Accessibility Links
Weekdays at 2pm
Food
Foods That Heal
Did you know that you can use food to help heal you of certain conditions? Nutritionist Peggy Kotsopoulos came by to help us all eat smarter!
PMS: Broccoli
Broccoli is high in...
1. Calcium/Magnesium - studies show that low calcium levels correlate to increased incidence of menstrual cramps. Calcium and Magnesium work to help relax uterine contractions reducing menstrual pains.
2. I3C - More and more studies are pointing to excess 'bad' estrogen leading to worsen PMS symptoms and cramping. Indole-3-Carbinol (I-3-C) is a chemical compound created through the cooking and masticating of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli. This is broken down into Diindolylmethane (DIM) in the intestinal tract and alters the metabolism of estrogen into a weaker, more beneficial manner, making us less estrogenic, alleviating symptoms of PMS.
3. Fiber - fiber helps to pull and eliminated excess 'bad' estrogen from the body and helps to alleviate symptoms of PMS
Low Energy: Sunflower Sprouts
Sunflower sprouts are 'micro-greens' spouted from the sunflower seed and harvested in the beginning stages of their journey. This is when the plants are the most nutrient dense, bioavailable and enzyme rich. These crisp, fresh tasting sprouts are rich in proteins, vitamins (including B), enzymes and phytonutrients which help protect against disease.
When sprouting, the nutritional profile can increase anywhere from 100-600% making sprouts superior to any other leafy (macro) green. They are also higher in chlorophyll than any macro green, increasing the number of red blood cells that deliver oxygen to your cells. The more oxygen to your cells, the more energy you will have, boosting not only overall energy, but health too! Sunflower sprouts are probably one of the most enzymatically rich foods around. Enzymes are the catalyst of all life. They spark the electrical conduit for every chemical reaction that occurs in our body. They help to repair skin, recover from illnesses, heal wounds and digest food. Sprouts are also extremely alkalizing with several healing properties. Eat these raw, and as close to harvest as possible for maximum nutritional benefit!
Gas: Kombucha Tea
Kombucha is a fermented tea that is a rich source of probitoics and digestive enzymes that helps with the digestive process, increases good bacteria in the gut and helps your body break down and assimilate food helping prevent and eliminate intestinal gas and indigestion.
Aches and Pains: Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne or hot chili peppers contain capsaicin - which gives it its heat. Capsaicin increases endorphins, which are our 'feel good' hormones - the same ones that give us the 'runner's high.' When endorphins are released, they numb our pain receptors, reducing physical aches and pains. This also works when applied topically.
Acne: Raw Honey
Raw honey has antiseptic, antibiotic and antibacterial properties, which inhibit bacterial growth and infection, as well as minimizing pain and inflammation while promoting the body's natural healing processes. The Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine suggests that honey is a simple, convenient and effective topical remedy for infected non-healing wounds due to its antibacterial properties. Studies also show that it kills bacteria - bees make a protein added to the honey (called defensin-1), which can be used to treat burns and skin infections and could one day help combat antibiotic resistant infections. On a day-to-day basis, these healing properties can also help facilitate the healing of blemishes and zits on skin, and honey is believed to have an overall positive effect on keeping skin healthy and vibrant. For an instant acne treatment, dollop raw honey directly on the blemish and watch it vanish in no time!
Insomnia: Tart Cherries
Tart cherries contain the highest plant-based source of readily absorbable dietary melatonin. A study conducted by the University of Rochester Medical Center concluded that the consumption of tart cherry juice significantly reduced the severity of insomnia, reducing 'wake periods' after sleep onset, keeping you asleep throughout the night.
PMS: Broccoli
Broccoli is high in...
1. Calcium/Magnesium - studies show that low calcium levels correlate to increased incidence of menstrual cramps. Calcium and Magnesium work to help relax uterine contractions reducing menstrual pains.
2. I3C - More and more studies are pointing to excess 'bad' estrogen leading to worsen PMS symptoms and cramping. Indole-3-Carbinol (I-3-C) is a chemical compound created through the cooking and masticating of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli. This is broken down into Diindolylmethane (DIM) in the intestinal tract and alters the metabolism of estrogen into a weaker, more beneficial manner, making us less estrogenic, alleviating symptoms of PMS.
3. Fiber - fiber helps to pull and eliminated excess 'bad' estrogen from the body and helps to alleviate symptoms of PMS
Low Energy: Sunflower Sprouts
Sunflower sprouts are 'micro-greens' spouted from the sunflower seed and harvested in the beginning stages of their journey. This is when the plants are the most nutrient dense, bioavailable and enzyme rich. These crisp, fresh tasting sprouts are rich in proteins, vitamins (including B), enzymes and phytonutrients which help protect against disease.
When sprouting, the nutritional profile can increase anywhere from 100-600% making sprouts superior to any other leafy (macro) green. They are also higher in chlorophyll than any macro green, increasing the number of red blood cells that deliver oxygen to your cells. The more oxygen to your cells, the more energy you will have, boosting not only overall energy, but health too! Sunflower sprouts are probably one of the most enzymatically rich foods around. Enzymes are the catalyst of all life. They spark the electrical conduit for every chemical reaction that occurs in our body. They help to repair skin, recover from illnesses, heal wounds and digest food. Sprouts are also extremely alkalizing with several healing properties. Eat these raw, and as close to harvest as possible for maximum nutritional benefit!
Gas: Kombucha Tea
Kombucha is a fermented tea that is a rich source of probitoics and digestive enzymes that helps with the digestive process, increases good bacteria in the gut and helps your body break down and assimilate food helping prevent and eliminate intestinal gas and indigestion.
Aches and Pains: Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne or hot chili peppers contain capsaicin - which gives it its heat. Capsaicin increases endorphins, which are our 'feel good' hormones - the same ones that give us the 'runner's high.' When endorphins are released, they numb our pain receptors, reducing physical aches and pains. This also works when applied topically.
Acne: Raw Honey
Raw honey has antiseptic, antibiotic and antibacterial properties, which inhibit bacterial growth and infection, as well as minimizing pain and inflammation while promoting the body's natural healing processes. The Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine suggests that honey is a simple, convenient and effective topical remedy for infected non-healing wounds due to its antibacterial properties. Studies also show that it kills bacteria - bees make a protein added to the honey (called defensin-1), which can be used to treat burns and skin infections and could one day help combat antibiotic resistant infections. On a day-to-day basis, these healing properties can also help facilitate the healing of blemishes and zits on skin, and honey is believed to have an overall positive effect on keeping skin healthy and vibrant. For an instant acne treatment, dollop raw honey directly on the blemish and watch it vanish in no time!
Insomnia: Tart Cherries
Tart cherries contain the highest plant-based source of readily absorbable dietary melatonin. A study conducted by the University of Rochester Medical Center concluded that the consumption of tart cherry juice significantly reduced the severity of insomnia, reducing 'wake periods' after sleep onset, keeping you asleep throughout the night.
Peggy's chocolate-cherry truffles
Ingredients
1 cup raw cashews
2/3 cup dried tart cherries
3 tbsp raw cacao powder
1.5 tbsp coconut oil (make sure the coconut oil is melted until liquid)
1 teaspoon raw cacao nibs
Directions
1. Add cashews to food processor and pulse until finely ground
2. Add dried cherries and cocoa powder and mix until well combined
3. Add cacao nibs and coconut oil and mix until combined. The mixture should 'stick' together. You may add more coconut oil if mixture is too dry and/or to round out the tart cherry flavour.
4. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into little 1inch balls with your hands. You can roll into coconut flakes, cocoa powder, crushed cashew or coconut sugar.
*Note there is no sugar added to the recipe (only sweetness comes from the tart cherries. However, if too tart or bitter for you, you may add a bit of coconut sugar, yacon syrup or maple syrup to taste).
Enjoy with a chamomile and/or passionflower tea
Ingredients
1 cup raw cashews
2/3 cup dried tart cherries
3 tbsp raw cacao powder
1.5 tbsp coconut oil (make sure the coconut oil is melted until liquid)
1 teaspoon raw cacao nibs
Directions
1. Add cashews to food processor and pulse until finely ground
2. Add dried cherries and cocoa powder and mix until well combined
3. Add cacao nibs and coconut oil and mix until combined. The mixture should 'stick' together. You may add more coconut oil if mixture is too dry and/or to round out the tart cherry flavour.
4. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into little 1inch balls with your hands. You can roll into coconut flakes, cocoa powder, crushed cashew or coconut sugar.
*Note there is no sugar added to the recipe (only sweetness comes from the tart cherries. However, if too tart or bitter for you, you may add a bit of coconut sugar, yacon syrup or maple syrup to taste).
Enjoy with a chamomile and/or passionflower tea
