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Moringa – Tree of Life

April 29, 2017 by Akiba 5 Comments
Moringa oleifera, from a drawing by Pierre Jean-Francois Turpin, 1830. Some hope the tree could become a staple food source in dry tropical regions. Photograph by Florilegius / SSPL / Getty

Moringa oleifera, from a drawing by Pierre Jean-Francois Turpin, 1830. 
Photograph by Florilegius / SSPL / Getty

Moringa seems too good to be true: a fast-growing, drought-tolerant tree whose leaves, flowers, pods and seeds are not only edible but also highly nutritious.  Mark Olson, a professor of evolutionary biology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico describes the Moringa Tree as “uniquely suited to feeding poor and undernourished populations of the dryland tropics, especially in the era of climate change.” In an article by Amanda Little for the New Yorker, she describes Jed Fahey and Mark Olson’s collaboration.  “Jed Fahey, a biochemist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health who has collaborated with Olson on Moringa research for more than a decade, has found that the tree’s leaves and pods have strong anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties, and may also contain enzymes that protect against cancer. Mature Moringa seeds can be pressed for vegetable oil, and the seed cake that is left over can be used to purify drinking water. (It contains a protein that makes bacteria glom together and die.) When dried, crushed seeds can also serve as a good fertilizer.”

Called malongay by some gardeners, the plant (botanical name Moringa oleifera) has more potassium than bananas, more protein than sardines, more beta carotene than carrots.  Some also believe that Moringa may help to control hypertension, fight bacteria and parasites. The seeds can have a Viagra-like effect – but for women too. More important to gardeners, Moringa is a nitrogen-fixer in the soil.

Moringa Seeds

Moringa Seeds

Franciscan priests brought Moringa oleifera to Loreto, Baja California Sur, in the early 1500’s. It has grown there ever since and is now found in all areas of the Baja.  I was initially introduced to it by a vendor from the Palmilla Farmer’s Market who called it “The Tree of Life”.  Just recently, I was re-introduced to it at Rukhsana’s Heavenly Wellness Retreat where it grows alongside all of her amazing flowers, herbs and vegetables.

Moringa Flowers

Moringa Flowers

There are many reasons to grow Moringa, even if just a single tree, because it is rich in minerals, vitamins, essential amino acids, phytochemicals, vegetable proteins, anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and carbohydrates.

Traditional Medical Uses of Moringa

Traditional Medical Uses of Moringa

Moringa is a resilient tree. It can survive in a variety of climates and substandard soils. It is as fast-growing as it is hearty. Normal growth ranges from 3-5 meters per year if left uncropped. It is one of the fastest growing biomasses on the planet when properly nourished. A fully mature Moringa Tree can grow to 35 feet.

Moringa is an ideal plant to start indoors or in your own backyard. Once mature, fresh Moringa, leaves from your tree make a delicious addition to your salad. The leaves are also great for making tea, as well as an ingredient in a variety of chicken, meat and vegetable dishes. I especially like the seeds which I eat every morning to start my day.

Moringa Tree and Seed Pods

Moringa Tree and Seed Pods

In case you are lucky enough to find you have a Moringa tree growing in your back garden, or happen across one (like it did), take advantage of its amazing properties.

My private stash of Moringa Pods

My Private Stash of Moringa Pods

New Yorker – An Overqualified – Underachieving Superfood http://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/meet-the-moringa-tree-an-overqualified-underachieving-superfood

Posted in: About, Eat, Learn Tagged: Amanda Lilly, Jed Fahey, Loreto, malongay, Mark Olson, Moringa, Moringa oleifera, New Yorker, oleifera

Rukhsana’s Wellness Heavenly Retreat in Los Cabos

March 21, 2017 by Akiba 8 Comments

Photo of the Wellness Center

I love, approve and appreciate myself.  I am perfect, whole and complete.  I am an amazing light.

This is what I came away with after my morning meditation with Rukhsana Khan.  Her Wellness Heavenly Retreat sits on what feels like the top of the world overlooking the Sea of Cortez framed by flowering gardens and welcoming tranquil spaces.  After spending time with Rukhsana, you will take tools with you to learn to love yourself and love other people. Rukhsana will teach you techniques that you can carry with you for your life.  She wants the world to be better – for us and for everybody. That’s her dream and she is inspired to mobilize us to make those dreams come true.

Rukhsana Kahn refers to Meditation as restful awareness.  It is a technique, not a religion, where you unleash your thoughts and you are in a floating state of peace, tranquility and bliss.  The idea is to find uninterrupted minutes each day to positively appreciate your body, your mind and your thoughts. Feel free to ask yourself questions that need answering:  Who am I? What do I want?  What is my purpose?  What am I grateful for?  When you gently come out of your meditation, you will feel like you have conquered something great—and in a way, you have: yourself.

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Rukhsana was born in Peshawar, Pakistan and from age 5-10, she learned from her grandmother everything she needed to know about how to create a meal using anything and everything they had available to them.  Sadly, her childhood took a heartbreaking turn. She survived an honor killing after she had been accused of dishonoring her family.  After her near death escape, her grandfather and uncle locked her away in her room, bolting the door and only allowing her out when she needed to help her grandmother with work.  While locked in her room, though she did not know it at the time, Rukhsana began to meditate.

Not only did she survive this terrible ordeal, she is now a Ayurvedic body therapist certified by the California College of Ayurveda to perform the ancient techniques of Ayurvedic body treatments. She is a graduate of the Primordial Sound Meditation from the Chopra Center for Well-being (Deepak Chopra) and a Sivananda Yoga instructor for Hatha Yoga. She is also a certified esthetician and spa director.

Primordial_Sound_Meditation_Instructor

Over the years, Rukhsana has obtained more than 45 certifications to demonstrate her dedication to providing services for the body, mind and spirit.

The Wellness Center offers week-long meditation retreats, primordial sound meditation courses, spa services, Ayurveda and Indian cooking classes.  Every Sunday morning at 9:00, there is a one-hour meditation guided by Rukhsana.  It is donation only and the money goes to a battered women’s shelter.

FINDING THE SELF MEDITATION TECHNIQUE – April 2 to April 9, 2017

During this week-long retreat, you will learn the basics of meditation and yoga, focusing on healing the self. 

PRIMORDIAL SOUND MEDITATION – March 23 and 24

Primordial Sound Meditation (PSM) is a meditation technique originating in the ancient wisdom of Indian. Primordial sounds – the basic, most essential sounds of nature – are used to disconnect us from the activity of life. They are individually selected sounds, known as mantras, based on the vibration the universe was making at the moment of your birth.

FOOD AS MEDICINE COOKING CLASS – April 2017

In this class, you are taught how to use food as medicine, since food is the building block for the physical body, using Ayurveda, an ancient Indian healing science. Once your personal Dosha is determined (body-mind constitution), you are guided through the foods that work with and against your body.  Included:  Meditation, lecture, cooking class and tastings.

INDIAN COOKING CLASS – Every Wednesday

This class is all about learning to use Indian herbs and spices.  In this three hour class, you will be able to blend earthy, fresh spices and create three mouth-watering dishes using Rukhsana’s very own Ghee and Masala Base.13240045_1256109284413370_1793733829978424076_n

You can visit Rukhsana’s Wellness Heavenly Retreat for an hour, a day, or a week but you may be tempted to never return to your busy, noisy, hectic life.

For more information, go to:  retreatcabo.com

 

Posted in: About, Eat, Learn, Uncategorized Tagged: Ayurvedic, Chopra Center, Finding the Self Meditation, Indian Cooking Classes, Los Cabos, Primordial Sound Meditation, Rukhsana Wellness Heavenly Retreat

La Marina Inn / George’s Restaurant

November 10, 2016 by Akiba Leave a Comment
23 Rooms, 3 Suites and George's Restaurant - Poolside

La Marina Inn with 23 Rooms, 3 Suites and George’s Restaurant – Poolside

 

I was honored to attend a party for the remodeled La Marina Inn and George’s Restaurant.  It was a lively affair with lots of family and old friends of the previous owners, the Armstrong’s.  The new owners, Melinda and John Pentz, have worked their magic renovating this little piece of old Cabo where the Armstrong family and their staff have welcomed its patrons for over 20 years. Chef Hugo and his team prepared a gorgeous, whimsical and delicious buffet in Hugo’s new kitchen. The margaritas and music were flowing and lots of old stories and memories shared.

Chef Hugo and Staff

Chef Hugo in the Back Row with Glasses and His Staff

Chef Hugo's Whimsical and Delicious Appetizers

Chef Hugo’s Whimsical and Delicious Appetizers

George Armstrong, his family and staff took real pride in making folks feel at home when they opened in 1995 and that is the tradition that John and Melinda Pentz want to carry forward. They understand they have a diamond in the rough and have pledged to keep the Armstrong vision alive by offering a traditional Mexican atmosphere, a cozy room for your vacation stay and amazing food.

Room at La Marina Inn

Room at La Marina Inn

John Pentz gave a moving speech about his love for George Armstrong and talked about his friendship with this Renaissance man who was among other things a developer, an aviator and an extremely intelligent individual who was ahead of his time.  “We would like to dedicate George’s restaurant in the memory George and for the future of La Playita. When you come to the La Marina Inn and eat at George’s – the Renaissance man will be in all of you.”gr2

After the festive party last week, I had dinner at George’s with friends this week. George’s is an unpretentious restaurant that supports our local fishermen and the restaurant was full of people enjoying the ambiance.  I was able to spend time with Chef Hugo at the end of the evening to learn more about his journey from the Palmilla to Havana’s to La Marina Inn and finally George’s. He is  passionate about his food and is proud of his accomplishments as well he should be.

We started with something I had never tried – Mariscos Bomba – deep fried flour tortillas stuffed with sauteed seafood served with black beans and cream.  I would return to George’s just for this dish.   But the star of the evening for me was whole red snapper deep fried which is called Huachinango.  It was not on the menu but Chef Hugo agreed to prepare it for us.  It appeared in all its glory served with a simple garlic butter and it was heavenly.  The evening ended with Chef Hugo’s signature dish, coconut and chocolate flan.

Coconut Flan

Coconut Flan

The menu has something for everyone so if you are not a fish or seafood person, there are pizza parties on Tuesdays, steaks, burgers, pork chops, ribs and chicken, pasta, soups, salads and traditional Mexican fare.  It may take me awhile, but I plan to eat my way through their menu.

They are open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Located near the San Jose’ Marina across from El Gonzo Hotel.

Office:  624 142-4166

U.S. Cell:  949 375-3214

Posted in: About, Eat, Learn Tagged: El Gonzo Hotel, George's Restaurant, La Marina Inn, San Jose del Cabo Marina
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