thebeehealer.com
Saturday July 14                  5pm-7:30pm
Saturday August 25             5pm-7:30pm  

Some Doctors believe that gluten intolerance is a passing fad. I've interviewed medical professionals who consider a lack of fortified wheat flour as a potential health risk. Fortified flour contain additional vitamins and minerals not found whole grain wheat. It's much like adding fluoride to your tap water. Take a look at this video and decide for yourself. If you have questions please consult a your local Doctor or certified Nutritionist or contact me at this blog address. article from KTLA television: http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-gluten-free-diet,0,1364962.story Video interview with Wolf Blitzer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=if1zGZa5bLU

Gluten Free Easter Candy!

Your local stores are now filled with colorful Easter Candy.  Beautifully wrapped chocolate await your easter baskets.  Surprisingly, much of this candy is gluten free.   In the past, shopping for Easter Candy was a frustrating experience,  However, times have changed and manufacturers are following the growing market trends of nutritionally sensitive buyer.  The Gluten Free population stopped buying products that don’t fit their lifestyle.  In 2012, favorites such as Peeps and  Cadbury Eggs are manufacture gluten free products.  

My Gluten Free facts has a list of candy manufacturers who not only use gluten free ingredient but list manufacturers by clean room standards.   Please take a look at this downloadable pdf file of gluten free Easter Candy.  The 2012 Gluten Free Candy List is created in conjunction with the National Foundation of Celiace Awareness. 

http://http://www.myglutenfacts.com/pdfs/Easter2012USA.pdf

Manufacturer Clean Line Standards

Cleaned Production Line (CL)

These products do not contain any gluten but are made using the same equipment as products that do. The manufacturer assures us that they consider gluten a top allergen and therefore clean the equipment between runs to ensure that these products are safe from cross-contamination.

Dedicated Production Line (DL)

These products do not contain gluten and are made with machinery that only processes foods without gluten. The manufacturer assures us that they consider gluten a top allergen and therefore take the necessary steps to ensure that these products are safe from cross-contamination.

Dedicated Facility (DF)

These products do not contain gluten and are made in a building where there is no gluten in any other product.

Resource: htthttp://www.myglutenfacts.com/pdfs/Easter2012USA.pdfp://www.myglutenfacts.com/pdfs/Easter2012USA.pdf

Tags: Veda Florez Nutritional Educator Veda Florez Gluten Free Easter Candy Veda Florez writes about gluten free Easter Candy

Asthma and Hyperactivity and Plastics

Asthma and Hyperactivity and Plastics

Last night, I attended the first part of a two day conference on plastics.  Green Sangha. http://greensangha.org/2012/02/886/, hosted the  ”Plastics 360” conference.  The first night highlighted the true cost of plastic.  The conversation opened with local leaders discussing local solutions to this global epidemic.  Plastics have been linked to a mile long list of health problems from Asthma and Hyperactivity to Thyroid Disruption.  

Some symptoms that are linked to gluten intolerance are mimicked by plastics.  The conference opened by discussing the option of simply stopping the usage of plastics in the our home environment.  A chemical called PBA leaches from plastic containers, bags and bottles.  PBA’s have been linked to asthma, hyperactivity and other endocrine damaging symptoms.  Overwhelming evidence that links type 2 Diabetis, Hormone Disruption, Prostate issues and twice the risk of heart disease to plastics.  

If you are wondering why some of your gluten intolerant issues are not resolving, I recommend you take your health to the next level and eliminate plastics from your home environment.  This is important for those who are gluten intolerant because some of the symptoms associated with gluten intolerance are mimicked by chemical leaching plastics.  

Another chemical called “Phalates” used to make plastics softer are also linked to damaging to our endocrine system. Often toys such as rubber duckies and shower curtains contain Phalates.  Shocking topics such as fertility disruption are linked to Phalates.  Children are hit the hardest.  Doctors are charting partially feminized boys and higher levels of testosterone in girls. Phalates and BPA are considered the culprit.    

The good news is your toxin levels can be lowered by changing your habits.   Plastic containers without BPA’s are available.  Stylish shopping bags are available as an alternative source of carry-all is suggested.   Stop the use of Phalates by using fragrance free products.  Phalates are hidden in ingredient labels under “frangances”. 

As consumers we can make a difference. Marin County California has an all out ban on Plastics bags.  I thought this was a terrific hassle when going to the drug store but after viewing excerpts from the movie “Plastic State of Mind”, I now think differently.  The movies highlights one man’s journey to understanding plastics in his home and chronicles his journey to eliminate and understand plastic.  All before the birth of his first child.  

Gluten Free Penne Pasta with Arugula and Oven Dried Tomatoes

"You can almost smell the garlic and butter"

Veda’s Nutrition, the Gluten Free Show goes on location for a Taste and Flavor Demonstration.  


David Haydon, Executive Chef and Owner of Il Davide Restaurant, in San Rafael, CA talks to us about gluten free pasta.

Our choice for delicate gluten free pasta is Rustichella d’Abruzzo.  This penne pasta is made of white rice and holds your favorite sauce nicely.    Special marinara sauce clings to the ridges on the pasta and fills the tubes Chef David's savory sauce.  You can almost smell the garlic and butter in this video. My featured demo is Penne Arugula with Oven Dried Tomatoes.  Click on the link to view this video.

Follow this link to watch the entire demonstration:

http://www.youtube.com/watch v=Sb1KG6zJeBc&context=C3c2f8b1ADOEgsToPDskKsMd7kFcMHJhcCL57G5yhA




Tomatoes to boost Anti-Oxidants The health benefits from tomatoes are overwhelming and the recipe for Penne Arugula with Oven Dried Tomatoes features tomatoes in 3 different state; tomato sauce, oven dried and wilted cherry tomatoes.  Tomatoes fortify your system and help balance blood glucose levels and gut health. Urinary tract infections show improvements for individual who boost their tomato intake. Volumes of research have been done on the anti-cancer benefits and improvements in prostate cancer.  American men who ate 4 servings of tomatoes a week had a 40% reduction in cancer cells.  Tomatoes are also an excellent source of Potasium, Folic Acid, Vitamin A, C & E. The weight loss or fat burning hormone called Leptin works more efficiently when the body consumes tomatoes. 


The anti-inflammatory ingredients in tomatoes are Carotenoids and Bioflavinoids.  Beta-Carotine the orange pigment found in carrots is a Carotenoid.  Bioflavinoids concentrated in tomato skin actually help alleviate inflammation and allergic reactions.  Cooking tomatoes breaks down tomato cell membrane making absorption of Carotenoids and Flavinoids more available 

Sauteing with olive oil greatly increases Lycopenes found in tomatoes. Lycopene are in the red pigment found in tomatoes also found to be anti-cancer fighting.  85% of dietary Lycopene can be attributed to tomato-based products. 

Oven Dried Tomatoes

Preparing Oven Dried Tomatoes is easy.  I like to dry them in my 200 degree oven on cold winter's night.  The oven heat will help keep your heating costs low while drying this wonderful treat.  To truly dry tomatoes to a leathery state let them bake in your 200 degree oven for 8 to 10 hours.  

*Slice tomatoes in 1/4” slices, 

*add a little Salt

*sprinkle with Olive Oil  

*I’m in love with pink Himalayan salt for its flavor, color and added mineral count.  

*I like to place tomatoes on a silpat sheet for easy clean-up.  

If you like a little life in your tomatoes

*try baking for 4 hours at 250 degrees.   

*remove seeds if you are prone to acid reflux




Penne recipe write:


vedaroll@gmail.com


please follow me on twitter@vedanutrition

facebook/theVedaNutritionShow or GlutenFreeHomeDotOrg

I hope you watch both the demo video (link above) and the preview below!

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This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute (i) medical advice or counseling, (ii) the practice of medicine or the provision of health care diagnosis or treatment, (iii) or the creation of a physician--patient relationship. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your doctor promptly.


Power Healing: Use the New Integrated Medicine to Cure Yourself. Leo Galland, 384 pages, Random House, (June 1, 1998)


Mediators Inflamm. 2010; 2010: 289645. Published online 2010 July 14. doi: 10.1155/2010/289645. Full Text: "Chronic Inflammation in Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome" Rosário Monteiro* and Isabel Azevedo Department of Biochemistry (U38-FCT), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal


Full Text: "Diet and Inflammation" Leo Galland, MD, Nutr Clin Pract December 7, 2010 vol. 25 no. 6 634-640

Curr Med Chem. 2010;17(23):2547-63. "Tomato lycopene and inflammatory cascade: basic interactions and clinical implications." Palozza P, Parrone N, Catalano A, Simone R.Institute of General Pathology, Catholic University, School of Medicine, Lgo F. Vito, 1 00168 Rome, Italy.

Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2002 Nov;227(10):920-3. Full Text: "Overview of mechanisms of action of lycopene." Heber D, Lu QY. University of California Center for Human Nutrition, 900 Veteran Avenue, Room 1-2-213, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1742, USA.