“Cucumber Redeux”

Too funny! I just saw a post on Facebook about interesting uses for cucumbers and was going to do a post on them when I did a search here and realized I’d already featured the information in a 2013 blog I’d completely forgotten about. It was perfect timing to be reminded of all the unusual uses because both my bedroom and bathroom doors recently developed squeaks and I don’t have any WD-40, so I was thinking about trying coconut oil as a remedy, but now I think I’ll go the cucumber route.

Anyway, I figured, with cucumber season just around the corner here in the southeast, it was time to remind myself and others of the health benefits and versatility of this underappreciated “warty green wonder.” And btw, one of my favorite healthy things to drink is made by throwing a chopped up organic cucumber into the Vitamix, along with a couple of organic celery stalks and some lemon or lime juice and water. Simple and very light and refreshing!

Cucumbers belong to the same botanical family as melons (including watermelon and cantaloupe) and squashes (including summer squash, winter squash, zucchini and pumpkin) and are made up of 96 percent water, so they are a great source of hydration for the body. They are also loaded with Vitamin A, which protects the body from free radicals and lowers the risk of various cancers and illness due to damaged cells. Vitamin A also has many other important functions, including aiding normal bone growth, white blood cell development and normal blood cell functioning, and eye health.

Cucumbers are also a good source of Vitamin K, which is mainly responsible for making some of the proteins the liver requires for blood clotting. It plays a role in building bone and other tissues of the body, as well. And a 100 g serving (around 3.5 oz.) of cucumber contains approximately 150 mg of potassium. This mineral aids in metabolic functions and plays a role in the development of muscle tissue. Adequate potassium is also necessary for maintaining normal electrical activity of the heart. Cucumbers also contain other beneficial minerals, such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.

Cucumbers have not received as much press as other vegetables in terms of health benefits, but this widely-cultivated food provides us with a unique combination of nutrients. At the top of the phytonutrient list for cucumbers are its cucurbitacins, lignans, and flavonoids. These three types of phytonutrients found in cucumbers provide us with valuable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer benefits.

ANTIOXIDANT & ANTI-INFLAMMATORY BENEFITS

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. In animal studies, fresh extracts from cucumber have been shown to provide specific antioxidant benefits, including increased scavenging of free radicals and increased overall antioxidant capacity. Fresh cucumber extracts have also been shown to reduce unwanted inflammation in animal studies. Cucumber accomplishes this task by inhibiting activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes like cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2), and by preventing overproduction of nitric oxide in situations where it could increase the likelihood of excessive inflammation.

ANTI-CANCER BENEFITS

Research on the anti-cancer benefits of cucumber is still in its preliminary stage and has been restricted thus far to lab and animal studies. Interestingly, however, many pharmaceutical companies are actively studying one group of compounds found in cucumber—called cucurbitacins—in the hope that their research may lead to development of new anti-cancer drugs. Cucurbitacins belong to a large family of phytonutrients called triterpenes. Cucurbitacins A, B, C, D and E have all been identified within fresh cucumber. Researchers have determined that several different signaling pathways (for example, the JAK-STAT and MAPK pathways) required for cancer cell development and cancer cell survival can be blocked by activity of cucurbitacins. Eventually, we expect to see human studies that confirm the anti-cancer benefits of cucumbers when consumed in a normal, everyday meal plan.

A second group of cucumber phytonutrients known to provide anti-cancer benefits are its lignans. The lignans pinoresinol, lariciresinol, and secoisolariciresinol have all been identified within cucumber. Interestingly, the role of these plant lignans in cancer protection involves the role of bacteria in our digestive tract. When we consume plant lignans like those found in cucumber, bacteria in our digestive tract take hold of these lignans and convert them into enterolignans like enterodiol and enterolactone. 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: http://www.livestrong.com/article/317043-health-benefit-of-eating-cucumbers/

And here’s a great little list of 13 Uses For Cucumbers by Matt Agorist, at REALfarmacy.com…

Cucumbers are very easy to grow and make for a delicious treat. But did you know they can prevent hangovers, or clean the kitchen sink? Below is a list of tips and tricks you can do with cucumbers that you do not want to miss!

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon? Put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemical in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don’t have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don’t have time for a massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber will react with the boiling water and released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown to reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don’t have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath; the photochemical will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a ‘green’ way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but it won’t leave streaks and won’t harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing; also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!

And check out this great little recipe for fat flush water that uses cucumber:

Fat Flush Water And Fat Flush Tea

Here’s to a healthier you in 2022!

p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts, and check out my website’s To Your Health page.

The Bad News About Eating More Take-out

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been eating much more take-out this past year than ever before. I was aware that stuff like styrofoam and plastic water bottles had a problem w/ plastic leaching into the contents, but didn’t realize it was to such a degree and could happen in a variety of ways. AND for some reason it never occurred to me that putting plastic dishes through the dishwasher was a bad idea. This article reminds me that it’s not just the quality of the food and drink we need to be concerned about, but also the packaging/container(s) it’s in!

–

EAT TAKEOUT? YOU’RE INGESTING UP TO 10,000 PLASTIC PARTICLES YEARLY

(by DR. ADRIA SCHMEDTHORST) I’ll be the first to admit that I eat takeout way too often.

Even though I have the best of intentions when it comes to preparing dinner, it’s often just too tempting to go the easy route and pick up a phone than to spend hours cooking.

And thanks to the pandemic, even those among us who weren’t big takeout people before can’t help but embrace bringing food home in those handy little plastic containers since eating in restaurants was prohibited in many areas.

But a new study has some sobering information for those of us who’ve made a regular habit of it…

Along with our favorite foods and a hefty side of convenience, those takeout containers carry a mega-dose of plastic that’s finding its way into your meals.

MICROPLASTICS RAINING DOWN ON YOUR FOOD

A study reported in the Journal of Hazardous Material found that each time food is eaten out of a takeout container, you’re also eating microplastics as part of your meal.

That’s because according to the research team that investigated the issue, those takeout containers, especially ones with rough surfaces, shed microplastics like crazy.

Here’s what they found specifically…

• Microplastics were found in different types of takeout containers.
• The highest microplastic level occurred in the containers made of polystyrene. Think Styrofoam.
• Microplastic fell from the inner surface of takeout containers after slightly flushing. Think about the way hot food cause condensation on your food container’s lid. That helps plastic particles rain down on your food.
• Microplastics come from the takeout containers themselves and the air.
• Microplastic intake through container may be up to 203 items/person/week.

The researchers say that based on the microplastic abundance they found in takeout containers people who order takeout food four to seven times per week may ingest 12–203 pieces of microplastics through containers.

Now, let’s just do the math on that…

That means that at the lowest level, you’ll be eating an extra 624 pieces of plastic a year.

But at the highest level, you could be ingesting a whopping 10,556 microplastic pieces each and every year!

THE DANGERS OF MICROPLASTICS

Now if the thought of eating these plastics on its own doesn’t worry you, here’s where the issue comes in…

Research into the health issues with these plastics is indeed pretty new. However, Pete Myers, founder and chief scientist of the nonprofit Environmental Health Sciences and an adjunct professor of chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University points out that the chemicals in these plastics are known to be harmful.

They’ve been linked to everything from obesity and reproduction problems to developmental delays in children.

And there’s evidence in animals that they can cross the blood-brain barrier and get into our bloodstream, where they could potentially cause hormone disruption, nervous system problems, hearing issues and even cancer.

This means that anything you can do to avoid excess plastics (like cutting back on takeout food) is a vital step in protecting your health.

To cut back on the microplastics contaminating your body, you can also:

• Avoid the worst offender based on this research — Styrofoam containers, which are one of the most used materials for takeout.
• Skip the bottled water — The level of microplastics in bottled water is approximately double that of tap water. And according to a study report in The Smithsonian Magazine, if you drink exclusively from plastic water bottles, you may ingest an additional 90,000 microplastics each year, compared to 4,000 among those who only consume tap water.
• Wash plastic dishes by hand — High heat can cause a release of microplastics from your dishes. This means that plastic dishes should be hand-washed instead of run through the dishwasher.
• Go fresh — Packaged foods wrapped in plastics are one more source of those microplastic flakes that can contaminate your food so stick with fresh food whenever possible and cook more often at home.

What else can you do? Eat cleansing foods. It may not be possible to cleanse actual pieces of microplastics from your body, but certain foods have been shown to help remove plasticizers — chemicals like phthalates and parabens found in plastics.

The Functional Medicine University suggests that two or more servings daily of Brassica or cruciferous vegetables revs up detoxification of plastics. They bind to the chemicals and remove them from the body in a process called chelation. So, make the following foods part of your diet: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, arugula and dark leafy greens, like kale.

Source: https://easyhealthoptions.com/eat-takeout-youre-ingesting-up-to-10000-plastic-particles-yearly/

Salud!

p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts, and tell your friends to do the same. Also check out my website’s To Your Health page and Evolution Made Easier blog for more helpful health tips, tools and information.

Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional/your inner knowing before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.

DIY Vanilla Extract + Acupressure Video + Must See Documentary

 

Okay, full disclosure upfront…..this is one of those recipes I’m posting so I’ll always know where to find it, BUT I’m hoping there will be some of you out there who like to save money and are big fans, like me, of almost anything  vanilla flavored. If so, this should be right up your alley, plus, I found the article to be a very entertaining, insight-filled read and one of the best on DIY vanilla extract I’ve come across…..

Aromatic homemade vanilla extract on wooden table, closeup

How to Make Gourmet Vanilla Extract … for Pennies on the Dollar

(by Scott Sexton) 

We’ve all been there. You’re at the grocery store choosing between vanilla extracts. The artificial one is cheap, but it’s just chemicals mixed up in a food lab. The real vanilla is much better, but it’s expensive. And the gourmet stuff is ridiculously expensive. What’s a shopper to do?

Skip the store. Make your own!

You can make the ultimate, high-quality vanilla extract right in your kitchen. Yes, the gourmet stuff. Since you’ve made it yourself, you know it’s free of artificial colors, flavors, or other impurities. And it costs a tiny fraction of what you would pay at the store:

• Vanilla extract = $18.19 per cup
• Gourmet vanilla extract = $43.60 per cup
• Homemade, gourmet vanilla extract = $8.74 per cup

Step #1: Gather Your Materials

You will need scissors (or a knife), a mason jar with a lid, alcohol (35%–50%), and vanilla beans.

Selecting the Right Vanilla Beans

Vanilla beans aren’t standard fare in most produce departments or farmer’s markets. You may need to get these online. Consider the following varieties of vanilla, to customize your gourmet creation:

• Madagascar/Bourbon: This is the traditional vanilla you’re familiar with.
• Tahitian: More floral and fruity
• Mexican: Sweet and woody with a hint of spice
• African/Ugandan: Smokier and bold

And these aren’t your only options. You can also explore Indian, Tonga, and Indonesia vanilla beans.

As you browse the selection, you may notice that vanilla beans are given an A, B, or C grade. Grade A beans are more expensive and are meant for cooking. They work fine in extracts, but the increased cost won’t yield much difference in your finished product. Grade B vanilla beans cost less and are intended for use in extracts.

You can often buy grade B beans for around $1.50 to $2.00 each, depending on how many you buy at once.

What Kind of Alcohol Should You Use?

Next, you’ll need to select an alcohol. Alcohol extracts the vanilla flavor and prevents spoilage. You’ll want something that’s between 35%–50% alcohol. Around 40% is ideal.

There’s no need to spend your money on a high-dollar alcohol. It’s the quality of the vanilla beans, not the alcohol, that makes great vanilla. So go ahead and get the cheap stuff. Most people choose an alcohol with a mild flavor, but you could also select one with a complementary flavor. Spiced rum, for example, could make your vanilla quite exotic.

Step #2: Assemble Your Ingredients

Use your scissors or knife to split the beans lengthwise and place them in the jar. If they’re too long, just cut them so that they fit. Then pour your alcohol over the vanilla beans.

For “better-than-supermarket” vanilla extract, use 2–3 beans for each cup of alcohol. For gourmet vanilla, use 5 beans per cup of alcohol. And for mind-blowing, legendary, sell-it-to-put-your-kid-through-college vanilla, use 7–8 beans per cup of alcohol. Any more than this and the FBI has to come and haul you away.

Cap it, shake it up, and put it away in the cupboard. Come back every few days to shake it up again. It really likes it when you do that. Tell it that it’s a good vanilla—a pretty vanilla. Sing it a little song. (You think I’m joking.)

Now comes the hardest part. Waiting.

How long do you have to wait? That depends. Do you want good vanilla, great vanilla, or life-altering vanilla?

• For good vanilla, let it extract for 8 weeks. Go ahead and sniff if every so often. Maybe take a tiny sample. It’s okay. I won’t tell.
• For great vanilla, let it extract for 6 months. Yes, 6 months. I know, I know. You want your vanilla now. But great vanilla takes time.
• For mind-blowing, life-altering, legendary vanilla, let it extract for a full year. I’ll pause now, while you finish cursing your computer screen. ( … ) All done? Good, because I have a compromise for you. Make 2 batches of vanilla—each one being enough for an entire year.

Use the first batch as the year goes by. It will get better with time because it will keep extracting. Then when it’s used up, open your year-old vanilla and let the good times roll! Just remember to start a new batch for the next year.

Cheaters Never Win?

The 2 main factors in flavor extraction are time and surface area. (The alcohol-to-water ratio is important too, but we’ve already got that covered.) We could think of this as a formula:

Surface Area x Time = Great Vanilla

If we want to reduce the extraction time without diminishing the vanilla flavor, we need to increase the surface area.

To increase the surface area, we could cut our vanilla beans into smaller and smaller pieces with scissors. But who has time for that? Time is exactly the thing we’re trying to cut down on! Let’s just keep on cheating instead.

Toss those beans into your blender. Pour in your alcohol. Then blend it like you’re trying to destroy evidence! You’ll notice that the liquid turns darker right away.

Go ahead and cap it, and shake it up every few days, just as you would with the slower method. Open it up every week to sample it. You won’t get a year’s worth of flavor maturation in a week, but it will move along much faster.

This method does have a few downsides. For one, it’s less visually appealing in the jar. Your friends will be more impressed with a jar of vanilla beans than a jar of cloudy bean powder. Also, it’s hard to filter out the little bean pieces, and you may get them in your food. But that could also make it look more authentic, so that may actually be a bonus. Lastly, vanilla bean powder can’t easily be repurposed for vanilla sugar.

Repurposing Beans

Can you reuse vanilla beans? Yes, but the resulting extract won’t be as strong. Feel free to try it. You might like it just fine. If not, just toss in a fresh bean or two, and let it extract again.

Some people also like to use a sort of “perpetual vanilla” system. Any time they use a little vanilla extract, they’ll top the container back up with alcohol and let it continue extracting. Depending on how often you use your vanilla, this system works fine, though it does yield a diminishing quality of vanilla over time.

Alternately, you can create vanilla sugar. Take out the used vanilla beans and let them dry. Place them in an airtight container and fill it with sugar. Then, let it sit for a couple of weeks. Use the sugar in baking, coffee, tea, or anywhere else you’d like a sweet, vanilla flavor.

Gourmet Options

You now know how to make gourmet-quality vanilla. But it’s still just vanilla. What about fancy flavors? What about creativity? Let’s do it!

First of all, a flavored alcohol can really take your vanilla in a fun and unexpected direction. Another option is to add spices or herbs into the mix. How about adding a little cinnamon or clove? How does lavender vanilla or vanilla mint sound? Just put them right in the jar and let them extract together.

For a sweeter vanilla, add honey or maple syrup.

The only limit is your creativity and your bravery for experimenting with new flavor combinations.

Other Extracts

We’ve cracked the code for vanilla extract, but that’s not nearly the end of the story. You can make any of the extracts you find in the store, plus a whole lot more! The basic process is the same for all extracts, but I’ll give you a few tips for special cases.

Almond Extract

The skin on an almond can cause an extract to turn bitter. Before using them, drop them into boiling water. After 1 minute, remove them and let them cool. The skins should slide right off. Roughly chop the almonds (minus skins) and place them in the jar. About 15 almonds are enough for 2 cups of basic almond extract, but I like to use twice as much.

Fruit Extracts

Fruits usually have a high moisture content. This will dilute your alcohol content. Either slice and dehydrate your fruit first or use a slightly higher proof alcohol. If using fresh fruit, use a 1:1 ratio of fruit to alcohol (by volume). If using dehydrated fruit us a 1:2 ratio of fruit to alcohol. These ratios are just guidelines, not rules. Feel free to experiment.

Source: https://thegrownetwork.com/how-to-make-vanilla-extract/

 

I watched this a couple of days ago and wish it was required viewing for everyone!

This documentary is entertaining, enlightening, inspiring and informative, as well as depressing and disheartening at times when you see how the powers that be (including the Girl Scouts organization!) are so resistant to what will liberate humanity and provide a better, healthier, more abundant world for everyone. You’ll get to know a “No to GMOs” super cute little powerhouse w/ an angel of a mom, a visionary farmer on a mission, and a brilliant inventor, way-shower and humanitarian w/ soul-filled blue eyes who creates things you usually only encounter in sci-fi.😊

You can watch for free thru today, Sept 14th, BUT if you at least sign-up to watch by the end of today, you will  get an extra 3 days for viewing. OR get unlimited access for only $7 and help support the cause here.

And go here for video from Michael Reed Gach, PhD demonstrating DIY acupressure points for toning the face, increasing circulation, clearing sinuses, releasing toxins and more.

 

Salud!

p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts, and tell your friends to do the same. Also check out my website’s To Your Health page and Evolution Made Easier blog for more helpful health tips, tools and information.

Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional/your inner knowing before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.

63 (count ’em!) Zucchini Recipes For Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner And Snacking

 

I meant to post this about a month ago when zucchini were at their peak (at least in the community garden where I volunteer) and this image got a lot of laughs on Facebook. No worries, there’s still plenty of these cucumber-shaped summer squash around to use in any of the delicious-looking recipes put together by Pure Wow that strike your fancy. Plus, you can always bookmark this page for next year when you’re wondering what to do with your surplus. 🙂

 

PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

1. ZUCCHINI ‘FRIES’

When that fry craving hits (and you know it will), whip up this healthier version instead of the usual deep-fried taters.

GET THE RECIPE

PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

2. MINI SPANISH TORTILLA WITH ZUCCHINI

Amazing news: This whole thing is for you, and makes a mean breakfast, lunch or dinner.

GET THE RECIPE

PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

3. ZUCCHINI RICOTTA GALETTE

This savory pie is basically foolproof, thanks to pre-made pie crust.

GET THE RECIPE

PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

4. PESTO ZOODLES

A healthy coating of homemade basil pesto takes zucchini noodles to a whole new level.

GET THE RECIPE

PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

5. ZOODLE STIR-FRY

Skip the rice in favor of squash. It’s flavorful and filling, and it comes together in no time.

GET THE RECIPE

PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

6. BAKED ZUCCHINI ‘ZITI’ SPIRALS WITH MOZZARELLA

This has all the cheesiness but none of the carbs of the original, thanks to sneaky zucchini ribbons.

GET THE RECIPE

PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

7. EASY ZUCCHINI BREAD

All you need is one bowl to mix the ingredients and a little patience as the loaf bakes.

GET THE RECIPE

Go here for the rest of the yummy looking recipes, including #45 Cheesy Pesto Chips.

 

Salud!

p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts, and tell your friends to do the same. Also check out my website’s To Your Health page and Evolution Made Easier blog for more helpful health tips, tools and information.

Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional/your inner knowing before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.

Is Your Avocado Oil As Healthy As You Think? + Webinar On Increasing Your Energy

 

A number of years ago I started hearing about how much of the olive oil on the market was not as pure as advertised and often diluted with various inferior oils. Now, that sadly seems to be the same scenario with avocado oil, which is really disappointing since I have been using Primal Kitchen’s mayonnaise, both regular and garlic aioli versions, for several years. I made the switch because it had gotten to where almost every brand I checked was substituting canola for olive oil. 

I am hoping Primal Kitchen has enough integrity and quality control in place to be sure they are using pure, unadulterated avocado oil in their products, but there’s no way to know from the labeling. Extra virgin and/or organic would be an even bigger plus, but I would think if that was the case they would not miss the chance to mention that selling point in their marketing. I notice they sell bottles of unrefined extra virgin and organic avocado oils, but that’s not how the oil in their mayonnaise is listed in the ingredients, so I would be very pleasantly surprised if the higher quality oil is actually being used. 😦

 

Why can’t store bought avocado oil be trusted?

by: Lori Alton, staff writer 

Whether served up solo in tasty slices, slathered on toast or used in dips and guacamole, avocados are riding a massive wave of popularity – and gaining nutritional popularity.  In addition to their buttery texture and appealing taste, avocados feature generous amounts of beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, B-complex vitamins and antioxidants.  But, what about avocado oil?  Is it good for us?

Avocado oil – which offers many of the same benefits – is surging in popularity as well. Yet, in an alarming new study of commercial avocado oil, researchers found that the majority of samples were low-quality, diluted and/or mislabeled.  Let’s take a closer look at the “bait and switch” game that manufacturers are playing with avocado oil.

First, the good news: Oleic acid in avocado oil provides anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering benefits

Avocado oil, which may be used as a cooking oil or added to recipes, is composed of 70 percent oleic acid. This monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid has been shown to reduce cholesterol and help to protect against cardiovascular disease and neuro-degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Avocado oil is available in both refined and unrefined varieties.  Refined avocado oil is deodorized or bleached after the extraction process. Unrefined oil is filtered for impurities after extraction, but is otherwise unaltered.

Other distinctions include virgin and extra virgin formulations.  According to the American Oil Chemists Society, only the highest-quality fruit may be used in “extra virgin” olive oil, which must be extracted mechanically at low temperatures. In addition, no chemical solvents may be used.

In “virgin” avocado oil, imperfections in the fruit are permitted – but the extraction methods must still be mechanical, and the oil must remain solvent-free.

Buyer beware: Study reveals that commercial avocado oils may be adulterated with inferior oils

In a study published recently in Food Control, researchers collected 22 avocado oil samples sourced from California, Mexico, Brazil and Spain – with an eye towards representing all the major brands and towards examining both refined and unrefined oils.

Fourteen of the samples were obtained from six grocery stores, and eight from online stores.

The researchers assessed the quality, purity and authenticity of the oils by measuring their levels of free fatty acids, plant sterols and tocopherols (natural vitamin E).  What they found was disturbing!

Most of the avocado oils – which were marketed as “pure,” “virgin” or “extra virgin” avocado oil – were found to be mixed with other oils.  Six of the samples were found to be adulterated with sunflower, safflower and soybean oils. (All three of these oils are believed to be nutritionally inferior to avocado oil – and pro-inflammatory to boot).

And, the degree of dilution was substantial.  In fact, three samples – labeled either “pure” or “extra virgin”- actually contained more soybean oil than avocado oil!

Alert: Study also found that oxidation was rampant

In addition, the team found that a shocking 82 percent of the oils had undergone oxidation (turned rancid) well before their printed expiration dates.

Oxidation, which causes a loss of antioxidant value and distortions in color and flavor, can result from improper or prolonged storage, damaged or rotten fruits and harsh processing methods. It can also occur due to exposure to light – with the scientists finding that the oils that oxidized most quickly were packaged in clear glass or plastic rather than dark-tinted materials.

By the way, high pricing was no guarantee of quality. The team reported that the most expensive oils had the highest peroxidation values, meaning they were most prone to becoming rancid.

Study leader Selina Wang, a cooperative extension specialist in the Department of Food Science and Technology at UC Davis, reported that there are currently no standards to determine if an avocado oil is of the quality and purity advertised. She warned of the urgent need for standards to protect consumers.

So, what’s an avocado oil fan to do?

As it happens, three of the avocado oils – Chosen Foods, Marianne’s Avocado Oil and CalPure – were found to be pure and unadulterated, exactly as advertised. Obviously, these are superior choices.

Unfortunately, the scandal is not confined to avocado oil. Olive oil can be suspect as well.

Warning: Olive oil may be polluted with pesticides and potential carcinogens

Olive oil, beloved by nutritionists and natural health experts for its high levels of healthful oleic acid and antioxidants, plays a major role in the Mediterranean diet, which has been linked in studies with heart health and longer life.

But this worthy oil is also subject to dilution with inferior oils. Even worse, it may be affected by outright contamination.  As NaturalHealth365 reported in 2016, Italian authorities uncovered a criminal enterprise surrounding olive oil, with fraudulent labeling and false documentation leading to charges of food fraud and tax evasion.

In the investigation, Italy’s State Forestry Corps seized over 10 tons of olives that had been artificially colored with a copper chlorophyllin complex that is prohibited by both Italian and European law.

According to separate research performed by a consumer protection organization in Germany, 20 of 26 olive oil samples studied contained pesticides. Other toxic ingredients included plasticizers, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzene and styrene.  By the way, in 2018, styrene was classified by the World Health Organization as a probable carcinogen.

As with avocado oil, popularity and prestige is no guarantee of purity. Bertolli, the top-selling brand of olive oil in the United States, has been the subject of multiple class-actions lawsuits.  The brand’s “extra virgin” olive oil was allegedly found to be composed of low-quality oils.

How can I find high-quality olive oil?

The best bet for finding healthful olive oil is to forget about the imported brands and support domestic organic olive growers.  We, at NaturalHealth365, enjoy the olive oil from Apollo Olive Oil.  And, no, we do not receive any financial compensation to mention this to you.

To cut the odds of buying oxidized oils, bypass products sold in clear containers and look for dark-tinted bottles.  You can find quality olive oil through the California Olive Oil Council.

And, you can learn about a particularly healthful olive oil here.

It is truly an outrage that two of the most beneficial, nutrient-rich oils on the planet are subject to mislabeling and dilution by unscrupulous manufacturers.  But, seeking out pure, wholesome olive and avocado oils will be worth the effort.

Source: https://www.naturalhealth365.com/extra-virgin-avocado-oil-3484.html

 

And this webinar is something I just signed up for that you might be interested in. It’s a free presentation from Ari Whitten about how to increase your energy in just 5 minutes a day. Here’s what his e-mail said…

For the last few months, I’ve been working on a brand new presentation that compiles all of my top energy “hacks” to supercharge your brain and body — specifically, how to double your energy levels in less than 5 minutes a day.

I say “hacks” because this presentation is not about all of the foundational nutrition and lifestyle stuff (which I teach constantly in all my work), but is specifically about the ENERGY SECRETS that supercharge your energy levels with little to no effort, in just days.

Sound too good to be true?

Well, I plan on PROVING it to you!

I will literally show you the scientific evidence that within the next few weeks, you can literally DOUBLE or even TRIPLE your energy levels — in just a few MINUTES a day.

(Oh, and I will be showing you how to do this WITHOUT using stimulants or caffeine).

No joke. There is science to back it all up.

Here’s what you will learn:

• 4 strategies that are each proven to reduce depression by over 30% or 40% within just days.
• A special compound that supercharges your mitochondrial health (and a breakthrough in how to hack it).
• Science-backed supplements that supercharge your brain function (decrease anxiety, balance neurotransmitters, eliminate brain fog, and protect against brain diseases).
• A major hidden cause of fatigue that few people are aware of (this affects more than 9 out of 10 people).
• A daily routine that can literally DOUBLE or even TRIPLE your energy levels (and dramatically improve your mood and brain function) in just 5 minutes a day.

And much more!

The webinar will happen on Thursday, August 13th, at 4:30 PM PST. Reserve your spot here.

 

Salud!

p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts, and tell your friends to do the same. Also check out my website’s To Your Health page and Evolution Made Easier blog for more helpful health tips, tools and information.

Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional/your inner knowing before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.

 

A Great Place To Find Glyphosate-free Products!

 

A few years ago I featured a post about the health risks of glyphosate in our food, and since then it’s only become more of a problem. If you take the time to listen to this interview by Dr. Zach Bush on GMOs and glyphosate ( or another interview here), you’ll start to understand how pervasive they are in our food system and how numerous the health issues they cause can be. Truly scary and depressing at this point. That’s why I’m really grateful there are a few companies out there that actually test and verify that their products are GMO- and glyphosate-free.

The main place I’ve found for verified items is the Health Ranger Store, started by prominent health advocate Mike Adams, who built his own state-of-the-art testing lab after he found that so many “high quality” health products on the market were actually found to contain heavy metals, pesticides and other less than stellar ingredients. He opened his own on-line store as a way to make products that have been rigorously tested and verified available, and since then the store has continued to grow and add more great items to its inventory, plus offers a rewards program, as well as periodic discounts and specials.

If you’ve done any real research on where to be able to get really truly raw, unpasteurized, NON-IRRADIATED/-FUMIGATED almonds, you’ll know how hard they are to come by. Often Italy has been one of the few sources. Up until several years ago I never knew that almost all almonds labeled “raw” were still irradiated and fumigated! What?! So it’s great to know that Health Ranger almonds are the real deal!

Another thing I’m excited to see that the store has added to its inventory is lab-verified organic brown rice. I used to eat A LOT of brown rice, until I started reading about how rice is commonly contaminated with high amounts of arsenic….ESPECIALLY organic brown rice. That was a shocker to me!

Anyway, I’m happy to know there is now a source for it that not only tests for arsenic (contains nearly zero levels) and other heavy metals, but also tests for glyphosate (negligible traces). And the mini-bucket packaging is a great way to buy in bulk and store easily. What makes brown rice special is that it is less processed than white rice and retains its bran and germ, thus contains more dietary fiber and nutrients. Organic brown rice also contains protein, magnesium and selenium, has a nutty, chewy taste, and is one of the best sources of ready-to-use energy.

• Packed with vitamins and minerals like potassium, calcium, and vitamin E
• Lab tested to ensure near-zero levels of arsenic, lead, and other contaminants
• Certified organic, non-GMO and has a low glycemic index
• Promotes healthy immune system, skin, brain and heart function
• An ideal addition to a variety of recipes such as grain bowls, soups, pasta, and more

I’m also excited about many of the other innovative products and formulas that have been added to the store since it first opened, including the powdered organic coconut milk and coconut water, Organic Cocoa Mojo, and Organic Hemp Juvenate protein powder with chia, chlorella, monk fruit, functional mushrooms and, of course, hemp. 🙂 And check out the Chinese-cupping set that I featured in a post several years ago. Cupping is a wonderful healing technique to be able to do on yourself, as well as loved ones and clients!

p. s. There’s another place I’ve found that offers great, high quality products that are tested and verified as heavy metal-, GMO- and glyphosate-free, but I’ll write about that in a future post. In the meantime, check out the Health Ranger Store, plus sign up for the free Super Human Energy Summit and get some great bonuses in the bargain…… 

41 expert talks sharing the science and secrets of unlocking SUPERHUMAN ENERGY!

Overcome fatigue, cultivate higher energy levels, improve immunity and elevate your zest for life when you step into a supercharged version of yourself! Dive into the science of human energy and share the secrets of the world’s top experts on energy enhancement. By taking charge of your biology and building a high-energy body, you can transform the most critical element to living a happy and successful life. Gain access to these secrets and learn how you can live your life with a supercharged brain and body!

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The Superhuman Energy Summit is free and on-line from July 13-19, 2020. Grab your free Red Light Therapy e-book and other bonuses here!

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Salud!

p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts, and tell your friends to do the same. Also check out my website’s To Your Health page and Evolution Made Easier blog for more helpful health tips, tools and information.

Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional/your inner knowing before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.

An Interesting Link To Osteoporosis That May Be Hiding In Your Toothbrush + Plus Healing Coconut Curry Soup Recipe

 

Wow, I knew that triclosan was bad, but usually thought of it as being mainly in hand sanitizers and the like. Didn’t know it could be lurking in so many different places AND could be contributing to osteoporosis! 

 

There’s a pretty good chance that you’re brushing your teeth with a chemical known to cause allergies, thyroid problems, muscle spasms and resistance to antibiotics, among other things.

It took the FDA 36 years to get this chemical out of our soaps and hand sanitizers. But it has remained in other products since then, including toothpaste, shampoo, and skin cream.

Many children’s toys and kitchen utensils are coated in this chemical, presumably to make them resistant to germs.

But study after study continues to show us that this chemical is far scarier than the germ it’s meant to protect us from.

And, most recently, for the first time, it’s been linked to osteoporosis.

Triclosan: Bad for germs, worse for your health

If you grew up in the 1960s like I did, you probably remember hearing the very same commercials telling us how these new products were superior at keeping scary germs away.

In the years that followed, we slowly learned the truth about their celebrated antimicrobial chemical ingredient, known as triclosan.

Study after study showed what it could do to the human body: disrupt hormones, cause muscle and heart spasms, and do damage to unborn fetuses.

In 1978, the FDA first proposed a rule that would eliminate triclosan from soaps and hand sanitizers. But in their usual fashion, the agency did not follow through with their own proposal, and triclosan stayed on the market.

In 2010, 32 years later, the Natural Resources Defense Council sued the FDA for failing to issue a final ruling on triclosan.

Finally, in 2016, the FDA banned the use of triclosan in antibacterial soaps and hand sanitizers.

Sadly, in those decades in between, the market for antibacterial products with triclosan had grown into a $1 billion a year industry. Triclosan made its way into the bodies of 75 percent of the U.S. population and has been found in blood, urine, and breast milk.

Also, in those intervening years, research has continued to demonstrate just how harmful triclosan is.

Triclosan and osteoporosis

Last month, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism published a study linking triclosan with osteoporosis. It was the first study to look at the connection between levels of triclosan in the urine and decreased bone mass density in women.

The study looked at data from 1,848 women between 2005 and 2010 and found that women who had higher levels of triclosan in their urine were more likely to develop osteoporosis later on in life.

Triclosan interferes with thyroid function, and there is a known connection between thyroid imbalance and bone loss.

Here’s a chronology of other research showing the harmful effects of triclosan:

• 2010 – triclosan inhibits the activity of estradiol, a form of estrogen, thus endangering early fetal development. Also, of course, depleted estrogen leads to bone loss.
• 2012 – triclosan disrupts the endocrine systems of several different animals.
• 2012 – triclosan impairs normal muscle function in mice and humans.
• 2014 – a small study linked triclosan to liver cancer in mice.

How you are exposed, and how to protect yourself

Check product ingredients. And know what to look for…

Any product labeled as containing Microban actually contains triclosan. These include everything from kitchen utensils to carpeting to toothbrushes.

And if you use a toothpaste with triclosan, you’re doubling your risk.

In a 2017 study, more than a third of nylon toothbrushes tested retained about seven to 12.5 times the amount of triclosan a person would actually come into contact with from toothpaste. What’s more, the triclosan stayed in the bristles for about two weeks after switching to a non-triclosan toothpaste. So, it’s a good idea when you switch out your toothpaste, to get a new toothbrush as well.

Here are some ways to avoid triclosan:

• Stop using antibacterial soaps containing the chemical. Look for “triclosan” on the Drug Facts label.
• Look for triclosan in kitchen equipment like cutting boards and spatulas.
• Ask your workplace and your children’s school to stop using antibacterial hand soaps. Instead, suggest soaps with oregano oil or basil oil, both potent natural antibacterial agents.
• Avoid products like food containers or shower curtains that claim to “keep food fresh longer” or have “odor-fighting ingredients.” They usually don’t list their ingredients, but chances are there’s triclosan in there.

Source: https://easyhealthoptions.com/daily-triclosan-chemical-osteoporosis/

Here’s a link to an Orawellness article on making DIY remineralizing toothpaste. They make a great triclosan-free Healthy Mouth Brushing Blend and offer health-promoting Bass toothbrushes, as well.

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A yummy-sounding recipe from Dr Jockers newsletter….

This coconut curry soup was created by certified health coach Melissa Nohr, who does nutrition coaching with people all over the world via Skype and at Exodus Health Center.  Check out her coaching page here and enjoy this coconut curry soup recipe!

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Coconut Curry Soup

prep time: 10 min   cook time: 30

source: drjockers.com

yield: 4 – 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin coconut oil
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp. fresh grated ginger
• 2 (13½-ounce) cans full-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup chopped cauliflower
• 1 cup chopped kale leaves
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon pink salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

Step #1:  In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the coconut oil. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger and sauté until tender.

Step #2:  Add the coconut milk, broth, cauliflower, kale, curry powder, turmeric, and salt and stir until well combined. Raise the heat to medium and cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes.

Step #3:  Reduce the heat to low and simmer, stirring often, for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the meat, if using.

Step #4:  Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the cilantro. Serve immediately.

Notes: This is an easy, versatile soup. You can add cooked, chopped chicken for extra protein. Other vegetables, such as broccoli and mushrooms, can be added or substituted as desired.

 

Dr Jockers Comments:This coconut curry soup is a warm savory dish that tastes wonderful and has a great aroma that will fill up the whole house.  It is full of healthy fats and micronutrients that help the body to cleanse and detoxify and is easy on the digestive system.

This is a low-carb, plant-based ketogenic recipe that is loaded with anti-inflammatory polyphenolic compounds with the turmeric, green leafy veggies, ginger, onion and garlic. When these compounds marinate into a soup recipe like this, the hard outer fibers are broken down which reduces stress on our digestive tracts and the pure nutrients become more bioavailable.

If you want to increase the protein content, you are welcome to add in some free-range chicken, wild-caught fish or grass-fed beef.  You could even add in a few raw eggs and the heat of the soup will cook some of the proteins making it similar to an “egg-drop” soup like texture.  Also, feel free to add in more veggies to your desire.

Our Cancer Cleanse program uses a plant-based ketogenic diet approach that is high in healthy fats, micronutrients, anti-oxidant compounds and fiber while being low in carbohydrates and protein.  This recipe is a staple one we use for this program to help provide a foundational lifestyle for preventing or healing cancer. – Dr Jockers

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And here’s your chance to catch the encore presentation of Sayer Ji’s Regenerate Yourself Masterclass, plus a Q & A that follows…

You can sign up here.

 

Salud!

p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts, and tell your friends to do the same. Also check out my website’s To Your Health page and Evolution Made Easier blog for more helpful health tips, tools and information. 

Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained health care practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.

Jin Shin Jyutsu For Weight Loss And Restoring Energy + Interesting Research On The Keto Diet

 

Here are a couple of good Jin Shin Jyutsu holds/flows to know about from Astrid at FlowsForLife.com. Both of these are great ones to keep in mind, especially during and after the holiday season, since that’s a time we are prone to over-eat and over-do in general. How fascinating that you can hold one cheek to lose weight, the other if you want to gain, and both to allow the body to adjust to what it needs. How cool is that?!

 

Every year when Spring is around the corner, I feel the need to shed those few extra pounds I put on in Winter. In this article, I share how to lose weight with some simple Jin Shin Jyutsu exercises.

Two ‘energy sites’ that help us lose weight

We have two different ‘energy sites’ on the body (four if you count the right and left sides) that help with weight loss. These energy sites are officially called Safety Energy Locks, or SELs for short. They are spheres of concentrated energy on the body about the size of a tennis ball.

SEL 21: Release mental and physical weight

Safety Energy Lock number 21 is found right under the cheekbone on the face. Place the right fingers on the RIGHT side of the face just under the cheekbone for weight LOSS. Place the left fingers on the LEFT side of face just under the cheekbone for weight GAIN. If you forget which side is which, hold both sides and the body will adjust itself to what it needs. It will! The body is very clever that way.

Placing the hands on either cheekbone helps weight balance, helps relieve MENTAL STRESS and ‘frees us from mental bondage’. So when I feel mentally stressed, I use this self help hold to calm my mind and calm me down.

This self help hold is also really good to relieve DIZZINESS.

SEL 25: Regenerate all body functions

Safety Energy Lock number 25 is found on the right and left sitting bones.

Sit on your hands (with the palms up against the body) at least 20 minutes a day to stay fit, to take lactic acid out of the muscles after exercising, and to lose volume from the hip and thigh area. Because SEL 25 is all about quietly regenerating all the body functions it is very helpful to keep the body fit and toned, as well as increasing alertness and mental clarity.

If you want more energy, sit on your hands!

Both these exercises are easy to do and can even be practiced while sitting watching TV, so there’s no excuse not to put them to use. 🙂 For a more meditative experience, sit or lie quietly with your eyes closed.

Source: https://www.flowsforlife.com/how-to-lose-weight-with-jin-shin-jyutsu/

See also: Self Help Hold for Fatigue and multiple Self-help Health posts on the topic of JSJ

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And here’s a short article I found interesting. I’m not very knowledgeable about the Keto Diet, but I know many people are into it. And suddenly everything on the grocery shelves is being labeled keto-friendly, so I thought this research might be good for people to know about….

 

Keto diet reverses early signs of diabetes—but only for the first week….

(by Bryan Hubbard ) The high-fats, low-carbs ketogenic diet could be good for you—but only for one week. After that, it starts to have negative health effects, a new study suggests.

The keto diet is a dramatic way to kick-start the immune system and reverse signs of diabetes and inflammation. And it delivers all those positive health effects in just seven days.

But continue the diet any longer than that and the body starts storing the fat it’s supposed to be burning, say researchers from Yale School of Medicine.

The diet tricks the body into thinking it’s in starvation mode by dramatically reducing carb consumption; as a consequence, it starts burning fats instead of carbs and this triggers the release of chemicals called ketone bodies as an alternative source of fuel. This process also releases immune T-cells, and these reverse signs of diabetes and inflammation, and also improve the body’s overall metabolism. After a week on the diet, blood sugar levels and general inflammation reduce.

But these health benefits go into reverse after around a week on the diet and the body begins to store the large amounts of fats we’re consuming.

With one in three Americans pre-diabetic—their blood sugar levels are already too high—anything that can reverse that should be welcome. And even better, it can be done on just a seven-day diet. “Who wants to be on a diet forever, anyway?” said researcher Vishwa Deep Dixit.

(Reference: Nature Metabolism, 2020; 2: 50)

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Source: https://www.wddty.com/news/2020/02/keto-diet-reverses-early-signs-of-diabetes-but-only-for-the-first-week.html

 Salud!

p.s. Be sure to give Self-help Health a follow so you don’t miss out on any future posts. Also check out the To Your Health page at my website Evolution Made Easier and my other blog for more helpful information, tips, tools and resources.

Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.

Two Yummy & Healthy Alkalizing Holiday Recipes + DIY Bath Bombs, Appetizers And MORE!

 

Here’s two popular recipes from Ross Bridgeford at https://liveenergized.com that he shares with his Alkaline Base Camp clients. I haven’t tried them yet, but definitely plan to and they sound great for making (and sharing!) during this holiday season.

The first one is full of healthy fats, protein and has very little sugar per serving…..

 

Ross’ Alkaline Salted Caramel Slice

Makes 12 Slice

Base:

1.5 cups of shredded coconut
6 soft Medjool dates
A pinch of cinnamon

Layer One:

1/2 cup coconut cream
3 Medjool dates
2 tbsp coconut syrup
A pinch of Himalayan salt (or any natural / sea salt)
1 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 cup tahini
a few drops of vanilla essence

Layer Two:

3 tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp cacao powder
a few drops of vanilla
pinch cinnamon
1 tbsp coconut syrup

Instructions:

1. Start by blending the base ingredients together until they look like a regular ‘biscuit base’ then add these to a baking tin (regular round one or a rectangle one – whichever you have)
2. Next blend the layer one ingredients and add this on top of the base.
3. Now make layer two by, you guessed it, blending these ingredients together and add these on top!
4. If you are going to eat all of them between yourself, family, guests, etc these within a couple of days, put straight into the fridge. However, if you are planning on having them slowly over a week or two, cover and put in the freezer as sliced, individual serves.
5. You can remove them and enjoy within just 10-15 minutes of taking them out of the freezer.

And that’s all there is to it! Takes so little time, can be made at the last minute and it needs only 9 ingredients!

Source: https://liveenergized.com/dessert-recipes/alkaline-recipe-salted-caramel-slice/

 

Warming Hearty Pumpkin & Ginger Soup

This soups is super-alkaline, highly anti-inflammatory and it’s antioxidant-rich too! You can enjoy it either chunky or blended smooth.

The ginger is especially anti-inflammatory, and also powerfully anti-carcinogenic too. And the combination of the antioxidants in the pumpkin and carrots are fantastic for repairing oxidative damage to DNA, as well as supporting the cardiovascular system.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 medium sized butternut squash or pumpkin
2 large carrots
1 large red onion
2-3 garlic cloves
1 fresh red chili
1 cm piece of fresh ginger
1.2 litres of vegetable stock
Juice of 1 orange (optional)
Fresh thyme leaves
Salt and pepper
Olive/Coconut Oil

Instructions:

1. First up, you need to cut the onion and garlic cloves into nice fine pieces. Now get going on the squash by peeling it and cutting it into cubes, about 1 cm square. Peel the carrots and cut a similar size.
2. Now, carefully de-seed the chili and cut it into small pieces. Wash your hands thoroughly now, and then peel the ginger and chop roughly.
3. Heat the oil (coconut is preferable) in a large pot and gently fry the onion and garlic on a low heat until they begin to soften (approx 4 min). Throw in the carrot and squash and season and then fry for another 5-6 minutes until it all starts to soften a little. Add more oil if you need it here.
4. Next add 1.2 litres of organic/yeast free vegetable stock, the ginger, chili and thyme leaves. Bring it all to the boil and then simmer for about 25 min until the squash and carrots are soft.
5. Now is the fun part – throw it all into a blender and puree it up until it is smooth and then squeeze in the orange juice. Delicious!

Personal note: I plan to just use some hot sauce and/or crushed red pepper flakes to give it a little kick and save the time and effort of dealing with the chili pepper.

Source: https://liveenergized.com/alkaline-recipes/pumpkin-ginger-soup

 

And check out this post from a year ago with some yummy soup recipes that may help you lose any holiday weight gain you experience:

https://selfhelphealth.wordpress.com/2019/01/15/soups-on-and-these-recipes-may-help-with-any-holiday-weight-gain/

If you’re in need of some interesting appetizer recipes, look no further than this post from Pure Wow. Some of them may not be all that healthy, but all of them certainly could add pizzazz to a holiday gathering:

https://www.purewow.com/food/christmas-party-appetizers

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Here’s an idea for a DIY holiday gift or stocking stuffer (or treat for yourself!)…a recipe I found at  it-takes-time.com (thanks for the tip naturalskincarelove.com!) for making bath bombs:

And check out these two  previous Self-help Health posts for more great recipes and healthy DIY holiday ideas:

https://selfhelphealth.wordpress.com/2015/12/25/smelly-but-good-holiday-diy-ideas/

https://selfhelphealth.wordpress.com/2014/12/19/holiday-treats-to-eat-and-share/

 

Salud!

p.s. Be sure to give Self-help Health a follow so you don’t miss out on any future posts. Also check out the To Your Health page at my website Evolution Made Easier and my other blog for more helpful information, tips, tools and resources.

Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.

2 Freebies + 1 Recipe = Today’s Post :-)

 

This first “freebie” from Tom Paladino is something I just found out about the other day signed up for.  I don’t know if it’s a coincidence or not, but I have felt more upbeat, energetic and even had less pain, so I definitely recommend giving this a try. The price is right (FREE!), so you’ve got nothing to lose. And I used some of Tom’s other scalar treatment series in the past and always noticed benefits.

Natural Foods Sessions

The Scalar light Natural Foods is a new remote scalar light session offered in the year 2018. Currently, a total of 270 nutrient-dense foods in the NFT.

Scalar light originates from the Sun of our solar system as well as the stars of the universe: scalar light is sunlight and starlight. Scalar light is a fundamental force responsible for assembling and maintaining all physical forms including plant chemicals. Scalar light can be utilized to assemble natural plant chemicals or phyto-chemicals inside the human body thereby serving as an excellent source of nutrition.

Scalar light utilizes the existing elements inside the human body and then rearranges these elements into the molecular structure of natural plant chemicals. In practice, the Scalar Light Natural Foods Session will assemble plant chemicals inside each cell of the human body thereby serving as the perfect delivery system for nutrients.

You can learn more and register for the free 30-day trial period here (look over to the right top of the page for the words “Register Here” and the red button that says “Free Trial.” You will need to upload a personal photo as part of working with the scalar technology.

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Check out this link to a post by Green Smoothie Girl Robyn Openshaw that talks about ways to swap out ingredients in desserts for healthier versions. It also includes a place where you click an image like the one above and can sign-up to receive a wallet-size recap of the swaps she mentions, so you can refer to it when you’re grocery shopping. PLUS, when you request the wallet card you also get a free healthy treats recipe e-book that has some great looking/sounding stuff in it. As someone who has always had a sweet tooth, I’m always on the look-out for dessert recipes that are healthy AND delicious.

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And speaking of healthy and delicious, here’s a recipe from blissfulbasil.com I plan to try in the next couple of days. It has gotten great reviews from people who’ve made it, so I can’t wait to see how mine turns out….

 

Sweet Potato Pizza Crust | Vegan & Gluten-Free

Steamed sweet potatoes are mixed with oat flour, a bit of almond meal, a chia egg, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a zesty array of spices. Then, the mixture is plopped on a pizza pan, spread into a circle, and nudged into a toasty oven. The crust puffs as it bakes, thanks to the apple cider vinegar, and the seasonings create the most wonderful aroma.

 Prep Time: 20 minutes

 Cook Time: 1 hour

 Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

 Servings 1 large pizza crust or 2 medium crusts (approximately 4 people)

Ingredients:

• 5 1/2 cups (28 ounces) peeled and small-cubed sweet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 1/4 cup gluten-free oat flour
• 1/4 cup almond meal
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 1/4 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
• Pinch of chili flakes

Instructions:

• Be sure to measure out 5 1/2 cups of sweet potato cubes (i.e., don’t estimate based on the number of potatoes). Steam the sweet potato cubes in a steamer or over the stove for 30 minutes or until fork-tender.
• Add the chia seeds and water to a small bowl, whisk with a fork, and let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes to create a chia egg.
• Preheat oven to 400 F.
• Add the steamed sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl and mash them.
• Add in the chia egg, oat flour, almond meal, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, basil, oregano, garlic powder, sea salt, and chili flakes. Stir together until combined and all of the oat flour has been incorporated. The mixture should resemble a loose bread dough—sticky and damp yet slightly stretchy.
• Line a round perforated pizza pan (i.e., vented) with parchment paper.
• Scoop the sweet potato dough onto the lined pizza pan, and use a spatula to spread it into a large 1/4-inch-thick to 1/3-inch-thick oval or circle. This process takes 5 minutes. If needed, lightly grease the spatula with olive oil to prevent the crust from sticking.
• Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is well set and the edges are golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
• Add desired toppings (e.g., pizza sauce, vegan parmesan, artichokes, cherry tomatoes, basil) and return the pan to the oven and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes or broil for 5 minutes, until the toppings reach desired doneness.
• Slice and serve immediately.
• Refrigerate leftovers* for up to 4 days.

Notes:

There tends to be some variability in baking time across kitchens, so you may need to bake up to 40 minutes to ensure the center of the crust is set. Alternatively, divide the dough into two pieces, spread each mound of dough out into a 1/4-inch-thick to 1/3-inch-thick layer on two separate pizza pans (forming two crusts), and bake each for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the edges are light golden-brown and the center of the crust is set. Then, add toppings and bake another 5 to 10 minutes.

To reheat leftovers: Preheat the oven to 400 F. Spread the leftover pizza slices onto a parchment-lined baking pan, and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until warmed through and the bottom of the slices becomes slightly crisp.

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Salud!

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Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained health care practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.