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Eight Miracle Foods Continued

Here are the rest of the Eight Miracle Foods. Try to work them into your diet. :)

4. Sardines
The best kept secret in the world when it comes to health foods and the secret weapon of travelers looking for a cheap, portable, easily available source of protein. Sardines are rich in omega-3 fats, and one of the least contaminated of any seafood since they rank so low on the food chain. Eat them out of the can or throw them on some salad.

5. Apples
The juicy red or green apple's reputation for keeping you out of the doctor's office is well deserved. Loaded with pectin (an important fiber), apples are one of the best sources of boron, a little known nutrient that helps support strong and healthy bones. An apple with a glass of water is a great natural appetite suppressant. Highest antioxidant value: Red Delicious.

6. Coconut Oil
This superb oil has been long neglected as a healthy oil because it contains saturated fat. But not to worry: the saturated fat in coconut is a very healthy kind called MCT (medium chain triglyecerides) which is easily burned by the body for energy. Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, a natural anti-viral and anti-microbal. And today's excellent virgin coconut oil -- unlike the inferior products of a few decades ago -- doesn't contain trans fats.

7. Green Tea
A superstar beverage if there ever was one, green tea helps with weight loss and helps fight against cancer. It contains EGCG, a catechin (plant compound) which stimulates metabolism and has anti-cancer properties to boot. Green tea also contains theanine, a natural relaxant which helps explain why the caffeine in green tea doesn't make you nearly as jittery as coffee.

8. Flaxseeds
Flaxseed oil is one of the only plant sources of omega-3 fats, but the flaxseeds themselves provide the added benefit of fiber along with omega-3. Flaxseeds can be thrown on salads, tossed into smoothies, or sprinkled on vegetables. They also contain lignans, a group of plant nutrients that have been studied by the National Cancer Institute for their cancer preventive properties.

Eight Miracle Foods You Should Eat

Super foods can help you live a longer and healthier life. By Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS

Found this article on line and thought it would be informational and helpful in improving the health of your diet. :)

1. Blueberries
These amazing berries are on anyone's list of super foods. Recent research shows that they're brain food -- feeding blueberries to rats actually slows their age-related mental decline. Blueberries contain pterostilbene, a plant compound recently shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties. Their ORAC value (antioxidant rating) is the highest of any fruit. And blueberries are rich in fiber. Tip: Try them frozen. They taste like sherbet!

2. Guava
Among the super foods of the world, guava is a sleeper. With a taste that's been described as "part strawberry and part pear," one low-calorie cup of this vitamin rich fruit contains a whopping 8 grams of fiber. And in one widely used test of antioxidant power, guava scored only second to blueberries, right behind kale. Guava also contains cancer-fighting lycopene.

3. Kale
Kale is a member of the brassica family -- vegetable royalty that boasts cabbage and broccoli among its relatives. It's rich in potent cancer-fighting substances called indoles, and loaded with bone-building vitamin K. Kale has the highest antioxidant rating of any vegetable and is ridiculously low in calories. Try it tossed with olive oil, a few dried cranberries and some pine nuts.

Chocolate Raspberry Torte

I made this torte for someone at work so wasn't able to take a picture of a single piece but I can tell you it is delicious.

BROWNIE:
1 - 19.8 oz. pkg. brownie mix prepared according to package directions.

Heat oven to 350. Grease bottom and sides of 9" pie plate or springform pan. Spread batter into pan and bake for 40 minutes. If using springform pan run knife around sides to loosen and remove sides. Cool completely.

FILLING:
1 pkg. frozen raspberries in syrup
1 Tbs. sugar
1 Tbs. cornstarch
1 cup fresh raspberries

Place thawed raspberries in syrup in blender container or food processor bowl with metal blade. Cover and process until pureed. Strain to remove seeds. In small saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Gradually add raspberry puree; mix well. Bring to a boil; cook until mixture is clear stirring constantly. Cool 5 minutes. Spread over brownie layer to within 1/2 inch of edges. Arrange 1 cup fresh raspberries evenly over raspberry mixture saving a few for garnishing later; refrigerate.

TOPPING:
1 - 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese softened
1/3 cup powdered sugar
2 Tbs. white cream de cocoa
1 cup white chocolate chips melted
1 cup heavy cream, whipped

In medium bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar and cream de cocoa; beat until smooth. Add melted chips; beat until smooth. Fold in whipped cream. Cover and refrigerate for 45 minutes.

Stir topping mixture until smooth. Spread over raspberries. Garnish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm. Store in refrigerator.

NOTES: I have made this according to these directions and this torte was wonderful. I have also made substitutions that come out with pretty good results.

1. White chocolate chips don't melt very easily. I added a Tbs. of half & half to help in the melting process but I didn't add the cream de cocoa. I will try adding cream de cocoa to the white chocolate next time instead of the half & half since adding both may result in a less than firm pie.
2. I used 1/3 less fat cream cheese.
3. I used Fat Free whipped topping
4. I used seedless raspberry jam adding a Tbs. water and heating it to eliminate the "Jelly" factor.

Reneu Day Spa

For Mother's Day in May my kids got me a gift certificate to the Reneu Day Spa. I used it on Friday. Wow. . .3 hours of total and complete luxury and relaxation. I had a seaweed body wrap and a stone facial. Oh Yes, I could get into this!!! So, if you enjoy being pampered, and have a special occasion coming up tell your friends and family what you want. You'll be doing them a favor :). You know the spouse and kids are going to be fretting over what they should get. Help relieve the pressure! They will be forever grateful for saving them from an endless shopping venture and you will enjoy the opportunity to do NOTHING :) as you enjoy your day of pampering. If you happen to go there, see Shelley Bizari and make sure you tell her I sent you. Who knows, maybe I'll get a bonus on my next visit :)). Enjoy!!!