Friday, December 3, 2010

variety is the spice of life

A few things to add to your diet, if you haven't yet...as for me, any excuse will do...

cocoa or dark chocolate -- these can lower blood pressure and help dilate blood vessels, plus, both made you feel good emotionally!

cranberries -- can't seem to get enough of them when they're in season, and find ways to sneak them into everything -- when they aren't in season I use the dried ones. I use them because with only 1/4th of a kidney I get a lot of nasty infections and they are well known for warding off urinary tract infections (UTIs). It was thought the cranberry juice was only marginally effective for UTIs, but new research is reporting it blocks off a strain of bacteria that comes from staph infections which can range from minor things like skin rashes to serious problems like MRSA - the staph infection that hasn't responded to most antibiotics.

cinnamon -- specifically a cinnamon extract. A study led by the USDA suggests that it contains antioxidant compounds that could help reduce risk factors associated with diabetes and heart disease. While more studies are needed, it's plain that adding a little more spice to your life couldn't hurt.

In general, I've been using a lot more spices to my meat and vegetable dishes in an effort to make them more flavorful without using a lot of salt and pepper and butter.


Update on 'Cokie' -- we didn't see him tonight -- it's been three days. The wildlife rehabilitators we've contacted have basically said 'Yeah, good luck with that.' The Zoo isn't helpful. Tomorrow we are going to put together a wire cage we've used for composting that has three sides and a 'door,' and if he shows up we will try to lure him in there. If we can get him a bit sedated with a crushed pill in something to eat, we may get him to the vet, who can gass him and then get that can off its foot...I hope not seeing him tonight isn't a bad sign...fooling around with this coon is the last thing I want to do, but I feel so badly for him.

8 comments:

Arkansas Patti said...

We do agree on natural health aids. I just did a post on bilberries.
I do hope you can catch that poor raccoon. He would break my heart. I would hesitate giving him a pill unless it is something the vet recommends. I had a vet give me a liquid once that I put in an injured feral cat's mouth. It should also work in food since I'm sure you don't want to mess with a coon's mouth. Good luck.

marciamayo said...

All I can say it "Be careful". Of course, you people tame wild horses so how bad can a scared raccoon be?

Mrs. Tuna said...

Now that the holidays are upon me I need a lap band rather than tasty food suggestions. Hope the coon will work out.

Doris Sturm said...

Yes, good advice! I'm generally not into chocolate, but keep cocoa on had in case I want some hot chocolate - I prefer dark, but I'm definitely into cinnamon and love it in my coffee, my cereal and cinnamon scented candles (but that doesn't count - or does it?) ... just kidding!

I hope you can help that coon too - I can't belief he still has that can on his foot...that's terrible!

Be careful and have a blessed weekend,
Doris and Gizzy!

e said...

I'm already using chocolate and cinnamon, and I was aware of the power of cranberries having used Cranactin for UTI's. I do hope you can get that animal to a vet. Take care.

Stephanie Faris said...

Any excuse to eat chocolate!!!

running42k said...

Cranberries and oatmeal is a match made in heaven.

For spices and meat, if I can suggest garam masala and either chicken or lamb.

Home Inspection Thornton said...

Thaank you