As usual I had a wonderful time as a guest on "
The Dave and Cindy Show," 107.9 FM in Vero Beach, FL last week. We discussed the
health, beauty and anti-aging benefits of pumpkin, clove, cinnamon, thyme, nutmeg, allspice, apples, apple cider, and coconut milk. That's right, I said coconut milk! I know it doesn't seem to fit in traditionally with fall spice and comfort foods but I'm going to give you good reason to start including it in your recipes this time of year.
Prior to the show I had mentioned to Cindy that I find it no coincidence, that, as we are heading into flu season, historically we break out the warming spices. Cinnamon, clove, allspice, nutmeg, etc. all have anti-microbial & anti-infectious properties. Our ancestors were smart and traditions often serve us well, without us giving it much thought. The use of these spices can help in the prevention of both viral and bacterial infections. To help avoid illness even further, we tend to gravitate to foods rich in Vitamin A and C, that can help fortify our immunity like pumpkin, sweet potato and squash. These foods are rich in carotinoids, phytochemicals, zinc, and various anti-oxidants which can also help with the eyes and skin. If you slather them on your skin as a mask, they even have alpha hydroxy acids in them, which can help to minimize fine lines, remove dead skin and help cellular turnover.
I touched on the recent study which stated that eating an apple or pear a day can indeed keep the doctor away. This study revealed that there was a 52% decrease in strokes in people that added the "
white fruits and veggies"to their daily diet. (White's- being apples, pears, cauliflower, etc.) Also, 8 oz. of traditional English apple cider has as many anti-oxidants as a glass of red wine! Who knew?!!
Now that we have covered the basics of the fall harvest, let me get back to the coconut milk! I use it in place of dairy in almost all of my recipes, pies, bisque soups, etc.
Coconut milk has natural anti-viral components,
as well as anti-candidal/fungal properties. Which is also important around the holidays when our sugar consumption increases with all the desserts, wine, and cookies.
Homogenized dairy products on the other hand, often cause much congestion of the sinus and gastrointestinal tract. As flu season approaches, that is the last thing you want in your system. Bacteria and virus thrive in the body that is congested. Most of my clients do not handle dairy well. Once I ask them to start listening to and watching their bodies for signs when they eat dairy- they begin to notice they get a stuffed up nose and/or gastrointestinal distress of some sort after eating it. Switching from dairy to using coconut milk is a no-brainer, especially during flu season.
So next time you go to make that wonderful pumpkin bisque soup add the coconut milk and know that you are really doing your body good.
