CAROLYN'S CORNER on.....TUMERIC

The health benefits of turmeric lie in the active ingredient called curcumin. This powerful compound gives turmeric its therapeutic benefits, its yellow color, and its pungent flavor. More specifically, curcumin harbors antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, stomach-soothing, and liver-and heart-protecting effects.




Turmeric is thought to reduce inflammation by lowering histamine levels and it may also stimulate the adrenal glands to increase production of a hormone that reduces inflammation. It is often used to ease joint pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. However, it is also used to reduce joint pain and in inflammation in other disorders as well.



Turmeric (curcumin) also harbors rich stores of antioxidants. Antioxidants are disease-fighting substances that mop up the continuous onslaught of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that damage cells as they travel through the body and are responsible for premature aging and diseases such as cancer if left unchecked. In fact, Naturopaths often recommend turmeric for situations in which high concentrations of antioxidants are required. Among the many health benefits of turmeric, is that it harbors antiplatelet activity. The herb reduces the ability of the blood to form clots and, as such, this action may improve circulation as well as offer some protection against heart attacks and strokes.



If you suffer from digestive problems this may be the herb for you. Turmeric helps digest fats by stimulating the flow of bile. No wonder it was used traditionally as a digestive aid.



Here are 20 reasons to add turmeric to your diet:

1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.

3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.

4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.

5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.

6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.

7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.

8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.

11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.

12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.

13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.

14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.

16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.

17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.

18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.

20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Carolyn Akens is a gracious and lovely contributor of Carolyn's Corner here on ChocolateOrchid.  Carolyn is also a certified master raw foods chef and instructor. She offers raw foods classes, raw foods chef and instructor certifications and a weight-loss program.

Carolyn Akens contact info:
Phone: 770-559-1773


Twitter: CarolynAkens

Facebook: Carolyn Akens

Website: Carolyns Raw Foods

Email: carolyn@carolynsrawfoods.com


Carolyn is also the creator of the deliciously healthy Agape Nutrition Bars.
Agape Nutrition Bars™ is a "breakfast-on-the-go or a healthy snack anytime!"


http://www.agapenutritionbars.com/ & http://www.foodoro.com/



Carolyn, thanks for contributing such helpful and informative post..
Peace & blessings,

AND THE WINNER IS.....

.....SHERON!!!

Congrats!! You are the winner of a full years subscription to the marvelous healthy and eco-friendly lifestlye magazine "Purely Delicious".

Forward me your email address so that you can begin receiving your awesome winnings.
And again, CONGRATULATIONS!!

{{Hugs}}

Swapping Author links

Over at the Book Bazaar on the Kindle Boards today, DB Henson offered to swap links with other authors. What a great idea!

Whenever I get a chance, I love to read through the posts in Book Bazaar and Book Corners and I always seem to come away with something new. Just wish I had more time to browse and comment, but that thing called a "day job" seems to get in the way most days. I love my days off cause I can browse to my heart's content.

I offered to swap links with anyone in DB's post, but in case I miss anyone, feel free to leave me your link in comments and I'll be happy to add your author or blog links.

WISHING ALL A HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

HAVE A WONDERFUL & HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

{{Hugs}},

A LITTLE MORE IN DEPTH ON HEMP

Okay, so I really only mentioned hemp earlier this week. Well, actually its in the product that I reviewed on Tuesday. So there.

Anyhoo, I want to share with you some info on the benefits of hemp. And no, I'm not talking about the kind you smoke. Lol.


So here goes:

Seeds of the plant cannabis sativa, hemp seed, contain all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids necessary to maintain healthy human life. No other single plant source has the essential amino acids in such an easily digestible form, nor has the essential fatty acids in as perfect a ratio to meet human nutritional needs.


Industrial hemp has a long history, with a wide range of uses. Like flax and soybeans, hemp provides raw materials for both food and fiber. Today, hemp is grown in most industrialized nations of the world, excluding the U.S. (Find out why at VoteHemp.com).

Hemp is a profitable and potential "dual-income" crop for farmers, as both seeds and fiber can be processed into thousands of uses. Hemp is a highly valuable crop and the oilseed and fiber varieties can be used for the production of fabrics, rope, paper, food, health and beauty aids, printing inks, paint, and building materials. And today it's proving to have even greater value as a potential source of renewable energy, and as a raw material for biodiesel and ethanol. The building materials excel at carbon sequestration helping slow climate change.


Hemp's tiny, round seeds are about the same size as small sunflower seeds. They have a light and pleasant flavor and aroma that is similar to toasted pine nuts. The seeds are the edible portion of the hemp plant.

Hemp seeds contain all 10 Essential Amino Acids (EAA's) - the building blocks of protein. They're also rich in naturally-balanced Omega-3 and Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's). Additionally, hemp is high in magnesium, iron, potassium, fiber and phytonutrients, plus natural antioxidants like vitamin E. Our hemp foods are a healthy habit that can be part of your diet every day.


Hemp seeds are one of the plant kingdom's best sources of easily digestible, high-quality protein. Proteins are among the body's most essential nutrients, helping you build and repair tissue and build lean muscle mass. 65% of hemp seeds' protein is high-quality edestin, making them the highest vegan source of this simple protein that's required for proper immune system function. The other 35% is albumin protein. With live enzymes intact, hemp's digestible proteins are easily assimilated into the body. Hemp protein is also a great alternative if you're allergic to the proteins found in dairy and soy. Add hemp protein powder to a morning smoothie for a valuable whole-food energy boost.

Benefits of Hemp Seeds


Hemp seeds are nutrient-powerhouses containing:

• All 20 amino acids, including the 9 essential amino acids (EAAs) our bodies cannot produce.

• A high protein percentage of thesimple proteins that strengthen immunity and fend off toxins.2



Eating hemp seeds in any form could aid, if not heal, people suffering from immune deficiency diseases. This conclusion is supported by the fact that hemp seed has been used to treat nutritional deficiencies brought on by tuberculosis, a severe nutrition blocking disease that causes the body to waste away.3

• Nature's highest botanical source of essential fatty acid, with more essential fatty acid than flax or any other nut or seed oil. 4

• A perfect 3:1 ratio of Omega-6 Linoleic Acid and Omega-3 Linolenic Acid - for cardiovascular health and general strengthening of the immune system.

• A superior vegetarian source of protein considered easily digestible.

• A rich source of phytonutrients, the disease-protective element of plants with benefits protecting your immunity, bloodstream, tissues, cells, skin, organs and mitochondria.

• The richest known source of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids. 5

Hemp seed oil has been attributed to helping: increase energy, soften skin, relieve arthritis and normalize blood cholesterol.

How To Eat Hemp Seeds:

Incorporating hemp seeds in your diet is so easy. You can purchase whole hemp seeds, hulled hemp seeds, hemp seed protein powder, and hemp seed oil. Simply just eat them raw, add them to a salad, replace olive oil with hemp seed oil, etc. Or add 2 tbs of Hemp Seeds everyday to a healthy shake or smoothie.
Also, it’s best to keep hemp seeds refrigerated and air tight. If you purchase a bulk 5-pound bag, consider adding a pound to a container for daily use, and seal up the 5-pound bag and place it in the freezer. This will help protect the seed and the nourishing Omega-3s which are sensitive to heat and oxygen.

**Resources: partly from  Ratical.org

MAY HEROINE ENTREPRENEUR - REBECCA CARLSON + A GIVEAWAY

Heroine - 1. A woman noted for courage and daring action.
2. A woman noted for special achievement in a particular field.


Hola Beautifuls! I am happy to introduce you to this month's Heroine Entrepreneur...

                                                         ....Rebecca Carlson

1. Tell us about your business, products, services and what makes it special or unique.


Purely Delicious is a quarterly raw and eco-friendly lifestyle magazine. One thing that makes it unique is the production quality (design, quality of printing, professional writing and photography). Additionally, the fact that we are not focused on one small aspect of raw food, but on the entire lifestyle, from green products, pets and makeup to interviews, recipes and fitness makes us unique. The content of Purely Delicious is specifically geared to help people make small steps toward their goals, so we appeal to beginners as well as well seasoned raw foodists.


Our online retail store, 123RAW.COM, offers a full line of raw food products and eco-friendly items, such as bamboo towels and sheets and soy candles. 123RAW has the same target demographic and operating philosophy as Purely Delicious, and both the magazine and the store are focused on giving back to the community.



2. Purely Delicious is a high quality print magazine. How did you come about developing and delivering such a great product?

Thank you – that is very kind. One of my primary goals when I bought Purely Delicious, was to produce something that looked just as slick and professional as a Gourmet or Food and Wine magazine, but with a raw and eco-lifestyle angle. Luckily, I was able to call on my experience as a designer to help bring the raw message to a more mainstream audience. But I certainly couldn’t do it without the help and support of a lot of talented and wonderful individuals co-laboring with me.



3. What sparked the development of and idea for your business?

Before I embraced the raw lifestyle, I was at one of those life-turning points. I was successful in my career as a creative director, but had been doing it for many years and the stress was taking its toll on me. I knew I wanted to do something different but I wasn't sure what. Meanwhile, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which eventually led me to discover the raw food diet. Once my MS symptoms started going away and I was once again feeling so good, the diet evolved into a personal mission to help people by using the talents and skills developed over the course of my career.


4. Have you always been in the magazine industry? Do you have a history in this area?

I was a designer and a creative director for many years. I had the good fortune to work with some fun and wonderful clients, such as Animal Planet and Discovery Channel, and I also had the opportunity to work on a magazine for six or seven years. So the magazine industry wasn’t a new thing to me, though I was previously responsible only for the design, and was not involved in the editorial aspect. Now I work on all facets of production So while there has certainly been a steep learning curve, it's not as bad as if I hadn't had some past connection to the magazine industry.



5. How much support did you receive when you first started out?

Some people were incredibly supportive, such as my mom, husband and best friend. But I also met with quite a bit of resistance from people who were worried I was making a big mistake. They counseled me to go back to the safety of a full-time position, etc. But looking back – and even now – It seems that whenever I spoke a need, a few days later out of the blue someone would show up and volunteer to help or otherwise solve the problem. So, in that sense – from proofreaders to writing and photography, etc. -- the raw community has been extremely supportive.



6. Did you always envision you business growing to be sold in major stores like Whole Foods?

Yes. I remember standing there at the checkout line visualizing the cover in the magazine rack. It was only a short time after I did that, Whole Foods e-mailed me with a distribution contract to look over. I would love to see Purely Delicious in every airport and Borders too, but we’re not quite there yet. Baby steps.


7. Is there anything that you wish you would have done or handled differently?

Life is just too short to waste on regret, but I probably would have sought more outside funding earlier in the process and asked for help earlier.


8. What was your biggest hurdle in developing your business?

I think that would have to be the tendency of spreading myself too thin by not delegating and by working on too many projects and ideas at once. Even now, I have three to four binders of back-burner projects I’m just itching to work on.

Finding advertisers in such a down market is a hurdle too. We launched exactly when everyone was cutting back on their advertising budgets. Luckily, businesses are booking space now, especially now that we are in Whole Foods Markets and have received recognition as “Best Raw Magazine of 2009.”



9. How did you stay motivated or what kept you motivated whenever you hit a bump/pothole in the road or a difficult time?

My motivation came – and continues to come – from friends, family, my husband and lots of prayer. The funny thing is that just when I may think, "OK, that’s it – I’m quitting,” I'll receive a lovely and encouraging e-mail or phone call from a subscriber telling me how much the magazine has helped them or how a friend or family member picked it up and started reading it. That’s what keeps me going. I actually created a little mailbox where I place all of the nice e-mails. I need to put a label on it that says “Break glass in case of motivational emergency!”


10. What advice would you give to women who are seeking to do what you are doing?

Don’t make business decisions until you have developed a tight, one- to two-line mission statement defining your goals and values. Then pass every single decision you make through that mission statement to see if it fits. If it doesn’t fit, don’t do it.

Our mission statement is, “We make the raw food and eco-lifestyle understandable and doable for the masses in a fun, creative and upscale way. We give to charity and seek to bring joy and health to mind, body and spirit.” Also, don't be in anything solely for the money. Follow your passion, and the money will present itself


11. Is there anything new & exciting that we can expect from your Purely Delicious magazine in the future?

Absolutely! Some things are still under wraps because they are in development, but we are looking forward to unveiling a new and improved Web site and an online version of the magazine in the very near future.


**A note for Rebecca**
Rebecca, I cannot express to you how much I appreciate your time for this interview. I highly respect your work and am in love with your magazine. I am convinced that the work you do is bringing healthy and conscious living to the awareness of more and more people each day. I wish you great and continued success in your present and future.
Peace and blessings,
ChocolateOrchid
 
You can connect with Rebecca at:
Purely Delicious blog
twitter
123RAW.com
 
****THE GIVEAWAY****
**open to U.S. and Canadian residents only**
I'm sure that there are many of you out there who have no idea what the raw foods lifestyle is about. Or you wonder if its really for you. Or you're just plain curious about it. Maybe you're looking into living a healthier life and you'd like to learn more about it. Well, I am positive that reading Purely Delicious magazine will give you the answers you seek and more.
 
Thanks to the kind and lovely Rebecca Carlson, one person will win a 1-year subscription of Purely Delicious magazine. All that is asked of you is to leave a comment about your desire to embrace a healthier lifestyle and why. You have until Tuesday, May 13th at midnight EST. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced on Wednesday, May 14th. 
 
I wish you all the best!!
 
 
 
**The top heroine photo is the Marvel comics character, Elektra**

AFROVEDA HEMP SEED LOCK, TWIST & ROLL BUTTER REVIEW

Amidst reading some internet talk some time ago about Afroveda’s Hemp Seed Lock, Twist & Roll butter being discontinued , I happily snagged a jar. Too my pleasure, it was well worth the somewhat trouble that I had finding some.


First of all, let me talk about the scent. Unlike , my opinion of the Totally Twisted Ginger Almond butter (not to worry, Zainab1 at Au Naturale loves it.), I fell in love with this scent. It’s light, herbal scent is easy and pleasant on my senses. At times, I’d found myself just opening the jar to get another whiff of it. Y’all know I’m a scent woman.

It’s texture is somewhat clay-like. I applied to damp hair and it went on very smoothly. It also absorbed well into the hair.

It’s performance was just as good as it’s scent. I used it to do two-strand twists after washing my hair with its weekly ayurvedic treatment and steam conditioning. Loved it. It seemed to keep my strands slightly elongated and definitely frizz-free. Not to mention, oh so soft throughout the week.



Is it a keeper?.. Definitely. And certainly on the list for repurchase.

I can’t wait to try some of her conditioners and other products.



You can purchase Afroveda products at these online locations:


Afroveda.com
The Good Hair Mart