Berryfields is no more. No, I don't mean it's been smashed to smithereens by a meteorite, just that Gardeners' World won't be filmed there any more. This comes as no surprise, really - each new lead presenter likes to make their mark on the show, and so it is with Toby Buckland. The new territory will be a chance for him to stamp his identity on a new arena. The BBC press release says: In the new series, starting in April, new presenter Toby Buckland and his team will face the challenge of transforming a muddy grassy playing field into...
Posted February 27th, 2009 by Jane Perrone
Posted February 27th, 2009 by Biopact team
Posted February 26th, 2009 by Write and Earn a Living
Bean flour's time has come! And manufacturers and consumers are getting on board.
Bean flours are a god-send for those with grain sensitivities or who suffer from celiac disease. Gluten free cooking can be realized using healthful bean flour in recipes.
Bean flour, thankfully, is now becoming easier to purchase. It is a great way to ensure that you are getting enough fiber in your diet. And really, what could be easier? You simply substitute some of the flour in recipes with bean flour. By doing so you are bumping up nutrition, adding protein, fiber, and a host of vitamins and minerals to food you prepare.
What things can you make using bean flour or a combination of bean flours? Silly Yak Bakery at Qualicum Beach, B.C. gives a good listing of items made using bean flours. I notice that in their recipes they use a combination of bean flours. This listing has inspired me to branch out to doing more baking with bean flour. For those who are looking for gluten-free recipes for favorite foods such as homemade breads, muffins, or cookies, bean flour offers a workable solution.
In my article The Health Benefits of Eating Beans, I mentioned that research has revealed that beans are far better for humans than was previously thought. So good, in fact, that eating beans regularly may curb development of cancer, combat heart disease, and help diabetics maintain blood sugar levels. Plant-based proteins and fiber are just so crucial in the diet.
In researching the article I came across this recipe for Gluten-Free Bean Flour Tortillas that looks yummy. I like homemade tortillas a little on the thick side. They are so satisfying somehow--especially when they aren't paper thin. This recipe looks easy to make and I can't wait to try it.
I also found a White Bean Flour Bread Recipe for those with Celiac Disease.
The Blog, Joyous Home, shares some good tips about grinding your own beans in The Bean Flour Discovery
I was reading over at another blog, Gluten Free Cooking School about how one can mix bean flour with water to achieve a paste, which can be used for easy refried beans. No having to cook the beans, then mashing them first, to make this favorite recipe.
It's interesting that flour made from beans is now being looked to to boost nutrition in diets that are sadly lacking in nutrients, while being loaded with fat.
If you are interested in branching out and using bean flour, my article How to Use Bean Flour in Cooking will shed light on a novel method of adding healthful bean flour to meals.
Bean flour's time has come! And manufacturers and consumers are getting on board.
Bean flours are a god-send for those with grain sensitivities or who suffer from celiac disease. Gluten free cooking can be realized using healthful bean flour in recipes.
Bean flour, thankfully, is now becoming easier to purchase. It is a great way to ensure that you are getting enough fiber in your diet. And really, what could be easier? You simply substitute some of the flour in recipes with bean flour. By doing so you are bumping up nutrition, adding protein, fiber, and a host of vitamins and minerals to food you prepare.
What things can you make using bean flour or a combination of bean flours? Silly Yak Bakery at Qualicum Beach, B.C. gives a good listing of items made using bean flours. I notice that in their recipes they use a combination of bean flours. This listing has inspired me to branch out to doing more baking with bean flour. For those who are looking for gluten-free recipes for favorite foods such as homemade breads, muffins, or cookies, bean flour offers a workable solution.
In my article The Health Benefits of Eating Beans, I mentioned that research has revealed that beans are far better for humans than was previously thought. So good, in fact, that eating beans regularly may curb development of cancer, combat heart disease, and help diabetics maintain blood sugar levels. Plant-based proteins and fiber are just so crucial in the diet.
In researching the article I came across this recipe for Gluten-Free Bean Flour Tortillas that looks yummy. I like homemade tortillas a little on the thick side. They are so satisfying somehow--especially when they aren't paper thin. This recipe looks easy to make and I can't wait to try it.
I also found a White Bean Flour Bread Recipe for those with Celiac Disease.
The Blog, Joyous Home, shares some good tips about grinding your own beans in The Bean Flour Discovery
I was reading over at another blog, Gluten Free Cooking School about how one can mix bean flour with water to achieve a paste, which can be used for easy refried beans. No having to cook the beans, then mashing them first, to make this favorite recipe.
It's interesting that flour made from beans is now being looked to to boost nutrition in diets that are sadly lacking in nutrients, while being loaded with fat.
If you are interested in branching out and using bean flour, my article How to Use Bean Flour in Cooking will shed light on a novel method of adding healthful bean flour to meals.
Posted February 25th, 2009 by Alternate Energy Sources Blog
I am researching home weatherization grants for people on low incomes, particularly for those with disabilities for my organization. I know the Obama
Posted February 25th, 2009 by Alternate Energy Sources Blog
The Renewable Energy Grants Living Database houses the collective knowledge of those seeking and finding renewable energy grants. why not add your contribution...
Posted February 24th, 2009 by Write and Earn a Living
Most of us have memories of growing up eating biscuits. To this day, I still love baking powder biscuits topped with butter, butter and syrup, and butter and jam. Biscuits are just one of those comfort foods. I think it's because the texture and taste reminds me of pie crust.
While biscuits contain white flour and hydrogenated fat and would not be considered a healthful quick bread, if eaten in moderation, they can still be enjoyed.
I went through my home and threw out my tins of hydrogenated fat, after reading about the dangers this type of fat poses to the cardiovascular system. I decided that I would only keep certain types of fat in my home. This method has worked well and now using butter, olive oil, and liquid oils is second nature. Plus--interestingly enough--I've also lost weight.
As you've probably guessed, I now make my biscuits with butter. Although this still uses fat, at least butter isn't hydrogenated. Some people opt to use liquid oil. I've tried this and didn't like how the biscuits turned out.
Healthful Biscuits
Take a look at your favorite foods to see if they can be modified to come into healthful parameters. A good rule of thumb is to evaluate fat, sodium, and fiber amounts. Try to reduce the first two and increase the last one.
Most of us have memories of growing up eating biscuits. To this day, I still love baking powder biscuits topped with butter, butter and syrup, and butter and jam. Biscuits are just one of those comfort foods. I think it's because the texture and taste reminds me of pie crust.While biscuits contain white flour and hydrogenated fat and would not be considered a healthful quick bread, if eaten in moderation, they can still be enjoyed.
I went through my home and threw out my tins of hydrogenated fat, after reading about the dangers this type of fat poses to the cardiovascular system. I decided that I would only keep certain types of fat in my home. This method has worked well and now using butter, olive oil, and liquid oils is second nature. Plus--interestingly enough--I've also lost weight.
As you've probably guessed, I now make my biscuits with butter. Although this still uses fat, at least butter isn't hydrogenated. Some people opt to use liquid oil. I've tried this and didn't like how the biscuits turned out.
Healthful Biscuits
- Cut salt in half
- Use butter or non-hydrogenated oil
- Use water, almond cream, soy milk, or skim milk
- Use all or part whole wheat flour or half whole wheat + half Kamut flour
- Use 1/4-1/2 half white bean flour
Take a look at your favorite foods to see if they can be modified to come into healthful parameters. A good rule of thumb is to evaluate fat, sodium, and fiber amounts. Try to reduce the first two and increase the last one.
- To learn more about making tender biscuits please see my HubPage: Best Ever Biscuits.
Posted February 24th, 2009 by Biopact team
When I first wrote about my new love, my VitaMix blender, and mentioned that my daughter was making herself a batch of potato soup every day after school, I figured it wouldn't be long before I posted the recipe. To tell the truth, it's such a simple...
[Click on the title to view the complete article in your browser]
[Click on the title to view the complete article in your browser]
Posted February 23rd, 2009 by Biopact team
Just launched ChangetheworldU check us out. http://ping.fm/5J18D
http://www.foodforeveryone.org
http://www.Howtoorganicgarden.com
Posted February 23rd, 2009 by Tori Hudson, N.D.
A small randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of fourteen postmenopausal women was completed using 3.5 gm of powdered Maca (Lepidium meyenii) for 6 weeks and matching placebo for 6 weeks. Measurements of estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were taken at baseline, and weeks 6 and 12. The Greene Climacteric Scale was used to assess the severity of menopause symptoms. Serum concentrations of estradiol, FSH, LH and SHBG were similar in both groups. The Greene Climacteric Scale revealed a significant reduction in psychological symptoms including anxiety, depression and sexual dysfunction after Maca consumption compared with baseline and -placebo. These findings were independent of androgenic or alpha-estrogenic activity present in the Maca using assays to measure hormone-dependent activity.
Commentary
This study on a Maca preparation adds to the growing body of evidence utilizing Maca for menopause related symptoms. Having significant effects on anxiety and depression is terrific, but many women - in this study appear to be independent of any measurable influence on sex hormones or SHBG and presumably therefore independent of any action related to the activity of beta-sitosterol, found in Maca. These findings are not consistent with Meissner et al. (Meissner H et al. Use of gelatinized Maca [Lepidium peruvianum] in early postmenopausal women- a pilot study. Int J Biomed Sci 2005;1:33-45) who reported an elevation in LH and estradiol and a decrease in FSH. These variable results may be due to differences in dosing, type of commercial preparation used in each study, species or variety of Lepidium from which the preparations are made, extraction protocols and delivery techniques. The effect on depression and anxiety are consistent in several studies and it is thought that the flavonoids in Maca inhibit monoamine oxidase activity. The improvement in sexual function in postmenopausal women observed in this study is consistent with research using Maca in men and also in rodents.
References
- Brooks N, Wilcox G, Walker K, et al. Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to estrogen or androgen content. Menopause 2008;15(6):1157-1162.
Posted February 23rd, 2009 by Write and Earn a Living
Hello everyone. This month, I've been busy creating articles about beans. Check out the links over to the right to learn more about humble and healthful beans.
A friend of mine suffers from diabetes and has been told that he may experience heart trouble in the future.
This led me to research beans because many plants contain substances that are heart-healthy. I knew that beans were low in fat, which I thought would be beneficial for heart health.
While researching this I came across a wealth of information about healthful beans and just why they are so good for us. And surprisingly enough, beans are also a super food choice for those with blood sugar difficulties.
While beans are great in chili or in taco salad, sadly, most of us don't consume enough beans to benefit from all the health goodies legumes offer.
My resolution for the new year is to eat healthful beans a couple of times each week. To this end, I've purchased different types of beans and the night before, I soak a cup or two, then cook the beans up the next day.
A friend of mine suggested using a crock pot to cook beans. I had reservations at first, fearing that due to the hard nature of beans, they would take too long to cook. Not so. I discovered that beans cook remarkably well in a crock pot and I don't come back to find bean water all over the top of the stove because beans, cooked on the stove top, tend to foam and boil over.
The new year is a good time to take stock and initiate baby steps for your health. Continue to adopt healthful choices for your physical, mental and emotional well-being. And, if you are feeling adventurous, include some healthful beans in your diet.
Hello everyone. This month, I've been busy creating articles about beans. Check out the links over to the right to learn more about humble and healthful beans.A friend of mine suffers from diabetes and has been told that he may experience heart trouble in the future.
This led me to research beans because many plants contain substances that are heart-healthy. I knew that beans were low in fat, which I thought would be beneficial for heart health.
While researching this I came across a wealth of information about healthful beans and just why they are so good for us. And surprisingly enough, beans are also a super food choice for those with blood sugar difficulties.
While beans are great in chili or in taco salad, sadly, most of us don't consume enough beans to benefit from all the health goodies legumes offer.
My resolution for the new year is to eat healthful beans a couple of times each week. To this end, I've purchased different types of beans and the night before, I soak a cup or two, then cook the beans up the next day.
A friend of mine suggested using a crock pot to cook beans. I had reservations at first, fearing that due to the hard nature of beans, they would take too long to cook. Not so. I discovered that beans cook remarkably well in a crock pot and I don't come back to find bean water all over the top of the stove because beans, cooked on the stove top, tend to foam and boil over.
The new year is a good time to take stock and initiate baby steps for your health. Continue to adopt healthful choices for your physical, mental and emotional well-being. And, if you are feeling adventurous, include some healthful beans in your diet.
