Summer 2020

Store Update: We have changed our store hours-Open Monday thru Friday 10:00-4:30; Saturday 10:00-2:00. We are following the “physical distancing” procedure, we continue to offer curb side delivery and limited home deliveries. Please call 240-2786.
Chantelle is coordinating the Bridge Card/Double Up Food bucks program at the market again this year. The market will have the Double Up Bucks and EBT, but due to unforeseeable technical issues she is anticipating a start date in mid-late July .

Monroe Farmer’s Market open year round 7 Am-12 Noon; For more information check out the web site:  at www.monroemifarmersmarket.com or on their Facebook Page

-Gift Certificates Available for Purchase-

Natural Health Consultations with Maurine-Mini food sensitivity $15.00; 1⁄2 hour $30.00; 1 hour $50.00-Call 734-240-2786 to make appointment
Ionic Foot Bath: Available by appointment-1/2 hour $35.00; 1 hour $50.00

With purchase of 5-foot baths get the next one free.

Family Farms Co-op: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Orders due via email July 22, August 19, Sept 16, by noon; Pickup July 24, August 21, Sept 18 from 2:30-3:30-at VFW Hall 1620 Dix-Toledo, Southgate

First Friday Downtown Monroe Bonus Discount Day 5% off for First Friday
Yoga with Shannon: Saturday sessions Christ Lutheran Church 8:15-9:15 AM
Anticipates starting again July 11th. We have all missed her wonderful classes.
Shannon can be found on YouTube at Shannon McElvany.
Yoga with Chantelle- Monday & Tuesday- Calendar available at the Store On hold until further notice.

Healthy Happenings: Understanding Natural and Substitutes Sweeteners

I am so sad we are still in the midst of this pandemic. I thought I would talk about taking care of your immune system using whole foods and suggestions for limiting our sugar intake. As I have mentioned before, when we consume a high simple carbohydrate and simple sugar diet, limits our ability to fight off infections either viral or bacterial. In a study in 1973, they found that consuming 100 grams of sugar (about as much sugar that is in a 1-liter soda) the immune system is 40% less effective at killing germs. This amount can cripple your immune system for up to 5 hours. I found it much easier to strictly limit my sugar intake by replacing foods that I enjoyed with recipes that use natural sweeteners (listed below). One issue I had was taking in too much Xylitol in one day that resulted in loose stools. I am including a sample recipe for a new cookie that minimizes eliminated refined sugar. I also limit packaged food which contain sugar because most companies use beet or corn sugar or syrup, both of which are genetically modified (GMO).

The reason sugar and corn syrup are detrimental to our health is that they have been processed to remove all of the beneficial elements (vitamins, minerals, fiber, etc.). When we use natural sugars, our bodies can absorb the vital nutrients and our blood sugar does not spike.

  1. Natural Sweeteners:
  • ❖ Raw honey has anti- inflammatory Raw honey may control our weight, is used to combat pollen allergies, is a natural energy source, is a powerful anti-oxidant, may help you sleep, can be effective for wound healing, can reduce the risk of diabetes, and can be as effective as over-the-counter cough syrups. *** honey should not be consumed until over the age of one***
  • ❖ Pure maple syrup is another unrefined natural sweetener. Contains antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, has a low glycemic index, may help fight inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, may protect against cancer, helps protect skin health, and may enhance antibiotic effects.
  • ❖ Sucunat, also known as whole cane sugar, is unrefined sugar and the body utilizes it much slower than white sugar. The benefits include high vitamin and mineral content. I use a small amount of this sweetener when a recipe calls for brown sugar.
  • ❖Molasses is highly nutritious, rich in copper, calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, selenium and vitamin B6.
  1. Natural Sugar Substitutes:
  • ❖  Xylitol (sugar alcohol) from birch bark (my preference) can be used 1:1 in baking. **It is toxic to dogs.
  • ❖  Stevia is an annual plant that is about 300 times sweeter than sugar. Some studies have shown that stevia lowers insulin and glucose levels and may normalize cholesterol. I use stevia in puddings and liquids.
  • ❖ Erythritol (sugar alcohol) it is made commercially by fermenting glucose from corn, so be careful to get it from an organic or non-GMO source. Erythritol can be used in baking, they recommend using 1 1/3 cup of erythritol for each cup of sugar. Many companies now add other sweeteners, like monk fruit or stevia to reduce possibility of digestive distress.
  • ❖ Monk fruit is the new product out there. It is produced from the lo han guo plant where they crush the fruit to extract its sweet compounds. It is heat-stable and can be used in cooking and baking. The amount depends on the product you are using. It is usually combined with stevia or erythritol.
  1. Questionable Natural Sugar Substitutes:
  • ❖  Agave nectar may be worse for your health than plain sugar. Agave syrup is high in fructose which is similar to the effect of high fructose corn syrup on the body.
  • ❖  Coconut sugar contains high amount of sucrose like table sugar. It contains more vitamins and mineral.
  • ❖  Brown rice syrup contains three sugars, maltotriose, maltose and glucose. Brown rice syrup acts like 100% glucose in your body.

Maurine is happy to provide her opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.
As always, contact your pharmacist regarding any potential vitamin/drug interactions. Notify physician regarding any 
alternative remedies.
Raw cow & goat milk and Amish grass-fed meat e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or                             
call 1-269-476-8883

Store News:

Bridge Cards accepted at the store.
Local Delivery to shut-ins available
Maurine’s availability is limited, please call if you are interested in seeing her. Family Discount Day: Every Wednesday get 5% off of entire order.

Free Muscle Testing
Ionic Food Bath available by appointment only; 1/2 hour $35.00; 1 hour $50.00

 

Words to Live By: During this challenging time, I find these words so true: “All things are parts of one single system, which is called Nature: the individual life is good when it is in harmony with Nature.”

 

Healthy Recipe: Garden Medley from Renaissance Acres Organic Herb Farm Cook Book

1/8 tsp Celtic sea salt

1⁄4 cup butter
2 cups cauliflower, chopped
1⁄4 cup onion, chopped
2 cups zucchini, sliced
1⁄2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
In a large skillet, melt butter. Add cauliflower and onion, sauté 2-3 minutes. Add zucchini: cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, 3 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir in tomatoes, salt and thyme, cook 1 to 2 minutes until thoroughly heated. Spoon into serving dish; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serves 4.

 

Healthier Cookie Recipe: Low Sugar Barley Protein Peanut Butter Cookies

1⁄4 cup sucunat (whole cane sugar) 1⁄4 cup Xylitol

3⁄4 cup spelt or barley flour 2 Tbs protein powder
2 Tbs ground flax
1⁄2 tsp baking powder

1⁄2 tsp baking soda
1⁄4 tsp Celtic sea salt
1⁄2 cup butter, softened
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, blend together flour, flax, protein powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, xylitol, and sucunat for 2 minutes until light and creamy.
Add eggs, peanut butter and vanilla, mix until well blended. Add flour mixture stir until well blended.
Stir in barley flakes, then fold in chocolate chips.
Drop by tablespoons on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Bake 11-12 minutes, rotating pan one time, until browning on the edges. The middle of the cookies will be soft.
Store in refrigerator or freezer for freshness.

Health Matters Herbs and More 17 E. Second St. Monroe, Michigan 48161
734-240-2786 http://www.monroehealthmatters.com/
Store Hours: Monday –Friday 10:00-4:30; Saturday 10:00-2:00 e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Summer 2020 Healthy Eating in the Time of Coronavirus : If you’d like to unsubscribe please e-mail and I will remove your name from the list.