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Coconut oil is one of the purest forms of oils available on the market (pure virgin coconut oil). It can be used both internally and externally with positive results. Today I will highlight some benefits of healthy cooking with coconut oil. In my follow-up post I will cover some of the external uses.

Due to it’s pure form, when coconut oil enters the body it is entered as energy instead of fat. Coconut oil is known to treat or cure the following:

Brain: Most of our brain is made up of saturated and unsaturated fat cells. By consuming organic coconut oil you directly feed the brain cells. If you do not maintain a healthy diet of saturated fats the chemistry of your brain could be compromised leaving you susceptible to different forms of brain diseases.

Liver: The consumption of saturated fats found in organic coconut oil can aid in the protection of your liver from toxins such as alcohol. There is a direct link to the increase use of poly-unsaturated oils and the increase in liver problems.

Kidney: Coconut oil is know to help in the prevention of kidney disease and dissolving kidney stones. Toxins are filtered from the body by the kidney through the use of cholesterol, saturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids. Coconut oil contains myristic acid which aids the kidney cells to function properly.

Bones: The consumption of coconut oil have been known to improve the body’s ability to absorb important minerals such as magnesium and calcium. Both magnesium and calcium are vitally important in bone creation. the use of coconut oil should be highly considered for middle-aged people diagnosed with osteoporosis.

Lungs: The successful operation of the lungs is dependent on a diet that include saturated fats. The lungs cannot operate efficiently when items such as; vegetable oils, partially hydrogenated oils, trans-fats or poly-saturated fats are taken in large doses. Clearly if you inspect the consumption patterns of the past forty years it indicate a rise in lung disease and cancer. Studies have shown that children that consume the right amount of butter-fat and coconut oils have a lower risk of asthma.

Digestion: Cooking with coconut oil can aid with the digestive process and help to prevent digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome. Consuming coconut oil can help with controlling bacteria, fungi and parasites that causes indigestion.

Heart: Dr. Mary Enig, a world renowned authority on trans-fat claims that, “Saturated fats protect the body organs.” Coconut oil contains fifty percent lauric acid. This is known to prevent various heart problems like high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Contrary to previous claims, coconut oil does not increase LDL like vegetable oils. Studies have shown that the human heart is surrounded by a concentration of saturated fat that help to reduce injury to the arteries and help with preventing atherosclerosis.

PS: Please consult your medical professional to verify claims about healthy cooking with coconut oil mentioned in this post.

This is a follow-up post from healthy cooking with coconut oil. Today I will highlight other health benefits of coconut oil. Coconut oil enters the body as pure energy instead of turning into stored fat. Coconut oil can be used internally and externally with amazing results. some common external uses of coconut oil are:

Skin Care: Coconut oil is one of the most effective moisturizer of all kind of skin, even extremely dry skin. It can be used a a massage cream or applied directly after a shower or bath. This results in a moist soft feeling without feeling greasy or oily. Consistent use of coconut oil as a moisturizer can delay wrinkles an even roll back the hands of time on aging. Coconut oil can also be used to treat or prevent common skin problems such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and other forms of skin infections

Hair Care: Who doesn’t like to see healthy natural hair? If you desire a natural healthy head of hair, I challenge you to use coconut oil in your hair. Eastern cultures have been using coconut oil as a natural conditioner for centuries. Daily usage helps in the regrowth of damaged hair and is an excellent treatment for day scalp and dandruff.

Infliction prevention: Use coconut oil on cuts or buses to prevent infections. The chemical make up of coconut allows it to form a natural layer to protect against dust, air, fungi, bacteria and virus. Luric acid is also know to fight fungi, bacteria and virus.

Dental Care: Coconut oil is know to assist the body with calcium absorption. Since calcium is necessary for tooth health, it is safe to say that coconut oil helps the body proper tooth health. Coconut oil is also know to stop the tooth decay and forms a natural barrier around the tooth to stop the build up of plaque.

A Healthy Jamaican Breakfast

Growing up in Jamaica cornmeal porridge was a staple breakfast for us. The low cost of cornmeal made it ideal for large families to provide a healthy meal. I would go out on a limb and make a statement that every Jamaican has had this meal at least once. I absolutely love it because it is filling and healthy. I am sure that everyone has a favorite food from childhood, this is one of mine. Today, I will provide you information about how to prepare cornmeal porridge Jamaican style. Yea mon!

Ingredients:

1 cup of Fine Cornmeal (the finer the better)

3 ½ cups of water

¼ teaspoon of Nutmeg

¼ teaspoon of Ground Cinnamon

¼ cup of Organic Brown Sugar

½ cup of Coconut Milk

A pinch of Sea Salt

Note:  Please follow directions closely to avoid burns. Boiling cornmeal could pop up above the pot on high heat.

1. Begin by placing the cornmeal into bowl with 1 ½ cup of cold water to soak. Mix with a fork until the mixture is smooth.
2. Place 2 cups of water into a medium pot and bring to a boil.
3. Add a pinch of salt
4. While mixing the cornmeal pour the mixture into the pot.
5. Place the stove on low and continue to mix the mixture for 30 seconds or until the mixture is smooth.
6. Continue to stir the pot periodically for 10 minutes.
7. The mixture should thicken.
8. Not it is time to create the cream mixture.
9. In a bowl add Coconut Milk, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Vanilla.
10. Add the cream mixture to the pot and stir.
11. Allow to cook for approximately 15 minutes on low heat.
12. Stir occasionally.
13. The porridge will be ready within 5 – 10 minutes.
14. Enjoy

This can be served with any fruits. Feel free to substitute any ingredients to fit your taste.

History of Honey:  Honey is produced by bees as natural food storage. The process begins by male bees gathering sugar filled nectar form neighboring plants and returning it to the hive. This natural product has been used in various forms by almost every culture throughout the world.  In ancient Egypt honey was used as a form of currency.  In Germany, honey was used to sweeten beverages such as beer, cider and wines. The Native Americans also used this miracle product as a fruit preservative and creating other herbal medicines. Honey can be found in any major retail establishment; however I highly advise you to visit your local farmer’s market and obtain this product in its pure natural form.

Fevers and Allergies:  do you know someone that suffers from seasonal allergies?  Honey has been known to immunize your body against allergies before allergy season arrives.  Consuming local honey for two months before allergy season can lessen your allergies. Local bees carry the pollen and the nectar of the allergy producing plants. Therefore, by consuming a daily dose of honey prior to the arrival of heavy pollen it immunizes the body.

Natural Energy Boost: today many athletes consume energy boosting beverages during training or competitions. They do this because these beverages contain large quantities of carbohydrates. Recent studies have shown that local honey contains high levels of carbohydrates and glucose similar to that in many energy boosting beverages found on the market today. So next time you need a quick energy boost, don’t  go for those high fructose corn syrup or the highly refined sugar drinks, try getting that natural boost from local honey.

Hangover:  let’s make this clear, I am not a heavy drinker nor do I promote the abuse of alcoholic beverages. In the rare case that you wake up with a hangover, honey can be your best remedy. The natural sugar found in honey is known to speed up the oxidation process of alcohol. A mixture of natural yogurt, orange juice and honey is known to act as a sobering agent.

Sore Throat: Have you ever woken up with a sore throat? Honey and its antimicrobial properties have been known to soothe a sore throat and kill the bacteria that cause the infection. Many professional singers rely on this natural product to soothe their throats before performing.

Burns, Cuts and Bruises: honey also contains an anti-bacterial property that makes it ideal for use as a topical ointment. Honey can be used to prevent the growth of bacteria and keep cuts and wounds clean and free from infection. Keep honey close by while cooking, for burns honey is able to absorb the moisture from the air and promote healing.

Natural Skin Moisturizer: honey can be found in countless cosmetic products such as soaps, shampoos and moisturizers. It has a property that extracts water and helps the skin and hair absorb it. Try adding honey to your bath water to soften your skin, or making a natural hair conditioner by adding olive oil to honey. You can use a mixture of honey and milk to do your own facial or a mixture of sea salt, crushed oats and honey to make your own exfoliator.

Natural Sleep Aid: A glass of warm milk and honey can be used to soothe the soul and induce sleep. If milk is not your thing try adding 2 teaspoons of honey to your favorite tea before bed time. Please note that honey should never be given to infants it may result in sickness or death.

Ginger: This super spice ginger can be found all around the world. Asians and Indians used ginger as a part of daily life. Ginger can be found in many different forms; fresh whole ginger root, minced in water and lemon juice, ground or powdered.

Health Benefits:

1. Dizziness, vomiting and nausea – hot cup of ginger tea
2. Protection against colorectal cancer – daily usage
3. Immune system boost – daily usage
4. Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis pain relief – anti-inflammatory properties with daily usage
5. Stomach ache – hot cup of ginger tea
6. Throat and nose congestion – hot cup of ginger tea to soothe the throat
7. Open appetite – eat fresh ginger before meal to stir up the digestive juices

Cooking: Ginger can be cooked with rice to produce a pleasant aroma in the kitchen. Add ginger to meat and stews to add a burst of flavor and slight spicy without the burn.

Drink: Ginger can be used in hot or cold drinks. Add grated fresh ginger to a hot cup of water to make ginger tea. Add ginger to your favorite fruit juices for a bursting flavor. Sprinkle ground ginger in your hot chocolate or coffee.

Desert: Add grated or ground ginger to your cakes. Sprinkle powered ginger to your favorite sorbet.

Thank you for reading, your comments are welcomed. Please click leave a comment and share your thoughts.

History: Nutmeg has been used in medicine since the seventh century. As with all my posts, please check with your medical professional before applying anything in this or other posts you find on the internet.

Brain: Consuming Nutmeg could keep your brain functioning normal. Nutmeg has been known to increase focus and concentration. Nutmeg stimulates the brain and can help with reducing stress and fatigue.

Toothache Relief: The antibacterial property in nutmeg oil has been known to stop a toothache and protect the teeth and gums. Check your toothpaste ingredients for a chemical called eugenol. Make a powerful antiseptic by combining nutmeg with cinnamon.

Digestive Aid: Nutmeg oil can be used to relieve digestive problems such as; diarrhea, stomachache, bloating, constipation and gas. Consuming nutmeg can also increase your appetite.

Sleep Aid: Sprinkle grounded nutmeg into a glass of warm milk to increase relaxation and induce sleep.

Skin Cleanser: A mixture or nutmeg, honey and water could be applied to your face as a cleanser. This mixture can brighten your skin within a few days, eliminate acne and even get rid of scars.

Joint Pain Relief: Eastern cultures have used nutmeg oil for centuries as an effective sedative. Apply nutmeg oil on aching joints, arthritis, muscle pain or open sores for rapid relief.

Blood Circulation: Nutmeg contains a detoxification property that helps the liver and kidney remove toxins from the body. Nutmeg can help with preventing and dissolving kidney stones.

Before I get into today’s post I would like to take a minute to thank all my loyal readers for the daily support. I read all your comments daily. Today I am responding to one of them. There has been an overwhelming request for this recipe (Jamaican Curry Chicken). Here goes! Please visit this site daily for more tips on healthy cooking.

Ingredients:

1 Whole Chicken (about 2.5lb – 3lb)

4-5 tablespoons of Jamaican Curry Powder

3 Potatoes diced – set aside

1.5 tablespoons of Coconut Oil

2 cups Water

1 Onion chopped

4 stalks Scallion chopped

1 teaspoon of powered Thyme

4 cloves Garlic

1 hot peppers (preferably Scotch Bonnet)

2 teaspoons Sea Salt

1 teaspoons Black Pepper

Preparing:

Remove chicken from the package

Wash the chicken in vinegar and lemon juice or lime juice

Chop chicken into bite-size pieces

Chop the onion, scallion, pepper and garlic in to small pieces

Season the chicken by mixing chicken with chopped onion, chopped scallion, thyme, garlic, hop pepper salt and black pepper

Place seasoned chicken in the refrigerator for 2 hours

Chop the potato in to small pieces

Cooking:

Pour oil into a medium frying/sauce pan on medium/high heat

Fry the chicken pieces for 5-10 minutes

Add the potatoes and water to the pan

Cover and set stove on medium/low heat for 1-1½ hour

Stir occasionally

Serve with plain rice. Enjoy!

Did you know that the foods we eat can affect the way we feel? Today, I will uncover the 10 Best Foods that reduce stress and anxiety. The next time you feel overwhelmed or stressed out, a serving of one of these super foods could get you back on track.

1. Avocados: Avocados contain a high concentration of vitamin B, mono unsaturated fat and potassium. Recent studies have shown that some anxiety may be the result of low level vitamin B. So the next time you are feeling a little stressed out instead of reaching for the ice cream opt for a delicious blend of avocado, red bananas, vanilla and almond milk. Place the mixture in the freezer and enjoy as an ice cream substitute.
2.  Blackberries: BlackBerry is not just a phone, just a handful of blackberries contain enough vitamin C and antioxidants to help with cell repair and boost your energy. Try freezing them for a cold blackberry snack.
3. Milk: Milk contains a high concentration of protein, calcium, antioxidants and vitamin B2 and B12. A glass of warm milk before bedtime is known to produce a calming effect and a restful night sleep.
4. Asparagus: Studies have shown that depression is linked to low levels of folic acid? This super food asparagus contains high levels of folic acid, enough to enhance your mood. A single serving per day is enough to get your levels normalized. I like my asparagus steamed with water and a pinch of sea salt.
5. Oatmeal: Eating oatmeal can produce a calming effect by increasing serotonin flow to the brain. If you would like a longer calming effect from oatmeal then choose the old-fashioned oats as opposed to the instant oatmeal.
6. Turkey: The amino acid tryptophan in turkey when consumed is known to release serotonin to the brain. Serotonin is the feel-good chemical that promotes calmness.
7. Spinach: This green leafy vegetable) can produce a comforting effect. No wonder Popeye was always so happy and strong. The magnesium contained in spinach is known to regulate cortisol levels and gives you a good feeling.
8. Salmon: Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids which should be part of a healthy diet. It is known that consuming 3 to 4 ounces of salmon per week can help your heart and reduce stress hormones.
9. Almonds: Almonds can be enjoyed in several different ways; whole nuts, almond milk or my favorite almond butter spread. This vitamin rich nut helps with boosting the immune system and is known to reduce stress.
10. Oranges: Oranges contain vitamin C which is known to reduce blood pressure and reduce stress. For a boost of vitamin C, eat an orange or drink a fresh glass of orange juice, no sugar added.

I welcome your comments.

Cayenne Pepper is also known as cow-horn, bird pepper or in the powered form red pepper. This pepper is used to flavor dishes and for medicinal healing purposes. It is packed with vitamin A. It also contains a vitamin B, E, C. In addition to cooking, I have listed a few medicinal benefits below:

1. Digestive: Cayenne helps with the digestive process by increasing the flow of gastric juices. Eating cayenne pepper is also known to relieve gas.
2. Headaches: Cayenne pepper is also known to have a remarkable effect on pain, particularly headaches.
3. Allergy Relief: Cayenne peppers can aid with allergy relief.
4. Blood Clots: Consuming cayenne can help reduce atherosclerosis.
5. Detox: For detoxification, mix cayenne with lemon juice and honey.
6. Cold and Flu: Consuming cayenne can help with breaking up and removing mucus from the body.

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