E. F. Block
September 2011
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The TV Show "The Doctors" on 21 May 2011 produced a segment that involved Food Combinations. This segment was in answer to one of "50 Questions From 50 Cities" by Reina from Mexico City. Her question was: "Can certain foods be healthier for you when paired together"? This article will address 2 of the presented food combs: Blueberries & Walnuts and Turmeric & Black Pepper. The information concerning Food Combinations provided on "The Doctors" website at www.thedoctorstv.com in relation to Blueberries & Walnuts is as follows: These foods each contain different types of polyphenols, chemicals that boost memory and cognition. Together, they appear to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that weaken our brains as we age. Toss a handful of blueberries into cereal, oatmeal or yogurt along with � cup chopped walnuts for a filling breakfast or snack. Experimentation of the above food combo by the author produced a formulation that yielded quite dramatic results on several fronts. The formula of the final combinations is as follows: Combine 1 pint of fresh blueberries with � cup of freshly chopped walnut halves. Add � teaspoon of ground cinnamon, � teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 heaping tablespoon of Maca powder, 1 heaping tablespoon of organic raw sugar and 1 heaping tablespoon of Barley Malt to the blueberries and walnuts. Then add organic Soymilk to the mix until just before the berries become covered. As a special addition to boost the oxidative polyphenols, you may add a heaping tablespoon of raw organic chocolate nibs (the seeds of the cacao fruit). Over the course of several months of working with the BW formulation, effects were noticed in both the organ systems of the body and the emotional/mental state of a person consuming this formulation on a regular basis (at least 2 times a week). Mental clarity and emotional well-being seemed to be increased 6 to10 hours after consumption. Additionally there was a sense of preparedness and desire for physical action. Peak results lasted 3 hours or so. The author noticed a marked desire for mental creative outlet during peak effects. Blueberries ( http://www.blueberrycouncil.org/health-benefits-of-blueberries/blueberry-nutrition/ ) are leaders in antioxidant activity as they contain pterostilbene, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, resveratrol, flavonols, and tannins, which inhibit mechanisms of cancer cell development and inflammation in vitro. Blueberries are packed with Vitamin C and are dynamos of dietary fiber. Blueberries are an excellent source of manganese that boosts metabolism. Animal studies found blueberry consumption lowered cholesterol and total blood lipid levels, possibly affecting symptoms of heart disease. Additional research showed that blueberry consumption in rats increased glycosaminoglycans that are vascular cell components promoting the control of blood pressure. Supplementation of diets with wild blueberry juice enhanced memory and learning in older adults, while reducing blood sugar and symptoms of depression (Wikipedia). Walnuts (especially in their raw form) contain the highest level of antioxidants of any nutmeat. Walnuts are one of the best plant sources of protein. They are rich in fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, and antioxidants such as Vitamin E. Walnuts have significantly higher amounts of alpha-linolenic acid omega 3 fatty acids (compared to other nuts) that have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol. In CHF, the walnut is used to strengthen Kidney yang (adrenal glands) and to promote kidney Qi (adrenal function). Maca is a very potent source of nutrients for nerves and glands (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepidium_meyenii). Maca is rich in essential minerals, (especially selenium, calcium, magnesium, and iron) includes fatty acids (linolenic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acids), 19 amino acids, and polysaccharides. Maca is reported to be beneficial for sexual function. Maca contains a chemical called p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate, which reputedly has aphrodisiac properties. Barley Malt is an excellent source of B-Vitamins as well as beneficial carbohydrates. The malt and raw sugar were added to supply energy for the experience. Vanilla extract and cinnamon were added for mostly flavor but also for reducing inflammation. Soymilk has about the same protein content as cow's milk but also fiber. The biggest benefit of soymilk is the presence of isoflavones that are chemicals very similar to the hormone estrogen. Soymilk is also another good source of B-Vitamins. The main phospholipids in lecithin from soya are phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl inositol, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, and phosphatidic acid. All the above are very good for nerve and gland functionality. Cacao nibs contain the highest level of flavonoids, specifically epicatechin, which have beneficial cardiovascular effects on health. By increasing the levels of specific neurotransmitters in our brains, cacao promotes positive outlook, facilitates rejuvenation and simply helps us feel good. All in all, this BW formulation is very good at promoting overall nerve and gland health. The information concerning Food Combinations provided on "The Doctors" website at www.thedoctorstv.com in relation to Turmeric & Black Pepper is as follows: Turmeric is a spice that is highly anti-inflammatory and suppresses angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels required for cancer cells to thrive. Our body can absorb turmeric 2000 times better when mixed with black pepper. Combine turmeric and black pepper with olive oil and add to a stir-fry. Experimentation of the above food combo by the author produced a formulation that yields quite dramatic results in combating existing conditions of what is termed in TCM as Blood Stasis (BS) and Qi Stagnation (QS). The formula of the final combinations is as follows: Mix � teaspoon of ground turmeric, � teaspoon of ground black pepper and � teaspoon of cumin with olive oil in a stir-fry, a stew or with 6 scrambled eggs. In CHF, turmeric is listed as an herb that "Invigorates the Blood", i.e., it is used for problems associated with (BS). That means conditions that are due to any flow of the blood where it has become retarded, blocked or static. Turmeric is used to promote healing due to trauma and chronic sores and it also promotes the movement of qi. Turmeric is very useful in reducing jaundice and gallbladder disorders. Black Pepper contains Piperine that acts as a thermogenic (heat promoting) compound. Piperine enhances the thermogenesis of lipid and accelerates energy metabolism in the body. It also increases serotonin and beta-endorphin production in the brain. It has been shown that piperine can dramatically increase absorption of selenium, vitamin B, beta-carotene and curcumin (in Turmeric) as well as other nutrients. Cumin is the second most popular spice in the world after black pepper. Scientific evidence suggests cumin may aid digestion by stimulating enzyme production by the pancreas to break down foods. Cumin is an aromatic spice with a distinctive bitter flavor and strong, warm aroma due to its abundant essential oil content, thus it is also thermogenic. Cumin seeds also have anti-carcinogenic properties. Used here it is mostly for flavoring to smooth out the taste of the Turmeric and Black Pepper. Olive oil contains a wide variety of valuable antioxidants that are not found in other oils. There is a large body of clinical data to show that consumption of olive oil can provide heart health benefits such as favourable effects on cholesterol regulation and LDL cholesterol oxidation. Olive oil exerts antiinflamatory, antithrombotic, antihypertensive as well as vasodilatory effects both in animals and in humans. Additionally, Olive oil protects against heart disease as it controls the "bad" levels of LDL cholesterol and raises levels of the "good" cholesterol, HDL. Extra virgin or virgin olive oil have more monounsaturated fatty acids than other olive oil. These types also contain more polyphenols, which may have benefits for the heart. The oil soluble substances of the spices will use the oil as a carrier for entry into the body. This formula is thought to be, by the author, a powerful spice combination invaluable in the alleviation and prevention of inflammation within the body. The expansion of "brain fog" producing electromagnetic field pollution necessitates a means of combating this pervasive phenomenon. The Blueberry-Walnut formulation is a powerful ally in conferring alleviation and prevention of "brain fog" and maintaining optimum nerve health. Much of the foods that are produced in the industrialized countries predispose the body towards inflammatory conditions due to the nature of manufacturing processes. The Turmeric-Black Pepper formulation is a powerful ally in conferring alleviation and prevention of inflammatory conditions and tumerogenesis. |