Posts tagged dr. karen dees

Banana Yogurt Shake

There’s something magical about sharing a meal with the people you love. This shake is easy to make for several people at a time and can be an excellent start to your day just as equally as it can be a wonderful finish – as a dessert!

Enjoy this delicious and highly nourishing homemade shake:

1 ½ C 2% milk (Cow, Oat, Soy, Rice)
1 C. plain yogurt (cow, goat, soy)
1 tsp vanilla
1 dash nutmeg
2 ripie bananas peeled
¼ C. honey (or 1 tsp Sunnydew)
½ tsp ground cinnamon
5 ice cubes

Combine all ingredients except ice cubes in blender and blend until thick & creamy. Add ice cubes one at a time & blend until smooth. Add fruit of choice for more options.

Note: vanilla yogurt can be substituted for plain yogurt & vanlla.

Serves: 4
Nutritional information per serving: 211 calories, 4 grams fat, 75 milligrams sodium

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It’s a Wrap!

2016 has come to a closed. Endings are a new beginning – enter 2017. A “must know about” in 2017 is how wonderful wraps are. Wraps are an easy way to ensure you eat the proper nutrition but don’t require much time in the kitchen. In fact, with a little advanced prep time, making a wrap can take just minutes!

Customizing a wrap recipe for you is both quick, easy and ensures you love your food. No two persons are alike. The below recipe will help provide a foundation for finding your own favorite wrap recipe.

Customized Healthy Wrap Recipe
Lean protein (chicken or fish) or smoked salmon
Greens (spinach, swiss chard,.. you choose!)
Chopped onions (red or white, cooked or uncooked)
3 to 4 types of chopped veggies (choose your favorite)
Your favorite low-fat dressing or sauce
Wraps (brown rice, corn or sprouted wheat)

How to make your wrap:
Heat your wrap lightly, add a line or two of your favorite dressing/sauce, heat your protein and add to the wrap, add your greens, add your chopped veggies and add onions. Roll the wrap up, making sure you fold in the bottoms so the inside does not fall out.

Just like that, you have a tasty source of protein, carbohydrates and vegetables! The best part: you can prepare all of the insides in advance so it only takes minute to make a wrap and get going.

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“Nourish Your Immune System” Drink

One of my favorite recipes for building a healthy immune system, and entire body, is to eat Sunrider’s foundational food program on a daily basis – which I refer to as NBC. “N” is for nourish, “B” is for balance, “C” is for cleanse. The Sunrider foods that nourish, balance and cleanse the body include Nuplus, Quinary, Calli and/or Fortune Delight and Sunnydew.  Enjoy this recipe for NBC in a mug which is nutritionally powerful for the entire body, including the immune system.

NBC in a Mug
1 scoop of Nuplus
1 packet of Quinary
1 packet of Alpha 20C

Combine all of the above within 2 cups of Calli Tea or Fortune Delight. Add a few drops of Sunnydew – and drink!

For information on ordering the Sunrider foods to make NBC in a Mug, contact my office at 508-309-6229.

Dr. Karen Spencer Dees, PhD
Holistic Board Certified

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Thai Soup to Nourish the Immune System

Soup is a delicious food for the winter. You and your family can enjoy this Thai recipe, Tom Yum Kung soup,  which is being studied for its immune enhancement. 

Dr. Karen Spencer Dees, PhD
Holistic Board Certified
www.KarenSpencerDees.com

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Eating for the Winter

Just as the season changed to winter, so should your foods.

Food Fit does a wonderful job of highlighting which fruits to eat during the winter as well as a winter squash soup recipe to warm the body.

You may find this delicious winter soup by Epicurious to be a wonderful winter companion for keeping your body healthy and strong.

Written in 1999, Janet Charatan shared 5 key foods for winter which still stand true today.

Regardless of the season, take a moment to read my healthy eating tips which can provide you with a solid understanding on creating a healthy diet year-round.

Dr. Karen Spencer Dees, PhD
Holistic Board Certified
www.KarenSpencerDees.com

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Lycopene in Tomatoes & Prostate Cancer

Article compliments of HealthCastle.com
Written by Gloria Tsang, RD

Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, is found abundant in tomatoes and tomato products. Studies found that lycopene may help reduce some cancer and heart disease. The most compelling evidence so far is the role of lycopene in prostate cancer prevention.

In a study of over 40,000 health professionals, Harvard investigators found that men who ate more than 10 servings tomato-based foods daily (like cooked tomatoes and tomato sauce,) had a 35 percent lower risk of developing prostate cancer than those who ate the least amount of these foods. The benefits of lycopene was more pronounced with advanced stages of prostate cancer.

In another study of prostate cancer, researchers looked at blood levels of lycopene and found that the risk of developing prostate cancer, especially aggressive cancer, decreased with increasing blood lycopene levels. Men taking 50mg of lycopene daily had significantly higher level of lycopene. In this study, researchers found that high level of lycopene in the blood was associated with low PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels. High PSA levels in blood are often a sign of prostate cancer.

Enjoy the benefits of lycopene by eating more tomatoes and processed tomato products. Indeed, research showed that lycopene is better absorbed by the body when tomatoes are processed. It is due to the fact that lycopene is bound to tomato’s cell structure; processing releases lycopene from the cell structure.

Lycopene Content in Foods (mg/100g)

Tomato Paste
42.2

Spaghetti Sauce
21.9

Chili Sauce
19.5

Tomato Ketchup
15.9

Watermelon
5 – 11.1

Tomato Juice
9.5

Pink Grapefruit
4.0

Raw Tomato
3.0

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Possible Benefits of Fish Oil on People With Diabetes

Article compliments of Health Castle

(HealthCastle.com) Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Norway studied the effect of fish oil supplements on blood lipoprotein in 26 people with Type 2 diabetes. The study participants were assigned to take either fish oil or corn oil supplements. Size and concentration of lipoproteins subclasses (several blood cholesterol markers) as well as insulin sensitivity were measured after nine weeks of supplementation. High doses of fish oil reduced the size and concentration of several lipoprotein subclasses while lowering insulin sensitivity. Results of this study were published online on the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition website on Feb. 28, 2007.

Editor’s Note – Multiple Benefits of Fish Oil and Omega 3
Benefits of fish oil and omega 3 fatty acids are well known for their role in heart disease prevention. The American Heart Association advises heart disease sufferers and people with high triglyceride levels to take fish oil supplements. Recent studies suggest that fish oil may prevent dementia and ease depression. Clinical studies regarding the effects of fish oil on diabetes are still preliminary, however.

How much Fish Oil? For heart health benefits, experts suggested to aim for 250 milligrams as EPA/DHA from fish source a day. One three ounce serving of fatty fish, such as salmon or mackerel, provides more than 1000 milligrams alone. For people with documented heart disease or high levels of triglycerides, the American Heart Association suggests 1,000 milligrams per day and 2,000 to 4,000 milligrams per day, respectively.

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Healthy Recipe from Mayo Clinic

This recipe is reprinted from Mayo Clinic’s website, which you can visit for more recipes and information.

Recipe: Edamame and summer bean salad
Dietitian’s tip:
Not your typical bean salad, this bright side dish made with fresh soybeans (edamame) is loaded with texture and flavor. Perfect for a picnic or barbecue, it’s easy to make ahead.

By Mayo Clinic staff

Serves 8
Ingredients
3/4 pound wax beans
2 cups shelled edamame
2 green (spring) onions
2 tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions
Trim the wax beans and cut crosswise into thirds. In a large pot fitted with a steamer basket, bring 1 inch water to a boil. Add the wax beans and edamame, cover and steam until both are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water and drain again.

Trim the green onions, then thinly slice on the diagonal, including the tender green tops.

In a large bowl, combine the steamed edamame and wax beans, green onions, tomatoes and basil. Toss to mix evenly.

In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, lime juice, honey and mustard. Whisk in the olive oil. Add the dressing to the vegetables and toss to coat. Season with the salt and pepper. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutritional Analysis(per serving) Calories 130 Monounsaturated fat 2 g
Protein 9 g Cholesterol 0 mg
Carbohydrate 12 g Sodium 196 mg
Total fat 5 g Fiber 4 g
Saturated fat 1 g

Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid Servings
Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid tool

Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid: A sample menu

Vegetables 1
Protein and dairy 1

Diabetes Meal Plan Exchanges
Your diabetes diet: Exchange lists

Starches 1/2
Nonstarchy vegetables 1
Meat and meat substitutes 1/2
Fats 1

Dash Eating Plan Servings
DASH diet: Guide to recommended servings

Sample menus for the DASH eating plan

Vegetables 1
Nuts, seeds and dry beans 1
Fats and oils 1

This recipe is one of 150 recipes collected in The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook, published by Mayo Clinic Health Information and Oxmoor House, and winner of the 2005 James Beard award.
Source: This recipe is one of 150 recipes collected in The New Mayo Clinic Cookbook, published by Mayo Clinic Health Information and Oxmoor House, and winner of the 2005 James Beard award.
RE00068

Nov. 30, 2006

© 1998-2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. “Mayo,” “Mayo Clinic,” “MayoClinic.com,” “EmbodyHealth,” “Reliable tools for healthier lives,” “Enhance your life,” and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

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G Herbs

Enjoy this information, compliments of Clayton College of Natural Health

GARLIC (Allium sativum)

Natural antibiotic. Blood thinner. Health building herb. Dissolves cholesterol. Stimulates lymphatic system. Anti-fungal. Kills parasites. Does not destroy the body’s normal flora. Anti-biotic component is known as allicin (sulfur compound) which is estimated to equal 15 standard units of penicillin. Anti-bacterial activity. Used in China to treat cryptococcal meningitis. Protective against influenza. Lowers cholesterol. Inhibits platelet aggregation. Used extensively in World Wars I and II as an antiseptic. Became known as “Russian penicillin.” Key Uses: cancer prevention, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, infection.

GINGER (Zingiber officinale)

Removes congestion, relieves headaches. Excellent for upset stomach and indigestion. Helps remove mucus from the body. Used in the treatment of headaches. Excellent remedy for nausea. Speeds food through the large intestines. Cleansing agent for bowels. Relieves wind. Useful for motion sickness and morning sickness. Helps symptom of vertigo and dizziness. Ginger tea is excellent for that common nausea and diarrhea associated with the flu or 24 hour virus. Inhibits prostaglandins. Useful as an anti-inflammatory. Has antioxidant effects. Inhibits platelet aggregation. Accelerates calcium uptake by the heart muscle. This reduces high blood pressure. (Fresh ginger must be used.) Anti-ulcer effects. Warms the body. Provides hospitable environment for natural flaura and fauna in intestines to grow. Key Uses: nausea and vomiting, motion sickness, arthritis, migraine headaches. Indigestion, gas and flatulence.

GINKGO BILOBA (Ginkgo biloba)

Increases blood flow to brain. Improves memory. Used in Europe for early stages of Alzheimer’;s Disease. Increases circulation of blood to retina. Used to treat muscular degeneration. Also used to treat ear problems such as tinnitus. Dilates blood vessels. Inhibits clumping of platelets. Stabilizes cell membranes. Has antioxidant effects. Free radical-scavenging effects. Increases cellular uptake of glucose, thus restoring energy production. Promotes increased nerve transmission rate. Tones blood vessels. Inhibition of platelet aggregation. Improves recovery of acute cochlear deafness. Used to treat impotence. Has anti-depressant activity. Has anti-allergic properties. Also used for Raynaud’s disease, arthritic and rheumatic problems, arteriosclerosis, anxiety, tension, asthma, and bronchial congestion. Use of the fruit internally or externally can cause irritation and blistering of the skin and mucus membranes. Use a dried preparation. Key Uses: cerebral vascular insufficiency, dementia, depression, impotence, inner ear dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, neuralgia and neuropathy, peripheral vascular insufficiency, premenstrual syndrome, retinopathy, vascular fragility.

GINSENG (Panax)

Stimulates the body. Beneficial effect on heart and circulation. Reduces cholesterol. Has estrogenic activity. Used to treat high blood pressure. Helps reduce blood sugar levels. Do not use where there is inflammation, high fever and burning sensations. Increases resistance to stress by affecting the adrenal-pituitary axis. Thought to be an aphrodisiac. Central nervous system stimulant. Whole-body tonic. Not suggested for teenage girls. Used as a stimulant. Considered an adaptogen or an aid in helping the body adapt to stress. Key Uses: childhood diseases, circulation, colds, colic, fevers, flu, gas pains, headache, indigestion, morning sickness, settles stomach, tonic, toothache, whooping cough.

GOLDENSEAL (Hydrastis canadensis)
Antibiotic activity bacteria, protozoa, and fungi. Especially effective on mucus membrane tissues. Has shown activity against: Streptomyces, Chlamydia, Corynebacterium diphtheria, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Vibrio cholerae, Diplococcus penumoniae, Pseudomonas, Shigella dysenteriae Entamoeba histolytica, Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoea, N. meningitides, Treponema pallidum Giardia lamblia, Leishmania donovani & Candida albicans. Increases blood supply to spleen. Lowers fever. Shows anti-tumor activity. Used to treat diarrhea, trachoma (infectious eye disease), ulcers, liver disorder, cancer, colitis, sinus infections, vaginal infections. Should not be used during pregnancy as it may stimulate the involuntary muscles of the uterus. High dosages may interfere with Vitamin B metabolism. In extremely large doses, the alkaloids that cause this plant’s drug action can cause nausea, dizziness, etc. Safe at recommended levels. CAUTION: can reduce blood sugar levels and should not be used by hypoglycemic. Useful as a natural antibiotic. Aids in the treatment of sinus infections. Key Uses: infections of mucous membranes, parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract, inflammation of the gallbladder, cirrhosis of the liver.

GOTU KOLA (Hydrocotyle asiatica)
Helps rebuild energy reserves. Combats stress. Improves reflexes. Nourishes brain cells. Reduces fevers. Neural tonic. Used for diseases of the skin, blood, and nervous system. Helps leprosy, syphilis, psoriasis, cervicitis, vaginitis, blisters. Improves memory. Longevity aid. Does not contain caffeine. Contains asiaticoside which stimulates hair and nail growth, increases development of blood vessels into connective tissue, increases tensile integrity of the dermis, exerts a balancing effect on connective tissue. Speeds healing time of wounds. Has been used clinically for anal fissure, bladder ulcers, burns, cellulite, cirrhosis, dermatitis, fibrocystic breast, hemorrhoids, keloids, leprosy, lupus, mental retardation, peptic ulcer, retinal detachment scleroderma, surgical wounds, tuberculosis, and venous disorders. Key uses: cellulite, wound healing, varicose veins, scleroderma.

GUGGUL (Commiphora mukul)
Gum resin used in India for arthritis, skin diseases, nervous system conditions. Anti-bacterial. Anti-inflammatory. Liver disorders. Cardiovascular disease. Traditionally used for bone fracture, inflammation. Research indicates excellent for obseity; significantly lower serum cholesterol. Protects against atherosclerosis. Reduced body weight of animals in research studies. Reduced serum cholesterol levels by 11% after four weeks use in research. Considered safe for long-term use. No known interactions. Key Uses: Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides. Cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis. Arthritis. Inflammation.

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Food for Sleep

Learn about foods good before bed, compliments of Clayton College of Natural Health

To Sleep…Sweet Tips from The Night Kitchen

How about a cup of fresh strawberries with a cup of warm milk with two tablespoons of honey and lemon juice before bedtime?

Oatmeal is also a great sleep aid. Make oatmeal as you normally would, but add milk enough to make a thin gruel. Drink this before bed as an aid in getting to sleep. This is a very relaxing way to get children to sleep. It seems to soothe them and make their tummies feel warm and full.

What could be easier than a baked potato? Simply preheat oven to 425 degrees. Poke holes in potato and wrap in foil. Bake in oven for 45 to 60 minutes until tender. Be sure to eat the skin! For extra tryptophan, magnesium and calcium, top with yogurt and cauliflower. Tryptophan is an amino acid that can act as a sleep aid.

Salads made with spinach, cucumber, bell pepper, tomato, celery, and mushrooms are also a great source of tryptophan, as well as many other nutrients. Try a salad with poppy seed dressing. Poppy seeds also contain tryptophan.


Poppy Seed Dressing

1/2 cup mild honey
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup apple cider
1 Tablespoon fresh onion puree
1 cup olive oil
1 1/2 Tablespoon poppy seeds

Measure honey, mustard, salt and vinegar into your blender or mixing bowl. Process until smooth. Make the onion puree by rubbing a sweet onion over a hand grater. Add to the dressing. Start the blender and gradually add the oil in a slow stream. Process until thoroughly blended. Stop the blender and sprinkle the poppy seeds over the top. Mix the seeds in. Delicious with any tossed salad or with grapefruit, avocado and apple slices on a crisp bed of Romaine lettuce.

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