Health Benefits of All of Our Raw Cake Ingredients
Almonds
"Eating almonds has the same effect as the cholesterol-lowering
drugs called statins. A one and a half ounce handful of almonds
is a leading source of vitamin E and magnesium and offers
protein, fiber, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and iron in 246
calories. Also, almonds (and other nuts) contain phytochemicals,
which are plant chemicals that may provide powerful protection
against heart disease, stroke, and other chronic diseases.
New research gives even more support to the healthy benefits of
almonds: almonds may well be a food that helps fight obesity and
diabetes.
At the recent 2005 Experimental Biology conference there were
several studies regarding the benefits on almonds. Almonds may
lower LDL (aka “bad) cholesterol, and they seem to help block
the body’s absorption of both fat and carbohydrates. This has
numerous implications for diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
The fiber structure of almonds may be the mechanism behind this
phenomenon, and this reduces the calories available from the
almonds themselves. Almonds may slow the actual absorption of
the carbohydrates into the body, which means that they help to
create a slower rise in blood sugar levels – and therefore help
to keep insulin levels in check.
Almonds also have greater levels of satiety, that is,
satisfaction or fullness from food. This may be due to the high
fiber content of the almonds, and this greater satiety leads to
an overall satisfaction of hunger that can help people to
maintain a healthy weight. The studies done at Purdue University
showed that adding nearly two servings of almonds to a person’s
diet did not cause them to gain weight or body fat at all, but
rather led them to decrease their intake of calories from other
sources of food. Therefore they did not consume more calories
overall but kept the same levels of consumption despite adding
almonds to their diet." www.supermarketguru.com
Cacao
"With over 300 identifiable chemical compounds, cacao is one of
the most complex and pleasurably satisfying foods on the planet.
In its raw form, cacao contains anandamide (a euphoric
substance), arginine (a natural aphrodisiac), neurotransmitters
that stimulate and balance brain activity, tryptophan (an
anti-depressant), antioxidants and other beneficial compounds
known to have rejuvenating and anti-aging elements. Raw cacao
also contains Phenylethylamine (PEA) which is a chemical found
in the brain of happy people. If you fall in love, then your PEA
level will shoot up. Ditto for just having a happy feeling and
lust for life. So in other words, eating cacao can make you
smile.
Cacao contains more magnesium than any other food. Magnesium is
essential for helping the heart to pump blood efficiently,
building strong bones, and lowering blood pressure. Cacao is a
good source of the beauty mineral sulfur; responsible for
healthy skin, nails and hair.
Cacao, 'the food of the gods' has been found to contain one of
the highest levels of antioxidants on the planet, exceeding red
wine, green tea, and other exotic fruits and vegetables. ORAC
(Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) values of cacao (13,120 per
100 grams) exceed those of prunes (5, 700); blueberries (2,400),
strawberries (1,540) and spinach (1,260).
Recent scientific studies have shown that cacao boosts blood
flow to the heart, brain and other organs and has a wide array
of protective effects against heart disease. It has also been
shown to beneficial in lowering blood glucose levels and
preventing the onset of type-2 diabetes. Research from Germany
also suggests that the flavanols in cacao may help maintain
youthful, beautiful skin." www.znaturalfoods.com
Cashews
"The cashew nut packs 5 grams of protein per ounce and high
levels of the essential minerals iron, magnesium, phosphorus,
zinc, copper and manganese, which are utilized in holistic
health solutions and healthy diets.
Cashew nuts do have a relatively high fat content (12 grams per
ounce, 2 grams saturated fat), but it is considered “good fat.”
This is due to the agreeable fat ratio in the nut, 1:2:1 for
saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated, respectively,
which scientists say is the ideal ratio for optimal health.
Cashew nuts also have a fatty acid profile that contributes to
good health through phytosterols, tocopherols, and sqaulene, all
of which lower the risk of heart disease, combined with the
nut's zero percent cholesterol content.
Even with the relatively high fat content, cashew nuts are
considered to be a “low-fat” nut. In fact, cashew nuts contain
less fat per serving than many other popular nuts commonly found
in grocery stores and health food stores, including almonds,
walnuts, peanuts and pecans.
Recommendations vary for cashew nut consumption in diet and
weight loss. Cashew nuts have a high energy density and high
amount of dietary fiber, both which have been attributed to a
beneficial effect on weight management.
With no cholesterol, a rarity for such a tasty and pleasing
treat, cashew nuts are a healthy fat food for heart patients.
And because of their high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids,
they also help support healthy levels of low good (HDL)
cholesterol.
The cashew nut's high magnesium content also takes the credit
for its healthy heart qualities. In their raw form, cashews
contain 82.5 milligrams of magnesium per ounce, or 21 percent of
the daily recommended value of the heart healthy mineral, which
also protects against high blood pressure, muscle spasms,
migraine headaches, tension, soreness and fatigue.
Magnesium also works with calcium to support healthy muscles and
bones in the human body.
And with a high copper content, too, cashew nut consumption
helps the body utilize iron, eliminate free radicals, develop
bone and connective tissue, and produce the skin and hair
pigment melanin.
Copper, which is an essential component of the enzyme superoxide
dismutase , is vital in energy production and antioxidant
defense, producing greater flexibility in blood vessels, bones
and joints.
Research has also shown that chemicals in cashew nuts kill gram
positive bacteria, a pervasive mouth affliction that causes
tooth decay, acne, tuberculosis and leprosy."
www.organiccashewnuts.com
Coconut Oil
'The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin
care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight
loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism,
relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood
pressure, diabetes, HIV and cancer, dental care, and bone
strength. These benefits of coconut oil can be attributed to the
presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its
properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal,
antibacterial, soothing, etc.
The human body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which is
claimed to help in dealing with viruses and bacteria causing
diseases such as herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even
HIV. It helps in fighting harmful bacteria such as listeria
monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and harmful protozoa such
as giardia lamblia. As a result of these various health benefits
of coconut oil, though its exact mechanism of action was
unknown, it has been extensively used in Ayurveda, the
traditional Indian medicinal system.
Coconut oil is often preferred by athletes and body builders and
by those who are dieting. The reason behind this being that
coconut oil contains lesser calories than other oils, its fat
content is easily converted into energy and it does not lead to
accumulation of fat in the heart and arteries. Coconut oil helps
in boosting energy and endurance, and enhances the performance
of athletes. " www.organicfacts.com
Dates
"Dates are a great source of dietary fiber. The American Cancer
Society recommends that you consume 20-35 grams of dietary fiber
a day. Dietary fiber comes in two forms – soluble and insoluble.
Each serves a valuable function. Insoluble fiber increases the
rate at which food moves through the digestive system. Soluble
fiber may help control diabetes by decreasing elevated blood
glucose levels. Soluble fiber also had been found to help lower
serum cholesterol levels, particularly undesirable low density
lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
According to researchers at the University of Scranton in
Scranton Pennsylvania, they have the highest concentration of
polyphenols among dried fruits. The findings of this research
suggest that dried fruits should be a greater part of the diet
as they are dense in phenol antioxidants and nutrients, most
notably fiber.
A serving of power-packed dates contains 31 grams of
carbohydrates, making them a powerhouse of energy. Carbohydrates
include 3 grams of dietary fiber and 29 grams of naturally
occurring sugars such as fructose, glucose and sucrose to
provide quick energy and are readily used by the body. Dates are
a perfect energy boosting snack.
Dates are one of the best natural sources of potassium.
Potassium is an essential mineral your body needs to maintain
muscle contractions including the vital heart muscle. Potassium
is needed to maintain a healthy nervous system and to balance
the body’s metabolism as well.
Since potassium is not stored in the body, and much is lost in
perspiration, it must be continually replenished. As you consume
potassium you excrete sodium, helping to keep blood pressure
down. As people age, their kidneys become less efficient at
eliminating sodium. About a 400 mg increase in potassium intake
has been associated with a 40% reduction in the risk of stroke.
This roughly amounts to one additional serving daily of Dates.
Dates also contain a variety of B-complex vitamins – thiamin,
riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6 and pantothenic acid. These
vitamins have a variety of functions that help maintain a
healthy body – to metabolize carbohydrates and maintain blood
glucose levels, fatty acids for energy, and they help make
hemoglobin, the red and white blood cells. Dates also contain
Magnesium which is essential for healthy bone development and
for energy metabolism and Iron which is essential to red blood
cell production. Red blood cells carry all the nutrients to
cells throughout the body. In addition, Dates are fat and
cholesterol free!"
www.happynutritio nist.com
Hazelnuts
“Hazelnut and Hazelnut oil are the best known sources for
Vitamin E which is essential for the healthy heart muscles and
other muscles of the body as well. It is also necessary for
normal functioning of the reproduction system. Vitamin E
prevents the disintegration of red blood cells, thus it serves
as a protection against deficiency of blood which is called
anemia. Another benefit of Vitamin E which is found in hazelnut
is to prevent the factors which prepare the basis for cancer
disease. If cancer is already formed in the body, then it fights
to defuse the harmful cells. Beta-sitosterol, which is found
amply in hazelnut, is an important mean of decreasing
cholesterol and preventing cancer (breast cancer and prostate
cancer).
Hazelnuts are a good source of monounsaturated and
polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are anti inflammatory in
nature, as well as being naturally cholesterol free and free of
trans fatty acids.
Thus, consuming 25 gr. Hazelnut a day protects the body both for
heart-disease and cancer.
Hazelnut is rich in oil. Indeed 60-70 % of hazelnut consists of
oil. This structure provides not only energy to organisms, but
also protection of body temperature, protection against outer
factors and helps to the movement of vitamins which melt in the
oil. In the combination of hazelnut oil, there are some oil
acids which carry out important duties for organisms. For
instance; oleic acid which is found in hazelnut oil prevents the
rise of cholesterol in the blood, decreases cholesterol by
26,2%, arranges the blood sugar, increases the protective
Apapratein A-1 for health-vein diseases by 25% and decreases
risky Apapratein B by %7,5.
Another beneficial acid in hazelnut oil is Linoleic Acid which
can be found heavily in hazelnut oil. Linoleic Acid plays very
important role for the growth and healthy development of
organisms."
“Hazelnut and Hazelnut oil are the best known sources for
Vitamin E which is essential for the healthy heart muscles and
other muscles of the body as well. It is also necessary for
normal functioning of the reproduction system. Vitamin E
prevents the disintegration of red blood cells, thus it serves
as a protection against deficiency of blood which is called
anemia. Another benefit of Vitamin E which is found in hazelnut
is to prevent the factors which prepare the basis for cancer
disease. If cancer is already formed in the body, then it fights
to defuse the harmful cells. Beta-sitosterol, which is found
amply in hazelnut, is an important mean of decreasing
cholesterol and preventing cancer (breast cancer and prostate
cancer).www.home-remedies-for-you.com
Honey
Raw honey has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and
anti-fungal properties. It promotes body and digestive health,
is a powerful antioxidant, strengthens the immune system,
eliminates allergies, and is an excellent remedy for skin wounds
and all types of infections. Raw honey's benefits don't stop
there. Raw honey can also stabilize blood pressure, balance
sugar levels, relieve pain, calm nerves, and it has been used to
treat ulcers. Raw honey is also an expectorant and
anti-inflammatory and has been known to effectively treat
respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma.
Raw honey purchased from a local source is an excellent way of
treating seasonal allergies. Local honey is preferred for
treating allergies because the likelihood is great that it will
contain small amounts of the specific pollens an individual may
be allergic to.
Raw honey contains enzymes and minerals including iron, zinc, potassium,
calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and selenium. Vitamins found in
honey include vitamin B6, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid
and niacin. In addition, the nutraceuticals contained in honey
help neutralize damaging free radical activity.
One tablespoon of honey contains 64 calories,
yet it has a healthy glycemic load around 10 for 1 Tbsp, which
is a little less than a banana. and does not cause a sugar spike
and elevated insulin release like white sugar.
www.naturalnews.com
Lecithin
"The most popular and established health benefit of lecithin is
its role in the breakdown of fats in the body. Lecithin is
present in the body at the cellular level and though it is not
considered as an essential nutrient, it has an indispensable
role in regulating the flow of nutrients and waste materials in
and out of the cell. For decades now, lecithin has been popular
for treating patients with high cholesterol. It has been seen to
prevent the build-up of fats and bad cholesterol in the walls of
the heart, the arteries and the veins, thereby promoting food
cardiovascular health.
It is for this same reason that lecithin is added as a dietary
supplement for preventing liver cirrhosis. It disperses fat and
help in its breakdown so that they do not accumulate in the
liver. Also, since lecithin hastens the breakdown of fats and
their metabolism, soy lecithin has been used for promoting
weight loss.
Lecithin contains phosphatidylcholine (PC) which the main
ingredient assumed to be responsible for its medicinal effect.
The truth is, PC is part of the actual membrane that surrounds
the cell. Once PC is ingested in the body through
lecithin-containing foods or supplements, it is broken down by
the body into choline which is vital for the proper functioning
of the brain.
Lecithin has also been discovered to prevent gallstones and
promote gallbladder health. They are also often used to improve
memory to those who have brain function-related problems such as
Alzheimer's, amnesia or dementia. It has also been used to boost
physical performance in endurance sports. It has also been
proposed as possible remedies for psychosis, heart ailments and
even cancer. However, to prove these claims, more research and
scientific studies would need to be done to determine their
exact role in the control of these diseases."
www.nutritional-supplements-health-guide.com
Macadamia Nuts
"Macadamia nuts contain significant amounts of fibre (helps the
movement of the digestive tract) and the B-complex vitamins
(mostly involved in the metabolic processes).
These nuts also contain small amounts of selenium (has important
antioxidant properties, thus protecting the body from cancer),
calcium (builds bones and teeth), phosphorus (builds bones and
teeth), potassium (regulates the body's fluid balance), iron
(essential for red blood cell function and enzyme activity) and
magnesium (promotes energy release and bone growth).
Although the energy value of these nuts is relatively high,
macadamias contain no cholesterol.
Like all other varieties of nuts, macadamias also contain
antioxidants associated with a decreased risk of certain types
of cancer, like breast, cervical, gastrointestinal, lung,
stomach and prostate cancer." www.health24.com
Pecans
"Pecans have it all. Besides being one of the most elegant,
versatile and rich-tasting nuts you can put on your plate, they
offer up a package of health benefits that's very impressive. In
fact, the new 2005 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department
of Agriculture recommend eating 4 to 5 servings of nuts each
week.
The Mayo Clinic conducted a study which found that all nuts are
nutrient dense and naturally cholesterol free. Not only are nuts
cholesterol free but, studies have suggested that eating pecans
may help reduce LDL cholesterol levels, leading to a reduction
in the risk of heart attacks and coronary artery disease. The
serving size for nuts is about one ounce, which equals about 15
pecan halves. Pecans are a great staple for vegetarians, because
one serving of pecans can take the place of the protein found in
an ounce of meat.
Pecans are also a rich source of oleic acid, the same type of
fatty acid found in olive oil. Researchers from Northwestern
University in Chicago recently found in laboratory tests that
oleic acid has the ability to suppress the activity of a gene in
cells thought to trigger breast cancer. While this area of study
is still in its early stages, the researchers say it could
eventually translate into a recommendation to eat more foods
rich in oleic acid, like pecans and olive oil.
Researchers from Loma Linda University in California and New
Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico, have
confirmed that when pecans are part of the daily diet, levels of
bad cholesterol in the blood drop. Pecans get their
cholesterol-lowering ability from both the type of fat they
contain and the presence of beta-sitosterol, a natural
cholesterol-lowering compound. Eating 1-2 ounces of pecans a
day, when its part of a heart-healthy diet, can reduce the risk
of heart disease. Moreover, a study published in the June 2004
issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found
that pecans, hazelnuts, and walnuts contained the highest
antioxidant levels of all nuts tested.
The same natural compound that gives pecans its
cholesterol-lowering power, has also been shown to be effective
in treating the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH),
a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland in men. About
two ounces of pecans provides a dose of beta-sitosterol found to
be effective. In addition, a recent laboratory study from Purdue
University found that gamma-tocopherol, the type of vitamin E
found in pecans, has the ability to kill prostate cancer cells
while leaving healthy cells alone. Last but not least, despite
the widely held belief that nuts are fattening, several
population studies have found that as nut consumption increased,
body fat actually decreased.
Pecans, along with their antioxidant packed relatives, walnuts
and hazelnuts, can be found in many of your favorite Wholefood
Farmacy foods including Phi Plus, Cornaborealis, Corn of Plenty
and your favorite Farinas."
www.happynutritionist.com
Stevia
#1 Lowers your blood sugar levels
Stevia is used as a substitute for sugar, especially for
diabetics. It contains a compound called steviol glycoside that
is not absorbed by the body and cannot be broken down and hence,
is flushed out directly. It stabilizes your blood sugar by
increasing insulin resistance, inhibits the absorption of
glucose and promotes the health of the pancreas.
Tip: Stevia tea is one of the best concoctions to keep one’s
blood sugar under control. Just steep some stevia leaves in warm
water for about five to seven minutes. Drink this tea either hot
or cold two to three times a day.
Warning: People with low blood sugar should avoid drinking
stevia tea as it could lead to a drastic drop in blood sugar
levels.
#2 Controls high blood pressure
According to a study published in the Brazilian Journal of
Biology and Technology stevia can lower the blood pressure in
people suffering from hypertension. However, the results are
seen over one to two years. Hence, people who are more prone to
the disease can it in their diet to prevent hypertension.
Tip: Drink a cup of stevia tea on a daily basis to maintain your
blood pressure levels and lower your risk as well.
#3 Beats dandruff and acne
Being packed with anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and
anti-inflammatory compounds, stevia can help you to get rid of
acne and dandruff. Apart from this, it is used to repair dry and
damaged hair.
Tip: For dandruff free hair, just add a few drops of stevia
extract into your shampoo and use it regularly. In case of acne,
either make a paste of the leaves or apply the extract directly
to the pimple and leave overnight. The extract will dry out the
pimple and more importantly will not leave a blemish. It is
important to note that one must use it regularly to see the
desired results.
#4 Reduces wrinkles and fine lines
Stevia contains a compound called retinoic acid that thwarts the
progression of wrinkles. It works by inhibiting the breakdown of
cells especially collagen and elastin. Moreover, it reduces
sebum production and even enhances the life span of cells.
Tip: To reap its skincare benefits, all you need to do is mix
stevia extract in their regular face cream and use it on a daily
basis. Alternatively, you can apply the extract on your face
every night and wash it off with cold water after half an hour.
#5 Helps protect your teeth and gums
Gingivitis is an infection of the gums caused by bacteria. As
stevia contains antibacterial and inflammatory compounds, it
prevents the colonization of bacteria in the mouth and around
the gums. This in turn hinders the formation of cavities and
plaque that predominantly contributes to the onset of
gingivitis.
Tip: Add few drops of stevia extract to your toothpaste or
gargle regularly with the stevia mouthwash or stevia tea. To
make stevia mouthwash add two to three drops of stevia extract
to a small cup of warm water and gargle. Read about how to treat
various oral problems like toothache, bad breath and yellow
teeth at home.
#6 Reduces heartburn and indigestion
The presence of specific plant glycosides in stevia soothes an
irritated stomach lining and thus, aids in the treatment of
indigestion and heartburn.
Tip: Drink a cup of warm stevia tea to deal with indigestion,
whereas its cooled form combats heartburn.
#7 Aids in weight loss
Stevia is great for weight loss as it contains no calories and
can be used a sweetener. You can use it in baked and cooked
products as the glycosides present in it, do not break down when
cooked. An added advantage of this leaf is that it has the
capability of reducing your cravings for fatty foods.
Tip: In order to use stevia in everyday cooking, add the extract
or the leaf to your daily diet to satiate your cravings. Here
are 8 healthy, protein-rich snacks to beat hunger pangs.
#8 Heals wounds faster
Stevia inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria and thus, acts as
a powerful natural aid to treat wounds and minor skin
infections. Naturopaths believe that it has the capability to
reduce the pain associated with sores and even treat athlete’s
foot.
Tip: To treat athlete’s foot, soak your feet in warm water
containing few drops of stevia extract. After soaking them for
about fifteen minutes, pat dry the area. Do this for about two
weeks for desired results. Also read about how to deal with
common medical emergencies like cuts, wounds, burns, fractures
and more.
Although stevia provides numerous health benefits, there are few
side-effects that have been reported. These include bloating in
the abdomen, lowered blood sugar in people already suffering
from hypoglycaemia and lowered blood pressure in people
suffering from hypotension. Hence, consult your doctor before
trying it to avoid these health complications.
Vanilla Bean
"Among the purported health benefits of vanilla by ancient
peoples was that it could act as an aphrodisiac. But it wasn’t
just ancient peoples that thought this, in the 1700’s it was
recommended by physicians to be drunk as an infusion or tincture
for the purposes of male potency. An article written by the
German physician in 1762 claimed that 342 impotent men were
changed into astonishing lovers from drinking vanilla
decoctions.
In modern times, aromatherapy tests were done on different
aromas and the one that most men were aroused by was vanilla.
The natural oils found in vanilla have anti-carcinogenic
properties, along with its chief chemical component vanillin.
Like many polyphenols found in plants, vanillin has antioxidant,
anti-tumor and anticarcinogenic properties. It is also a
soothing and relaxing antidepressant
Vanilla is also a low-glycemic sweetener suitable for
diabetics." www.indepthinfo.com
Walnuts
"Walnuts are one of the best plant sources of protein. They are
rich in fiber, B vitamins, magnesium, and antioxidants such as
Vitamin E. Nuts in general are also high in plant sterols and
fat - but mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (omega
3 fatty acids - the good fats) that have been shown to lower LDL
cholesterol. Walnuts, in particular, have significantly higher
amounts of omega 3 fatty acids as compared to other nuts.
More than a decade of scientific evidence shows that
incorporating walnuts in a healthy diet reduces the risk of
heart disease by improving blood vessel elasticity and plaque
accumulation. Walnuts have also been shown to aid in the
lowering LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and the
C-Reactive Protein (CRP). CRP was recently recognized as an
independent marker and predictor of heart disease."
www.healthcastle.com
|
