Miso soup and anti-aging substances

It’s snowing and cold outside today..
Not that I'm complaining.. it's the 1st day we've had to shovel.. and there wee only a couple inches.
Here is a recipe for a warm soup that I have been enjoying lately.. it's extremely simple once you have the ingredients. Cubes of tofu are generally traditionally added.. but I don't eat tofu & so exclude it.. if you like that, add some.

Miso Soup

Boil water. Let sit and cool a bit and then pour into a bowl.
Add 2t miso and stir to dissolve.
Add some chopped green onion, pieces of wakame and/or enoki mushrooms.
Enjoy.

There is a list of anti-aging substances (herbs, minerals, amino acids) in the book, You’re Never Too Old.. to Become Young by David Camros and Dr. Shawn Miller.

They are:

Acidophilus (lactobacillus acidophilus)
- Friendly bacteria which helps to keep the unfriendly bacteria in check.
- Converts lactose (milk sugar) into lactic acid.
- Helps maintain health of the digestive tract.

Aloe
- Healing – has antibacterial, anesthetic and tissue restorative properties.

Chamomile
– Tonic, anti-inflammatory, vermifuge and antibacterial.
– Immune stimulator
– Heals ulcers, upset stomach and headaches.
– Relieves arthritic and rheumatic inflammation.
– Relieves menstrual cramps and kills vaginal yeast.
– Large amounts (over 3c daily) may cause nausea and vomiting.

Chromium Picolinate
- Chromium is an essential trace mineral, which metabolizes glucose- removes excess sugar from the blood after eating.

Co-Enzyme Q10 (ubiquinone)
- Is part of the energy chain in your cells.
- Is an antioxidant in lipoprotein tissue (lipoprotein is the last L in CDL and HDL cholesterol)
- Improves heart function, is used to treat heart conditions and may lower high blood pressure.
- Used to treat immune deficiency disorders, enhances the immune system.
- Enhances athletic performance
- Good for stabilizing weight and for diabetes.
- Involved in manufacture of ATP (adrenotriphosphate) –the energy component of all bodily processes.

Echinacea
- Stimulates phagocytosis (in which cells destroy invading bacteria and viruses)
- Increases mobility of leukocytes and other white blood cells, important for our bodies defense system.
- Immune stimulant.
- Blood purifier and tonic.
- Good for infections.
- Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory for arthritic conditions.

Enzymes
- Catalysts of the body, makes metabolism possible. They are responsible for every function of the body. ‘during every moment of our lives, over 300 different enzymes are constantly renewing and changing, often at unbelievable speed’
- Different enzymes break down different substances (ie. Lipase breaks down fats, protease breaks down proteins etc)
- Enzyme shortages lead to imbalances. (ie. A lactose intolerance is a lack of lactase which breaks down lactose)
- Poor digestion is one of the 1st signs of an enzyme deficiency.

Evening Primrose Oil
- EFA’s, reduces inflammation, useful for PMS.

Garlic
- Antibacterial, anti inflammatory.
- Reduces blood cholesterol, good for cardiovascular health.
- Decongestant and expectorant.
- Lowers blood pressure.
- Contains several antioxidants.

Ginko Biloba
- Free radical scavenger
- Improves blood flow and increases oxygen metabolism, esp in brain.
- Good for; poor circulation, short term memory loss, headaches, tinnitus.
- Used to treat deafness, impotence, stroke, heart disease, aging, asthsma, vertigo, high blood pressure, allergies.
- Side effects may include: nausea, irritability, diarreah, vomiting, restlessness.

Ginseng
- Stimulant, sedative, mild laxative, diaphoretic, tonic.
- Used for many reasons but used for a general tonic, is an adaptogen.
- Strengthens the immune system and bodily functions.
- Good for stamina, energy, adapting to mental, emotional and physical stress.
- Protects liver and heart health
- Regulates reproductive hormones.
- Normalizes cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
- Improves memory and learning.

Goldenseal
- Tonic, antiseptic, diuretic, laxative, soothes inflammations.
- Can be used on open sores and skin conditions

Grape Seed Extract

Hawthorn
- Improves circulation.
- Rich in flavonoids, anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins.
- good for cardiac conditions.

Lecithin
- Helps metabolize fat in thebody, aids in digestion and absorption of fats.
- Helps break up cholesterol deposits and pass it through arterial walls.
- Prevents formation of gallstones, purifies kidneys and cleanses liver.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Saw Palmetto
- Fatty acids and sterols.

Spirulina

St. Johns Wort
- Used to treat nervous disorders, anti viral conditions, inflammation, wound healing and depression.

Tea Tree Oil
- Antifungal, antiseptic.

Valerian
- Relaxant used for anxiety, nervousness, headaches, insomnia and intestinal cramps.
- Can reduce blood pressure.

Wheatgrass
- Powerful cleanser, as a result may cause nausea.
- Chlorophyll brings toxins from cells to blood stream. Contains 70% chlorophyll.
- Important blood builder.
- High in enzymes.
- Picks up 92of 102 minerals found in the soil and all the vitamins that have beenso far isolated.
- 1 oz wheatgrass = 2 lbs of vegetables.

pic of miso soup from Wikipedia