~ Serves 1 ~
Preparation time: ~ 25 mins
Time saving tips: You may use shredded wakame which requires no soaking time.
Food as Medicine. Glow with balanced nutrition
~ Serves 1 ~
Preparation time: ~ 25 mins
I noticed the benefits of fresh young coconut water during my trip to one of Thailand's beach some years ago. I was reading a magazine while doing foot massage, before a full body massage and an article wrote about how drinking young coconut juice helps with muscle recovery. I drank fresh young coconut juice after massage everyday during that short 3 to 5 days trip then and was pleasantly surprised at the effects it had on my body. I usually would feel muscles ache from a massage but I did not have any aches although I went for massage daily, and did snorkelling. I also did not suffer from any mouth ulcers or sore throat although we had a lot more barbecued and spicy food that I would back home.
Years later, I read about the beneficial effects of coconut juice in muscle recovery after strenous sports or exercise by replacing electrolytes and potassium in our body. I was cycling more at that time and without any gradual training nor warm up (not recommended), there was once that my legs ached so much during the cycling that I could hardly move them. And then, I took some fresh coconut juice. The effects were immediate, and soreness in the muscles almost completely disappeared and I could even stretch my legs without much discomfort. Since then, I have been using coconut juice to replace electrolytes and ions during or after strenous workout - keeping to one or at most two cups weekly if really needed. This is because this drink is rather cooling (in TCM terms) and thus not recommended to be taken on a daily basis for prolonged period, especially for body constitution that is weaker and lack heat (energy) or if you have any pre-existing health or heart conditions. Moreover, it has very high amounts of potassium so might not be suitable to be consumed together with other food that are also high in potassium, e.g. banana, unless you have too low levels of potassium in your body at that time. In either case, moderation is still key and it is probably wise to check with a professional on the underlying reasons or causes.
I have tried both fresh and packet coconut juice with quite good effects. I prefer young coconut juice if it is available. I also get small packet so that I can finish it - it does not stay fresh for long if left outside, in Singapore's weather. And I share one small packet with my husband if we are out for longer cycling or hiking trips, keeping our main hydration to plain water.
To summarise, I use coconut juice as a natural source of replenishing electrolytes in the body during or after a strenous workout but do not take them more than needed. I try to keep it to half or just one cup weekly or none. Water is still my major form of rehydration. Coconut water (or juice) is a good and natural source of potassium which helps muscles relax but we need a balance of all ions in the body for optimal functions so moderation is key. My blood pressure is on the low side so I can't have too much potassium as well.
Enjoy the drink!
Note of caution: This is not a substitute for professional care. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet especially if you are on any medications or have preexisting medical or health conditions.
Read more on coconut juice here.
Do check out the recipe on warming breakfast if you do feel cold easily (like myself).
~ Serves 2 -3 ~
Preparation time: ~ 25 mins
Here's on my list for ulcers and sore throat:
1. Salt gargle with luke-warm water.
2. Applying salt on the ulcers. It can be painful if this is your first attempt.
3. Propolis throat spray. It can be applied to ulcers as well.
4. Sleeping earlier, before 11pm. Usually sufficient sleep and rest help the body to self-heal naturally.
5. Taking fruits and vegetables to increase intake of vitamin C to improve immunity. If fruits make your sore throat or ulcers worse, just take vegetables.
6. Take some ginger to replenish energy for healing.
7. Drink lots of water.
8. Almond water also soothes the throat.
9. Minimise the intake of the food that causes the sore throat and ulcers, e.g. deep fried food, baked pasteries, grilled and barbecued food, junk food, roasted food and nuts.
Ulcers
- For very persistent ulcers, I use watermelon frost powder (西瓜霜)which can be bought at supermarkets, TCM pharmacies and stores.
Sore throat
- Ujjayi breathing can expel phlegm and is effective at the initial stage of having mild sore or scratchy throat to prevent a full blown sore throat. However, if your sore throat is very bad and it is painful to do ujjayi breath, skip it. Watch how to do Ujjayi breath here.
Note: If your ulcers or/ and sore throat does not get better, do consult a doctor.
This is a tried and tested way by myself, my family members and some of my students. The bromelain enzyme in pineapples is anti-inflammatory and helps with diarrhea. I have tried fresh pineapple (1 slice) or take the juice (canned). Both worked equally well for me.
Do take isotonic drinks to replenish the ions lost during diarrhea, and have lighter or smaller meals if you don't have much appetite to let your digestive system rest. Take plenty of rest and do not exert yourself. Stay hydrated. If the diarrhea persists, do consult a doctor.
However, I read that some people may have allergic reaction when eating pineapple. If that is the case, this remedy is not for you.
Click here for further reading on nutrition facts of pineapples:
Apple ~ 1
Blueberries ~ 50 to 100g
Dried cranberries and raisins ~ 1 tbs each
Nuts and seeds (e.g. pine nuts, chopped pecans) ~ 1 tbs
Breakfast cereals (of your preference) ~ 1 cup
Fresh ginger ~ 1 by 1 cm
Preparation:
1. Wash and cut/ slice the apple. Rinse the blueberries.
2. Cook the sliced apple and blueberries in goat's milk in low medium heat till the blueberries bursted.
3. Keep stirring. Add the sliced ginger. Continue to stir.
4. Add dried cranberries, raisins, and pine nuts. Stir for about 5 more minutes or so.
5. Pour this mixture over the breakfast cereals. Enjoy!
Time saving tips: You may use pure ginger powder or ginger with molasses or turmeric powder in place of the fresh ones.
Variations: You may use other types of milk such as cow's milk or nut milk or soy milk. I use goat's milk because it is easier on my digestion. I use full cream as they contain more nutrients. You can use low fat and high calcium options too. You can add other nuts and seeds, or dried fruits (e.g. dried apricots or dates) of your preference. Do note that blueberries will have a little sour taste to the food so you can just use apple if you don't like sour. The mixture will also turn purple when the blueberries softened. You can also boil avocado with goat's milk. Ginger/ turmeric is used for its warming properties. You may skip the ginger / turmeric if you don't need the warming properties. Add some instant oat (4 to 5 tbs) to make it even more filling. You can also just boil apple (and blueberries) in goat's milk to enjoy the yummy light beverage.
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Goat's milk with apple, blueberries and ginger. |
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With apple and instant oats |
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Goat milk with avocado and cereals |
~ Serves 1 ~ Preparation time: ~ 25 mins Cooking time ~ 8 mins Ingredients : Dried Wakame ~ 2 pieces Anchovies ~ 1 tbs Dried shrimps ~ 1 ...