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Aunt Jeni's Kitchen
Each of our carefully
chosen ingredients serves a special purpose and facilitates certain functions in
the body. The following is an alphabetical listing of each ingredient used
in Home Made 4 LifeŽ, along with an explanation of its benefits. Note that
not every ingredient may be used in every formula. This allows us to
provide maximum variety.
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Alfalfa Powder: is especially
high in vitamins niacin, riboflavin, folic acid, C, D, E, K, beta carotene
(Vitamin A precursor) and the minerals iron, calcium, potassium,
phosphorous, magnesium. Alfalfa also contains bioflavonoids, several
digestive enzymes, many sterols (fats), amino acids, and trace elements.
It is highly nutritive, and functions as an internal cleanser and appetite
stimulant. Alfalfa also aids a variety of health problems such as
arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure and digestive ailments. |
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Alfalfa Sprouts: known as the
"Three-Star Superfood," providing isoflavones, coumestans, and lignans.
These nutrients play an important role in prevention of cancer, hormonal
problems, and heart disease. Sprouts contain twice as much protein as
spinach. They are a good source of enzymes, Vitamins A, C, & K, are
low fat, high fiber, high energy and no cholesterol. They are good as
an anti-arthritic and anti-asthmatic, and are the richest land grown source
of trace minerals and elements such as potassium, magnesium, and iron. |
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Almonds: are the leading food source of alpha-tocopherol
(Vitamin E), the more powerful and absorbable form of this antioxidant
vitamin. Almonds provide almost as much protein as red meat.
They are cholesterol free, low in saturated fat, and high in Vitamin D,
calcium, magnesium, fiber, zinc, folic acid, and potassium, all of which are
beneficial to heart health. They are also rich in the antioxidants
Vitamin C, selenium, and beta-carotene, to protect against cell damage. |
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Apples:
are an alkaline food rich in vitamins A, B, and C,
calcium, fiber and pectin. Pectin binds glucose to help regulate
insulin. Pectin also binds minerals such as iron and copper, to
prevent toxic buildup in the body; purifies the blood to help health
problems such as heart disease and colon ailments; and promotes good
digestion and growth, as well as a healthy lymphatic system. |
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Apple Cider
Vinegar (ACV) used in its raw, unfiltered state, helps to maintain
proper acid/alkaline balance in the body. It contains a multitude of
healthy minerals, aids calcium uptake in young animals, and helps detoxify
the blood. Reportedly helps protect against: fleas, ticks, parasites,
ringworm, fungus, mange, kidney and bladder stones, arthritis, sore joints
and weak muscles.
(http://www.phdproducts.com/main/phdpage.asp?page=134) |
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Bones
Real, ground bones contain protein, essential fatty acids, fats, vitamins
and minerals, especially calcium. Bones are Nature's powerhouse store
of minerals: there is no more complete or balanced source for our pets.
We grind the bones so you needn't worry about your pet ingesting large or
sharp pieces. You should still offer your pets safe, raw bones for
recreational chewing several times a week, to promote good dental health. |
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Broccoli and Cabbage:
now being touted as anti-cancer vegetables, reported to reduce the risk of lung,
stomach and other cancers. Broccoli is high in vitamins A and C, and minerals
Calcium and Potassium. It also contains a special substance called indole-3-carbinol,
which is a glucosinolate. It is believed that this I3C may protect against breast
cancer. (Some information taken from the Reader's Digest, Nov 2000.) Cabbage is one
of the few vegetables that contains vitamin E. It is also helpful to soothe the
digestive tract, and is useful against stomach ulcers. |
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Carrots: high in
beta-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A, which aids in vision, reproduction, and a healthy
immune system. Also high in vitamin C, potassium,
and fiber. Helps keep tissues healthy; strengthens the immune and
eliminative systems. |
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Celery is high in potassium, calcium, and folate. Shown
to reduce blood pressure in animals. Contains anti-cancer compounds. |
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Cranberries:
contain "proanthocyanidins" which have been shown to
improve urinary tract health. An excellent source of the minerals
magnesium, potassium, and phosphorous, plus the vitamins A, C, thiamine,
riboflavin, niacin, and K. Lower the glycemic value of foods, helping
to control insulin levels. The tannins in cranberries prevent bacteria
from sticking to the walls of the bladder, thus preventing urinary tract
infections. |
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Eggs are called "Nature's Perfect Food" because they provide a
complete amino acid profile and other essential nutrients. Our eggs are used
"whole," which includes the shell, finely ground, as an additional source of
natural calcium. |
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Flax Seeds provide fiber, essential fatty acids (EFA), and
many other essential nutrients. EFAs contribute to keeping the
cardiovascular, nervous, immune and reproductive systems functioning
properly. Flax helps maintain a healthy metabolism, keep the bowel
system regular and prevent constipation. Often used to treat health
ailments such as cancer, heart problems, arthritis, and reproductive
problems. |
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Garlic:
Among its many claims to fame, garlic is said to serve as a natural
antibiotic/antimicrobial, boost the immune system, lower cholesterol, prevent cancer and
heart disease, and make pets less attractive to pests such as fleas and ticks. Fresh
garlic is best; powdered supplements are not as effective. Contrary to some
information being currently circulated, garlic is not harmful to
our pets. As long as it is used in moderation, the health benefits far outweigh any
remote health risks. Most animal nutritionists recommend the use of fresh, raw,
minced garlic for all dogs and cats. You would need to feed many pounds of garlic
every day for a long time before you would create a health hazard for your pet. |
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Grapefruit Seed
Extract is well known as an anti-biotic, anti-fungal,
anti-protozoan, anti-viral, anti-septic and disinfectant. It kills
many different types of parasites such as streptococcus, staphylococcus,
salmonella, E. coli, Candida, influenza, and fungi. GSE also assists
the body in producing beneficial bacteria and serves as a powerful
antioxidant to protect against free radicals. Our use of GSE serves to
"decontaminate" the raw ingredients used in our recipes, so your pets won't
be exposed to disease-causing organisms.
(http://www.gseinformation.com/pets.htm) |
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Greens
(Collard, Mustard, Turnip, Kale): Dark,
leafy greens contain some phytochemicals called lutein and
zeaxanthin, which are thought to protect eyes as we age. (Information from Reader's
Digest, Nov 2000.) They are a rich source of vitamins A, C
and E, folic acid, calcium,
zinc and omega 3 fatty acids. Also full of anti-oxidants
and anti-cancer properties. |
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Green Beans are a good source of Vitamin C, iron,
magnesium, folic acid, potassium, fiber, and zinc. They are fat free,
sodium free and cholesterol free. |
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Honey is
a combination of pollen and bee enzymes, made up of 35% protein, which
contains half of all the necessary amino acids. It is a highly
concentrated source of many essential nutrients, including minerals,
B-complex vitamins, and vitamins C, D and E. Honey also is rich in
pre-biotics, which are micro-organisms that serve as a food source for pro-biotics
(beneficial bacteria that reside in the intestinal tract). In
addition, hone is a natural
antiseptic, and promotes healing and energy in the body. (http://www.reallyrawhoney.com/healthfacts.php) |
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Kelp has a trace mineral content which is among the highest of
any known single source, and is especially valued for its anti-cancer,
anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive and fibrous qualities.
The iodine content of kelp is thought to be useful in treating mild cases of
hypothyroidism. Kelp improves circulatory stimulation and promotes
growth of good hair coat in dogs, cats and ferrets. |
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Muscle Meats contain B-complex vitamins, phosphorous, iron,
sulfur, copper, and potassium. Raw muscle meats provide a "complete"
and digestible protein, including all the essential amino acids. Amino
acids contribute to muscle (heart, lung, other organs) tissue, and the
immune, circulatory, and digestive systems.
Organ Meats
(Liver, Heart, Gizzards) are rich in the following: Vitamins A, C,
D, E, K, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12,
biotin, folate, essential fatty acids, and the minerals zinc, manganese,
selenium, and iron. |
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Papaya contains high amounts of Vitamins A, C, E, folic acid,
and minerals potassium and iron. It also contains an enzyme called
papain, which breaks down protein to make the amino acids readily
available. Papaya is high in fiber, low in sodium, cholesterol and
fat. Papaya seeds are edible and have anthelmintic (deworming) action
to reduce internal parasites such as tapeworms. |
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Parsley High in Vitamins A and C, and calcium. Acts as
an antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic and antifungal agent. Great
for freshening the breath! |
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Squash (zucchini, yellow, butternut, acorn, pumpkin) is very
high in Vitamin A and contains good fiber for a healthy colon. Squash
seeds are anthelmintic, meaning they help eliminate internal parasites. |
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Sunflower Seeds are power-packed
with healthy fats, proten, fiber, minerals, vitamin E, zinc, folic acid and
phytochemicals. Considered a functional food which plays a role in
memory and cognitive function. They are a good source of lignans,
which lower cholesterol to protect against heart disease and some cancers.
Research illustrates that coyotes include sunflower seeds as a part of their
diet in the wild.
(http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/mammals/sflwruse/sflwruse.htm) |
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Sweet Potatoes/Yams:
contain natural steroidal properties which may be useful for arthritic or joint pains.
Also a great source of beta-carotene, which is the precursor to vitamin A. |
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Walnuts are low in saturated fat and cholesterol to reduce the
risk of heart problems. They are a good source of protein, fiber, omega 3
fatty acids, antioxidants, minerals, trace minerals and vitamins. |
To look up specific amounts of vitamins,
minerals, calories, fat, protein, fiber, etc. in almost any food item, visit the USDA's Nutrient Database
website.
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