Tuesday, January 6, 2015

7 Things You Should Know About GMOs

7 Things You Should Know About GMOs

Link to Dr. Group's Healthy Living blog

7 Things You Should Know About GMOs

Posted: 05 Jan 2015 08:00 AM PST

yellow-signs-GMO

You probably want to know what's actually in what you're eating, right? Of course you do. That's probably why you read the ingredients label. But even if you're making responsible choices, there still might be more to that meal than you realize. There's a movement that's trying to keep you in the dark about genetically-modified organisms (GMOs), not to mention a host of other nasties in your food. You'll want to stick around while I tell you seven things that you should really know about GMOs.

1. A lot of money is being spent to make sure you don't get labeled food.

Giant corporations like Dupont and Monsanto spent millions of dollars recently in Colorado and Oregon to thwart labeling campaigns that would list genetically-modified ingredients. [1] In Colorado, for example, these two giants outspent supporters of GMO labeling by 22-1. These labeling movements are all part of the 'Right to Know' campaigns, but apparently manufacturers don't feel Americans need to know what's in their food.

2. GMO labels wouldn't cost much at all.

Those same labels these corporations are so afraid of would actually cost the taxpayer a tiny amount—about two dollars a year—but it's not really about spreading the cost to the consumer. [2] Corporations want to turn a profit, and if the product you've been buying for years suddenly proclaims that is has GMOs, you'll likely stop buying it. In an effort to stop the pro-GM labeling, TV ads even tried to tell voters that these labels would cost them between $400 and $800 dollars a year. An ECONorthwest report, however, proved that inflated figure wrong. [3]

3. All the while, food companies remain willfully ignorant.

General Mills was in the news recently when GMOs were taken out of Cheerios, so the next logical step should have been to take GMOs out of the entire cereal lineup. Well that didn't happen for two main reasons: removing GMOs from Cheerios hasn't translated to higher sales, and the company still doesn't fully believe GMOs aren't safe. As almost every company shareholder voted against removing GMOs, I think it boils down to what the company thinks will make the most money. This focus on profit is seen in the policies of many of the food giants. Companies aren't going to ban GMOs when they're making money.

4. Ask for GMO-free, and ye shall receive!

Lately, there's been so many anti-GMO stances that companies are jumping on the non-GMO bandwagon. In the case of a vegetable that's a cross between a Brussels sprout and kale, a non-GMO label is arguable. Hybrid plants are created when you crossbreed two compatible plants; no DNA is genetically modified or enhanced, but some people might still consider a hybrid a GMO. [4] The bottom line is most companies want to make money, and the anti-GMO movement is a big moneymaker.

5. The fact is GMO-free animals are a good business model.

For large and small companies, when it comes to taking GMOs out of the equation profits usually soar. Sure, using GMOs in products is a safe bet; this is why General Mills stuck with them, after all. Consider, though, the power of the organic food market right now. Everyone wants organic, and farmers and ranchers are taking note. Using organic practices can add as much as $100 to a head of cattle, so from a market standpoint, the organic movement makes sense. [5] While most farmers and ranchers are driven by profits, we, as the consumers, are presented with more organic and non-GMO options.

6. Beware of the hucksters: "natural" doesn't mean GMO-free.

I mentioned this earlier, but let's talk about those labels on your food. Have you ever bought something that claimed it was 'natural' without it mentioning anything about GMOs? [6] Buyer beware! A recent study found that a lot of those products actually do contain GMOs. Consumer Reports tested over 80 different processed foods with corn or soy and found most of them had GMO ingredients. [7] [8] If you want to make sure you aren't getting genetically-modified corn or soy, look for non-GMO or organic labels.

7. GMOs have already created a crisis situation and need to be stopped now.

Not only are GMOs bad for our health, genetically-modified crops are causing a big land crisis. Corn and soy are two crops that are genetically modified to tolerate multiple herbicides; however, what we're left with is two-fold: crops dosed heavily with herbicides and superweeds! These superweeds are resistant to all the common herbicides and are quickly becoming an issue–especially for farmers in the southern US where most of these weeds grow. It's estimated that almost 70 million acres of U.S farmlands are now infested with superweeds, and no one knows how to handle it. [9]

One Final Thought

So yes, there are a lot of reasons to avoid GMOs, and many businesses are taking note of what consumers want and making adjustments. Progress is slow–and in some cases nonexistent–but eventually there will be change. After all, we have the right to know what's in our food.

What about you? What do you think about GMOs? Be sure to tell us in the comments below.

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

References:

  1. Goldenberg, S. Pro-GM labelling campaign hugely outspent in Colorado and Oregon ballot. The Guardian.
  2. Tims, D. Median GMO labeling would cost consumers $2.30 per year: New pro-Measure 92 study. The Oregonian.
  3. ECONorthwest. GE FOODS LABELING COST STUDY FINDINGS. Consumers Union.
  4. Sheets, C. Companies Pursuing Non-GMO Products For Competitive Edge, Experts Say. International Business Times.
  5. Ortiz, E. Market speaks louder than science: GMO-free animals a good business model. The Sacramento Bee.
  6. Gillam, C. U.S. foods labeled ‘natural’ often contain GMOs, group reports. Reuters.
  7. Consumer Reports. Food Safety and Sustainability Center Report on GMOs in Corn and Soy. Consumer Reports.
  8. Consumer Reports. Food Safety and Sustainability Center Test Results of GMOs in Corn and Soy. Consumer Reports.
  9. Keim, B. New Generation of GM Crops Puts Agriculture in a 'Crisis Situation'. Wired.

The post 7 Things You Should Know About GMOs appeared first on Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog.

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Monday, January 5, 2015

Organic.org

Organic.org


7 Waters That Deliver Innovative Nutrition

Posted: 05 Jan 2015 01:54 PM PST

Coconut water, the subtly sweet and electrolyte-filled beverage touted as nature's energy drink, recently exploded in popularity. And it opened the floodgates: On today's store shelves, you'll find even more unusual specialty waters that deliver hydrating alternatives to sugary fruit juices and sodas.

In addition to fewer calories, these new "waters" offer perks such as vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, electrolytes, and, notably, sustainable ingredients sourced from North America rather than Southeast Asia, where coconuts are typically harvested before they're shipped to the United States. Check out these natural quenchers—sometimes enhanced with yummy ingredients—for unique taste and health benefits.

Alkaline Water

What it is: Alkaline water is infused with trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium to elevate its pH to 9.5 (neutral is 7).

Why we love it:
Most American diets contain too many acid-producing animal products and insufficient alkaline-promoting fruits and vegetables. Some believe drinking alkaline water counteracts this imbalance to improve bone and muscle health.

The facts: One study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that older adults who followed an alkaline diet for three years maintained more muscle mass than the control participants.

Try: Essentia Alkaline Water

Almond Water

What it is: Not to be confused with almond milk, which comes from ground almonds, almond water is made with boiled sliced almonds, water, cane sugar, and almond extract.

Why we love it:
It's delicious! Almond water differs from other plant-based drinks because it doesn't claim to be uniquely functional. It's simply a refreshing, slightly sweet sipper to enjoy alone or with meals.

The facts:
The first nationally available almond water uses a traditional French recipe from the founder's grandmother.

Try: Victoria's Kitchen Almond Water Original

Artichoke Water

What it is: A whole artichoke—including the heart, stem, leaves, and flower—is extracted into a bottle using a proprietary method to retain nutrients.

Why we love it:
Sometimes balanced with lemon and fresh mint and packing just 40 calories per 8 ounces, artichoke water delivers liver-supporting phytonutrients like silymarin.

The facts: Artichokes are typically harvested close to manufacturing facilities in California, so they boast a low carbon footprint.

Try: Arty Artichoke Water

Cactus Water

What it is: Juice and extract from the prickly pear cactus is blended with water and other natural ingredients such as lemon and stevia.

Why we love it:
Popular in Latin America, prickly pear is rich in antioxidants and carotenoids, magnesium, and vitamin C.

The facts:
Southwestern folk medicine uses prickly pear cactus fruit and juice to treat maladies from diabetes to hangovers.

Try: Caliwater Cactus Water

Coconut Water

What it is: Slightly bittersweet coconut water comes from the clear liquid found in young green coconuts.

Why we love it:
Touted as nature's ultimate hydrator, coconut water contains high levels of electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, and calcium.

The facts:
In remote areas of the world, doctors have successfully used coconut water intravenously to rehydrate patients in emergencies.

Try:
Harmless Harvest 100% Raw Coconut Water Dark Cacao

Maple Water

What it is: Though traditionally processed into maple syrup, maple water is the unrefined tree sap that naturally travels through maple tree trunks in the spring thaw.

Why we love it: Slightly sweet and mild flavored, this refreshing beverage contains dozens of phytonutrients, including some unique to tree waters.

The facts: Drinking maple water conserves American forests by providing landowners a way to monetize their forests without cutting trees down.

Try: Vertical Water 100% Pure Maple Water

Melon Water

What it is: The best melon waters contain one cold-pressed ingredient: watermelon.

Why we love it: This energizing beverage is rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants, potassium, and citrulline, a muscle-supporting amino acid—making it a fantastic sports drink.

The facts:
Some melon waters incorporate the watermelon rind, which contains even higher concentrations of citrulline.

Try:
WtrMln Wtr Cold Pressed Juiced Watermelon

Cashew: the next coconut water?

Usually left on the ground to rot, bright-red and yellow cashew apples are the stems left over after cashew nuts are plucked for harvest; they're tangy, sweet, and packed with vitamin C. Now, a few large companies are putting this previously ignored resource to good use. PepsiCo India recently teamed up with the Clinton Foundation (yes, those Clintons) to collect cashew apples from a local network of small-scale farmers in India, turning the crop into a mixed-fruit drink (sold in India) and replacing more expensive ingredients like apple, pineapple, and banana. The dozen or so growers told The New York Times that this season's cashew apple sales raised their families' incomes by as much as 20 percent.

5 Surprising Facts about Durian

5 Surprising Facts about Durian

Link to Dr. Group's Healthy Living blog

5 Surprising Facts about Durian

Posted: 04 Jan 2015 07:00 AM PST

durian-in-a-basket

With its onion-custard flavor and an odor that resembles rotten gym socks, the durian fruit is perhaps the most notorious fruit of all. While supermarkets are slowly beginning to offer more internationally popular fruits, durian has yet to reach mainstream attention. The "why" isn't much of a mystery. Along with its horrible smell, this prickly fruit is large, heavy, and unwieldy with its dangerous, spikey outer shell (eye injuries are common during harvesting season). [1] [2] But, regardless of its taste, aroma, or appearance, it is a nutritional powerhouse packed with antioxidants and vitamins. Let's take a look at a few of the lesser mentioned benefits of durian fruit.

Top Facts about Durian

In the realm of acquired tastes, durian is right up there in the "expert level" category. Its odor is distinct and pervasive; some public places in Southeastern Asia even ban durian from the premises due to its lingering, pervasive aroma. Here are some quick facts about durian that you may find interesting:

1. Durian May Warm the Body

In Indian herbalism, durian is considered a warming food and it may have a slight hyperthermic effect on the body, causing the body to feel warmer following consumption. [3] Like many warming spices, including garlic, cinnamon, and cloves, durian contains sulphides and other compounds known for inducing a warming sensation.

2. Durian May Help Ease a Cough

Animal models have shown that durian shell extract is powerful for fighting a stubborn cough. [4] While the mechanism behind this benefit is unknown, researchers believe that the fruit's analgesic and antibacterial properties may be the main contributors.

3. Durian May Worsen Kidney Disease

Durian is high in potassium, a nutrient necessary for proper nerve and muscle function. [5] Normally this would be a benefit but individuals with kidney disease need to monitor their potassium levels in order to keep their condition under control. Therefore, durian should not be consumed by persons with end state renal disease or any other type of kidney disease.

4. Durian Fruit is Loaded with Antioxidants

Antioxidants provide a lot of benefits and to describe all of their benefits in one paragraph is virtually impossible. In a nutshell, antioxidants support healthy aging, protect the heart, reduce DNA and cell mutation, and support brain and skin health. If you're not bothered by the aroma and the taste of durian, you may want to consider adding it to your diet! [6]

5. Durian May Promote Normal Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a rising concern among many Americans today. Despite the nation's war on fat and dietary cholesterol, high cholesterol and triglycerides (fats in the blood) continues to rise. Durian has been shown to support normal cholesterol levels, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. [7]

Adding Durian Fruit to Your Diet

Durian can be a healthy addition to your daily diet, one that will give you an extra edge to your well being this new year. Although it's best not to consume it in a social setting (don't bring it to work), you should still try it to see whether or not you enjoy its flavor. Look for durian at your local international food market or health food store. While dried durian is available for purchase, you're best off consuming the whole, fresh form of the fruit for optimum nutrition.

Have you ever tried durian? What were your experiences? Let us know how you like (or don't like) the fruit in the comments!

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

References:

  1. Reddy SC1. Ocular injuries by durian fruit. Int J Ophthalmol. 2012;5(4):530-4. doi: 10.3980/j.issn.2222-3959.2012.04.25.
  2. Aziz S1, Asokumaran T, Intan G. Penetrating ocular injury by durian fruit. Med J Malaysia. 2009 Sep;64(3):244-5.
  3. Terada Y, Hosono T, Seki T, et al. Sulphur-containing compounds of durian activate the thermogenesis-inducing receptors TRPA1 and TRPV1. Food Chem. 2014 Aug 15;157:213-20. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.02.031.
  4. Wu MZ1, Xie G, Li YX, et al. Cough-relieving, analgesic and antibiotic effects of durian shell extracts: a study in mice. Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 2010 Apr;30(4):793-7.
  5. Leo CL1, Leong WS, Tieh CS, Liew CK. Durian induced hyperkalaemia. Med J Malaysia. 2011 Mar;66(1):66-7.
  6. Leontowicz H1, Leontowicz M, Haruenkit R, et al. Durian (Durio zibethinus Murr.) cultivars as nutritional supplementation to rat’s diets. Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 Feb;46(2):581-9.
  7. Leontowicz M1, Leontowicz H, Jastrzebski Z, et al. The nutritional and metabolic indices in rats fed cholesterol-containing diets supplemented with durian at different stages of ripening. Biofactors. 2007;29(2-3):123-36.

The post 5 Surprising Facts about Durian appeared first on Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog.

Sunday, January 4, 2015

Must Watch Tonight.

Hope your weekend has been fantastic! This is a rare Sunday night email. I just came across some interesting videos about the food industry that I want you to see RIGHT AWAY. 

If you are like me, this report will have you shaking your head, throwing your fist up into the air and will make your stomach queasy. 

It's a MUST WATCH. Best of all - It will give you some serious motivation to avoid processed food in this new year! 

Watch it here.

Sit back, relax and watch this tonight on the couch with family and friends. 

Xo,

Vani

 

 



P.O. Box 31521 Charlotte, NC 28231

If you would like to stop receiving free food investigations, recipes and healthy living tips, click here.

6 Reasons BPA is a Toxic Poison from Hell

6 Reasons BPA is a Toxic Poison from Hell

Link to Dr. Group's Healthy Living blog

6 Reasons BPA is a Toxic Poison from Hell

Posted: 03 Jan 2015 07:00 AM PST

water-bottles

I'm sure just about everyone has heard of BPA, but many people are still confused about its presence and safety risk. Simply put, bisphenol-A is a synthetic compound used in plastic and epoxy resins. So what does that really mean to you? Think about everyday items like water bottles, sports equipment, CDs, and DVDs. On the epoxy side, you might have BPA lining the inside of food cans and water pipes, or in thermal paper (the kind used in receipts). Studies indicate the majority of Americans test positive for exposure. [1] Why is this a problem? Well for one thing, BPA can lead to endocrine disorders or other health problems. I'm going to run through 6 reasons why you're much better off without this compound while giving you simply advice for how you can avoid BPA.

1. BPA is especially dangerous to women.

Recent evidence suggests that BPA is toxic to a woman's ovaries. [2] One study found that after exposure, follicle production was fewer and smaller as the production of estradiol, a hormone necessary for normal reproductive development, had become stunted. [3] There's even evidence suggesting that BPA exposure can shorten the reproductive lifespan and lead to infertility. [4]

2. BPA exposure during pregnancy causes lung problems in children.

In addition to being harmful to a woman's reproductive system, there's evidence suggesting that exposure can also cause issues for the unborn child during pregnancy. [5] In a study of mothers and infants, the mothers with higher levels of BPA had children with decreased lung function. According to the study, each tenfold increase in the average BPA concentration corresponded to a 14.2 decrease in lung function. [6] The study also noted that the children were more likely to develop persistent wheezing by age 5, suggesting the very scary idea that an expectant mother's BPA exposure can actually affect her child's lung development.

3. BPA is leaching into bottled water.

Years ago, there was a concern that drinking from water bottles left in hot cars increased cancer risk. That was never proven, but what is certain is that toxic levels of BPA are seeping into our water from plastic. For over four weeks, scientists studied plastic water bottles left in three different temperature conditions. The highest temperature—158 degrees Fahrenheit—was chosen because car interiors can easily reach that on a hot day. In the hottest bottles, there was an increase in levels of BPA, suggesting that the levels of this poison steadily increase over time. [7]

4. It's even polluting the air.

It's bad enough that BPA is in so many items, but recent evidence even suggests it's polluting our environment. Chemical companies often use BPA as a plasticizer to make plastic stronger and, in 2013, over 26 tons of the stuff was released into the air. What does that mean for us? Well, not only do we have to worry about ingesting BPA or absorbing it through the skin, inhalation is also a concern. In fact, one study found that BPA is everywhere. [8] To give you some more perspective, another study found BPA in everyday household dust. [9]

5. BPA raises your blood pressure.

Here's another reason to avoid BPA: a study suggests that it can cause a small spike in blood pressure, something that could cause problems for those with hypertension. The Korean study followed 60 individuals as they drank the same brand of soymilk from BPA-free glass bottles and BPA-lined cans. Each individual was studied three times: as they drank from the bottles, as they drank from the cans, and as they drank from each. Not only was there an increase in systolic blood pressure when drinking from the cans, urinary concentration of BPA increased following consumption of the canned beverages by more than 1,600 percent compared with the consumption of the glass bottles. [10]

6. BPA is confusing our government agencies.

While it’s bad enough that it’s wrecking our health, it also seems to have a firm hold on the minds of our officials. Although the EPA recognizes BPA is dangerous, the FDA says it's safe. The EPA just recognized BPA, along with 22 other toxins, as a health risk; however, the FDA takes a markedly different approach. [11] While the agency recognizes that BPA is normally ingested, exposure levels are negligible and not a concern. [12] The FDA even claims that there is no risk to the unborn child. They cling to the belief that BPA is safe despite the number of studies suggesting otherwise.

One More Thought

There are 6 reasons for you to go completely BPA free. Unfortunately, a product with the BPA-free label doesn't always mean it's safe. Bisphenol-S (BPS) is a common replacement for BPA. Initially used because it was thought to be more resistant to leaching, BPS is just as bad. Once it gets into the body, it parallels the actions of BPA. [13] It seems as if BPA-free plastic might be just as harmful. So what can you do for your health? Make the smartest choice available to you and choose glass containers.

What do you do to keep BPA and alternatives out of your life? Let us know in the comments below.

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

References:

  1. Vanderberg, L, et al. Human exposures to bisphenol A: mismatches between data and assumptions. Reviews on Environmental Health. 28 (1).
  2. Peretz, J. et al. Bisphenol A and Reproductive Health: Update of Experimental and Human Evidence, 2007–2013. Environmental Health Perspectives. 122 (8).
  3. Peretz, J. et al. Bisphenol A Impairs Follicle Growth, Inhibits Steroidogenesis, and Downregulates Rate-Limiting Enzymes in the Estradiol Biosynthesis Pathway. Toxicological Sciences. 119 (1).
  4. Wang, W. et al. In utero Bisphenol A exposure disrupts germ cell nest breakdown and reduces fertility with age in the mouse. Toxicology & Applied Pharmacology. 276 (2).
  5. Boxe-Blaszczak, A. BPA Exposure During Pregnancy Linked to Lung Problems in Children. Live Science.
  6. Spanier, A. et al. Bisphenol A Exposure and the Development of Wheeze and Lung Function in Children Through Age 5 Years. JAMA Pediatrics. 168 (12).
  7. Fan et al. Effects of storage temperature and duration on release of antimony and bisphenol A from polyethylene terephthalate drinking water bottles of China. Environmental Pollution 192.
  8. Fu, P. Ubiquity of bisphenol A in the atmosphere. Environmental Pollution. 158 (10).
  9. Bienkowski, B. BPA in the air: Manufacturing plants in Ohio, Indiana, Texas are top emitters. Environmental Health News.
  10. Fox, M. Could the Chemical BPA Raise Your Blood Pressure? NBC News.
  11. Rizzuto, P. EPA Adds 23 Chemicals, Including BPA, to Key List for Scrutiny, Possible Action. Bloomberg BNA.
  12. Rizzuto, P. Bisphenol A Is Safe for Approved Uses In Food Containers, Packaging, FDA Says. Bloomberg BNA.
  13. Bilbrey, J. BPA-Free Plastic Containers May Be Just as Hazardous. Scientific American.

The post 6 Reasons BPA is a Toxic Poison from Hell appeared first on Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog.

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Saturday, January 3, 2015

5 Reasons You Should Be Eating Teff

5 Reasons You Should Be Eating Teff

Link to Dr. Group's Healthy Living blog

5 Reasons You Should Be Eating Teff

Posted: 02 Jan 2015 07:00 AM PST

teff-grain

Teff is one of the most nutritious alternative grains in the world, offering a large amount of calcium, fiber, protein, and antioxidants necessary for dynamic health and wellbeing. It's energy efficient, protects bone health, and provides long-lasting satiation that may support your weight loss efforts. Compared with wheat, teff is higher in nutrients and easier on digestion, mainly because it is absent of gluten. If you take a close look, you'll see just how this nutritional powerhouse can support your health.

5 Benefits of Teff

Teff can be purchased in its whole form and cooked in the same way as quinoa. Also, teff flour is available for the gluten-free baker out there, adding flavor, nutrition, and color to your baked goods. Here are some of the benefits of teff you really should know.

1. Naturally Gluten Free

Teff is a gluten-free grain, meaning it doesn't contain the protein responsible for adverse allergic and/or digestive reactions in celiac disease patients. [1] The truth is that most people, regardless of whether or not they are diagnosed with celiac disease, are sensitive or downright intolerant to gluten. Certain skin conditions, digestive complaints, and mood disturbances are all subtle ways your body is telling you that something in your diet is not right.

2. Provides Long-Lasting Energy

Most grains contain protein, but usually not in adequate amounts to be sufficient for a healthy diet. Teff is much higher in amino acids in comparison to other grains, with lysine being one of the highest amino acids found in the grain. [2] While teff should never be relied on as a complete source of protein, it can provide the amino acids necessary for supporting energy levels throughout the day. Teff is considered a whole grain, so its carbohydrates are slowly broken down into glucose for a steady assimilation into cells. This means that, compared with refined grains, teff may help support energy without the crashes experienced following consumption of refined carbohydrates.

3. Keeps You Regular

One ounce of teff flour contains roughly five grams of fiber, compared to all-purpose wheat flour which contains 1 gram. Including more high-fiber grains in your diet is a great way to ensure regularity in your bowel movements. [3] Regularity is important for removing toxic wastes from the colon, which may be helpful for reducing accumulation of toxic compounds in the body. The added fiber also increases satiation which may be helpful for reducing snacking in between meals.

4. Energy Efficient

Teff is a much smaller grain compared to rice and wheat, so it typically cooks faster. This makes teff an energy-efficient grain, making it popular among environmentalists and health foodies alike. Since it does cook faster than most grains, it is important to watch it carefully during preparation.

5. Bone Health

It can be difficult to find a good source of calcium, especially if you're avoiding dairy products. While milk is certainly high in calcium, there are other whole foods that are much more nutritious than milk that also provide roughly the same level of calcium content. Teff is high in calcium, which can be helpful for supporting bone health. [4] Its protein content may also add an extra boost for bone health, and the high level of antioxidants contained within the grain could also be considered protective for the bone matrix.

How to Prepare Teff

Teff can be prepared in a similar fashion as quinoa or rice. Due to its small size, teff cooks faster than most grains and should be watched carefully during the preparation process. Generally, a 1:2 ratio of grain to water should be used when cooking the whole grain. Teff can be substituted in place of rice or steel-cut oats in a variety of recipes while adding a delicious, nutty flavor. Teff flour can replace around ¼ of the total flour used in baked goods to increase the final product's nutritional profile.

Have you ever used teff? How do you like it? What are your favorite ways to consume this alternative grain? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments!

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

References:

  1. Letizia Saturni, Gianna Farretti, and Tiziana Bacchetti. The Gluten-Free Diet: Safety and Nutritional Quality. Nutrients. Jan 2010; 2(1): 16-34.
  2. G. R. Jansen, L. R. DiMaio, N. L. Hause. Cereal Proteins, Amino Acid Composition and Lysine Supplementation of Teff. J. Agric. Food Chem. 1962, 10(1), pp. 62-64. doi: 10.1021/jf60119a021.
  3. Doris Piccinin, M.S. R.D., Tsegazeab Woldetatios, PhD. More About Ethiopian Food: Teff. EthnoMed.
  4. Utah State University. Teff. Food Sense: Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences.

The post 5 Reasons You Should Be Eating Teff appeared first on Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog.

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Friday, January 2, 2015

The top moments you don't want to miss!

Happy New Year!!!

I am about to go on live TV making one of my favorite recipes, but before I go, I wanted to make sure you saw this official first blog post of 2015!

Read it here

Thanks for coming along for the ride – what would you like to see happen this year?

See you in the comments…

Xo,

Vani

P.S. I plan to share the recipe and video clip later! So stay tuned!

 

 

 

 

 



P.O. Box 31521 Charlotte, NC 28231

If you would like to stop receiving free food investigations, recipes and healthy living tips, click here.