Cranberries, not Just for Sauce Any More!

These tart little berries pack a powerful punch. Super high in anti-oxidants, cranberries are believed to protect cells from free radical damage. It also has been discovered that due to the high vitamin c content in cranberries, they are affective in reducing plague and periodontal disease. Ofcourse the most commonly believed benefit of cranberries, especially the juice, is that of preventing and healing urinary tract infections. Preliminary research also suggests that cranberries may lower the bad cholesterols (LDL) in the blood, while raising the good ones (HDL). They may also drastically impede and prevent the growth of tumors. So pop some of these power berries into your muffins, granola, rice dishes, trail mixes and salads. Alternatively, you may decide to have a nice cold glass of 100% sugar free cranberry juice or cranberry juice blend. Either way your body will love you for it!

What's that in My Gumbo?

(image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

Okra is a supreme vegetable for those feeling exhausted or weak, and those suffering from depression. It may also be beneficial in preventing cataracts. As a superior source of fiber, okra helps to control blood cholesterol and blood sugar. Okra fiber is excellent for feeding the good bacteria (probiotics) that aid digestion. This contributes to the health of the intestinal tract. Okra is also used for healing ulcers and to keep joints limber. It helps to neutralize acids, being very alkaline, and it provides a temporary protective coating for the digestive tract. Okra is also known to counter the expansion of some cancers, especially colo-rectal. Further, eating okra regularly may relieve pulmonary inflammation, sore throat, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Positively Parsley!

(photo by Michelle Meiklejohn)


Parsley has great benefits and health-boosting properties. These little leaves really pack a punch. Parsley helps to build up the blood because of its rich iron content, while the vitamin C helps in the absorption of that iron. Parsley’s high iron content also helps to boost energy. It’s high in antioxidants, provides anti-bacterial support, boosts the immune system, subdues bad breath, purifies the blood, dissolves cholesterol in the veins, and strengthens the blood vessels. Parsley also aids in digestion, certainly one reason why it is often used to embellish the food served in restaurants. A drink of parsley tea will help to ease a case of diarrhea; it acts as a diuretic, which helps in mild cases of edema; and it helps to dissolve gall stones. Parsley helps to improve the functions of the liver, spleen, and kidneys, and is very effective at reducing liver congestion. Parsley also helps to regulate menstruation, reduces menstrual pain, and it’s a uterine
tonic.

The Benefits of Olive Oil

This is my number-one cooking oil. My cupboard is never bereft of olive oil. Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W.S.) said, as transmitted by Tirmidhi: “Eat olive oil and anoint yourselves with it, for it comes from a blessed tree.” Extra-virgin olive oil is the best; it offers the most antioxidant
benefit. Olive oil is healing to the heart, and it also reduces the chances for colon cancer. The benefits of olive oil are many, but to receive those benefits it’s best not to heat olive oil; certainly do not use it for high-temperature cooking or frying, but coconut oil instead. Extra-virgin olive oil is best in salad dressings and possibly for very light sautéing.

Marvelous Mangos!

Mango - As their orange color might suggest, mangoes are a good source of beta carotene, which means they are beneficial for the eyes. They are also a good source of antioxidants and they help to fight against cancer cells. They are filled with lots of enzymes and fiber, which makes them a great aid in food digestion. They are considered a good remedy for those suffering from heat stroke, they assist those who need to gain weight, and they boost the memory. What is more, they help manage insulin levels, and they are a high source of iron, which makes them good for pregnant, menstruating, and menopausal women. Also, their high vitamin E content makes them an ideal fruit for boosting the sex drive.

Prelaunch of Halal Healthy Meals

Asalamu Alaykum,

Well you've benefited from the free halal recipes and dietary tips. Now you can get even more halal recipes, more information, and healthy tips from the book. Inshallah we will be pre-launching the book Halal Healthy Meals. The pre-lauch will take place on this Wednesday, July 13th, only on our facebook business page. In order to participate in the free book giveaway you must like our page and submit your email information at www.facebook.com/halalhealthymeals
Also as a recipient of a free book you will be asked to submit a testimonial for the book Halal Healthy Meals to me.

We're looking forward to seeing you on the page.

Lemon Coconut Cake

Our family absolutely loves this cake. The combination of coconut and lemon is simply irresistible!

Ingredients
5 egg whites
3/4 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon all natural coconut flavoring
1/2 teaspoon natural vanilla flavoring
2 cups Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole coconut milk
FILLING:
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Dash salt
3/4 cup cold water
2 egg yolks
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon butter
FROSTING:
3/4 cup Butter
3 cups confectioners' sugar (I make my own with sugar cane crystals and cornstarch in my vitamix)
1 teaspoon All natural coconut flavoring
1/3 cup water
1 1/4 cups oraganic flaked coconut
Directions
1.Place egg whites in a small mixing bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and coconut flavorings. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; gradually fold into creamed mixture.
2.Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350 degrees F for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
3.In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and salt. Stir in water until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of filling into egg yolks; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Stir in lemon juice and butter. Cool, without stirring, to room temperature.
4.In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy; beat in coconut flavoring. Gradually add water, beating until smooth. Spread filling between cake layers. Frost top and sides of cake; sprinkle with coconut.

Lovely Lemons!

Lemons have a cleansing effect on the blood and digestive tract, and help with elimination and the cleansing of the bowels. They also act as a liver tonic, and help the liver to produce more bile, which in turn helps the digestive process. They have antibacterial and antiviral properties, thus relieving symptoms, boosting the immune system, and halting the progress of most infections. They are a significant source of vitamin C and are excellent for skin care, dental care, and weight loss. Lemon water can aid with controlling blood pressure, heart problems, nausea, and dizziness, and it provides relaxation to the mind and relieves mental stress and depression. Lemon water also assists in relieving respiratory problems, cold, flu, and fever. Lemons are one handy, inexpensive super-food to have around! I definitely recommend drinking lemon juice several times a day.

Healing Honey!

This miracle food is mentioned over and over in the Hadith, and is also mentioned in the Qur’an. Allah says in the Holy Qur’an: “And the Lord taught the bee to build its cells in hills, in trees, and in men’s habitats; then to eat of all the produce and find with the skill the precious paths of its Lord: there issues from its bodies a drink of varying colors wherein is healing for men; verily this is a sign for those who give thought” (The Bee, 68 and 69). Honey has so many benefits that I won’t be able to list them all here. However, here are a few to let you know how priceless honey truly is. Honey induces sleep, its microbial properties help to heal sore throats and expel phlegm, it builds the immune system, it has anti-cancer and anti-bacterial properties, and it is also used to heal wounds and cuts. Raw honey is the best that you can buy. It costs a bit more, but its healing properties are far more intense when it hasn’t been heated to high temperatures.