Pumpkin soup with Power

Autumn has arrived and we’ve had a snap of cold – it got me excited to start up the soup regime! I had two Jap(anese) Pumpkins in my kitchen so I decided to use a whole one for soup.

I love pumpkin soup – it’s yum, filling nourishing, and full of goodness.

And here are 5 top health reasons why you should love this particular recipe:

1. Pumpkin is full of phyto-nutrients and Vitamin A, which will support your immune system and make your skin glow.
2. Turmeric is a potent natural anti-inflammatory, reducing inflammation in arthritis, psoriasis, speeds up skin healing, is a natural liver detoxifier and studies are indicating it may prevent the spread of certain cancers
3. Garlic is a natural anti microbial, potent anti-oxidant and assits in the reduction of cholesterol
4. Coconut oil is an anti bacterial
5. Natural yoghurt is a pro-biotic, restoring healthy gut bugs.

Here is my simple and delicious recipe full of health benefits.

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

1 Organic Jap Pumpkin

1 Brown onion

2-3 cloves of garlic

2 dessertspoons of Coconut oil

1 tsp. of turmeric

1 Organic Veggie stock cubes

Water

Pepper 

Salt  - Himalayan Pink Salt

Fresh Coriander

Natural Yogurt

Preparation:

Peel and roughly cut the pumpkin flesh into approximately 1cm cubes.

Peel and finely chop the onion.

Heat the coconut oil in a large pot, add onion and gently brown for 10 minutes, until soft and golden-brown.

Add the garlic, stir then add the pumpkin.

Mix ingredients, add a glass of boiled warm water

Add the turmeric, and a few more glasses of water

Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Increase the heat to medium and cover with the lid.

Cook for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the base from burning and until the pumpkin is cooked through.

Serve hot

Add a generous dollop of natural yogurt each bowl

Sprinkle with fresh coriander

Enjoy

The BIG C – cancer!

image pintrest

Cancer is a scary topic. People are scared of cancer because of the many unknown variables, it’s a sickness that is deemed to have no cure, it’s an illness that puts stresses on families and relationships and potentially equates to the loss of a loved one.

Cancer is a growing concern in our modern world, there is a cancer that is related to each and every system within our body, some are curable, some are more manageable than others and some are unfortunately fatal.

The one thing that all cancers have in common is the need to support the cancer sufferer and the family of the sufferer. Through Naturopathic medicine this support maybe achieved by taking on a holistic approach and treating the whole; mind, body, senses. As naturopathic practitioners we are able to assist the patient and their family by treating the stresses that are caused, by giving them both mental and medicinal support, we can work alongside their GP and their oncologist. We have the tools and knowledge to support the cancer patients diet through nutrition and by using herbal medicines as food.

Naturopathic practitioners take on a holistic role, empowering the patient and supporting their general wellbeing, potentially making life a little easier to manage when diagnosed with such a disease.  Naturopathic practices are able to support emotions such as feelings of depression, overwhelment and the loss of sense of self, support proper liver function, and possibly assist the bodies elimination channels, assist proper digestive function, assist tiredness and fatigue and also help address other cross over symptoms from traditional conventional treatments.

I've recently attended the latest Integrative Care and Support of Cancer Patients as a Naturopath I'm happy to discuss cancer support with you.

Here’s a list of key foods for you to try and that may assist in you living better with cancer.

Organic Fruit and Vegetables – are higher in Phytochemicals than conventionally grown fruits and vegies. Especially try Broccoli, Brussel sprouts, Carrots, Leeks, Cauliflower, Apples

Also, as they have not been sprayed with pesticides and chemicals they have built up their own resistance to bugs and insects by trying to protect themselves from being eaten!!

Green tea (organic of course) – is high in good anti-oxidants which is associated with better clinical outcomes

Tumeric – Some studies show that turmeric may help fight infections and some cancers, reduce inflammation, and treat digestive problems. It acts as an anti-inflammatory support and may support cell cycle regulation.

Reduce sugar intake – studies have observed that cancers may rely on sugar, so by eliminating or reducing sugar can only be of benefit.

Essential Fatty Acids = Good fats – they may come in the form of healthy fish, and other easily obtained EFA including seeds and nuts

Maintaining your normal exercise routine is also an important key factor in living with cancer. And of course, taking one day at a time.