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Dandelion Summer's

10/7/2015

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 A sign of summer, brightly coloured yellow fields, covered in dandelions. As a kid I loved making wreaths out of them and stringing them around my head like a queen of summerland.... what little girl hasn't done this at one point in her childhood. But dandelions are much more useful than the wreaths and imaginations of little girls.

They are one of the worlds most recognizable edible flowers. They are known to originate from Central Asia, and from there naturalize sub tropical areas of the world including the Mediterranean. It has since then spread the world over, with almost every country on earth knowing this sunny yellow pomp, whether friend or foe.

The first mention of the Dandelion as a medicine is in the works of the Arabian physicians of the tenth and eleventh centuries, who speak of it as a sort of wild Endive, under the name ofTaraxcacon. I also found folk lore of it being used in Welsh medicines of the thirteenth century. The oldest references to using this plant as a traditional tonic is in Ayurvedic medicine that dates back thousands of years in India, I have also come across new writings about the use by Native Americans using dandelions (1) to treat acne, appendicitis, appetite stimulant, boils, detox, diabetes, diarrhoea, diuretic, digestive disorders (aids), eye problems, fever, gallbladder problems, heartburn, inflammation and swelling, liver tonics, scurvy (vitamin C deficiency), stomach problems, urinary problems.

The dandelion has been known throughout time as traditional medicine and has an incredible nutrient composition. Rich in A, B complex, C, D, and K, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc, its leaves and flower has been used to make teas, to eat, to make wines, the root is made into a coffee substitute.

According to Health Canada's Food and Nutrient Profile, dandelions contain per 100 grams ( which loosely equals about 1.25 cups of the raw leafy greens)

3.5g = 9% of dietary fiber,
0.25mg = 19% of vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine),
0.26mg = 20% of Riboflavin,
35mg = 58% of vitamin C,
5854 microgr =338% of vitamin A (beta carotene)
397 mg =649% of vitamin K, Potassium
3.10 mg =39% of iron and
187 mg =19% of calcium.
(Note: RDA-Recommended daily allowance) (2)

Want to get more of this health food in your diet?

~Young, tender leaves may be picked from organic gardens or purchased at markets and consumed fresh to use in salads, sandwiches, either alone or in combination with other greens like kale, spinach, cabbage, lettuce, or juices.

~ Dandelion leaves may also be used in cooking, I throw them in curries, stews, soups, steamed veggies, casseroles, or anything I would add another dark leafy green to.

~The dried leaves may be used to make teas and tonics.

~ The flowers may be used to garnish a salad, use in the preparation of wine, or pick the petals and use them in baking like pancakes or scones.

~ The roots can be roasted and ground into a coffee substitute.

Note on Preperation;

Wash and dry the leaves as you would any other leafy green.

To reduce bitterness, blanching them will help. Submerge them in boiling water for 1 minute, then immediately submerge them in cold water.

Safety Profile Although dandelions contain some bitter principles and it can be used in healthy individuals safely, without reservation know that in some sensitive individuals it may induce allergic contact dermatitis (itchy skin and possibly eyes). However, with patients on potassium sparing diuretic therapy, it may aggravate potassium toxicity.

When introducing any new food into the diet, start with a small amount and be aware of any reactions that might occur.


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So Why are we continuously assaulting these health foods that grow readily at you finger tips? 

Even this year I was worried that I had so many of them in my back yard that they might take over and the grass would somehow be chocked out. As an organic gardener I went at de-heading them every morning while I took my tea, seeing where the new ones where going to pop up and the low liers that evaded the mower. 

To be honest, it took a good 2 weeks every second morning, and now, I cant even find a sunny yellow to be the cover model of this post! 

Thinking I might find a patch farther a field than the backyard, I walked up to the ravine with the camera to find some beauties, but no, nothing to be found except the wild grasses and an occasional black eye Susan. 

I went for a sunny afternoon walk and about a half km from the house ran into a bright yellow sign, somewhat the colour of a dandelion, sticking out of a grassy stretch between a row of houses and the road. 

“This Area has been treated”

AHHHHH! I just walked into a land mine! In my mind at least, poisonous toxins that I was standing within, in flip flops, with no arms or legs covered, and immediately felt the rush of hot blood come into my face and my ears. It may have been an effect of the herbicide, it may have been that I was infuriated that they are using toxic chemicals to rid our city of “unsightly” weeds, cosmetic applications, that are only know for ill effect of human health.

I stormed home and pulled up the city of Calgary's website, there were notifications of spraying and in what area, but no information on what was used and exact dates. I called 311, our access to all things Calgary, city information. 

As I could not read what exactly was spayed on that strip of land directly behind 30 houses in my neighbourhood, I thought 311 would give me the answers.... Nope, no answers there, but the operator was kind enough to have someone call back crazy as soon as possible with that answer. She was seemingly surprised that anyone cared what was being sprayed and informed me that most people are calling to ask when the poison trucks will rid their neighbourhood of the hated yellow fields...

More on this phone call and what I found out about the chemicals the city of Calgary are using in the next post, for know, take in the health, try a nibble of a dandelion, but make sure it's from an organic source! 


References;

1)
http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-herbs3.html#D
2)
http://webprod3.hc-sc.gc.ca/cnf-fce/report-rapport.do?lang=eng


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New Services @ Wild Seed Holistic Health

9/7/2015

1 Comment

 
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Wild Seed Holistic Health is proud to announce its newest service! Yoga and movement is an integral part of health and stress free living. Whether you are looking to become a regular practising  yogi or yogini, or want to learn more about the stress reduction techniques of yogic breathing, or even an in-depth intro to the roots of yoga and how its path is ever flowing in our society, Wild Seed is here to guild you on your journey of discovery. 


Root Movements;

A beginner's guide to traditional Hatha yoga. one on one or small group setting for introduction of yoga, good for anyone that wants to learn the basics before looking for a group class or would rather get a personalized yoga sequence suited to their level or need for restoration. 



Yoga's benefits are bountiful to your health, from activating untapped energy, lowering stress levels, strengthening balance, concentration, and self esteem, every part of your life and career can benefit from the simple teachings of yoga. 


Hope to see you on the mat soon! 
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A Heart Healthy Canada Day Recipe

1/7/2015

1 Comment

 
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Happy & Healthy Canada Day!

A day of get togethers, being with friends and family, BBQs and being proud to be Canadian.

Here's Wild Seed's healthy and hearty addition to any celebration with food.

Recipe

3 Bean Chilli


2 cups kidney Beans
2 cups chick peas
2 cups black beans
1 can/ bottle of organic crushed or puréed tomatoes
1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil (optional, but recommended)
4 stalks of organic celery
2 large organic carrots
1 cup organic corn
As much garlic as you like!
1 yellow onion diced
6 tbsp crushed or ground red chilli
6 tbsp powdered cumin
2 tbsp oregano
sea salt to taste

Directions


I start with soaking the beans 2-3 days in advance, I don't have a pressure cooker and the more you soak and change the water the less phytic acid ( nutrient blocker) you have to deal with and this also equals less cooking time.

Pour the combined 6 cups of beans in a large stock pot with 3 litres of filtered water. Cook on med low for apx 45 mins, make sure there is sufficient water while the beans cook. Too much is better than burning things and you can always pour some off if needed.

Chop all the veggies and through them in the pot.

When the water has cooked off to visibly being at the same level as the top of the beans, add the tomato sauce/dice tomatoes, the spices, and sea salt.

At this point turn the temp. Down to low, and leave it to simmer for another 1/2-1 hour for the flavours to mix. Make sure to check the liquid content throughout the process as beans are easily burnt if the liquid dries up.

The chilli is a great addition to any BBQ because it's loaded with fibre rich beans, there is a full serving of veggies in 1 cup, and it balances out the over indulgences of meats.

It's a popular and nutritious addition and no one will say “where's the beef”.

Nutritional evaluation Apx values

in a 1 cup serving

Calories : 200
Protein: 9 grams
Carbohydrates: 30grams 
( realize these are complex carbohydrate that do digest at a slower rate and are known to contain high fibre both soluble= prebiotics like inulin and insoluble fibre= creating bulk and helping transit)
Fibre: 12 grams
Fat: 3 grams

Want to make this recipe even healthier?? Add some fat, yep, I said it! Add a 1/4- 1/2 a cup of extra virgin olive oil to it and the glycemic load drops significantly, so those who might be worried about their blood sugar balance, make sure to add a healthy fat to any complex carb at meal time.

Note on complex carbohydrates; these contain non digestible starches; soluble (prebiotics) and insoluble fibre that our beneficial gut bacteria thrive on, These nutrients help our micrbiome strengthen the intestinal track and bowel wall, improve the bodies ability to absorb essential nutrients like calcium, they produce hormones that control appetite and anxiety, and more! Please do not confuse them with refine carbs or the general statement of “carbs” that some group all together. Even some complex carbs can have a higher glycemic load but mixed with the right healthy fat, significantly lowers this rise in blood sugars after eating. 

Why beans make you gassy? There is a substance called phytic acid in the bean that is a natural protection for the bean and increases irritability in the consumers digestive track. This acid may be lowered during the essential soaking process and the more you change the water while you soak, the more phytic acid is down the drain instead of in your gut.

Enjoy a safe and healthy Canada Day!

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    Rebecca L. Thornton

    I wanted a venue to share my thoughts on what I have learned and lived  in life. 

Wild Seed Holistic Health respectfully acknowledges that we work, live & play in the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which Mi’kmaq Wəlastəkwiyik (Maliseet), and Passamaquoddy Peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1726. The treaties did not deal with surrender of lands and resources but in fact recognized Mi’kmaq and Wəlastəkwiyik (Maliseet) title and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations.