Richard's Health Topics & Recipes
Botanical Information Açai (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) is a palm tree native to Central and South America. It produces a reddish-purple berry that is related to the blueberry and cranberry. Promoted as a “superfood” due to its high antioxidant content and is marketed for weight-loss and anti-aging purposes. It is available as juices, powders, tablets and capsules.Features…
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The body uses chemical substances called amino acids to build the exact type of protein it needs. There are two types of amino acids: essential and nonessential. While the body must get the essential amino acids from foods, it can manufacture the nonessential amino acids on its own if the diet is lacking them. Of…
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Types of Sweeteners NOTE FOR DIABETICS: It is important for diabetics to work closely with their healthcare practitioners and understand limitations with regard to sweeteners/sugars in their diet. Diabetics can safely use stevia and usually small amounts of licorice root and fructooligosaccharides. Some diabetics who are allowed to use small amounts of sugar can use…
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Types of Cooking Oil Below is a chart containing most commonly used oils and their qualities and characteristics. It also contains their “smoke point”, the temperature at which the oil begins to break down and change its chemical structure, making it unfit for consumption. Cooking Oil Type Smoke Point Qualities/Characteristics Avocado Below 520°F Mono and…
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The tea bush known as Camellia sinensis grows in loose, deep, acid soil, at high altitude, with summer and autumn rain, in a little heat and little wind. In these harsh climatic conditions most plants die but the tea bush flourishes fantastically. The finest tea comes from elevations of 900 to 2100 meters. Tea is…
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Herbs include the leaves, bark, berries, roots, gums, seeds, stems and flowers of various plants. Because of their therapeutic value, herbs have been used for thousands of years to help maintain good health. Herbal teas are made from these herbs and are typically caffeine free. There is no real “tea” in herbal teas. How to…
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When it comes to its healthiness, many people are divided. Some argue that it’s too high in sugar, while others champion its high nutrient content. Regardless of which side you land on, when looking for a fruit or veggie juice it’s important to look for an all natural choice. These juices contain no artificial color,…
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Soy Milk Soy milk is made using a simple, centuries-old process of grinding soaked and cooked soybeans and pressing the dissolved soy milk out of the beans. With its unique nutty flavor and rich nutrition, Soy milk can be used in a variety of ways. Buying & Storing Soy Milk: It is most commonly found…
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Health Benefits An abbreviation for para-aminobenzoic acid, PABA, appears to be a component of folic acid, a member of the B family of vitamins. It plays a role in breaking down and using proteins, and in forming red blood cells. PABA is important for healthy hair and skin. PABA is synthesized naturally in the intestines…
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Health Benefits In 1948, scientists were successful in identifying a nutritional substance in calf’s liver that could prevent pernicious anemia, a potentially deadly disorder that mainly affects older adults. The compound, vitamin B12 (or cobalamin), turned out to be the last vitamin to be discovered. Other groups are also at particular risk for a deficiency:…
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