Eat the popular British sweet pie to improve your health.

When it comes to food and good health, the Brits are rarely mentioned, but that’s not
always true, for instance take Mincemeat Pie, what is you ask and how is it (a pie)
healthy?

Well, the pie originally contained meat, but not anymore, today’s version contains
ingredients that are sweet, fruity and good for you, still not convinced, read on
for more details.

Today’s Mincemeat Pie contains…

a) Apples-
Apples like a few other fruits and veggies have about a dozen benefits for you health-wise,
and if holiday stress is getting to you, eat more apples. Apples contain mood-boosting
polyphenols, and these special compounds can reduce stress, anxiety and mild forms
of depression by as much as 25%. Apples also contain copper and boron, 2 minerals
that bolster energy and focus. And one last benefit: apples contain quercetin, proven to
send your level of the stress hormone cortisol plummeting.

b) Cranberries-
If you have any fresh cranberries leftover from Thanksgiving, hold onto them, as they’ll
make for one hell of a tasty pie. Most people drink or eat fresh cranberries to get relief
from an urinary tract infection, (UTI), but if you don’t suffer from UTIs, use cranberries
to develop a “super” memory. Cranberries are loaded with brain-boosting polyphenols
and anthocyanins, both of which help ward off dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Plus, they have ursolic acid, which improves memory and learning by neutralizing
harmful toxins in and around the brain.
And one last tip: If someone close to has had a stroke and memory loss
(as a result of the stroke), feed him or her fresh cranberries.
Helpful Tip:
If you have the discount store Aldi or Trader Joe’s in your city or town, head there
and pickup a few bags of fresh cranberries. Bring them home and toss into
the freezer until ready to use.

c) Orange Peels-
For years we’ve heard about the benefits of eating oranges, but if you’re really
concerned about your health, grate some of the peel (into a smoothie or bowl
of yogurt) for even more health benefits. And those benefits are lower cholesterol
levels and lower rates of skin cancer. (It’s natural sunscreen).
Orange peels contain compounds that some researchers say work better than
doctor-prescribed cholesterol lowering drugs. And the peel is also loaded
with polyphenols that work just like sunscreen to protect you from ever getting
skin cancer.

d) Allspice-
Not as popular as its cousins (cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger) but it is just as
effective at improving your health in some ways and if stomachaches are
your problem, then add some allspice to baked goods, teas, or morning
bowls of hot cereals. Allspice boasts anti-inflammatory and gas-busting compounds
that relieve (and help prevent) heartburn, indigestion and cramping.
And one more benefit: One of the active ingredients in it, eugenol, is considered a
natural antibiotic that can help you get rid of about 90% of foodborne bacteria,
including E coli and salmonella, before they can make you sick.

e) Black Currants-
If your hair is thinning due to age, hereditary, stress or diet, try the mincemeat ingredient
known as black currants. Black currants contain polyphenols and hair-enhancing antioxidants
Look for black currants at high-end supermarkets (Whole Foods) or go to a store that sells
only produce. Use the fruits to liven up a smoothie, a bowl of hot cereal, a mincemeat pie
or snack on them just like you would a bowl of raisins.
Also helpful: Look for black currant oil in capsules online at Walmart.com or Amazon.com
and rub it on your hair at night.

Now, that you know the ingredients in a mincemeat pie, here’s a recipe to get you started on
your path toward incredible health.

Mincemeat Pie Filling!
Ingredients:
4 Diced Apples (leave the peel on)
Apples to try-Fuji or Golden Delicious
2 cups of apple juice (read the label for sugar amount)
1 tsp. of allspice
1 cup (each) of black currants and fresh cranberries
1/4 cup of brown sugar (light)
Juice and zest from 1 orange
A tiny bit of rum, sherry or Brandy, (optional)

To make:
Place all of the ingredients into a saucepan and simmer on low for
10 to 15 mins. Add more juice if it gets too low. Then, if desired, stir in a small
amount of alcohol. Remove from heat, let cool and then pour into a prepared pie shell.
(and bake as usual-20 to 30 minutes at 350*F)
You can also use this and add it to a bowl of hot millet or oatmeal, a filling for tarts,
or as a topping for Ice cream, pancakes, waffles or gluten-free French toast.

That’s your grocery store list for today, and here’s to better health.

Good Luck, Good Eating and Good Health.

Sources:
* Dartmouth University, Research Dept.
* The British Journal of Nutrition
* The Journal of Food Chemistry
* Taste of Home Magazine
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