Autumn brings some of the most healthy and tasty naturally gluten free delights of the year. Apples, pumpkins, and one of my favorites... Cranberries!
Harvested during September and October, this blueberry relative can do more for your gluten free special diet than simply add its signature tart-sweet flavor. This little ruby fruit can make you healthier from head to toe!
Harvested during September and October, this blueberry relative can do more for your gluten free special diet than simply add its signature tart-sweet flavor. This little ruby fruit can make you healthier from head to toe!
Cranberries on the Brain
What if you could keep your brain young and sharp just by eating berries?!
Researchers at Tufts University say you can do just that!
Cranberries rank highest among fruits and vegetables in terms of certain antioxidants that have a protective effect on brain cells. That means protection against cognitive (thinking) and motor (moving) function loss associated with aging and free radical damage.
{Free Radicals ~ toxic substances resulting from cell metabolism that cause damage to cells in our bodies; Free Radicals can also enter the body via the environment (pollution, cigarette smoke, etc.)}
Researchers at Tufts University say you can do just that!
Cranberries rank highest among fruits and vegetables in terms of certain antioxidants that have a protective effect on brain cells. That means protection against cognitive (thinking) and motor (moving) function loss associated with aging and free radical damage.
{Free Radicals ~ toxic substances resulting from cell metabolism that cause damage to cells in our bodies; Free Radicals can also enter the body via the environment (pollution, cigarette smoke, etc.)}
A smart breakfast: Cranberry Quinoa Muffins
I “Heart” Cranberries as Part of My Gluten Free Diet!
Among the antioxidants in cranberries are flavonoids, a specific type of antioxidant shown to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
{atherosclerosis ~ the accumulation of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) in the arteries, which causes blood flow to be restricted and makes the heart work harder than it should}
A natural defense against a condition that could lead to heart disease never tasted so good!
{atherosclerosis ~ the accumulation of “bad” cholesterol (LDL) in the arteries, which causes blood flow to be restricted and makes the heart work harder than it should}
A natural defense against a condition that could lead to heart disease never tasted so good!
You’ll love these Cranberry Scones!
Cranberries: The Anti-Cancer Answer?
Cranberries may well be one of the top anti-cancer foods according to research on foods high in antioxidant phenols. These super-compounds combat cancer-causing free radicals by stabilizing them and preventing their subsequent damage to the body.
That’s particularly important when we find ourselves under stress. In a state of stress, our bodies struggle to stabilize damaging free radicals. Eating foods high in antioxidants, like cranberries, provides us with an excellent supplemental source of free radical fighting power. That means our bodies can continue to combat these cancer-causing villains even when physiological conditions are not ideal.
That’s particularly important when we find ourselves under stress. In a state of stress, our bodies struggle to stabilize damaging free radicals. Eating foods high in antioxidants, like cranberries, provides us with an excellent supplemental source of free radical fighting power. That means our bodies can continue to combat these cancer-causing villains even when physiological conditions are not ideal.
Phytonutrients: Color Me Healthy!
You may know cranberries contain loads of vitamin C and fiber. That's true and very good for us. Did you also know about the phytonutrients found in cranberries? These are the true stars of the cranberry show...
{Phytonutrients ~ Substances found in plants that provide health benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, liver-cleansing properties when consumed; they are not essential nutrients like fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, but they do have an astounding positive impact on our health. The more colorful a food, the more phytonutrients it contains!}
The phytonutrients in cranberries are responsible for the antioxidant and anti-cancer benefits discussed above. They also give cranberries their anti-inflammatory effects.
These phytonutrients don't work by themselves. While each phytonutrient has been tested on its own, research shows it is the combination of the phytonutrients found in cranberries that have such a great impact on our health.
This fall, we need to make sure we eat our cranberries! Then we can color ourselves healthy!
{Phytonutrients ~ Substances found in plants that provide health benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, liver-cleansing properties when consumed; they are not essential nutrients like fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, but they do have an astounding positive impact on our health. The more colorful a food, the more phytonutrients it contains!}
The phytonutrients in cranberries are responsible for the antioxidant and anti-cancer benefits discussed above. They also give cranberries their anti-inflammatory effects.
These phytonutrients don't work by themselves. While each phytonutrient has been tested on its own, research shows it is the combination of the phytonutrients found in cranberries that have such a great impact on our health.
This fall, we need to make sure we eat our cranberries! Then we can color ourselves healthy!
This Week’s Trivia Question... Answered!
The Question: Which seasonal favorite should be elevated from side dish to main dish when it comes to its super-healthy phytonutrients?
The Answer: Cranberries! While they’re in season, buy them fresh in plastic bags from your grocer’s produce section. Make sure to buy some extra bags for the rest of the year. Then you can freeze them simply by placing the bags in the freezer for up to 9 months. Use the frozen berries (unthawed) as you would fresh ones in muffins, pies, and cobblers. Then you can benefit from the healthy effects of cranberries all year long!
The Answer: Cranberries! While they’re in season, buy them fresh in plastic bags from your grocer’s produce section. Make sure to buy some extra bags for the rest of the year. Then you can freeze them simply by placing the bags in the freezer for up to 9 months. Use the frozen berries (unthawed) as you would fresh ones in muffins, pies, and cobblers. Then you can benefit from the healthy effects of cranberries all year long!
~g~
I hope this “A Side of Science” provided useful information to help with your special diet!
The more we know about the foods we are putting into our bodies, the easier it is to manage our own food allergy and maintain our special diet for optimal health.
Also make sure to check out my other gluten free, dairy free, soy free, nut free recipes to see how tasty a special diet for your food allergy can be!
Let’s Stay Connected!
Remember, my mission here at GlutenFreeGigi.com is to share my experience and knowledge to help you navigate your life comfortably and confidently regardless of which special diet or food allergy you might have.
Send your questions or comments to: mailbox (at) glutenfreegigi (dot) com. I’d love to hear from you!
Send your questions or comments to: mailbox (at) glutenfreegigi (dot) com. I’d love to hear from you!
Don't forget to follow along on Twitter and "Like" my new Facebook page so you don't miss any of the exciting new recipes and information I have for you!
Up Next on GlutenFreeGigi.com...
We had a fantastic time in Texas as we continued our Gluten Free Gigi Fall Tour 2011!
If you followed along on Facebook and Twitter, you saw updates on the gluten free foods I found as well as some candid photos from the places we visited.
The highlight of the trip was the Gluten and Allergen Free Expo!
If you followed along on Facebook and Twitter, you saw updates on the gluten free foods I found as well as some candid photos from the places we visited.
The highlight of the trip was the Gluten and Allergen Free Expo!
This exciting event displayed the best gluten free product vendors, exceptional cooking classes, and terrific speakers! You’ll want to make sure and mark your calendar for mid-April 2012 to attend the next Expo in Chicago!
Our fun fall events continue this month with an event close to home! If you’ll be in Atlanta on October 22, make sure to attend the Atlanta Gluten Intolerance Group’s Gluten Free Vendor Fair!
Last year’s vendor fair was a huge success and this year promises to be even better with speakers, demos, and of course, lots of gluten free food to sample! I’ll be giving a raw foods demo at the fair, so if you’re there, be sure to stop by and say “hello”!
Tuesday, I have two new helpful How-To videos featuring simple, affordable dishes you’ll want to add to your recipe file! I've got apples and pears for you!
Thank you for visiting www.GlutenFreeGigi.com! No matter what your food allergy or health goals are, know what I’m doing here is for YOU because I understand what being on a special diet means!
Have a look around, get comfortable, and come back often to check out new information and recipes each Tuesday and Thursday. Leave a comment below or get your special diet and food allergy questions answered by sending me an email at mailbox (at) glutefreegigi (dot) com. I’ll always get back to you!
Remember too, you can sign-up at the right to have my free e-Letter delivered right to your inbox.
I’m glad we’re sharing the journey!
xo,
Gluten Free Gigi
Our fun fall events continue this month with an event close to home! If you’ll be in Atlanta on October 22, make sure to attend the Atlanta Gluten Intolerance Group’s Gluten Free Vendor Fair!
Last year’s vendor fair was a huge success and this year promises to be even better with speakers, demos, and of course, lots of gluten free food to sample! I’ll be giving a raw foods demo at the fair, so if you’re there, be sure to stop by and say “hello”!
Tuesday, I have two new helpful How-To videos featuring simple, affordable dishes you’ll want to add to your recipe file! I've got apples and pears for you!
Thank you for visiting www.GlutenFreeGigi.com! No matter what your food allergy or health goals are, know what I’m doing here is for YOU because I understand what being on a special diet means!
Have a look around, get comfortable, and come back often to check out new information and recipes each Tuesday and Thursday. Leave a comment below or get your special diet and food allergy questions answered by sending me an email at mailbox (at) glutefreegigi (dot) com. I’ll always get back to you!
Remember too, you can sign-up at the right to have my free e-Letter delivered right to your inbox.
I’m glad we’re sharing the journey!
xo,
Gluten Free Gigi
Don’t take my word for it... Check my sources!
Joseph, J.A., Nadeau, D.A., and Underwood, A. The Color Code - A revolutionary Eating Plan for Optimum Health. 1st ed. New York, NY: Hyperion, 2002.
Reed, J. Cranberry flavonoids, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular health. Critical Reviews in Food Science & Nutrition, 2002. 42(Suppl.): 301-316.
The Cranberry Institute
University of Wisconsin-Madison
National Cancer Institute
Reed, J. Cranberry flavonoids, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular health. Critical Reviews in Food Science & Nutrition, 2002. 42(Suppl.): 301-316.
The Cranberry Institute
University of Wisconsin-Madison
National Cancer Institute
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