Posted in NUTRIENTS

Copper

Some plant food sources of copper are whole grains, beans, yeast, dark leafy greens, dried fruits, black pepper, almonds, potatoes, cocoa, cashews. Copper plays a role in making red blood cells and maintaining nerve cells and the immune system. Copper also helps the body form collagen and absorb iron, and plays a role in energy production. Most copper in the body is found in the liver, brain, heart, kidneys, and skeletal muscle. Both too much and too little copper can affect how the brain works. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) is around 900 micrograms a day for adolescents and adults. The upper limit for adults aged 19 years and above is 10 milligrams (mg) a day. An intake above this level could be toxic. Both copper deficiency and copper toxicity are rare in the United States (U.S).

Posted in RECIPES

Eggplant Fries

Eggplant fries can also be baked without oil. Preheat oven to 400º and bake until they are golden brown. I like to dip these in my favorite salad dressing. They are a delicious side or a healthy snack.

PREPARATIONINGREDIENTS
PREP 20 min2 MEDIUM EGGPLANTS, SLICED, SALTED, AND RINSED
COOK 15 min MEDIUM HEAT1 Tbsp CHIA, SOAKED IN 2 Tbsp WATER FOR 30 MINUTES
NON-STICK SKILLET1 c CORN MEAL
SERVES 41 Tbsp ITALIAN SEASONING
2 Tbsp OLIVE OIL
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Whisk CORN MEAL with SALT and ITALIAN SEASONING
2. Dip EGGPLANT slices in CORN MEAL, then CHIA mixture, then CORN MEAL again
3. Place in preheated skillet with OLIVE OIL
4. Fry on medium heat, turning once, until both sides are golden brown

Posted in NUTRIENTS

Calcium

What does calcium do? 
Calcium is needed to build and maintain strong bones.es. The heart, muscles and nerves also need calcium to function properly. Some studies suggest that calcium, along with vitamin D, protects against cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.
How much do I need?
Adults need at least 1000 milligrams a day of calcium. For women over 50 and all adults over 70, 1200 milligrams are recommended.
Are supplements recommended?
Food is the best source of any nutrient, and some plant foods are rich in calcium. Include a variety of calcium-rich foods in your daily meals. Talk to your health care provider if you have doubts about whether you need a supplement in addition to the food sources.
What are some good plant food sources of calcium?
Sourcemilligrams of calcium
1 cup enriched soy milk290
100 g tofu250
1 cup soy beans175
1 cup white beans160
1 cup spinach145
1 Tbsp tahini120
1 cup edamame100
1 cup chickpeas80
1 Tbsp chia seeds75
1 orange65
1 cup red mung beans65
1 cup broccoli60
1 cup okra60
1 cup snap beans65
2 figs40
1 medium sweet potato40
1 cup parsley40
1 medium carrot40
1 cup mashed pumpkin40
1 cup cabbage35
9 almonds30
1 cup quinoa30
2 medium tomatoes30
1 cup arugula30
3 brazil nuts25

Posted in RECIPES

Chia and Fruit Jam

Chia is a healthful and effective thickening agent. Use 1 cup of your favorite fruit and adjust the sweetener to your taste for tasty jam of any flavor.

preparationingredients
PREP 20 min1 c PITTED CHERRIES
COOK 15 min, MEDIUM HEAT1 Tbsp HONEY
NEED SAUCEPAN1 Tbsp CHIA SEEDS
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Combine CHERRIES and HONEY in saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cook 5 minutes, stirring gently; as they heat, mash the cherries gently with wooden spoon
3. Bring mixture to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes
4. Remove from heat and stir in CHIA SEEDS; mixture will thicken as it cools
5. When cool, adjust sweetness to taste; may be stored in refrigerator up to two weeks in airtight container
Posted in MEXICAN SPECIALS, PLANT FOOD FACTS

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are rich in calcium, phosphorous, and other minerals. They may be added to other foods as a topping or put into smoothies, breakfast cereals, tortillas, and bread. The gel from ground seeds may be used to replace the egg content in cakes and is a common substitute in vegan baking.

Salvia hispanica, commonly known as chia (español: chia), is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. It is considered a pseudocereal, cultivated for its edible, seed. The word “chia” is derived from the Nahuatl word chian, meaning oily.

Recipe: Chia and Fruit Jam

1 ounce or 28 grams of chia seed provides%DV
CALCIUM18%
FAT9 G
FIBER11 G
MAGNESIUM30%
MANGANESE30%
OMEGA-35 G
PHOSPHOROUS27%
PROTEIN4 G
SOURCE: HEALTHHLINE