Ramen Noodle Salad

Ramen Noodle Salad

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package coleslaw mix
2 (3 ounce) packages any flavor ramen noodles
1 bunch green onions, chopped -optional
1 cup sunflower seeds -5 oz. or more
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

Directions
In a large salad bowl, combine the slaw, and green onions.
Whisk together the sugar, oil, vinegar and ramen seasoning packets. Pour over salad and toss to evenly coat. Refrigerate until chilled; add broken up ramen noodles sunflower seeds before serving.
_________________________________________________________________


I make this salad for picnics and potlucks a lot. I also make it for suppers and for holidays. It seems to be a big favorite and is usually not duplicated at gatherings.

Benefits of Olive Oil: Olive oil is one of the good oils. The beneficial health effects of olive oil are due to both its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids and its high content of antioxidants. Studies have shown that olive oil offers protection against heart disease by controlling LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels while raising HDL (the "good" cholesterol) levels. (1-3) No other naturally produced oil has as large an amount of monounsaturated as olive oil -mainly oleic acid.

Olive oil is very well tolerated by the stomach. In fact, olive oil's protective function has a beneficial effect on ulcers and gastritis. Olive oil activates the secretion of bile and pancreatic hormones. It also lowers the incidence of the formation of gallstones.

Researcher suggests that including olive oil in your diet may offer benefits in terms of colon cancer prevention and lowering your risk of heart disease.

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar: Some of the vitamins, amino acids, and bioflavonoids found in apples and apple cider vinegar are antioxidants, which help prevent cancer and protect the body against damage caused by exposure to chemical toxins.

Apples and apple cider vinegar contain pectin, a water soluble fiber which can absorb water, fat, toxins, and cholesterol in the digestive tract and remove them from the body. Pectin also improves glucose metabolism and lowers blood pressure resulting in improved heart health. The insoluble fiber in apples aids digestion and elimination, promotes regularity, and contributes to bowel cleaning.

Apple cider vinegar contains 5% acetic acid and much smaller amounts of malic acid, lactic acid, and various amino acids. They give apple cider vinegar its antiseptic property, which helps deter the growth of unwanted bacteria and yeasts in the digestive track. By taking a little apple cider vinegar before a meal, you can increase stomach acidity and thereby improve digestion and nutrient uptake.

Apples and apple cider vinegar are full of easily absorbable minerals, with potassium being by far the most plentiful. Potassium works together with sodium in the control of the body's water balance, conduction of nerve impulses, contraction of muscles, maintenance of a normal heart rhythm, and it is essential for the storage of carbohydrate and its breakdown for energy.

Magnesium, a mineral found in smaller amounts, is a vital catalyst in enzyme activity, involved in the production of energy from food. It assists in the uptake of calcium and potassium and is required for the formation of healthy bones and teeth.