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No Bake
Watermelon Cake

 Summer is a prime time for outdoor get-togethers, picnics, and cook-outs, but desserts are often heavy on the stomach, making them less than ideal for consumption in the summer heat. Soothe everyone's sweet tooth and nourish bodies after a meal of grilled meats and veggies with this light and healthy dessert option that not only looks happily patriotic, but also refreshes the body and taste buds. This cake will serve approximately 12 people making it perfect for small get-togethers.

First Do No Harm

The Healing

Power of Nature 

Doctor as Teacher

Identify and

Treat the Cause

Treat the

Whole Person

Prevention

Happy Summer to everyone!

Please enjoy this month's articles! 

The Doctors and Members of FNPA

Watermelon has been around for at least several thousand years. Today, over four billion pounds of watermelon are produced each year in the U.S. alone. All watermelon varieties, when ripe, contain an extremely high water content of roughly 92%, as well as a variety of different phytonutrients, key vitamins and minerals, and even dietary fiber. In general, watermelon is a coveted source of lycopene and the deeper-red-flesh varieties, at peak ripeness, contain the highest concentrations. Watermelons also contain a good deal of vitamin C, beta-carotene, citrulline, cucurbitacin E, flavonoids and phenolic antioxidants. The high concentrations of Lycopene and cucurbitacin E make watermelon an excellent anti-inflammatory food. Citrulline is turned into arginine within the body, which studies suggest may help fight against obesity. When enjoyed in large amounts, watermelon's fiber content can provide additional benefits with low calorie cost. Most people eat only the juicy flesh of the watermelon, but in reality, the seeds and rind are not only edible, but packed with nutrients in their own right. Watermelon seeds provide small amounts of iron, zinc and protein when consumed regularly over time. And although watermelon seeds provide added nutritional benefits, seedless varieties still pack a nutritional punch. Seedless watermelons are products of hybridization and, up until the last decade, these varieties were relatively rare. Today, it is estimated that some 85% of all watermelons produced in the U.S. are seedless.

When purchasing watermelon of any variety, you will want it to be fully ripe as this will provide the most benefits for your health. When considering pre-cut watermelon, the most nutrient-rich option will be the one with the deepest red colored flesh without any white streaking. Choosing a whole, uncut watermelon is a bit trickier. Consider the weight of the watermelon. A fully ripened watermelon will feel heavy from high water content. You'll also want to feel the rind. You're looking for a relatively smooth rind that is slightly dulled on top (the side of the watermelon that was exposed to the elements), and that the bottom (the side that was lying on the ground) is not white or green, but more of a creamy yellow color. If you're still not sure you've found the watermelon you want, ask your grocer to core an uncut watermelon so that you can do a taste test. If you decide not to purchase it, they can still sell it sliced. Watermelon is also easy to grow in your own garden. For tips on growing watermelon, check out GardeningKnowHow.com.

References

• Watermelon.. The World's Healthiest Foods.
• Tips for Growing Watermelon. Gardening Know How.

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Mud is an important natural element that has long been intuitively utilized by many animal species for its ability to cool and protect. For  humans however, mud provides additional benefits. A study on the effects of soil-derived Mycobacierium vaccae on cancer patients found reports of better quality of life. Another study found the same bacterium to cause a serotonin elevation, suggesting mud's therapeutic use for depression. Mud from the sea floor that contains Salinispora trópica., has been shown to have antibiotic and cancer-fighting properties, and is currently in the trial phase as a possible treatment for a bone marrow cancer. Additionally, mud absorbs toxins from the skin, soothes skin conditions such as psoriasis, relaxes muscles, relieves inflammation, pain and stiff joints, stimulates circulation and improves the appearance of skin, reducing spots and patches.

Mud can be applied as a bath or a targeted mud pack. A mud pack is the easier and tidier option, and is relatively well suited for at-home use. However you treat your body with mud, it's important to choose your mud for the qualities that will produce desired results. Not all mud is created equal. The two best-known types of mud are mud from the Dead Sea and Moor mud. Mud from the Dead Sea contains more than 20 salts and minerals that have been coveted for their beautifying qualities since the times of the Queen of Sheba and Cleopatra. This particular mud is coveted worldwide for its use in treating symptoms of a variety of skin disorders, while also softening and cleansing skin. Moor Mud has been produced over thousands of years from organic residue and now contains fulvic acids, vitamins, amino acids, plant hormones and humic acids that can be easily absorbed by the human body. This mud is useful for detoxification and fighting off inflammation, making it an ideal treatment for arthritis symptoms and sports injuries.

References

• Photo credit. FreeDigitalPhotos.net.  
• Mud Therapy Benefits.. NaturopathyCure.com.
• Mud is Not a Four-letter Word: A Took at the Upside of Dirt. Padro, Josie. Alive: Canada's Natural Health  & Wellness Magazine. Jan 2009, Issue 315, p 78-79. 2p.

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