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Nutritional Yeast- Yellow Flakes of Goodness!

With 18 amino acids, nutritional yeast is a complete protein. It is up to 55% high quality protein and contains 15 minerals!!

Nutritional yeast is a rich source of vitamin B complex that helps in managing stress levels, maintaining a good metabolic rate, preventing cancer of the pancreas and ensuring healthy skin. Vitamin B12 (deficient in most vegetarian foods), is added in certain varieties of nutritional yeast. This vitamin is produced separately from bacteria and then added to nutritional yeast to increase its health benefits.

Other health benefits of nutritional yeast include:

-It maintains ideal intestinal ecology.
-It improves blood production.
-It helps in maintaining optimum cholesterol levels.
-It improves liver health and function.

Nutritional yeast flakes or powder, has a nutty, cheese-like flavor which makes it very popular. It is favored by many as a cheese substitute and can be found at any natural health food store. I buy it in the bulk section at The Wedge.

Here are some ways in which nutritional yeast can be included in the diet:


*Use it as a topping for popcorn, instead of butter and salt.
*Put in on your scrambled eggs! (One of my favorites!)
*Use nutritional yeast for its cheesy flavor in pizzas, pastas and casseroles.
*Add to soup to give it a creamy taste without adding milk.
*Can be used with gravies and sauces.
*Mix it with vinegar and oil and use as salad dressing.



Copyright, 2012, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness MN, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or jackieamart@hotmail.com.

As a holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is. www.optimumwellnessmn.com

Garlic-Great for Your Health, Bad for Your Breath

I am a huge fan of GARLIC!! I probably eat it every day! I put cloves into my green smoothies, eat it with eggs, veggies, fish, quinoa, and more! I feel sorry for my family, friends, and coworkers! hahah

Garlic is one of the oldest medicinal foods on the planet. It is an agent for lowering cholesterol, reduces plaque, is chemo-protective, helps with weight control, has a positive effect on blood pressure, treats worms and other parasites, and decreases the risk of cancer. Garlic neutralizes dozens of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It fends off aging through its antioxidant properties, and contains strong antibacterial and antiviral compounds that boost your resistance to stress-induced colds and infections. The sulfur found in garlic promotes the elimination of toxins from the blood, lymph, and body. It helps purify the body, has immune-enhancing properties, and contains many phytonutrients.

Garlic Quinoa


Ingredients


1 tablespoon organic extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup chopped organic onions
1 teaspoon minced organic garlic
1 cup quinoa, rinsed well and drained
2 cups water or 2 cups broth
1/4 teaspoon sea salt



Directions
Sauté onion in olive oil for 2-3 minutes; add garlic and continue sautéing for another 30 seconds or so.
Add quinoa, water and salt to pan; bring to boil then reduce heat then cover and simmer 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.


You can also add vegatables and beans of your choosing!


Bowden, J. (2007). The 150 healthiest foods on earth. Massachusetts: Fair Winds Press.