Power Up !!

~

Gingerbread

This year, don't reach for powdered ginger.

Fresh ginger gives this traditional dessert a

healthy, flavorful update

Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pan
1 cup whole-wheat flour
3/4 cup turbinado sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup light molasses
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup firmly packed minced fresh ginger
Confectioner's sugar, for dusting

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees with rack in the lower third of oven. Spray a 9-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line the bottom of the pan with waxed paper, then spray the paper. Dust the entire pan with flour and shake out the excess.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flours, turbinado sugar, cinnamon, and salt; set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together molasses, eggs, oil, and buttermilk.
Dissolve baking soda in the cup of boiling water. Fold the baking soda and molasses mixtures into dry ingredients until combined. (Do not overmix.) Fold in the minced ginger.
Scrape batter into the prepared baking pan; bake until cake is set around edges and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Cool 10 minutes in the pan, then invert onto a cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, dusted with confectioner's sugar.

~~~~

Power foods do more than satisfy the stomach. While the flavors and textures are enjoyable, these foods boast the added benefits of fighting cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, and keeping you in optimum health for decades to come.

Ginger
Even if ginger had no medicinal qualities,
its piquant flavor would be reason enough
for its wide appeal.
Imagine life without gingersnaps, ginger ale,
gingerbread, ginger tea etc.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes have an abundance of lycopene
which has the ability to counter oxidative stress
is thought to be largely responsible
for its role in fighting cancer and heart disease.

Spinach

Few sources offer more vitamin K than spinach does.

K is essential for blood clotting and bone health.

Grapefruit
As you might have guessed,

grapefruits are full of vitamin C,

a major antioxidant that helps fight infection,

may shorten the duration of colds,

and protects against free radicals.

Peppers
Red peppers supply abundant amounts of beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A, a nutrient crucial for night vision.

Asparagus
These tasty spears help fight cardiovascular disease,

strengthen bones, and may even boost the libido.

Apples
Apples contain an ample dose

of fiber (two-thirds of which is in the peel),

some potassium, and a modest amount of vitamin C.

You don't need specific foods for specific ailments.

A healthy diet incorporating a variety of the

Power Foods mentioned (and this is just a few)

will help you maintain your weight,

fight disease, and live longer.

One thing they all have in common

Every Power Food is going to

be a 'real' (unprocessed) food

Even people who are healthy can make

a few tweaks and the impact will be amazing !!

Have a healthful day everyone!!

Hugs xOxO Nerina :)

~