▪••  •  • ••  • •  • •  •••      September, 2016      ▪••  • ••  • •▪  ▪▪  ▪•••  •  •▪ ▪

          September was an exciting month for us -- it marked two special milestones in our life. Two milestones that would only be possible from the direction and commitment to the Lord: our first year anniversary and the purchase of our first home. Two first's that are incredibly important, to us, and to those around us watching. 
          Ever since we started our relationship, the children (particularly the girls) at CCH have watched and witnessed our relationship blossom from boyfriend-girlfriend, engaged, and finally to marriage. As we've mentioned before, marriage in Haiti is often an economical decision versus a sacred commitment to faithfulness. Marriages are often built on foundations of safety and security in Haiti, rather than a union built on mutual faithfulness and love. Infidelity, abuse, and lust run rampant throughout these shaky marriages (as they do in the U.S.) which is why it was important for us to conduct our relationship in front of the kids, to show them that a Christ-centered, faithful, and loving relationship truly exists. Reaching the mark of our first year was a milestone for us and continues to add to the example of what an enduring, loving, Christ-centered marriage looks like. As many of the kids at the CCH are becoming teenagers we've devoted a lot of time towards addressing relationships, sexuality, and searching for a spouse. At our Sunday evening youth groups we would talk about such topics. This is an area where prayer and living examples of Christ-honoring marriages are truly valuable. When teams come, we invite them to introduce themselves and identify their spouse (if they are present) and how long they've been married. We've had couples visit who have been married 40+ years -- what an example!  Please pray for the maturing children at the Center, that they would commit their heart and soul to the Lord, and in doing so search out a God-honoring spouse. 
          Meanwhile, if you've read our blog recently--you would have seen our most recent post about the house we recently bought. In short, we purchased a home to provide us with a home-base when we return to the U.S. after being in Haiti. We still plan on returning to Haiti, although our original return date has been pushed back to November. We will be in Haiti for approximately a month, returning for Christmas. Check out the blog for more details on the house! 

                                           

                                  GRAPES

The Queen of Fruit

     
     These round little berries (yes, they are a kind of berry) are among the most well-studied fruits within the realm of functional, food-based medicine.  They are therapeutic in a number of ways. Grapes come in many colors, including green, red, black, yellow, pink, and purple. "White" grapes are actually green. They are generally considered a low GI (glycemic index) food ranging between 43-53 for those who are concerned with blood sugar issues.  Studies also connect grape intake to better blood sugar balance, better insulin regulation, and increased insulin sensitivity.  Both the skin and seed contain a treasure of powerful antioxidant compounds that science has linked to vibrant quality of life and longevity. Nearly every imbalance, ailment, and pathology afflicting modern man, in fact, is a potential target for the various nutritive substances found in grapes.

          Many studies have shown its effectiveness at preventing and treating a wide range of age-related health conditions. Heart disease, Anti-Aging Marvel, Type-2 diabetes, cancer cardiovascular and cognitive decline.

Resveratrol in Grape Skins: An Anti-Aging Marvel

Anti-Aging:  Grape phytonutrients play a primary role in anti-aging properties especial our skin.  The best studied area regarding these anti-aging properties is the nutrient Resveratrol is a flavonoid with disinfecting properties.  Follow Genesis Health Blog and read more about this nutrient soon.

Grape seeds contain their own unique benefits that compliment Resveratrol.

1. Support Oral health
2. Improves Circulation - It effectively reduces the absorption of bad cholesterol (LDL) that obstructs the inflow of blood and increases the flood flow in a blood vessel with the ratio of good cholesterol (HDL).  This helps the increase the blood flow in a blood vessel and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. 
3. Normalizes blood sugar and helps prevent diabetes 
4. Reduces likelihood of hemorrhoids and varicose veins
5. Strengthen bones and improves bone formulation
6. Provides anti-cancer properties that help inhibit the growth of cancer cells such as in breast, stomach, colon, and leukemia.
7. Reduces risk of stroke by relaxation of blood vessels.
8. Boosts brain function and protects against cognitive conditions.  Fight memory loss and improve brain health with grapes. Our brain is hugely susceptible to the damaging effects of inflammation, free radicals and insulin resistance.   

Unfortunately,  grapes that actually contain seeds are becoming increasingly harder to find in the produce aisle as many people prefer seedless varieties. If you can find them, they are worth their weight in “gold”.  They say oil is “black gold”.  Well, Dark purple Grapes are “purple gold.”  Grape seeds are naturally rich in oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes (OPC), an antioxidant substance that is necessary for a strong metabolism.  These antioxidants have the ability to eradicate harmful free radicals from cells that can cause oxidative stress, leading to all kinds of chronic illnesses. So eating grapes is an excellent way to provide your body with the phytonutrients that can protect you.

All seeded or seedless, black or red grapes rule over white and green grapes when it comes to their levels of healthy nutrients.  The darker the grape is the stronger the nutrient. 

1. Carotene: High amounts of beta carotene
2. You can also find vitamins A
3. B-complex vitamins (such as pyridoxine, riboflavin, and thiamin)
4. Vitamins: C, E and K Helps maintain health scalp and hair.
5. Minerals: Magnesium, iron, copper and calcium
6. Improve vision

Black Grapes:  Contain a substance called nocyanosis, that lends it its distinctive color and tonic, a medicinally invigorating stimulant properties as well!  

Red Grapes:  These phyto-chemicals have been found to have an anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, as well as anti-cancer activity. 

1. Anthocyanins: Flavonoids, imparting the pigment to red grapes and considered to be powerful antioxidant.
2. Resveratrol: A polyphenol protecting against inflammatory problems and cancer

White/green Grapes: 

Even though they don’t have the anthocyanins found in red grapes, they have antioxidants and other nutrients. 

1. Catechins, a type of flavonoid tannin group of anti-oxidants, found in the white/green varieties have also shown to possess these health-protective functions. These are primarily found in Sultana raisins, from Thompson grapes, are especially concentrated in iron.
2. Some medical experts think that white grapes are especially helpful for digestion. Botanists note that green grapes have been used as diet detoxifiers.

In place of candy or cookies, have a bowel of mixed colored grapes or freeze them for a cold refreshing snack.

NOTE:  Grapes are one of the most highly sprayed fruits and are completely contaminated with pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides and throw off the natural harmony off balance  Buying organic is always the best.

Sources:
Truth About Cancer
Dr. Axe

Promoting a lifestyle of preventative care!
 

WELLNESS PRINCIPAL:  Health comes from within.  You cannot buy it in a bottle.