August 2011
We are looking at the Goddess Oya this month, the goddess of change and transition. It seems to me, as we progress further on this life journey, that we somehow begin to learn to let go of those things that maybe don’t serve us so well anymore and intuitively find the things that suit us so much better and, hopefully, embracing them. For me it has meant becoming more aware of living a life of quality versus quantity, to be conscious of eating more nourishing foods, reading great books, enjoying special moments in conversation with friends and family, listening to beautiful music that fills the soul and taking a few minutes daily to be quiet and listen to the inspiration that comes from that golden silence. What better way to feed the body, mind and spirit.I love Florence Scoville Shinn’s words of wisdom here,“I let go of everything not Divinely designed for me and the perfect plan of my life now comes to pass. I am nourished by the Spirit within. Every cell in my body is filled with Light. I give thanks for radiant health and endless happiness.” from The Complete Writings of Florence Scovel Shinn for Women (Her Ageless Wisdom for Today) 2003 by DeVorss & Company.
In the culinary sense, Oya is associated with grapes, red wine and eggplant so I will be focusing on these as they relate to your health. She is also symbolic of rainbows. If there is one thing the health organizations such as the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society have been harping on, it is to eat in large quantity from the rainbow of raw fruits, veggies and berries because the synergy of all of those nutrients working together is the best protection against illness and disease. The deeper the darker the color, the more nutrient density. For example red grapes have more cancer fighting nutrients than green grapes although both are great. Here are just a few of the amazing things that grapes and red wine can do for you!
> “Major protector of the genes…prevents chromosome damage.”
> “Breast cancer inhibition.”
> “Preventing/slowing progression of breast cancer.”
> “Virtually every pathway for tumor growth blocked by resveratrol.”
> “Reduces buildup of plaque in arteries.”
> ‘Less “stickiness” of blood.”
> “Supports resisting cancer, inflammation and heart disease.”
“Grapes are a whole pharmacy of healthful nutrients, many of which are potentially life extending.”
The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth About What You Should Eat and Why by Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS.
“Resveratrol is a phytochemical found in grapes that has proven to be effective against cancer in cell and animal studies. It inhibits cancer initiation, promotion and progression: the three major stages of cancer development.” Foods That Fight Disease: A Simple Guide to Using and Understanding Phytonutrients to Protect and Enhance Your Health
by Laurie Deutsch Mozian, MS RD.
“Resveratrol fights inflammation and prevents blood clots. It works as an antioxidant to prevent the low density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol from building up in your artery wall and blocking blood flow to your heart and brain. It also stops your blood from turning sticky and clumping together. Blood moves through your arteries more easily, taking some of the pressure off your heart and reducing your risk of stroke.” Eat and Heal (Foods That Can Prevent or Cure Many Common Ailments) by the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing.
“Resveratrol also has certain anti-aging qualities.” Spiritual Nutrition: Six Foundations for Spiritual Life and the Awakening of Kundalini by Gabriel Cousens, M.D.
The skin of red grapes may protect againstcognitive decline. Red wines are fermented with grape skins, allowing the wine to absorb greater amounts of resveratrol than white wines, which are fermented without grape skins. Thus some nutritionists are recommending a little red for the head. The Myth of Alzheimer’s: What You Aren’t Being Told About Today’s Most Dreaded Diagnosis by Peter J Whitehouse and
Daniel George.
A special acknowledgement goes to www.NaturalNews.com who assimilated the above information on grapes and resveratrol originally published April 1, 2009.
As a self proclaimed oenophile (a person who enjoys wines) tasting a delicious, magical glass of fine wine is one of my favorite experiences so I thought each month I will share one or two of my old favorites or a newly discovered gem. Coming from a real woman, this could be anywhere from a great value for the price to a more expensive, you are worth it, divine wine.
PS: Look for the discount coupon below to save (remember quality over quantity)!
One of my faves discovered in St. Charles at the Rex’s Cork and Fork, no longer in business, is an alluring blend, Ferrari Carano Siena 2009, Sangiovese from Sonoma County, California.
“Winemaker’s notes: This wine is primarily Sangiovese blended with Malbec and Syrah. Ferrari-Carano's Italian heritage is reflected in this Sangiovese-based, easy sipping blend. Select lots of grapes are chosen from our vineyards in Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys to create a beautifully-balanced and medium-bodied wine. SIENA has delicious aromas of cherry pie, raspberry jam and spice with lingering flavors of ripe wild berries, pomegranate, vanilla, caramel, and sweet oak. Elevated tones of dried cherries, cranberries come out along with deeper, darker nuances of blueberry preserves, cherry cola and cinnamon.”
Priced at $26.99 at www.wine.com Also highly recommend: Ferrari Carano Cabernet Sauvignon ~ Priced at 27.99 at www.wine.com
GREAT VALUE: for a $30 for $60 wine offer at wine.com go to: http://bit.ly/ndYYtF (bloomspot.com).
Here’s a nice little gem I found at Rave Wines in Oak Park IL..It’s called Murphy’s Law Red Blend 2005 which is another lovely mix of Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Petit Sirah from Columbia Valley, Washington. $14 bottle at Rave.
Our last food for thought is the beautiful yet mysterious eggplant with its deep aubergine glossy color. “Eggplant contains over eighty different nutrients so you can be assured that if you love eggplant, nutrition is not taking a back seat in your diet. It contains numerous vitamins and minerals, plus eggplant contains phytonutrients, antioxidants which can help prevent damage from free radicals and protection from certain types of cancer.”: www.healthandnutritiontips.net.
Here is a simple, simple recipe you may enjoy this summer on the grill from www.PETA.com.
Grilled Eggplant
1 medium eggplant
2 Tbsp. olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
•Cut the eggplant into 3/4-inch slices.
•Brush both sides of each slice liberally with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
•Cook the slices on a grill over high heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
So while you are out and about as we near the end of summer, remember to eat from the rainbow and enjoy the finer things in life without guilt or remorse. Take care of you first and the people in your life will be the happy recipients of a wonderful version of you.
Lots of love,
Karen
Karen
Learn more about Karen HERE.