About Flaxseed

Flaxseed may be tiny, but it is big on health and nutrition.It ranks high on the list of "must-have" foods because it is rich in Omega- 3 fatty acids, healthy fats that have anti-flammatory properties, proteins,fibre and lignans (phytoestrogens that helps to protect against certain types of cancer). In addtion, flaxseed contains vitamins B1. B2, B6, B9 C and E, carotene, iron, zinc and trace amounts of potassium, magnesium, phosporous, calcium, manganese and folate.

Boasting as many nutrients, it is not surprising then that flaxseed is highly beneficial to the body. Flaxseed promotes cardiovascular health, counters inflammation associated with lupus and gout, prevents certain types of cancer, treats some immune disorders, stabiliese blood sugar levels, promotes healthy skin, protects the digestive tract, helps with weight control and provided relisf from constipation.

Slightly larger than a sesame seed, flaxseed has a hard shell that is smooth and shiny.The color range from dark yellow to reddiesh brown depending on the variety. There are no nutritional differences between the two.

Use Flaxseed in grounded form for easy disgestion. To grind flaxseed, use a coffee grinder.

Uses:
1. Add flaxseed to salad, bread dough and cookie or pancake mix for warm and earthy nutty flavour.
2. Ground flaxseed go well with cereals, yoghurt, cottage cheese, juices, smoothies and soup.
3. Flaxseed can substitute egg or fat in recipes. To replace one egg, mix one ground flaxseed with three tablespoon of water and let the mixture sit for two mintues before using it.. The finishing product maybe chewier.

Flaxseed oil, the result of cold pressing flaxseed, is also a good source o f Omega-3 fatty acid, although it doesn't have fibre, lignans and protein found in seed. As Flaxseed oil is highly unsaturated, it is very prone to oxidation unless it is stored correctly.Buy only refrigerated flaxseed oil stored in dark container. Keep them in the refrigerator with the lid on tight, minimise exposure to heat, light and air, and consume them within a few weeks of opening.Never heat or cook flaxseed oil, and add it to foods like salad, soups or smoothies just before serving.Taking flaxseed oil with high quality protein such as yoghurt or milk helps to enhance the oil's digestion and absorption by the body.

Like and fibrous food, flaxseed can upset your digestion if you consume too much, too quickly. Taking one tablespoon if flaxseed oil will provide enough essential fatty acids for the body.Drink plenty of water when consuming flaxseed.

Herbs and plants 1

Alfafa: (Medicago Sativa)- Alfafa is a good laxative and natural diuretic. It is often used to reduce urinary tract infections and promoto lowel movement. Reputed to be an excellent appetite stimulant and overall tonic.

Aloe Vera: ( Aloe ferox,A.barbadensis)- Internally, concentrated Aloe ferox resin is ised as a laxaive. Externally, the clear gel drom the A.Barbadensis leaf, is used to treat burns, abrasions, skin injures, and in cosmetic products and drinks.

Astragalus: (Astragalus membranaccous)- Used in traditional Chinese and Esat Indian medicine for it immune-enhancing and tonic properties. Research has indicated its usefulness as a supportive tool for a variety of chronic immune problems.

Beetrool: (Beta vulgaris) : An addition to the very specail class of anti-cancer vegetables, beetrool is able to improve the body cells' respiration(ie. oxygen utilization), hence may decrease the virulence of cancer cells. Especially beneficial for the health of the liver.

Bilberry: ( Vaccinium myrillus)- A European version of bluebery. Bilberry extract is rich in purple/nlue pigments beneficial for accelerating the regeneration rate of the visual system, reducing eye fatigue and strain. and improving light to dark adjustments.In Europe, bilberry extract is used to help increase microcirculation bt stimulating new capillary formation, strengthing capillary walls and increasing overall health of the circulatory system.

Black Cohosh: ( Cimicifuga racemosa)- Standardized extract of this herb has been used for relieving mild menopausal symptoms such as depression, hot flash, mood swings, insomnia and prouse sweating. It can be used alone, or with other herbs, or in conjuction with HRT( Hormone Replacement Therapy).

Butcher's Broom: ( Ruscus aculeatus) - In Europe, Butcher's broom extracts are used extensivesly both internally and externally to treat varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It is also good for bladder and kidney health. Beneficial for managment of carpal tunnel syndome.

Cat's Claw: Uncaria Tomentosa)- This herb is also know as Una de Gota. Its clinical applications include use in gastritis, ulcers, cancer, arthritis, rheumatism, irregualrities of the female cycle and acne. Studies have determined that Cat's claw contains a wealth of phytochemicals which makes it a mental stabilizer, an immune regulator, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory agent.

Cascara Sagrada: ( Rhamnus purshiana)- The bark is used as a stimulant laxative, especially is cases of chronic constipation. The name "sagrada" refers to "scared bark" a nama given to it by early Spanish explorers in the Pacific Northwest. As an approved, safe abd effective laxative, cascara and cascara extracts are found in numerous over the counter laxative perparations.

Capsium (Cayenne, hot pepper) (capsium Species)- Internally, cayenne acts as  a circulatory stimulant, induces perspirations. and is used to stimulate digestion. Serveal OTC products for externa; use is arthritic and rheumatoid conditions contains capsaicin, the hot principle in the oil of capsicum, as the active pain relieving ingredient. Tropical capsaicin perparations are also used for the relief of pain associated with herpes zoster(shingles).

Celery:( Apium graveoleus)- Celery has a calming effect on the digestive system, relieving gas and indigestion. It is also reputed to be useful against rheumatism and gout. Celery juice and exract of celery seeds are excellent diuretics.

Chamomile: (Matricaria recutita). Used internally, chamomile flowers are antispasmodic and used to relieve digestive upset. A popular remedy for indigestion, flatulence, gastrointestinal spasms, and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Often used as a bedtime beverage because of its mild sadative effect. Externally, chamomile extracts are useful for inflammation of skin and muccous membrances.

Carnberry: (Vaccinium macrocarpon)- Cranberry helps to prevent urinary tract infections caused by E. Coli bacteria, particular in people with history of recurrent infections. An excellent example of how common food can have health benefits beyond their nutritional qualities.

Dandelion: (Taraxacum officinala)- The youn leaves are widely used as salad greens and in tea as natual diuretic. The roots are mild laxative and promotoe bile and liver function.

Dong Quai( Also spelled Tang Kwei or Danggui)(Angelica sinensis)- one of the most widely used herbs in tradtional Chinese medicine, it is primarily used in herbal formulas as a "female tonic" to treat muscle cramps and pain before menstrual periods.  Dong quai should not be used during pregnancy and menstruation period.

赤豆冬瓜美容瘦身消肿汤

此汤有瘦身祛湿，除斑，养血养颜，消水肿等功效。甘甜消暑，尤其站久和坐久而下半身水中的人饮用。

冬瓜-性寒味甘，清热生津，具有润肺，化痰制课。利尿消肿，清热祛暑。解毒排脓的功效。

赤豆-性平味甘酸。有滋补强壮, 健脾养胃。利水除湿，清热解毒和补血等功能。

中国薏米-性凉，味甘淡，有健脾胃，强筋骨，消水肿，去风湿，清肺热等功能。

材料：瘦肉-500克
            冬瓜500克
            赤豆-50克
            中国薏米50克

做法：把薏米。赤豆，冬瓜，瘦肉洗干净，再把冬瓜切片。
            将以上的材料放入锅里，加如2.5公升的清水，焖煮2小时。
            加入食盐调味后可上桌。