RECIPE OF THE MONTH - Millet, Butternut Pumpkin(winter squash) and Sweet Corn Pilaf

Corn is a good source of vitamin B1, vitamin B5, folate, dietary fiber, vitamin C, phosphorus and manganese.

As they age, corn cobs develop more starches and sweet corn is one of the few vegetables that is a good source of starchy carbohydrate (others are potatoes and, to a lesser extent, peas). 

Corn is an excellent source of dietary fibre and potassium and contain vitamin C, beta carotene and niacin (one of the B group vitamins which assists in the functioning of the digestive system, skin, and nerves. It is also important for the conversion of food to energy.)  Baby corn kernels are an excellent source of folate (one of the B group vitamins important in preventing birth defects.)

Sweet, delicious persimmon fruits are rich in health promoting nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants that are vital for optimum health. 

• The fruit is low in calories (provides 70 cal/100g) and fats but is rich source of dietary fiber.

• Persimmons contain many health benefiting phyto-nutrients flavonoid poly-phenolic anti-oxidants like catechins and gallocatechins as well as important anti-tumor compound betulinic acid. Catechins are known to have anti-infective, anti-inflammatory and anti-hemorrhagic (prevents bleeding from small blood vessels) properties.

• Fresh permissions contain anti-oxidant compounds like vitamin-A, beta carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin. These compounds functions as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes.

• zeaxanthin, an important dietary carotenoid, selectively absorbed into the retinal macula lutea in the eyes where it is thought to provide antioxidant and protective light-filtering functions; thus, helps prevent "Age related macular disease"(ARMD) in the elderly.

• The fruits are also very good source of vitamin-C, another powerful antioxidant (especially native Chinese and American persimmons; provide 80% of DRI). Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.

• The fruit is good in many valuable B-complex vitamins such as folic acid, pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), thiamin...etc. These vitamins acts as co-factors for numerous metabolic enzymatic functions in the body.

• Fresh Persimmon fruits also contain healthy amounts of minerals like potassium, manganese (15% of DRI), copper (12% of DRI) and phosphorus. Manganese is a co-factor for the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which is a very powerful free radical scavenger. Copper is a co-factor for many vital enzymes, including cytochrome c-oxidase and superoxide dismutase (other minerals function as cofactors for this enzyme are manganese and zinc). Copper is also required for the production of red blood cells. 

Peaches top the list of conventional fruit and vegetable  items most contaminated by chemical pesticides . in its recently updated ‘Shoppers Guide to Pesticides’ the US Environmental Working Group (EWG) found high levels of pesticides . Below is a table of their findings.

You can download a wallet-sized version of the entire list and find a detailed description of the criteria EWG used to develop these rankings.  www.foodnews.org

Moo Goo was first made when the founder adapted cream used in dairy farms to help a family member with a skin problem. The dairy version of “udder cream” was designed to heal the cows udders and keep them in good condition for milking. It became legendary for its skin healing properties with humans too especially for eczema and psoriasis.

	Full Cream This is a "creamier" version of the original Udder Cream moisturiser. It is designed to moisturise easily irritated skin using natural ingredients. The base oil of the cream is Sweet Almond Oil. This is high in the types of fatty acids needed for troubled skin. Also raw Coconut Oil which naturopaths often use as a skin soothing oil. Other ingredients include unprocessed honey. The pH is balanced to the skin through the use of Apple Cider Vinegar. Naturally, the apple and honey give the cream a wonderful fragrance and there is no need for us to add any other fragrance.
	Udder Cream   The orignal udder cream that started it all. The Skin Milk Udder Cream is the lightest of our creams. It easily penetrates the skin with healing ingredients and is non-greasy.
	Scalp Cream Many people, including babies, are troubled by skin that becomes red, dry and sometimes itchy around the scalp, hairline, neck, ears, eye areas, and along the side of the nose and mouth. These are oily areas of the skin and sometimes yeast on the skin can become more prevalent and cause irritation. This version of our moisturising cream helps control the micro-flora and so helps the skin to return to a healthy condition. Like all our creams, it is safe and non irritating and can be used anywhere on the body.
	MSM Soothing Cream This cream is made using the moisturizing base of our Full Cream with the addition 10% MSM (Organic Sulfur) and the removal of Milk Protein. This is the maximum amount of MSM we could add to the cream. Just mention MSM and watch the Naturopaths go nuts about its skin calming and healing properties. A quick Google search under "MSM Calming" or even "MSM Miracle" will show some of the properties that MSM is believed to impart to skin and general health. The cream is also fully loaded with other natural skin healing ingredients. These include Allantoin (Comfrey Root Active), Vitamin E, Aloe Vera and Honey.
	Eczema & Psoriasis Cream Just because you or your children have a skin problem, it no longer means that steroid and chemical based ointments are your only option. This revolutionary cream that took over  a year to formulate and license and is both anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal
	Milk Shampoo & Conditioners A non-irritating and non-scalp-burning shampoo for people with scalp problems. They use the safe alternatives to the traditional scalp care shampoos. They DON'T  use the pesticide active "Pyrithione Zinc"  used in most scalp care shampoos.  If you know anyone using shampoo with the ingredient Pyrithione Zinc, suggest they do some research on its toxicity. They have formulated their conditioner much like a moisturiser. To this they add various ingredients for hair and scalp health. These include Milk Protein, Aloe Vera and Allantoin, Piroctone Olamine and Guarsilk.
	Milk Body Wash MooGoo Milk Wash uses a glucose based cleanser called "Capric Glucoside". This was originally developed for baby wipes and face wipes and has the same skin irritation score as water. They added genuine ingredients (not gimmicks) to prevent drying of the skin. Milk Protein (Casein) is similar to the skin's own protein and helps maintain elasticity.  The natural ester Glycerol Oleate prevents skin water loss and leaves the skin smoother. Their body wash does not create big bubbles like a synthetic detergent. It washes gently and without drying of the skin. Because it is so gentle it is also a no tears formulation in children's eyes.
	Soaps   MooGoo Bars Don't Crumble. Each bar of MooGoo Milk Soap is cured on wooden racks for 3 months before sale. When they are first made they are full of milk and oils, however they allow them to harden for this time extended time. Superfatted With Cocoa Butter and Olive Oil. This means that as you wash, the moisturising oils leftover in the milk soap moisturise the skin. This is why it is so moisturising Buttermilk & Oatmeal and Honey Soaps are available

For more information you can go to their website   http://www.moogoo.com.au

Neti pot

Nasal Irrigation

If you find yourself prone to them, using a neti pot regularly is the number one home remedy for sinus infections.

If you do not get sinus infections regularly, then having a neti pot on hand is still a REALLY important part of treating a stuffy nose when you are sick. It's also for treating a sinus infection should you get one. Using a neti pot helps keep your nasal passages healthy with all the pollution, pollen, dust and other irritants in the air.

Homeopathic medicine

Homeopathic remedies are generally dependent upon your physical condition as well as upon your disease. You should know that homeopathic remedies do better at curing acute sinus problems instead of chronic ones. This means that instead of just treating the disease by itself, the whole person is actually being treated. Herein your resistance power is developed to ensure that a complete cure of your sinus problems takes place without any side effects.

Homeopathic remedies are completely safe because they are naturally made by diluting substances. Some of the most popular homoeopathic remedies that are used for treating sinus problems include: Kali. Bich, Hepar sulph, Merc sol, Kali carb, Gelsimium,and Silicea. Just to name a few.

So it is important to consult with a homeopath to find the correct remedy.

Herbal Medicine

Euphrasia Compund

Vicki Kritikos (herbalist) can always mix you a tonic that will resolve any sinus issues.

FRUIT

Apples

Avocadoes

Custard Apples

Kiwi Fruit

Lemons

Mandarins-Imperial

Nashi

Oranges - Navel

Pears

Persimmons

Pomegranates

Quinces

Rhubarb

VEGETABLES

Asian Greens

Broccoli

Brussels Sprouts

Cabbages

Carrots

Cauliflower

Celery

Chestnut

Fennel

Ginger

Leeks

Mushrooms

Okra

Parsnips

Silverbeet

Spinach

Sweet Potatoes

Turnips

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