Nutrition Notes: Shed Excess Weight and Boost Vitality with Rye

Rye is more than a flavorful ingredient in baking; research shows that this humble grain packs a serious nutritional punch. Contributing to cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, and diabetic management, rye is an important addition to the diet. Not only is this grain healthy but it has been found to promote weight control and digestive health when consumed as dark rye bread.

Rye is a grass that is a close relative to wheat and barley. It grows in poor soils and cold conditions which makes it an important staple food for Europeans. In fact, Russia and Poland are the world's largest producers of this grain. Rye flour has a far lower gluten content than wheat and is excellent for use with a sourdough starter.

Rye is  very nutrient dense, supplying high levels of iron, calcium, potassium, zinc as well as vitamin E and a variety of B vitamins. It is also a good source of protein and soluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps one to feel satisfied longer as it slows down the breakdown of carbohydrates and sugars. Rye contains 'fructans' (a type of fructose) as its main sugar source.

Rye has been shown to reduce heart disease and cancer risk while supporting diabetic health. Since rye is an outstanding source of cholesterol lowering soluble fiber, cardiovascular health is enhanced. This nutritious grain is also rich in magnesium which helps control high blood pressure. Another advantage of rye is that it ferments in the gut, producing arabinoxylan, a short chain fatty acid. This supports the immune system by triggering lymphocyte production while balancing blood sugar levels and lowering cholesterol. An article for Green Footsteps states, "Arabinoxylan is thought to act much like beta-glucan from oats. Beta-glucans are responsible for some of the heart-healthy attributes of oats and have a whole bundle of health benefits credited to them."

Rye provides an abundance of lignans, a phytoestrogen that protects breast tissue from the cancer inducing effects of estrogen. Additionally, a study in Finland found that consuming rye bread offers protection against colon cancer. Rye binds to bile acids that may trigger this disease while safely eliminating them from the body. A separate Finnish study also found that consuming high fiber dark rye bread enhances insulin secretion while improving b cell function, which is positive news for diabetics. Moreover, it is a natural cure for constipation and hemorrhoids. For centuries, rye has been used to cleanse the stomach and intestines of impurities and parasites.

Research in Sweden found that rye can help with weight management. Volunteers who consumed rye bread for breakfast felt less hunger throughout the day than those who consumed whole grain wheat bread. Dark rye bread made with rye bran was found to be the most successful in reducing hunger. Researchers are unclear as to why rye suppresses the appetite more than wheat bread since both are excellent sources of fiber. One explanation may be that the fiber in rye bread has an unusually high water binding capacity that expands during digestion and produces a pronounced feeling of fullness.

Take pleasure in the many delicious virtues of whole grain rye and reap bountiful health supporting benefits.


Sources for this article:

"All About Rye Flour, Rye Nutritional Benefits and Rye Production and Uses", Green Footsteps. Retrieved on December 18, 2010 from, http://www.greenfootsteps.com/rye-flour.html

"High-fiber rye bread and insulin secretion and sensitivity in healthy postmenopausal women", Katri S Juntunen, David E Laaksonen, Kaisa S Poutanen, Leo K Niskanen, and Hannu M Mykkanen, February 2003, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 77, No. 2, 385-391.

"The Tasty Health Benefits of Rye Bread", Kristie Leong MD, September 6, 2009, Associated Content. Retrieved on December 18, 2010 from, http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2116561/the_tasty_health_benefits_of_rye_bread_pg2.html?cat=5

"Study finds rye bread at breakfast more filling", September 3, 2009, The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved on December 20, 2010 from, http://www.newsday.com/news/health/study-finds-rye-bread-at-breakfast-more-filling-1.1420638

"The Nutritional and Medicinal Uses of Rye Over the Centuries", N. Soltys, May 12, 2009, Associated Content. Retrieved on December 20, 2010 from, http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1709339 the_nutritional_and_medicinal_uses_pg2.html?cat=37

A Healthful Season of Harmony and Light

The winter solstice is almost upon us. I love this time of year. In the past, I was lucky enough to live in a very seasonal place, complete with snow at about this time. There is nothing quite like a brisk day, clear skies and white everywhere. We embrace the winter solstice as a time of quiet harmony, nourishing food, gratefulness, and candlelight. I thought it might be enjoyable to share the history of this festival along with a bit of contemporary inspiration for a delightfully healthy feast and celebration.

The winter solstice provides an opportunity to nurture connection and well-being through gatherings with family and friends. Winter solstice falls on or around the 21 of December in the Northern Hemisphere and represents perseverance, new beginnings, and the return of light-filled days. Traditional festivals of the winter solstice focus on the cycles of nature, specifically the rebirth of the sun god who symbolizes warmth, light, and sustenance of life.

The Mighty Miniature Teff Grain

Teff is an ancient grain, believed to have originated in Ethiopia between 4000 BC and 1000BC. The classic use of teff flour by Ethiopians is injera, a fermented flat bread. Today, teff is widely cultivated and used in South Africa, Ethiopia, India, and Australia. Teff is high in calcium, iron, and protein and has a good mineral profile of phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc, boron, and thiamin. The amino acid composition is excellent, including all 8 essential amino acids along with a high lysine level. Due to its small size, teff boasts the highest fiber content of any other grain. 


Sources for this article:

"Chemical composition of teff (Eragrostis tef) compared with that of wheat, barley and grain sorghum", Melak H. Mengesha, Economic Botany, Volume 20, Number 3, 1966, 268-273

"Tef. Lost Crops of Africa", National Academies Press, 2008, 222.

"The orgin and evolution of Eragrostis tef (Poaceae) and related polyploids", American Journal of Botany, 2003, 116-122

www.nutritiondata.com


Nutrition Notes: Incredible Goji Berries

Goji berries, sometimes referred to as wolf berries, are small reddish fruit grown in the Himalayan foothills. They are high in calcium, potassium, and iron. Goji berries are also an excellent source of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin, making them one of the richest plant based sources for these nutrients. These powerful berries have been shown to support eye health while reducing cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and cancer. Goji berries have been celebrated for centuries in Asia as a promotor of  anti-aging and longevity due to their high antioxidant content.

Sources for this article:

Gan L, Hua Zhang S, Liang Yang X, Bi Xu H (April 2004). "Immunomodulation and antitumor activity by a polysaccharide-protein complex from Lycium barbarum". Int. Immunopharmacol. 4 (4): 563–9.

Weller P, Breithaupt DE (November 2003). "Identification and quantification of zeaxanthin esters in plants using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry". J. Agric. Food Chem. 51 (24): 7044–9.

Gan L, Hua Zhang S, Liang Yang X, Bi Xu H (April 2004). "Immunomodulation and antitumor activity by a polysaccharide-protein complex from Lycium barbarum". Int. Immunopharmacol. 4 (4): 563–9.

SCW Sze, J. Song, RCC Chang, KY Zhang, RNS Wong, Y Tong (2008). "Research advances on the anti-aging profile of Fructus lycii: an ancient Chinese herbal medicine", Journal of Complementary & Intergrative Medicine, v 5 n. 1

Cooking School: Flaxseed Egg Substitute

A large, metal, egg-shaped tea ball works wonderfully here. Simply place whole flaxseed in the ball, close, and simmer with water. This helps to ease the straining process at the end. Or, for added fiber and texture, no need to strain the flax seeds at all.

Yield: 1 cup

Technique:

2 tablespoons whole flaxseed
1 1/2 cup water

In a small saucepan, combine flaxseed and water. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook mixture uncovered until water is reduced by one-half cup, approximately 20 minutes. Remove from heat and strain seeds from mixture, saving the thick, clear gel. Refrigerate unused portion in a tightly sealed container for up to a week.

Gorgonzola-Apple Quesadilla with Walnuts and Caramelized Shallots

Apple season has arrived and I always look forward to all the unique, locally grown varieties. The focus is on crisp, slightly tart apples; if you have a favorite, use it. Leave the skin on since it lends extra nutrition and color.

As with most quesadilla, this comes together quickly and effortlessly; just the thing for a busy weekday supper. If you are not a Gorgonzola fan or if you have children, a mild white cheddar is a pleasant alternative. Have a bit of creative fun as the possibilities and combinations are limitless.

Cooking School: Caramelized Onions and Shallots



Caramelizing onions or shallots significantly reduces the volume by about half, so plan accordingly.

Sweet yellow onions or shallots
butter
white wine

Remove top and bottom off onion or shallot along with the papery skin. Slice into thin half-rounds. Over medium heat, melt butter in a heavy skillet and add onions or shallots; stir to coat well. Cover and cook for 15 minutes until tender. Reduce heat to low and continue to cook uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow for even browning. Remove from heat and stir in 1-2 tablespoons of water or white wine to deglaze pan.