Green - Nature,Color, Heart Health - Did You Get Your Dose Today?

As I walked the lake with my dog, Tammie, a little shih-poo, who is my walking and running buddy, I entertained my message for this blog. Green on many levels, provides us with healing qualities, from being out in nature to cooking those beloved greens such as kale and swiss chard. I love to walk in nature, taking in the variety of green leaves, and seeing how the sun shines through the tress, casting different shades. What I notice the most is the calming effect that this has on my body and brain. Feeling the difference is quite remarkable - tension reduces in muscles, eyes are less tired and energy is renewed yet calmed at the same time. Another interesting aspect of the color green is that it is associated with the heart chakra, the energy center that allows us to receive love and to give love. This chakra is known as the feeling center. Many of the popular greens that we cook or use in salads, are also rich in nutrients that keep our hearts healthy along with other systems of the body. Deep greens are rich in beta-carotene or pro-vitamin A, folic acid, iron and calcium. The downside is that they also contain oxalic acid, a chemical that helps the plant to survive the harsh elements, but that also makes it hard for the body to absorb the iron and calcium. To counter this effect, adding an acid to the cooking or eating process, allows these minerals to be absorbed. Try this delicious way to prepare steamed greens: Steamed Greens 1 bunch greens, rinsed and stems trimmed, cut or torn into 1 1/2 inch pieces Steam in heavy pan using just the water that is left clinging to the leaves - about 1-2 minutes or until leaves shrink Drain remaining water and toss with 2 tbl unrefined apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, 2 tsp olive oil and 1 garlic clove minced or 1/4 tsp garlic powder Yours in health, Julie