Switchel...switch what?

Switchel...switch what?

I love drinking Kombucha!  For those who haven't heard of it, here is a link for more info

on the benefits and origin of Kombucha.  It basically is a sweet fermented drink made from black

tea with different fruit flavors added to it.  You must be of  legal drinking age to purchase it and even has a small amount of alcohol in it because of the fermenting process.  Most, who first try it, don't like it.  Those of us who do...are hooked!  You can find it at your local health food store and even at some local grocery stores( Publix, Kroger etc..) in the refrigerated section.  Kombucha can be pretty pricey ($3.99 per bottle and up). You should give it a try.

But I have found an inexpensive alternative to get some of the same benefits.  

It's called "Switchel".  Switch what?  

Its' origin seems to date back to the "colonial-era" of the 1700's and popular thru the early 1900's. 

Some say its roots are from the Caribbean Islands because of its ginger and molasses.  Others say from the farm fields of Vermont.  Most of early farmers drank the concoction while working in the fields, pre-"Gatorade" or lemonade.  It is full of electrolytes, eases inflammation and the apple cider vinegar  balances your body's PH.

With only three ingredients, it is so easy and inexpensive to make.

Here is a recipe from Equinox for a small amount for you to try:

The new Kombucha: Switchel

1/2 cup unfiltered apple cider vinegar.

1/4 cup pure maple syrup(opt- black strap molasses).

2 inches fresh ginger, peeled and chopped.

In a mason jar stir all together and add 1/4 cup of filtered water. 

cover and refrigerate at least 24 hours.

Pour mixture through a fine mesh strainer and discard the ginger.

To serve, gently stir 1/4 cup of switchel mixture concentrate with 3/4 cup of cold filtered water or sparkling water.

This amount make 3 servings.

It's awesome! Sweet but tangy, and very refreshing.

You can experiment with different flavors, like chopped apple/cinnamon, blueberries or raspberries(remove along with the chopped ginger).

But the original blend is just fine.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

World Water Day

World Water Day

March 22nd is World Water Day. 

We can eat all the best foods for our bodies to be healthy.

But without clean water, we cannot survive. Let alone the fact that we need water 

to grow those healthy foods.

World Water Day is recognized world wide.  Since 1993, the United Nations has set themes for the message it wants to let the world know about the importance of clean water.

This year it is "Better water, Better Jobs".  Nearly 1.5 billion people work in water related sectors

and nearly all jobs depend on water and it's safety.

I am honored to be a part of an industry that our mission is to maintain, restore and preserve

our water systems.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly twice the population of the US (664 million)

live without access to clean water.  Many live  right here, like Flint, Michigan, and numerous other cities nationwide.

To help do your part check out: Raincatcher.org.

Here's a great article on one of many reasons why we should opt for a plant-based diet, compared to supporting factory farming of meat and dairy.  If you are going to eat meat products, raise them yourself using sustainable practices.

Here are two "Natures Speaking" videos from Conservation International:

Mother Nature

Water

Be thankful you have clean water next time you take a drink.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Quinoa

Quinoa

It's gluten-free!

Most people don't know how to say Quinoa (KEEN-wah), let alone what it is.

Technically it is a seed, but mostly known as a whole grain.  It is a highly nutritious,

quick cooking and gluten-free seed of the beet family. It comes in a variety of colors, but

red, black (both have a crunchy cooked texture) and white (fluffier texture) are the most common.

Although Quinoa is known for having a good deal of protein (8+ grams per cup), It's the 

type of protein, that makes it great.  It has the perfect balance of  all nine essential amino acids

needed for human nutrition. This complete protein is rarely found in plant foods. Other plant foods 

containing complete proteins are chia, hempseeds, soybeans(organic non-gmo),etc. 

The history of Quinoa is rooted in the Andes region of South America in the countries of Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile and Ecuador.  Easily surviving in many growing conditions Quinoa became a mainstay food source for the Inca Empire. Along with maize, its consumption became  widespread 

around 3000 BC.

Being nutrient rich, it provides almost half of the daily requirement of manganese(59%),

copper and phosphorus(40%), magnesium(30%).  Also it is high in zinc, folate and fiber.

It is cholesterol free and has a valuable amount of omega-3 fatty acids with monounsaturated fats like oleic  and alpha-linolinec(ALA) acids which are great for heart health.

It's great for Buddha bowls in place of rice or even cold as cereal/oatmeal with fruit for breakfast.

In a Buddha bowl served with black beans, roasted purple cauliflower, sweet potatoes and avocado.

Here's a quick article on How to cook Quinoa.

You can check out my pinterest for my Quinoa recipes.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Bee Pollen- The perfect food?

Bee Pollen-The perfect food?

One single bee can pollinate 100,000 flowers in a single day.

It would be safe to say they are "busy as a bee".

Bee pollen is made by honeybees and is the food for young bees.

It is considered to be one of natures most completely nourishing foods, as it contains

all the nutrients required by humans to survive.

Bee gathered pollen's are rich in proteins (40%), free amino acids, B complex vitamins and folic acid.

It is richer in protein than any animal source and contains more amino acids than beef, eggs or cheese

of equal weight.  Those amino acids are ready to be used by the body immediately.

The most effective way to consume bee pollen is take 1 tsp with a piece of fruit (the fruit fibers

reinforce the activity of the pollen) every morning.  Or you can mix it in your smoothies or green juice.  Then work your way up to 2-3 tsp per day for maximum effect. 

Some great reasons to add fresh pollen to your diet.

Energy enhancer- a natural energizer with carbs, protein and B vitamins keep you going all day.

Respiratory aid- contains a high quantity of antioxidants to help inflammation of the lung tissues and preventing asthma.

Treating allergies-(especially local pollen) it reduces the presence of histamines. Studies have shown that once orally treated, patients have been cleared of asthma, allergies and sinus problems.

Digestive Systems- bee pollen contains enzymes that aid in digestion. Assisting your body in getting all the nutrients from food.

Immune System Booster- its anti-bacterial properties help the gut flora and protects from our cells from oxidation and free radicals.

Weight control- it stimulates the metabolic process and contains high amounts of Lecithin (15%) which helps to dissolve and flush fat from the body.

 Cardiovascular system support- contains large amounts of Rutin, which is an antioxidant bioflavonoid that strengthens capillaries, blood vessels and corrects cholesterol levels. 

Here are two good articles:

 Bee Pollen as Superfood. 

Bee Pollen: One of Natures Perfect Foods

Get busy!

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd