Chicken Pie

1 chicken with skin in four pieces

5 med onions

5 large carrots

8 peppercorns

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 med tubs of fresh double cream

1 tbsp corn flour

2 tbsp oil

1 beaten egg

1 tin sliced mushrooms or fresh button mushrooms

puff pastry about 2 packs enough to cover your dish

In a large pot fill about 2 pints water and add the chicken, peppercorns, 2 carrots cut in half, 1 tsp salt and 2 whole onions and bring to boil until chicken is cooked, this will be your stock. Once this is cooked drain the stock and keep aside, shred the chicken off the bone so it becomes boneless now.

In a separate pan fry the remaining onions sliced in the oil until light brown. Add the chicken, sliced carrots, mushrooms, black pepper and cook for a few min then add the fresh cream. Only using half the stock add the corn flour to one of the halves and add to the chicken and mix well and cook, if you think the mixture is too thick then ad some more stock, it's up to you. Pour the mixture into your oven dish.

|Roll out your pastry if not already rolled, cut four 1 cm strips and press it down onto the rim of the dish then cover the dish with the remaining pastry, brush with egg and bake in the oven for 1 hour and enjoy with chips.

Sorry the picture is not perfect but i wanted you to see the mixture inside.

Mexican chicken Wraps

Pack of Mexican wraps

1 lb boneless chicken cut into strips

1 Med sliced onion

1/4 sliced green pepper

1/4 sliced red pepper

1 pack mexican seasoning 

2 tbsp olive oil

In a bowl add the seasoning to the chicken and leave aside for about 10 min, meanwhile a non stick frying pan heat oil and lightly fry the onions, add the chicken and cook for a while then add the peppers and cook until chicken is fully cooked.

Lightly heat the wrap in a non stick pan, this makes the wrapping part easy. Once all your wraps are warm you can start putting them together. You can add cheese, salad any any sauces you like to  your wraps. Once filling is in roll them up and hold them together with a tooth pick.

Honey Glazed Chops

Marinate 12 chops in:

3 tbsp of olive oil

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 pinch rock salt or normal salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp dried parsley

2 tbsp honey

Leave to marinate for about half an hour or longer if possible. In a non stick frying pan over a high heat place each chop in and then pour the marination over the chops and let it cook on low to med heat turning occasionally.  Serve with rice or chips.

Eastern Lamb

1 lb boneless lamb chunks

4 whole garlic cloves with skin on

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp sesame oil

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp parsley

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp salt

Place all of the above ingredients into an oven proof dish and cook on low heat about gas mark 3 or 4 depending on your oven and cook until really tender.  Enjoy with Homous and naan.

 

Quick Black Bean Noodles

1 jar of sharwoods black bean sauce

1 lb Boneless chicken cut into strips

1 large onions or 2 med sliced

1/2 red pepper chopped into chunks

1/2 green pepper chopped into chunks

1 pack sharwoods noodles boiled

sesame oil 

Prepare noodles and leave aside. the best way to do noodles so they don't become over cooked is the place the slabs of noodles into a pot of cold water and leave for about 10 min so they separate then heat the pot on the cooker until the water becomes hot but don't bring to boil, then drain. In a wok or frying pan heat some sesame oil and soy sauce and toss the noodles in it but don't cook it. The pan and the oil together will be hot enough to heat the noodles.

In a wok drizzle some sesame oil and cook the onions and peppers together so they are lightly cooked, once done take it out and leave aside, drizzle more oil and cook the chicken until it is nearly done, add the sauce and the onions and cook for a further few mins. Serve with the noodles.

Pasta bake

Boiled pasta

1 jar pasta sauce

1 jar white sauce

1 lb boneless chicken cubed

frozen mix veg

2 sliced onion

salt ans pepper to taste

1/2 tsp dried parsley

a hand full of mixed chopped peppers

1 cup milk

3 tbsp oil

a hand full of grated cheese

Fry 1 onion in 1 tbsp oil until light brown add chicken and season with salt, pepper,  and parsley. Cook for a while then add then add the pasta sauce and cook until chicken is well done then pour into an oven dish and layer the boiled pasta over it.

Using 1 tbsp oil toss the veg seasoning it with salt and pepper, layer this over the pasta.

Heat the white sauce in a pan add the milk and pour over the veg.

In a frying pan fry the remaining onion and peppers until brown and scatter over the white sauce, grate some cheese and sprinkle the mix herbs and bake for 1/2 an hour.

Fish from the East

4 fish fillets (any type) cut into small chunks

1/4 tsp Chinese 5 spice

sesame oil

1 tsp crushed garlic

1 tsp crushed ginger

soy sauce

a dash of lemon juice

salt to taste

1 pack noodles boiled

Pan fry the fish in sesame oil, add to the fish the rest of the ingredients and cook until fish is cooked both sides. in a serving bowl place the noodles season with a dash of soy sauce and sesame oil and toss using two forks, add the fish chunks and pour the remaining oil from the pan over the noodles, spinkle fresh chopped coriander leaves and enjoy.

Optional: you can add veg to the noodles if you like. 

Sorry forgot to take picture, will do next time.

Steamed Sea Bass

 4 small whole sea bass gutted and scaled

2 tsp crushed ginger

2 tsp crushed garlic

1 stick lemongrass

1 bunch fresh coriander

1 fresh red chilli

2 spring onions

3 tbsp soy sauce

sesame oil

2 limes

Add salt and pepper to the fish and place into a oven dish and pour about 400 ml of water and cover with foil and cook on the cooker on med heat.

Meanwhile take off the outer leave of the lemongrass and chop it then place in a blender with the garlic and ginger then and the coriander leaves leaving some for later, chilli, spring onion, soy sauce, lime juice and sesame oil and blend until it forms a thick paste.

once fish is cooked and juice in the dish pour some into the paste mix and then pour all the paste over the fish and sprinkle the remaining coriander and some chopped red chilli over the fish and serve with rice or coconut rice.

For coconut rice use 1 tin coconut milk and make the balance up with water and use that to cook the rice the normal way.

GINGER AND GARLIC PRAWNS

GINGER AND GARLIC PRAWNS

Ingredients:

1 pack king prawns with shell

2 tbsp crushed peri peri

2 tsp crushed garlic

2 tsp crushed ginger

3 tbsp tomato puree

Juice of 1 lemon

1 tsp salt

1 cup olive oil

Method:

Clean and slit the prawns leaving the shell on. Marinate in the above ingredients except for

the olive oil, leave for 1 hour. In a wok heat the olive oil and place a half of the prawns in the oil and cook but not the marinade. Toss the prawns for 5 min and take out and leave aside, then cook the remaining prawns, again not the marinade. Once all the prawns are cooked pour in the marinade and cook for a few min then add the prawns, toss and sprinkle with dried parsley before serving either on a bed of rice or with fresh crusty bread and chips.

This recipe can also be done with boneless chicken cut into strips.

CUPCAKE DECORATING CLASS

AA my wonderful sister's pray ramadan is going well ia,

In the past i held some cupcake decorating classes for children which alhamdulillah was a great success, during that time many sister's have requested that i ran a class for the adults so i am planning to do this after ramadan ia. girls aged 11 up r also welcome.

the date will be either 14th or 15th of Aug depending on the number people that show an interest and the venue.

the session will be for 2 hours for £35 which will include:

how to make the perfect icing 

decorate 12 cupcakes to take home in a presentation box (cupcake already will be made)

a set of nozzle's and icing bags to use and keep (stainless steel nozzle's) 

an apron to ware

refreshments

plus there will be some decorating items for sale at special prices

the class will be after ramadan so u can eat the cupcakes u decorate.

please let me know u u r interested either by email, text or call on 07946522892

jzk for your time

aysha daud 

creative cupcake

  

Great marination for chicken:
chicken either whole, cut or fillets but keep skin on
olive oil a generous amount
salt (rock salt is possible) to taste
pepper about 1 tsp
1 cup yogurt
2 tbsp honey

Mix all of the above together and leave in the fridge for a few hours then cook either in the oven or on a BBQ.


Great marination for lamb or beef
you can use any type of lamb or beef, joint or cut pieces
olive oil a generous amount
rock salt and pepper to taste
6 garlic cloves with skin on
1 fresh lemon cut in chunks
3 tbsp ghee
2 tsp thyme
2 tsp basil
1/4 cup pomegranate juice

marinate all of the above in an oven dish an cook on slow heat about gas mark 4-5 until meat becomes very tender, can take up to 2 hours or longer depending on the type of meat being cooked. Enjoy with rice or naan.

CHICKEN JALFREZI

·         ½ a large onion, chopped

·         2 tsp crushed garlic

·         1 green chilli, chopped

·         1 tin plum tomatoes

·         Just under half pint of water

·         1 tbsp ground coriander

·         1 tbsp ground cumin

·         1 tsp turmeric
           1 tsp chilli powder

·         2 or 3 chicken breasts cubes

·         1 red pepper, chopped

·         ½ a large onion, sliced

·         2 red chillis (optional)

·         1 tsp ground cumin

·         1 tsp ground coriander

·         Salt to taste

·         2 tsp garam masala

·         A handful of fresh, chopped coriander leaves

Coat the chicken in the cumin, ground coriander and turmeric then leave to marinade in the fridge for at least two hours. To make the sauce, fry the roughly chopped onions with the garlic and green chilli in a large pan until browned. Add the water to the onion mixture and simmer for around 20 minutes. While that is simmering, put the plum tomatoes in a blender. Heat another large pan and gently fry the ground coriander, cumin and turmeric in a splash of oil for about a minute. Add the tomato ‘sauce’ to this pan and simmer for around 10 minutes. Next give your onion mix a blender and add it to the spiced tomato sauce. Give it a stir and simmer for 20 minutes. You can make large batches of this sauce and freeze it for later use. Fry the marinated chicken in oil and stir continuously. After a few minutes, turn down the heat and add the other half of the chopped onion, the red pepper and chilies. Stir until the onions and pepper soften. Add the earlier prepared sauce to the cooked chicken and simmer for around 10-20 minutes, add salt to taste and stir in the garam masala and chopped coriander leaves. Serve with basmati rice or naan bread.

LEMON FISH

4 fish fillets ( any fish, can be done on whole fish also)

2 tsp ground cumin powder

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp ground coriander powder

4 tbsp lemon juice

2 tsp crushed garlic

1 tsp salt

olive oil to cook

Marinate and pan fry with a drizzle of olive oil for about 7 min on both sides and enjoy with salad, rice, vegetables or chips it totally up to you. Also nice on BBQ's.

CRUST-LESS VEGETABLE QUICHE

1 red pepper finely chopped

1/2 fresh broccoli roughly chopped

1 courgette sliced

4 spring onions chopped

6 beaten eggs

1 tsp crushed garlic

1 tsp dries mix herbs

salt/pepper to taste

1 cup grated cheese

2 tbsp parsley to garnish

In a pan lightly cook the pepper, broccoli and courgette for about 6-8 min, add spring onion and set aside.In the beaten eggs add the garlic, herbs, sale/pepper and half the cheese.

In an oven dish add the veg and the beaten eggs, sprinkle the remaining cheese and parsley and bake for 30-35 min gas mark 4 or 180 degrees.

POTATO TOPPED FISH BAKE

1 lb potato peeled and sliced

1 lb any fish fillets cut into big chucks

300g of diced mix veg of your choice

1 bunch spring onion finely chopped

200ml fish stock

salt/pepper to taste

1 beaten egg

Cook potatoes in salted water for 8 min drain and set aside

 In an oven dish add everything leaving the potatoes and egg to last. Toss the ingredients in the dish then layer the potatoes on top the of mixture then brush with egg. 

bake for 30 min on gas mark 4 180 degree

RICH PASTA BAKE

Any pasta about half pack boiled

1 onion finely chopped

1 large carrot chopped

2 tsp crushed garlic

small pack button mushroom

1 lb mince beef, chicken or lamb

1 tin chopped tom

250 ml chicken  stock

1 tsp oregano 

salt/pepper to taste

hand full chopped parsley or basil

mozzarella cheese grated

Cook onion, carrot, garlic, mushrooms and mince in a non stick pot for about 6-7 min, add tomato, stock, oregano, salt/pepper and cook a further 20 min. Once cooked remove from the heat and add in parsley or basil.

In an oven dish spoon in half the mince and then all the pasta then the remaining mince, cover with cheese and bake for 30 min gas mark 4 or 180 degrees.

 BENEFITS OF HOT WATER WITH LEMON

Hot Lemon Water:

1. Boosts your immune system: Lemons are high in vitamin C, which is great for fighting colds.  They’re high in potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function. Potassium also helps control blood pressure.

2. Balances pH: Drink lemon water everyday and you’ll reduce your body’s overall acidity. Lemon is one of the most alkaline foods around. Yes, lemon has citric acid but it does not create acidity in the body once metabolized.

3. Helps with weight loss:   Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet (see #2) lose weight faster.

4. Aids digestion:  Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials. It encourages the liver to produce bile which is an acid that required for digestion. Efficient digestion reduces heartburn and constipation.

5. Is a diuretic: Lemons increase the rate of urination in the body, which helps purify it. Toxins are, therefore, released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy.

6. Clears skin:  The vitamin C component helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well. It can actually be applied directly to scars to help reduce their appearance.

7. Freshens breath: Not only this, but it can help relieve tooth pain and gingivitis. The citric acid can erode tooth enamel, so you should monitor this. I admit, I’m slightly worried about it.

8. Relieves respiratory problems: Warm lemon water helps get rid of chest infections and halt those pesky coughs. It’s thought to be helpful to people with asthma and allergies too.

9. Keeps you zen: Vitamin C is one of the first things depleted when you subject your mind and body to stress. As mentioned previously, lemons are chock full of vitamin C.

10. Helps kick the coffee habit:  After I have a glass of hot lemon water, I actually don’t crave coffee in the morning. This is weird, I can’t explain it, but I’ll take it.

http://lajollamom.com/2011/01/drink-warm-lemon-water-in-the-morning/

Chicken and Mushroom Pie

1 lb boneless chicken cut into cubes

2 med onion's sliced

1 tin button mushrooms or fresh

1 8 floz fresh cream

1 cube chicken stock in 1 pint water

salt/pepper to taste

1 block puff pastry or 2 rolled pastries

1 egg beaten

2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp cornflour

Heat butter and fry onion's until light brown add chicken and cook well, add in mushrooms, in jug mix the stock water, fresh cream and cornflour and mix well, add to the chicken and salt and pepper to taste, cook for a while until sauce thickens, the consistency should not be too thick or too runny so add more cornflour if needed. Pour into a baking dish and set aside to cool.  Roll out your pastry until is it bigger then the size of the dish, trim the edges of the pastry and use these trimmings to put on the rim of the dish then place the pastry over the dish and press onto the rim, the trimmings should hold the main pastry to the dish, brush with egg and bake for 45 min or until golden brown on gas mark 5.

Eggplant Dish

1 large eggplant (Aubergine)

3 green chilli's cut in half

1 small bunch spring onion chopped

1 small onion chopped

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp turmeric

chopped coriander

oil

a few toothpicks

1 piece coal and i small piece of foil

First wash and brush the eggplant with oil and stick a few toothpicks into it half way and bake in the oven on high until soft. once cooked place in cold water and then peel off skin and mash in a bowel, heat up the coal on your cooker until you see it turn a little red then gray in colour. place foil in the center of the mashed eggplant and put the hot coal in it add 1 tbsp of oil on it and quickly cover with a tight dish so the smoke can't escape. leave for about half an hour for the smoke to get right into the eggplant . in a pot add 2 tbsp oil and fry the onions until little brown, add spring onions and the rest of the ingredients  Remove the foil and coal from eh eggplant and add it to the onions and mix well, cook for a while and then garnish with coriander. Enjoy with roti or naan.

Puff Pastry with Potato filling

Makes 16

1 box ready rolled puff pastry

1 large potato boiled and mashed

1 chicken fillet cut into small cubes

1/4 cup sweetcorn

2 tbsp oil

1 tsp mustard seeds

2 tbsp lemon juice

salt to taste

crushed green chilli (optional)

1 beaten egg

Heat oil and add mustard seeds, once they start popping add the chicken and cook at the same time add sweetcorn, salt, chilli and lemon juice and cook until water from chicken has evaporated then add the smashed potato and mix well. leave aside to cool. Unroll the pastry and fold in half landscape way, open and cut along that line, then fold again landscape and cut the same way. You should have four long strips. Now fold these stripes one by one into half and cut and then half again and cut so you will end up with 16 rectangle shapes. place a tsp full of mixture int he center of the pastry and fold over and folk down, once all done brush with egg and bake in the oven 180 or gas mark 5 until golden on top.

These are great for kid's after school snack or for Ramadan.

After School Snack

Pitta bread

Tomato puree (tube or jar)

Grated cheese

Oregano herb

Any pizza veggies or chicken or meat you like for topping

So all you do is spread puree onto the pitta bread, add the toppings and grated cheese, sprinkle herbs and grill until cheese has melted.  HOW EASY IS THAT?

Chicken with Mayyonnaise

1 chicken cut into 8 with or without skin

1 bottle Nando's sauce (any strength)

1 small bottle mayonnaise

2 med onions sliced

2 med fresh tomato's sliced

2 tbsp olive oil

Place chicken into an oven dish add both nando's and mayonnaise and olive oil to it and cook in the oven. Once 3/4 cooked and the onion and tomato's on top of the chicken and cook in the oven until brown, serve with rice.

https://www.justgiving.com/ayshasamazingrecipes

PASSWORD: maaria02  to donate.

Chicken Salad with home made Croutons

1 lb boneless chicken cut into strips

2 tsp fajita powder seasoning (buy from supermarket)

1 tsp paprika powder

salt/pepper to taste

2 tbsp olive oil

drizzle lemon juice

dash of dried parsley

2 slices bread without crust

any salad of your choice (eg cucumber, green leaf salad, tom etc)

Heat olive oil in a non stick frying pan, to this add your chicken and all the seasoning except the bread and salad. While this is cooking prepare your salad in a bowl, cut the bread into small cubes and just drizzle some olive oil over and mix using your hands and bake in the oven. Once chicken is done add to your salad bowl and the croutons on top and enjoy. My son made this dish for his dinner and complimented it with some potato wedges on the side.

Gluten Free Ginger Biscuits

2 oz butter

3 oz caster sugar

1 egg yolk

1 tsp vanilla extract

6 oz gluten free plain flour

1 tbsp gluten free baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon powder

2 tsp ginger powder

pinch of salt

3 tbsp milk

Beat butter and sugar until creamy, add egg, vanilla and beat well then add rest of dry ingredients and then milk to form a soft dough, if it becomes sticky then sprinkle some more flour and knead well. Make small ball and place on a baking dish with grease proof paper on it. Using a fork lightly flatten the balls and bake for 10-12 min on gas mark 5, 190 degree/375F.

 

Dried Apricot Biscuits

3 1/2 oz melted butter

3 oz brown sugar

pinch of salt

1 egg yolk

6 oz wholemeal flour

juice and finely grated zest of 1/2 unwaxed lemons

2 oz dried apricots finely chopped

2 oz pecan nuts finely chopped

Beat butter, sugar and salt until creamy, add egg, flour and lemon juice and mix until smooth.

Add zest, apricots and nuts and mix well until a dough is formed.

Roll out into a cylinder shape about 5cm wide, wrap in foil and chill for 30 min. Take out and slice about 1/4 in thick place on a baking dish and bake for 15-20 min at 160 degree 325F gas mark 3.

Help me make a difference.......

When you go through my blog what goes through your mind? ‘What mouth-watering recipes’, ‘Oh, I think I’ll try that one today’. So how long will it take to make these wonderful recipes? 30 minutes? OK maybe 45 minute in all which it pretty good. OK now ask yourselves how easy is it for you to get hold of the ingredients? Well I think we all know the answer to these.

Now think of all those families especially children who are just like our own children in desperate need of food and clean water, how long do they need to wait for their food to come? How easy is for them to get to the shops? And again we all know the answer to these questions. That’s why I want to do something to help these Muslim families as here we all are having our luxurious food and our brother and sister not to forget our children are suffering without food.

I ask you all too please help me raise money so we can all feed these families and gain the reward from Allah. This is how you can help make a difference. On my recipe blog there will be a link to Just Giving where you can make a donation. I ask for every recipe you make to make a min donation of £1 at least if not more also even if you don’t make the recipes but like the blog then still make a donation. I would like the donation to be on going for it to benefit the families so that’s why I kept it to a min of £1. All the money will directly go to Muslin Aid.

I pray that you all will help me make a difference to these families and insha allah Allah will reward us all, the more people we send this recipe blog link to the more money we can raise and the more on-going donation we make then this also will make the difference.

‘Let’s feed other while we feed ourselves.’

Jazak allah for your support

Aysha Daud

https://www.justgiving.com/ayshasamazingrecipes

PASSWORD: maaria02  to donate.

Lamb Cutlets

1 lb lamb mince (can use chicken)

1 med onion chopped

2 tsp crushed garlic

coriander chopped

1 tsp crushed ginger

2 tsp dhanya powder

1 egg

salt/pepper to taste

breadcrumbs

Mix all of the above ingredients except for the egg and breadcrumbs. Shape into round cutlet shape, dip in egg and breadcrumbs and bake in the oven on 180 degrees for about 15 min turning them half time.

Enjoy with a mint relish, salad and nann.

How Natural Remedies have helped me.....

There are many women out there who suffer in silence with pro-longed bleeding and chronic period pains every month, yes we can go to the doctors but what will they do? send you away with strong pain killers? the pill? or a cocktail for medication which all at some point in time lead to side effects which trigger off other medical problems, am I right?

Here's my story...... suffered for 17 years with heavy bleeding plus from by bowels after my second child, was told by my Muslim GP 'sorry you have to live with it there is nothing i can do, it's just the way your body is'. So after 10 years of suffering really badly and ending up in hospital on and off i was told i have endometriosis stage 4 which means i had implants growing outside of my womb and they were stuck to my organs and feeding off their own blood supply which mean they were growing. Had 9 months of injections to shrink the implants so they don't turn cancerous.

Then finally was told sorry no more injections we need to operate so I had a total hysterectomy bilateral salpingo oophorectomy a few weeks ago.

The reason for me telling you my story is that my dad told me to start the turmeric powder once i started the injection and i feel that Allah has made my recovery easy through this source. After op i started the Molasses in hot water and peppermint water which i feel has really aided the recovery period, all shifa is in Allah's hand and only in His hands but He has put blessings in these natural remedies. I have had many visitors who say that i don't look like i have just had a major operation, which is only from Allah.

Please don't suffer in silence and try these remedies put your trust in Allah and make the intention that Allah puts the shifa in these foods.

I pray this will help you to move away from conventional medication.

Jazak Allah for your time to read my story.

Aysha Daud

Turmeric Powder

The active ingredient in turmeric is cur cumin. Turmeric has been used for over 2500 years in India, where it was most likely first used as a dye.

The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer's disease.

Here are 20 health benefits of turmeric:

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 amyloid plaque build-up 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 on-going in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.

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

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

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

Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules.

Once you start using turmeric on a regular basis, it's fun to find new ways to use it in recipes.

Contraindications: Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction. Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult with a doctor before doing so as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.

http://www.healthdiaries.com

Blackstrap Molasses

Molasses is a dark, thick liquid extracted during the process of refining sugar cane into table sugar. Blackstrap molasses is obtained during the third boiling of the cane syrup and contains a unique concentration of many important vitamins and minerals left over after the sugar's sucrose is crystallized.

Blackstrap molasses contains much higher levels of many of these nutrients than regular molasses, especially when it comes to iron content. Other important nutrients obtained from blackstrap include vitamin B6, calcium, manganese, magnesium and potassium.

This rich nutritional profile makes blackstrap molasses a highly regarded super food and popular dietary supplement. Here are 15 health benefits of blackstrap molasses:

Cancer Prevention
Anecdotal evidence and numerous testimonials suggest that blackstrap molasses may play a role in cancer prevention and the treatment of certain types of cancer. Its dense nutritional profile supports these claims, however scientific research and clinical trials are not available to confirm. The high calcium content of blackstrap suggests that it may be useful in preventing and treating colon cancer. It has also been associated with shrinking cancerous tumours.

Some health officials are weary of molasses for cancer treatment due to its high iron and sugar content, which is believed to enable cancer proliferation. Some testimonials have suggested combining blackstrap molasses with baking soda for cancer to good effect.

Antioxidant Protection
Blackstrap molasses is an excellent source of the antioxidant manganese, providing about 27.5% the DV per tablespoon. Manganese helps the body fight free radical damage to cells and DNA. Foods with great antioxidant protection are believed to help prevent cancer and heart disease and may also slow the effects of aging.

Energy Production
Blackstrap molasses can offer a temporary energy boost by providing carbohydrates that are quickly converted into energy in the body. More importantly, it can aid energy production because it helps replenish the body's storage of iron. Iron plays a vital role in energy production, transporting oxygen in the blood. Iron deficiency can lead to fatigue and energy hindering conditions like anemia, which seriously inhibit energy levels. Blackstrap molasses also provides vitamin B6, which plays a key role in energy production.

Bone Health
Blackstrap molasses provides many of the daily nutrients needed to help keep the bones healthy and strong, including iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese and copper. Maintaining a recommended daily allowance of these minerals can greatly reduce the risk of osteoporosis and other diseases of the bone.

Heart Health
Blackstrap molasses provides many of the vitamins and minerals needed to maintain good heart health and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and cardiovascular disease. These include manganese, magnesium, copper, calcium, potassium and vitamin B6. Together these nutrients can help treat blood clotting, reducing the risk of stroke, lower blood pressure and fight oxidative stress and inflammation to the cardiovascular system.

Colon Health
Blackstrap molasses is a very good source of calcium, which helps cleanse the colon of toxins. Calcium is often associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer.

High In Iron
Just one tablespoon of blackstrap molasses provides nearly 20% of the DV of iron. Iron deficiency is associated with many different conditions, including dizziness, fatigue, hair loss, irritability and anemia. Iron is particularly important for women during menstruation. Iron plays a critical role in blood and cell function and is essential to energy production. It also helps the body fight off infections, supports brain and muscle function and help improves immunity.

Very Good Source of Potassium
One tablespoon of blackstrap molasses provides about 14.5% the DV of potassium. Potassium is essential to maintaining good cardiovascular health and improving bone density. It can help keep blood pressure low, supports proper carbohydrate metabolism and can help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and osteoporosis. Potassium deficiency is also associated with an increased risk of arthritis.

Very Good Source of Calcium
Calcium is not only essential to maintaining healthy bones and teeth, but plays a vital role in colon health, heart health, blood clotting, brain nerve activity and muscle function. Just one tablespoon will provide over 17% the DV of calcium.

Good Source of Selenium
Blackstrap molasses is a good source of selenium, providing about 5% of the DV per tablespoon. Selenium plays a key role in thyroid function, antioxidant protection, cancer prevention, cardiovascular health and inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Selenium deficiency can lead to these and other health conditions.

Good Source of Vitamin B6
One tablespoon of blackstrap molasses provides 7.5% the DV of vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is needed for the immunity, the nervous system, cell formation, blood health and energy production. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.

Alternative Sweetener
Blackstrap molasses can sweeten food without many of the negative side effects of regular sugar and artificial sweeteners. It is very low on the glycaemic index and appears to be a healthier option for diabetic and pre-diabetic people, requiring very little insulin production and altering blood sugar levels far less than regular cane sugar. It is also rich with vital nutrients, where cane sugar offers only fattening carbohydrates.

Weight Loss
Blackstrap molasses provides many vitamins and minerals and boosts energy while containing zero fat and very few calories. This makes it a healthy alternative to sugar and a good addition to an active, low fat weight loss program.

Stomach & Digestive Problems
Anecdotal evidence suggests that blackstrap molasses may help with stomach and digestive problems. Testimonials claim that it can help to soothe stomach aches, help to cure stomach ulcers and may be useful in treating irritable bowel

Skin Health
Testimonials claim that blackstrap molasses is great for skin health and may help to cure eczema, psoriasis, acne and other skin conditions. Blackstrap molasses contains powerful antioxidants, which are believed to contribute to good skin health and lower the risk of lines, wrinkles and other skin conditions associated with premature aging.

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