Microgreens have up to 40 times more vital nutrients than mature plants

Image: www.npr.org

You may know microgreens as the delicate, colorful garnish on your overpriced and undersized meal at an upscale restaurant. Yes, they're visually appealing but aren't they pointless decoration?

Some aficionados have claimed superfood status for these tiny edible greens produced from vegetable, herb or other plants.  New science says microgreens aren't just cuter lettuces – they may be more nutritious.

Researchers from the University of Maryland and the USDA conducted the first analysis of the nutrient levels in microgreens.  They concluded that in general these babies have more vitamins and other nutrients than their fully mature counterparts.

In a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry scientists analyzed the amount of vitamin C, carotenoids (antioxidants important for vitamin A formation), phylloquinone (vitamin K1) and tocopherols (vitamin E) in 25 different varieties of microgreens.

Of the 25 microgreens tested, red cabbage sported the highest concentrations of vitamin C, while cilantro excelled in carotenoids.  Garnet amaranth had the highest levels of vitamin K1 and green daikon radish ranked tops in vitamin E.

What are microgreens?
Microgreens are the stems and leaves of a seedling.  They usually range in size from one to three inches long. Their flavor can be surprisingly intense for their small size but is generally not as strong as the full grown green or vegetable version. Microgreens are generally harvested between seven and 14 days of germination although some take four to six weeks to develop.

The basic varieties of microgreens include arugula, amaranth, beets, basil, cabbage, celery, chard, cilantro, fennel, kale, mustard, parsley, radish, sorrel and many others.

Are microgreens the same as sprouts?
Although they are often confused, microgreens are not the same as sprouts. In addition to the stem, sprouts also include the seed and root in their edible parts. Instead of leaves, sprouts have just the immature leaf buds.

Another important distinction between the two is how they are produced. Sprouts are germinated seeds grown entirely in water under dark conditions while microgreens are planted in soil and exposed to air and light.

The dark, warm, wet conditions required for sprouts make them vulnerable to the rapid growth of dangerous bacteria.  That's why they are a frequent culprit in outbreaks of food poisoning. Microgreens don't carry the same risks.

Some microgreens are sold still growing in their soil and you can cut them just before serving. You can also grow microgreens in your own kitchen all year long. Check out this video to learn how.

Have you tried microgreens? Do you grow your own microgreens or sprouts? Leave a comment and let me know.

Source: greenmedinfo.com

Margie King is a holistic health coach and graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition®. A Wharton M.B.A. and practicing corporate attorney for 20 years, Margie left the world of business to pursue her passion for all things nutritious. She now works with midlife women and busy professionals to improve their health, energy and happiness through individual and group coaching, as well as webinars, workshops and cooking classes. She is also a professional copywriter and prolific health and nutrition writer whose work appears as the National Nutrition Examiner. To contact Margie, visit www.NourishingMenopause.com.

Top 10 Ways to Prepare Kale

by Mary Crimmins

My body has been deprived of leafy greens this summer. It has been so hot here in Nashville, that no greens stood a chance to grow in the blazing heat. Last week, I saw a familiar friend at the Market – KALE! I couldn’t believe it. For me this marked the end of the summer, and the promise of cooler temperatures to come.

Image: eatlocalgrown.com

So I over zealously bought 5 bunches, which set me back about $15. I didn’t care, I had kale.

Once I got home I realized that I couldn’t really fit all 5 bunches in my refrigerator, so I needed to deal with it in the next day or so. So I decided to make up a big batch of kale pesto that I could freeze. (Recipe)

After receiving lots of messages via twitter about what else people could do with kale, I figured I’d better help ya’ll out and offer a few ways to prepare it. It’s no secret that kale is one of nature’s super foods, and getting it into your diet is worth the effort.

 10 Ways to Prepare Kale

Kale Chips – This simple preparation of kale will have you begging for more. A crispy salty treat that is better than popcorn or potato chips.

Kale Pesto – More flavorful than basil pesto, this is a great addition to pizza, pasta, or in an omelet.

Sauteed Kale – For a hearty side dish, this is a classic preparation. I saute onions and garlic before I add the kale, and add a couple dashes of hot sauce for an added kick.

Kale Quiche – You can substitute any spinach quiche with kale and it offers the same great taste with the added health benefits.

Kale Soup – A classic kale soup is made with white beans and ham or sausage, however I like this recipe of using acorn squash and kale to create a sweet and savory winter favorite.

Kale Lasagna – The perfect “make ahead” recipe for a hearty dinner is a dish the whole family can enjoy.


Kale Juice – If you own a juicer, kale is quite possibly the healthiest thing to juice. Mix it with apples, carrot and a little lemon for a drink that is better for you than liquid gold.

Kale Slaw – You can substitute raw kale for raw cabbage in this recipe.

Kale Pasta – One of my favorite ingredients to add to pasta. Goes with just about anything from spaghetti to sausage pasta to baked macaroni and cheese.

Kale Pizza – One of the joys I’ve found with eating seasonally is changing up my grilled pizza toppings. One of my favorite combinations is sauteed kale, caramelized onions, strong white cheeses, and some crispy bacon.

Overall, kale is a delicious and hearty green. Treat it like spinach and you can substitute it in just about any recipe. Experiment and enjoy!

How to make Kale Chips



Source: eatlocalgrown.com

Five practical ways to add kale to your diet

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Image: Raw For Beauty

There is a great deal to be said for kale. Kale is recognized as one of the most nutrient rich foods on the planet. The benefits of kale are multitudinous; it possesses antioxidant properties and beneficial phytochemicals and also serves as an anti-inflammatory agent. When consumed on a regular basis, kale is believed to have the capacity to help lower cholesterol level and even prevent cancer.

This super food is also rich in calcium, sodium, copper, potassium, manganese, phosphorus and iron.
With all the benefits that are associated with kale, it makes perfect sense that you should find as many ways as you can to get as much of it into your system as possible. This article will discuss 5 practical ways to add kale to your diet. It is important to remember to consume organic kale rather than conventional kale. You will also find that kale will be more digestible when you find ways to break it down before eating it. You can use something with an acidic property, such as apple cider vinegar or lemon, or you can chop it up.
Below, you will find five non-hassle ways to add kale to your diet.

Smoothies. Simply add two to five stems of kale, with leaves attached, to a fruit or protein smoothie. Use a high speed blender to break down the stems. This blending process will also help in making the kale more digestible. You can tweak the smoothie in a number of ways until you reach the desired taste.
Chips

Try making kale chips. They are not difficult to make at all. Remove the leaves from the stems and tear them into relatively large pieces, (roughly 3 inches in diameter) because they will shrink. Toss the leaves with a light salt and olive oil. You can also use your choice of herbs. You can then place the leaves in the oven or a dehydrator if you have one. Set the temperature at the lowest possible setting and leave the door slightly cracked. Once the chips are crisp, you can remove them, and they are ready for consumption.
Juice

You can add kale to a natural juice, such as vegetable or grapefruit juice, which allows for quick absorption by your body. These drinks are also highly nutritious. If you prefer to have your juice with a sweeter taste, you can always add a beet or a green apple as a sweetener.
Salad

There are multitudinous recipes for kale salad. The choice is yours. You can choose a stem-included recipe or choose to chop it up into fine pieces. What you add is totally up to you.
Substitute

Another great way to integrate kale into your diet is by substituting it for some of your other green vegetables, such as collard greens or spinach. You can even make a kale soup.
There are numerous ways to integrate kale into your daily diet, but these listed methods are simple, practical and easy to execute. With all of the valuable benefits that are associated with kale, it is of immense importance to find ways that you are comfortable with to integrate it into your diet.

Source: NaturalNews.com

How To Grow An Organic Salad Garden For The Whole Family

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A bowl of fresh salad greens is always a welcome addition for dinner. Growing your own lettuce is a snap. You will get the freshest, tastiest and most nutritious greens, and you can have a constant supply for many months out of the year.

Image: Real Farmacy

A small raised bed is ideal for this. It will be cleaner, easier to maintain and harvest, and provide the best soil conditions for plants. Patio containers do well enough, but they dry out faster than a garden bed. The bigger the container, the better.

The optimal size bed for a salad garden is 4’ x 4’ square, which allows for easy reach from all sides. This area should provide plenty of salad greens for a small family.

Many things can be used to frame the bed, from straw bales to cinder blocks to wood to rock edging. It should be at least 8” tall. Try to find a locally-produced source of high quality garden soil with compost, worm castings, or well-rotted manure mixed in. A bit of organic granular fertilizer  will help too. Bagged garden soil from the big box stores is not ideal, being a lifeless substrate suffused with chemical fertilizers.
Locate the salad garden in a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight and is close to a source of water. If you’re in a hot climate, try to give it some afternoon shade. Do not put landscape fabric underneath the bed, as this will impede beneficial earthworms and prevent natural soil mixing. Cardboard can be laid over grass, which will smother vegetation but decompose fairly quickly and add organic matter.

Now, on to planting the salad garden. Leaf lettuce is ideal for the home gardener with little space, because you can keep picking the outer leaves and it keeps growing. While head lettuce is great, it takes longer to mature, is more finicky, and is harvested once.

Try to find leaf lettuce varieties that are recommended for your climate. Plant a couple of different types, such as Buttercrunch and Romaine lettuce, which will give you different textures. Include a red leafed variety for a color splash.

It is best to grow leaf lettuce from seed. Simply sow three seeds every six inches and cover with a very thin sprinkling of soil. Lettuce seeds need to “see the sunlight” to sprout. Water lightly every day.  They will take 10-14 days to sprout, but once they begin growing it won’t be long before harvest time. Pick the outer leaves and let the plants keep growing.

And finally, time your plantings 3 weeks apart for an extended harvest. Plant the northern half of the bed first, then plant the southern half three weeks later. Plant in a diamond pattern (3 seeds 6 inches apart) for optimal use of space.

If the lettuce goes from dark green to light green, fertilize with organic fish emulsion every couple of weeks. To add some diversity to your salad, plant long-lasting kale or Swiss chard in the “back” (the northern side) of the bed. Perhaps set aside one row for radish, which sprouts and grows quickly, for a spicy crunch in the salad.

Source: realfarmacy.com

These Foods Will Help You Live Longer

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Do you follow a lifestyle that helps you age slower, and promotes longevity? If you aren’t, you should think about starting! These foods can actually enhance your longevity and make you feel healthier, stronger and younger. They have the potential to slow biological aging by providing antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and an array of other nutrients that help enhance our immune system, combat inflammation, and defend against free radicals.

Image: BP/Barcroft Media

Berries
Berries are loaded with antioxidants which rapidly slow down the aging process by preventing the damage done by free radicals. A variety of studies have shown that berries, one of the most antioxidant rich fruits, have the ability to improve our memory and keep our brains sharp as we age – say goodbye to dementia and Alzheimer’s!

Water
A large majority of the population is not getting enough water, but drinking water is one of the key elements to increasing your longevity. Drinking at least 2 litres of water daily will help improve your cellular function, metabolism, and organ function. Our bodies are made up of about 60-70% water, so this substance is incredibly essential to proper health!

Broccoli
Raw broccoli is incredibly high in sulforaphane (especially broccoli sprouts). This substance has been found to be very effective in preventing cancer which is one of the main causes of age-related death today (via DNA mutations which naturally occur with age). Broccoli is also loaded with other antioxidants to help protect healthy cells from damage caused by free radicals, leaving us feeling and looking youthful!

Kale
Kale is a cruciferous vegetable, like broccoli, and thus makes it a wonderful cancer-fighting vegetable that you should be including in your diet at least 3 times a week. It clears out free radicals in the body, and contains a ridiculous amount of nutrients like vitamin K (key regulator of inflammation), vitamin C, iron and calcium which are crucial for prolonging our life span.

Thyme
Once upon a time, thyme was used as a preservative in the Mediterranean due to it’s amazing antioxidant properties – in fact, Egyptians once used it for embalming bodies. It’s principal oil called thymol has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties which neutralize disease-causing pathogens such as E.coli and staphylococcus.

Basil
Basil is known for it’s anti-inflammatory properties – inflammation leads to a variety of diseases and illness if left untreated for long periods of time. The better you feel, the better your body and mind function. Particularly, holy basil has been coined the term “the elixir of life,” having the ability to improve human health and longevity. It has been used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.

Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is wonderful for keeping your hormones in check, as well as boosting your immune system and strengthening your cardiovascular system. They are also rich in vitamin A, B6 and potassium which are linked to excellent heart health, especially with their ability to help regulate blood sugar. Include sweet potatoes in your diet, raw or cooked (yes, sweet potatoes are lovely eaten raw, and are not harmful – shred them in salads!).

Asparagus
Asparagus is loaded with beneficial nutrients which can help us live a long and healthy life. It is a natural detoxifier and diuretic making it effective in preventing kidney stones and urinary tract infections (UTIs). The nutrients in asparagus range from vitamins A, C, B and K, as well as manganese, iron, fibre and folate. It helps promote good digestion, strong bones and a healthy heart, and contains antioxidants like glutathione which is the body’s strongest antioxidant!

Avocado
Avocados are filled with heart-healthy oleic acid which helps lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. They are also high in potassium which protects or heart and reduces the risk of developing high blood pressure or suffering from a stroke. They contain folate, and a handful of antioxidants which fight off free radicals, protecting our organs and tissues from damage over time!

Garlic
Garlic is definitely a power food! It contains sulfur compounds which protect our cardiovascular system and prevents heart attacks and stroke. Garlic is also incredibly useful in strengthening our immune system and fighting off free radicals which naturally lead to diseases like cancer and other illnesses.

Source: Live Love Fruit

Here Are the 8 Most Alkaline Foods

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Image: Live Love Fruit

Pretty much every fruit and vegetable has an alkaline effect on the body, however, a select few (listed below) are those which rank highest among the plant family. It is also important to note that most of these vegetables and fruits are best eaten raw, because cooking raising acidic levels.

Our body is designed to be alkaline – our blood has a pH of 7.365, which is slightly alkaline and it will do whatever it can to regulate our pH levels. The Standard American Diet, consumed by a large portion of the population, is the main culprit causing our body to be in a constant state of acidity. Consuming highly acidic foods like processed foods, soda, junk foods, meat, eggs, and dairy, strips our bones from crucial minerals in order to buffer the acidity and do its best to keep our body in an alkaline state. This leads to things like osteoporosis and other degenerative diseases.

In fact, major illnesses that plague the majority of the planet are caused by a high-acid diet, leading to things like heart disease, stroke, cancer, skin disorders, auto-immune conditions, allergies – the list goes on. You might feel fine now but your body will eventually grow out of it’s optimal pH balance and you will become victim of some disease or illness.

Here is a list of 8 alkaline foods you should be consuming every day, or every second day!

Kale

All leafy greens are alkaline forming. Kale is especially high in alkaline-forming minerals like calcium and magnesium, and is one of the most mineral dense greens out there! Kale is a power food, and has a major chlorophyll component which attributes to it’s amazing alkaline properties. Thanks to kale’s glucosinolate compounds, it has the ability to fight off cancer too!

Lemons

You might be confused by seeing lemon on the high-alkaline list. Lemons are actually incredibly high in alkaline minerals like potassium, magnesium and sodium which have alkalizing effects on the body. The citric acid in lemons, in its natural state, is highly acidic. However, when consumed, this citric acid gets metabolized and has a wonderful alkaline effect on the body.

Broccoli

Broccoli is packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals which have alkalizing effects on the body. They contain vitamin’s C, K and A, as well as minerals like manganese, potassium, iron and protein (not to mention folate and tonnes of fiber!). They also contain sulforaphane which is a great cancer-fighting compound!

Celery

Celery is one of the most alkaline foods you can eat! It quickly neutralizes acids and is high in potassium and sodium which makes it a great diuretic (helps rid the body of excess fluid). Celery is also a very high-water content food, so it helps hydrate and nourish the cells in your body.

Avocado

Avocados are very high in potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium and copper (as well as a variety of vitamins like A, B, C, and E), making it a great alkaline forming food! They are rich in health-promoting essential fatty acids which actually help promote weight loss. They are not only healthy-fat rich, but they are water-rich too! This helps flush out acidic waste, and promotes a more alkaline environment in the body.

Red Pepper

Most peppers, including cayenne peppers, have a pH above 8 which helps transform acidic foods, raising the body’s overall alkaline level. Cut up some red pepper in your salad, or eat it like an apple! Consuming raw foods maintains an alkaline state in the body, whereas cooked foods are more acidifying.

Cucumber

Cucumbers are wonderful for the skin and are highly alkaline. They are composed of up to 95% water and packed with vitamin’s C and K as well as minerals like potassium, manganese, magnesium and molybdenum. Most of the minerals are in the skin of the cucumber, so be sure to include the skin when you are consuming since the minerals are what keep the body in an alkaline state.

Spinach

Spinach is one of the top alkaline foods you should include in your diet. It is considered a dark leafy green, packed with nutrients like vitamins A, K, C, B1, B2, B3, B6 and E. It is also loaded with minerals that provide the body with amazing alkaline effects such as manganese, magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium and folate. Spinach is very chlorophyll rich too, which acts as an alkalizer and brings your body back to the optimal 7.4 range.

Source: Live Love Fruit

8 Healthy Foods to Boost Brain Power

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When it comes to improving brain power, choosing the right foods is essential. The nutrients you ingest, day in, day out, will help you use your brain more efficiently. The more you are using your brain, the more it will grow new connections, new cells, and improve your ability to problem-solve and store memories.

Making sure you eat fresh, local organic produce is also crucial. This will get your brain functioning at its peak, because these foods are much closer to their natural state and have a much higher availability of phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals. Consuming highly processed foods that are filled with numerous chemicals are not nutritious, and can actually slow the connections and neuronal firing in your brain.

I should also mention that drinking plenty of water (at least 2 liters or more a day) is very important to help the brain function properly and to help you feel more alert. After all, your water constitutes over 85% of your brain’s weight.

8 Foods that Boost your Brain Power

Berries (blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, red grapes, goji berries, mulberries, seabuckthorn, golden berries, boysenberries, saskatoons, etc.)
Berries are a great food for increasing brain power because of their high antioxidant content. They have been shown to prevent nerve-related degeneration and decline in both cognitive and motor function because they reduce inflammation and improve neuronal cell longevity. The polyphenolic compounds in berries also protect against neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease as well as depression.

Asparagus (and other foods rich in folic acid like okra, spinach, collards, sunflower seeds, romaine lettuce and beans)
Why are foods that are high in folic acid great for the brain? This vitamin has been found to improve memory and cognition in healthy adults aged 50-70 years old. Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin which improves cognitive functioning, especially with respect to memory and information processing speed. Consuming foods rich in folic acid like asparagus and spinach will help your brain tremendously!

Avocados
Avocados are a great healthy fat to include in your diet and they are high in vitamin E. They contain essential fatty acids which are necessary for maximum brain power as well as supporting proper brain growth and development. Omega fatty acids help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and help boost your memory and ability to learn new things!

Carrots (and other foods rich in beta carotene and vitamin C like mangos, oranges, broccoli, tomato, cantaloupe, peppers, and rainbow chard)
Beta carotene rich foods may reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Beta carotene is an antioxidant that prevents oxidative stress in the brain which normally damages brain cells leading to rapid brain aging and associated cognitive decline. In studies with groups of individuals taking beta carotene and comparing them to controls (no beta carotene), it was found that the brain was able to function much more efficiently, particularly with respect to verbal memory.

Hemp Seeds (and other healthy nuts & seeds like chia seeds, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds)
Hemp seeds are high in omega fatty acids which are anti-inflammatory and help protect the nervous system. How do they do this? To put it simply, they “feed” and repair the myelin sheaths that protect our nerves, which if not protected, can lead to serious health issues like multiple sclerosis (a disease caused by myelin sheath damage). Omega fatty acids in hemp seeds and other nuts and seeds also help lift depression and those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, and can reduce the harmful effects of chronic stress.

Dark Green Leafy Vegetables (think collards, kale, swiss card, beet greens, green & red leaf lettuce, dandelion greens, and dark green herbs like basil, mint, parsley, cilantro, dill, arugula, and watercress)
Dark leafy green vegetables are known for their ability to keep the brain sharp through aging. These greens are rich in folate (a B vitamin, as mentioned earlier) and can protect against cognitive decline in older adults. Folate helps reduce blood levels of homocysteine (a blood marker of cardiovascular disease), which when high, have been linked to lower cognitive test scores. Leafy green vegetables are also very mineral and vitamin dense, which help keep our brain sharp, and our thoughts clearer.

Bananas
Bananas are a great brain food. For one, they help lift depression due to their high tryptophan content (a protein that the body converts into serotonin), which helps you relax and improve mood. Secondly, they are remarkably high in potassium (same with medjool dates!) which is a mineral that helps send oxygen to the brain and thus makes you feel more alert. They are also rich in B vitamins which are very important in calming the nervous system and protecting the myelin sheath around our nerves.

Watermelon (and other water rich foods like melon, zucchini, cucumbers and celery)
Ensuring you stay hydrated is a great way to keep your memory sharp, moods balanced and motivation strong. If you are dehydrated (which more than 95% of the population normally is), you reduce oxygen flow to the brain and could temporarily shrink neurons. Consuming water rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers and celery will prevent this from happening and can help you focus better on the tasks at hand.

Source: livelovefruit.com

Most Nutrient Dense Foods

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We all know which foods we do best to avoid, right? Despite the alluring appeal processed foods, they provide little nutrition and a whole lot of risks. Yet when it comes to the good stuff—what are the best foods to put into our bodies? While experts all agree we need a variety of foods for a healthy diet, do you know which are the healthiest of the bunch? The answers may surprise and delight you.

1. Spirulina: While the thought of eating lake algae might gross you out, spirulina is actually pretty tasty, especially blended into a smoothie or hidden in a chocolate bar. It has more antioxidants than any other food on earth and is loaded with protein and minerals making it the most nutrient dense food.

2. Kale: According to Dr. Joel Fuhrman, kale is the most nutritious food, loaded with minerals, vitamins, fiber and amino acids, as well as important antioxidants that reduce inflammation and can prevent cancer. It's also delicious and an easy to prepare, versatile food.

3. Hemp Seeds: What do you get when you combine protein, fiber, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and minerals? Hemp, of course. This easily digestible seed is versatile, easy to use and extremely tasty, too.

4. Chocolate: Yes, you read right. Cacao beans are so nutrient-dense that scientists haven't even begun to identify all the benefits in the little bean yet. Don't grab a Snickers though—the good stuff is found only in raw cacao beans or nibs (or really, really dark chocolate). Minerals, vitamins and tons of antioxidants are great for your heart, skin, and release chemicals in the brain that make you feel like you're in love.

5. Broccoli: Mom was right, you should eat your broccoli if you want a healthy digestive system and to decrease your risk of cancer. Broccoli has a wide range of yumminess too, from soups and stews to stir fry.

6. Spinach: Popeye was onto something with that spinach fixation. But skip the canned stuff and stick with fresh or frozen for an antioxidant, protein and fiber-rich burst of healthy goodness. Fresh or cooked, spinach's sweet and hardy flavor brightens any meal.

7. Chia: The Aztec warriors may have died out, but their legacy is alive and strong in the chia seed. This yummy, unassuming ancient favorite is loaded with omega fats, protein and fiber. Dr. Weil says it's a better choice than flax because "chia is so rich in antioxidants that the seeds don't deteriorate and can be stored for long periods without becoming rancid."

8. Berries: Unlike other fruit, berries tend to be less sugary and full of vital vitamins, minerals and those free-radical avenging antioxidants. Wild berries are always a great choice, especially black raspberries.

Thank you Dave Sommers

Article Sources:
http://www.superfoodsforlife.com/site/531699/page/103407
http://www.dwlz.com/HealthyLife/healthy50.html
http://www.drfuhrman.com/library/article13.aspx
http://www.happyhealthylonglife.com/happy_healthy_long_life/andi-scale-aggregate-nutrient-density-index.html
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA365093/Chia-for-Health.html


Article Author: Jill Ettinger

How To Make Kale Chips

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How to make Kale Chips by FitLife.Tv

Source : Grow Food Not Lawns

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Superfoods you should be eating daily

Some food is as helpful as a super-hero so we like to call them... 

SUPERFOODS!

Garlic is a great anti bacterial - anti fungal - anti viral - and antiseptic.

Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C

Avocado can lower your cholesterol

Hemp Seeds are a complete protein

Spinach is an anti inflammatory

Kale is high in Iron

Cucumbers hydrate the body

Grapefruit boosts liver function

Peppers are loaded with antioxidants!

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Top cancer fighting foods

Cancer fighting foods that you should know about:

Rosemary - Jalapenos

Kale - Lemons - Mustard Greens - Broccoli

Herbal Green tea - Seaweed

Swiss Chard - Cabbage - Ginseng - Wild Berries

Avocados - Flax Seeds - Turmeric - Chili Peppers  

Ginger - Romaine Lettuce  Cauliflower - Grapefruits  

Green Juice - Garlic  

And Tomatoes!!

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8 Foods That Will Keep Your Eyes Healthy

As the saying goes, 'eyes are the windows to the soul'. These 8 foods will help keep them in tip top shape!

• Carrots are a well known vegetable for keeping eyes in good health. The Vitamin A has been proven to help with night vision. 
• Bell Peppers contain Zeaxanthin know to keep eyes healthy and reducing age- related degenerative disorders to the eyes.
• Collard Greens, like carrots, are a great source of Vitamin A.
• Broccoli also contains high levels of Vitamin A. It too can prevent age related diseases.
• Kale is a power packed vegetable containing Vitamin A, zeaxanthin and lutein compounds.
• Brussels Sprouts contain high amount of zeaxanthin, lutein and beta-carotene which all promote good eye health.
• Spinach is packed full of lutein, beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. 
• Apricots contain a good source of Vitamin A. With a high beta-carotene content these little fruits are a great way to protect your eyes.

So why do these foods help to keep the eyes so healthy?

 Research undertaken by the University of Manchester* in England has shown that the zeaxanthin and lutein compounds, when combined, produce and oily yellow substance that build up on the central part of the retina. This substance, known as macular pigment, is considered to be what helps protect the eye from age-related macular degeneration or AMD for short.

* source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/52687.php

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http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/04/health-risks-of-energy-drinks.html

Mushrooms - Another great way to get your vitamin D

http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/04/mushrooms-another-great-way-to-get-your.html

Foods you must buy organic

Some foods are grown in a way that exposes them to more toxic chemicals than others and some foods are notorious for being exceptionally filthy when you get them at the grocery store.  Here is a list of produce you should make sure you buy organic to avoid the toxins.  They may look healthy, but unless they are organic, they are contaminated:

Kale:  Though a super food, kale is usually heavily contaminated with pesticides.

Lettuce:  More than 50 different pesticides have been found on lettuce.

Potatoes :  More than 35 pesticides have been detected in tests conducted by the USDA.

Grapes:  Imported grapes can have over 30 chemical pesticides and raisins have high pesticide residue tests as well.

Spinach:  Has tested positive for a whopping 50 different chemical pesticides.  Frozen spinach usually has about the same amount.

Strawberries:  A regular on the dirty dozen list, unfortunately these delicious berries have been shown to have over 60 different pesticides on them though frozen strawberries have less.

Apples:  Over 40 chemicals have been found on apples.  Apple sauce and apple juice also contained pesticide residue.

Peaches:  We all love peaches, but not the 60 plus pesticides found on them.  Canned peaches have much less but it is best to go organic. 

Celery:  Tests on this crunchy enjoyable veggie turned up over 60 chemicals. 

Nectarines:  Overall, 33 different pesticides have been found on these, though domestic grown nectarines tend to be less contaminated then imported fruits.

Bell peppers:  Nearly 50 chemicals on these and every color variety of sweet bell peppers are contaminated.

Blueberries:  Pushing over 50 varieties of chemical residues, these berries should be bought from the organic section. 

Other great posts by Natural Cures Not Medicine:

Natures Most Potent Allergy Blockers

Natural Detox and Immune Boosting Tonic

7 foods loaded with antioxidants!

6 Natural Pain Killers

Alkaline blood vs acidic blood

Natural Cures Not Medicine!

Foods that strengthen bones!

In our 30s, our bones start to deteriorate.  Prevent fractures boost your bones with a nutritional approach.

Broccoli


Sesame seeds


Spinach


Flax seeds


Kale


Almonds

Related Past Posts:

6 Reasons To Avoid Milk

The Oldest Man In Recorded History

5 More Natural Anti Depressants

Start eating kale now!

Here are a handful of health pluses you can count on when adding kale to your routine.

• Anti inflammatory:  Kale contains omega-3 fatty acids which help alleviate arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and asthma.
• Detox and weight-loss:  The fiber and sulfur in kale aid with digestion and liver health.  The vitamin C in kale helps with hydration and increases your metabolism, leading to weight loss and healthy blood sugar levels.
• Heart health:  Since kale is a good source of fiber, eating it can help lower cholesterol levels which in turn reduces the risk for heart disease.
• Immune system:  Kale's impressive concentration of nutrients strengthens the immune system while fighting bacteria and viruses.  Kale has more iron than beef, making it an excellent source for vegetarians and vegans.  It helps more oxygen get to your blood and greatly helps those who are anemic.
• Vision:  Kale's vitamin A content helps prevent optical disorders that come with age.  It also helps store vitamins in the retina.

Read more about kale http://www.vegkitchen.com/nutrition/5-top-health-benefits-of-kale/

Why you shouldn't eat gummy bears

Wheat grass will blow your mind

6 reasons to avoid milk

Cancer Fighting Foods

Cancer fighting foods!

The 3 blue links are articles we have previously written about the chosen wonderful food:

Make sure you get loads of these! -  jalapenos, kale, lemons, mustard green, broccoli, green tea, seaweed, ginseng, figs, wild berries, swiss chard, cabbage, avocado, flax seeds, turmeric, chili peppers, ginger, romaine lettuce, cauliflower, grapefruits, green juice, garlic, tomatoes, rosemary, 

Thanks for the image RawForBeauty.com

Kale Info & Great Tasting Healthy Recipe(video)

Kale has wonderful health benefits!

Kale is low in calorie, high in fiber and has zero fat. Kale is high in iron; Iron is essential for good health. Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef. Iron helps the formation of hemoglobin and enzymes, transporting oxygen to various parts of the body, cell growth, proper liver function and more. Kale is high in Vitamin K. Eating a diet high in Vitamin K can help protect against various cancers; Vitamin K can also help people with Alzheimer's disease. Kale is filled with powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids help protect against various cancers. Kale is great for cardiovascular support as well as an awesome anti-inflammatory food. Kale is also high in Vitamin A & C that keep your body healthy inside and out. Kale is high in calcium. Per calorie, kale has more calcium than milk! Calcium aids in preventing bone loss, osteoporosis and helping to maintain a healthy metabolism. Kale is great if you are trying to detox your body. Kale is filled with fiber and sulfur, both great for detoxifying your body & keeping your liver healthy.  Check out our friend +Heather Nauta's video on how to prepare a Baby Kale Salad With Apple! http://youtu.be/deAxTkY68dk   

The 7 Most Alkaline Foods

Get more energy, better digestion, lose weight, tend aches, pains and disease by eating alkaline foods.

Alkaline foods are known to have strong cancer fighting properties.

Kale, Cucumber, Avacado, Broccoli, Peppers, Celery, Spinach

Photo credit Rawforbeauty.com