Smile to See
the Bigger
Raw
Picture
Chocolate
T
he face of a happy, smiling kid on the
Pudding
refrigerator door might do more than
make us feel good; it might help us make by Kimberle Smith
better food choices, say researchers, who
discovered that positive moods increase our ability to understand the big picture. Be-
1 cup raw cashews
ing in a good mood both helps us think at a more abstract level and allows us to step
1/2 cup water
back emotionally. When we can do that, we can see the larger picture.
1/4 cup agave nectar
A positive mood, the researchers explain, encourages broader, more fl exible
1 ripe avocado
thinking and increases our openness to information, which in turn allows us to adopt
a higher order of future goals and work harder toward attaining them. It all enhances
1/2 cup raw cacao
future well-being, providing more reasons to surround ourselves with positive things.
Blend cashews and water until
Source: University of Chicago Press Journals, 2008.
creamy. Add agave, avocado and
cacao and blend again until creamy.
For added creaminess add 1 heaping
Grapes Protect the Heart
tablespoon of coconut oil.
C
ould eating grapes fi ght high blood pressure and possibly reduce other factors
linked to heart disease? A new University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center
study suggests just that, revealing tantalizing clues to the heart-healthy power of
grapes.
The study fed laboratory rats a powder of regular table grapes (a blend of
green, red and black grapes, containing the skin, fl esh and
seeds), mixed into a diet that was either low or high in
salt. The control group received no grapes. After 18
weeks, the rats receiving the grape-enriched meals
had lower blood pressure, better heart function,
Kimberle Smith is the owner of
reduced infl ammation throughout their bodies and
A-Live & Healthy Organic Eatery &
fewer signs of heart muscle damage. The grapes’
Juice Bar. The restaurant is located
heart-protective effects are thought to be due to
at 205 McLeod in Merritt Island. For
their high level of phytochemicals, naturally occur-
more information call 321-576-0990.
ring antioxidants contained in whole grapes.
www.MyNaturalAwakenings.com
March 2009 19
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