Smart Fuel: Brussels Sprouts

Welcome Stumblers and all newcomers! If you want to lose weight, gain muscle, increase energy levels, reduce stress or just generally look and feel healthier you've come to the right place.

Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter for tips, advice and special insider-only information.

Learn more about the Primal Lifestyle by visiting the Primal Blueprint 101 page. Thanks for visiting!

While the effects of Brussels sprouts aren’t likely to win you any friends—unless you’re interested in hanging with the lads at the local fraternity—these cruciferous little devils pack a serious health punch.

Once considered a delicacy in Belgium—and since named Britain’s least favorite food, according to one recent poll—Brussels sprouts are loaded with compounds that disarm cell-damaging free radicals and help detoxify the body. In fact, less than a cup a day of the little critters is thought to reduce the risk of cancer—particularly those affecting the breast, liver, colon and bladder—and reduce the risk of heart disease by as much as 71% in men and 59% in women, according to one recent study. In addition, Brussels sprouts’ off-the-charts vitamin C content—which clocks in at 4 times that of an orange—can help shore up the body’s immune response and give your skin a healthy glow (but not in a freaky Paris Hilton-esque fake-and-bake way!)

Posted By: Worker Bee

7

Smart Fuel: Wine

Now this is some smart fuel we can live with! Step aside kale, move over broccoli: the best way to ward off a wintry cold is to drink red wine.

You’re not reading that wrong. Not one, but two major studies have just reported evidence that those who drink wine moderately – no more than two glasses a day – have better immunity and resistance to infectious cold viruses than those who do not drink. This benefit is cancelled out if you’re a smoker, however.

Of course, red wine is also healthy because it is rich in resveratrol, a vital antioxidant. To learn Mark’s great and creative ways to enjoy wine more often, read How to Drink More Wine and Eat More Chocolate Every Day.

polifemus Flickr Photo (CC)

Subscribe to Mark’s Daily Apple feeds

Posted By: Worker Bee

6

Smart Fuel: Red Cabbage

Much to the relief of one of our staff, it’s not just for lutefisk anymore. (Although we recently learned that Scandinavians aren’t the only ones who favor odd protein dishes; Icelanders enjoy soured sheep balls and rotten shark. So there.)

Where were we? Oh, yes! Red cabbage. Though it’s popularly sauced, buttered, pickled and soured, red cabbage stands up just fine on its own as a cooked side dish, in a salad or as a salad, shredded up in soups, perched atop your morning eggs, rolled around your favorite turkey slice, or baked into your cheddar frittatas. Red cabbage, in fact, is one of the healthiest foods around. Being that it’s a member of the brassica family, it’s a cruciferous vegetable. These cancer-fighters (broccoli, cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts are all part of the gang) are powerful, but red cabbage is special. Why? Just look at all that beautiful, dark color! Hello, antioxidants!

Posted By: Worker Bee

6

Smart Fuel: Tarragon

Tarragon is for more than fish. This overlooked but deliciously sweet, rich herb offers major flavor and health benefits. Tarragon has a strong fragrance and a slight licorice taste, but it also has subtle earthy notes – it’s a bit fuller in flavor than basil, and not quite as sharp, either. You can interchange tarragon for basil in recipes for a slightly mellower, sweeter taste and a softer, more velvety texture. Is your mouth watering yet? Tarragon, a perennial, is easy to grow, too. It’s really only good fresh.

Tarragon is very low in calories, like most greens and herbs, and like purslane, contains some Omega-3’s. It has natural antimicrobial properties and contains generous amounts of many nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, calcium and trace minerals. The primary benefit of tarragon is the fiber, but we think the aromatherapeutic benefit is a close second!

Posted By: Worker Bee

6

Smart Fuel: Acorn Squash

This week’s Smart Fuel: Acorn Squash

Winter is a wonderful time to enjoy drier, more dense vegetables, seeds, nuts and squashes. This week we’re highlighting acorn squash.

Acorn squash is considered a winter squash, but it’s actually classified with zucchini and other summer squashes. No matter; it is delicious no matter what you call it. Try it baked or stuffed; you can also fry it up with onions, meats, garlic and other savory additions. One acorn squash is usually less costly than an artichoke and can either serve as a delicious light dinner for one or a versatile, hearty side dish for 2.

Acorn squash is rich in beta carotene, though not as much as other winter squashes. However, acorn squash has generous amounts of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and magnesium. Plus, halved and hulled, acorn squash makes a perfect easy portion.

Posted By: Worker Bee

3