Maple syrup is the concentrated extract of the sap of maple trees. It adds a rich, deep flavor to foods and drinks.
Make sure to look for 100% pure maple syrup, not maple-flavored corn syrup. As with all sweeteners, organic varieties are best.
Adapted from “The Cane Mutiny,” New Age Magazine, March/April 1999.
Food Focus: DATES Dates are fruits that grow on date palms. They have been used since the times of Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt. Dates are very sweet and nutritionally packed essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Dates are rich in dietary fiber and contain tannins (flavonoid antioxidants that are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties). In terms…
Food Focus: Ginger Ginger has been used for centuries. It was used by the Greeks as early as 4400 years ago and by the Spanish in the 16th century. It is spicy, yet soothing and is an easily recognizable ingredient in Oriental cuisine. Ginger is widely used in cooking and in the healing arts, as…
Agave Nectar (This article previously appeared in the September edition of A Healthy You). Agave is made through the extraction and purification of the juice of the agave cactus. It does not stimulate insulin secretion as other sugars do, so it does not create a “sugar rush.” It has a delightfully light and mild flavor.
Food Focus: Beans (This article appeared in the February, 2011 issue of A Healthy You.) Beans. They are good for the heart. Beans are found in most traditional cultures as a staple food, offering grounding and strengthening properties that enhance endurance: Beans, or legumes, which include peas and lentils, are an excellent source of plant-based…
Raw Honey (This article previously appeared in the September edition of A Healthy You.) Everyone seems to love honey, one of the oldest natural sweeteners on the market. The flavor of honey varies depending on the plant source. Some are very dark and intensely flavored. Wherever possible, choose raw honey, as it is unrefined and…
Food Focus: Strawberries Strawberries are one of the best things you can feed your body everyday. They are low in fat, sugar, and carbohydrates but have been known to pack a great punch when it comes to the benefits. They are high in Vitamin C, Folate, and Potassium. They are great for repairing your facial…