Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Why I Use Celtic Salt

Celtic Sea Salt:  Refers to naturally moist salt harvested from the Atlantic seawater off the coast of Brittany, France.  This type of salt are harvested using the Celtic method of wooden rakes allowing no metal to touch the salt.


It is naturally air and sun-dried in clay ponds and gathered with wooden tools to preserve its living enzymes.  Because it is unrefined, it contains all of the 84 beneficial live elements found in sea water, with no chemical and preservatives nor any other additives

I personally use Selina Naturally Celtic Sea Salt. I buy in bulk from Amazon.com. Otherwise, it can get pricey from Whole Foods.
 
The Healing Virtues of Celtic Sea Salt

Celtic sea salt has tremendous healing virtues that have the exact opposite effects of refined salt.  It helps to balance out and nourish our body with minerals that our body lacks.  It is particularly helpful in helping with mucus elimination.  Here are some conditions that Celtic sea salt is also good for:

Sinus and bronchial congestion:  I have seen many times how Celtic sea salt when taken before sleep has helped the sufferer sleep through the night as it breaks up the irritating mucus, providing much relief.

Regulate blood pressure:  We are right to say that salt causes high blood pressure but it is the toxic table salt that is the culprit.  Celtic sea salt has been shown to actually normalize blood pressure.  It literally goes around your body and 'scrounges' for the harmful sodium deposits and completely eliminates it from your body.  If you have high blood pressure, pure salt will bring it down.  But if you have low blood pressure, pure salt will bring it up.  Only nature has been designed with the ability to do this.

Deeper and more restful sleep:  When Celtic sea salt is taken with warm water before bedtime, it promotes a deeper and longer sleep that is both restful and refreshing.  Nor does it cause you to wake up and wanting to urinate.

Water retention:  We often hear that salt causes water retention.  Again, this is only because the wrong salt was taken¾table/commercial salt.  Celtic sea salt does the opposite by helping our body properly balance out the electrolyte minerals and releasing the retained water.

Kidney stones:  Celtic sea salt has also been reported to actually dissolve kidney stones.

Building the immune system and aids healing:  Celtic sea salt provides the rich minerals directly to our cells to enhance resistance to infections and bacterial diseases.  It also helps our body heal quicker when there has been a surgery, sickness, burns, mental disorders, etc.

Prevent over-acidity in body:  The rich minerals effectively eliminates unwanted sodium from the body, extracting excess acidity in the body, especially in the brain.  The electrolytes are vital to the nerves for communication and information processing of the brain cells.
Helps control saliva:  If you drool in your sleep, it could mean that your body is deprived of the right kind of salt, and that you are not drinking enough water.  This condition may also lead to double chin as your saliva glands work doubly hard to lubricate your insides.  Drink more water with Celtic sea salt to stop this condition.  

Wound Healing:  Bathing wounds in sea salt water does not sting, and it helps wounds to heal faster. Also helpful for gargling or drinking to ease sore throats. 

Diabetics:  Helps balance out sugar in blood in diabetics. 

Muscle cramps:  Providing essential minerals to the muscles and preventing muscle cramps.
Strong alkalinizer:  Helps keep our body at the right pH.  This is important as an over-acidic body creates many health problems and an endless list of degenerative diseases.


Other Types of Salts:
Salt is essential for the survival of all living creatures, including human.  It is needed to regulate the water content in our body.  We often hear bad press about salt, and indeed table salt which is refined, is extremely unhealthy and toxic.  What our body really needs is natural pure salt.  Taking the wrong type of salt is detrimental to our health. 


In fact, without the right kind of salt, our body will encounter many kinds of problems.  Is it any wonder then, by taking table salt, our body is actually deprived of the real salt and minerals.  Here's only a small shocking list of what can happen when our body lacks proper salt:
  • High blood pressure
  • Accelerated aging cellular degeneration
  • Respiratory and blood sugar problems
  • Liver failure, kidney problems, adrenal exhaustion
  • Heart muscles tire and lacerate, causing fatal heart attack
There are many types of salt but I want to talk here about three types of the more popular salt. 


Table Salt:  Also known as common salt, is commonly used by most people for cooking and for food preservation.  Table salt is refined (processed), removing 82 out of the 84 minerals in salt, leaving behind only sodium and chloride.

Over-consumption of table salt causes many untold health problems.


Table salt is composed of 40% sodium and 60% chloride.  The human body needs salt to function.  Salt is responsible to help carry nutrients into the cells.  It helps regulate other bodily functions, such as blood pressure and fluid volume.
It is now known that it is really table salt that is causing many untold health problems, regardless of its amount. Because it is refined and processed, what is left of table salt is only sodium and chloride which are toxic to our body. 

Sea Salt:  Sea salt is a general term that refers to salt derived directly from the sea.  And that is what it is, except that it is refined¾similar to table salt.


Sea salt is thought to be healthier and more flavorful than table salt, but in actual fact it is actually processed and minerals and trace elements are removed.


Now that you know that table salt is harmful, remove it from your kitchen shelf and replace it with Celtic sea salt.  Use Celtic sea salt for all flavoring just as you would in place of table salt. 

Generally, you would need only 2/3 of the amount you normally use.  For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tsp of salt, then just use 2/3 tsp and it would give your cooking sufficient (and better) taste and flavor.





Lemon Salad Dressing

Ingredients:

1/4 cup olive oil
juice of 1 lemon
2 garlic cloves minced
Celtic salt

Instructions:

Finely chop garlic, sprinkle with salt. Take side of knife blade and press garlic into cutting board. Continue to chop and smooth until garlic is wet. Place garlic into olive oil. Add salt for taste. Let sit in fridge until chilled, remove majority of garlic with a fork. Shake and serve.

I drizzle this over mixed greens with sliced Heirloom tomatoes. This dressing is finger lickin' good!

Chicken Piccata

Ingredients:

 4-6 flattened chicken breasts
2 garlic cloves finely chopped
1/2 cup almond flour(season with salt and pepper, and 1 tsp. garlic powder)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons capers
1/2 cup chicken broth or 1/4 cup white wine and 1/4 cup chicken broth
1-2 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon butter (optional, add extra oil instead)
Salt and pepper
1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (you may use Wondra or flour if you are not gluten intolerant)

Instructions:

-Pound flat chicken breast so they are 1/8-1/4 inch thin, lightly salt and pepper both sides
-Lightly coat chicken with seasoned almond flour
-Heat skillet with butter and oil, brown chicken on both sides (5-8 minutes) Remove from heat and set aside and cover to keep warm
-Add finely chopped garlic (you made need to add 1 Tb. of olive oil) and cook until lightly browned
-Add wine and chicken brother, or just chicken broth, and lemon juice to de-glaze pan
-Add chicken back to pan and add capers
-Cook on medium to low heat until chicken is cooked through (5-10 minutes)
-Place 1/4 cup of liquid in cup and add arrowroot powder. Mix until dissolved. Add mixture to pan with chicken, reduce heat and simmer until slightly thickened.

*I love capers so I always add more than what is called for. Also if you you prefer to use regular flour, make sure to only lightly dust the chicken. Shake remaining off. Too much flour = gooey mess.

Tortilla-less Fajitas with Fajita Dip

Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts cut into tenders
2 green bell peppers sliced
1 orange bell pepper
1 large onion slices into half moon slices
1 roasted red pepper diced (optional, but mighty tasty)
Adobo seasoning
Salt and Pepper
1 can Fire roasted tomatoes

Instructions:
-Place chicken tenders in ziplock bag. Add garlic olive oil to coat, salt and pepper to taste, 1/2 Tablespoon Adobo seasoning. Let stand 10-15 minutes
-Heat grilling pan to medium high heat. Add 1 tablespoon or less garlic olive oil. Grill chicken tenders until brown on outside and slightly uncooked in the inside. Place in bowl.
-Grill onions alone until golden brown and tender. Season with salt and pepper, and a sprinkled layer of Adobo seasoning. Set aside.
-Grill bell peppers until there is a slight charred. Season with salt and pepper, and a sprinkled layer of Adobo seasoning.
-In a large pan heat can of fire roasted tomatoes. Season with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and Adobo. Add grilled peppers, chicken and it's juice, roasted red pepper, and sauteed onions. Heat until chicken is cooked.

Garnish with cilantro and Fajita Dip (recipe as follows)

Fajita Dip
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp. salt
2 tsp. finely chopped cilantro
Mix and serves

Monday, August 27, 2012

Ahi Tuna with Warm Kale salad


(serves 1 for dinner and 2 as an appetizer)

Ingredients:
3/4 -1 lb sushi-grade ahi tuna chopped in small chunks
1/2 tsp. fresh grated ginger
1 tsp. sesame oil
2 green onions sliced
1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tsp. fish sauce (optional)
1-2 tsp. seasoned rice vinegar
Sriracha for taste
Sesame seeds

Mix together and add chopped ahi to sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds
1/2-1 bag pre-mixed kale salad with cabbage and carrots
 Heat pan with 1 tsp. sesame seed oil and 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Add kale and cover. Continue to steam until slightly tender 3-5 minutes. Add 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tsp. fish sauce. Mix and cover for 1 more minute. Plate warm kale and top with ahi mixture.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds

Top 10 Primal Pantry Essentials and Superfoods



Celtic Salt- Replaces table salt and sea salt. Celtic sea salt has tremendous healing virtues that have the exact opposite effects of refined salt.  It helps to balance out and nourish our body with minerals that our body lacks.  It is particularly helpful in helping with mucus elimination.
Almond Flour-replaces baking flour, toasting almond flour can substitute bread crumbs, and use instead of flour for dredging chicken
Coconut flour- used in lots of paleo baking recipes
Arrowroot powder-replaces cornstarch, and is used in cakes and breads to help lighten and fluff up dense almond flour
Chia seeds- Used as substitutions for fat in baking, tasty soaked in fruit juice,and fun to eat raw.  (I put in my veggie protein drink daily) Also a superfood (see below)
Adobo Seasoning-tasty seasoning for turkey and chicken,delicious on sweet potatoes, awesome as a fajita seasoning for onions and peppers.
Almond Milk- Substitute for milk, and can replace juice in smoothies
Honey-replaces sugar in coffee, can be a sugar substitute in baking, buying local raw honey can help with allergies (don’t give to babies)
Coconut Oil-Great for browning meat and stir frys, and can be used in baking. Coconut oil is rich in vitamins and minerals and especially rich (60%+) in important fatty acids, the medium chain triglycerides (MCTs)Coconut Oil has been mistakenly labeled as unhealthy due to its high saturated fat content.  However, modern science has now refuted these earlier claims and instead, is praising the health benefits with some even stating it as the “healthiest oil on earth.”
Full Fat Coconut Milk- replaces dairy milk and cream in cooking and baking. Awesome for thickening soups.
Super Foods- great additions to add into shakes and smoothies

Maca Powder-Maca has long been used to increase stamina, boost libido, and combat fatigue for good reasons. The root is a superb adaptogen, as it enables the body to more easily adapt to and regulate stress factors imposed upon it. Studies have also identified four alkaloids present in maca, which are known to nourish the endocrine system (the system in the body which is responsible for the production and maintenance of hormones). Maca root is a highly nutrient-dense whole food, as it is packed with vitamins, plant sterols, many essential minerals, amino acids and healthy fats. This is a particularly powerful and balanced food for athletes and those who are looking to combat stress or increase stamina.Maca is a very potent food, and just a little maca sprinkled into recipes turns any meal into a supermeal. With an earthy taste that is mildly nutty with a hint of butterscotch, maca is easily blended into superfood smoothies, various milks, chocolates, or mixed into flour for dessert recipes. Alternately, use maca straight by taking in a capsule form, and enjoy its benefits anytime and anywhere.

Spirulina-Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids, antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage. It contains nutrients, including B complex vitamins, beta-carotene, vitamin E, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, selenium, and gamma linolenic acid (an essential fatty acid).

Chia Seeds-
  • 2 times the protein of any other seed or grain,Chias seeds are said to have:
  • 5 times the calcium of milk, plus boron which is a trace mineral that
    helps transfer calcium into your bones,
  • 2 times the amount of potassium as bananas,
  • 3 times the reported antioxidant strength of blueberries
  • 3 times more iron than spinach
  • copious amounts of omega 3 and omega 6, which are essential fatty acids
They are a complete source of protein, providing all the essential amino acids in an easily digestible form. They are also a fabulous source of soluble fibre.
Like flax, chia is highly ‘hydrophilic’ - the seeds absorb water and create a mucilaginous gel. They can hold 9-12 times their weight in water and they absorb it very rapidly - in under 10 minutes.

Antioxidants One advantage of chia is that because it has such a high antioxidant content, the seeds stay stable for much longer, whereas flax, for example, may turn rancid. Chia seeds can easily be stored dry for 4-5 years without deterioration in flavour, odour or nutritional value. You can substitute chia in any recipe that calls for flax.

  • Provides energy
  • Boosts strength
  • Bolsters endurance
  • Levels blood sugar
  • Induces weight loss
  • Aids intestinal regularity

Turkey and Chicken Loaf


Ingredients:
1 pound ground chicken
1/2 pound ground turkey
8 oz. can tomato sauce (save 1/4 for topping)
1/4 cup finely chopped onion (sauteed 2-3 minutes)
1 1/2 finely shredded carrots
1/4 cup almond flour (substitute almond flour for 1/2 cup oatmeal and do not add carrots if you are not paleo-driven)
salt and pepper to taste
1 egg beaten
1-2 tablespoons dijon mustard for topping only

Pre-heat oven to 350

Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together. Place in greased loaf pan. Mix remaining tomato sauce with mustard. Smooth over top of loaf. Bake at 350 for 1 hour. Insert knife to make sure meatloaf is cooked through. Also, when removed from over there is lots of liquid. Allow liquid to absorb back into loaf. It takes about 10 minutes.
I use almond flour as a bread crumb/oatmeal as Gluten-free substitute.