Page 82 - Summer2009

‡ (GLEOH ÀRZHUV RU KHUE OHDYHV DGG RQH RU WZR YLEUDQW RUDQJH RU \HOORZ 1 teaspoon vitamin C-rich berry powder
nasturtiums in a base of a fruity herbal tea sweetened with honey or of choice, optional
a few lavender blossoms in a lemonade pop. Try all types of edible 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract,
ÀRZHUV VXFK DV OHPRQ YHUEHQD OHPRQ EDOP PLQW RU OLODFV optional
‡ &DURE FKLSV VHH WKH KRPHPDGH UHFLSH LQ Nourishing Traditions
‡ 3RZGHUHG RU OLTXLG VXSHUIRRGV EHH SROOHQ FRORVWUXP RU KLJK YLWDPLQ Blend, or just stir if you like your pops
C berry powders (e.g. acerola or camu camu) with a bit more bulk, pour into popsicle molds
and freeze. Variations: substitute blackberries,
SWEETENERS ripe bananas or peaches (peaches go well with
:LWK IUXLW ¿OOHG SRSV DGGLWLRQDO VZHHWQHVV LV RIWHQ XQQHFHVVDU\ almond extract). Also try substituting the fruit
unlike cream-based varieties, which often need a little boost. The more with diluted fruit juice concentrate, like goji,
obvious choices are raw honey (local if possible), maple syrup and brown dark cherry, black currant, elderberry, blueberry
rice syrup. Another fun option is dates (usually soaked for up to a few or pomegranate.
hours to rehydrate, to help them smooth out a bit), which also help add
a creamy texture. Stevia whole leaf powder works well in these types of TROPICAL COCONUT POP
recipes (note: it will leave a green color). 1 13.5-ounce can coconut milk (or coconut
cream equivalent)
ICY, CREAMY, DREAMY RECIPES 1-2 bananas, depending on size
Use these recipes to jump-start your own creations. Keep experiment- 32 ounces frozen mango or pineapple,
ing, and remember, make notes as you go along. There is nothing worse or a blend
WKDQ VWXPEOLQJ RQWR VRPHWKLQJ \RXU IDPLO\ LV FUD]\ DERXW RQO\ WR ¿QG 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil
that you can’t remember the exact proportions—believe me, I speak from 1-2 raw egg yolks
experience! dash of vanilla
1 tablespoon maple syrup, or to taste
RAZZLE RASPBERRY CREAMSICLE ÀDNHG FRFRQXW RSWLRQDO
1 cup frozen or fresh raspberries
FXS \RJXUW NH¿U NH¿U FKHHVH RU UDZ FUHDP Blend, pour into popsicle molds and
1 tablespoon (or to taste) raw honey freeze.

WHY PASS ON PLASTICS?

Plastics have a shady history. Plastics were once hailed as a miracle material, but the contaminants they contain are
now recognized as carcinogens. Don’t get me wrong, medicine and other fields of study have benefited from plastic, but
the health of humans, animals (especially aquatic) and the planet are suffering the consequences. Luckily, we have a large
margin of control over just how much our own family comes in contact with plastic, which is more prevalent than one
might think. Water bottles, baby bottles, toddler sippies and food storage containers may be obvious, but a less known fact
is that plastic also lines most aluminum cans (some more health-minded companies are using other materials) and is found
in dentistry composites and sealants. Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical in plastic, has even been found in infant formula! While
BPA has received some negative press lately, it isn’t the only offending chemical in plastic. Phthalates and flame retardants
(PBDEs) also deserve attention for their disastrous effects on humans and laboratory animals. Newer research confirms many
of the old findings on these chemicals—endocrine disruption (in adults and babies), thyroid disruption, and increase risk
of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and liver enzyme abnormalities. And recently, the Yale School of Medicine found that
3
4
BPA “causes the loss of connections of brain cells,” which increases the risk for memory problems and even depression.
The bottom line is, when at all possible, avoid using plastics, especially where foods or beverages are concerned and
even more so when there is heat (such as in a hot car or microwave) applied or the plastic has been reused. Opt for glass
at home for beverages and waxed paper or canvas tie-string bags for sandwiches and foods. Away from home, I prefer
stainless steel containers to plastic, bear in mind there are some concerns as to the safety of stainless steel due to the pos-
sibility of toxic levels of nickel leaching into the liquid, particularly when in contact with fermented or other acidic foods
and beverages (see Wise Traditions, “Cookware Dilemma” Fall 2008 p.11). If you choose to use stainless steel, stick with
the least reactive fluids, such as non-fluoridated or chlorinated water or milk. If you choose to use plastic, try to find BPA-
free and/or phthalates-free plastic, such as baby bottles or toddler sippy cups and water bottles. Lastly, choose the “safer”
plastics that use polyethylene (#1, #2, #4 and #5).
80 Wise Traditions SUMMER 2009