Nick Delgado

The Happy Heart Event – February 24, 2012

Nick Delgado — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:58:33 +0000

Join us on February 24, 2012 from 7:00PM to 9:00PM for the Healthy Heart Event at the Delgado Protocol office in Costa Mesa, CA.

As a part of National Heart Month, Dr. Nick Delgado will discuss the ways to improve circulation and reverse cardiovascular disease. Learn how to lower cholesterol and triglycerides by over 30 – 40% without using drugs. This event is only $5 per person. Bring a friend and get in free!

Complimentary, healthy refreshments will be served at the event.

For directions and more information – Please call our office at (866) 319-0566.

My Favorite Raw Kale Salad Recipe

Nick Delgado — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 23:59:27 +0000

Most of you who know me personally know I always eat a mammoth raw kale salad almost every day. Not only is kale delicious but it is truly a super food. One cup of kale contains 36 calories, 5 grams of fiber, and 15% of the daily requirement of calcium and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), 40% of magnesium, 180% of vitamin A, 200% of vitamin C, and 1,020% of vitamin K. It is also a good source of minerals copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus. It’s health benefits are primarily linked to the high concentration of antioxidant vitamins A, C, and K — and sulphur-containing phytonutrients. Additionally, it contains specific types of antioxidants associated with many of the anti-cancer health benefits. Kale is also rich in the eye-health promoting lutein and zeaxanthin compounds. The fiber content of kale binds bile acids and helps lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Definitely a true super food that is part of my daily diet as well as most of my supplements.

Nick Delgado’s Daily Kale Salad

3 Cups of Kale

1 Cup of Shredded Carrots

1 Cup of Chopped Shitake Mushrooms

1/2 Cup of Celery

1/2 Cup of Cucumbers

1/2 Cup of Cranberries

1/2 Cup of Eggplant

1/2 Cup of Tomatoes

1/2 Cup of Broccoli

1/4 Cup of Chopped Red Onions

1/4 Cup of Green, Red & Yellow Peppers

7 Tbsps lemon juice or cut and squeeze a half of lemon

Pepper/season to taste

Directions

Put the kale into salad bowl. Mix the ingredients together. Add lemon juice and seasoning/pepper.

Enjoy !!

GMO’s – What You Need to Know

Nick Delgado — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:03:40 +0000

I was shocked and saddened to see the impact Monsanto was having on agriculture and ultimately our food supply by forcing GMO (genetically modified organisms) into it. Initially, their intentions were pure, according to Deborah Koons Garcia, the director of the 2004 documentary, The Future of Food. Originally, they were trying to come up with a way to grow enough food to feed the world. However, according to the U.S. Government Data, the research already reveals that the areas where GMO’s are used has created a drastic reduction of total food production overall.

Genetically modified foods are foods derived from genetically modified organisms. GMO’s have had specific changes introduced into their DNA by genetic engineering techniques such as mutation breeding, selective breeding, plant breeding, animal breeding and somaclonal variations.
Now I know most us couldn’t get past the Mendel plant experiments in high school and find genetics seriously boring. Yet, when it comes to your food and ultimately your health, we need to stop being an apathetic society and start paying attention. Mutation breeding used in creating GMO foods is where an organism is exposed to radiation or chemicals to create a non-specific but stable change. Basically, Monsanto, a company known for creating pestisides, has found another
way to introduce chemicals and toxins into the food supply.

Our children are at greatest risk. Independent studies confirm on baby rats, drastic changes in the immune system, smaller brains, livers, and testicles, partial atrophy of the liver, and potentially
pre-cancerous cell growth in the intestines or tumors in these young animals. Although I value our children higher than rats, I am sorry to see animal experiments. Yet, the general public is not aware of these studies on the potential harm of GMO foods.

In addition to unknown allergens in genetically altered food, there are other causes for concern. In May 2011 a study was conducted by Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Sherbrooke Hospital Centre, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. It was on maternal and fetal exposure to pesticides associated to genetically modified foods. The study evaluates the correlation between maternal and fetal exposure to pesticides associated with genetically modified foods and
to determine exposure levels of the pesticides and their metabolites. The findings reveal the presence of pesticides associated with GMO foods in both non-pregnant women and pregnant women and their fetuses.

Additionally, Monsanto seems to be trying to own the intellectually property rights to every type of seed to known to man. Traditionally, farmers save their own seed from year to year. The saved seeds are used in the annual planting process. In recent years Monsanto has filed lawsuits
against small farmers to maintain and protect “their” intellectual property rights. The only way to prevent contamination is not to grow GMOs. Agriculture does not take place in a laboratory. Pollen travels. Seeds travel. Food travels. It does not travel in nice, neat predictable patterns. Insects can transport pollen over miles and miles. The wind also contributes to the seeds spreading naturally.

GM contamination of conventional and organic food is increasing. An unapproved GM rice that was grown for only one year in field trials was found to have extensively contaminated the U.S. rice supply and seed stocks. In Canada, the organic oilseed rape industry has been destroyed by contamination from GM rape. In Spain, a study found that GM maize has caused a drastic reduction in organic cultivations of this grain and is making their coexistence practically impossible.

Due to growing health and environmental concerns, many EU, Latin American and African nations have refused US food exports due to GMO foods, most notably, Monsanto’s MON-810 corn and rice. A strong health concern is for the presence of unknown allergens in foodstuffs. If a plant is genetically modified with genetic material from nut plant, individuals with nut allergies will sustain attacks from eating genetically modified foods. For example, Pioneer Hi-Bred tested the
allergenicity of a transgenic soybean that used a Brazil nut seed storage protein. They had hoped the mutated seeds would increase the levels of the amino acid methionine. After conducting several tests on individuals who are allergic to Brazilian nuts, they found that those individuals were highly allergic to the new soybeans. Pioneer indicated that it will not develop commercial cultivars containing Brazil nut protein because the protein is likely to be an allergen.

GMO is a hot topic of research right now because there is a lot of corporate profit at stake here, while your health is at risk. My advice is the same advice I gave for artificial sweetners (use natural
herbs Stevia, Lo Han Guo) or fruit. If its not natural and organic, don’t eat it.

Let’s promote natural farming methods that increase crop yield. Let’s promote whole food diets to increase the world food supply. Choose non GMO foods and support local farmers.

Common Weight Loss Pitfalls

Nick Delgado — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:17:28 +0000

Right about now most people are starting to lose steam and quit working on their New Year’s resolution to lose weight. Their motivation is going by the wayside. There are several reasons for their loss of motivation. Most are frustrated with their progress. They are impatient or most likely practicing some of the most common weight loss pitfalls.

The most common weight loss pitfalls are listed below.

1) Your fitness routine just consists of cardio exercise

Weight training prevents injury by strengthening the joints, it also builds muscle mass and increases metabolic rate. With a revved up metabolism, you’ll keep burning calories long after you leave the gym.

2) Working out without eating

When your exercising on an empty stomach, the calories burned are from muscle not fat. To avoid muscle loss and to be able to get through your workout more effectively, have a small nutritious snack before exercising. My suggestion would be chopped, raw vegetables & hummus or some trail mix.

3) Not getting enough sleep

When you don’t get enough sleep, it stimulates an appetite inducing hormone. Stop yourself from going on eating binge by getting more rest. Plus, the additional sleep will give you more energy to get through your work outs.

4) Skipping meals

Not eating slows down your metabolism. My suggestion is to eat several small, low calorie meals comprised of raw, organic vegetables and fruit.

If you can avoid the common weight loss pitfalls listed above, you will avoid self-sabotage and have the motivation to stick with your New Year’s resolution.

Advancing Your Fitness Goals Through Healthy Diet

Nick Delgado — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:32:05 +0000

One of the most important benefits for both physical and mental health is performance rich nutritional diet. From an athletic perspective you can improve your endurance and strength by up to 50% and maintain wellness and balance in your life with the proper nutrition. Fresh, whole foods are proven to be the best, which is a fact verified by modern science. Food needs to be balanced with the appropriate vitamins and minerals. Modern scientific investigations are proving that many degenerative diseases are preventable and/or curable by a proper diet and supplementation combined with positive thinking and visualizations.

Phytochemical supplements work to heal within the cells and are best for everyone. Just a few years ago, scientists didn’t know phytochemicals existed. Today they are the new frontier in cancer-prevention research. Some phytochemicals are being proven to help balance the endocrine system to produce the right amount of needed hormones, recuperate after training, and heal wounds, while others help stimulate the immune system to prevent cancers and even reverse them.

Preparing for optimum health and wellness as well as sports competitions starts months before with basic nutritional practices. The first step is to detoxify the body by eating pure, whole and fresh foods. Eliminate your consumption of junk foods — sugar, white flour, artificial flavors and colors, and preservatives. Junk foods decrease total body vitality in both immediate strength and endurance.

Why Do People Get Sjögren’s Syndrome ?

Nick Delgado — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 21:43:59 +0000

Why do nearly 4 million people in the United States have a joint disease called Sjögren’s Syndrome?

Sjögren’s Syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person’s white blood cells attack their moisture-producing glands. Women are nine times more likely than men to have Sjögren’s Syndrome, particularly if they are over the age of 40. Endocrine imbalances play a role because woman have lower testosterone levels than men and lower adrenal function as they age. Testosterone is a natural anti-inflammatory. Cortisol, which is a hormone secreted from the adrenals, also acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.

Antigen-antibody complexes from eating foods concentrated in animal fats and proteins, lodge in the joint, skin, lung tissues and cause inflammation. (Paganelli R., Detection of Antigen, Lancet 1:1270, 1979.) On September 1, 2011, tennis player Venus Williams announced that she had been diagnosed with Sjögren’s Syndrome. At the time she was withdrawing from the 2011 US Open due to the disease. Recently, she announced she was changing her lifestyle to suit a vegan, raw foods diet to combat the disease. ( http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fshar.es%2FWyIh5&h=3AQFOTOVEAQEs8BPui-nzZwYk85p5u040CwPeM4AsrFhgYg )

A recent blog on Sjogern’s talked of the success of the vegan diet,

“I was in remission from Sjogrens just by following a healthy vegan diet. I was in heaven even my eyes and mouth had moisture.”

In addition to a vegan, low fat & gluten free diet, I recommend adding the following treatments;

Anti-inflammatory effects of cortisol
Getting plenty of daylight and deep REM sleep
Restoring your testosterone which can reduce autoimmune problem
Consuming foods rich in nitric oxide such as kale, Swiss chard and beets that improve circulation.

Artificial vs. Natural Sweeteners

Nick Delgado — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:52:18 +0000

I will be the first one to say I am not a big fan of processed foods, especially foods containing refined, white sugars or oils. Any substitutes for sugar are considered food additives. It’s important to manage what types of ingredients get added to your food. For that reason I do field a lot of questions about artificial sweeteners versus natural sweeteners.

Many utilize sugar substitutes to aid in restricting caloric intake while maintaining a sweet taste in foodstuffs. Diabetics or reactive hypoglycemic individuals are led to believe they can maintain their insulin balance by utilizing sugar additives. (See my article about the “Real Cause of Diabetes” or my video on YouTube “How to Become a Diabetic in 6 hours”). Others obtain optimum dental health by avoidance of sugar or by utilizing a sugar substitutes. Additionally, sugar substitutes are used due to cost reasons. Artificial and natural sweeteners are more cost effective than raw sugar.

Artificial sugars are synthetic substitutes for sugar. Aspartame (Equal & NutraSweet) and Saccharin (Sweet N Low) are all man-made sugar substitutes. They add no nutritional value to your diet. Often this type of sweetener is added to highly processed, unhealthy foods, such as soda, frozen food and candy. A study published last year by researchers at the University of Liverpool showed that the sweetener aspartame could be toxic to brain cells when mixed with a yellow food coloring. Red and yellow food coloring are additives regularly found in many processed snack foods. Although the study doesn’t prove conclusively that artificial sweeteners are harmful to your health, I am steering clear from them until the research proves these synthetic food additives are safe for human consumption.

Most importantly people use artificial sugars because they think they are “zero” in calories. Yet more than one study has shown they are just slower to be absorbed and will contribute to calories and cause weight gain. These artificial substances can over stimulate the appetite, which will thicken your waist and thighs. In the long run eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables is the best way to control your weight and boost your health.

Natural sugar substitutes tend to be found in plants, fruit and herbs, such as Stevia, Luo Han Gou and Agave Nectar. These natural sweeteners are the best choice for a healthier outcome. I use Stevia in ice water or recipes for a natural sugar like effect. Luo Han Gou is 250 times sweeter than sugar, with only 2% of the calories. I use it to sweeten our nutrtional supplement, Protein Plus. Agave I use as syrup on gluten free pancakes for my children. Again, my advice is always to stick with foods and in this case, sugar substitutes, which occur naturally in the environment. Selecting food and ingredients that are chemically treated and processed isn’t the way to maintain a healthy diet.

Watch for my new cookbook release on truly healthy cooking, with many raw recipes.

Vegan Eggnog Recipe

Nick Delgado — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:22:52 +0000

As most people know, I religiously follow and advocate the vegan diet and lifestyle. Often clients will ask me how to turn time honored, traditional dishes into the vegan versions. One of these traditional dishes is actually really a favorite holiday drink, eggnog. Traditionally, eggnog is made with lots of eggs, creme and booze, which equates to lots of cholesterol and calories. The vegan version I listed below is alot healthier since I eliminate the cream, eggs and made the booze optional.

There are some purists out there who swear by the brandy so I’m making it optional. No matter what I say – they will still insist on making the holiday merrier with the brandy. At least the vegan version of eggnog is healthier with or without the booze.

Ingredients:

almond milk (Preferably the vanilla flavor)
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup

For the eggnog purists only …. OPTIONAL – 1/3 cup brandy

Directions:

Blend all ingredients together in a pitcher.
Serve your delicious vegan eggnog over ice.
Add a sprinkle of nutmeg and a cinnamon stick for the perfect festive touch.

Happy Holidays !!!

Gingerbread Cookies

Nick Delgado — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:55:42 +0000

Although I am a nutrition, health and wellness expert, I do know that people do seem to have a sweet tooth around the holidays. It you are going to indulge a little, please be mindful of your food choices and portion sizes. Maintain a balance diet, exercise and be kind to yourself over the holidays. This is the time of year when most people are under a lot of stress for one reason or another so take care of yourself. Exercise and eating right are important parts of maintaining an important balance in your life. Just be mindful when making food choices this time of year.

With that being said I am enclosing a recipe for gingerbread cookies, which are around 100 calories a piece so BE MINDFUL and don’t overinduldge.

Ingredients

1/2 cup vegan sugar
1 teaspoon powdered ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup molasses
1/3 cup almond milk
2-1/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour

Directions

Preheat oven to 275°F.
Lightly spray two or three baking sheets with Pam Non-Fat Cooking spray, then dust with flour.
Mix the vegan sugar, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
Add the molasses and almond milk and mix well.
Add 1 cup of flour and mix well.
Mix in enough of the remaining flour to make a very stiff dough. If mixing by hand, knead the dough to thoroughly mix the flour.
On a floured surface, roll a portion of the dough with a flour-dusted rolling pin to 1/16-inch thickness.
Cut the dough into shapes with a flour-dusted cookie cutters or a flour-dusted knife.
Using a metal spatula, carefully transfer the cookies to the baking sheets.
Bake until the edges are dry and the centers give just slightly when pressed. Check with a toothpick.

Remember – BE MINDFUL. Enjoy the holiday season by sharing the gingerbread cookies and your time with family and friends.

Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Nick Delgado — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:19:38 +0000

Portobello mushrooms are low in fat and high in fiber. They are an excellent source of selenium, potassium and Vitamin B. Portobello mushrooms contain high levels of zinc, which plays a role in immune function, wound healing and cell division. Niacin, also found in high amounts in portobello mushrooms, has been linked to a reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, they contain many antioxidants and beta-glucans, which have shown success in fighting cancer.

Now, you can understand why I am such a big fan of portobello mushrooms. The below recipe is a nutritious and delightfully filling lunch or dinner entree.

Ingredients

Large portobello mushrooms

Pam Non-Fat Cooking Spray

Sprikle to taste any of the following ingredients you prefer… Examples: paprika, cajun seasoning, celery salt, or Frank’s Red Hot

Directions

1. Take the stems out of the mushrooms, and brush off any dirt or wash and then dry them.

2. Spray the caps with Pam Non-Fat Cooking Spray then sprinkle them with your favorite seasonings on the top and bottom.

3. Put them in an oven at about 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes.

Serve these with your favorite toppings or eat them by themselves. My favorite toppings are quinoa, brown rice, various steamed vegetables, guacamole, salsa and hummus. If you are watching your diet and are trying to lose weight, be mindful of the kinds and amount of toppings you place on the mushrooms.

Enjoy !!!