Monday, December 16, 2013

The Holidays are an Ideal Time to Boost Your Level of Vitamin "L"



The holiday season can be a more challenging time to improve your health with nutritious foods.  The good news is, it is a perfect and opportune time to increase your weekly dosage of "vitamin L."  "Vitamin L" is a nickname for the love, joy, compassion, and other positive emotions essential for well-being.  Though not technically a vitamin, vitamin L is essential for your health!

The HeartMath Institute in Boulder Creek, California, the leading non-profit research center for studying the science of the heart and how it affects health and well-being, discovered what it named, "heart rhythm coherence."  The researchers found that when the heart has a steady, balanced, and smooth rhythm, blood pressure is lowered and all bodily systems work efficiently. Heart rhythm coherence is triggered  directly by Vitamin L - love and positive emotions!

When the heart rhythm is incoherent (erratic and stressed), the nervous, cardiovascular, hormonal and immune systems can all be affected negatively.

According to the the HeartMath Institute:

"Scientific research now tells us plainly that anger, anxiety and worry significantly increase the risk of heart disease, including sudden cardiac death. Landmark long-term studies conducted by Dr. Hans Eysenck and colleagues at the University of London have shown that chronic unmanaged emotional stress is as much as six times more predictive of cancer and heart disease than cigarette smoking, cholesterol level or blood pressure, and much more responsive to intervention."




My recommendations for Boosting your Vitamin L levels:

1.  Meditation:  Any kind works well (and continues working after you finish your meditation and go about your day).  One type of meditation specifically well-known for its ability to boost loving feelings is called the Loving-Kindness meditation.

2.  Spend time with a pet... or get a pet!

3.  Volunteer.

4.  Spend time doing things you enjoy with people you enjoy.

5.  Engage in your regular work or activities with an attitude of kindness and compassion toward others. 

6.  Hug often.


Reference:
 Wright, Carolanne, "A loving, joyful heart shown to encourage vibrant health." Thursday, February 10, 2011: http://www.naturalnews.com.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Green Lemonade: Fresh, Raw, and Alkalizing!

Green Lemonade
This is a highly oxygenating and cleansing drink that I made in my Hurom slow juicer.  One of the most powerful health disciplines you can develop is juicing every morning.  The following drink is wonderfully refreshing and mellow.   "Green is the new caffeine."  The instant energy provided by green drinks gives you a high from the instant energy transfer provided by the chlorophyll molecule.  Even better, "green energy" isn't followed by an energy crash!


Green Lemonade

Ingredients:

1 cucumbers
1 large or 2 small lemons
1 head of romaine lettuce
2 green apples
optional:  3 or 4 sprigs of parsley

Directions:

1.  Juice.
2.  Enjoy.
2.  Repeat as often as possible.

Monday, October 7, 2013

The Little Known Reasons Why Dairy Doesn't Do a Body Good


Homemade Almond Milk (pictured above) is a great alternative to cow's milk... rich in calcium and other alkaline minerals!

Though celebrities like Venus Williams have promoted dairy products through the well-known, "Got Milk?" campaign, many don't actually eat them.  Williams, for example, adopted a raw vegan (dairy-free) diet to reduce inflammation and improve her health after being diagnosed with an auto-immune disorder.  Others in the public eye- such as Bill Clinton, Alicia Silverstone, Mike Tyson, Woody Harrelson, and Ellen Degeneres have also adopted dairy-free, vegan diets for health reasons.  The results of going "dairy-free" are apparent to those who adopt such a diet and experience its benefits first-hand, but the reasons why dropping dairy is so beneficial is not well known. 

To be clear, the type of dairy I'm referring to is cow's milk dairy that is has gone through modern processing (pasteurization or homogeonization) and is from cows fed grain (rather than grass), which are also typically milked year-round.  Did you know that even calves cannot survive drinking pasteurized milk?   

Most people realize that cow's milk is high in fat and cholesterol and eschew it for that reason.  However, the milk products that most believe to be healthier for them- the "fat free" or "skim" versions of the same products- are just as detrimental and can even be moreso.  The reason for this is that casein, the protein found in milk, is damaged during the pasteurization process and in its damaged form causes an inflammatory, mucus-producing effect on the body.  Casein is more concentrated in low-fat products of any kind because reducing milk's fat content concentrates milk's protein content.  Thus, its propensity to create digestive issues and exacerbate pain conditions, such as arthritis, is exaggerated when taken in those forms. 

The following are reasons why modern dairy products undermine health...

  • The phosphorous in cow's milk inhibits calcium from being absorbed and utilized.
  • Cow's milk contains much more phosphorous than calcium.  Therefore, the body is forced to take calcium from the bones in order to achieve the proper calcium/phosphorous ratio.  Pasteurization alters the bonds that hold the minerals together and prevents the calcium from being usable by the body.  
  • Because of the abundance of phosphorous, protein, and chlorides, pasteurized cow's milk is acid-forming and the body must use its own reserve of sodium, potassium, and calcium, from an already depleted supply in order to handle the excess acids.
  • Pasteurization depletes enzymes, vitamins, and biophotons.  Not only is this milk not giving us those vital nutrients, but it leaches energy from our bodies in the attempt to digest it.  
  • At least 50% of the American people tested for allergies reacted to dairy products, mainly because they lacked the lactase enzyme.  
  • Pasteurized milk has a clogging effect on the lymphatic system, creating stagnation that prevent weight loss and encourage the growth of cancer and other diseases.  
  • Pasteurized/homogeonized milk consumption is linked with insulin resistance, and it has  been linked with both type I and type II diabetes. 
References:
Cleanse & Purify Thyself by Richard Anderson, N.D., N.M.D. 

ABC News, www.abcnews.com.

There is a Cure for Diabetes by Gabriel Cousens, M.D. 

 

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Deception in the Weight Loss Industry

In the United States, the weight loss industry is huge.  According to ABC News, $20 billion dollars changed hands as consumers bought "diet" foods, products, services, and surgeries in 2012.  Because weight loss is big business, marketers have been targeting dieters for years.  While some weight loss products really do help people lose weight, others do not.  Aspartame, an ingredient found in foods and drinks marketed to dieters, is one such food.  Not only has it been shown to encourage weight gain, it is associated with serious health problems. 

What is aspartame?
It is a synthetic sweetener used in most diet drinks.  It is used in NutraSweet and Equal. 

What are aspartame's potential side effects?
pathological changes in brain chemistry
seizures
headaches
neurological diseases
memory loss
vertigo
depression
phobias
ADD
anxiety attacks
blindness
decreased vision
high blood pressure
fibromyalgia
lymphoma

Some people have an immediate reaction to aspartame's toxicity, however, some people suffer long-term damage from it without experiencing symptoms when they first begin to use it.  According to Lendon Smith, MD, an enormous segment of the population suffers from short and long term side effects of aspartame unknowingly.  The by-products of aspartame are excitatory amino acids called phenylalanine, methanol, and diketopiperazine (DKP).  The deleterious effects of these by-products include seizures, blindness and aggression.  According to Theresa Dale, ND, founder of The Wellness and Anti-Aging Research Center, there are over 92 different health symptoms at the root of modern disease for which aspartame can be the causative factor.

How does aspartame increase weight gain if it does not contain calories?

  • It overloads the liver with toxicity:  When the liver is compromised, it is difficult to lose weight. 
  • It causes fluid retention, cellulite, and a bloated and puffy appearance.
  • It creates unstable blood-sugar levels, which increases the appetite and causes food cravings.  
  • It suppresses production of seratonin, thereby increasing the specific craving for empty-calorie, high carbohdrate foods that can temporarily cause a seratonin surge.
  • It is a drug that affects the dopamine system of the brain, creating an addictive cycle of unhealthy eating choices. 

For further, more in-depth information on the subject of aspartame and how it made it to the supermarket shelves, please read Sweet Deception by Dr. Joseph Mercola and Dr. Kendra Degen Pearsal.  In the meantime, enjoy natural sodas with organic sweeteners, kombucha (fizzy teas), and honey sweetened drinks instead.  Your body and brain will thank you! 


Reference:

The Eco Diet:  Alkalize Your Internal Environment and Create a Healthy, Vibrant Life
by Toni Toney

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Dynamite Superfood Fudge


This fudge is very dark, satisfying and literally melts in your mouth.  It includes not only raw cacao- a well known longevity and heart tonic- but also maca.  Maca naturally assists with hormone production and dealing with stressors of any kind.  The ingredients used are fairly neutral, so it tends to digest well with any type of meal.  This recipe was adapted slightly from Julie Morris's Dynamite Fudge in SuperFood Kitchen.  I love this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to expand their healthy recipe collection.  

Ingredients:
2 T. maca powder
1 T. mesquite powder
6 T. lucuma powder
1/2 c. cacao powder
1/4 c. coconut sugar
6 T. coconut oil
1/4 c. raw agave nectar, or maple syrup
1/4 tsp. sun fire, himalayan or sea salt

In a medium bowl, mix all the dry ingredients together.  Add the coconut oil and agave or maple syrup, and mix again until combined.  If mixing by hand, use clean hands to knead the mixture for 1 more minute.  

Place a sheet of wax wrap on a plate and pour the mixture on top.  Mold the fudge into a 1-inch thick pie.  Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to solidify, then slice thinly.  (Alternatively, mold it into a square and cut into 1-inch squares.)  

Optional:  Sprinkle with coconut flakes and goji berries to add some color to your presentation! 

For best results, keep refrigerated and wrapped until ready to enjoy.  

You can find all of these superfoods at:
www.lovingsuperfoods.com, www.earthshiftproducts.com or The Raw Food World.  I recommend the fermented type of cacao from loving superfoods as the top choice for regular use.


Monday, June 24, 2013

Raw Vegan Oyster Mushroom, Olive, and Basil Pizza Creation

Living Pizza with Oyster Mushrooms, Olives, and Basil

I love raw pizza!  It had been a long time since I'd made it because, as you will read, it takes a lot of thoughtful preparation.  What makes it easier, however, is making a large batch of pizza crusts and storing them in the freezer ahead of time for use whenever you are struck with the desire to make a raw pizza.  The rest of the pizza layers took me inside of 20 minutes to make.  After all... nothing in it required cooking! 

LIVE PIZZA CRUST  
from www.treeoflife.nu
 
Ingredients:

• 4 C buckwheat, sprouted
• 2 C nuts/seeds of choice: sunflower, pumpkin, and almond
• 1C sun-dried tomatoes, soaked
• 2 medium-sized tomatoes
• 1 T olive oil
• 1 t cayenne pepper, dried and ground
• 1 T Italian spices
• 1 t thyme
• 1 t Celtic salt

Process buckwheat in a food processor with the “S” blad with ½ cup of water until
smooth.  Place in large mixing bowl.  Process nuts/seeds with ¼ C water until
smooth (also in the food processor).  Combine with buckwheat and add the
remaining ingredients an mix well.  Batter should be relatively thick.  Spread
batter onto Teflex sheets to a thickness of ¼ “, shaping as desired (mini rounds,
squares, triangles!). Dehydrate at 145 deg. F for 2-3 hours, then flip over and
remove Teflex sheets and continue dehydrating for 4 hours at 115 deg F. 
Prepare pizza toppings just prior to serving.
   

Marinara Sauce:
from Everyday Raw Express by Matthew Kenney

Ingredients:
1 1/2 c. sun-dried tomatoes, soaked 30 minutes to an hour
1 roma tomato, chopped
1 T. lemon juice
1 T. chopped fresh basil
2 T. olive oil
1 T. raw agave nectar
pinch sea salt
pinch red pepper flakes

Drain water from sun-dried tomatoes and place all ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor.  Process until smooth. 


Pine Nut Riccotta:
adapted from Cafe Gratitude's Recipe book, I am Grateful

Ingredients:
1 1/2 c. soaked pine nuts
1/2 tsp. sea salt
2 T. lemon juice
Approximately 3/4 c. spring water

Place the ingredients in a blender.  Process until semi-smooth.  (Different blenders may require more or less water to achieve the consistency of riccotta.)


Marinated Vegetable Topping:

1 c. Oyster mushrooms, sliced thinly
1/4 c. diced red onions 
One Heirloom tomato, diced
1/4 c. sliced raw kalamata olives

Mix the vegetables together and drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and some coconut aminos (or Tamari).  Allow them to marinate and soften at room temperature or in the dehydrator for an hour if you can.

To assemble:  

1.  Place the pizza crust on a plate.
2.  Spread marinara sauce on it. 
3.  Place the marinated vegetables over the sauce.
4.  Drizzle the riccotta in stripes over the entire pizza.
5.  Finish it off with some fresh basil if you'd like!  



Saturday, May 25, 2013

Raw Vegan Zucchini Pesto Lasagna with a side of Notatoes

Delicious Raw Pesto Zucchini Lasagna with a side of Creamy Mashed Notatoes

I recently made a raw food dinner for a wonderful group of 8 women and served this pesto lasagna, from Raw Food, Real World and mashed "Notatoes" from RAWvolution.  It had been ages since I took the time to make a gourmet raw meal, but I'm so glad I did because it reminded me how delicious even something as simple as raw marinara sauce and freshly sliced zucchini tastes.  I was also delighted that my two year old daughter loved the food too- especially the pistachio pesto and notatoes.




Mashed Notatoes
From Rawvolution by Matt Amsden

2 ½ c. cauliflower, ground in a food processor
¼ c. raw macadamia nuts, ground in a food processor
¼ c. olive oil
1 tsp. sea salt
1 very small clove garlic, peeled
Freshly ground black pepper to taste (I used pink pepper instead)

In a food processor, combine all of the ingredients except the pepper and process until mixture looks fluffy, like conventional mashed potatoes.  Top with freshly ground pepper.  (Serves 3-4)


Pesto Zucchini Lasagna
From Raw Food Real World by Matthew Kenney and Sarma Melngailis

Pignola Ricotta: 
Soak 2 c. raw pine nuts, one hour or more (or cashews)
2 T. lemon juice
2 T. nutritional yeast
1 tsp. sea salt
6 T. filtered water

Place the pine nuts, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and salt in a food processor and pulse a few time, until thoroughly combined.  Gradually add the water and process until the texture becomes fluffy, like ricotta. 

For the tomato sauce: 
2 c. sun-dried tomatoes, soaked for 2 hours or more
1 small to medium tomato, diced
¼ small onion, chopped
2 T. lemon juice
¼ c. olive oil
1 T. plus 1 tsp. agave nectar
2 tsp. sea salt
pinch of hot pepper flakes

Squeeze and drain as much of the water out of the soaked sun-dried tomatoes as you can.  Add the drained tomatoes to a Vita-Mix or high-speed blender with the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. 

For the basil-pistachio pesto: 
2 c. packed basil leaves
½ c. pistachios
¼ c. plus 2 T. olive oil
1 tsp. sea salt
pinch of freshly ground black pepper

Place the pesto ingredients in a food processor and blend until well combined but still slightly chunky. 

For the assembly: 
3 medium zucchini, ends trimmed
3 medium tomatoes, cut in half and then sliced
2 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 T. finely chopped fresh oregano
1 T. fresh thyme
pinch of sea salt
pinch of freshly ground black pepper

Directions:  Prepare the pignola riccota, tomato sauce, and pistachio pesto.  Place them in a row for assembly.  Using a mandoline (or  by hand), slice thinly the zucchini and tomatoes.  Mix the olive oil with the fresh herbs and drizzle this mixture onto the slices.

On a plate or in a lasagna pan, layer the zucchini, tomato sauce, riccota and pesto as high as you’d like.  Adjust the amount of each layer to your own personal preference.  Serve.  (Makes 4-5 individual lasagnas.)

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Your Family History Does Not Determine Your Health Destiny


Baby Bella is already beginning to create her own health destiny by eating yams for lunch!

Did you know that diseases that "run in families" are in fact primarily caused by lifestyle habits that are passed on from generation to generation, rather than genetics?  From the study of epigenetics, we have been gifted the knowledge that only three percent of our DNA is genetic and 97% of our genes are epigenetic.  Epegenetic means affected by everything (diet, attitude, and habits of all types).  

By engaging in positive lifestyle habits and eating a healthy diet, you can literally turn on longevity genes and never manifest any of the diseases that "run" in your family.  

“There is a choice. You have to be willing to change your life. You have to love yourself enough to heal yourself”
~ Dr. Gabriel Cousens

For further study, read Spiritual Nutrition by Gabriel Cousens or check out one of Bruce Lipton's books or his Youtube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/biologyofbelief).  

Monday, May 6, 2013

Alchemy of the Heart Meditation Practice


Deva Premal posted this on facebook today, and I wanted to pass it along to you as well!  It is a powerful meditation and understanding from Osho

"Try this method from Atisha.... When you breathe in, breathe in all the misery and suffering of all the beings of the world -- past, present and future. And when you breathe out, breathe out all the joy that you have, all the blissfulness that you have, all the benediction that you have. Breathe out, pour yourself into existence. This is the method of compassion: drink in all the suffering and pour out all the blessings.

"And you will be surprised if you do it. The moment you take all the sufferings of the world inside you, they are no longer sufferings. The heart immediately transforms the energy. The heart is a transforming force: drink in misery, and it is transformed into blissfulness... then pour it out.

"Once you have learned that your heart can do this magic, this miracle, you would like to do it again and again. Try it. It is one of the most practical methods -- simple, and it brings immediate results. Do it today, and see."

-Osho

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Raw Vegan Tomato, Basil, and Ricotta Pizza with a Simple Strawberry Salad

My Simple Strawberry Salad
Matthew Kenney's Raw Vegan Tomato, Basil, and Ricotta Pizza from Everyday Raw
I have to say, this was the perfect meal to eat on the porch in the Springtime!  The salad was my own creation, while the pizza was a more complex recipe from Everyday Raw by the raw food genius and NYC restaraunt-owner, Matthew Kenney. 

Strawberry & Spinach Salad:

Spinach
finely chopped white onions
diced strawberries
a drizzle of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sea salt and pepper to taste to dress

Instructions:  Layer the spinach, onions and berries neatly onto your plate.  Finish by drizzling olive oil and squeezing a bit of balsamic vinegar on top.  Add a pinch of sea salt and fresh ground pepper, and your salad is complete! 


Everyday Raw is Available from the Raw Food World Super Store:












Does the U.S. Government Subsidize the Wrong Foods?

Why is it that highly processed foods that require a lot of labor and manufacturing steps cost the least amount of money by the time they reach your local grocery store's shelves?   Fruits and vegetables require zero processing and yet them often cost more money.  The reason is:  government subsidies. 

At this time, government subsidies are not given to farmers producing anti-oxidant rich, organic fruits and vegetables.  Subsidies are given to the foods that now make up the majority of the American diet.  These foods are also the top three foods which can improve health dramatically by their omission from the diet.  They are sugar, wheat, and conventionally raised livestock. 

Corn in the form it is eaten today, which is in sodas as high fructose corn syrup or even off the cob if it is genetically modified corn, is linked to devastating diseases.  The majority of the corn in America is fed to livestock, and the meat from that livestock is very imbalanced in omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids, also causing inflammation and disease in those who consume it regularly.   

The sugar industry received 1.2 billion in 2005
The wheat industry received 1.1 billion in 2005
The livestock industry received 2.7 million in 2005

The cheap cost that corporations are allowed to purchase these raw materials to produce their goods, such as corn in the case of soda,  also leaves them a surplus of money to heavily advertise their products.  That is why you will see more commercials ($2 billion/year) for Coke and Pepsi than any finished organic product.  The Coke itself costs almost nothing to make and its value is entirely created by its image rather than its ability to replenish the human body in any way. 

What is the real cost of processed foods made with wheat, corn, and conventionally raised livestock?  Socially and ecologically, this is only a partial list. 
Some environmental activist groups, who also point to the fact that these crops are destructive to the land and environment, estimate that without the impact of subsidies on price, a quarter pounder with cheese would cost around $50.

Natural health aducators remind us that the ripple effect of the high consumption of subsidized foods include unnecessarily high healthcare costs and pain and suffering of individuals.  According to the American Diabetes Association, in 2007, Americans paid $174 billion for diabetes care.  That is more than the war in Afghanistan and Iraq that year combined with the cost of Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.  Recall that diabetes is easily preventable and Type II is reversible from a previous health tip. 
You may have heard that livestock production is responsible for more pollution than cars in the U.S.  Outside of the U.S., there is also an ecological effect that is important to note.  The U.S. imports 90% of all Central American beef exports for burgers each year.  Each burger takes 55 square feet of tropical forest permanently cleared for grazing land. 

Vote for sustainable, healthy food choices with your dollars.  Continue to shop locally and organically.  Choosing organic foods pays HUGE health, energy, and ecological dividends.

References:

"The burger that ate a rain forest."  London Times, Feb 26. 1989.
Government Subsidies: The Reason Why Cancer-Causing Foods Are So Cheap and Readily Available.  Friday, October 12, 2007 by: Sarah Aitken, www.naturalnews.com.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Guarana: A Unique Energy-Boosting Herb


Guarana
Guarana is a South American plant that has very unique energy boosting properties.  Aside from being a natural energy-booster, guarana has many other health benefits.  Historically, the Amazonian Indians used guarana just before entering the jungle in order to sustain themselves during long periods of hiking.  They would also use the herb medicinally, to combat fever, headaches, and pain. 

What makes guarana different than other natural energy boosters like coffee?

Guarana contains guaranine, which is similar to caffeine but differs in a few key ways.  Guaranine is released slowly, over as much as six hours, making the energy boost it provides long lasting rather than short-lived.  This is very different than caffeine, which provides a short energy burst but overexcites the body.  Guarana's effect is revitalizing and relaxing rather than stimulating and depleting.  This is because guarana contains other components that modify the activity of this substance.  Note, however, that when guarana is over-consumed, it produces the same undesirable effects that caffeine does (like insomnia, anxiousness, etc.). 

Research indicates that Guarana gently stimulates the adrenal system to alleviate fatigue without producing harmful adrenaline shots.  In contrast, caffeine consumption does produce adrenaline shots that can damage the adrenal glands over time.  This is the reason the continuous use of caffeine can lead to chronic fatigue issues. 

Guarana also contains theobromine- the stimulant and euphoriant substance found in chocolate.  Its theobromine content adds depth to guarana's uses as an herbal medicine.  Just like raw chocolate, it is useful for improving mood and sharpening your mental faculties. 

In summation, guarana is useful for: 


- providing a natural energy boost
- reducing fatigue
- stress related conditions including anxiety and depression
- improving mental and physical stamina
- use as a general tonic and stress reliever
- assisting with illness recovery
- slowing or reversing aging
- as a natural diuretic, to rid the body of excess fluids
- to relieve menstrual pain
- as a non-addictive natural anti-depressant
- as a natural appetite suppressant
- aiding in smoking cessation
- providing natural pain relief

A good starting dose of guarana is 1/8 tsp. powder, which can be mixed with fruit juice, punch or herbal tea.  I recommend cold-processed guarana rather than heated varieties.  Daily intake should not exceed 3 grams. 

* Guarana is not recommended during pregnancy.  Check with your physician before adding herbal remedies to your health regimen. 

References:

http://www.mazatecgarden.com
Moritz, Andreas.  Timeless Secrets of Health and Rejuvenation.

Friday, April 26, 2013

Morning Citrus Tonic with Blue Green Algae

Orange Citrus Tonic

Ingredients:  

3 freshly squeezed oranges
1 freshly squeezed grapefruit
1 tsp. blue green algae
For extra cleansing power and flavor:  add a few drops of Citrus Fresh essential oil to the mix

Variation:  For a Goji-Citrus infusion, add 2 T. goji berry juice (like Ningxia Red from Young Living) to the mix.  Keep the blue-green algae in or leave it out!


This orange-citrus is a wonderfully cleansing and energizing drink that works well in the morning or on an empty stomach anytime of the day.  The blue green algae is excellent for boosting your mood in the morning and phenomenal for increasing mental power and agility.  Citrus, including and especially citrus essential oils, keep the lymphatic system flowing- which is key to the health of every single cell in your body!  Naturopathic Doc. Robert Morse has a video series on YouTube detailing the significance of the lymphatic system in health: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-R2JMbXCLY


What is Citrus Fresh?

Citrus Fresh™ is a relaxing, calming blend loved by children and adults alike. Rich in the powerful antioxidant d-limonene, it supports the immune system and overall health* while bringing about a sense of well-being, creativity, and feelings of joy.  It is available from www.youngliving.com.  Kindly use my distributor number, 820049 when ordering or signing up.  Goji berry juice, with essential oils, Ningxia Red, is also available from Young Living. 



 
The Culture of Life store carries a recommended brand Blue Green Algae:

Culture of Life Store

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Juicing's Health-Transformative Power

A Delightful Green Juice to Begin the Day!

Juicing as a regular health practice energizes you at a cellular level and helps your body deeply detoxify.  In short, its therapeutic value has the power to transform your health from the inside, out! 

What is juicing?

The type of juicing I am referring to involves the extraction of juice from raw, organic fruits, vegetables, greens, and fresh herbs, in a variety of combinations. 

Juicing makes it easy to consume a lot of fresh produce at once, which gives your body a concentrated infusion of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants, enzymes, and biophotons. 

Biophotons are a newly discovered "light" component of foods.  Research by Professor F.A. Popp and Dr. H. Niggli shows that light energy (biophotons) is an important factor in food value.  The more light a food is able to store, the more it is capable of energizing cells by supplying fuel for the mitochondria. On a practical level, this means a person feel more energized and their metabolism revs up after eating biophoton rich foods such as raw juices.

Most foods require digestion in order to make energy and nutrition from the food available to your body.  However, juicing breaks down the cell walls of foods to liberate their nutrients for nearly instantaneous digestion.  Your cells receive this nutrition within 15-20 minutes of you drinking the juice.  Without having to expend energy on digestion, the body uses the extra energy for healing and rejuvenation. 

Juicing and Weight Release


As a result of modern living and the consumption of unfit foods, most people have a great deal of toxic matter stored deep in their tissues.  This matter not only causes health issues, but it causes the accumulation of "impossible to lose" weight.  The alkaline nature of juices, especially those that include chlorophyll-rich greens, magnetizes this
toxic matter from deep within the tissues of your body.  The more deeply detoxification occurs, the healthier a person becomes and the more easily their body lets go of extra weight. 

Many people who have tried to lose weight through calorie restriction and exercise without success find that juicing, along with a clean diet high in raw foods works for them.  An excellent documentary that goes more deeply into this science is available on Netflix, called "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead."  It documents the progress of several people as they turn to juicing and fresh foods to assist their bodies with shedding extra pounds and recovering from painful health conditions. 


*  I recommend drinking fresh juice on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning before any other food is taken.  This allows the juice to most effectively alkalize your blood and detoxify your body. 

Sources: 
Raw Food Diet Study http://www.iowasource.com/food/lenkastudy_0806.html Accessed April 22, 2011.
McDonald’s and Biophoton Deficiency http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/cienci/ciencia_industryweapons78.htm Accessed April 22, 2011.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Six "Rawmazing" Juices & Their Uses

picture from:  www.lifeforcejuice.com
1.  Carrot Juice:  Carrot makes a great juice base, with its sweet and neutral flavor.  Carrot juice is a potent liver detoxifier, and its beta carotene content keeps your skin clear and healthy.  It boosts the function of the liver, kidneys, and digestive system.  And, it is a remedy for fluid retention, bloating, digestive sluggishness, and the general feeling of fatigue that follows a period of unhealthy eating. 

2.  Cucumber Juice:  Cucumber is another great juice base as it has a smooth, refreshing taste that pairs well with many other fruits and vegetables.  Cucumber juice is a superb source of silica, which improves your complexion and contributes to the health of connective tissue throughout your whole body. 

3.  Spinach Juice:  A few ounces of spinach in a glass of juice adds a ton of healing nutrition!  Spinach contains several nutrients linked to weight loss, including calcium and iron.  It also gives you an instant energy boost due to its high content of chlorophyll. 

4.  Apple Juice:  Apple juice improves intestinal, cardiovascular, liver, and kidney health.  It is beneficial for people suffering from rheumatism or arthritis.  If that weren't amazing enough, apple juice also lowers your risk of asthma, dementia, and cancer.

5.  Lemon Juice: 
This juice detoxifies the liver and boosts its function.  Further, lemon juice improves the efficiency of the digestive system, which prevents weight gain that occurs as a result of poor digestion.

6.  Beet Juice:
  Beets are rich in biotin, a water-soluble B-vitamin that plays a key part in metabolizing proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.  Beet juice cleanses the intestines and liver.  Beets, including the tops, are full of iron and have traditionally been used to naturally boost energy, as well as to relieve anemia-related fatigue.
 

The following juice is delicious and incorporates all six of the aforementioned rawmazing juices!

Ingredients-

12 carrots
3 cucumbers (or 2 large)
3 apples
2 lemons
4 handfuls of spinach
1 small beet

Juice in a fruit and vegetable juicer and drink first thing in the morning.  (Allow 20 minutes between finishing your juice and eating breakfast or lunch.) 


Interested in juicing but lacking a juicer?  Good juicer brands to consider include

Hurom, Omega, Jack Lallane, and Juiceman


References: 
http://www.naturalnews.com/033765_apples_brain_power.html#ixzz2QmRicCJ6
http://www.drgranny.com/2010/05/19/top-10-health-benefits-of-apple-juice/
Owen, Sarah.  The Top 100 Juices.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Mineral-Rich Molasses Cookies (Gluten Free)

 

Servings: 25-30 cookies
Preparation Time: 15 minutes

    * 3/4 cup coconut oil
    * 1/4 cup molasses
    * 1 cup organic whole, raw cane sugar or raw coconut sugar
    * 1 T. flax mixed with 2 T. water
    * 1 1/2 cups brown rice flour (sprouted brown rice flour is even better!)
    * 1/2 cup coconut flour
    * 2 teaspoons baking soda
    * 1/2 teaspoon salt
    * 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
    * 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
    * 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Mix coconut oil, molasses, sugar and flax mixture together with a fork.

Mix the brown rice flour, coconut flour, baking soda, salt, cloves, ginger and cinnamon in a separate bowl and mix well.

Combine the 2 mixtures and mix with a spoon to form a dough. Chill dough in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Roll into 1-inch balls and dip in sugar (optional). Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment. Bake for about 8 minutes in preheated oven.

Adapted from a recipe from www.tropicaltraditions.com.



According to the World's Healthiest Foods Organization:
 
Blackstrap molasses is a sweetener that is actually good for you. Unlike refined white sugar and corn syrup, which are stripped of virtually all nutrients except simple carbohydrates, or     artificial sweeteners like saccharine or aspartame, which not only provide no useful         nutrients but have been shown to cause health problems in sensitive individuals, black strap     molasses is a healthful  sweetener that contains  significant amounts of a variety of minerals (including iron!) that promote your health.