Beauty from the Core

Monday

HEALTH BENEFITS OF JUJUBE (CHINESE DATES)

Treats Insomnia and Anxiety

Insomnia and anxiety affect millions of people, and sufferers often seek the care of health specialists for relief. At least one-third of the population experiences insomnia at some point in their lives, according to SleepMed. Likewise, more than 19 million adults suffer from anxiety. Jujubes may offer help. They contain compounds that have a sedative effect, according to Nutraceutical Research.

The potent chemical extracted from jujubes, jujuboside A, affects the hippocampus in the brain and is often used as a natural sleep aid. Jujubes can be used to treat both insomnia and anxiety. Jujube extract proves to be a natural alternative to prescription sedatives and anxiolytics.

Improves Immune Function

Antioxidants help defend the body from damaging free radicals. These free radicals interact with cells, damage vital components and may trigger diseases and aging. Because jujubes contain a large amount of antioxidants, they can help improve the immune system and overall health. They have a strengthening effect and contain plenty of phytochemicals, according to the aforementioned African Journal of Biotechnology article.

Their impressive nutritional content also includes a notable amount of vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin B2. Jujubes also contain vital minerals, such as manganese, iron, phosphorus and calcium. These elements work synergistically to create general health and well being and bolster the immune system.

Protects the Liver

The Journal of Ethnopharmacology reported in April 2009 that jujubes have a positive effect on the liver. They found that the jujube offers protection against liver injury by acting as an antioxidant. Oxidative stress, according to NetDoctor, is the process by which free radicals negatively affect the body, causing disease and aging. Antioxidants sweep up the free radicals and offset their effects. Fortunately, jujubes contain chemical compounds that help fight this oxidative damage.

References

(Information taken from www.livestrong.com)

A video I found on youtube that teaches you how to make Korean date & ginger tea:

Main Ingredients

20 Dried Dates (10 oz)
¼ Cup Ginger
6 Cups Water
½ Cup Honey
Some Dates and Pine Nuts for Garnishing

I personally like to make mine a little differently. I wash the dried dates first and then I cut them into halves. I boil 3 cups of water on high and then I add in my dates with two slices of ginger. I add in 2 cinnamon sticks or two tablespoons of cinnamon sugar and swoosh the water around a few times and let it boil for 20 minutes or so. Your house will smell amazing!!! Once the pulp starts to come out of the date, I use a wooden ladle to squeeze out the flavor from the dates. Once the water has a thicker consistency, I add another cup of water and taste to see if it's ready. If it's sweet and flavorful, you are ready to pour it into a strainer and drink the tea! It soothes your throat if you have a cold and warms up your whole body. No sugar or honey necessary if you do it my way. The cinnamon and natural flavors from the dates will make naturally sweet!

15 MINUTE PASTA DISH!

- Angel hair pasta
- Cooked (Tail-Off) Shrimp (I got mine from Costco)
- Assorted bell peppers (red, yellow, orange)
- Seasoning (you can add garlic for extra flavor)
- Olive oil

First I like to wash my veggies and fruits with "Environne" which is a fruit and vegetable wash proven to remove pesticides, waxes, and chemicals with all natural ingredients. You can purchase these at Trader Joe's. To find a store closest to you, click on the following link: http://www.traderjoes.com/stores/index.asp You can also find them on Amazon, Henry's, Whole Foods, or Bed Bath and Beyond. Here is a link to their company's website if you are interested in learning more about the product: http://www.environne.com/index.php?m=1

I really like to use it on all of my veggies and fruits especially the ones that have that waxy residue. These peppers for example tend to have that waxy feeling and so do most apples and plums. I wouldn't recommend this wash for raspberries and blackberries though because they tend to fall apart. When you use this product, your produce will feel super clean and crispy! I've been using it for a few years now and one 16 Fl. Oz. bottle will last you several months.

Direct Application: Apply a few drops directly to your produce. Massage for approximately 30 seconds and rinse thoroughly with water.

For Bulk Washing or Larger Quantities: To wash fruits and vegetables: lettuce, grapes, broccoli, mushrooms, berries, etc. Mix approximately 1 tablespoon per 32 ounces of water. Add produce, swish up to 30 seconds; use vegetable brush if needed and rinse thoroughly with water. One tablespoon of Environne Fruit and Vegetable Wash with 32 ounces of water can wash approximately 10 lbs. of produce.

Ingredients: purified water, natural cleansing agents (derived from plant oils), polysorbate-20 (derived from sorbitol/berries), grapefruit seed extract and lemon-orange extract.

Once you are done washing the veggies, chop them up into little rings. You can also add other veggies like broccoli, onions, tomatoes, etc.

Angel Hair pasta: I love angel hair because it cooks so fast! I hate waiting around for things to cook when I'm starving so I just boil the angel hair for about 5-10 minutes, then I strain the hot water and transfer the noodles into a bowl. I drizzle olive oil over it to keep the pasta from sticking or from getting too dry.

While the noodle is cooking, I cook the veggies with about 2 tablespoons of olive oil and frozen shrimp in a separate pot. I love Costco's pre-cooked tail-off shrimp because they are flavorful and super easy to use with any dish. You can pop them in the microwave or boil them for a few minutes with seasoning. You can use them in pastas, salads, tacos, or just eat them with a shrimp cocktail sauce.

When the shrimp and vegetables are done cooking, add them to your bowl of angel hair pasta. Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the top with a little extra seasoning on top and you are ready to eat! It's super fast and easy to make and will definitely satisfy your hunger.