Nutritional Education Provided By the Coop

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http://olympiafood.coop/classes/

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Soak Your Nuts!

Nuts are rich in protein, omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and fiber. Unfortunately, they can be difficult to digest because of tannic acid and an enzyme inhibiting substance in their brown coating. The enzyme inhibitor is there to keep the nut more intact until it is ready to sprout into a tree. In addition, all nuts contain phytic acid in their outer layer or bran (this is also the case for grains). Untreated phytic acid can form insoluble or nearly insoluble compounds with many metal ions, including those of calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc. These compounds reduce dietary availability.

The solution is to soak your nuts. Soaking removes harmful tannic acid and enzyme inhibitors making the nuts easy to digest and releasing their full nutritional value. Soaking decreases the levels of this phytic acid. It makes the nut softer and easier to chew.

Always chew nuts thoroughly, whether soaked or not. Big chunks of un-chewed nuts can be hard on the digestive tract. This requires that the enzymes have not been destroyed by pasteurization. Do your research when purchasing raw nuts.

Soaking time varies, but for almonds, walnuts, and pecans 8 hours is usually sufficient. Adding some sea salt to the water will aid in the process and flavor. Afterwards, the nuts can be drained and stored in the refrigerator to keep for a few days. To preserve, you can dehydrate or bake under 200 degrees until crisp. Enjoy!

Brush Your Skin

We are exposed to toxins every day.  Our air contains microscopic carcinogens.  Processed foods are filled with chemicals, and commercial produce is bathed in pesticides.  Our children drink from fluorinated, chlorinated water fountains at their schools.  The electronic devices we depend on emit electro-magnetic radiation.  These stresses create toxic burdens on our bodies.  Fortunately, our bodies have the ability to detoxify.

The skin in the body’s largest organ, and it protects us from foreign pathogens.  Also known as the third kidney, the skin secretes a majority of waste through sweat.  People have known this for a long time, and have used Dry Skin Brushing as a regular method of detoxification.   The benefits of this practice are many:

• It helps clear toxins from the lymphatic system, helping the body purify itself naturally.
• It improves liver and kidney health because the body is no longer concentrating the entire detoxification process on those organs.
• It also stimulates the nervous system and improves its function.
• It exfoliates the skin and removes the outer layer of dull, dry skin, making it noticeably softer and brighter.
• It keeps toxins from polluting the skin, which promotes a clear, supple complexion.
• People who use this technique regularly notice reduced cellulite and better muscle tone.

It is best to select a brush made with soft, natural hair or fibers.  Synthetic fibers can damage and irritate skin.  A long handle will help reach the back side.  

To help accelerate the cleansing process, brush daily right before your shower.  Always use brush strokes toward the heart to facilitate detoxification.  Brushing away from the heart can adversely affect circulation in the blood vessels and lymph system.  

Start from the tips of your fingers, stroking all the way up your arms several times covering all areas of skin.  Next, stroke from the tips of your toes to the top of your legs. Use several clockwise strokes on the stomach, both sides of the chest, and your arm pits. Then repeat these areas with counterclockwise motion. You can also brush in a circular motion on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. Concentrate on areas which suffer from dryness or cellulite, but avoid areas of broken skin or rashes.

Happy brushing!