The Health Benefits of Mushrooms

The body’s ability to maintain its blood pressure is vital to life. Chronic hypertension is a major coronary heart disease risk factor that contributes to half a million strokes and more than a million heart attacks each year. The higher the blood pressure, the greater the risk of heart disease but what is a natural, easy way to help decrease high blood pressure? Recent studies have shown the powerful hypotensive and cholesterol lowering actions of  three dietary mushrooms.

According to research conducted at the Tohoku University in Japan on a group of spontaneously hypertensive rats, maitake mushrooms may also lower blood pressure. After a review of some studies, the Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, in New York, called for further evidence of the role of this functional food class and concluded that these healthful fungi contain beta-glucan, which is important for cellular immunity. They are also thought to boost sensitivity to insulin and reduce cholesterol, triglyceride levels and blood pressure. 'Maitake has anticancer, antiviral, and immune-system enhancing effects and may also help control both high blood pressure and blood sugar levels.' - Dr. Weil

Abalone mushrooms may also help to reduce high lower blood pressure naturally. The abalone mushroom, features a smooth surface, yet meaty texture. It is named for its flat, disk-like appearance, which is similar to that of abalone shellfish. In addition to making a delicious culinary ingredient, abalone mushrooms are high in protein and are thought to boast a number of health benefits including lowering cholesterol levels.  'It has been shown that Angiotensin I-converting enzymes (or ACE) inhibitors in certain pharmaceuticals lower mortality in patients with hypertension. However, natural ACE inhibitors that come from food like abalone mushrooms are thought to be safer to ingest, with fewer side effects.'-Dr. Ronald Hoffman
 
Shiitake mushrooms offer a rich source of fiber, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin and eight different amino acids. Compounds in shiitake mushrooms help convert sunlight to vitamin D and are linked to inhibiting the growth of tumors by boosting white blood cells. In addition, shiitake mushrooms are said to help reduce cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure.

People who have concerns about blood pressure should first see a health care professional, but then may want to stock up on abalone, shiitake or maitake mushrooms. You should be able to find these mushrooms dried or fresh in Japanese markets, gourmet foods stores, or upscale supermarkets. Extracts are also widely available. These healthful fungi can be eaten fresh or cooked and added to salads, sauces, soups, stir fries and casseroles. To keep mushrooms as fresh as possible, they should not be washed prior to storage, nor should they be stored in plastic bags. Keep them in their original container in the refrigerator drawer or a very cool pantry.

Laser Solutions - Toe Nail Fungus

Toenail Fungus

I know that as Christmas approaches and our feet are all warmly tucked away in cozy slippers and boots our toenails are the last things on our minds, but they shouldn’t be. In no time at all the first flowers of spring will bloom and, as Vancouverites, we will be back in shorts and flip-flops the moment the rain stops.

If your unsightly toenail fungus limited your footwear selection last summer, or if you spent your hard-earned money on pedicures and nail polish to camouflage your symptoms, then NOW is the time to start treating your nails so you can expose them fearlessly this summer.

Onychomycosis (nail fungus) is the most common and stubborn of all nail diseases. By the age of 50, one in four of us have this embarrassing nail disorder and are hiding its typical symptoms of discoloured and thickened nails. That small yellowed corner that you attempt to treat with over the counter medication or home remedies is highly contagious and destined to worsen. Without effective, early treatment the chance of one affected nail spreading to the others is 100%!

Both topical and oral medications are currently used to treat nail fungus. Topical medications are ineffective as they do not penetrate the nail to the required depth, and oral medications are associated with potential serious side effects and require regular blood tests to monitor for liver and kidney damage.

At Pure Health Centre, Halcyon Laser Solutions is now offering risk free, painless and effective laser treatments that take less than 15 minutes, have no down-time, and are over 80% effective at eliminating fungus when combined with a topical antifungal cream to prevent reinfection. Halcyon Laser Solutions has been using the Health Canada and FDA approved Cutera GenesisPlus laser since its debut in 2011 and have successfully eliminated nail fungus for hundreds of patients.



Call our Health Centre to book your consultation and/or treatment to ensure you are sporting those flip-flops this summer!

Fall Foods: Beans Beans the Magical Food!

Beans are a great source of nutrients and can be a warm and comforting Fall food! Beans are so nutritious that the latest dietary guidelines recommend we triple our current intake from 1 to 3 cups per week. What makes beans so good for us? Here's what the experts have to say:

 

Beans are comparable to meat when it comes to calories, but they really shine in terms of fiber and water content, two ingredients that make you feel fuller, faster. Adding beans to your diet helps cut calories without feeling deprived.

 

This difference in fiber content means that meat is digested fairly quickly, whereas beans are digested slowly, keeping you satisfied longer. Plus, beans are low in sugar, which prevents insulin in the bloodstream from spiking and causing hunger. When you substitute beans for meat in your diet, you get the added bonus of a decrease in saturated fat.

 

Our diets tend to be seriously skimpy when it comes to fiber, to the detriment of both our hearts and our waistlines. One cup of cooked beans (or two-thirds of a can) provides about 12 grams of fiber -- nearly half the recommended daily dose of 21 to 25 grams per day for adult women (30 to 38 grams for adult men). Meat, on the other hand, contains no fiber at all.

 

Beans are also high in antioxidants, a class of phytochemicals that incapacitate cell-damaging free

radicals in the body, which have been implicated in everything from cancer and aging to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Continue reading below...

In a recent study, bean eaters weighed, on average, 7 pounds less and had slimmer waists than their bean-avoiding counterparts -- yet they consumed 199 calories more per day if they were adults and an incredible 335 calories more if they were teenagers.

 

 

Try out this great recipe:

 

Tuscan Vegetable Soup

Makes 12 small bowls of soup (or 6 large bowls)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion (about 1 large)

1 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

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3 teaspoons minced garlic

4 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage

14.5-ounce can Italian-style stewed tomatoes

2 cups sliced celery

2 cups diced (1/2-inch pieces) carrots or baby carrots

8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (vegetable broth can be substituted)

3 cups diced (1/2-inch pieces) potato

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

3 cups zucchini, sliced into half-moons (cut zucchini in half, then cut into slices)

15-ounce can red kidney beans (white kidney beans can be substituted), rinsed and drained

Garnish: Shredded Parmesan cheese (about a tablespoon per serving)

1. Heat olive oil in large, nonstick saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, thyme, and garlic and sauté about 3-5 minutes.
2. Stir in the cabbage, the canned, stewed tomatoes (including liquid), celery, and carrots, and sauté 8-10 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth, potatoes, fresh basil, zucchini, and kidney beans and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover saucepan, and let simmer about an hour.
3. Spoon into soup bowls and top each serving with a tablespoon of Parmesan cheese.

Nutritional Information:
Per serving without Parmesan cheese (if 12 per recipe): 138 calories, 7 g protein, 24 g carbohydrate, 3 g fat (0.9 g saturated fat), 3 mg cholesterol, 7 g fiber, 113 mg sodium. Calories from fat: 17%.

Per serving with Parmesan cheese (if 12 per recipe): 168 calories, 10 g protein, 24 g carbohydrate, 5 g fat (2.4 g saturated

 

What you need to know about vitamin B12 deficiency

What you need to know about vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin that is required for a number of biochemical reactions in our body. It plays a role in metabolism, the formation of red blood cells, and in the maintenance of our nervous system. It also can reduce levels of homocysteine, which is an independent risk factor for heart disease and stroke. It is found exclusively in animal food products like meat, dairy and eggs. Dietary vitamin B12 tends to be bound to protein, and is released with the help of our stomach acid and an enzyme called pepsin. The free vitamin B12 then binds with an intrinsic factor in the stomach, travels through the small intestine and get’s absorbed in the ileum (a part of our small intestine).

Deficiencies in vitamin B12 can occur:

    ▪       if your diet is lacking in animal products (i.e. vegan or vegetarian)

    ▪       if you have pernicious anemia—an autoimmune condition where the body destroys stomach cells that produce intrinsic factors

    ▪       if you are over the age of 50 due to a decrease absorption of vitamin B12 from food

    ▪       if you’ve had a portion of your stomach or small intestine surgically removed

    ▪       if you have a digestive disorder that reduces your ability to absorb vitamins and minerals i.e. Celiac’s disease or Crohn’s disease

    ▪       Some medication can reduce vitamin B12 levels (i.e. proton pump inhibitors, birth control pill, metformin)

 

Signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include:

 

•    anemia (macrocytic anemia)

•    neurological conditions causing weakness and numbness in the arms and legs

•    poor memory

•    depression

•    swollen, enlarged tongue

•    mouth ulcers

•    loss of balance

•    low energy or fatigue

•    ringing in the ears

 

You can visit your family doctor or naturopathic doctor to get tested for vitamin B12 deficiency. I offer in-office vitamin B12 injections, which bypass the digestive tract and allow for better absorption. Most people feel an increase in energy after receiving the injection as well as an improvement in their sleep pattern due to vitamin B12’s role in melatonin production.

Resources: Gaby Alan. Nutritional Medicine. Frtiz Perlberg Publishing; Concord NH; 2011.

Fall Skin Care By Dr.Lukasko

Fall is here…. but is your skin ready?

Your wardrobe is not the only thing you need to change with the seasons. Your summer skincare routine may not be hydrating enough for fall and winter. The drop in humidity and colder weather can leave skin looking dull, dry, and even prone to acne breakouts.

So what can you do to keep your skin looking fabulous this fall? 

Here are my top fall skincare suggestions:

1. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, use a humidifier, apply your body lotion to damp skin, and avoid long hot showers. 
2. Skip alcohol-based products. These products can be great in the summer for oily skin but are too drying in the fall.  
3. Choose a thicker moisturizer or try a face oil. 
4. Avoid over-exfoliating, which can cause dry skin and even premature aging! 
5. Don’t ditch the sunscreen. Sunscreen is the beauty product that never goes out of style.  Skin cancer prevention is a year-long job, so make sure to use sunscreen daily. 
6. See your naturopathic doctor for an individualized treatment protocol to keep your skin looking healthy and beautiful during the colder months. 

Dr. Christina Lukasko is a naturopathic doctor practicing at Pure Health Centre on Wednesdays and Fridays. She has a clinical focus on skin conditions, autoimmune diseases, and hormonal imbalances. 

Grocery Store vs. Farmers' Market

Grocery Store vs. Farmers' Market

Some people believe that Grocery Store vs. Farmers' Market is a debate that boils down to money vs. quality, but a better way to look at is finding the perfect balance of money, quality, and convenience that works for you! If money was no issue (which would be nice) shopping at a farmers' market would win every time because it has the unique atmosphere, the taste of fresh food straight from the earth, and the fact that you can feel good supporting local farmers. By supporting local farming your  helping more than that particular farmer, but the world as a whole because most local farmers use natural, heirloom seeds that haven't been as genetically altered, as well as less pesticides and chemical usage which means less contamination of our earth and water.

 Did you know most produce that you see in the grocery travels an average of 13-hundred miles before it ever gets to the store. To keep it from going bad farmers end up harvesting the fruits and veggies before they are ripe; they are picked green and gassed to actually keep that tomato green for a month. By harvesting early, those fruits and vegetables not only loose freshness, but also many nutrients since they weren't able to ripen naturally on the vine.

Money is not always saved in the grocery store, it really pays to shop around, often times farmer's markets have been shown to offer cheaper or comparable prices to those of the major grocery stores. The money spent on vegetables from large chain grocery stores is sometimes wasted because the fruits and vegetables aren't as fresh and more prone to rot before you have a chance to use them.

Most people find that shopping at the local Farmer's Market is a lot more fun than spending the day at a major grocery store, not only is the atmosphere more relaxed and inviting but it's a place that's fun for the kids and the whole family. It's often a community event where you can meet old friends and new neighbours. Although some find that farmers' markets are not all that convenient because they are too out of the way or they mean an extra stop when running errands instead of one major stop at the grocery store.

Obviously, all of these conditions depend on where you live and what's available to you, but I know that here in Vancouver there are multiple farmers markets that happen covering different days and different neighbourhoods. After sampling their wares and finding them better than other options near me and the costs are very comparable. Farmers' markets aren't always open year round so during the spring and summer months take advantage of them!



Vancouver Farmers' Market Dates and Locations:   

 

Main St. Station: Wednesdays

Yaletown: Thursdays

Trout Lake: Saturdays

West End: Saturdays

Kerrisdale Village: Saturdays

Kitsilano: Sundays

Mt. Pleasant: Sundays

 

Other Farmers' Markets in the Lower Mainland

 

Abbotsford Farm and Country Market

Day Saturday
Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm 
Where: Montrose Avenue and George Ferguson Way, downtown Abbotsford
Date Closes: December 21, 2013

Ambleside Farmers’ Market

Day: Sunday
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Where: Parking Lot behind the Police Station on Bellevue between 13th and 14th in Ambleside, West Vancouver
Date Closes: October 27, 2013

Burnaby Market

Day: Saturday
Time: 9:00am – 2:00pm
Where: North Parking Lot Burnaby City Hall 4949 Canada Way
Date Closes: October 26, 2013

Fort Langley Village Farmers’ Market

Day: Sunday
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Where: The Orchard of the Fort Langley National Historic Fort
Date Closes: October 12, 2013

Haney Farmers’ Market

Day: Saturday
Time: 9:00am – 2:00pm
Where: Memorial Peace Park, on 224th Street between Lougheed Highway and Dewdney Trunk road in downtown Maple Ridge.
Date Closes: October 27, 2013

Lonsdale Quay Market

Day: Saturday
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Where: On the East Plaza at Lonsdale Quay Market & Shops at 123 Carrie Cates Court at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver
Date Closes: October 26, 2013

Oak Street Farmers’ Market

Day: Wednesday
Time: 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Where: At the Unitarian Church of Vancouver, Oak Street and 49th Ave West
Date Closes: October 30, 2013
NOTE: ALL ORGANIC!

Port Moody Farmers’ Market 

Day: Friday
Time: 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Where: Port Moody Recreation Complex
Date Closes: October 25, 2013

Poirier Street Farmers’ Market

Day: Friday
Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm
Where: Dogwood Pavillion Parking Lot
Date Closes: October 27, 2013

Royal City Farmers’ Market

Day: Thursday
Time: 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Where: Tipperary Park – 4th Street and Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC
Date Closes: October 10, 2013

Simon Fraser University Pocket Market

Day: Wednesday
Time: 11:00am
Where: Cleveland Ave and Vancouver St, Squamish
Date Closes: October 16, 2013

Squamish Farmers’ Market 

Day: Saturday
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Where: Cleveland Ave and Vancouver St, Squamish
Date Closes: October 26, 2013

Surrey Urban Farmers’ Market

Day: Wednesday
Time: 1:00pm – 6:00pm
Where: North Surrey Recreation Centre Courtyard – 10275 135th Street, Surrey BC
Date Closes: October 9, 2013

- See more at: http://mygardenfootprint.com/your-guide-to-farmers-markets-in-the-lower-mainland-this-fall/#sthash.SRtwlUGS.dpuf

Salba Chia Explained

Is Salba the same as Chia?

Not quite, but very close.

Salba is actually a type of chia that is grown with stricter regulations to ensure that it is nutritionally consistent and GMO free. Salba chia is the only form of chia for which there are positive published Health and Medical studies because it is nutritionally consistent. Also, Salba chia is white where as generic chia is white or black.

As an oily crop, the oil content and fatty acid profile can change up to 30% depending on weather conditions during growth stages. Salba chia has been grown to reflect consistent nutritional standards, where as generic chia is grown in the wild, in different geographic locations and soils that vary its nutritional profile. Salba chia is grown by one grower under strictly controlled growing conditions. This is one of the reasons why Salba chia is grown in Peru, Argentina, and Bolivia; the steady climate insures consistency in every harvest. Botanically Salba is Salvia hispanic L., while chia is Salvia hispanica and Salvia columbariae.


Salba chia has the following nutritional characteristics:

• Considered the richest whole food source of Omega-3 fatty acids (ALA) in nature (gram for gram basis)
• Every 15g serving of Salba chia provides over 3,400 mg of Omega-3s (ALA)
• Considered the richest whole food source of fiber found in nature (gram for gram basis)
• Every 15g serving of Salba chia provides over 5,000 mg (5 g) of dietary fiber
• Salba has less than 1 g net carbohydrate per serving
• Trans-fat free
• Cholesterol free
• Gluten free

Gram for gram, Salba chia provides:

• 6 times (600%) more calcium than milk
• 5 times (500%) more folate than spinach
• 3 times (300%) more iron than spinach
• 6 times (600%) more iron than kidney beans
• 15 times (1500%) more magnesium than broccoli
• 2 times (200%) more potassium than bananas
• 8 times (800%) more omega-3 (ALA) than Salmon
• 25% more fiber than flax seeds
• 30% more antioxidants than blueberries
• 70% more vegetable protein than soybeans
• 325% more fiber than oatmeal

Salba chia is also a source of:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
• Vitamin B5 (Pantothnate)
• Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
• Vitamin C
• Copper
• Molybdenum
• Zinc

Compounding Pharmacy

Pure Health Centre and all Pure locations have Compounding Pharmacies!


Pharmacy compounding is an established tradition which allows a physician to prescribe a very specific medication, prepared by a pharmacist, for a patient’s individual needs. Years ago, compounded medications provided the majority of prescription drug care for the population. Today, the vast majority of medications are mass-produced by pharmaceutical drug companies. They aim to treat a specific medical condition for a large segment of people. Problems can arise when a patient has a medical condition that can’t be treated by one of these mass-produced products, or they might be allergic to a dye or filler in a commercial tablet. Patients may not be able to take the medication if the capsule is too large, or the dose is too high, which is common in pediatric cases. These are the situations where a compounding pharmacist can play a vital role in helping the physician find an appropriate treatment for their patient.

The manufacturing of a medication may be discontinued by a pharmaceutical company due to lack of profit or other setbacks. A compounding pharmacist might order the ingredients for that discontinued medication in bulk and compound the product into a particular dosage for the patient. 

Patients may need a particular medication or nutritional supplement that is available commercially, but of which they have an allergy to a particular preservative, dye or binder. 

Compounding pharmacists can create custom dosage forms or uniquely flavored products for special situations such as pediatric or veterinary patients. 

A compounding pharmacist may be able to combine several medications or nutritional supplements a patient is taking into one dosage form to increase compliance. 

Some patients cannot take certain medications due to side effects such as upset stomach or systemic side effects like drowsiness. A compounding pharmacist can prepare the medications in a transdermal cream that can be applied directly to the site of the pain to avoid the unwanted side effects. 

The Veggie Cheat Sheet

Check out this great Vegetable Cooking Cheat Sheet and make the most of your vegetables!

by: kidspot.com.au

 



Alternatives for Soft Drinks

Did you know that Coke would be green if there was no colouring added to it? The health dangers of soda are not new. Soda consumption has been linked to an increased risk for heart disease and diabetes, as well as to rising rates of obesity.

Coke has also been known to be useful for:

1. Removing grease stains from clothing and fabric
2. Removing rust; methods include using fabric dipped in Coke, a sponge or even aluminum foil. Also loosens rusty bolts
3. Removing blood stains from clothing and fabric.
4. Cleaning oil stains from a garage floor; let the stain soak, hose off.
5. Killing slugs and snails; the acids kills them.
6. Cleaning burnt pans; let the pan soak in the Coke, then rinse.
7. Descaling a kettle (same method as with burnt pans)
8. Cleaning car battery terminals by pouring a small amount of Coke over each one.
9. Cleaning your engine; Coke distributors have been using this technique for decades.
10. Making pennies shine; soaking old pennies in Coke will remove the tarnish and even dissolve them!
11. Cleaning tile grout; pour onto kitchen floor, leave for a few minutes, wipe up.
12. Dissolving a tooth; Use a sealed container…takes a while but it does work.
13. Removing gum from hair; dip into a small bowl of Coke, leave a few minutes. Gum will wipe off.
14. Removing stains from vitreous china.
15. Got a dirty pool? Adding two 2-liter bottles of Coke clears up rust.
16. You can remove (or fade) dye from hair by pouring diet Coke over it.
17. Removing marker stains from carpet. Applying Coke, scrubbing and then clean with soapy water will remove marker stains.
18. Cleaning a toilet; pour around bowl, leave for a while, flush clean.
19. Coke and aluminum foil will bring Chrome to a high shine.
20. Striping paint off metal furniture. Soak a towel in Coke and lay it on the paint surface.

Isn’t it about time you and your family kicked the soda habit? Get started with one of these healthier low-calorie thirst-quenchers, sure to still satisfy your taste buds.

Flavored waters have been popping up all over the place, but many still contain sugar or artificial sweeteners. A healthier choice is natural flavoring: Just add slices of your favorite fruits and veggies — lemons, oranges, grapefruit, watermelon, cucumber, mint, or limes — to a pitcher of ice-cold water or soda water for a refreshing and flavorful drink. Another great option is to put chopped-up fruit in an ice cube tray, add water, and freeze. Place these colorful fruit cubes in your beverage for instant flavor and color!

Mixing Juice and Soda Water mans there's no need to purchase sugary sodas or pricey vitamin enhanced waters, which also pack calories. Mixing 100 percent juice with seltzer yields a tastier, healthier, and less expensive drink. A thick, tart juice, such as cranberry, pomegranate, or grape, makes for a great jeltzer base in addition to supplying health benefits. Studies have shown that cranberry juice might protect against urinary tract infections and kidney stones; pomegranate juice is a great source of vitamins C and B; and grape juice has antioxidants that may help protect your brain and blood vessels. Mix one part juice with three parts seltzer to create this light and bubbly concoction.

Stevia is an herb with a very sweet taste, but it has no carbs or calories. Research has also found it to be beneficial in managing obesity and glucose intolerance. Stevia is  growing in popularity among holistic and organic food markets as a dietary supplement. It can't as yet be sold as a sweetener, though. Available in powder form, flavored stevia is inexpensive, sweet, and easily dissolves in cold water or soda water for a delicious drink that will help you forget about soda.

Parsley: An Easy Vegetable to Add to Your Diet

Parsley

Parsley is a great vegetable to add to your diet because it is  so easy to use, you can add it to almost any dish, and best of all it is full of wonderful nutrients and health benefits!  You can always add a sprinkle on top of any meal for a dash of colour and flavour. It also is great cooked with many meals such as stews, soups and  glazes for any kind of meat. Here are some of the benefits you will reap from this easy to add vegetable:

• Parsley is a useful digestive aid
• It helps purify the blood and stimulate the bowels
• Parsley is an anticarcinogen (which means it helps prevent cancer)
• It contains three times as much vitamin C as an orange and twice as much iron as spinach
• Parsley contains vitamin A and is a good source of copper and manganese
• For a natural breath freshener, try a sprig of parsley!

So buy a bunch of parsley and start adding it to your meals tonight! If you need some inspiration here is a great tilapia recipe to try:

Ingredients

Recipe makes 4 servings        

Makes servings USMetricAdjust Recipe (Help)

                       

4 tilapia fillets

                       

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

                       

1 tablespoon butter, melted

                       

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

 

A couple sprigs of Parsley, finely chopped                                                   

                       

Pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Rinse tilapia fillets under cool water, and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Place fillets in baking dish. Pour lemon juice over fillets, then drizzle butter on top. Sprinkle with garlic, parsley, and pepper.
4. Bake in preheated oven until the fish is white and flakes when pulled apart with a fork, about 30 minutes.

Today's Vegetable: Chicory (great coffee substitute!)

Chicory

·     Chicory contains insulin, which helps diabetics regulate their blood sugar levels

·     Chicory is closely related to lettuce and dandelion but is a member of the sunflower family

·     It may be cleansing to the liver and gallbladder

·     Chicory is beneficial for digestion, the circulatory system and the blood

·     Chicory leaves are a good source of calcium, vitamin A and potassium

 

Chicory is a naturally caffeine-free herb that is a popular coffee substitute. It has health benefits that differ from coffee and is a great way to reduce your caffeine intake. Another benefit is that it cheaper than coffee as well!

To add more Chicory to your diet simple substitute for one ore two of your coffees a day!

To brew basic chicory coffee, use about 2/3 ground coffee and 1/3 chicory, and brew as you normally would (such as in a drop coffee maker or a French press).

 

 

Other ways of eating it include:

1. Raw chicory leaves are excellent eaten fresh, drizzled with a little vinaigrette, or
2. stir-fried and served as a vegetable side dish.
3. Whole heads of chicory can be baked, poached or griddled. 
4.  Chicory is particularly good wrapped in ham, covered with a Béchamel sauce and baked in the oven.

Here is a great chicory salad recipe:

Ingredients

• 6 heads chicory quartered
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 apples cores removed, halved, sliced
• 2 tbsp walnuts

For the dressing

• 150ml/5½fl oz sour cream
• 50ml/1¾fl oz mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 100g/3½oz Roquefort plus extra to serve

Preparation method

1. Place the chicory, onion, apples and walnuts into a big bowl. Stir until well combined.
2. For the dressing, blend the soured cream, mayonnaise, mustard, white wine vinegar and Roquefort in a food processor until smooth. (Add a little warm water if the mixture is too thick.)
3. To serve, drizzle the salad with some of the dressing mixture, and stir until well combined. Garnish with the extra Roquefort and serve more dressing on the side for people to help themselves.