Can I say crap? Is that acceptable? I apologize if I offend anyone. I wish I could have made an acronym for garbage, but when I saw this picture I thought: BRILLIANT!

My eating habits didn’t start to become “healthy” until I understood why eating right is important. Why do we eat this and not that? It took me a long time to change my thought process, and I wished I had something as relatable as this little saying to keep in my back pocket.

Eat less crap.

C – Carbonated Drinks

Unless you’re opening a bottle of sparkling water, you’re probably better off skipping the carbonated beverage. Sodas, energy drinks, and sports drinks are high in calories, yet they offer your body zero health benefits.

R – Refined Sugars

There are some sugars that occur naturally, like in fruit…and then there is sugar that is refined in a giant factory on conveyor belts and machines. You’re probably most familiar with this refined sugar when it comes to baked goods, sodas, syrups, candy, ect. Refined sugar offers no nutritional benefit and isn’t  fun for your body to digest.

A – Artificial Sweeteners and Colors

There has been some conflicting research on artificial sweeteners and whether they are really good for you. The FDA currently backs them; the fact is that they are chemically created, and not naturally occurring.

As a mom, my attention has been drawn to Red Dye #40. Research has proven that children who consume Red Dye #40, (along with Yellow #5, and Yellow #6) have increased levels of hyperactivity, ADHD and lower IQs. It’s also a known trigger for migraine headaches. Red 40 is not recommended for consumption by children in Europe and it’s banned in Denmark, Belgium, France, Switzerland, and Sweden.

P – Processed Foods

Not all processed foods are bad, like milk (it’s pasteurized to kill bacteria and homogenized to keep fats from separating) or frozen fruits and vegetables (freezing preserves their vitamins and nutrients). But MANY processed foods contain saturated fat, trans-fat, and large amounts of sodium and sugar. Use extreme moderation when it comes to white flour, processed meats, boxed meal mixes, frozen dinners, chips, candy, and sugary cereals.

Eat more food.

F – Fruits and Veggies

They are the best source of vitamins and minerals. They are low in calories, but high in fiber (so you feel fuller, longer).

O – Organic Lean Protein

Organic meats mean that the animals are not treated with antibiotics or growth hormones. Personally, hormones in meat make my face break out with acne. “Lean” is important to remember when it comes to your protein, because you don’t want to get bogged down in higher calories and fat.

O – Omega 3 Fatty Acids

The good, healthy heart and brain fat! Foods that naturally contain Omega 3’s are fish (sardines, salmon, halibut, etc), walnuts, flaxseed, and soybeans. This fat is so great that many companies are now adding Omega 3’s to products like milk and oil.

D – Drink Water

Our bodies are composed of 60-70% water. Almost every organ needs it to function, and since we lose water during the day, we need to replenish it. Plus it’s calorie free, and the earth creates plenty of it!

So…eat less crap. Eat more food.

Feeling hungry? Yeah, me too. But often times, that gurgle in your belly isn’t really your body saying it wants food – you’re probably just thirsty. Not consuming enough water in your diet can throw your body way more out of whack then I ever imagined.

Dr. Howard Flaks, a bariatric (obesity) specialist says, “By not drinking enough water, many people incur excess body fat, poor muscle tone and size, decreased digestive efficiency and organ function, increased toxicity in the body, joint and muscle soreness and water retention.”

Who knew, right!?

How much water should you drink, and why?

Most people know the old standard of 8 – 8 ounces of water a day. But this old math has fallen by the way side. To figure out how much water you should be drinking now, you should divide your weight by half, and that will be the amount of ounces you should consume.

For example, someone who is 180 pounds should be drinking 90 ounces a day. That’s 11.25 glasses of water! This new way of looking at water has proven especially helpful for making sure my little loves are consuming as much fluids as their smaller bodies require.

In addition to getting more water, we should get more exercise to make the “hunger” pains go away

It’s important to also be aware of your activity level and your environment when it comes to your water consumption. Obviously, the more active you are, or the hotter it is – so bump yourself up by a glass or two. A good gauge to see if your input is meeting your body’s requirement: check your output. Your urine should be clear, or a really pale yellow. If your urine is dark, it’s time to grab a glass of H2O.

Not consuming enough water can lead to dehydration, which is serious business. Dehydration can cause nausea, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, heat illnesses and lead to heat strokes. But more importantly, every biological system in our body is dependent upon water.

It’s what keeps our ears, nose and throat moist. It even keeps our lungs moist! It carries the nutrients to our cells and it flushes toxins out of our organs. The next time you see someone with radiant skin, ask them how much water they drink. I bet they probably have some water within arm’s reach.

Think “free”

Freeing your body of toxins isn’t where the genuineness behind this liquid ends. You know what else is brilliant about water? It’s practically free. Go turn on your kitchen faucet. Now, I know you have to pay your monthly water bill, but how does that stack up to your monthly beverage bill of soda, sports drinks, and juice?

Most places, like your work, office or doctor’s offices, will have a water cooler available to you, so carry your cup and fill up at no cost! While eating out, my entire family orders water and it saves us nearly $10 on our bill.

And with thinking free, the thing that I love most about water….it’s CALORIE FREE! I can drink as much as I want all day long, and not only do I not blow my diet – but I’m also doing my body good! Bottoms up!

Do you have any tips for how to keep yourself reminded throughout the day to drink more water?

Start your morning with a “one a day” juice concoction sure to get your cells a-humming. Filled with uber-nutritious greens, both of these juices offer a yummy way to feel clean and think clear all day.

The power in both of these juices is the no-holds barred essence of nutrition in the ingredients, like organic spinach, celery, carrots, cucumbers, and parsley.

Spinach offers an exceptionally well-rounded approach to vitamins and minerals to get your daily values. Click here to learn more about the nutritional benefits of spinach.

Celery is the King of Vitamin K with over 44% of your daily value. Vitamin K is a powerful bone-builder, supports the cardiovascular system, and smooths the way for a healthy nervous system. Celery, unassuming as it is, does more than you think. Click here to find out more.

Carrots, of course, are a staple in any juicer’s pantry. Carrots offer the power of orange, a.k.a beta-carotene. Click here to read what else the carrot offers.

Cucumbers add support to the health and luminosity of your skin. Adding celery to your juices soothes skin irritation and reduces swelling. Click here to learn more about cucumbers.

The inclusion of parsley in both of these recipes adds a gentle detoxifying effect. In addition to supporting the liver, this vibrant herb does a whole bunch of other good things to your body. Read more about parsley here!

Vibrant Veggies

This juice gives a wake-up call to your digestive system, getting it “on-line” for the day, gently. Because of its dense nutrients, dilute the juice concentrate with water. A 50/50 split of juice and filtered water does the trick. Choose organic veggies for the best taste and absorption.

• 1 medium cucumber
• 4 stalks of celery
• 2-3 handfuls of spinach
• 8 green or red leafy lettuce leaves
• 1 handful of flat-leaf or curly parsley
• ½ – 1 lemon
• Options: add arugula, kale, alfalfa sprouts, or micro-greens.

Juice all the greens together and add lemon to your taste.  Lemon will enhance the alkalinity of the juice. Remember to mix the juice with filtered water at a 1 to 1 ratio.

Detox Your Day

This juice is sweeter and not as green-tasting, but is still chock full of nutrition. This is a light and delightfully gentle daily detox.

• 3-5 carrots
• 1-2 handfuls of spinach
• 1 handful of flat-leaf or curly parsley
• 3 stalks of celery

Juice the ingredients in order. Dilute with water as desired or drink straight up.

Pomegranate cider offers a twist on the typical holiday treat of mulled drinks. Replacing the apple cider or wine with pomegranate juice adds a lively new taste to an old time treat.

Pomegranate Cider

• 32 fl oz fresh pomegranate juice
• 8 fl oz Water
• 4 Cinnamon Sticks (Broken in half)
• 6 Whole Cloves
• 1 Star Anise
• 6 Green Cardamom Pods
• 6 Juniper Berries
• 1-1/2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
• Zest and juice from ½ an organic orange

Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan. On low heat, simmer for 45 minutes; turn off heat.  Allow the cider to steep for 2 hours or more. Strain and refrigerate. Serve cold or hot. Garnish with and orange slice or wedge. Yields 4-6 servings.

Nutritional Benefits of Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate gives good juice and life support. Click here for the nutritional benefits and lore of the passionate pomegranate.  While the pomegranate is the star of this show, the spices used to mull the juice have their own claims to nutritional fame. These spices add a whole other thing to be thankful for during the holidays.

Cinnamon

• It offers blood sugar control. Studies have shown that ½ tsp of cinnamon per day lowers LDL cholesterol.
• Cinnamon inhibits the movement of food from the stomach after meals. This in turn keeps blood sugar from spiking. Cinnamon is a friend to digestion and assimilation of food.
• When combined with honey, cinnamon has also been shown to reduce arthritis pain within one month. The winning combination is ½ tsp cinnamon combined with 1 Tbs of honey.
• The scent of cinnamon has a powerful amplifying effect on human cognitive function and memory.
• It is a fantastic source of manganese, iron, and calcium.
• Cinnamon is a blood thinner, offering anti-clotting properties to blood platelets.
• It is also an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, protecting against free-radicals.

Cloves active component, eugenol, brings it medicinally. This substance is:

• A mild anesthetic and has been used successfully to treat pain associated with dental treatments such as root canal, temporary fillings, and gum pain.
• Antibacterial properties make cloves a welcome addition in fighting colds, bronchitis, flue, and athlete’s foot.
• Anti-Inflammatory activity helps relieve rheumatism and arthritis. As an aromatic, cloves can help relieve respiratory inflammation like asthma, bronchitis and sinusitis.
• Cloves have the highest antioxidant action of any food. Cloves fight free-radicals as a matter of course and can help you reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, arthritis and more.
• Are an excellent source of manganese and offer vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium.
• Cloves are great for the digestive system. It reduces incidences of gas, stomach ulcers, and dyspepsia.

Star Anise is shaped like an eight-pointed star and is a warming spice used for:

• Assisting in the relief of digestive issues such as bloating, gas, constipation, indigestion, and cramps.
• Used in treating the flu, specifically the famous Swine flu, due to its active substance called Shikimic acid.
• Relieving mucus. It is in expectorant and helps liquefy thick mucus easing painful coughs.
• Improves the appetite. Because of its effective action on the digestive system, this herb can assist in helping people who need a higher intake of food, eat.

Green Cardamom is known as the Queen of Spices balancing Black Pepper as the King. Green Cardamom:

• Brings calcium, phosphorus and iron to the table.
• Helps remove caffeine from the body.
• Is a digestive system stimulant, increasing the appetite while soothing the entire system. It reduces instances of gas, heartburn, and indigestion.
• Eliminates halitosis. Chewing on the seeds will remove odors from the mouth. It also helps ease a sore throat and hoarseness associated with colds and flu.
• Is an expectorant and also increases circulation to the lungs. It is helpful in treating asthma and bronchitis.
• Can assist in reducing incidences of impotency and premature ejaculation. Though too much cardamom will have the opposite effect.
• Is a diuretic and promotes kidney and bladder health by reducing inflammation.

Juniper Berries

• Improves digestion by stimulating bile flow. The berries can relieve an upset tummy, reduce gas, and cramping.
• Lowers blood sugar glycemic levels. The consumption of juniper berries increases the secretion of glucose-induced insulin and lowers overall glucose levels.
• Supports the kidney and urinary tract and is a diuretic. The anti-microbial properties of the juniper berry fights infection of this important system.
• The anti-microbial properties also fight against fungus and bacteria.
• Its anti-inflammatory properties eases gout, arthritis, and rheumatism—specifically joint ailments related to fluid retention.
• Revives muscle tone and can reduce the effects of aging.
• Reduces menstrual cramps and can improve uterine tone.
• Can assist in weight loss, because of its cleansing and diuretic properties.

UTIs, or urinary tract infections, aren’t the most exciting topic to discuss, but boy are they pesky and surprisingly prevalent in women. I have a friend who gets them almost monthly, and although I am one of the lucky few who manages to remain UTI free, I suffer watching my friend in pain.

And after yet another UTI, she pleaded with me to help her find a method of prevention. For those predisposed to UTI’s, prevention is the name of the game. Because if left untreated, a urinary tract infection can balloon into a kidney infection – and that is no fun at all.

The first things to know are the signs of a UTI. The common symptoms are:

• An urge to urinate more often
• Decreased quantity of urine passed
• Pain during and after urination (usually a burning or stinging sensation)

Symptoms of a serious urinary tract infection may include nausea, fever, vomiting and constant pain in the abdominal region. If you find yourself experiencing these symptoms often or intensely, it may be too late for the following natural remedies to take effect, so please consult with your doctor.

So, how can you prevent this uncomfortable affliction naturally? You know us – with juice, of course!

• Cranberry juice is perhaps the most well known UTI remedy. This little red jewel has long been prized for its ability to clear up infections. A study conducted in 2002 showed that cranberry juice or cranberry tablets relieved UTI symptoms better than a placebo. Pure cranberry juice is recommended, as certain juice blends may not contain a high enough concentrate of cranberry to be effective. They’re also more likely to be loaded with sugar, which can help breed certain bacteria.

• Blueberries, although not as well recognized as cranberries for treating a UTI, have also been shown to be an effective remedy. You can eat fresh organic blueberries, make a smoothie from frozen berries, or even blend blueberry juice with cranberry juice to harness the healing power of both of these berries. I like hybrid vehicles and hybrid healing juice blends!

• Pineapples are rich in vitamin C and bromelain, helping you fight off infection while also reducing inflammation. Bromelain has been shown to help resolve urinary tract infections, while vitamin C is a known immunity booster.

• Water. This is a no brainer, as hydrating with water is a benchmark remedy for almost any illness. But drinking plenty of fluids is extremely important in the case against urinary tract infections, especially. It allows the body to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Since urination can be painful with a UTI, you may be tempted to drink less. But if you keep up your fluid intake constant, you will mostly likely notice a reduction in pain more quickly than if you did not. Yet another wonderful case for the divine H₂O!

Urinary tract infections are uncomfortable and extremely inconvenient. But if you, like many (both women and men) suffer from them chronically, these natural remedies may be exactly what the doctor ordered!

*NOTE: If you plan on purchasing these juices, be sure to get the unsweetened and organic varieties; added sugars may serve only to exacerbate the condition.

With each new season, enjoying a colon cleanse is a great way to maintain good health.

Cleansing the colon is a fantastic way to purge toxins from the body.  The cleansing also provides us with increased energy, a boosted immune system, and keeps us going strong as the weather changes.

The big three of colon cleansing fruits and veggies are carrots, apples, and cucumbers.  Add a lemon for a liver tonic and you’re in cleansing and health business.

All Season Colon Cleanser

• 1 red apple
• 1 medium size carrot
• ½ medium size cucumber
• 1 stalk of celery
• 1 8oz glass of cold purified water
• 1 tbs of honey or agave or 1 tbs apple cider vinegar
• Juice from one lemon

Juice the apple, carrot, celery, cucumber and lemon in the juicer. Slurry them together with the cold water.  Add honey or agave to taste.  Drink immediately, and preferably, do it first thing in the morning.  Or alternatively, dice the veggies and fruits and mix this all up in your blender.

Veggie and Fruit Cleansing Benefits

Apple: The apple’s skin contains pectin which assists in the removal of toxin.  Pectin also prohibits the protein matter in your G.I. tract from putrefying.  Apples also help regulate blood sugar levels.

Carrot: Ease inflammation of the colon. Carrots contain beta-carotene, a great nutrient for the eyes.

Cucumber: Contains an enzyme called erepsin which digests protein. Cucumbers have a high water content which soothes and eases the digestive tract and colon.

Celery: Flushes the kidneys, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

Lemon: A natural antiseptic, the acidity of lemon juice destroys harmful bacteria

Apple Cider Vinegar: Prevents the formation of kidney and gall bladder stones.

Honey: Anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial. Boosts the immune system and provides increased energy.

How Much to Drink

The beauty about this colon cleanse is how simple and direct it is.  This juice recipe can be taken daily if you want a deep cleanse or once a week to maintain good health.  Add this cocktail of health to your daily regime and feel the benefits:

• Clearer skin and a natural, healthy glow
• Bright eyes with stronger eyesight
• Easier and smoother digestion
• Regular and productive bowel movements
• Increased energy levels
• Eases frequency of headaches for headache sufferers
• Reduction in allergy attacks

Eating whole, natural foods is always our first and best resource for healing.  In particular arthritis, a.k.a. inflammation of the joints and joint tissue, can be alleviated by choosing the right foods. Foods with nutrients are known to reduce inflammation, ease pain, increase mobility and even slow the progression of the disease.

The key is to avoid inflammatory foods such as:

• red meat
• wheat
• foods high in saturated fats
• artificial coloring and preservatives
• nightshade vegetables:  eggplants, peppers, tomatoes, white potatoes
• caffeinated teas

While increasing the consumption of anti-inflammatory energy foods like:

• fruits such as cherries, kiwis, apples, and blackberries
• vegetables such as carrots, cucumber, kale

Juicing the right combination of fruits and veggies is a fantastic way to get the concentrated anti-inflammation nutrients into your diet.  Juicing allows you to extract high doses of the vitamins and mineral needed to soothe arthritic conditions.  Juicing also allows for easier assimilation and digestibility of said nutrients.

Anti-Oxidants = Anti-Inflammatory

It’s thought that free-radicals, a body damaging phenomena that attacks cells, abound from pollution, toxins, processed foods, and smoking.  These radicals also occur naturally from the energy release from food and exposure to sunlight.  Unchecked free radicals are a primary factor in aging and disease.

Antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E can assist in disarming free radicals.  They also happen to have great anti-inflammatory properties.  Studies on arthritis include both of these vitamins as relief-packs for pain and slowing the disease.

Selenium is the booster pack that works in conjunction with Vitamins C and E.  Once C and E disarm a free radical, they become inert.  They need selenium to come along and re-energize them.

Vitamin A and Zinc also bring antioxidant mojo to the battle.  These two nutrients in particular support the production and maintenance of our synovial membranes.  The synovial membrane lines our joints and creates the lubricating juice, synovial fluid, which lets our joints move about freely.

And though not an antioxidant, calcium is important for building and maintaining strong bones (along with Vitamin D) and has a direct correlation with the health of our joints.

Juice Recipes to Ease Arthritis

There are a few fruits and veggies that contain either all of these nutrients or contain them all in combination with each other.  Here are a few arthritis relieving juice recipes:

Blackberry Kiwi Sensation

• 3 kiwis (peeled)
• 3 cups of blackberries

Apple a Day

• 4 carrots
• 1 apple

The Alkalizer

• ½ – 1 cucumber
• 2 carrots
• 1 handful of kale
• 1 handful of parsley
• ½ apple

Cherry Cherry

2-3 cups of pitted cherries to yield 4 oz of juice
4 oz of filtered water

Juice the cherries and add an even amount of water.  Drink two 8 oz glasses daily until symptoms subside.

If you suffer from arthritic pain, consider adding these juices to your daily diet and enjoy easier, more pain-free movements.

Banana Date Smoothie

• ¼ cup soaked almonds  (soaked overnight)
• 1 frozen banana
• 4 dates (soaked)

Soak ¼ cup of raw almonds in water overnight.  Skin the almonds by simply popping them out of their skins.  Split the dates, remove the pits, and soak for at least an hour.  Peel the frozen banana.  Throw out the water (or use it on your compost or garden).

Cover almonds with filtered/purified water in a blender and blend until smooth.  Looking for some of our top-selling blenders at decent prices? Check out the link! Now, continue: add banana and dates and blend.

Click here for the nutritional benefits and other recipes for bananas.

Click here for the health benefits of almonds and almond milk.

Digestive Benefits of Date

The versatile date

The date is an action-packed fruit when it comes to nutrition, and it’s a beneficial addition to any diet. Dates are considered the royalty of sweets for their ability to balance the body’s energy and blood sugar levels.  They are high in fiber and enhance the functioning of the entire digestive system.  Basic digestive benefits of the date include:

• A Natural Laxative: if you’re suffering from constipation, then dates are sweetest way to bust a smooth move.  Soak the dates for 12 hours in water, then consume the soaked dates first thing in the morning. The dietary fiber of dates adds plenty of other health benefits alone.
• Intestinal Disorders: that discomfort can be alleviated through continuous intake of dates over time. The content of ‘nicotinic’ in dates helps keep in check pathological organisms in the digestive tract and promote the rise of friendly bacteria.
• Prevents Diarrhea: the potassium levels in dates helps maintain the water balance in the digestive tract.

Other Nutritional Benefits of Date

• Tannins: dates contain tannins. Tannins have anti-infective, anti-inflammatory and anti-hemorrhagic properties.
• Vitamin A: dates have Vitamin A, which is an antioxidant and essential for vision. They say eating a date a day will help with overall vision and help prevent macular degeneration.
• Antioxidants: they also have some antioxidant flavonoids – lutein, and zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene – which protect the body from oxygen free radicals. Dates protect against cancers that attack the colon, prostate, breast, endometrials, lungs, and pancreas.
• Minerals: dates are rich in calcium (good for the bones and teeth), manganese (vital for energy production), copper (for red blood cell production), and magnesium (for bone growth).
• Iron: dates are a fantastic source of iron, contributing about 11% of the recommended daily value.  Like copper, iron is an essential ingredient for the production of red blood cells.
• Vitamin B: dates are rich in the B-complex group of vitamins.  The dates B-vitamin wealth helps the body metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Selection and Storage of Date

Choose dates are that are organic and well-processed and packed.  The sticky surface of dates can pick up a lot of impurities, so care should be taken in the selection.  Wash the dates thoroughly before consuming or using in recipes.  Store dates in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place.

Green Smoothie Goodness

This bright green smoothie is a pleasant pick-me up.  Use after your morning workout or in replacement of afternoon caffeine.

Yum! Green Smoothie

• 1/2 or 1 banana (fresh or frozen)
• ¼ – ½ cup of pineapple (fresh or frozen). Here are some nutritional benefits of pineapple
• 3-5 strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• ¼ tsp (or one serving) of dehydrated wheatgrass juice or 1 oz fresh wheatgrass juice.  Here are some nutritional benefits of wheatgrass juice
• 21 drops of Chlor-Oxygen¹
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of Almond Butter
• Optional:  1 tablespoon of Chia Seeds.  Here are some nutritional benefits of chia seeds
• Mix with purified water  (add purified ice if using fresh fruit  rather than frozen)

¹Chlor-Oxygen is a concentrated chlorophyll supplement. Click here for information on Chlor-Oxygen.  Any concentrated chlorophyll supplement can be used.

Banana Health Benefits

Fantastic Fiber:  the great thing about smoothies is that all the fiber is retained in the drink.  One medium-sized banana offers 16% of the daily value of dietary fiber.  Fiber  rich diets are great for overall health and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Marvelous Muscles:  Bananas have a high concentration of potassium (10% of our daily value) which keeps the heart and nervous system operating at peak performance. Potassium is a salt that is essential for muscle health. The contraction action of our muscles is regulated by potassium.  From our heart to our glutes to our deltoids to our digestive tract, the muscle contraction is part of potassium’s purview.  If you’re an athlete, a banana (or two) a day keeps muscle cramps away.

Cool Calcium:  the banana helps kidney and bone health, because the potassium suppresses calcium excretion through urine.  The potassium also helps reduce the risk of kidney stones.  Due to potassium’s ability to reduce calcium excretion, banana consumption is a great way to combat osteoporosis (the loss of bone density).

Trippy Tryptophan:  Bananas are a mild source of Tryptophan, an amino acid that acts as a stress-reliever.  Tryptophan is essential to the production of serotonin, which calms the brain and induces a more positive mood and mindset.  Tryptophan also acts as a mild sedative.  Eat a banana if you need to calm down after a work-out or need a nap.

Bodacious Blood: Bananas have a high concentration of Vitamin B6 at 20% of the daily value.  Vitamin B6 helps the body to produce hemoglobin which is an essential part of our blood.  Vitamin B6 also helps in the production of anti-bodies and our immune response.  This vitamin is well-rounded as it also converts carbohydrates to glucose to maintain healthy blood sugar level.  While bananas are higher on the glycemic index than say, an apple, the Vitamin B6 in the fruit acts as a balance for our blood sugar.

Oh, and last, but not least:

Centered C:  A medium sized banana contains 16% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin C.  Vitamin C is an essential element in good health and immune response.  Vitamin C is one of the most recommended supplements for the body and is a proven part of optimum health.

The Gaia Green Smoothie is optimized to re-energize and invigorate your mind and body so you can sail through your day.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is primarily known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is so good a combating inflammation, it’s been suggested as a replacement to pharmaceuticals, without the side effects.  Turmeric’s active ingredient is curcumin, which is what gives turmeric its notable color.

But Turmeric is a giant when it comes to health:

• An antiseptic and antibacterial agent you can use to disinfect cuts and burns.
• Naturally detoxifies the liver.  Regular use combined with a liver cleanse will keep this vital organ at peak condition
• A treatment for inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.  Turmeric has been shown to reduce swelling, stiffness, and enabled arthritic suffers to move and walk longer.
• Can be used regularly after athletic endeavors to keep the muscles supple and the joints lubricated.
• Used as a treatment for depression by Chinese medicine.
• Has a deep research history in the treatment of cancer from either stopping tumor formation or destroy cancer cells. The research includes data on breast, prostate, pancreatic, and childhood leukemia.
• Is thought to protect against the advent and/or progression of Alzheimer’s disease by removing the plaque build-up from the brain.
• May reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Used in Chinese and Indian medicine to also treat jaundice, chest pain, bruises, toothache, hemorrhage, bloody urine, flatulence, and menstrual issues.

Turmeric can be taken in raw, powder, pill, or tincture form.  It’s typically used either raw or as a powder when cooking.  As a general supplement, you can take turmeric as a pill or tincture.

Contraindications: If you have gallstones or a bile obstructions or are pregnant, please consult your health practitioner before using turmeric.

Nutritional Breakdown of Turmeric

A 2 teaspoon serving of turmeric contains only 16 calories, and:

• 18% of the daily value of manganese. Here’s some great recipes for getting your daily dose of manganese!
• 10.4% of the daily value of iron
• 4% of the daily value of Vitamin B6
• 3.3% of the daily value of potassium

Sun Milk

• ¼ cup turmeric powder
• ½ cup purified water
• 1 cup of almond milk (need to learn how to make almond milk?)
• 1 tsp almond oil
• Honey or agave nectar to taste.

In a small saucepan, mix the turmeric and water until it boils.  Reduce heat, stirring constantly, until a paste forms.  The paste is good for up to 40 days stored in an air tight container that’s placed in the refrigerator.

After making the paste, blend together 1 cup of almond or other nut milk with 1 tsp of almond oil, ¼ teaspoon of turmeric paste.  Add honey or agave nectar to taste.

Raw option: add turmeric to nut milk or raw milk and serve cold.

A Little History

Turmeric has a long history in its native Indonesia and India where it has been used for over 5,000 years.  While used as a textile dye and in cooking, turmeric is hailed as primary member of ancient pharmacopeias and used in both Indian (Ayurvedia) and Chinese medicines.

Introduced to Europe as early as the 13^th century, Turmeric was largely ignored by the West until recent research about its amazing medicinal properties gained public awareness. Turmeric has been called ‘Indian saffron’ due to its deep yellow-orange color.

Selection and Storage

Because Turmeric is an Eastern spice, check local ethnic markets to see what varieties of turmeric are available.  They may have the raw rhizome or a wider selection of turmeric. The color of turmeric differs per variety, so it’s not an indicator of freshness.

For the full benefits of turmeric, choose raw or powdered turmeric rather than a curry powder mix.  There is typically little turmeric in curry mixes.

Store the turmeric powder in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark, and dry place.  Fresh turmeric should be stored in the refrigerator.