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Saffron

Saffron  is a spice derived from the flower  most commonly known as the saffron crocus.

The saffron crocus is native to the Mediterranean and Western Asia.Iran now accounts for approximately 90 per cent of the world production of saffron.  It is the most expensive spice in the world by weight, ten times more costly than vanilla. The reason saffron is so expensive  is that its production is extremely labor intensive, each flower’s stigmas need to be collected by hand and there are only a few per flower. It takes 80,000 crocus flowers to make only 500 grams of saffron. Despite its cost, many herbalists and naturalists consider saffron’s health benefits to be worth it.

Scientists believe that saffron might be useful in the treatment and management of age related mental impairment.  Saffron promotes learning, memory retention, and recall capacity this could help ward off  muscular degeneration and Alzheimer’s disease. It also improves circulation of blood.

Some of the best clinical effects of saffron on human disease have been observed in the treatment of mild to moderate depression, asthma, atherosclerosis, PMS, and erectile dysfunction.  Saffron’s benefits extend to even treating cancer and helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.Research indicates that a few compounds in saffron do promote anti-cancer activity.

It also helps relieve stomach aches and kidney stones.  improves circulation to the digestive system. While coating the membranes of the stomach and colon, saffron gently aids in soothing symptoms of  intestinal acidity, colic, relieve stomach aches and kidney stones.

Saffron can also induce  you into a sound sleep .

Great ways to eat saffron would in a saffron rice or paella.

March is National Kidney Awareness Month

Your kidneys filter your blood,  remove wastes and  extra water from your body.

Great kidney friendly foods but also great for the whole family and everyday.

Apples

Promotes lung , digestive, heart health. High in fiber and anti-inflammatory properties, reduce cholesterol.

Blueberries

Promotes brain health, reduces inflammation and is loaded with vitamin C and fiber. Is one the strongest antioxidants.  Helps reduces urinary tract infections

Cabbage

High in vitamin K, C and fiber. Low in potassium. Promotes digestive health, it helps heal ulcers. Lower woman’s  risk of breast cancer and

Cranberries

Helps protect the bladder from infection also protect the stomach from ulcers and cancer

Cauliflower  

Helps your liver neutralize toxins that can damage cells. Muscle building and promotes sleep

Cherries

Reduces inflammation when eaten daily.

Egg Whites

Pure protein, with less phosphorus than other proteins like meat. Promotes thyroid functions, brain, heart, and eye  health.

Fish

A great high quality  protein, and ant-inflammatory

Garlic  

Helps prevent plaque from forming on your teeth and decreases inflammation.  Lowers blood pressure and insulin levels.

Olive Oil

Great anti-inflammatory

Onion

Low in potassium, helps reduce reduce heart disease. Promotes  lowering of  blood sugar levels. Great food for colon health. Promotes immune health and inflammatory balance.

Raspberries

Reduces inflammation, packed with fiber and vitamin C

Red Bell Peppers

Cancer fighter, excellent source of fiber, vitamin C and A.  Helps maintain normal blood pressure.

Red Grapes

Helps blood flow by relaxing blood cells

Strawberries

Powerful antioxidants, great source of vitamin C and fiber.  Promotes brain and joint health.

Make your own Gluten free Play Clay

Most children like to play with clay, but the most common brands all contain wheat. Most homemade  recipes call for wheat flour. By Making your own it reduces cost and you can make it wheat free. Have fun making  your own gluten clay with your child and then spend countless hours  play with it. And if your  mini Michael Angelo  is a clay eater ( as many are) , don’t worry.

1/3 cup                 Margarine ( Gluten Free) or shortening

1/2 tsp                   Salt

1/3 cup                  Light corn syrup

1 tsp                        Vanilla extract (Gluten Free)

1 lb.                          Confectioner’s sugar (Gluten Free)

Mix first 4 ingredients in a mixer. Then add powdered sugar. Knead until the dough is smooth, divide into portions and add natural food colors if desired. Store in airtight containers ( zip lock bags) and place in refrigerator to store to prevent spoiling.

2nd recipe

1/2 cup               Rice flour

1/2 cup               Corn Starch

1/2 cup               Salt

2 tsp                     Cream of tartar

1 cup                   Water

1 cup                   Cooking Oil

1 tsp                   Food  coloring

Combine all ingredients in a pot and cook over low heat until a ball forms.   Take it off the heat and  let it cool to touch.  Form into balls and store in an air tight container.