Food By Franz

From reading about Irish cuisine, it appears to be going through a revolution. Upscale restaurants featuring native resources are key – seafood and native produce being featured. Never one to give up heritage, the recipes are usually a twist on the traditional. Below are some very old traditional recipes.

Champ, Colcannon and Boxty – ever heard of them? They are all Irish born and some even have songs written about them, ie:

Boxty on the griddle,
boxty in the pan,
if you can’t make boxty,
you’ll never get a man.

Boxty is a recipe of potatoes, some mashed, some grated – the basic recipe calls for 1/2 lb raw potato, 1/2 lb mashed potato, 1/2 lb plain flour, 1 egg, Milk to mix and some salt/pepper. Grate raw potatoes and mix with the cooked mashed potatoes. Add salt, pepper and flour. Beat egg and add to mixture with just enough milk to make a batter that will drop from a spoon .Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a hot griddle or frying pan. Cook over a moderate heat for 3-4 minutes on each side. Usually served with a tart apple sauce or as part of an Ulster Fry.

Another song is about Champ, the Irish version of mashed potatoes.

There was an old woman
who lived in a lamp,
she had no room
to beetle her champ.
She’s up’d with her beetle
and broke the lamp,
and now she has room
to beetle her champ.

Champ is made by taking a couple of pounds of potatoes,  wash and peel the potatoes and chop into large chunks; chop the scallions. Boil them together in salted water until tender, usually about 12-15 minutes. Drain them carefully and allow to steam dry over very low heat, covered with a cloth. Then mash well. Heat the milk (or half milk, half cream) in a pan on the stove or in the microwave. When hot, gradually add the milk to the mashed potatoes and blend well to make a soft but not wet or sloppy mixture. This is where is gets Irish – Heat four bowls or plates and split the mashed potatoes among them. Grind pepper over each serving: then press a well into the top of each. Put a lump of butter in each well, and serve immediately. The idea is for each bite to be dipped in the butter well before eating. Sounds good, eh?
Colcannon - every Irish mother had its own version – basically mashed potatoes and cabbage or kale, some onion, milk, butter, salt and pepper. Some refry this mix and break it up, drizzling butter over all. Some add a touch of mace and reheat gently. You get the idea.

People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets This is an excerpt from an ASPCA article.

Chocolate, Macadamia nuts, avocados…these foods may sound delicious to you, but they’re actually quite dangerous for our animal companions. Our nutrition experts have put together a handy list of the top toxic people foods to avoid feeding your pet. As always, if you suspect your pet has eaten any of the following foods, please note the amount ingested and contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine
These products all contain substances called methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to make coffee and in the nuts of an extract used in some sodas. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest.

Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.

Avocado
The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain Persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Birds and rodents are especially sensitive to avocado poisoning, and can develop congestion, difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation around the heart. Some ingestions may even be fatal.

Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts are commonly used in many cookies and candies. However, they can cause problems for your canine companion. These nuts have caused weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and last approximately 12 to 48 hours.

Grapes & Raisins
Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure. In pets who already have certain health problems, signs may be more dramatic.

Yeast Dough
Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach or intestines to rupture. Because the risk diminishes after the dough is cooked and the yeast has fully risen, pets can have small bits of bread as treats. However, these treats should not constitute more than 5 percent to 10 percent of your pet’s daily caloric intake.

Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones
Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to pets. In addition, raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems. Feeding your pet raw bones may seem like a natural and healthy option that might occur if your pet lived in the wild. However, this can be very dangerous for a domestic pet, who might choke on bones, or sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged in or puncture your pet’s digestive tract.

Xylitol
Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to recumbancy and seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days.

Onions, Garlic, Chives
These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed. Toxicity is normally diagnosed through history, clinical signs and microscopic confirmation of Heinz bodies. An occasional low dose, such as what might be found in pet foods or treats, likely will not cause a problem, but we recommend that you do NOT give your pets large quantities of these foods.

Milk
Because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other milk-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset.

Salt
Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. In other words, keep those salty chips to yourself!

Here’s an example of a unique, pet healthy treat

Been worried about West Nile Virus in your Pet?

According to the CDC there is good news for dog and cat owners!! West Nile virus does not appear to cause extensive illness in dogs or cats. Results of 2007 show of 507 reported cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) disease among nonhuman mammals, 471 (93%) occurred in equines, and 36 (7%) occurred in other species (squirrels [27], canines [five], and unspecified species [four]). Equine cases were reported from 320 counties in 35 states and Puerto Rico; Texas reported 20% of all equine cases. The number of reported WNV-infected equines peaked in mid-August.

In addition, there is no documented evidence of person-to-person or animal-to-person transmission of WNV virus. Because WNV virus is transmitted by infectious mosquitoes, dogs or cats could be exposed to the virus in the same way humans become infected. Veterinarians should take normal infection control precautions when caring for an animal suspected to have this or any viral infection. It is possible that dogs and cats could become infected by eating dead infected animals such as birds, but this is undocumented.

I recently spoke with my vet, Dr Katherine Borrett and she recommended bringing in your pets at dusk & dawn when mosquitoes are the most active. She also stated that a light spray of fly/insect repellent is ok for pets – “you don’t want to saturate them, but if its marked safe for people then its safe for pets.” Ms Borrett said that the season usually peaks in August/September for cases of WVN, although there has been one confirmed equine case in Davis Co. so far this year.

West Nile Virus and Dogs and Cats – FAQ’s

Q. Can West Nile virus (WNV) cause illness in dogs or cats?
A. Experimentally infected dogs* showed no symptoms after infection with WNV. Some infected cats exhibited mild, nonspecific symptoms during the first week after infection–for the most part only showing a slight fever and slight lethargy. It is unlikely that most pet owners would notice any unusual symptoms or behavior in cats or dogs that become infected with WNV.

Q. How can my veterinarian treat my cat or dog if they are/may be infected with WNV?
A. There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. Full recovery from the infection is likely. Treatment would be supportive (managing symptoms, if present) and consistent with standard veterinary practices for animals infected with a viral agent.

Q. Does my dog/cat becoming infected pose a risk to the health of my family or other animals?
A. There is no documented evidence of dog or cat-to-person transmission of West Nile virus. The evidence suggests that dogs do not develop enough virus in their bloodstream to infect more mosquitoes. Cats develop slightly higher levels of virus in their bloodstream, but it is unclear if this would be enough to infect mosquitoes. It is very unlikely that cats would be important in furthering the spread of the virus. *
If your animal becomes infected with WNV, this suggests that there are infected mosquitoes in your area. You should take measures to prevent mosquitoes from biting you (use repellent and wear protective clothing.)
Veterinarians should take normal infection control precautions when caring for any animal (Including birds) suspected to have this or any viral infection.

Q. How do cats and dogs become infected with West Nile virus?
A. Dogs and cats become infected when bitten by an infected mosquito. There is also evidence that cats can become infected with the virus after eating experimentally infected mice. *

Q. Can I become infected with WNV if a dog with the virus bites me?
A. Preliminary studies have not been able to detect virus in the saliva of infected dogs. This suggests that dog bites pose a low risk, if any, of transmission of WNV from dogs to other animals or people.

Q. Is there a vaccine for cats or dogs?
A. No.

Q. Should a dog or cat infected with West Nile virus be destroyed?
A. No. There is no reason to destroy an animal just because it has been infected with West Nile virus. Full recovery from the infection is likely. Treatment would be supportive and consistent with standard veterinary practices for animals infected with a viral agent.

Q. Can I use insect repellent on my pets?
A. DEET-based repellents, which are recommended for humans, are not approved for veterinary use (largely because animals tend to ingest them by licking.) Talk with your veterinarian for advice about the appropriate product for use on your pet.

Since there are an estimated 68 million companion dogs and 73 million pet cats in the United States alone, evaluating their response to WNV infection, assessing their potential to serve as amplifying hosts for this virus, and obtaining some estimate of the clinical consequences of infection are important concerns. There are some natural alternatives, see
Natural Cat Lover?s Gift Basket

They have conducted experiments with domestic animals – to see the results of one CDC sanctioned study:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol10no1/02-0616.htm

Birds

West Nile virus has been detected in dead birds of at least 326 species. Although birds, particularly crows and jays, infected with WN virus can die or become ill, most infected birds do survive. There is no evidence that a person can get WN virus from handling live or dead infected birds, but it is recommended that persons should avoid bare-handed contact when handling any dead animals. Use gloves or double plastic bags to place the bird carcass in a garbage bag or contact their local health department for guidance.

Horses
West Nile virus (WNV) has impacted thousands of horses since 1999, with some regions reporting over 30% of the horse cases dying or euthanized due to poor prognosis. There are currently two vaccines approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for use in horses. A summary of West Nile cases in horses can be found at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/nahss/equine/wnv/2008_equine_west_nile_virus_final.pdf Fortunately Utah had no confirmed cases last year.

Its proving to be a banner pest and insect year here in Utah. Grasshoppers, bed bugs, japanese beetles and of course mosquitoes are making there numbers known here in our little four letter state. Your local abatement districts have all kinds of information, but are asking Utahan’s to eliminate any extra standing water as its becomes a haven mosquito larva. West Nile virus (or WNV) is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes can then spread WNV to humans and other animals when they bite.

Here’s the Good News! Most people who are infected by the the virus experience no symptoms or mild, flu-like symptoms. Those at higher risk of developing potentially serious conditions are the elderly and those with lowered immune systems. However in some cases, particularly among persons 50 years of age and older, it can cause serious neurological diseases such as encephalitis, meningitis, or acute flaccid paralysis.

The West Nile virus (WNV) was first detected in the Western Hemisphere in 1999 and has since rapidly spread across the North Americcan continent into all 48 continental states, seven Canadian provinces, and throughout Mexico. In addition, WNV activity has been detected in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Guadeloupe and El Salvador.According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 15,000 people in the U.S. have tested positive for WNV infection since 1999, including over 500 deaths. Many more people have likely been infected with WNV, but have experienced mild or no symptoms. Statistically, a person’s risk of contracting West Nile is low, and less than 1% of those infected develop serious illness from the virus.

Five Common Myths about West Nile Virus

Myth #1: There’s not much I can do about West Nile virus.

Truth: There is a lot that you, personally, can do to reduce your chance of West Nile virus infection.* Reduce the number of mosquito bites you get. Make a habit of using insect repellent with DEET when outdoors. Spray repellent on exposed skin and clothing. Get the details about safe repellent use.
* Prime mosquito-biting hours are usually dusk to dawn. Pay special attention to protection during these hours, or avoid being outdoors.
* You can reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so check your yard once a week: get rid of containers that aren’t being used, empty water from flower pots, change water in bird baths and maintain clean gutters.
* Make sure window and door screens are in good condition. Have an older neighbor or family member? See if they need help installing or repairing screens.

Myth #2: Kids are at the most danger of getting sick from West Nile virus.

Truth: People over 50 are at the highest risk for developing severe West Nile disease.

* Relatively few children have been reported with severe West Nile Virus disease. By contrast, most of the deaths due to WNV during 2002 were among people over 50 years old. Half of those deaths were among people over 77 years old.
* It is always a good idea for children to avoid mosquito bites, but it’s also important for adults – especially older adults – to take steps to avoid mosquito bites. Click here for suggestions on how to avoid mosquito bites.

Myth #3: It’s only people who are already in poor health who have to worry about West Nile virus.
Truth: Healthy, active older adults who spend time working and exercising outdoors have been affected by severe West Nile virus infection.

* Being over 50 is a risk factor for developing severe West Nile disease if infected with the virus. There is a risk of getting mosquito bites while leading an active life outdoors. This doesn’t mean you have to stay inside – it does mean that it’s important to use repellent when you go outside.

Myth #4: Repellents containing DEET are not safe.
Truth: Repellents containing DEET are very safe when used according to directions.

* Because DEET is so widely used, a great deal of testing has been done. When manufacturers seek registration with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for products such as DEET, laboratory testing regarding both short-term and long-term health effects must be carried out.
* There are products with different strengths (percentage of DEET) available. The longer the protection you need the higher percent of DEET needed.
* Repellent with DEET can be used for both adults and children, according to directions
* Click here for much more information on using repellents safely.

Myth #5: As long as my area has a mosquito control program, I don’t have to worry about using repellent.
Truth: Mosquito control activities don’t eliminate every mosquito, so personal protection is still important.

* Public activities, such as using products to kill mosquito larvae and adult mosquitoes, are one part of control. Personal protection, such as using repellent, keeping window screens in good condition, and control of household breeding sites are other important steps.
* Collaboration between the community, the family and the individual is needed to achieve the best prevention of West Nile virus infection.

Common Questions and Common Sense

Q. How does mosquito repellent work?
A. Female mosquitoes bite people and animals because they need the protein found in blood to help develop their eggs. Mosquitoes are attracted to people by skin odors and carbon dioxide from breath. The active ingredients in repellents make the person unattractive for feeding. Repellents do not kill mosquitoes. Repellents are effective only at short distances from the treated surface, so you may still see mosquitoes flying nearby.

Q. Which mosquito repellents work best?
A. CDC recommends using products that have been shown to work in scientific trials and that contain active ingredients which have been registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use as insect repellents on skin or clothing. When EPA registers a repellent, they evaluate the product for efficacy and potential effects on human beings and the environment. EPA registration means that EPA does not expect a product, when used according to the instructions on the label, to cause unreasonable adverse effects to human health or the environment.
Of the active ingredients registered with the EPA, CDC believes that these have demonstrated a higher degree of efficacy in the peer-reviewed, scientific literature. Products containing these active ingredients typically provide longer-lasting protection than others:

DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide)
Picaridin (KBR 3023)
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (PMD – p-menthane, 3,8 diol)

If you are of the Organic Preference you might be interested to note this:

Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil 4 fl oz: C

Oil of lemon eucalyptus [active ingredient: p-menthane 3,8-diol (PMD)], a plant- based repellent, is also registered with EPA. In two recent scientific publications, when oil of lemon eucalyptus was tested against mosquitoes found in the US it provided protection similar to repellents with low concentrations of DEET. Note that the label for products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus specifies that they should not to be used on children under the age of three years. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is a sustainable resource.

EPA recommends the following precautions when using insect repellents:

* Apply repellents only to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label.) Do not use repellents under clothing.
* Never use repellents over cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
* Do not apply to eyes or mouth, and apply sparingly around ears. When using sprays, do not spray directly on face—spray on hands first and then apply to face.
* Do not allow children to handle the product. When using on children, apply to your own hands first and then put it on the child. You may not want to apply to children’s hands.
* Use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin and/or clothing. Heavy application and saturation are generally unnecessary for effectiveness. If biting insects do not respond to a thin film of repellent, then apply a bit more.
* After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water or bathe. This is particularly important when repellents are used repeatedly in a day or on consecutive days. Also, wash treated clothing before wearing it again. (This precaution may vary with different repellents—check the product label.)
* If you or your child get a rash or other bad reaction from an insect repellent, stop using the repellent, wash the repellent off with mild soap and water, and call a local poison control center for further guidance. If you go to a doctor because of the repellent, take the repellent with you to show the doctor.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Genetic Mutation in Cats

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common form of heart disease in the cat. In many breeds it is an inherited disease. Our laboratory has identified two mutations responsible for the gene in some cats. One genetic mutation is found predominantly in Maine Coon cats and the second genetic mutation is found predominantly in Ragdoll cats.

It should be noted that in human beings with the same disease, there are many different genetic mutations which can cause this disease. It is likely the same in the cat but additional mutations have not yet been defined.

Very importantly, the absence of the mutation in a cat DOES NOT mean that it will never develop the disease. It means that it does not have the only known mutation that can cause the disease in the cat at this time. In the future, additional mutations may be identified that may be tested for as well.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

DCM is a disease of the heart muscle that results in weakened contractions and poor pumping ability. As the disease progresses the heart chambers become enlarged, one or more valves may leak, and signs of congestive heart failure develop. The cause of DCM is unclear in most cases, but certain breeds appear to have an inherited predisposition. Large breeds of dogs are most often affected, although DCM also occurs in some smaller breeds such as cocker spaniels. Occasionally, DCM-like heart muscle dysfunction develops secondary to an identifiable cause such as a toxin or an infection. In contrast to people, heart muscle dysfunction in dogs and cats is almost never the result of chronic coronary artery disease (”heart attacks”).
Dogs with heart failure caused by DCM often show signs of left-sided congestive failure. These include reduced exercise ability and tiring quickly, increased breathing rate or effort for the level of their activity excess panting, and cough (especially with activity). Sometimes the cough seems soft, like the dog is clearing its throat. Poor heart pumping ability and arrhythmias can cause episodes of sudden weakness, fainting, or sudden death as noted above. Some dogs with DCM experience abdominal enlargement or heavy breathing because of fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest, respectively. Presence of any of these signs should prompt a visit to your veterinarian to determine if heart failure (or another disease) has developed.

More advanced signs of heart failure could include labored breathing, reluctance to lie down, inability to rest comfortably, worsened cough, reduced activity, loss of appetite, and collapse. A veterinarian should be consulted right away if these signs occur. Signs of severe heart failure may seem to develop quickly with DCM, but the development of underlying heart muscle abnormalities and progression to overt heart failure probably takes months to years.

A cardiac exam by a veterinarian can detect abnormal heart sounds (when present) and many signs of heart failure. Usually chest radiographs (x-rays), an electrocardiogram (ECG), and echocardiogram are performed to confirm a suspected diagnosis and to assess severity. Echocardiography also can be used to screen for early DCM in breeds with a higher incidence of the disease. Resting and 24-hour (Holter) ECGs are sometimes used as screening tests for the frequent arrhythmias that usually accompany DCM in some breeds, especially boxers and Doberman pinchers.

What can be done if my pet has this disease?

Asymptomatic (subclinical) cases of DCM may be treated with enalapril® or another ACE inhibitor to slow progression of the changes leading to heart failure. Other medications and strategies are also used as signs of heart failure develop and/or if rhythm abnormalities are present. Therapy is always tailored to the needs of the individual patient. Since this disease is not reversible and heart failure tends to be progressive, the intensity of therapy (for example, the number of medicines and the dosages used) usually must be increase over time.

Recently a Boxer dog with a heart rhythm disturbance due to cardiomyopathy had a defibrillator surgically placed to control his heart rate.

This Pet Health Topic was written by O. L. Nelson, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVIM (Cardiology & Internal Medicine) Washington State University.

The Importance of Calcium

More and more our children are being left behind when it comes to health. They’re getting fatter, lazier, and now, according to new research, they’re not getting enough calcium. This according to the study: Increased Calcium Improves Children’s Bone Health Sunday, February 01st, 2009 | Author: Organic Health News

New findings, published in the August edition of the journal Bone, came to the conclusion that “Increased dietary calcium/dairy products, with and without vitamin D, significantly increases total body and lumbar spine BMC in children with low base-line intakes.”

In this latest research, Michael Huncharek, Joshua Muscat and Bruce Kupelnickb analyzed the data from a total of 21 clinical trials. Totaling more than 3,800 children, the researchers set out to determine how the intake of dietary calcium would affect bone mineral content in children.

The information revealed that those children, who were not taking enough calcium at the beginning of these studies, saw a substantial increase in their total body bone mineral content (BMC). This increase measured out to be about 25x greater than that of children who had already been on a healthy diet of calcium.

Many of us would have encountered advertising on television and elsewhere, warning us of consuming a healthy diet high in calcium to ensure that we stemmed the possibility of osteoporosis. A disease of the bone, osteoporosis leads to an increased rate of bone fracture through a diminishing of our bone mineral density.

Given the possibility that there is a way to stem the risk of osteoporosis from an early age, one would imagine just why there are so many children not getting the right amount. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests that each individual should consume at least 3 servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy foods each day as part of their diet.

“The good news is that you are never too old or too young to improve your bone health.” There are many things you can do to keep bones strong and prevent fractures. At all ages, a diet with enough calcium and vitamin D, together with weight-bearing physical activity every day, can prevent problems later. You can work with your doctor to check out warning signs or risk factors. When you are older, you can have your bones tested and take medicine to strengthen them.
The Benefits of Calcium Supplements
According to work done by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 7 out of 10 boys and 9 out of 10 girls are not consuming enough calcium needed to maintain a healthy bone density. However not everyone is able to rely entirely on dairy products for their calcium intake. That is where calcium supplements come in to the equation. If you are unable to get the recommended amount of calcium from your diet, it may be wise to supplement your diet with added calcium.

Things to consider when buying a Calcium Supplement:

When purchasing calcium supplements, ensure to look for the elemental calcium content, not the total content. For instance, a pill containing 500mg of Calcium Carbonate provides 200mg of elemental calcium. Hence one pill in this example only provides 200mg of calcium, not 500mg.

Calcium is absorbed in small intestines. Not all calcium we consume will be absorbed. The amount of calcium absorbed is dependent on a number of factors such as the acidic condition in our intestines, Vitamin D level, estrogen level and the type of calcium supplement.
Different Types of Calcium Supplements

* One important factor affecting calcium absorption is how well the pill dissolves. Try buying calcium pills of US Pharmacopeia’s standards. The “USP” on the label indicates that the calcium pill meets the USP standards of supplying adequate elemental calcium and how well it dissolves in our intestines.

* Calcium Citrate e.g. Citracal or Solgar: Calcium is best absorbed in an acidic environment, hence calcium citrate is the best absorbed supplemental form of calcium. It does not require extra stomach acid for absorption; hence we may take it anytime in a day, even on an empty stomach. However Calcium Citrate usually provides less elemental calcium per pill, therefore one may need to take a relatively more numbers of pills per day depending to the needs. Cautions: people with acid reflux may not be able to tolerate calcium citrate

* Calcium Carbonate e.g. Tums or Caltrate: Most calcium pills in the market are in the form of calcium carbonate. It requires extra stomach acid for better absorption, hence it is best taken after meals.

* Dolomite, Bone Meal or Oyster Shell: These naturally occurring calcium pills may contain heavy metal or lead. At the moment, calcium supplements are not tested by any regulatory agency for lead content. Therefore, it’s best to avoid.

* Calcium Gluconate and Calcium Lactate: These types of calcium pills contain low content of elemental calcium. Hence, one may need to take a large amount of tablets to meet the calcium requirement!

* Coral Calcium: This type of calcium is marketed for more than bone health. Its infomercial claimed that it can cure 200 human

History – Moringa

Moringa is known in 82 countries by 210 different names, but the one name that fully encompasses all its attributes is “the Miracle Tree”. The indigenous knowledge and use of Moringa Oleifera is referenced in more than 80 countries and known in over 200 local languages. Moringa has been used by various societies (Roman, Greek, Egyptian, and Indian to mention a few) for thousands of years with writings dating as far back as 150 AD.

Aside from the nutritional and health benefits of Moringa Oleifera, its seeds it has the full potential of producing biofuel, cooking oil, personal care products, cosmetics, aromatheraphy, perfume, industrial oil and lubricants. Its oil is comparable to sunflower and olive oil. It is much better than palm oil in terms of properties, for it has a low trans fatty acids. Twelve kilograms of moringa seeds one liter of oil can be extracted and about eight and a half kilograms of cake among others as by products.

7 times the vitamin C found in oranges
Vitamin C strengthens our immune system and fights infectious diseases including colds and flu. Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons are full of vitamin C. Moringa leaves have even more.

4 times the calcium found in milk
Calcium builds strong bones and teeth, and helps prevent osteoporosis. Milk provides a lot of calcium, but Moringa leaves provide even more.

4 times the Vitamin A found in carrots
Vitamin A acts as a shield against diseases of the eyes, skin and heart, diarrhea, and many other ailments. Carrots are very high in vitamin A, with Moringa leaves even higher.

3 times the potassium found in bananas
Potassium is essential for the brain and nerves. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium. Moringa leaves are even better.

2 times the protein found in yogurt
Proteins, the building blocks of our bodies, are made of amino acids. Usually only animal products such as meat, eggs, and dairy contain all the essential amino acids. Amazingly, Moringa leaves also contain them all.

.75 times the iron found in spinach
Iron is an essential nutrient because it’s a central part of hemoglobin in blood which carries oxygen to all parts of the body. Spinach is well known for its iron content. Moringa leaves also contain iron.

Moringa

Why Haven’t I Heard of Moringa Oleifera before?

While Moringa has been used by many civilizations with the earliest recorded date 150 AD, Moringa has only recently been “discovered” by modern science. According to Monica Marcu, Pharm D., Ph.D., “There are over 500,000 known species of plants on the planet and, to date, only 1% have been studied for medical and nutritional purposes.”
Where Can I Find Moringa?

Moringa may be the new kid on the block, where modern science is concerned, but with all its attributes Moringa will not only continue to help people who live a world away from us not only in location but also in need; it will also be integrated into many industries of the western world including food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics.

Not many people know about the health benefits of Moringa Oleifera, and it’s rare to find it in the US. The tree typically grows in tropical and subtropical climates. The Moringa tree is said to have originated in the Himalayas, today it can be found in countries like Africa, China, India and the Philippines just to name a few.

There is a US based company that has managed to turn the miracle tree into an energy drink called Zija. Zija contains all the parts found in the Moringa tree, it’s the first all organic energy drink with no sugar or preservatives added, Zija is also the first company to include the Moringa leaf in a health drink.

Pet Health Archive – May 2009

Recently, The Early Show’s resident veterinarian, Dr. Debbye Turner, was asked about “home cooking” for your pets. “I cannot recommend that you cook for your pet,” she told co-anchor Hannah Storm. “They have very specific nutritional needs. If you’re going to cook for your pet, you need to formulate a diet that has all the right nutrients, plus supplements, and all in the right proportions.” Ultimately, she did sanction these two recipe’s -

The recipe for dogs:

Rice (white, long-grain, regular, cooked) 3-7/8cup
Oil (vegetable, corn) 4-1/4 tsp
Chicken (breast, cooked) 5-1/8 oz

PLUS: must add these human supplements:
1-1/8 tablets of One a Day Maximum Multivitamin/mineral supplement
3-7/8 of Posture caplet (600 mg elemental calcium)
1-3/8 tablets of generic choline tablet (600 mg tablet w/250 mg choline)
1 tsp of Morton Lite Salt Mixture
1/8 tsp of Morton Salt Substitute
3/4 tablet of generic zinc gluconate tablet (250 mg tablet w/30 mg elemental zinc)

Bake the chicken in the oven and cook the white rice without adding salt. Cut the chicken into small pieces. Place the white rice in a bowl and add the oil and the supplements. Mix well. Place cut chicken on the rice and serve.

Why is it, Turner was asked, that cats are far more affected in this recall than dogs?

It’s important to point out that we still don’t know exactly what has caused illness and death in pets, Turner responded, but we know that far more cats have gotten sick and died than dogs. It could be because they are smaller and can’t tolerate the “load” of the toxin in the food. Or their metabolism is faster than dogs, so it could be that hastens the affect of the poison. We’re just not sure yet.

Turner also demonstrated the preparation of a recipe for cats, which she said is a good example of what a cat would eat. It’s from the same Web site as the one for dogs, and includes sweet potato, salmon, and vegetable oil. But again, the food alone doesn’t contain all the necessary nutrition for the cat. So you would need to add these supplements to make it nutritionally complete: a multivitamin, calcium, taurine, choline, salt, zinc, and caltrate.

The cat recipe:

Sweet potato (cooked, baked in skin, without salt) 5/8 cup
Fish, salmon (Atlantic, wild, cooked) 2.9 ounces
Oil (vegetable or corn) 3/4 tsp

PLUS: must add these human supplements:
1/4 tablet of One A Day Maximum Multivitamin/multimineral Supplement per day
3/8 caplet of Posture caplet (600 mg elemental calcium) per day
1/4 tablet of Generic taurine tablet (1 gram tablet with 500 mg taurine) per day
3/8 tablet of Generic choline tablet (600 mg tablet with 250 mg choline) per day
1/8 tsp of Morton Lite Salt Mixture per day
1/8 tablet of Generic zinc gluconate tablet (250 mg tablet with 30 mg elemental zinc) per day
1/4 capsule of Caltrate 600 per day

Bake the salmon and sweet potato in the oven without any added salt. Once cooked, measure out the salmon and sweet potato in the amounts above and cut into small pieces. Place the sweet potato in a serving bowl and add the oil and the necessary supplement. Mix well. Place the cut salmon onto the sweet potato and serve.

For more on pets and nutrition, Turner recommends these sites:
PetDiets.com and the site of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

History of Meatloaf
About meatloaf, meatballs, & related ground meat products. Who invented meatloaf, why & when? Good question! Food historians tell us from Ancient times to present cooks have been mixing ground meat with minced bread/rice/vegetables, spices, thickeners and serving them with sauce. For what reasons?
1. To distribute meat to more people (protein economy)
2. To conserve resources (use it up, don’t throw it out)
3. To make tough meat more palatable (aid digestion)

Early ground (finely chopped or minced) molded meat recipes concentrated on sausages in skin casings, meat fritters (similar to meatballs), rissoles, hashes, terrines, and croquettes. The meat employed in these early recipes was usually already cooked, as opposed to the raw meat typically used by Americans to make meat loaf today. Finished products were typically fried, stewed, or baked (in molds or pastry) and served with sauce. Meatballs (a diminutive form of meatloaf) are known in many cultures and cuisines. Recipes evolved according to local ingredients and tastes. Middle Eastern kofta and Swedish meatballs are two of the most well known.
Some of the earliest recorded ground meat recipes are found in Apicius, written in Ancient Rome. Book II is devoted to “minces.”
Ancient Roman meat balls
“Suffed Meat Patties (Apicius 48)
Esicia omentata: pulpam cincisam teres cum medulla siliginei in vino infusi. Piper, liquamen, si velis, et bacam mirteam extenteratum simul sonteres.
Pusilla esicia formabis, intus nucleis et pipere positis. Involuta omento subassabis cum careno.

“Ground meat patties in *omentum: Grind chopped meat with the center of fine white bread that has been soaked in wine. Grind together pepper, garum, and pitted myrtle berries if desired. Form small patties, putting in pine nuts and pepper. Wrap in omentum and cook slowly in *caroenum.
“Within the section dedicated to recipes with ground meat, the Apician manual includes this curious rating: “The ground meat patties of peacock have first place, if they are fried so that they remain tender. Those of pheasant have second place, those of rabbit third, those of chicken fourth, and those of suckling pig fifth.” (Apicius 54).”
—A Taste of Ancient Rome, Ilaria Gozzini Giacosa, translated by Anna Herklotz, forward by Mary Taylor Simeti [University of Chicago Press:Chicago] 1992 (p. 89-90)
*NOTE: *omentum means pork caul fat; *caroenum means reduced wine.

American History of Meatloaf
By Dana Jacobi

Food history is full of surprises. The history of an American staple, for example – meatloaf – offers more than a trip down culinary lane. It provides a glimpse into how advances in technology have shaped the way we eat and prepare food today. I was intrigued to discover that my grandmother’s hand-cranked grinder, the kind that attaches to the edge of a table, was key to meatloaf becoming an everyday dish. Cooks relied on it, particularly in the early half of the 20th century, until butcher shops installed refrigeration units that were able to reliably store more perishable chopped meat. In fact, when my mother bought chopped meat at the butcher – well into the 1960s – she made him grind it in front of her so she was sure that he used a clean machine and that he gave her the lean ground round she asked for.
Early meatloaf recipes called for veal, which was less expensive than beef at the time. The meat in one widely published version was first cooked then chopped, blended with other ingredients, molded, then cooked again into a loaf. Recipes indicate that meatloaf as we know it today – blended with bread or cracker crumbs, egg and seasonings, then baked in a rectangular pan – gradually became popular between 1900 and the 1920s. Among the most popular early recipes were several created by the Quaker Oats Company using their product as binder in place of breadcrumbs. Binder is an essential meatloaf ingredient because it creates an even, smooth texture. In addition to whole-wheat breadcrumbs, oats or even cooked rice, it can include a generous amount of finely shredded or chopped cooked vegetables like spinach, carrots or the broccoli used in this recipe. Nutritionally smart, the vegetables help keep a meatloaf nicely moist.

Learn about how to help common conditions & ailments using natural methods at our Health A-Z Index!

How To Relieve Stress the Organic Way
Wednesday, November 26th, 2008 | Author: Organic Blogger

Between our jobs, our family and the daily news, we all tend to experience some amounts of stress during our day. Here are some natural ways to relieve stress, sleep better and feel more refreshed.

1. Swap the coffee for some organic Green Tea. Coffee is full of caffeine which raises your heart rate and is a diuretic. It also can be over stimulating. If you still need a caffeine fix in the morning, try drinking Green Tea – it’s full of anti oxidants, rich in flavor, and contains half the caffeine that coffee does.

2. Get rid of the anger. Whether through Yoga, exercises, gardening or whatever activity you choose, find a physical activity to relieve tension and anger. Exercise, in any form, is one of the greatest natural drugs known to humankind. No over the counter relaxant can beat a good dose of endorphins.

3. Practice proper eating. Besides an obvious organic diet, make sure you’re getting the right amount of carbohydrates, protein and fat for your level of activity. If you’re sedentary, cut back on empty calories. If you work out or do a lot of physical activity, make sure that you are getting the right amount of protein to feed your growing muscles.

4. Drink a cup of chamomile. Before bed, try to have a cup of chamomile tea. The best option is brewing it yourself with actual tea leaves, as opposed to tea bags. Chamomile is a natural relaxant – it helps settle your stomach as well, and will lead you to a great nights sleep. Just below is a great deal on chamomile tea.

Chamomile Cert. Organic Tea 16 tea bags: C

Stress has become a natural part of our lives, unfortunately. With a little bit of planning and a little bit of effort, you should be able to relieve at least parts of your stress via simple, healthy and effective methods.

This post was written by Maya Richard, who is currently writing about cell Phones . She can be emailed by combining her name gmail.com.