October 9, 2007
Hello,
This is Eleanor. After reading through my own research, I have decided to nickname Thorough Bread as the "Miracle Bread."
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I would like to thank all those who purchased a loaf of perhaps the most nutritious bread. And so happy that a large number are now placing orders regularly and reaping the fantastic benefits of Thorough Bread, thus, incorporating it as a way of life.
I would like to give special thanks to two extraordinary young women from de la salle college, Alex and Sam, who up to this day continue to help me spread the goodness and benefits of this bread. They received a loaf as a gift and realized its nutritious benefits immediately. Soon after, Alex and Sam had spread the word at the Quezon City gym where they work out daily.
Like many good things that has come into my life, I was suddenly seated beside the beautiful, energetic and renowned writer Ms. JackieLou Blanco who has requested for an interview. Her article on Thorough Bread has impacted subscribers far and wide. Orders have been overwhelming and Thorough Bread is presently gaining momentum on its own merits.
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Many have read Jackielou's article and either text or e mailed for inquiries but have not had a chance to actually purchased a loaf. Nevertheless, the information I have researched on is for everyone in pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. Read on in the hopes that I have been able to share valuable information on the innumerable benefits of Thorough Bread. I have prepared a thorough research on every ingredient used in the hopes of being truly informative and educational. I realize that most of us lead busy lives so read in segments when you have a few minutes.
Many diabetics have called inquiring on the bread. Please read the report for it contains many information on the numerous benefits for people with diabetes.
Thorough Bread has many advantages over white flour because of the nutritious ingredients I have chosen to use. As to the fruits used on Inventor's Own (which contains 4-5 bananas depending on the size), or dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, dates, prunes, diabetics are allowed 3 small portions of fruits a day. Considering that a loaf of bread weighs about 3.0 lbs and eaten minimally because of its density, the amount of fruit consumed is negligible. Except for Inventor's Own which contains more molasses, maple and honey and a couple of tablespoons of brown sugar, all other recipes only have one tablespoon of each and no sugar added. Splenda can be substituted and is called Indulgence in the price list. (Note: In order for bread to rise properly, the right combination of sugar and a miniscule amount of salt is needed to make the yeast rise effectively. So, when splenda is substituted, a loaf will not be as large.
Munchen,which was originally formulated for myself is the most dense of recipes. It contains triple the flaxseed meals, bulgar cracked wheat, psyllium husks, sesame seeds, bran and oats. Perhaps because of its density or price (680/loaf), it is not as popular as the rest of the pack, although gaining popularity with serious health buffs who understands its nutritional benefits. This recipe appears much smaller in size since the weight of the ingredients make it difficult to rise. (Most of us have paid over 1000 pesos for a piece of cake that is loaded with sugar).
We should start to practice awareness whenever we purchase foods for ourselves and loved ones. Take time to read the ingredients contained in the food. As parents and responsible adults, we must educate our children adapt to healthy eating habits. This is accomplished through feeding them the right foods and educating them of their benefits. For we all know too well that bad habits grow up with us and for most, it is difficult or impossible to get rid of. Sadly, many of us tend to cheat ourselves knowingly by eating foods that are not good for us. We should all try to make bigger efforts to think before we choose those few seconds of satisfying our palettes with food filled with sugar, additives, chemicals, coloring and many others which terms we are unable to pronounce or care to research on.
Although most of the ingredients are listed in the attachment, many terms have not been expounded on for a thorough understanding of what you are actually benefiting when purchasing a loaf of Thorough Bread.
I hope to enlighten many of you as you read the information below:
Bananas
Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose - combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proved that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.A banana can help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must for our daily diet.
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND among people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood (PMS).High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
his unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronic ulcer cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
Bananas can help SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer, tryptophan.
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be re-balanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine", eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%".
Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape.
A banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around.
Bran
Bran (unprocessed) is the course outer portion of the wheat or rye grains that is separated from flour by sifting or bolting. It is often added to bread in small quantities for nutritional enrichment, heartiness and flavor. It is also used to enhance bread texture.
Bran is one of the richest sources of dietary fiber. It is the indigestible outer husk of wheat, rice, oats and other cereal grains. At one time most bran was thrown out when grains were milled. Until the 1960’s when scientist published several reports which stated that bran and other types of fiber could prevent heart attacks, intestinal disorders, and cancers of the breast, colon, prostate and uterus. They developed these reports by studying rural Africans. These studies showed that diseases were rare among these people due to the large consumption of whole grains. Because of these reports and huge media attention, in the 1970’s bran became the fad. Huge amounts of bran were being added to everything. Bran was being added to bread, cereals, muffins, meat loaf and even baked apples.
Since this time researchers have learned more and more about the health benefits and hazards of using raw bran. They also have discovered that various types of bran have different properties and different functions. Researchers have studied wheat bran and determined that it is mostly insoluble, although it absorbs large amounts of water. When it is used in moderation, fibers help prevent constipation. But when used in excessive amounts can cause bloating and intestinal gas.
Wheat bran when used properly in a high-fiber diet can help prevent intestinal disorders, also because it helps prevent constipation; bran may also benefit people suffering from hemorrhoids. Oat bran is another valuable source of bran. Oat bran is loaded with soluble fiber, which is sticky and combines with water to form a thick gel. Researchers have reported that oat bran helps reduce blood cholesterol levels. It also improves the glucose metabolism for people with diabetes. This helps in reducing the need for insulin and other medications.
Researchers have also reported that rice bran also reduces cholesterol level. They are not sure if the benefit comes from the fiber in the bran or from the oil that is in the rice. All types of bran, as well as other high-fiber foods, play an important role in weight control by promoting a feeling of fullness without overeating. This may explain why people whose diets are high in fiber are lower at risk for obesity-related cancers and heart attacks.
When the reports about the benefits of bran were first published, people did not use common sense and used bran in excess amounts. People started adding three, four, and even more tablespoons of ran bran to their daily diets. Researchers quickly discovered that this caused aggravation to the bowels, which produced the inflammatory bowel disease. This is a condition in which the colon is inflamed and is inflicted with small ulcers. Also, the acid in raw bran enables the body’s absorption of calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and other important minerals. There have been several reports of severe bowel obstruction in people who have consumed large amount of bran. Researchers have decided that instead of taking raw bran, eat whole grain breads, cereals and other products that contain bran. These foods taste a lot better than raw bran and are more nutritionally beneficial.
Cranberries
Cranberries contain bacteria looking compounds that are believed to be helpful in preventing urinary tract infections, and scientists now think this same function may be useful in blocking the bacteria responsible for ulcers and certain oral bacteria that can lead to gum disease. Current research indicates that approximately 10 ounces of cranberry juice is needed daily to achieve the bacteria blocking benefits that ward off UTIs, ulcers and gum disease.
Cranberries contain no cholesterol and virtually no fat and are low in sodium.
Dates
Dates back more than 5,000 years and believed to be the first condiments as well as the first plants to be used as edible oil.
At 24 calories per date, they are virtually fat, cholesterol and sodium free. This very low calorie count and the vast amount of healthy substances make the dates the best nutrition for a diet plan menu. Eating dates can help you achieve the recommended goal for fruit servings each day. A single serving equals five to six delicious dates or 1/4 cup of chopped dates. They are high in fiber, carbohydrates, potassium, vitamins A1, B2, B3, B5 and contains more than 20 different amino acids.
These acids help you digest and assimilate carbohydrates easier and control blood sugar levels and fatty acid contents in your body. Selenium lowers the risk of cancer and heart diseases plus help to keep your immune system healthy. Since potassium is not stored in the body, and much is lost in perspiration, it must be replenished. As you consume potassium, you excrete sodium, helping to keep blood pressure down. As people age, their kidneys become less efficient at eliminating sodium. About a 400 mg increase in potassium intake has been associated with a 40% reduction in the risk of stroke. This roughly amounts to one additional serving daily.
Eating dates and drinking water is an ideal, natural way to replenish potassium. A serving of dates contain 240 milligrams of potassium or 70% of the recommended daily value. Bite for bite, they have three times the amount of potassium as bananas.
Dates also contain a variety of B-complex vitamins - thiamin, roboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6. These vitamins help metabolize carbohydrates and maintain high glucose levels, fatty acids for energy and white blood cells. Magnesium is essential for healthy bone development and for energy metabolism. Iron is essential to red cell production. Red cells carry all the nutrients to cells all throughout the body. One serving of dates contain nearly a third of the recommended dietary allowance for iron.
Flaxseed
Flaxseeds lower cholesterol, protect against heart disease and control high blood pressure. Several studies indicate that flaxseed oil, as well as ground flaxseeds, can lower cholesterol, thereby significantly reducing the risk of heart disease. Flaxseed oil may also have a protective effect against angina (chest pain) and high blood pressure. In addition, a 5-year study done recently at Boston's Simmons College found that flaxseed oil may be useful in preventing a 2nd heart attack. It may also help prevent elevated blood pressure by inhibiting inflammatory reactions that cause poor circulation and artery-hardening plaque.
Flaxseeds also Counter inflammation associated with lupus and gout. Omega-3 fatty acids appear to limit the inflammatory reaction associated with these conditions. In cases of lupus, flaxseeds not only reduces inflammation in the joints, kidneys and skin, but also lowers cholesterol levels that may be elevated by the disease. Taking flaxseeds for gout may lessen the often sudden and severe joint pain or swelling that is a symptom of this condition.
Flaxseeds control constipation, hemorrhoids,and diverticular disorders. Because they are high in soluble fiber, ground flaxseeds can help ease the passage of stools and thus relieve constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticular disease.
Flaxseeds reduce cancer risk. The lignans in flaxseed appear to play a role in protecting against breast, colon, prostate, and perhaps skin cancer. In one study, prostate cancer patients who added about 3 heaping tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily to their diet, had more slowly-dividing tumor cells and a greater rate of tumor cell death than men who did not follow such a diet, after about 5 weeks.
The researchers found no significant difference in levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), a protein in the blood which indicates prostate cancer progression, between the 2 groups - although men in the early stages of the disease experienced a trend toward lower levels.
Gluten
Gluten is manufactured from wheat flour that has been treated to remove nearly all of the starch, which leaves a very high protein content. Gluten is the protein in the wheat that makes the dough elastic and is used in small portions with dense, low-gluten flours (such as whole wheat) to increase volume and lighten texture.
Honey
Honey is helpful for healthy individuals and those with high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.
In a series of experiments involving healthy subjects and those with either high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes, honey has proved itself the healthiest sweetener.
For 15 days, 8 healthy subjects, 6 patients with high cholesterol, 5 patients with high cholesterol and high C-reactive protein (a risk factor for cardiovascular disease), and 7 patients with type 2 diabetes were given solutions containing comparable amounts of sugar, artificial honey or natural honey.
In healthy subjects, while sugar and artificial honey had either negative or very small beneficial effects, natural honey reduced total cholesterol 7%, triglycerides 2%, C-reactive protein 7%, homocysteine 6% and blood sugar 6%, and increased HDL (good) cholesterol 2%. (Like C-reactive protein, homocysteine is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.)
In patients with high cholesterol, artificial honey increased LDL (bad) cholesterol, while natural honey decreased total cholesterol 8%, LDL cholesterol 11%, and C-reactive protein 75%.
And in patients with type 2 diabetes, natural honey caused a significantly lower rise in blood sugar than either dextrose or sucrose (refined sugars). So, enjoy a little honey in your morning coffee, lunch time yogurt or afternoon cup of green tea. Looks like a daily spoonful of honey may help your need for medicine go down.
Although our food ranking system did not qualify honey as a dense source of traditional nutrients, it did emerge as a source of vitamin B2, vitamin B6, iron and manganese.
Molasses
Thorough Bread uses only black strap unsulphured molasses in every loaf.
Molasses is made from sugar cane, sugar beet, and citrus. It is most commonly made from sugar cane.
There are three major types of sugar cane molasses: unsulphured, sulphured and blackstrap. There are also three major grades of cane molasses: first molasses, second molasses, and blackstrap molasses.
When sugar cane is harvested, the leaves are stripped, the juice extracted by crushing or mashing, and then boiled and processed to extract the sugar. The results of the first boiling and processing is first molasses – this has the highest sugar content. The results of the second boiling is second molasses. Second molasses is darker in color and has a slightly bitter taste. Black strap molasses is from the third boiling.
Unsulphured molasses is the finest quality first molasses and is made from the juice of sun-ripened cane and the juice is clarified and concentrated. Sulphured molasses is made from green sugar cane that has not matured long enough and is treated with sulphur fumes during the sugar extracting process.
There are a number of different types and sources of molasses and some have already had the maximum amount of sugar removed and will therefore not be sweet. There are two main types of organic molasses: HTM (High Test Mollases) and Black Strap Molasses.
Organic Blackstrap molasses has a rich, full bodied flavor that adds natural color to food. It is the end product, or by-product, of the production of sugar and contains vitamins, minerals and trace elements naturally found in the sugar cane plant and is a good source of iron, vitamin B6, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Because it is an end-product all the ingredients, residues, and toxins in the plant can be concentrated in the molasses. For this reason it is important to purchase organic molasses.
For use as a sweetener, HTM molasses is recommended because blackstrap has a bitter taste.
Molasses is an excellent chelating agent. An object with iron rust placed for two weeks in a mixture of one part molasses to nine parts water will lose its rust due to the chelating action of the molasses.
Oatmeal
Comes from coarsely ground white or yellow corn and from rolled or steel-cut oats. They are used primarily to enhance the flavor and texture of the bread.
Oat bran is the outer casing of the oat. Its consumption is believed to lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and possibly to reduce the risk of heart disease.
After reports found that oats can help lower cholesterol, an "oat bran craze" swept the U.S. in the late 1980s, peaking in 1989, when potato chips with added oat bran were marketed. The food fad was short-lived and faded by the early 1990s. The popularity of oatmeal and other oat products again increased after the January 1998 decision by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) when it issued its final rule allowing a health claim to be made on the labels of foods containing soluble fiber from whole oats (oat bran, oat flour and rolled oats), noting that 3 grams of soluble fiber daily from these foods, in conjunction with a diet low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and fat may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Onions (Satin Bulb contains 5 hearty red onions)
Onions were cultivated in chinese gardens 5000 years ago and recorded as one of the earliest cultivated crops. It prevents thirst, is good for digestion, good for the heart, cure vision, joints, prevents hair loss, alleviate headaches, induces sleep, heal mouth sores, dog and snake bites, toothaches, dysentry and lumbago. Ancient Egyptians believed that their strong antiseptic qualities and strong scent and magical powers would prompt the dead to breathe again and the greeks used it to fortify athletes for the olympic games. They were also used as rent payments and wedding gifts.
Prunes
Prunes are dried plums which are specially grown for this purpose. Prunes are rich in iron and potassium. They are high in fiber and contain modest amounts of vitamin A, vitamin B3 and vitamin B6. Prunes are a valuable food for anyone suffering from high blood pressure and make an ideal laxative.
The high levels of fiber in prunes and the resulting laxative effects are well documented but the humble prune is also packed full of essential minerals and antioxidants. Prunes are particularly beneficial to the skin both in terms of preventing aging and general healthiness. However, the real beauty of prunes are that they are virtually fat free so you can eat as many of them as you like.
The fresh version (plums) and the dried version (prunes) of the plant scientifically known as Prunus domestica have been the subject of repeated health research for their high content of unique phytonutrients called neochlorogenic and chlorogenic acid. These substances found in prunes and plums are classified as phenols, and their function as antioxidants has been well documented. These damage-preventing substances are particularly effective in neutralizing a particularly dangerous oxygen radical called superoxide anion radical, and they have also been shown to help prevent oxygen-based damage to fats. Since our cell membranes, brain cells and molecules such as cholesterol are largely composed of fats, preventing free radical damage to fats is no small benefit.
Prunes' ability to deter oxygen-related damage to our cells is also related to their beta-carotene content. Prunes emerged from our food ranking system as a good source of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene)-just a quarter-cup of prunes will give you 16.9% of the daily value for vitamin A. Beta-carotene acts as a fat-soluble antioxidant, eliminating free radicals that would otherwise cause a lot of damage to our cells and cell membranes. Only after cholesterol has been oxidized by free radicals does it pose a threat to artery walls. The build-up of cholesterol in the artery walls forms plaques that can either grow so large they block blood flow or rupture, releasing a clot that can impede the flow of blood, and triggering a heart attack or stroke. Free radicals can also damage cellular DNA, causing mutations which, if serious enough, can result in the formation of cancerous cells. In addition, by causing damage, free radicals contribute to inflammation, which is one way the body clears out cells or other substances that have been damaged. In this way, free radicals increase the severity of a number of different conditions. This is why beta-carotene, which shuts down free radicals, has been shown in studies to be helpful for the prevention of a variety of diseases, including atherosclerosis, diabetic heart disease, and colon cancer, and why it has also been found useful for reducing the severity of inflammatory conditions like asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Prunes are a good source of potassium, providing 9.0% of the daily value for this mineral in a quarter-cup. Potassium is an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function. Since a quarter cup of prunes contains a whopping 316.6 mg of potassium and only 1.7 mg of sodium, those diced dried prunes on top of your breakfast cereal may help to prevent high blood pressure and protect against atherosclerosis.
The effectiveness of potassium-rich foods like prunes in lowering blood pressure has been demonstrated by a number of studies. For example, researchers tracked over 40,000 American male health professionals over four years to determine the effects of diet on blood pressure. Men who ate diets higher in potassium-rich foods, as well as foods high in magnesium and cereal fiber, had a substantially reduced risk of stroke.
In addition to these cardiovascular benefits, the potassium found in prunes may also help to promote bone health. Potassium may counteract the increased urinary calcium loss caused by the high-salt diets typical of most Americans, thus helping to prevent bones from thinning out at a fast rate.
Prunes are widely known as a good source of dietary fiber, a reputation that was confirmed in our ranking system in which prunes were found to supply 12.1% of the daily value for fiber in just a quarter-cup. The health benefits provided by prunes' fiber are substantial:
Prunes' soluble fiber helps normalize blood sugar levels by slowing the rate at which food leaves the stomach and by delaying the absorption of glucose (the form in which sugar is transported in the blood) following a meal. Soluble fiber also increases insulin sensitivity and can therefore play a helpful role in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. And, prunes' soluble fiber promotes a sense of satisfied fullness after a meal by slowing the rate at which food leaves the stomach, so prunes can also help prevent overeating and weight gain.
Prunes are well known for their ability to prevent constipation. In addition to providing bulk and decreasing the transit time of fecal matter, thus decreasing the risk of colon cancer and hemorrhoids, prunes' insoluble fiber also provides food for the "friendly" bacteria in the large intestine. When these helpful bacteria ferment prunes' insoluble fiber, they produce a short-chain fatty acid called butyric acid, which serves as the primary fuel for the cells of the large intestine and helps maintain a healthy colon. These helpful bacteria also create two other short-chain fatty acids, propionic and acetic acid, which are used as fuel by the cells of the liver and muscles.
The propionic acid produced from prunes' insoluble fiber may also be partly responsible for the cholesterol-lowering properties of fiber. By lowering the activity of this enzyme, propionic acid helps lower blood cholesterol levels.
In addition, prunes' soluble fibers help to lower cholesterol by binding to bile acids and removing them from the body via the feces. Bile acids are compounds used to digest fat that are manufactured by the liver from cholesterol. When they are excreted along with prunes' fiber, the liver must manufacture new bile acids and uses up more cholesterol, thus lowering the amount of cholesterol in circulation. Soluble fiber may also reduce the amount of cholesterol manufactured by the liver.
A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine confirms that eating high fiber foods, such as prunes, helps prevent heart disease. Almost 10,000 American adults participated in this study and were followed for 19 years. People eating the most fiber, 21 grams per day, had 12% less coronary heart disease (CHD) and 11% less cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to those eating the least, 5 grams daily. Those eating the most water-soluble dietary fiber fared even better with a 15% reduction in risk of CHD and a 10% risk reduction in CVD.
Lastly, the insoluble fiber provided by prunes feed friendly bacteria in the digestive tract, which helps to maintain larger populations of friendly bacteria. In addition to producing the helpful short-chain fatty acids described above, friendly bacteria play an important protective role by crowding out pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria and preventing them from surviving in the intestinal tract.
The ability of plum and prune to increase absorption of iron into the body has also been documented in published research. The ability of plum and prune to make iron more available may be related to the vitamin C content of this fruit.
Psyllium Husk
Psyllium Husk is basically fiber as it is essentially made up of complex carbohydrates and is extracted from psyllium, a plant. It's the coating around the seed of the psyllium plant, so it's completely natural.
Psyllium seeds are used for other ailments. Psyllium husks are taken and inserted inside capsules, so that they can taken as supplements. Or they can be converted into powder.
Psyllium is important for many reasons. Since it contains carbohydrates, it can help diarrhea. It can also help ease the pain of hemorrhoids and cystitis.
Psyllium Husks have anti-inflammatory properties, and can be beneficial for those with diabetes. In some studies, it has been shown that Psyllium Husk can improve lipid control in Type 2 diabetes. It also:
- aid in weight loss control
- maintains healthy cholesterol levels
- maintains healthy blood pressure levels
- treat IBS, and hemorrhoids.
- treat yeast infections.
- it pushes out mucoid plaque.
Its main benefit, however is in preventing constipation and promoting colon health. The natural fiber in psyllium increases the weight of our bowels, and acts as a safe laxative. In fact, psyllium husk is present in many over the counter laxatives.
RAISINS
The health and nutritional benefits of sun-dried raisins range from the classic nutrients — such as natural sugars and potassium — to newly discovered antioxidant factors, factors which have found an important place in medicine and nutrition only in the last twenty years.
The natural sugars of raisins are a great source of energy and comes packaged together with fiber and other nutrients.
Many studies have shown the importance of diets with an adequate intake of potassium to help maintain normal blood pressure. Since raisins are high in potassium and low in sodium this makes them an ideal part of a heart healthy diet.
The fiber in raisins, combined with other food from plants high in fiber, helps to regulate intestinal function and proper elimination. Raisins like grapes are one of the few fruits that contain a reasonable level of tartaric acid that works together with fiber to help proper elimination and help keep the colon healthy.
The phenolic compounds in raisins are powerful, protective antioxidants. These compounds are one of the reasons why fruits and vegetables are considered protective against heart disease and cancer, including quercetin, a powerful antioxidant.
Raisins have been successfully used as part of diets to lower blood cholesterol and prevent its damaging oxidation.
Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds are a good source of magnesium and copper, calcium, phosphorous, Vitamin B1, zinc and dietary fiber. In addition to these important nutrients, sesame seeds contain two very important substances: sesamin and sesamolin. Both of these substances belong to a group of special beneficial fibers called lignans (derived from plants and studies show that it may reduce the risk breast cancer) and has shown to have cholesterol lowering effect and to prevent high blood pressure. Sesamin has also been found to protect the liver from oxidative damage.
WALNUTS
Walnuts are the only nut that contain a significant amount of heart - healthy, omega-3 fatty acids, 2.6 grams per ounce, almost 9 times more than the next closest nut.
Walnuts are also known for their high antioxidant activity. Antioxidants help offset the effects of oxidation, a process that is constantly occurring in the body. The human body is equipped to deal with a certain level of oxidation. Naturally occurring antioxidant enzymes work to protect our cells and our DNA from oxidative damage. Oxidative stress occurs when the body’s natural defenses can’t keep up with oxidative damage. Daily events like breathing, eating, being exposed to cigarette smoke or pollution, and over-exposure to sunlight can all create oxidative stress. Some researchers believe that oxidative stress may contribute to cancer risk. One way to possible combat oxidative stress is to eat more antioxidant-rich foods, like walnuts.
Whole Wheat Flour
Whole wheat flour is milled from the entire wheat kernel, which contains the bran and germ. The high fiber flour is richer in nutrients than the all-purpose or bread flour. Breads made from whole wheat are usually smaller and heavier than white loaves. Thorough Bread is baked exclusively using whole wheat flour and unbleached white flour which is also known as red wheat.
Wheat flour is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates. Other than gluten flour, all types of wheat flour derive at least 80 percent of their calories from carbohydrates. Depending on the flour type, the percent of calories from protein ranges from 9 to 15 percent, except from gluten, which has 45 percent protein content. Calories from fat are never more than 5 percent.
In addition, wheat flour provides from 3g (cake flour) to 15g (whole-wheat flour) of dietary fiber per 1-cup serving. Wheat flour contains B-vitamins, calcium, folacin, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, minimal amounts of sodium and other trace.
Research featured as a cover article in the October 2006 issue of Diabetes Care highlighted the beneficial effect of a high-fiber/carbohydrate-rich meal for people with metabolic syndrome, a risk-factor for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The study was led by University of Virginia researchers Glenn A. Gaesser and David Brock and commissioned by the Wheat Foods Council.
The study, which looked at 12 patients with metabolic syndrome, found that a meal comprised of high-fiber/carbohydrate-rich foods, including grains, may provide an immediate measure of protection against cardiovascular disease. At the same time, a single high-fat/low-carbohydrate meal negatively affected blood vessel health in the short term. Persons with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and other diseases related to plaque build-up in their arteries, as well as type 2 diabetes. The American Heart Association estimates that more than 50 million Americans have metabolic syndrome.
On separate days and in randomized fashion, Gaesser’s subjects consumed either a high-fat/low-carbohydrate or high-fiber/carbohydrate-rich meal, representing 15 percent and 70 percent of total calories, respectively. The high-fiber/carbohydrate-rich meal contained 19 grams of fiber (from wheat bran cereal and whole wheat bread); the high-fat/low-carbohydrate meal contained less than 1 gram of fiber. Using a high-resolution ultrasound technique, changes in brachial artery dilation in response to an increase in blood flow — an excellent barometer of blood vessel health — were measured before and after consuming the meal.
The high-fiber/carbohydrate-rich meal significantly improved vascular dilation capability. By contrast, the high-fat/low-carbohydrate meal significantly impaired the artery’s ability to dilate. These results indicate that meals high in fiber and carbohydrates can acutely improve blood vessel health in persons with metabolic syndrome, possibly helping to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Wheat has a very coarse texture and comes from wheat kernels cut into angular fragments. It gives whole grain breads a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
"Proper Storage for the Bread"
Proper storage of the bread will help keep moisture and retain freshness for as long as three weeks. Slice the loaf in two equal parts. Re-pack each half in plastic bags and brown paper and seal tightly with rubber bands. Better still, after proper packing as instructed, store in a vacuum tight plastic container.
Slice singly only when ready to eat. (Slice by using a bread knife or bread will crumble).
Ways to Eat the Bread:
Toast Lightly or Microwave for 5-6 seconds
I Prefer to Eat "Inventor's Own" Straight Out of the Refrigerator
Most Breads Are Eaten Alone; You Can Try Any of The Following to Suite Your Taste Buds
With Butter, Butter and Jam for Nutty Fruitloops Combinations or Plain Power Play or Indulgence Power Play
or my favorite on Nutty Fruitloops Combinations is
Top a Slice with Honey and a Thick Slice of Parmesan Cheese (I am in Heaven)
Inventors Own Is Best Eaten on its Own
Brown paper or brown paper bags are great alternatives to store/freeze food/meat in the fridge and freezer.
Testimonials
"Hey Eleanor, my sister and I bought bread from your store last night and we finished an entire loaf in one seating. We loved it! (Mej del Rosario)
"Finally, a non-commercialized true and real healthy option we can savor! Personally, everything came out as I expected it, the reviews, and the literature were a perfect description! As so, am very satisfied and cant wait to dessiminate your product to health conscious crazy family , relatives and friends which are a lot!" (Steve Chan)
"My sincere praises indeed for a note worthy effort! Keep it up! Will be in touch!" (Steve Chan)
"Inventor's Own Simply Divine." (Lloni Bosano)
"Eleanor, I am so glad your plain loaf is more moist." (Alex) - I have a new delicious revised recipe that is a must try! And a substitute for your daily commercial white or wheat bread.
"Our topic for today was breakeven so she (the professor) started talking about Thorough Bread as an example because we gave her a half loaf last month. The whole class was so interested that it kind of ended up as a question and answer lecture about the bread itself! haha! Our professor was even encouraging us to inform our classmates about it!" (Sam, a student of the La Salle College)
"My mom love the fruitloops and our professor awhile ago in school made Thorough Bread as an example for our discussion." (Sam)
!Just ate it plain (Power Play Plain). It tastes really good! But i think it would be great with scrambled eggs!" (Alex)
"You know, I am on a weight loss program and I have been eating your bread for breakfast, lunch, pm snack, dinner and midnight snack for 2 weeks now. I have lost 4 pounds in a week and a half." (Candice)
"It was a pleasure meeting the creator of such a wonderful bread! All the best!" (Bill)
"Hi Ms. Eleanor. I had been sharing your bread with my health conscious friends and they loved it. Am glad to hear from you." (Carol)
"But it also tastes so good!" (Bill)
"My God! What you have is a cure for all in 1" (My father)
"I normally toast the bread and it's even more yummy and tastier." (Candice)
"Oh! Soo yummy! I'll have to lock my ref later so I won't eat too much (kidding) Hahaha! It's that good! (Alex)
"I am so excited and looking forward to lunchtime so i can eat my bread." (Sam)
"Eleanor! Munchen is really great! What's the brown thing? Is there lotus flower in the bread?" (Alex)
"I am excited to get my Munchen as well." (Alex)
"I totally understand and am totally sold! I told Alex though you should come out with smaller loaves so its more affordable, more accessible to more people, especially this Christmas. And more informative product tags or literature. There are several clubs, gyms, wellness centers in the metropolis you may tie up with. There are a lot of like-minded people out there who would love your bread if they had access to it."m (Tina)
"Omg! I forgot to bring bread for my merienda! FIRST TIME I ATE WHITE BREAD IN 3 YRS! IT SUCKS!" (Alex)
"I am glad many have ordered. Thank you for allowing me to write about it." (Jackielou)
"Hi. This is Monica. We are still figuring out our lists but I will definitely keep your bread on the top of my list for food giveaway. It's the tastiest bread we've ever had!" (Monica)
"I'm so happy a lot of people are enjoying your healthy and nutritious bread." (Arlene)
"It's great bread tlg kse." (Arlene)
"Hi Eleanor. Your bread is a hit in the office." (Arlene)
“Eleanor, the girl who bought the last loaf (Inventor’s Own) last night was a close friend of mine. We were talking about great diet styles when she referred your bread. She claims one slice of the loaf keeps her full for the whole day. So I bought myself one.” (Andrew)
Caution: On those who talked about losing weight simply means eating a slice for breakfast or a small piece for snacks will keep hunger at bay, thus eliminating the need to binge on unhealthy food. But remember that eating too much of it will also contribute to weight gain since it is still carbs. Try to eat plenty of fruits and drink plenty of water daily.
I hope to reach many more out there so that they too may benefit from all the goodness contained in a single loaf of Thorough Bread.
Due to the overwhelming orders, a schedule for pick up is in place.
FOR ORDERS PLACED BEFORE 12 NOON, PICK UP IS FOR 5PM AND THEREAFTER DAILY AT THE PLEASURE PLACE, METROWALK COMMERCIAL PLACE, GROUND FLOOR, BESIDE HBC, MERALCO AVENUE, PASIG CITY.
FOR ORDERS PLACED AFTER 12 NOON, ORDERS CAN BE PICKED UP THE FOLLOWING DAY AT 5PM OR THEREAFTER AT THE PLEASURE PLACE.
RESERVATIONS WILL BE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS SINCE PRODUCTION IS LIMITED AT THIS TIME
***Smaller loaves will probably be out sometime next year . For now, we can split the loaves and package in the same fashion.
For those of you who are interested in giving a loaf of Thorough Bread as a "gift of health", please place your reservations early.
Block Out Dates for Christmas:
December 2, 3, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20
