Got Hemp?

Got Hemp?  It does a body good.

Cultivation of hemp dates back over 10,000 years!  It was first used as food in ancient China and India.  For nearly 3000 years it was the planet's largest agricultural crop and most important industry producing fiber, paper, clothing, lighting fuel and medicine used by much of humanity.  

In the 17th century, American farmers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Virginia were ordered by law to grow Indian Hemp.  By the early 18th century, a person could be sentenced to jail if they weren't growing hemp.   Hemp can be farmed without herbicides/pesticides, without field rotation, and in a variety of soils and climates.  Modern technologies have made possible over 20,000 products from hemp.  We should be growing more.   

It is and always has been Earths' most sustainable resource. 

Hemp seeds are a "Super Food", a gift of nature.  They are one of the most nutritious foods in the world. Containing a complete protein, They have the most concentrated balance of proteins, essential fats, vitamins and enzymes then any other food.

Here are a few benefits;

*Promotes heart health: with a perfect 3:1 balance of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.

*High in fiber: has both indigestible and digestible fibers.

*Contains 20 amino acids: but also the 9 essential amino acids our bodies cannot produce, which makes it the perfect protein.

*Rich in GLA: which helps in inflammation reduction, balancing hormones, fighting cancer and MS.

*High in Vitamin E: also potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc.

For more information on hemp see here: Pure Healing Foods, History of Hemp

An easy way to get a daily dose of hemp seeds is to top your morning oatmeal.

You can get an 8 oz bag from Trader Joe's for under $5.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Honey, Sweet Nectar of the Gods

In Ancient Greece it was known as the food of Gods.

The first story of honey goes back over 8000 years ago, traced back to a cave painting of honey harvesting.  Archaeologists discovered honey combs in Egypt, buried with Pharaohs in tombs, still preserved and edible!  Honey is mentioned in the Bible, Koran, Talmud and scrolls from the Orient.  In Hinduism,  honey is viewed as one of the five elixirs of immortality.  The Romans used honey to heal their wounds after battle.

Honey is a blend of sugar, trace enzymes, minerals, vitamins and amino acids that has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and high in anti-oxidants. Because these of these properties, unprocessed raw honey helps in treating cuts, wounds and skin infections.

We should all know by now that a healthy and diverse gut biome is the key to a healthy happy life. Helping your gut breed healthy bacteria through the use of probiotics is the answer.  But those probiotics bacteria need prebiotics, (food for the good bacteria to kick the ass of the bad bacteria). The most common prebiotics are non-digestible oligosaccharides. Raw unpasteurized  honey is one of those.

Many other benefits include:

*Counters pollen allergies: raw honey contains Bee pollen, which is a natural antihistamine.

*Natural energy source: being 80% natural sugars,it provides an easily absorbed glycogen.

*Antioxidant powerhouse: boosting the immune system.

*Sleep promoter: by restocking the glycogen levels it prevents the brain searching for fuel, which can wake you up. Also it helps in releasing tryptophan which converts to serotonin and melatonin., helping in better sleep.

*Wound and Ulcer healer: Not only a natural antibacterial it reacts to the body's fluids to make hydrogen peroxide to create an inhospitable environment for bacterial growth.

*Diabetes aid: The combination of honey and cinnamon is beneficial for healthy blood sugar management, gingivitis and acne.

*Natural Cough Syrup: a half of tsp.to 2 tsp helps to control coughing and the healing properties of honey eliminate the causes.

Manuka  honey is made by bees that feed off the Manuka bush(a medicinal plant) which grows in New Zealand.  Clinical studies have found that this type of honey can eradicate more than 250 types of bacteria including MRSA. Thank you Mother Nature.

Try to purchase LOCAL raw honey as it will help with allergens that are common in your area.

Here is a great easy recipe for cough syrup:

     Honey Lemon Cough Syrup

Lemon helps promote health by quickly alkalinizing your body, and honey will kill most bacteria while soothing your throat. This is a perfect choice for a quick cough remedy.

• Put a pint of raw honey in a pan on the stove on VERY low heat (Do not boil honey as this changes its medicinal properties).
• Take a whole lemon and boil in some water in a separate pan for 2-3 minutes to both soften the lemon and kill any bacteria that may be on the lemon skin.
• Let the lemon cool enough to handle then cut it in slices and add it to the pint of honey on the stove.
• Let mixture cook on warm heat for about an hour.
• Then strain the lemon from the honey making sure all lemon seeds are removed.
• Let cool, then bottle in a jar with a lid and store in the refrigerator.

This syrup will keep for 2 months in the refrigerator. To soothe a cough, take 1/2 teaspoon for a 25 lb. child and 1 teaspoon for a 50 lb. child, about 4 times a day, or as often as needed. Adults can take 1-tablespoon doses.

Have great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Blueberries

Blueberries

Just the saying the word makes you want to have a handful of juicy, sweet berries.  I probably eat blueberries at least 5 times a week!  It's a great way to start the day, oatmeal with blueberries, raspberries, ground flax seed, chia gel, cinnamon, organic honey and a handful of walnuts or pumpkin seeds.

Did you know that blueberries are one of the few fruit native to North America?  Native Indians enjoyed fresh blueberries for hundreds of years before anyone else even knew they existed.  It is crazy that the United States cultivates and supplies over half of the world's blueberries on a global basis.  It is important when buying, always try to purchase organic.  When not in season it is best to buy organic frozen blueberries.

Here are five reasons to eat more:

*Blueberries protect against cancer, heart disease and diabetes. They are full of antioxidants

*Blueberries turn back aging. Being full of antioxidants they reduce oxidative stress which is huge contributor of decreased organ function.

*Blueberries lower your blood pressure. 

*Blueberries protect against cognitive decline. Increased consumption of berries help to increase the clearing of toxic proteins from the brain. Which helps with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

*Blueberries are good for your bowels and bladder. Containing plenty of soluble and insoluble fibers they are very useful in treating constipation and diarrhea.  They also contain Tannins which are astringents which helps to reduce the ability of e.coli to adhere to the bladder wall.

Nutritional Value: 

36% RDA of Vitamin K 

25% RDA of Manganese

24% RDA of Vitamin C

14% RDA of Fiber

Here is a easy way to enjoy some delicious  blueberries:

Blueberry Chia Pudding:

1/2 cup chia seeds.

1 1/2 cups of almond milk.

1 tsp. agave nectar or honey.

1 tsp. vanilla extract.

1 tsp. cinnamon.

1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries.

Add all together in glass or ceramic container.

Stir until well mixed.

Refrigerate overnight.

ENJOY!  

You can even grow your own blueberries at home, see: How to Grow Blueberries at Home

If you want to learn more of the benefits: Beautiful Boosting Blueberries

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Recommended Reading 05/06/18

It's recommended reading time again.  I hope you enjoy these posts as much as I do.

Last week I did not post anything as I was busy volunteering at the North Florida Spartan race.  The week before I volunteered to help build/setup the course, always a great time.  Last Sunday, only my grandson raced so I helped with the kid's race.  It was very rewarding seeing the determination and enjoyment those kids were having.  they were covered in sweat, plenty of mud and most had smiling faces.  This my grandson with a high five as he crossed the finish line.

So my first article is on how kids need to get:outdoors as often as possible.

So with getting outdoors and exercising: Are Sports Drinks Safe and effective? 

I have done a few posts on the importance of staying hydrated: Thirsty?, Drink Some Water

Most people don't have any idea how much food is wasted every year in the U.S., here is a way we can reduce that amount:10 multi-functional foods to reduce food waste.

Also on the environmental side, back in 2013 a young college dropout, came up with an idea on how to rid the oceans of plastic.  His idea The Ocean Cleanup,  is almost ready.  Five years in the making, its ready to set sail.  Here's another idea on cutting down on plastic bottles in our landfills.  This is the coolest idea ever, meet "Ooho"

The Vegan Junction just published a list of the Top 20 Plant-based Health Professionals to Follow

If you haven't heard of Gary Vaynerchuk, I encourage you to do so.  A hard-driving motivational, media giant he tells it like it is.  Check out a recent post from him: Cheering For Optimism and The Internet

Here's a great video recipe from Happy Pear: Creamy Vegan Casserole

I hope you enjoy the recommendations this month.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd