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April 17, 2019 www.DesertMessenger.com 17 Nancy's Kitchen Receive 10 Free Shade Trees by Joining the Arbor Day Foundation National Arbor Day is Friday, April 26, this year, and the Arbor Day Foundation is making it easy for anyone to celebrate the annual tree-planting holiday. Join the Foundation in April and receive 10 free shade trees. By joining the Foundation in April, new members receive the following trees: red oak, sugar maple, weep- ing willow, baldcypress, thornless honeylocust, pin oak, river birch, tuliptree, silver maple, and red maple. The free trees are part of the Foundation's Trees for America campaign. "These trees provide shade in the summer and vibrant colors throughout the fall," said Matt Har- ris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Through the simple act of planting trees, one person can make a difference in helping to create a healthier and more beauti- ful planet for all of us to enjoy." The trees will be shipped postpaid with enclosed planting instruc- tions at the right time for planting in April or May. The 6- to 12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge. To become a member of the Foun- dation and receive the free trees, send a $10 contribution to TEN FREE SHADE TREES, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410, by April 30, 2019, or visit arborday.org. Celebrate National Arbor Day by planting trees The amazing cucumber By Herbmama Superfoods are natural foods that have an array of nutrients that syn- ergistically work to together to exponentially expand the individual nutri- tional components. Many raw, organic vegetables fall into this category. One of the world's favorite superfoods are cucumbers. Cucumbers are the fourth most cultivated vegetable in the world. Cu- cumbers are in the same botanical family as melons and squashes. They are considered one of the absolute best foods for the health of the skin, joints, liver, and kidneys. They are also a natural energy tonic with their rich array of phytonutrients and electrolytes. Cucumbers are loaded with the mineral silica, which is an essential com- ponent for healthy connective tissue (muscles, ligaments, cartilage, bone, & skin). It is also full of ionic potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C which give it a powerful alkalizing effect within the body. Additionally, cucumbers are particularly rich in fl uids that hydrate the skin, joints, and tissues. More recently scientists have begun studying the unique lignans found in cucumbers. These lignans include lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolar- iciresinol. New research is linking these lignans with reduced risk of cardio- vascular disease as well as breast, uterine, ovarian, and prostate cancer. Cucumbers also contain the triterpene phytonutrients cucurbitacins A, B, C, D, and E. These phytonutrients have been the major focus of some extensive research looking deeply into their abilities to inhibit cancer cell signaling pathways. Fresh cucumbers have been shown to improve anti-oxidant levels within the body and inhibit pro-infl ammatory substances such as COX-2 and ni- tric oxide. The combination of alkalizing elements, electrolytes, and fl u- ids make it one of the world's best foods for enhancing energy levels. Cu- cumbers are also great for stabilizing blood pressure and stimulating the body's natural detoxifi cation process. Cucumbers make for beautiful skin Cucumbers are often used topically to enhance skin function. The natural ascorbic acid and caffeic acid within the cucumber act to prevent water retention in the skin. This reduces swelling under the eyes and helps the skin heal from sunburn, infl ammation, and eczema. Cucumbers are also very effective when eaten and applied topically for removing unwanted cellulite. Cucumbers act to draw out excess fl uids and tighten collagen which has the effect of a natural cellulite reduction. Sim- ply eat some cucumber, juice it, and/or place the cucumber on the regions of water retention. Cucumbers are typically highly sprayed with pesticides so it is neces- sary to get organic varieties. If conventional is the only option it is best to scrape off the green skin rather than washing. Many of the chemicals are waxy and do not come off easy with washing. Try dicing up cucumbers and adding some apple cider vinegar, oregano, and pink salt. This makes a quick, electrolyte and enzyme-rich snack to boost energy levels. This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any disease or illness. For more information, contact Herbmama at 580.490.1770. Be sure to 'like' us on FB or visit our website www.herbs-4-health.com B Cold Pea Salad You can make this salad ahead of time on the day you want to serve it, but add the almonds at the last minute. Wonderful served with sliced tomato and avocado and chicken for lunch. • Prep time: 10 minutes • Yield: Serves 6 • 16-ounces frozen petite peas (do not thaw) • 6 ounces smokehouse almonds, rinsed to take off the excess salt, chopped (preferably by hand) • 1/2 cup chopped green onions • 8 ounces chopped water chestnuts • 2/3 cup mayonnaise • 2 tsp yellow curry powder • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1 Remove the excess salt and chop the almonds: In a fi ne-mesh strainer under cold running water, rinse the almonds to remove the excess salt. Spread between 2 paper towel lay- ers and pat dry. Spread on a cutting board, and coarse chop with a large knife. 2 Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, curry powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add the peas, scallions, and water chestnuts to the bowl. Gently fold the salad into the mayon- naise dressing. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if you like. Refriger- ate until ready to serve. 3 Add the almonds: Just before serv- ing, stir in the chopped almonds.

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