Have You Tried Rhubarb?

Last weekend, I watched my son make rhubarb muffins with his grandma. He loved the whole experience, from going into the garden to pick the stalks to biting into a warm baked muffin. See the recipe at the end!

Rhubarb is a vegetable that has many medicinal qualities. Recent research has found several compounds that have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as components that lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Among these beneficial compounds, are anthraquinones, plant chemicals that seem to be particularly potent cancer agents. Emodin, the most abundant anthraquinone in rhubarb, has been shown to fight cancer in three ways; it inhibits cellular proliferation, induces cell death in cancer cells and prevents metastasis (the spread of the disease).

Plus, this stalky red vegetable is also very high in antioxdants resveratrol, lutein and zeaxanthin, which are all important for eye heath.  Continue reading “Have You Tried Rhubarb?”

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Cranberry: My Thanksgiving Favorite!

cottage fallYesterday I celebrated Thanksgiving with family in Canada! The weather was warm, the leaves were beautiful and the food was fantastic. Similar to Thanksgiving celebrated in the United States, the table was covered in dishes filled with potatoes, salads, turkey, stuffing, gravy and my favourite, cranberries! I feel that one cannot really enjoy turkey without a side of that tangy fruit.

Packed with antioxidants and nutrients, the cranberry really is a super food. Cranberries contain phenolic antioxidants that keep bacteria from sticking to cells in the urinary tract, helping prevent infections. One study also has shown that these benefits may extend to men’s prostates, as well. They are also rich in fiber and vitamin C.

Instead of the regular run-of-the-mill canned cranberry sauce, I tried a chunkier cranberry chutney and it was deelish! Since Thanksgiving in the U.S. is still ahead, here is the recipe for Cranberry Chutney, thanks to ALIVE magazine! Continue reading “Cranberry: My Thanksgiving Favorite!”

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Quick Collards and Portobello Mushrooms

Following up my post from Monday, if you’re not sure how to start adding leafy greens to your diet, here’s a simple and tasty recipe to try using a green that I’m sure will be something you can get excited about eating again and again!

This dish is remarkably rich tasting due to the flavor and “beefy” quality of the portobello mushrooms. The recipe can be found in the cookbook Greens, Glorious Greens, by Johhna Albi and Catherine Walthers. Continue reading “Quick Collards and Portobello Mushrooms”

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Lentil Quinoa Burgers with Hemp Pesto

It’s grilling season, and if you are a vegetarian, hamburgers aren’t high on your list for a fun summer meal. A great alternative is this recipe, which is chock-full of protein, fiber and omega-3’s.  The fiber will keep you feeling full, and the protein in the lentils will help balance your blood sugar. Hempseeds are a great source of omega-3’s, which provide cardiovascular benefit.  Hempseeds can be found at any healthfood store and add a nutty flavor to the burger.  I made extra pesto and found that it was tasty on a variety of sandwiches.  You can also freeze it for future use.

Quinoa is an ancient, gluten-free grain that contains all of the amino acids, so it is one of the few non-animal proteins that is an actual complete protein. Quinoa is light, tasty, and  easy to digest. It is not sticky or heavy like most other grains, and  it has a delicious flavor all on its own.

Even meat eaters will love this delicious burger!

1 cup dried green or brown lentils
1/2 cup quinoa
1 cup cilantro, packed Continue reading “Lentil Quinoa Burgers with Hemp Pesto”

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Watermelon Salad with Yellow Beets

Watermelon is in peak season in the U.S. from May to August, so now is the perfect time to pick up this juicy treat. Watermelon is actually packed with some of the most important antioxidants in nature. Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin C and a very good source of vitamin A, as beta-carotene. Pink watermelon is also a source of the potent carotenoid antioxidant, lycopene. These powerful antioxidants travel through the body neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals are substances in the body that can cause a great deal of damage and have been linked to cancer, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Watermelon is quite tasty on its own, especially on a hot day, but for something different, add it to a green salad.  It will make a great side to salmon, chicken or steak.  It also is a yummy recipe on its own.

Watermelon and Yellow Beet Salad

Mixed Spring Greens
2 small beets (grilled, peeled and sliced)
4 or 5 thinly sliced pieces of watermelon
Goat cheese
Toasted pecans
Balsamic vinaigrette (use a light tasting oil, like grapeseed)

Toss the greens with the balsamic. Place in the middle of a plate. Add slices of beets and layer watermelon on top.  Sprinkle with goat cheese and pecans.

Watermelon and Yellow Beet Salad

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