Macadamia Nut Torte and CANDIDA

Every body has a sea of microorganisms, (bacteria, viruses, fungi) that reside in our intestines, throat, mouth, nose, you name it. Most of the time, these microorganisms do not cause illness, unless our resistance becomes lowered. Candida albicans is a yeast that lives in the intestines, mouth, throat and genitourinary tract of most humans and is usually considered to be a normal part of the bowel flora.

Candida enters infants shortly after birth. In a healthy baby, the growth of the yeast is kept under control by the baby?s immune system. But, if the immune system is compromised and weakened, problems such as thrush can happen. Candida coexists in our bodies with many types of bacteria in a specific balance. Healthy bacteria work to keep candida growth in check in our body ecology.

In a healthy body, the immune system keeps candida growth under control; but when immune response is weakened, candida growth can happen too fast. It is an ?opportunistic organism,? and will try to colonize all bodily tissues. The uncontrolled growth of candida is known as candida overgrowth. The first signs of candida overgrowth is nasal congestion, sore throat, abdominal pain, belching, bloating, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, rectal burning or itching, vaginal itching and discharge, PMS, prostatitis, impotence, frequent urination, burning on urination, and bladder infections. But, if the immune system remains weak long enough, candida can cause fatigue, lack of concentration, mood swings, dizziness, headaches, bad breath, coughing, wheezing, joint swelling, arthritis, failing vision, ear pain, deafness, tearing eyes, muscle aches, depression, irritability, sweet cravings, numbness and tingling, cold hands and feet, asthma, hay fever, allergies, hives and rashes, eczema, psoriasis, chronic fungal infections infections.

The most common causes of candida overgrowth are antibiotics, steroids, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, oral contraceptives, mercury dental fillings, drugs or alcohol, chlorinated drinking water, meat or dairy products from animals fed antibiotics, and diets full of too much sugar and refined and processed foods.

If candida overgrowth is present certain foods should be eliminated and specific supplements, such as probiotics (NOT more anti-biotics) need to be incorporated. Click HERE to find the proper help.



FYI: I have conversion charts in my books on sweeteners if you don't want to use a specific type of sweetener. I find mixing the 3 together creates a wonderful flavor and texture.

CRUST:
1/2 cup coconut oil or butter
1/2 cup Just Like Sugar OR erythritol
1/4 cup erythritol and 1 tsp stevia glycerite (OR Swerve)
1/2 tsp Celtic sea salt
3/4 cup blanched almond flour or pecan meal
1/4 cup coconut flour
1 tsp aluminum free baking powder
FILLING:
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup erythritol (or Swerve)
1 tsp stevia glycerite
1 cup NATURE'S HOLLOW xylitol syrup
2 TBS butter or coconut oil, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups macadamia nuts

CRUST: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl cream the butter and sweetener together until very smooth. Add the salt, coconut flour, almond flour and baking powder into the butter mixture. Mix until well combined. Place into 4 small torte pans or one 8 by 8 pie pan and spread out over the bottom. Bake for 12 minutes or until light golden.

FILLING: In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with the sweetener. Add the butter, syrup, and vanilla then add the nuts. Pour into the crust (over edges with foil) and bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes or until set. Serve with my "healthified" ice cream! Makes 12 servings.

NUTRITIONAL COMPARISON (per serving)
Traditional Torte = 406 calories, 23g fat, 3.7g protein, 51 carbs, 1.6g fiber
"Healthified" Torte = 239 calories, 21g fat, 7.7g protein, 3.8 carbs, 2g fiber

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