Circulation is very important to maintaining our health! Improving your circulation can reduce your risk of heart attacks and strokes, as well as reduce the symptoms of arthritis and diabetes. Here's a great list of foods that will improve your circulation!
Avocados contain heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids which research has shown to support the cardiovascular system and increase blood circulation.
Cocoa contains flavonoids which is naturally found in plants and fruits and has been well linked to improving blood circulation. A study published in the Circulation Journal showed that dark chocolate rich in natural flavonoids improved blood circulation when compared with white chocolate with no flavonoids.
Oranges and citrus fruits high in vitamin C are natural blood thinners and are believed to help strengthen capillary walls and prevent plaque build-up which is a leading cause to poor circulation.
Garlic has many uses and one of them is it cleanses the blood and helps prevent plaque build-up. Other foods in the bulb group such as radishes, onions and leeks are also good at stimulating blood flow.
These delicious berries are high in fibre to help boost the immune system as well as increasing blood circulation.
Ginger is known for helping nausea and digestion problems as well as increasing blood circulation.
One of the world's oldest surviving tree species, Ginkgo biloba dilates blood vessels and in doing so increases blood flow. It is also thought to increase blood flow to the brain.
Watermelons are rich in lycopene which is a natural antioxidant linked to improving circulation. Lycopene is a natural pigment which gives certain foods their reddish color.
Cayenne has been associated with increasing metabolic rate and strengthening arteries and blood vessels.
Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E which is shown to help keep blood clots from forming which helps improve circulation.
By simply incorporating these foods into your diet, you will gradually see marked improvement in your health. Consistency is the key to maintaining full body wellness and with a variety of ways to increase your intake of these foods, through teas, tonics, juices, curries and a plethora of other delicious ways, it should be easy to improve your circulation and keep it that way!
A few weeks ago I was feeling very down because of my hip, leg, neck and nerve damage, like why keep trying thoughts. Not my normal. I forced myself onto the bike and as I sat woe is me, this hurts, this sucks, I looked over at my garden and saw two butterflies entangled in a mid air dance around my blood orange tree. I stopped to videotape and captured one of them still dancing. That moment gave light to my heart and my mind to be above myself, be beyond my pain and think more about the beauty in life. Well.... yesterday, I noticed 4 sluggish looking creatures chilling on separate leaves in my blood orange tree! Those butterflies were mating and now I get to witness the beauty in seeing these caterpillars become pupas and blossom into butterflies. I guess we should all count our blessings where they come, no matter how big or how small. Have a great day!
Optional Sweeteners: 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup, Honey or Raw Coconut Sugar
Servings: 4
Squeeze Orange's Juice into 16 oz bottle and add 2 orange 1/4's to bottle. Add sliced Turmeric root, sliced Ginger root, basil, sweetener (optional), Apple Cider Vinegar and then hot water. Shake it up and place in fridge for a few hours until cool. Serve over ice or as a morning vitality shot!
This Basil Turmeric Tonic is a wonderful Probiotic Tonic that contains high levels of vitamin c to boost your immune system, basil for digestive and immune system health, Turmeric which prevents inflammatory diseases and Ginger for total digestive well being! It also contains Apple cider vinegar which has been known to be used to treat weak bones (osteoporosis), weight loss, leg cramps and pain, upset stomach, sore throats, sinus problems, high blood pressure, arthritis, to help rid the body of toxins, stimulate thinking, slow the aging process, regulate blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and fight infection.
Boost your wellness with this delicious and nutritious Tonic! A shot of this a day will help keep disease away!
They're not only beautifully vibrant and taste like the luscious tropics but they are a rich source of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids; the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium, copper, and magnesium; and fiber.
Papaya is a natural remedy for many ailments, including atherosclerosis, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, and they help keep your digestive and immune systems healthy. The flavonoid beta carotene in papaya has been proven in multiple studies to help protect against lung and mouth cancers. Other flavonoids in Papaya have potent antioxidant properties against free radicals and degenerative diseases.
Papayas contain 212 amino acids and several enzymes, including papain, a proteolytic enzyme that has an anti-inflammatory effect on the stomach, including swelling and fever that can develop post-surgery. Papain helps proteins digest faster, which discourages acid reflux, and has proven it's effectiveness in treating ulcers and even relieving irritable bowel syndrome. Papaya seeds have been used in holistic medicine for decades to treat parasite and ringworm infections.
Papaya is really a super fruit and your body will thank you for eating it, with good health!
Mangos contain large amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A as well as 25 different kinds of carotenoids that will keep your immune system healthy and strong.
2. Improves Digestion:
Mangos contain enzymes for breaking down protein which can help to improve your digestion. The fiber in mangos also provides additional help with digestion and elimination.
3. Lowers Cholesterol:
The high levels of fiber, pectin and vitamin C help to lower serum cholesterol levels, specifically Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) which is known as the bad cholesterol.
4. Prevents Cancer:
Many research studies have found that the antioxidant compounds found in mangos may protect against colon, breast, leukemia and prostate cancers. Quercetin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, fisetin, gallic acid and methylgallat are a few of the compounds found in mangos that have shown the ability to prevent cancer
5. Reduces Acne:
Mangos are versatile for your skin and can be used both internally and externally. Eating mangos provides the body with the nutrients it needs to detoxify and improve skin from within. Mangos can be used as a face mask externally to help clear clogged pores and eliminate pimples.
6. Improves Eye Health:
One single cup of sliced mangoes supplies your body with 25% of its recommended daily serving of vitamin A, which helps you maintain good eyesight!
7. Increases Energy Levels:
Being a low glycemic fruit Mangos provide the body with an abundance of nutrients and enzymes which naturally boosts the bodies energy levels without spiking blood sugar levels, giving you slow burning energy that is long lasting!
8. May Help with Diabetes:
Traditionally Mango leaves were used in home remedies by boiling the mango leaves in water and leaving them to soak over night to drink in the morning to help normalize insulin levels in the blood. Mango fruit has a low glycemic index (41-60) which will not spike your sugar levels after eating a moderate amount.
9. Increases Libido:
Many researchers have debated over the connection between Vitamin E and sex drive! Mangos contain a lot of vitamin E which may not only increase your libido but your stamina!
10. Alkalizes the Whole Body:
The tartaric acid, malic acid, and citric acid found in mangos helps to maintain an alkaline environment in the body!
Mangos can be used to make great frozen treats, smoothies, dress up a salad or enjoyed all by itself in all it's deliciousness! Mangos are an amazing super fruit that will surely add insurmountable health benefits to your life and increase your wellness!
*Grammer police: according to the English Oxford Dictionary and Webster dictionary the plural for mangos can either be mangos or mangoes, and it's personal preference*
This tabouli salad is not only delicious it's also very nutritious!
Health Benefits:
1. Parsley: Parsley is rich in many vital vitamins, including Vitamin C, B 12, K and A. This means parsley keeps your immune system strong, tones your bones and heals the nervous system, too. It helps flush out excess fluid from the body, thus supporting kidney function. Regular use of parsley can help control your blood pressure.
2. Tomatoes: Tomatoes are also an excellent source vitamin C, biotin, molybdenum, and vitamin K. They are also a very good source of copper, potassium, manganese, dietary fiber, vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), vitamin B6, folate, niacin, vitamin E, and phosphorus. They help boost your immune system and can contribute to defending your body against free radicals that lead to common illnesses like the flu and colds.
3. Bulgur: Bulgur is low in fat, high in minerals like manganese, magnesium and iron, plus it's a good source of plant-based protein. It also provides a the dietary fiber you need for digestive and heart health! 25% of your daily needs in every one-cup serving!
4. Lemon Juice: High in vitiman C, lemons are wonderfully detoxing while providing the body with immune boosting nutrients.
This salad is made with fresh whole foods that are chemical free non GMO and amazing for your health. It's also ridiculously delicious!
Here’s our YouTube tutorial on how to make this delicious and nutritious salad:
There isn't a single political post on my feed that isn't just a hate poster about literally nothing. I don't care who wrote who's speech. Here's what I care about, the fact that our country is being poisoned by our food which is giving everyone cancer, heart diseases, diabetes and making everyone obese. This is a picture of the school lunches under Michelle Obama's guidance.
Obama approved dietary guidelines against Doctors recommendations to appease the meat and dairy industries. (See below for article links)
Hillary Clinton is part of the people who are allowing Monsanto and other Biochemical companies to literally poison you, while keeping you in the dark. She's pushing the dark ban which means your food won't be labeled with what poisonous chemicals are in it.
How can your health or the health of your children mean more to you than who wrote a republicans or democrats First Lady speech, when your current First Lady thinks your child should eat processed fake meats with hormone filled milk. There isn't a single issue besides health and environment that should matter more because without those two things, we are all dead. So, continue hating each other over things that don't matter without having a single issue that's actually important to discuss. This is really where all lives matter.
Blackberries and Blueberries have the highest levels of antioxidants. Do you know how antioxidant rich foods are rated?
By their Oxygen Radical Absorbance
Capacity (ORAC)
ORAC values are a measure of the antioxidant activity. It measures the degree and length of time it takes to inhibit the action of an oxidizing agent. Antioxidants inhibit oxidation which is known to have a damaging effect on tissues. Studies now suggest that consuming fruits and vegetables with a high ORAC value may slow down the aging process in both the body and brain.
Single servings of fresh fruits and vegetables supply an average of 600-800 ORAC units. Scientists believe that increasing intake of foods that provide 2000-5000 units per day may be needed to increase serum and tissue antioxidant activity sufficiently to improve health outcomes.
Cancer and Heart Disease are oxidative diseases so increasing your intake to the recommended units will help prevent these diseases.
1/2 cup Finely diced portobello mushroom (optional)
6 oz organic tomato paste
3 oz distilled vinegar
4 oz water (add more for thinner sauce)
Spicy and heated option add:
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried basil
Use either a teaspoon of olive oil or Spectrum Expeller Coconut Oil Cooking Spray to grease pot.
Sauté: Garlic, Onion, Serrano Peoper, Mushrooms, Tomatoes, Basil and Parsley until the onions start to brown. Add tomato paste, distilled vinegar and water. Raise head and stir until it starts to bubble/boil then lower the head to a simmer. You can leave the sauce thick or you can add water to thin it out. The longer it simmers the more the blended the ingredients get. If you want to spice it up add the dried ingredients while the sauce simmers!
I like a chunkier sauce so I keep it as is but you can add more water and simmer for longer for a thinner sauce!
Fresh, natural and delicious homemade sauce in less than 10 minutes. Yum!
Step 1: In a measuring cup, place warm water. The water should be warm to the touch making sure it's not too hot because hot water will kill the yeast; and water that is too cold will not activate it. Pour the yeast into the water, add sugar, and stir until both ingredients dissolve and a beige mixture results. Let stand for 5 minutes, until a thin layer of creamy foam covers surface, which indicates that the yeast is effective. Tip: If bubbles/foam have not formed within 5 minutes, start over with a new package of yeast
Step 2: Combine 3 cups flour with sea salt in a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the center and pour in your yeast mixture and coconut oil. Using a spoon, stir flour into well, blending well to get rid of any lumps. Next, place dough onto a lightly floured surface. Dust your hands with flour and knead gently. Turn and repeat until the dough is silky and elastic (less than 5 minutes) Add a little Coconut oil to your hands if the dough is too dry. Tip: if you knead too much it overdevelops the gluten in the flour and results in a tough crust.
Step 3: Form dough into a ball and lightly coat with coconut oil. (Less than a teaspoon) Place dough back in mixing bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and drape a kitchen cloth over top.
Let the dough rise in a place warm place (68 to 72 degrees) until it has doubled in size (about 1 to 2 hours). When the dough is ready, punch it down using your fist, to eliminate the air bubbles.
This recipe will make:
One (1) 15 to 16 inch pizza
Divide dough in half;
two (2) 12 inch pizzas
two (2) 9 inch deep-dish pizzas
Divide dough into 4 to 6 equal portions.
Four (4) to six (6) 9 inch individuals
Dough can be kept refrigerated for up to 36 hours or sealed and froze for up to a month.
Tip: Let chilled dough come to room temperature before shaping.
Baking: Pre-heat oven to 500 degrees for 30 minutes prior to baking. Pizzas should take between 10-15 minutes to bake depending on thickness of the pizzas. Tip: lightly oil or spray dough with Spectrum Coconut oil cooking spray before baking to prevent burning the dough.
Ingredients tip: The Unbleached organic flour can be replaced with any other type of flour that you want to use (quinoa flour, brown rice flour, chickpea flour) to accommodate your dietary needs. This recipe is a versatile vegan base recipe. You can add spices to the dough and make a Rosemary and Garlic crust. Use this base recipe to be creative and please your own taste buds while being as healthy as possible!
You can make any type of vegan-pizza, flat breads and even bread bowls with this basic dough. If you entertain, have a big family to feed or meal plan, you can double the recipe and have the dough on hand!
I've asked my brother and mother to get therapy with me to develop a new foundation for healthy relationships to break the dysfunctional cycles of our family. I was told I have isolated myself from them and my mothers cancer was used to try to make me go against what is the right thing to do which is therapy.
Parents raise children, children don't raise parents, so when a child develops disorders it directly corilates to the family dynamic. I was tormented by my brothers, my mother and my grandmother over my appearance and if I tried to complain about it my mother would say, I don't want to hear about it. To this day she denies this, probably because she didn't want to hear it. She was very critical of everything, had zero tolerance for emotions and any compliment you were given came with a backhanded criticism. My aunt was very jealous and would say awful things to me and my parents would never defend me, they would just say she is mentally ill.
My parents felt that if you throw money at problems they go away. My family all talks negatively about each other behind each other's backs then are phony to your face. I developed an eating disorder and body image dysmorphia which lead to me using crystal meth at 14 years old. I just thought that if I could be skinny the criticism and talking about me behind my back would stop. I've been through counceling my whole life trying to change what my family thinks is wrong with me while none of them get actual mental help, they all just get medicated for their mental illnesses and carry on with their abuse behavior.
I have overcome the affects of my families dysfunction by therapy, doing hard mental work, developing the right tools, knowing my triggers and I have tried to accommodate their mental illness for a very long time until now when it's affecting me again and I can no longer accommodate them because of the physical pain I deal with from an accident. I have asked for years for us as a family to get help but the only person who has is me.
So, what happens when you evolve, change, develop healthy communication, talk about your feelings and overcome all odds but the people who caused you to develop disorders in the first place do nothing? You get to a point where they are all the same as they were 30 years ago telling you, that you are the problem.
You see, I am happy in my life, have wonderful relationships, a passion for living, proud of my accomplishments and am happy with myself as a person despite living in constant pain and struggling to be able to walk from a major trauma. I am even happier without being involved with these people but they want me back in their dysfunction to just sit there and take it without any of them actually doing any mental health work to make me want to be there.
Life is hard enough as it is and if your family puts you down or isn't nice to you, discredits your intelligence and wants you to be anyone but who you are, they aren't your family, they are your abusers and it's time to end that cycle. They either get help and you work together with a professional in a safe environment to create change or you move on with your life and create a family for yourself that lifts you up, supports your passions and prioritizes your relationship to work together on keeping it healthy. Reality and functionality is a wonderful place to live, I do hope that one day my family would join me here but my bets are on them continuing to think I'm the problem. Problem solved, I've moved on with a glimmer of hope still in my heart. My door is always open but the boundaries are set and they don't bend for dysfunction they are there to keep it out.
.... And they lived happily ever after but first it starts with YOU!
If we can all develop our sense of self and stand strong as individuals we will break the divide between us. At our core we are all the same, we are all human. Thats our common ground. If each individual human did their part to stop creating hate and spreading it, we would see change. We create divide when we segregate ourselves and define ourselves by a group.
When I meet a new person I don't really notice their race, clothes or anything other than what they say and what they are like and stand for as a human being. Each person is different and when you can only see their race, their status or anything else that holds no value really, then you are perpetuating the problems we have created.
The movement shouldn't be black lives matter or gay pride or white pride, it should be we are all human, we are all individuals, we are all different, we are all the same. When something tragic happens we break out in protest and blame, creating even more hate, violence and tragedy than the original happenings. It defeats the purpose. The response should create love, good and give kindness back to the community to recover from the hateful act and deliver that message. Our love is above spreading hate about who did this. Your hate doesn't cancel out our love and kindness or bring us down to your level of behavior.
Our need as people to be a part of something because we are so needy for acceptance while being so judgmental of others at the same time, is the root of the problem. We need to be part of the group, we need a partner, we need acceptance; when all we really need is the self love, confidence and knowledge that we are good enough as individuals to stand on our own to stand up for ourselves and be the good we want to see in the world.
Keeping up with "The Jones" as they say, is really keeping up the divide, creating the hate and elevating the tragic epidemic of senseless violence.
People want something to hate to make themselves feel better or feel a part of something but what they really need, is to be loved as an individual.
Fruits and Veggies keep you alive, alert and enthusiastic!
By definition: Nutrition is the science that interprets the interaction of nutrients and other substances in food in relation to maintenance, growth, reproduction, health and disease of an organism.
Humans are Multicellular Organisms who consume a diet to get their nutrition.
The word diet to most means a restriction one puts themself on in order to lose weight
The original definition of diet: the kinds of foods a person, animal or community habitually eats that are indigenous to their geographical location.
Your diet needs to be full of positive, living, natural foods in order to maintain health, mentally and physically grow, be capable of reproduction, have good health and prevent disease!
Is what you are eating capable of doing that for you?
Did you know Protein doesn't keep you alive, alert and enthusiastic. Over consumption of protein keeps you thin not healthy and it actually contributes to disease. Fruits and Veggies are the part of your nutrition that do that for you. Look it up! Be educated about the truth. Protein is a small fraction of your nutrition while all other nutrients found in fruits and veggies are more crucial to you maintaining health and preventing disease.
Drizzle "Meatballs" lightly with Avocado Seed oil before Baking
Bake: 350 for 20 minutes or longer for crispier balls!
This is a well balanced and nutritious meal. The ingredients are all beneficial to your health and feed your body a great amount of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and protein. It's low in fat, vegan, has no GMO's, has a low amount of processing chemicals, is gluten free and has an absolutely delicious smokey flavor.
Cooking tip: I keep a few extra Simply Organic spice packets on hand. They make it easy for me to put together a healthy meal on a night where I don't feel like having to think up what to make but want something flavorful, healthy and satisfying.
Black Bean Dip with Cucumbers, Yellow Peppers, Beets and Carrots!
Black Bean Dip:
1 can Organic Black Beans (no salt, drain and wash)
1 tsp Chili Powder
1 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Organic Ground Horseradish
1 tbsp Fresh Thyme Leaves
Blend in Food Processor or good old fashion elbow grease.
Yum!
Health Benefits:
1. Black Beans:
The black bean's fiber, potassium, folate, vitamin B6 and phytonutrient content, coupled with its lack of cholesterol, all support heart health. The fiber in black beans helps lower the total amount of cholesterol in the blood and decrease the risk of heart disease.
2. Cucumbers:
Cucumbers are a valuable source of conventional antioxidant nutrients including vitamin C, beta-carotene, and manganese. In addition, cucumbers contain numerous flavonoid antioxidants, including quercetin, apigenin, luteolin, and kaempferol. Cucumber also contain phytonutrients known to provide anti-cancer benefits which are called lignans. The lignans pinoresinol, lariciresinol, and secoisolariciresinol have all been identified within cucumber. When we consume plant lignans like those found in cucumber, bacteria in our digestive tract use the lignans and convert them into enterolignans. Enterolignans have the ability to bind onto estrogen receptors and can have both pro-estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects. Reduced risk of estrogen-related cancers, including cancers of the breast, ovary, uterus, and prostate has been associated with intake of dietary lignans from plant foods like cucumber. (Source: www.whfoods.com)
3. Yellow Pepper:
Yellow bell peppers are a good source of vitamin C, fiber, protein and iron. They have a very sweet taste and can accentuate the flavor of most ingredients you add to a dish.
4. Beets:
Beets are high in immune-boosting vitamin C, fiber, and essential minerals like potassium which is essential for healthy nerve and muscle function, and manganese which is good for your bone health, liver functions, kidney functions, and pancreas. Beets also contain the B vitamin folate, which helps reduce the risk of birth defects.
5. Carrots:
Carrots contain high levels of beta carotene and fiber. This root vegetable is a good source of antioxidant agents as well, that support healthy visions, skin and teeth. Carrots are also, rich in vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, vitamin B8, pantothenic acid, folate, potassium, iron, copper, and manganese.
This healthy snack feeds your body the nutrition it needs to support your bodily functions while reducing your risk for disease. It has no fat, no chemicals, no GMO's, is gluten free, vegan and extremely delicious.
This juice is so refreshingly delicious, it'll make the sun shine through a storm and even give a #lakers fan hope again!
Sunshine Juice:
Cold Press or Blend (Servings: 1)
5 peaches
2 Carrots
1/2 inch Ginger
1/2 inch Turmeric
Health Benefits:
1. Peaches:
Peaches are rich in minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, phosphorous, zinc, and copper. Peaches are low in calories, contain no saturated fat or cholesterol, and are a good source of dietary fiber. They can help reduce nerve pain and spasms
2. Carrots:
Carrots are a good source of antioxidant agents and are rich in vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, vitamin B8, pantothenic acid, folate, potassium, iron, copper, and manganese. They're good for your skin, vision and oral health
3. Ginger:
Ginger has a long history of use for relieving digestive problems such as nausea, loss of appetite, motion sickness and pain.
4. Turmeric:
Turmeric is a powerful medicine that has long been used in the Chinese and Indian systems of medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat a wide variety of conditions, including flatulence, jaundice, menstrual difficulties, bloody urine, hemorrhage, toothache, bruises, chest pain, and colic.
Holistic Nutritionist, Amy Michelle Weiss, shows you how to make a simple Raw Chocolate. Eat this simple recipe as is or use it as a base recipe for other chocolate treats.
1. Base Recipe (Vegan)
Raw chocolate
10 dates
4 tbsp Cacao Powder
1 tbsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
2 tbsp Honey
Put all ingredients into food processor and blend until it forms a log. Break off chunks and roll into balls or shape into brownie squares. Serve plain or Roll/top in coconut shreds, nuts, cacao nibs or goji berries.
This simple 5 ingredient Raw Chocolate Recipe packs a powerful punch of nutrients and minerals while satisfying the deepest chocoholics chocolate dreams. This recipe is low fat, raw, vegan, gluten free, chemical free with no GMO's and can be eaten in abundance as a superfood that's incredible for your health. Yum!
2. Balanced
10 dates
4 tablespoons cacao powder
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest or extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean or extract
Dash Black Pepper
Dash Cayenne Pepper
2 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
Put all ingredients in a food processor and pulse and grind until it forms a log.
Break off chunks and roll into balls or shape into brownie squares. Serve plain or Roll/top in coconut shreds, nuts, cacao nibs or goji berries
Adding coconut oil adds fats to the recipe. It's still raw, vegan, chemical free with no GMO's. Due to the fat you need to eat this version of Raw Chocolate in Moderation.
3. Splurge
10 dates
4 tablespoons cacao powder
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest or extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean or extract
Dash Black Pepper
Dash Cayenne Pepper
2 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons coconut oil
Put all ingredients in a food processor and pulse and grind until it forms a log.
Break off chunks and roll into balls or shape into brownie squares and place on wax paper. Place in freezer for 1 hour. Serve plain or top with coconut shreds, nuts, cacao nibs, salt or goji berries
Adding the extra coconut oil will turn this simple Raw Chocolate into a smooth chocolate raw mouse cheesecake but will load this treat with fat. Although this recipe is still raw, vegan, chemical free, gluten free with no GMO's the high fat content makes it a splurge you should eat on occasion
Health Benefits:
1. Cacoa -
Cacao powder is an unfiltered and more nutritious version of cocoa! Cacao is a super food that has dietary fiber, polyphenols and Magnesium! Polyphenols in Cacao help reduce cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases, metabolic disorders, and is used for cancer prevention. Their antioxidant properties may be responsible for many of their pharmacological effects, including the inhibition of lipid peroxidation and the protection of LDL-cholesterol against oxidation, and increase resistance to oxidative stress. The phenolics from cacao also modify the glycemic response and the lipid profile, decreasing platelet function and inflammation along with diastolic and systolic arterial pressures, which, taken together, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality. Cocao polyphenols can also reduce and improve digestion. Cacao protects against diseases which oxidative stress is a contributor to, such as cancer.
2. Dates:
The significant amount of minerals found in dates make it a super food for strengthening bones and fighting off painful and debilitating diseases like osteoporosis. Dates contain selenium, manganese, copper, and magnesium, all of which are integral to healthy bone development and strength, particularly as people begin to age and their bones gradually weaken. They also increase your sex drive
3. Honey -
Possesses antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Honey has been known to help heal wounds, control acid reflux, reduce stomach inflammation and reduce allergy symptoms. (*studies are still being conducted to scientifically show the benefits on a molecular level but historically honey has been known to benefit the aforementioned ailments)
4. Cinnamon-
Cinnamon may reduce inflammation, have antioxidant effects, and fight bacteria. Lab studies have found that cinnamon may lower blood sugar and help reduce cholesterol levels. It's has also been used as an appetite suppressant as well as a natural sweetener to replace refined sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Conclusion:
By learning how certain ingredients can change the health benefits of a dish, we can vary the ingredients to insure we are balanced in our eating. Making the vegan option more often for health centered meals, adding a little something extra for a balanced meal and going all out for a splurge by making educated cooking choices. That's how you create a lifestyle you can live with. Enjoy!
If we are only as great as our weakest link then the only way to build a stronger foundation for America is to start at the bottom of our society. I am very much so a believer in the trickle up system where we implement change in our local government to eventually see change on a federal level.
As it stands right now we have millions of people incarcerated sitting around deemed useless to society. Our government isn't making use of our prison systems to rehabilitate prisoners and create functional human beings. We have huge issues with immigration and education as well in this country, that we don't have the resources to do a total overhaul of these systems. What we need to do is to start implementing a new system that will phase out the old while creating the economy to support the new systems.
My idea is simple and starts with the basic fundamental lessons that a human needs in order to live, teaching man to feed himself. We create an agreement between farmers and the prisons that would allow farmers to use prisoners for day labor instead of illegal immigrants. The prisoners are taught the basics of farming at the same rate that the illegal immigrants were paid, a portion of the prisoners income goes to fund immigration reform. The other portion of their income goes towards the cultivation of the land around the prisons. Prisoners are given a choice for which part of farming they are interested in learning about seeding, cultivation, picking, packaging, distribution, marketing and cooking, for example. They are each given a daily schedule for their participation in the prison farm and they actually learn their role while doing it. Giving them structure, an education and a foundation for being a productive person. When you teach someone with purpose and they feel good in their accomplishments they will continue down that path.
Corporations that want to be involved with the farming program will need to make public bids with full disclosure about what their products contain and the actual impact their products may have on the human body and environment, if chemicals are involved. The general public would vote on which companies will be allowed to provide for this program, in their local area.
The foods that are grown on the property are used to feed the prisoners. The prison is now supporting itself and freeing a large amount of tax payers money for the reform of other programs. Without chemicals in their foods, the prisoners will mentally flourish. Many prisoners mental issues may be alleviated without the effects of improper nutrition and chemicals in the foods. Prisoners who have mental disabilities and aren't able to adhere to proper behavior will be able to be put on courses of medications and get the psychological attention they need because the system won't be overrun with prisoners whose issues were based on the lack of structure, proper nutrition and education. We will truly be able to see who can be rehabilitated and who has mental illness.
The surplus food that is grown by the prisons is shipped to local schools to provide each child with a free lunch and snack of whole foods organically grown. The prisoners being responsible for the shipping and logistics of the delivery of the food, further teaching them skills that they can use when they are released. Providing food for schools would open a large portion of funding for other aspects of education. Also by providing children with food that nourishes them we are increasing their ability to learn and focus.
This simple idea teaches a person how to feed themselves. It can rehabilitate a person who was never given the chance to learn how to be a contributing member of society. We have now taken people who are costing society and turned them into people who are paying their debt to society by creating economy while rehabilitating themselves into someone who can function in society because they were given the structure, education and proper nutrition to succeed in life. The trickle up effects of this program would be insurmountable and would solve a lot of the issues in this country that seem to keep going deeper and deeper into despair.
Like I said at the beginning, the only way to change the problems that have developed because of the corruption of the American government is to start by changing our foundation at our weakest link.
