Maca Super Food!

The Mysterious Superfood: Maca - Found in Peru and Bolivia

     Maca is also known as "Lepidium meyenii" and is an anual plant that is native to the Andes Mountains.  It is a root grown as a vegetable and also used as a medicinal herb, anti Cancer food, and a overall body boosting food.  Maca is considered the highest altitude crop in the world (Higher than 3000 m - 5000 m).  The roots have been used for thousands of years by the Incas for their medicinal properties. According to Chris Kilham, founder of Medicine Hunter, Inc., maca was once used by Inca warriors to provide strength before battle. After battle, the warriors were not permitted to use maca, in order to keep their libido in check around the conquered women.  The nutritional value of dried maca root is high, similar to cereal grains such as rice and wheat. The average composition is 60% carbohydrates, 10% protein, 8.5% dietary fiber, and 2.2% fats.

Maca is rich in essential minerals, especially selenium, calcium, magnesium, and iron.  Maca also contains 20 fatty acids including linolenic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acids, and 19 amino acids, as well as polysaccharides and 20 Trace Minerals.

Health Benefits

Maca is very good for the body in many ways. First off, Maca is known for its large energy boosting abilities. Studies have also shown thatmaca extracts can heighten libido and improve semen quality.  Maca contains calcium, zinc, iron, potassium, B vitamins, vitamin C, fiber, protein and fatty acids that improve your brain function and benefit your nervous system.  Maca also is good for supporting and balancing hormones, strengthen bones and the immune system, and is used as a healthy alternative to steroids to increase athletic performance. If you suffer from menopause, maca may reduce your symptoms.

Useage

Many people use Raw Maca Powder to add to fruit smoothees or use it to make shakes.  It has a sweet flavor but you should be careful to understand the flavor and it effects on the palate because Maca can sometimes have an overwhelming taste in certain mediums.  There are no known toxic effects or overdoses symptoms know for Maca when consumed in normal amounts so go ahead and give it a try!

-Rawnold P

Sources

Wiki

eHow

Breakfast Recipe - Delicious Raw Buckwheat Porridge!

          Now a lot of people ask about Raw Breakfast options because they get tired of the same fruit smoothie everyday.  Well I have just the recipe!  This is a good recipe to prepare in large quantities and store in the refrigerator, as it will keep for a long time.  It is fairly straight forward and any ingredient amount can be adjusted for your liking!

Prep Time: 1hr 15 mins (Soak Buckwheat 1 hr)

Ingredients:

                        -Buckwheat

                        -Cashews

                        -Honey

                        -Dates

                        -Almond Milk

                        -Vanilla Extract

                        -Cinnamon

                        -Salt

                        -Maca Powder (Optional)

  

To Start:

                 You will soak 1 cup of Raw Buckwheat in 2 cups of water for about an hour.  It is recommended to use a ratio of 1:2 of Buckwheat to water.  I have heard that soaking overnight will make the Buckwheat even more digestible for the stomach.  I have not tested this theory for I am impatient.



Raw Organic Buckwheat Soaking in Spring Water

 


When the Buckwheat is done soaking, empty the bowl and rinse the Buckwheat with water at least 3 times to get all of the oils and bacteria off.  Moist warm places are a breeding ground for bacteria.

 

 



Rinse the Raw Buckwheat Several Times and Drain



Raw Organic Cashews



Organic Vanilla Almond Milk

 



        





 Take the drained Buckwheat and put it into a blender or food processor along with a Handful of Raw Cashews and some Vanilla Almond Milk (To Get the Desired Consistency).  If you want to stay 100% Raw can use water instead.  Blend enough to get a good mixture but do not over do it at this point because you have more required blending later..  The current product might look something like this.

Partially Blended



 Add:



Raw Local Pure Honey



     4 Tablespoons of Raw Pure Honey.  (Use local honey, so much better!  Some people use Agave Nectar but it is high in Fructose so I would not recommend it.)

          1 Tablespoon of Vanilla Extract.

          1 Teaspoon of Cinnamon

          1 Pinch of Sea Salt





Lots of Cinnamon (Little at a Time)



 

BLEND!

Add:

          2 Pitted Dates (Chop First to Avoid Broken Blender Syndrome)

 

2 Pre-Chopped Dates


BLEND!

          Serve this with your favorite fruits or nuts.  You can also eat with oats or alone.  This is a very delicious and healthy recipe.  You can also add Maca powder for added health benefits but be careful because too much can overtake the taste.  Some will also add a Tablespoon or two of Cocoa Powder to made a "Chocolate Version" of this.  Add whatever you want and make it your own!  If you prefer it warmer let it sit out of the refrigerator before eating.

- Rawnold P

Killer Veggie Double-Decker!

I have been craving something filling all day so for dinner I decided to uncook something that would meet that need.  The vegetable sandwich is what I came up with.  Here is what it entailed....




Spread:

- Avocado
- Garbanzo Beans
- Olive Oil
- White Onion
- Garlic
- Salt





Sandwich:

(Part 1)
- Spinach

- Jalapeno Pepper

- Red Bell Pepper

- Eggplant

(Part 2)
- Spinach
- Carrots
- Cucumber

(Part 3)

- Celery

- Cherry Tomatoes

Now that was a killer sandwich!

  The bread was the only thing not raw.  Everything was organic.  The spread was delicious and the crunch of the vegetables just made it one of the most delicious sandwiches I have ever had.  You can use almost anything and create your own!  Enjoy!

Daily Water Flush!

The best way to start the morning is to freshen up!  One thing I have been doing to start my day each morning is a liquid flush.  Upon waking up I pour a large glass of water, (About 25oz or so)  add some lime juice and chug it.  This is not only good for hydrating the body but it usually induces a bowel movement which clears out the colon and makes you feel great before you start to tackle the day.  I would recommend giving it a try for once it becomes habitual, one will realize how much better they feel when having this morning detox.  I have also noticed that this practice helps to settle my stomach.  Good Stuff

Many people talk about the "Salt Water Flush" which is similar and known to cleanse the entire digestive tract.  The recipe is to mix 1 quart of lukewarm water with 2 teaspoons of SEA SALT and consume in the morning before eating anything.  It is said that within an hour you will be stationed on the pot.  I have yet to try this but many have testified to its validity.  For better results it is recommend to drink herbal laxative tea before going to sleep the night before to loosen matter in the digestive system.  This can be done daily for a more complete cleanse.  I would not recommend making it a daily habit, rather just using it to detox periodically.  The Mediterranean recipe is to substitute the salt with a tablespoon of olive oil which helps to lubricate the digestive tract.  Hell maybe even do both.  Side effects include an increase in energy.

- Rawnold P

Bad Ass Raw Snack... Guacamole

     This is one of my favorite things to make not only because it tastes great but I use to make this before I even started Rawing!


      You do have to watch out if your are trying to slim down because avocados are high in fat.  The majority of the fat is monounsaturated so it is preferred over most other fats but moderation is the key.  Avocados also have more potassium than bananas, are high in fiber, and are rich in vitamins B, E, and K.

1. Ingredients

Avocado
Onion
Tomato
Garlic
Salt
Lime Juice

- 2 Ripe Medium Sized Avocados (Preferably HASS)
- .5 White Onion (What ever type of onion you prefer)
- 1 SM/MED Tomato
- 1 SM/MED Clove of Garlic
- 3 Pinches Sea Salt
- 2 Teaspoons Lime/Lemon Juice

**(I recommend using all organic; A lot of people think it's stupid and yes more expensive but I mean how are you supposed to detox when you are still putting toxic chemicals into your body.  I.E. Ammonium Nitrate AKA Commercial Fertilizer (Main chemical used to produce explosives in WWII) Herbicides, Pesticides, Insecticides, Fungicides, and a Fuck ton more.)  Im done ranting haha but seriously.**

2. Procedure

- Extract Avocado, Add a Pinch of Salt, Mash with fork to desired consistency

- Dice onion, Core Tomato and Dice the rest, Mince Garlic

- Mix Onion, Tomato, Garlic, and 2 Pinches of Salt (or to taste)

- Stir all ingredients together and add Lime/Lemon Juice (Helps keep the Guacamole from browning if it even lasts that long and also adds a tiny twang.)

- Garnish and serve!

2 Must See Documentaries!

Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead (2010)

This film follows an Australian (Joe Cross) on his 60 day Raw Juice (Fast).  Joe travels with a juicer in the back of his car and meets many people along his journey across the US.  Joe even meets a man at a truck stop who has the same medical condition as himself and inspires the man to change his life around.  FS&ND is very inspiring and shows the power of fresh Raw foods.  By the end of the film Joe is off of all medications including blood pressure medications and medications for several other serious illnesses, not to mention he looses somewhere around 80 pounds.  Must See!

Food Matters (2008)

This is one of the most informative and eye opening films that I have ever seen.  It reaches deep into the science of nutrition and raw organic foods.  The film talks about the importance of vitamin supplements and how doctors are not scientists and sometimes do not know the best treatment for patients.  Food Matters examines the health care industries agenda to keep people unhealthy.  "There is no money to be made on good health."  A must see that will change the way you look at your health and the various approaches of maintaining and improving a healthy life.

Raw 101

What is Raw?!

Eating “Raw” is the practice of consuming foods in an uncooked state so that the body can retain the most nutrients in order to nourish itself.  Raw foods were very popular for thousands of years and were replaced by highly processed fatty foods in the last few decades and now Raw Foods are making a comeback in many areas of the Country.  Some believe that following a Raw Lifestyle can be the main factor in curing disease such as cancer, diabetes, and other nourishment related illnesses as well as living a healthy positive and balanced life.

                         

                       

The Premise

The main idea behind eating Raw foods is that foods naturally contain enzymes, which are proteins to help the body with digestion.  When a food is cooked, (Many believe the threshold is above degrees 104F) most if not all of the enzymes are lost.  Therefore when the body tries to digest these substances it must work very hard and use more resources from other processes of the body, such as the immune system, in order to digest this “food”.  Consuming foods Raw, in the form they were created, will put ones body back into an all-star state and improve their overall health.  Not to mention they will feel great and have a peaking immune system!

More to It

Eating Raw is each person’s own but many who follow the Raw Lifestyle are also vegetarian.   Personally I am not technically a vegetarian but I find it difficult to find the time or place in my diet to fit meats.  Most realize they just do not need all that meat once they start filling themselves with delicious, crunchy, sweet fruits and vegetables.  It is also recommended to avoid dairy overall.  “Dairy is one of the most mucus forming foods we can consume – mucus is the body’s way to protect itself from unwanted toxins.  One of the elements in cow’s milk is casein, a major ingredient in one of the strongest wood glues on the market!  ………..and THIS is meant to make us ‘healthy’?!  The surface of the digestive tract that is designed to absorb the nutrients from the food we eat becomes covered with a mucoid plaque (film) that protects our blood from toxins that would make us severely sick if absorbed.  Unfortunately this same film doesn’t allow us to absorb any nutrients.   Over the years the mucoid plaque gets thicker and harder and we become under-nourished.  Some people do not want to eliminate dairy all together and for those who fall into this category, exchanging cow’s dairy for raw goat dairy is a healthier choice as goat’s milk is easier to digest and doesn’t have the same make-up as cow’s dairy – the make-up that makes us toxic.”  Almond milk is a personal favorite of mine and a delicious alternative to dairy milk.    Another practice that some Raw Foodists follow is the separation of meals that contain fruits and vegetables.  Meaning they do not eat both fruits and vegetables at the same meal.   Most fruits are broken down to an alkaline ph.  Vegetables break down to form acids. When fruits and vegetables meet in the stomach, they neutralize and digestion is slowed. The same is true with starches and meats as well as grains and dairy.  A lot of digestive problems as well as acid reflux have been linked to a improper acid-alkaline balance in the body.  Sticking with fresh uncooked food that comes from the ground is the best way to nourish the body and mind, no doubt.  These are all things to keep in mind when one is planning their diet.

Specifics

Most people cannot start out at a 100% Raw Lifestyle, being it is just a too drastic of a change.  Usually it is best to start low and work up.  Many choose to start at 50% Raw because it takes substantial lifestyle change but is still manageable to a regular person.  I am personally an all or nothing kind of guy and started out at about 90-95% Raw but I knew I would not succeed unless I made a drastic change and started seeing instant results.  When starting out it is many times difficult to stick to Raw foods and a lot of people will get cravings.  If one craves cooked food, they should let themself cheat a little and have a small sumtin sumtin as a treat to a job well done so far and to keep sane.  It is better to eat a small amount of cooked food then to try and hold until one breaks and splurges or even drops the diet completely.  One should know their limits and what is needed in order to reach their goal.  I love bread and pita so I have always kept a small amount of cooked grains in my diet.  For some the transition may just be starting to incorporate more Raw foods into the diet.  Others might wake up one morning and decide to never eat a cooked food again.  Whatever route someone chooses to take they need make sure they do not burn out before having had the chance to feel the power of Raw natural foods on the Raw natural body.

Detox

The first few days of 100% or mostly Raw might be tuff.  At this point the body is expelling many of the toxins it has built up for years from pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and many other chemicals.  One will become more physically aware.  Sensations will be stronger, the goods feel great and bads will feel worse.  They will become mentally clearer.  Many people claim this was their main reason for changing to Raw, the sheer clarity of the mind after doing so.  The brain will feel as if it can function better and is released from a sort of toxic daze.  One will become quicker to thoughts and more agile mentally.   There are a ton of benefits but also a few side effects tied with the detox, which can include physical cramps, pain in the joints, loss of energy, nausea, headaches and much more for the first few days.  I had red itching bumps that formed and faded away within a few days.  These side effects are the body releasing toxins which it has collected for years and years.  After the initial stage of the detox one will start having large boosts of energy.  Many have experienced a positive mood change after 2 or 3 days of eating Raw.  A lot of this depends on ones age and previous diet as well as their current physical health.  After 2-3 days a person will probably have shed a couple pounds.  A lot of weight can be lost simply from the cleansing of the digestive track.  I lost 4 pounds in my first 3 days of detox, none of which was water weight.  Eating Raw will cause a person to continue leaning up, losing fat, and expelling unwanted substances from the body.  Anyone who gives it a try will not be sorry.