Astragalus- Herb immune support

Well the cold and flu season is approaching us soon. We can only defend our selves by making sure we are getting proper nutrition.

Astragalus is an herb from Asia. Much to our surprise, many herbs can be useful for more than flavoring our foods. Herbs like food have healing properties.

Astragalus is an adaptoge, meaning it helps protect the body against various stresses, including physical, mental, or emotional stress. Astragalus may help protect the body from diseases such as cancer and diabetes. It contains antioxidants, which protect cells against damage caused by free radicals, byproducts of cellular energy. Astragalus is used to protect and support the immune system, for preventing colds and upper respiratory infections, to lower blood pressure, to treat diabetes, and to protect the liver. Astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system, suggesting that it is indeed effective at preventing colds. Astragalus may be given to children to support the immune system.

In the United States, researchers have investigated astragalus as a possible treatment for people whose immune systems have been compromised by chemotherapy or radiation. In these studies, astragalus supplements have been shown to speed recovery and extend life expectancy. Research on using astragalus for people with AIDS has produced inconclusive results.

Common Names— aka - astragalus, bei qi, huang qi, ogi, hwanggi, milk vetch

Medicinal Uses and Indications:
Traditional uses include the treatment of the following:
Adaptogen - protects the body from stress
Colds and influenza
Persistent infection
Fever
Multiple allergies
Asthma
Chronic fatigue
Fatigue or lack of appetite associated with chemotherapy
Anemia
Wounds
Heart disease
Kidney disease
Hepatitis
Stomach ulcers

Available Forms:
Astragalus root may be available in a variety of forms:
Tincture (liquid alcohol extract)
Capsules and tablets (standardized and non-standardized)
Injectable forms for use in hospital or clinical settings (in Asian countries)
Topically for the skin

How It Is Used:
The root of the astragalus plant is typically used in soups, teas, extracts, or capsules. Astragalus is generally used with other herbs, such as ginseng, angelica, and licorice.

Where to buy it:

Vitamin Shoppe: http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=VS-1930

GNC: http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2138496&CAWELAID=293851226

Source: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/astragalus-000223.htm

Mango Black Beans

Ingredients:

1 med Onion, chopped sm

2 cloves Garlic, chopped

2 cups cooked Black Beans or 1 can Black Beans

1/2 tsp Ginger, grated or 1/2 tsp Ginger powder

1 tsp of Cumin

1 Mango, sm cubes

1/3 c Pineapple juice (optional)

1/3 c water

Directions:

1. Saute onions for 3 min on med heat.
2. Add garlic, continue to saute for 2 min.
3. Add beans, ginger, cumin, juice, & water. Simmer for 8 min.
4. Add mango, cook another 2 min.
5. Serve alone or over rice.

Mango Nutrition:

Mangoes are high in Vitamin A & Iron. They also contain Vitamin B1, B2, B3, C, E, Carotene, Copper, Fiber, Folic Acid, Magnesium, & Potassium. Mangoes are low in calories, containing about 107 calories.

Mango Health Benefits:

Help aid digestion.
Antioxidants.
Helps fight off infections.
High in iron to help build blood.

Mango History:

Mangoes originated in the Himalayas in India and Burma. Mangoes were found in Hindu Scriptures dating back to 4000 B.C. In Sandskirt writings, the mango tree is central to a legend of undying love. Mangoes can be found year round. Ripe mangoes will have a green skin with hints of red, yellow, and orange.

Source of Nutrition, Health Benefits, and History come from: The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. with Lara Pizzorno, M.A., L.M.T.

Dill Hummus

Ingredients:

2 c Chickpeas, boiled or 1 can Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)
2 T. Olive oil
2 T. Lemon juice
1 tsp Lemon zest
2 T. Tahini (Sesame Seed Paste)
1 T. Dill or Basil (optional)
1 T. Cayenne pepper (optional)
1 T. Pine nuts (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients, except cayenne pepper & pine nuts, in food processor.
   
2. Blend until smooth.
   
3. Dish out. Sprinkle with Cayenne pepper & Pine nuts.
   
4. Serve with Pita Bread or Fresh Veggies.

Chickpeas (aka. Garbanzo beans) have a delicious nutty like taste and buttery texture. Chickpeas are extremely great for maintaining a healthy you. Canned is convenient but more likely to be higher in sodium than fresh.

Chickpeas Nutrition:
A good source of protein
High in Fiber
Low in Fat
High in Iron

Chickpeas Health Benefits:
Lowers Cholesterol
Lowers Heart Attack Risk
Detoxifies sulfites (which are found in most packaged foods. Sulfites are preservatives that may cause headaches)
Increases your energy (lots of Iron)

Chickpeas History:
The first record of chickpeas being consumed dates back about seven thousand years. They were first cultivated around approximately 3000 BC. Their cultivation began in the Mediterranean. They can be enjoyed year-round and are available either dried or canned.

Source of health facts: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=58#healthbenefits