Ginger Benefits

This week's post is all about "Ginger root".   For centuries, ginger has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat colds, stomachaches, nausea and indigestion.   It is treasured in Asian cuisine with its tangy, lemony and spicy taste.  It is a favored go-to herbal remedy for those who believe in natural healing.  Some who are older may remember our Grandmothers giving us ginger-ale when we had a stomachache.   Back then it actually had ginger in it!  In 1982 it beat out Dramamine in a head-to-head test when blindfolded volunteers were spun in a tilted rotating chair.  It is now considered a nontoxic broad-spectrum anti-vomiting agent in countering nausea, vomiting, motion sickness.  It helps to calm the effects of nausea in pregnancy, chemo, radiation and after surgery.  Ginger has its most effects in late winter.  On cold damp days, a steaming hot cup of ginger tea warms your bones and burns up congestion and mucus.  For congestion in the back of your throat, make a syrup of 1/4 tsp each of dry ginger, turmeric and black pepper mixed into 1 tsp of raw honey.  Slowly lick over 15 minutes, repeating up to three times per day.  When you combine ginger with black pepper and dried pippali it forms an Ayuredic formula called "trikatu".   This formula is excellent for eliminating mucus and congestion in the lungs.

Other benefits include;

*Anti-inflammatory.

*Anti-aging.

*Reduces pain from exercise.

*Assists in weight loss.

*Treats anemia (stimulates production of blood cells).

*Helps manages diabetes (combining honey and ginger reduces oxidative stress).

*Helps to prevent liver disease (gingerols helps improves insulin resistance).

You can find fresh ginger in the produce aisle of most all grocery stores.  Make sure it is firm to touch, not dried out or wilted. For a quick pick me up, peel the skin (if not organic), finely chop about a tbsp and steep in hot water for 2-3 minutes, add some honey and enjoy!

For more information on ginger:11 Proven Benefits of Ginger

I recently came across a new YouTube channel that has great health content by a vegan science writer named Mike.  Check out his latest video here: Vegans are Awesome

BELIEVE IN

KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd

"It's Whats For Dinner" Jackfruit Carnitas

Jackfruit Carnitas

Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world — one fruit can weigh between 10 and 100 pounds and contain hundreds of seeds that are rich in protein, potassium, calcium, and iron.

The fruit known as a jackfruit is being hailed as a "miracle" crop that could save millions from starvation.  You can follow this link for more information. 

Here's my favorite recipe using jackfruit.  With the right seasonings, you will think you are eating pulled pork!  You can find canned jackfruit at your local Asian Market.

JACKFRUIT CARNITAS

1-2 tbs coconut oil

1 small onion diced

2-- cloves crushed garlic

Homemade spice blend:

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp chipotle seasoning

1/4 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp oregano

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp sea salt

pinch of cinnamon

1 tsp lime juice

1 tbs maple syrup

1 tsp Bragg's or Coconut Amino acids

In a large skillet, on medium heat saute onions and crushed garlic.

Stir until onions are clear. Add lime juice, maple syrup and Bragg's.

Drain and rinse jackfruit, break apart and shred fruit ( like pulled pork)

Add spice mix and fruit, stirring to completely for good coverage.

The fruit will start to brown and liquid will dissolve.

Ready to roll into a burrito with black beans and salsa or guacamole. 

Serves well with sweet potato fries.

For a Jackfruit "Pulled Pork" variation:

Wet sauce:

3 tbs tomato paste

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

1 tsp oil

1/2 tsp tamarind paste or sweet chili sauce 

1/4 cup water

2 tsp maple syrup

Add sauce to cooking fruit and spices and simmer until ready to eat.

Serves well on toasted buns, with coleslaw made with "Vegenaise or Just Mayo".

 For nutritional information see: Jackfruit

BELIEVE IN

KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd

CBD Oil and Brain Health

Taking care of our brain health is more urgent now than ever.  Every aspect of our lives affects our brain.  The standard american diet (SAD), environmental toxins, lack of exercise, "burning both ends" and poor sleep habits can often lead to chronic illness.  According to the Alzheimer's Association, by the year 2050 the U.S. alone will have 14 million people in need of full time care for Alzheimer's disease.  Additionally, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness, affecting 40 million adults.

If you look at the benefits of CBD oil (see last month's post: What Exactly is CBD Oil?), you will find a very long list of health benefits.  I personally have slept better than ever before since taking it,  feeling the results the very first dose.  I wake up feeling rested and with a clear mind.  Everyone we know personally who has used CBD oil has benefited from lower blood pressure, reduction of "hot flashes", muscle spasms, less anxiety etc. This is because it activates the CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which can optimize overall health.

Here are some benefits:

Studies have shown that CBD oil has the ability to prevent free radical damage, reduce inflammation and protect our brain cells.  Other studies have demonstrated the role of the cannabinoids in adult neurogenesis which is science-y way of saying "growing new brain cells".

We already know CBD has strong anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, so it's an all around healthy ingredient to add to your wellness routine. 

For  a must listen to podcast on the importance of healthy living and eating, listen to: Dr.'s Dean & Ayesha Sherzai on Optimizing Brain Health, "The Alzheimer's Solution".

For all your CBD oil needs, we are here to help!

Please check out our webstore: http://kristenlee.hempworx.com/

and if you have any question: kristenleehempworx@gmail.com

BELIEVE IN

KINDNESS.

Have a great week.

Judd

Recommended Reading 08/05/18

It's time for August Recommended Reading.

I hope you all enjoy these selections.

We all know it's very hot outside now.  It is August!  I am outside working in the elements all week long and it can be brutal.  You MUST stay hydrated!  Here is a earlier post on Thirsty?  With climate change being true, we don't want to become a statistic, Heat waves are deadly.

We all want to live longer and healthy.  Most of us have heard about areas around the world where they have the longest living cultures called Blue Zones.  This a great article from Conde Nast Traveller about Blue Zone of Sardinia

Here is a interesting article from Bloomberg on How America Uses Its Land,  the largest area is for pasture/range land and most cropland is for feeding animals.  Yet the area for growing food for us is only the size of Indiana, Illinois and half of Iowa!  Animal agriculture is not sustainable.  Please watch: How Not to Die, by Dr. Michael Greger.  

Want strong bones?  Quit chugging milk!

I know you've had this happen before: Arm fall asleep?

This is very cool!  Puerto Rico could have used this after Hurricane Irma rolled thru. A company, in the U.K. has started producing a rapid roll solar panel.  Check out this video from Renovagen.

I remember my Grandmother making banana creme pie,  Here is a great article on 15 Vegan Vintage Desserts

If you are feeling run down, stressed or pain, check out our CBD oil. "All the health without the high"
www.kristenlee.hempworx.com

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd