E-mail this article to a friend

6 Tasty Treats That Are Good For You!

Dr. Wayne Neal

This time of year is for family, fun, and food. Dessert is the best part of Christmas dinner, but not always the healthiest part. Would you like a healthy dessert that is easy to make? Here is some fudge that tastes great, and is great for you!

1. Coconut Almond Fudge

· 1 cup extra-virgin coconut oil

· 3/4 cup carob powder

· 1/4 cup raw almond butter

· 1/4 cup unheated honey

· 1 tbsp. Vanilla

Place all the ingredients in a glass container. Then set the container in a pan of simmering water until ingredients have melted. Mix together well. Pour mixture in a buttered pan and cool in refrigerator or freezer. Remove and serve. This recipe is from The Maker’s Diet by Jordan Rubin. All five ingredients have health benefits.

2. Carob Instead of Chocolate

Carob is free from caffeine and theobromine, (stimulants found in chocolate), which can be addictive and can cause allergies. Caffeine can cause anxiety, nervousness, nausea, and heart palpitations. Carob is also free from phenylethylamine, which can trigger migraines. Since it is naturally sweet, carob needs substantially less sweetener than chocolate.  Carob contains a variety of minerals and vitamins A, B2, B3, and D.

3. Raw Honey

In addition to its reputation as Nature’s nutritive sweetener, research also indicates that honey’s unique composition makes it useful as an anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, and antioxidant substance. Always look for honey that is raw and unheated. This form of honey is rich in naturally occurring enzymes.

4. Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil

According to Dr. Jordan Rubin, extra-virgin coconut oil is one the best oils to use for cooking, because it is stable and can tolerate high temperatures. Coconut oil does not raise LDL cholesterol levels. It is good for boosting immune system and improving metabolic function, thus it may result in weight loss.

5. Almonds

Almonds contain monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, magnesium and potassium. Almonds help lower LDL cholesterol levels (LDL is the “bad” cholesterol). Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to reduce the risk of heart disease. Magnesium and potassium are electrolytes that are involved in nerve transmission and the contraction of all muscles including the heart. They promote cardiovascular health and protect against high blood pressure and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

6. Vanilla

Vanilla not only has a pleasing flavor and aroma, but it also has medicinal value. It is used to reduce stress, calm a queasy stomach, and a recent study at the St. George’s Hospital in London indicates that vanilla may help you lose weight. Under the guidance of Catherine Collins, a state registered dietician at St. George’s, overweight people who were given vanilla-scented skin patches found that their sweet food intake was significantly reduced, leading to greater weight loss than those given dietary advice alone.

You can use these ingredients to make fudge or other recipes. They promote health and taste good, too. When cooking this season, it is best to avoid sugar, oils that are hydrogenated and processed flour. Enjoy cooking and have a healthy and happy Christmas this year!

For further information on this topic, you may contact Dr. Neal at 770.952.5353, by email at DrNeal@humberparkerson.com, or visit our clinic on the web at www.HumberParkerson.com.

The Highest Level is the monthly e-mail newsletter of the Humber Parkerson Clinic and is designed to empower our patients and the general public to make informed decisions on issues of nutrition, lifestyle, and spinal care. To receive The Highest Level each month, e-mail your request to HighestLevel@humberparkerson.com.

© Humber Parkerson Clinic 2005

December 2005 issue of The Highest Level

Home