The Greatness of Grapes

The Greatness of Grapes

Grapes were first cultivated in the Middle East over 8000 years ago.  Now over 72 million tons are grown worldwide every year,(producing 7.2 trillion gals of wine!)  They are a very good source of phtyonutrients, mainly phenols and polyphenols and also packed full of vitamins such as; vitamin C, K, a and B6. They are also rich in minerals such as; potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and salt. Being that they are high in fiber and have a high water content, they are the perfect food to eat during the hot summer months.  Throw some in the freezer and enjoy a frozen treat!

Here are a few reasons you should eat grapes:

*Helps cure asthma and migraines.

*Prevents heart attacks and lowers cholesterol levels.

*Strengths bones and helps to prevent osteoporosis.

*Provides relief from constipation and indigestion. 

*Boosts immune system and prevents fatigue.

*Reduces the risk of kidney stones.

*Prevents loss of vision and macular degeneration.

*Improves brain function and prevents Alzheimer's disease ( For an informative podcast on Alzheimer's solution PLEASE listen to): Dr's Dean and Ayesha Sherzai   

A diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables helps in reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and obesity.  

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd  

Power Cookies

POWER COOKIES

As we go through the work day some of us need a little pick me up.  These "cookies" are just the solution.  The date paste is perfect for a long steady energy release.  These cookies are also high in fiber keeping you full and ready to tackle any situation that comes your way.  They are actually a great "breakfast"cookie and a way to start your day.  

Date Paste Topping:

8-10 pitted dates.

1-tb ground flax seeds.

1-2 tbs almond or peanut butter.

1/8 cup pumpkin, sunflower, hemp or peanuts.

In a food processor, pulse dates into a paste. 

Add flax, nut butter and seeds.

Mix until you have a "ball" of paste.

Breakfast Cookie:

In a bowl:

1 cup of whole wheat flour.

1/2 tsp baking soda.

1/2 tsp sea salt.

1 tb. chia seed.

Blend together.

Preheat oven to 350'

In a second bowl:

1/3 cup vegan butter or melted coconut oil.

2 tbs almond butter.

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract.

1/4 cup your choice:coconut palm sugar, honey, agave syrup or maple syrup.

2 tbs water.

Slowly beat with mixer.

Add dry mixture until you have a cookie batter. Add 1 tb.water if needed.

THE BEST PART: THIS COOKIE DOUGH CAN BE EATEN RAW!

Form into small thin 2" cookies and bake for 12 minutes.

Let cool.

 Top with date paste.

 ENJOY

This makes 12-14 cookies.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Sweet Basil

Benefits of Basil

"King of Herbs"

There is nothing like the sweet aroma of fresh basil.  With over 60 different varieties it has become one of the most recognizable herbs in the world.  Thought to have originated in the Hunan region of China around 800 BC, it quickly became popular and grown around the world.  The top exporters around the world are France, Italy, Morocco, India, Egypt, Thailand and Vietnam, each region having their own varieties with different flavors according to the richness of soil.  In the USA, California produces the majority of basil.  While most basil is sweet in taste, others offer unique tastes, such as; Lemon Basil, Anise Basil, Cinnamon Basil and Purple Basil, which has a unique clove taste. Each variety has their own aroma also. These can easily be found at local nurseries or online to purchase.   

Organic basil crop in South Florida:

When possible use fresh cut basil and since basil oils are highly volatile, it is best to add the herb near the end of cooking to retain its maximum essence and flavor.  You can store fresh basil in the refrigerator loosely wrapped in a damp paper towel.  You can even freeze fresh leaves covered in water in ice cube trays.  Then they are ready to use for soups or stews.  But why not have a few different basil plants growing nearby, either outdoors or even in your kitchen window sill. (It needs 6-8 hours of good sunlight and likes moisture.)

Basil Benefits:

*Reduces inflammation.

*Powerful antioxidant and anti-aging compounds.

*Fight bacterial infections.

*Relieves pain.

*Fights cancer.

*Reduces fever.

*Promotes cardiovascular health.

*Relieves stress and depression.

*Supports liver health.

*Improves digestion.

*Helps diabetes and metabolic syndrome. 

Basil is very high in Vitamin K, supporting strong health bones.

Here is some information on the uses of basil essential oil.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Recommended Reading 06/01/18

It's time for the June recommended reading suggestions.

  I come across a lot of articles, recipes, videos and tips for a healthy life.  I probably could spend my whole day just reading and watching all the interesting topics.  But, that in itself wouldn't be very productive.  You have to put your thoughts and ideas into action.

First up is a short quiz to give you an idea of your True Vitality,  if you haven't heard of the worlds Blue Zones, check it out here. Make sure you do the quiz first.

It is very important our bodies have a strong immune system.  That is why detoxing is important.  Our bodies are constantly in that process, especially at night while we are sleeping.  Here are two informative articles: 10 Signs Your Body is Screaming Detox,  This is How Your Body Detoxes.  For a simple easy answer to "how we should eat?' Eat For Sucess by Joe DeSena.  I did a post a few years back: Milk: Doesn't Do a Body Good, here's another great article: The Down and Dirty On Dairy-Free Living, by Kris Carr.  Now that summer has arrived, we might as well start preparing some tropical recipes: 10 Fresh Hawaiian-Inspired Recipes, by One Green Planet. 

******BREAKING NEWS******

This just in... 

My daughter Bree just brought me some Hawaiian inspired banana-pineapple "Nice" cream.

2-3 frozen bananas.

3/4-1 cup frozen pineapple bits.

1/2 cup non-dairy(pref-canned coconut milk)milk.

Blend in Vitamix or high speed blender.

Top with shredded organic coconut shreds.

NOM NOM!

On the environmental side: The High Cost of Oil, a long but interesting read on what was once pristine landscape is now unrecognizable.  

After all the suggestions this month; Why Choose Vegan?

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

P.S. Just remember,

  You can't make everyone happy, you're not an avocado!