Thursday, October 25, 2012

Free Local Apple Products


On each order between now and November 30 where you spend $150 or more get your choice of Free local apple sauce, apple butter, apple cider or 8 apples. Can't quite spend $150 in a week? Like our facebook page and we will be drawing for one lucky winner to win all 4 items. Draw happens November 30.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Food Sensitivities

By: Sara Kidd, Naturopathic Doctor & Crystal Ceh, Naturopathic Doctor
Is it an allergy, an intolerance, a sensitivity and what does it all mean?
Food Allergy
A new definition of terms means that only an IgE reaction is considered a true food allergy. This is what most people associate with a food allergy – an anaphylactic reaction to a substance that we either eat or have contact with that results within minutes in hives, or swelling of tissues affecting our skin, our lungs or our digestive tract. The most prominent which comes to mind is a peanut allergy, which can be almost instantaneous and life threatening if not promptly treated.
Food Sensitivity
Food sensitivities tends to be IgG mediated, which means a delayed reaction to an offending substance. This can be difficult to pinpoint as symptoms often develop over hours to days after a substance is ingested, and can present many varied symptoms including general inflammation within the digestive tract that can result in a condition known as leaky gut. In leaky gut our defensive barrier in our digestive tract becomes permeable allowing substances which shouldn’t have access to our bloodstream to enter and accumulate, thereby causing reactions systemically. Through careful testing and tracking these substances can be identified and avoided for an improvement in overall health. An example of this is gluten sensitivity in which elevated levels of IgG and IgA are found in the bloodstream in reaction to gliadin – a protein found in wheat.
Food Intolerance
Food intolerance most commonly refers to a non-immune reaction to a substance. This is often a lack of a certain enzyme which allows one to digest certain foods, such as a lack of lactase resulting in lactose intolerance.
Why is this relevant to me?
Many of our foods come into contact with chemicals and pesticides which themselves can cause immune reactions, which is why it is so important to understand the origin of what you use. By choosing certified organic foods and products you are eliminating a potential source for allergy and sensitivity, which in the long run, can boost your family’s health. There are many options available to lessen the impact of sensitivities which can allow you to love food and enjoy your life.


Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Easy Apple-Maple Galette


Ingredients
Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons cold butter, diced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon apple cider
3 tablespoons water
Filling:
3 medium apples, peeled,cored, halved, and sliced crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices (about 2 1/2 cups)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, diced
1 large egg white
1 tablespoon water
Preparation
1. To make crust: Combine first 5 ingredients (through oil) in a food processor and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. Combine the cider and water in a small bowl and drizzle on the dough, while processing, until dough is moist and begins to stick together. Cover in plastic wrap; chill 30 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 400°.
3. To make filling: Toss apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, and flour.
4. Unwrap dough and place on 16-inch square of parchment paper. Roll into a 15-inch circle. Place dough and parchment on rimmed baking sheet; arrange apples in center, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold edges in; press gently to seal. Dot apples with butter.
5. Whisk egg white and water together in a small bowl. Brush edge of dough with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Loosely cover with foil; bake additional 25 minutes. Uncover; bake 15-20 minutes or until tender and golden.

6. Let stand 20 minutes. Brush apples with remaining 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Cut into 8 wedges; serve.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

4 REASONS TO EAT MORE APPLES

BY Valerie Hould-Marchand

Apples are one of the most loved fruits, and people have been eating them for millennia. We can find red, green, yellow, tart and sweet, crunchy and soft and most anything in between. Apples are a flavourful, easily portable snack packed with numerous health benefits. A wide array of studies have shown apples to be effective in reducing the risk of many diseases,including high cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and even some cancers.

It's no surprise that apples are good for us. Why else would they have earned the famous "An apple a day keeps the doctor away" reputation? Here are 4 reasons to pick up a crisp, juicy one today.

1. Prevents Cancer
Researchers at Cornell University say the phytochemical quercetin in apples has stronger anticancer properties than vitamin C. Quercetin is a strong anti-inflammatory known for its effectiveness in treating prostate problems. Lab studies have shown that several compounds in apples curb the growth of cancer cells. Italian researchers found that people who eat more than one a day lower their risk for several cancers, including oral, esophageal, colon, breast, ovarian, prostate, by 9 to 42 percent.

2. Lowers Cholesterol

Thanks to two key components, pectin (a type of fibre) and polyphenols (powerful antioxidants), apples can help lower blood cholesterol levels and prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol (the chemical process that turns it into artery-clogging plaque). It is really important to eat the skin because it has 2 to 6 times the antioxidant compound as the flesh.


3. Reduces the risk of Heart Disease

Apples are rich in flavonoids, which are very important in the fight against coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease.

4. Helps You Lose Weight

They are a good source of soluble and insoluble fibre( roughly 17% of your daily value), which will keep you full and satisfied. A regular size apple has 80-100 calories. It is the perfect choice when you are craving something sweet like candy or chocolate.

As you plan your meals this fall season, make sure to include apples on your menu. The evidence shows numerous health benefits from this great tasting and versatile fruit.

So here’s a wonderfully easy, delicious little grilled cheese sandwich. Grab the sharpest cheddar in your fridge, the crispest apple and a few sprigs of fresh sage. butter up your favourite bread, grill it for a few minutes on each side and there you have it, you are all set!


Until next time,

Heal yourself
Heal the planet


References : Prescription for Dietary Wellness, Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
Alive Academy