Kickin' It With Kefir

Milk fermented with kefir cultures...if that doesn't make you question where your cow has been then nothing will. The stuff in the bottles pictured above is called Kefir, a low fat cultured milk smoothie. Trust me when I say the stuff is amazing & one of my favorite things to drink!

What is it exactly?  According to the bottle, Kefir is the champagne of dairy, so apparently we're rolling high class today.  What?! No smokin' sneakers to get to your refrigerated section for a swig of this dairy champagne? Well you'll change that apathetic swagger when Kefir tops the charts in Moo-town.

I don't know why I feel the need to give a history lesson, but I guess I just have the urge to share random knowledge so you will be prepared to answer that wacky question correctly on 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire' (I do expect a thank you card in case of that scene playing out in your favor).  Kefir was originated by shepherds of the Caucasus mountains.  They discovered that fresh milk carried in leather pouches would ferment into an effervescent beverage.  I have come to the conclusion I would need to plan a career change if I was living in that time, because I really don't think I am brave enough to try spoiled food from a pouch.  Kefir is the fermentation of the kefir "grain," which looks like miniature cauliflower that range in size from wheat kernels to hazelnuts...
       
I promise, the actual drink is smooth...no balls of fermentation will you have to gulp!  These fermented kefir grains contain the magical substance of live probiotic organisms. Awesome, just the fact you were looking for to send you over the edge to consumerism. I don't even know if I'm convincing myself of this product at the moment.

I like to think of Kefir as drinkable yogurt on steroids. I say this because yogurt typically contains two or so live active cultures (probiotics) while Kefir has about 10! Kefir also contains beneficial yeast in combination with its live active cultures, another thing yogurt lacks. Sorry yogurt, it must totally blow to be the dead beat of the family.

According to the Kefir bottle & published research, probiotics enhance your immune system & help balance digestive health. So guess what I'm going to delve into now? You got it...

     Probiotics-->  live organisms (aka bacteria) that are similar to beneficial microorganisms found in our very own human gut.  A normal human digestive tract contains around 400 types of probiotics...who would've guessed we're just a ball of walking bacteria?! These probiotics are helpful in breaking down food, reducing the growth of harmful bacteria, & promoting a healthy digestive system. In most cases, people use probiotics to prevent diarrhea caused from antibiotics. I apologize for going there, but you must be informed! Antibiotics kill good bacteria along with the bacteria that is causing the illness. Probiotics are usually found hanging out in yogurt, fermented soy, and dairy products. 

             Post script:  Make sure you aren't confusing probiotics with prebiotics.  Prebiotics work alongside probiotics to stimulate their activity.  Prebiotics are not digested & are useful to help keep the flora of the large intestine up to par. Good night, talk about a brain workout! I think you just earned the right to crawl back into bed. I'm sure your boss wouldn't care if you called in sick from mental exhaustion.  You are developing a better self...who can argue with that?!

 Kefir comes in a variety of flavors & I recommend either peach or strawberry.  I've  yet to have a flavor I didn't like (I must admit, I've only tried 3 different flavors, but so far so great!). You can drink it plain, make a smoothie, or whatever other creative idea you chefs out there have. Who knows, a Kefir kegger might just be what your weekend needs!  WARNING: Due to Kefir's alcohol free content, over-indulging makes one responsible for actions, speech, & conduct. J 

Green With Envy

Although we are not supposed to covet our neighbors possessions, being human makes that one, mighty task! Have you ever met someone who has it all: brains, looks, personality, style, etc? Their life seems to be like a movie & if you're lucky enough to audition you just may land a spot as the extra on their set.  Well, I feel that is exactly how most produce would feel about the star, asparagus. Rumor has it this particular veggie has been considered the most nutritionally well balanced vegetable in existence. That's like landing the #1 spot on the 50 most beautiful people list! It was even considered to be a luxury vegetable in ancient Rome, Egypt, & Greece...one bite kinda makes you feel like royalty - no judgement here if you feel the need to bust out a crown & purple robe at the dinner table on asparagus night.

For those of you slightly confused because you have yet to down your first cup of coffee, since I know you wake up, realize it's Friday, & immediately go online just to read what I have to say, let me catch you up...I am not talking about a fruit this week. I decided that there are too many awesome foods out there to only focus on fruits.  I know what you're thinking...this girl can't be contained, she's out of control, what will she come up with next!? All I can say is palette cross-training never tasted so good!

Back to the point..

Like I said, asparagus is quite the envy of its peers...as it should be!  He is the talk of the town with his lengthy svelte appearance, he has just the right amount of taste (not too over-powering, not too bland) & he's packed with nutrients. I mean what more could you ask for?!  What's his secret?! You know the saying, "behind every great man is an even better woman."  Apparently, Mr. Asparagus has been quite the ladies man because it is taking a team effort to make this one fabulous dude.  While asparagus is quite the nutrient powerhouse, let me elaborate on just a few nutrients that he is linked with most often:
       Folate-->  Linked with the mega-star since his rise to fame, this gem is responsible for preventing neural tube defects (these are considered to be the most common disabling birth defects). How does she do it?! Funny you should ask, you see, folic acid  is necessary for developing the neural cord that encloses the spinal cord. For those of you that slept through forget your anatomy, the spinal cord is the main pathway for information connecting the brain & peripheral nervous system. Here's a thought, with Mother's day just around the corner, instead of the typical flower and candy combo...go for the gold with a homemade card!  Thank her for downing those green leafy veggies, strawberries, & whole grain breads so you could function like a normal human being, physically speaking.  Any mental issues you may have are beyond my realm of expertise. Feel free to thank me when you out-shine your siblings at gift giving time.
     "Way to be heartless & predictable with the platinum bracelet Samantha, while I will go ahead & amp; thank mom for the sacrifices she made while I was in the womb."     
     Vitamin C-->  Asparagus wouldn't be considered a mega-star without being linked to this leading lady. Vitamin C continues to make her way around town, wonder if she gets paid for all her appearances?  Quick recap, vitamin C: aids in iron absorption (this is important for your red blood cells), collagen formation, cell function, & wound healing.  
      Potassium-->  Here's a welcomed new face! Potassium is important for heart function & plays a major role in muscle contraction (we're talking about both skeletal & smooth muscles), making it important for normal digestive and muscular function too.      

Did you know there are over 300 varieties of asparagus & only 20  are edible. Probably not, so you are totally welcome for that piece of information that you will probably never use. Edible asparagus is divided into 3 categories:
     1. Green: I'm sure you are familiar with this as it is the most common type & quite fabulous if I do say so myself.  If you are not familiar with asparagus you can eat it raw (I'd recommend some kind of vegetable dip to go along - low fat of course) or cooked.
     2. White: It's grown in the dark and is typically more tender, but has less flavor & is more expensive. I've never claimed to be a genius, but why bother your taste buds?! " Hi, I'll take the more expensive, less tasty version please, JUST because I look cool buying it. " 
     3. Purple: this tends to have more of a fruity flavor or so says the Internet, I've never had it, but I'm sure it's great!

So, there you have it, your day can officially start! Now ditch your daily doughnut and head for healthy. Make sure you cheer for the right team this weekend. See, I'm even being politically correct by not forcing my views on you.  I already know in my heart you'll be cheering for Butler. Happy Friday!

U-G-L-...i?!

The  Jamaican tangelo has more personalities than Britney Spears. A cross between  an orange, tangerine, & a grapefruit, this hybrid orange is set for sweet success - too bad it got the short end of the stick when it comes to looks. Here's a fun fact...many people, myself included, make the mistake of calling this fruit the Ugli fruit. This in fact is incorrect...Ugli is just a tangelo brand, & quite fitting if I must say!

Tangelos were first discovered growing wild in Jamaica almost 80 years ago. Hmm...kinda makes you wonder how they decided who got to try the first bite?

     "Hey Terrance, do you think this fruit will taste as bad as it looks?"
     "I don't know, Johnny, go ahead & take a bite. I'm right behind you if you don't have any weird/deadly reaction after ingestion."

Lucky for us, the crazy person genius discoverer passed along one pretty tasty fruit! What it lacks in appearance it makes up for in taste. You can peel & eat like an orange, or cut in half & eat like a grapefruit..you get to decide...how liberating! I've tried both ways, & prefer the grapefruit approach...just to throw that out there! Colors range from green, yellow-green, yellow, & sometimes even orange.

Lucky for us, the tangelo has a pretty lengthy season, November - April 1. One serving (1/2 of the fruit) has 45 calories, 2g fiber, & 70% of your daily vitamin C! This fruit is like the prime example of "it's the inside that matters most."

     Vitamin C -->  Since I know you hung onto every word from my blood orange tangent, I won't bother repeating all the functions of this fabulous vitamin. However, I am a little nervous about all this attention vitamin C is getting.  We can only hope she doesn't cop the diva attitude. Nobody likes an attention whore vitamin C...keep it humble.
     Fiber -->  Fiber isn't digested in your body so this means it moves through your stomach, small intestine, colon, & well...out of your body. Therefore, fiber is mainly known for its ability to relieve constipation, HOWEVER, it also provides other health benefits like lowering your risk of diabetes & heart disease...move over Jennifer Lopez, there's a new triple threat in town!

 I'm guessing your stimulated taste buds are forcing you to get your car keys & head to the nearest grocery store. In that case, I'm wrapping it up - I totally would not want to be the reason you miss out on the last Ugli fruit available in the store. See you in the produce isle!

Fruity Friday #1 Blood Oranges

No, it is not the latest vampire craze people! However, I truly believe Edward Cullen would FLIP over these things. The blood red orange pictured above is you guessed it...an orange that is red (phew, glad we settled that mystery). I bet you are already amazed at the brilliant knowledge coming your way!

The red color of blood oranges are due to flavonoids called anthocyanins (I promise, it's in English).  Typically smaller than a regular orange, these suckers pack quite the punch (we'll get into that in more detail in just a sec). One orange will cost you about 70 calories, 3g fiber, & 1g protein.

So what exactly do these blood oranges contain you may ask? Even if you didn't ask, I'm telling you anyways...

• Vitamin C --> Needed for growth & repair of tissue, collagen formation, wound healing,  repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, & teeth. Blood oranges are actually higher than regular oranges in this. Vitamin C, YOU seem like a pretty big deal!
• Folic Acid --> Is one of the B-vitamins, Vitamin B9, to be exact. Folic acid is important for brain function and plays a role in mental and emotional health. Ever heard of DNA & RNA, you know, what makes up your body's genetic material? Well, you guessed it, folic acid is pretty important in that process as well! Folic acid is especially important when cells and tissues are growing rapidly, i.e. pregnancy! Folic acid for MVP?! I'll let you decide!
• Anthocyanins --> Say what?! Anthocyanin is a type of flavonoid (this gives fruits & veggies their colors).  Flavonoids act as antioxidants, which help protect us from free radicals. Think of free radicals as like the bullies in school. They travel alone, but can cause some major damage. Move over Superman, there's a new hero in town! Hollywood can go ahead & thank me for their next million dollar major motion picture idea. I like to think of anthocyanins as like the new cool kid on the block - become friends with this guy, he'll get you places!
• Calcium --> I don't think I have to say much on this one...calcium = good for your bones. He's like the friend that will always be there to "support" you...get it?! Haa
• Vitamin A --> Helps maintain healthy teeth, skin, & is important for your eyes. We can clearly see who the vain one is in this group!

Now that I've probably given you WAY more information than you ever wanted to know about blood oranges I will leave you with this:  when purchasing a blood orange, you want to choose one that is heavy for it's size. Remember, soft spots should only be in your heart for these succulent suckers, & not on the actual fruit itself! They can be stored @ room temp for ~1 week or in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.  Enjoy!

Stay Tuned...

I've never claimed to be the most avid blogger, I actually rarely claim to be a blogger, because I don't do it enough. However, I have noticed this trend of "something of the week" in the blogging world. For instance, there is awkward & awesome Thursday's, fun fact Friday's, well those are actually the only 2 I know of, but I'm sure each week day has a trend.
Well since my blog has a total of 3 readers...maybe 4 on a good day, I decided to spice it up a bit, you know, follow the crowd in my own way! After MUCH deliberation it finally came to me! I hope the anticipation you are going through is not causing any health complications....FRUITY FRIDAY'S! I know I know, you can hardly contain your excitement for all the fun information you are going to be receiving EVERY Friday.  With that being said, I will try my hardest to pick fruits that are actually in season & will be available, only if YOU promise to use your new found wisdom to try the featured fruit. Now that we both understand our duties, I hope you have a wonderful evening as tomorrow brings the first edition!