UB Cookin'

[Amigoo]

A diabetes discovery journey ...

Re: https://www.santaclaracountylib.org/blo ... ol-review/ ($37)

Bottom line ...
Coenzyme Q10, frequent physical activity, and a healthy diet are necessary for good blood pressure.
(however, CQ10* is produced by a healthy body and its effect as a supplement is still being studied.)

Bottom Line of the Bottom Line (aka "What's good for bottoms"):
A healthy diet plus exercise that includes cardiovascular response,
since good pressure transports nutrients from top to bottom.

Apparently ...
Busy bottoms beget bottom beauty and from cheeks to cheeks.

* Re: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/co ... 0#section9
A good summary of CoQ10, especially about "fertile" (minds ; - )

Rod

[Amigoo]

Goji Tea Ceremony (you supply the ceremony)

Re: https://grocery.walmart.com/ip/Anchor-H ... g/47738356
https://www.amazon.com/Uncle-Lees-Tea-O ... B001E5E38A
https://imlakeshorganics.com/products/goji-berries/

Heat 16oz mug of fresh water to slow simmer,
add 1 White Tea bag, 2 tbsp rinsed goji berries,
and let brew 5 min., then remove bag.

Any floating berries may be eaten with a spoon
before drinking the tea (include in the ceremony;
numerologists count the floating berries.)

This cafe mug is perfect for whisking small quantity of foods,
like eggs, whipped cream (with hand blender), for crushing spices
with the hand end of a wooden untensil, or for diluted tea.
Imlak'esh goji berries have great quality (worth the price)!

Incidentally, this ceremony is Midwayer approved: My American Express
paid only $.57 of my grocery bill, leaving $59.59 due (Midwayer time prompt, IMO).
A second swipe of the AmEx card paid the rest (first time this has happened).

Rod

[Amigoo]

About the Goji Tea Ceremony ...

Re: https://imlakeshorganics.com/products/goji-berries/
"Used as part of traditional Tibetan and Chinese medicine for over 2000 years ...
"renowned for increasing longevity, health and vitality!"

Suggests theme for a "ceremony" that includes this nourishing white (green) tea:
Quiet contemplation of a long and healthy life, preferably as a new day starter.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/twit ... -was-a-lie

"Close but no cigar!" Go for the wedge, but this way ...

Cut off both ends, trim off peel vertically, cut core into 4 vertical sections.
Slice each section into nibble-size wedges that are held by the 1/4 core.
Tip: Some pieces of core are tender and can be chewed.

Bonus Tip: Oranges can be cut this way but are held by the rind
(no need to peel - bite into the white flesh for more nutrition).

Rod

[Amigoo]

A diabetes discovery journey ...

Re: https://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters ... ried-fruit

Bottom line (and according to other information online):
Fresh fruit is the best form, but dried is also good, keeping in mind
calorie correspondence: a dried plum is a fresh plum without water.

Dietary riddle: A plum a day will keep the plumber away.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Keto's Afib? Who knew

Re: https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/keto ... study-says

"Rather, researchers said, the correlation could be due to the fact that people eating a low-carbohydrate diet tend to eat fewer vegetables, fruits, and grains. These foods are known to reduce inflammation that could cause heart problems. Additionally, replacing carbohydrate-rich foods with more protein and fat could lead to oxidative stress, which has also been associated with AFib."

"avoiding refined grains and processed carbohydrates is undoubtedly good for cardiovascular health"

So ... "refined" and "processed" are clues about the carbs to minimize
with total carb moderation and more dietary variety a general guide.

Popular snack foods (cookies, candies, cakes, ice cream, soda, chips, etc.)
are in this "refined and processed" category ... including pasta!

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://draxe.com/bean-sprouts/ (for EZ Asian recipe*)

An article by "Mr. Keto" (re: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgKiA3F-JHw
In this video, Dr. Axe cautions that the Keto Diet is good for fast weight loss,
but is not recommended long term.)

In addition to the missing nutrients, metabolism of fats and protein in ketosis
may produce an excess of body-stressing by-products (IMO).

* EZ Asian ... and perfect for the microwave!

Toss raw broccoli slaw, sliced sweet onion (and/or green), bean sprouts, and sliced mushrooms
with a little salt, ginger, and garlic granules (also helps refrigeration); include bamboo shoots
and sliced water chestnuts to upscale.

To serve, place in a microwaveable bowl, sprinkle on fresh water (causes steaming),
cover, and microwave to desired texture (try al dente). Then sprinkle on desired oil
(try virgin olive or sesame) and preferred Asian dressing (or simply soy sauce).

Who knew?! ... that faux Asian could be so EZ
Then, eat with real chopsticks for authenticity.

Rod

[Amigoo]

An unexpected benefit of the EZ Asian broccoli slaw:
good dietary fiber, especially when veggies are not overcooked.

Rod

[Sandy]

Hi Rod, Kim and all,

https://foodrevolution.org/blog/sugar-s ... &lastname=
I found this in my inbox this morning and thought this short article that speaks of sugar and the pros and cons of the popular sugar substitutes might be beneficial. It has helped me to understand the complexities of this important subject at least a little bit better.

xxSandy

[Amigoo]

Re: https://mygluten-freekitchen.com/irish- ... uten-free/

Substitute dried cranberries for raisins
and add sunflower seeds or sliced almonds
for less traditional Soda Bread.

Make original recipe for St. Patrick's Day (March 17)

Rod

[Amigoo]

Gritty Grits

Corn grits have characteristic texture, but when cooked with white quinoa,
the texture upscales to "gritty" (a bit more chewy). And quinoa flavor
complements the corn flavor while the protein is increased.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup polenta (coarse corn)
1/3 cup white quinoa, rinsed
1 2/3 cups water
1/4 tsp salt

Directions:

In a medium sauce pan simmer polenta, quinoa, and water
until all water is absorbed (about 20 min.).

Remove pan from heat, cover, and let rest 10 min.
Serve like grits; nice with butter and S&P.

Tip: Stir in 1 tbsp virgin olive oil when cooked
for more moisture, flavor, and nutrition.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Crimson Beets, Eclectic

Faux pickled beets and good for you!
(brands listed for reference)

Ingredients:

2 15oz cans whole beets**
2 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp garlic granules
1 tsp dill weed

Directions:

Drain beet juice into a small bowl.
Cut beets into halves (quarters if large) and place in a med. bowl (with lid).
Sprinkle dill weed and garlic granules onto cut beets.
Stir 1 tsp Eclectic Beet Powder* into saved beet juice,
then pour on cut beets; stir carefully; refrigerate.
Best served cold.

* https://www.iherb.com/pr/eclectic-insti ... 90-g/18648 ,
found at Natural Grocers. ** Try Tom Thumb's Signature Whole Beets.

Rod

[Amigoo]

More about beets (aka "beetroot") ...

Re: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/be ... s#section2

"Studies have shown that beets can significantly lower blood pressure by up to 4–10 mmHg over a period of only a few hours ... likely due to the high concentration of nitrates in beets. In your body, dietary nitrates are converted into nitric oxide, a molecule that dilates blood vessels, causing blood pressure to drop. Blood nitrate levels remain elevated for about six hours after eating dietary nitrate."

Re: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tnam ... ce&dbid=49

"Beets, frequently consumed either pickled or in borscht, the traditional Russian soup, may be one reason behind their long and healthy lives. These colorful root vegetables contain powerful nutrient compounds that help protect against heart disease, birth defects and certain cancers, especially colon cancer."

Rod

[Amigoo]

A diabetes discovery journey ...

Observation (conjecture) about diabetes drug Metformin (aka "Glucophage") ...

The recurring drowsiness (about 45 min. after taking this, lasting about 2 hours)
might be related to glucose needed by the brain relative to the rest of the body.
Perhaps, brain cells are more sensitive to "sudden" decrease in glucose.

Rod

[Amigoo]

A diabetes discovery journey ...

Observation (conjecture) about diabetes drug

New insight: After bedtime fast, breakfast carbohydrates need longer digestion time
to complement the beginning medicinal sweep of glucose from the blood. After all,
the pancreas has been providing some insulin during the bedtime rest.

Probable solution: Take oral medication an hour after breakfast
since this is the first meal of the day (new carbs for the day).

Rod

[Amigoo]

A diabetes discovery journey ...

Re: https://draxe.com/l-arginine/

Interesting discussion about the amino acid, L-Arginine ("considered somewhat essential because it’s highly important
for many functions yet usually present in low quantities, especially as someone gets older.") ...

"We obtain it from our diets, especially animal sources of protein foods, including beef
and other types of red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy products."

"One of the biggest benefits of taking arginine is its ability to improve blood flow and circulation.
In the body, it is converted into nitric oxide, which causes blood vessels to open wider."

"It’s commonly used in combination with antioxidants like vitamin C and omega-3 fish oil supplements,
helping slow the aging process and preventing many chronic diseases."

Re: https://www.amazon.com/NOW-L-Arginine-5 ... B000J6DYJO

(a comment) "Then when the wife finally gets in one of her sexual moods, whether it's late night or early morning,
I'll pop another 500 mg before hitting the bed room. :-) :-)"

Hmmm ... "moods" might be related to "positions". Who can tell

Rod ... ... (off to find books ... with pictures ; - )

[Amigoo]

About CBD Oil ...

Re: https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/cbd-oil ... orry-about

"The problem is, we don’t know yet. Many small-scale studies show that adults tend to tolerate a wide range of doses with the most common side effects being fatigue and diarrhea. But there is still no data on long-term safety and no studies involving children."

"Let’s remember that when cigarettes first emerged on the market people used them to treat lung conditions and encouraged smoking."

Rod

[Amigoo]

A diabetes discovery journey ...

Re: http://www.limaeasy.com/peruvian-food-g ... ts/guayaba

"Guayaba is extremely rich in Vitamin C (4 times more than oranges). This antioxidant boosts your immune system and protects your cells from free radical damages causing cancer. Additional guavas are a very good source for Vitamin A, good for your eyes, Vitamin B3 and B6, important for your brain, and Vitamin E, vital for a healthy skin.

Moreover Guayabas contain numerous minerals like magnesium which relaxes your body, manganese which helps your body to absorb key nutrients, copper which maintains a good function of your thyroid gland, potassium which regulates blood pressure and folate which promotes human fertility.

Furthermore peeled Guava reduces the absorption of sugar in the blood making it an ideal fruit for diabetics. Its high dietary fiber content helps easing constipation and makes it effective for lowering the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes."

For Type 2 diabetics who need more fiber when limiting carbohydrates, fiber in guava is a dietary belssing!
Baby guavas ("mini") have thin skins and do not need to be peeled, but the tiny seeds are too hard to chew
(they digest into small particles when swallowed): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLwX4fhY6H4

Rod

[Amigoo]

A diabetes discovery journey ...

After a review of how drugs and/or dietary supplements are supposed to "fix"
the problem of high cholesterol (and assuming that this is a modern problem),
it would be easy to conclude that if cholesterol is high ...

Dietary fiber is too low, saturated fat too high, and exercise minimal.
So, psyllium, rice flour, pumpkin & sesame seeds, plus olive oil & spices
are now on my Shoppin' List to create tasty, high-fiber crackers.

Who knew that sugar is another cholesterol problem:
https://share.upmc.com/2018/06/cholesterol-and-sugar/

"A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that as sugar intake increased,
HDL or good cholesterol levels decreased; triglycerides - fats that pose a cardiovascular risk - increased."

Remember this the next time a recipe calls for lotsa sugar. And if a product's ingredients list "sugar"
as one of the top three ingredients, consider a different product ... apparently.

Rod

[Amigoo]

A diabetes discovery journey ...

Re: https://www.pritikin.com/your-health/he ... terol.html

With a good recipe for Black Beans 'n Brown Rice
(including 1 1/2 cups chopped garlic ; - )

Less saturated fat, more fiber, weight loss, and exercise
are the recurring theme of drug-free cholesterol control.

Rod

[Amigoo]

A diabetes discovery journey ...

Who knew that insufficient digestion enzymes could add to the cholesterol problem:

Re: https://draxe.com/lipase/
"As we age, our bodies produce less protease, lipase and amylase, which means digestion of protein,
fats, and carbohydrates can be impaired as we get older."

This hints that a lipase supplement with a fatty meal (especially saturated fat) might help lower cholesterol.
Of course, a doctor's advice (post testing?) is best for any enzyme supplementation.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.newsmax.com/health/health-n ... id/909292/

Also a good list of foods to dominate in a diet ...
with a common theme: fiber-rich foods with significant nutrients.

Nutritionists agree that a reasonable portion of foods should be consumed raw
(like salad stuff and fruits).

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/20 ... 351024002/

Bottom line: Fermentation produces beneficial probiotics ...
(and other fermented foods exist without so much sodium).

Rod

[Sandy]

I am so appreciative of the helpful information you pass on, Rod. Making good food choices is so important and can be so confusing as well.
Thank you for helping to steer us in the right directions.Hopefully we'll all be healthier for it.
love,
Sandy

[Amigoo]

A diabetes discovery journey ...

Snack pack with antioxidant 'n fiber attitude:
Coat 8oz pkg of moist prunes with psyllium husk powder,
then combine with equal portions of raw walnuts
and dark chocolate pieces (70% cacao or more).

Snack on whatever whenever (but don't gobble).

Rod