Vitamin B Complex

 

What is vitamin B complex?

Vitamin B complex is composed of 8 B vitamins.

B1-(thiamine)

B2-(riboflavin)

B3-(niacin)

B5-(pantothenic acid)

B6-(pyridoxine)

B7-(biotin)

B9-(folic acid)

B12-(cobalamin)

Each of these essential vitamins contributes to your overall body function, maintaining good health.  As building blocks for a healthy body they have a direct impact on our energy levels, brain function and cell metabolism.  Vitamin B complex helps prevent infections and supports or promotes:

cell health

growth of red blood cells

energy levels

good eyesight

healthy brain function

good digestion

healthy appetite

proper nerve function

hormone and cholesterol production

cardiovascular health

muscle tone

A major concern for plant-based eaters is getting enough vitamin B 12.

B 12 is naturally found in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy.  Vitamin B 12 is actually a bacteria, produced by microorganisms in the soil.  Animals obtain this from consuming grasses and scratching and rooting through dirt.  It's possible to obtain some B 12 from not washing all the dirt off your fresh picked veggies but who wants to eat dirt.  According to the National Health  and Nutrition Examination Survey one in every 31 adults in the US are deficient in vitamin B 12.  

Common signs of B 12 deficiency are:

*Weakness, fatigue or low energy.

*Shortness of breath.

*Loss of appetite.

*Digestive issues.

*Frequent bruising or bleeding.

*Numbness or tingling in hands or feet.

*Brain fog, memory loss, or confusion.

By eating enriched foods products such as fortified nutritional yeast, soy, cereals and meat substitutes and Nori seaweed, we can increase our uptake some.  The best way to get enough is to take a supplement.  B 12 has many forms and the most common are cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin.  "Cyano" is commonly found in supplements and energy drinks, while "methyl" is a little more expensive and less stable. For both meat and plant-based eaters, 2000 mcg is the recommended weekly dose for those under 60 years of age.  When you reach that age of 60+ it needs to be bumped up to 1000mcg daily!  I supplement by taking a 1000 mcg quick dissolve chewable Cyano tablet from Trader Joe's every 3 day and an added brazil nut once a week.

They are easily found for a great price on Amazon.

If ignored a Vitamin B deficiency can effect the whole body leading to permanent brain and nerve damage.  By eating a mostly alkaline, hydrating diet full of fresh veggies, grains and fruit are intestines will stay clean and function properly.  

B Healthy

Have a great week. 

Be kind.

Judd

Vitamin A

 

Vitamin A

Pre-formed vitamin A exists only in animal products.  What does a plant-based eater need to do?  There are about 50 carotenoids from plants that the body can convert into Vitamin A, the most common being beta-carotene.  Beta-carotene is an anti-oxidant which fights free radicals, especially in the brain which is mostly fat.  Studies have shown that anti-oxidants through diet helps people's immune systems protect against free radicals and lowers the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Vitamin A deficiency begins with night blindness and can progress to more serious complications.  I guess that is why our parents wanted us to eat those carrots!   Also this deficiency reduces the ability to fight off infections and why it is important in building good red blood cell formation.   Animal products like beef, lamb and goose liver are very high in Vitamin A.  The problem is Vitamin A is fat-soluble and is stored in our liver which can be toxic.  The body limits the amount of beta-carotene converted to Vitamin A and only uses what is needed.  So, if  the body has too much beta-carotene in its system and doesn't need it as A, it will store it as beta-carotene until needed.  This will help keep the liver from becoming toxic.  Plants to the rescue!  Our body needs approximately 700-900 RAE(retinol activity equivalent) each day for optimal nutrition.  

Some Plants High in Beta-carotene:

Sweet potato...1/2 cup baked...961  RAE

Pumpkin...1/2 cup canned...953 RAE

Carrots...1/2 cup boiled...665 RAE

Butternut Squash...1/2 cup baked cubes...572 RAE

Carrot juice...1/4 cup...564 RAE

Spinach...1/2 cup cooked...472 RAE

Collard greens...1/2 cup cooked...386 RAE

Broccoli... 1/2 cup boiled...120 RAE

By adding a source of healthy fat such as avocados, olive oil, nuts and seeds with these foods help your body to absorb the beta-carotene.   Try blending carrot juice with full-fat coconut milk(canned) and ginger!

Have  great week.

Be kind.

WEAR YOUR MASK!

Judd

Recommended Reading 12/06/20

 

It's time for the final 2020 reading recommendations.  2020 has been quite the year, to say the least.  Please just remember all the blessings that have been bestowed upon you.  Many have been through loss and suffering, but hopefully there will be healing and prosperity ahead for all of us.  

Let's get started with the obvious, the pandemic.  We all know that this outgoing administration has not been implementing the best practices to deal with this crisis.  We all need to look at the big picture and sacrifice our personal freedoms and start wearing a MASK! Stay 6 feet from each other and quit bitching about our freedoms are being taken away.

Life is Almost Back to Normal in Melbourne Australia

Denmark and Sweden Responded Differently

Health and Wellness

5 Mental Health Mantras for the Holidays

Just in time for the New Year: How To Form Healthy Habits That Stick

With the Holiday feasts coming up, besides stopping when you are 80% full, here's how to: Banish the Bloat,  

Crazy Shit

Does your poop float?

What is the purpose of this decision? Climate Denier to Pick Medal of Science Winner

Environment

Build Back Better a Climate Plan

Every Major Bank Says No to Funding Arctic Drilling

Bye Exxon!

A Step in the Right Direction for the Unsustainable Factory Farming Industry 

Have a great week

WEAR YOUR MASK

Judd

Have You Ever Heard of Sulforaphane?

 

Sulforaphane might possibly the most health-promoting antioxidant in the world.  It helps in fighting inflammation, protects your brain, detoxing your liver, prevents cancer, supports your heart health and even helps in weight loss.  But, the crazy thing is, this wonderful nutrient is NOT actually in foods! 

It is a compound that's created when you chew certain vegetables, thereby releasing components that mix in your mouth and create this life-giving antioxidant.

The richest source of compounds your body needs to produce sulforaphane is Broccoli sprouts. Sulforaphane is created from only raw cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower etc.

For more information on the benefits see:

Watch this first: 

Beautiful Broccoli

Sulforaphane:What is It?

Have a great week. 

Please wear your mask!

Judd

Recommended Reading

 

2020 has been quite the trying year for all of us.

Sometimes I feel like Mr.Pumpkin and I'm sure you do also.  The world is at a tipping point, where our ideas/actions have got to change for the better.  Humankind cannot continue to go down the path that we are on.  Compassion, empathy and love for one another is the only path to choose.  We need each other now more than ever before.  Only ourselves are in control of how we react and act towards others. If we  treat everyone we interact with on a daily basis kindly and with empathy, we would relieve the tension and lessen the division some in "leadership" is imparting on us.  We all just want to be loved and live a happy life.  We are all equal in the eyes of our creator,

On to my recommendations:

Environment:

You must watch Netflix's: David Attenborough A Life on Our Planet

Outrage and Optimism: podcast with Prince William 

Trail Runner Magazine: The Forests are Burning

Time Magazine: 6 Months on a Planet in Crisis: Greta Thunberg

Why Saving Nature is the Best Way to End the Pandemic Era

Wellness:

Can Eating Less Meat and Dairy Help Save Our Planet?

Casein (milk protein) is a Carcinogen: Dr. T. Colin Campbell, Center for Nutrition Studies

Most everyone is deficient in Vitamin B12, Nutritiofacts.org

The Healthiest Food Sources of B12

The Role of Meat and Dairy Viruses in Cancer

Mental Health:

How to Reclaim Time When the Day is Slipping Away

7 Practical Ways to Manage Worry

Recipes:

Minimalist Baker: 18 Dairy-Free Pasta Recipes

Crazy: 

What if a Presidential Candidate Refuses to Concede After an Election?

Hope you enjoy!

Have a great week.

Stay positive, exude love.

Judd

Fall Harvest Bowl

 

This week we have another great nutritious "Fall Bowl" recipe.

This one is inspired by "Sweetgreen", 

Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl

3 Servings

Serve on a bed of  prepared wild or brown rice, (for an easy rice recipe)

Sweet Potatoes

Slice 3 small sweet potatoes (or 2 normal) into rounds

Coat with olive oil, cinnamon, and sea salt

Roast at 350 degrees for 25 minutes

'Chicken' Tofu

Cube 1/2 block of tofu

Mix together cumin, nutmeg, cayenne, and pinch of salt

Coat tofu cubes in spice mix and spoonful of cornstarch

Saute in pan with olive oil on medium heat until crispy

Balsamic Dressing

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1/2 tbsp dijon mustard

Salt & Pepper to taste

Other Toppings

 1 apple, cubed

Toast almonds with olive oil 

Roasted cauliflower with nutritional yeast 

To assemble:

Massage kale with olive or coconut oil until softened

Add cooked rice, tofu, and sweet potatoes

Top with almonds, apple, cauliflower and balsamic dressing

Have a great week.

Wear your mask please.

VOTE!!!

Judd

Root Vegetable Cassoulet

 

It is almost Fall and root vegetables are the key to a healthy plant-based diet.  They are a great source of carbohydrates, gut friendly fiber and antioxidants.  Root vegetables contain anti-inflammatory vitamins, minerals and nutrients all in the form that which we can absorb them the best. These vitamins and minerals help the body's immune system to fight inflammation, which reduces the risks of cancer and heart disease.

Here is a delicious recipe:

Root Vegetable Cassoulet

Preheat oven to 425'

Cube and dice:

2-3 Yukon Gold potatoes

1-2 Small Sweet potatoes

2 medium carrots(peeled)

In a medium pan cover veggies with cold water and bring to a boil.

Reduce to a simmer for 8-10 minutes.

While simmering prepare fresh herbs, preferably from your own garden.

Roughly chop 3-4 sage leaves, 3-4 small sprigs rosemary and leave 3-4 sprigs of thyme whole.

 Roughly chop 1/4 sweet onion and 2 cloves garlic.

In a medium cast iron skillet add 2 tbs olive oil and heat on medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic and saute for a couple of minutes.  Add potatoes etc. and toss to cover with the olive oil, adding 2 -3 tbs.

Put skillet in oven baking for 25-30 minutes.

To serve on a bed of rice, try this easy Baked Rice recipe:

Bring 3 cups cold water and salt to a boil.

In a med sized baking dish add 1-1/2 cup jasmine rice.  When water is boiling, add to baking dish and cover with aluminum foil tightly. Bake at the same time in oven when 20 minutes are left on timer.

If baking separately, bake at 350' for 25 minutes(brown rice will take longer, appr. 40 minutes) let stand for 5 minutes when done. 

Enjoy!

Have a great week.

Wear your mask.

Judd

Tomatoes & Herbs with Artichoke Garlic Bread

Tomatoes & Herb with Artichoke Garlic Bread 

These are two delicious recipes from two of are favorite chefs: Chef Chloe Coscarelli and Kris Carr.  Kris Carr is a New York Times best-selling author, wellness activist.  Her Tomato & Herb recipe was changed a little by switching the olive oil with Balsamic Glaze.  Chef Chloe Coscarelli is a vegan chef and author of numerous cookbooks of which we have probably created each recipe.  To learn more about Kris go here: Meet Kris and for Chloe, the first vegan chef to win "Cupcake Wars" : Meet Chloe.

Artichoke Garlic Bread From "Chloe Flavor"

12-16oz. jar or can Artichoke hearts, drained.

1/2 cup vegan butter.

2 tablespoons Nutritional yeast.

3-6 garlic cloves.

1/2 tsp sea salt.

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil.

1 baguette.

vegan parmesan

Preheat oven to 425'

Combine all ingredients in food processor, pulse until mixture is combined but with texture.

Slice baguette in half horizontally and place cut-side up, spreading an even layer of mixture.

Sprinkle with "parmesan" cheese.

Bake for 10 minutes, then broil for 1-2 minutes, making sure not to burn!

Tomatoes & Herbs

4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced in 1/4" sections.

3 Tablespoons of coarsely chopped fresh basil.

Sea salt and ground black pepper.

3-4 tablespoons of Balsamic Glaze.

Arrange sliced tomatoes on a plate and sprinkle basil, salt/pepper and glaze.

Enjoy!

This is a meal in itself , but if making for several people, try some delicious 1 Pot Lentil Soup

You will truly enjoy this meal.

Recommended Reading 08/16/20

 

What a mug...

Mochi says it's reading time!

There is no better way to occupy your down time then by reading.  Instead of mindless scrolling through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram etc. read a book.  Exercise your mind, gain knowledge, learn something new and travel the world without leaving your couch.  Just remember to get up and move!  There has to be a balance.

Let's get started with the environment:

From Patagonia: Remember the Original Tree Huggers  

Stop making sense: Why it's time to get emotional about climate change.

What's up Facebook? when will it end? Abandoning drilling equipment?

Costa Rica Set to Eliminate all Single Use Plastic

In my field of work we utilize Lidar, travel to Honduras with Chris Fischer on the importance of why we should Lidar the whole Earth.

This is an image of Lidar scan of 500kv transmission line showing trees and brush which might impede power distribution.

Food and Recipes

How to make 2 ingredients oil-free Tortillas, from The Minimalist Baker.

Epic vegan BBQ tofu wings  from One Green Planet.

Ethiopian Spiced "Meat" Hummus Bowls from MBG

Raspberry Oat Crumble Bars from Center for Nutrition Studies.

Ikarian-style Sourdough Bread from Blue Zones.

Wellness and Exercise

10 Signs Your Liver Needs Some Love from Food Matters.

How Hydration Can Support Immunity from MBG.

Cancer Prevention and Treatment from Center for Nutrition Studies.

Training in Hot Weather may enhance fitness and performance from Trailrunner Magazine

Just Crazy

Do we really need this? Coffee infused Coca-cola.

Coca-cola secrets you never knew.

Is this how they are spending their time addressing climate change? U.S. .Energy Department

Stay Strong.

Have a great week.

Keep washing your hands.

Judd

IT IS TIME TO REBEL

Thank you Greta Thunberg for speaking the truth.

Wake up humanity, the universe is crying out.  With all that is going on in the world, we CANNOT go back to normal.  We must change the way we progress forward with a new beginning.   

IT"S TIME TO REBEL

We are right now, in the beginning of a climate and ecological crisis. And we need to call it what it is. An emergency. We must acknowledge that we do not have the situation under control, and that we don’t have all the solutions, yet. Unless those solutions mean that we simply stop doing certain things. We must admit that we are losing this battle. We have to acknowledge that the older generations, have failed. All the political movements in their present form, have failed. But homo sapiens have not yet failed. Yes we are failing, but there is still time to turn everything around. We can still fix this. We still have everything in our own hands. But unless we recognize that the overall failures of our current systems, we most probably don’t stand a chance. We are facing a disaster of unspoken sufferings for enormous amounts of people. And now is not the time for speaking politely, or focusing on what we can or cannot say. Now is the time to speak clearly. Solving the climate crisis is the greatest and most complex challenge that homo sapiens have ever faced. The main solution, however, is so simple that even a small child can understand it. We have to stop our emissions of greenhouse gases. And either we do that, or we don’t. You say that nothing in life is black or white. But that is a lie. A very dangerous lie. Either we prevent a 1.5 degree of warming, or we don’t. Either we avoid setting off that irreversible chain reaction beyond human control, or we don’t. Either we choose to go on as a civilization, or we don’t. That is as black or white as it gets. Because there are no grey areas when it comes to survival. Now we all have a choice. We can create transformational action that will safeguard the living conditions for future generations, or we can continue with our business as usual, and fail—that is up to you and me. And yes, we need a system change rather than individual change, but you cannot have one without the other. If you look through history, all the big changes in society have been started by people at the grassroots level, people like you and me. So I ask you to please wake up and make the changes required possible. To do your best is no longer good enough. We must all do the seemingly impossible. Today, we use about 100 million barrels of oil every single day. There are no politics to change that. There are no rules to keep that oil in the ground. So we can no longer save the world by playing by the rules because the rules have to be changed. Everything needs to change, and it has to start today. So everyone out there, it is now time for civil disobedience. It is time to rebel.

Greta Thunberg

If you have Netflix, please watch a new series with Zac Efron and my health "Guru" Darin Olien called "Down to Earth". Excellent.

PLEASE WEAR YOUR MASKS!

Have a great week.

Judd

THANK YOU

Gratitude is a practice, which turns into an action,

 which is the foundation of a happy life.

On February 6, 2011, we posted our first post: Skinny Bitch.  A couple of years before, we began our journey on living a healthier life by stopping to consume any animal products. We had read a book by Jonathan Safran Foer titled: Eating Animals.  It totally changed our mindset on animal agriculture and its untold cruelty that it imposed on animals and the environment.  It set us on this journey to living a cleaner and more compassionate life.  We immediately stopped consuming meat of any kind knowing the what went on behind "closed doors" of the agriculture industry.  Our friends began asking us "What do you eat?" and of course "Where do you get your protein?".  

So, we started our blog to share recipes and information on consuming a plant-based diet.

THANK YOU!

Over the past 9 years, for wanting to share information, I have opened my mind to so much knowledge.  By researching a wide variety of information, I have gained so much insight on how what we put in our mouths to feed ourselves creates life or sickness.  We truly are "You are what you eat"

I want to say, Thank you! I have learned a wealth of knowledge by sharing this information.  The time I have spent researching the topics we post has enriched my life.  I look forward to every week anticipating what I can share with you.  The other week I noticed that we had reached over 60,000 views of this blog. WOW!  My hope is it will continue to enrich your life as it has ours.

Our world is at a tipping point.  Both socially and environmentally, we have to make a change.  We have to be the change.  Environmentally, the most profound act that we can do individually, is to change to a plant-based diet.  Animal agriculture is not a sustainable industry   Socially, "BE KIND",  For you Christians, 13 times Jesus commanded "To love one another as I have loved you"

The prophet Muhammad said "You will never enter paradise until you have faith and you will not complete your faith until you have loved one another".

In this time of social unrest and July 4th celebration of Independence, you should read or re-read the Declaration of Independence.  "We  hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness".

THANK YOU, for letting us be a part of your journey towards a healthy life.

Namaste

Judd

SO EASY SOCCA BREAD!

SO EASY SOCCA BREAD-VEGAN , GRAIN-FREE AND GLUTEN-FREE

 Socca has got to be the easiest bread to make!  Easier than "Crockpot Bread", 

Made with only chickpea flour, water and salt, Socca is a savory, simple and unleavened round flatbread.  The origin of this bread is believed to be from Italy, where Roman soldiers roasted chickpea flour on their shields before battle.  Others say it originated from the French Riviera.

Chickpea flour is high in protein(11g per cup), fiber(5g), low in carbohydrates, calories and full of micronutrients.

SOCCA

Using a batter rate of 1 part flour-1 part water, plus salt and oil

(Makes 6 small breads)

2 cups chickpea flour

2 cups water

2 big pinches of sea salt

1 tb olive oil

Blend all together in mixing bowl

Add any spices if you like

Let batter set for 10-15 minutes

Heat a non-stick skillet on medium high heat, adding a small amount of oil

Pour in 1/4 cup of batter  like you are making pancakes!

Cook for 3-5 minutes until edges are crispy, then flip for 3-5 minutes

They will be crispy outside and soft and savory inside.

TOPPINGS

While the batter is setting, caramelize a small sliced onion then add some half sliced cherry tomatoes and fresh chiffonade basil.

Let simmer while making "pizzas"

When your bread is done, add your toppings and enjoy a delicious healthy treat.

Your choice of toppings are endless like:

Roasted carrots, avocado with cilantro or Asparagus, zucchini and mint.

For a larger bread like the photo above, use 1/2 the amount of mixture and bake it in the oven.

Pre-heat the oven to 450'

Place medium sized cast-iron skillet (or oven safe pan) in while pre-heating.

When ready, slightly oil the skillet and pour in your batter, filling skillet.

Bake for 12-15 minutes

When done gently lift edges with spatula and remove.

This can be eaten with soups, topped with veggies or even a large pizza.

For more Socca information check out: "A Brief History of Socca"

Have a great week.

Be kind.

WEAR YOUR DAMN FACE MASK!

WASH YOUR HANDS!

Judd

Recommended Reading 05/16/20

Recommended Reading

Some of this month's reading suggestions obviously will relate to the Covid-19 crisis.  Many of you have experienced the virus either yourself, relatives or friends.  A few work-related colleagues have been infected with the virus and one's elderly father succumbed to complications arising from it.  Being considered an "essential worker", I was and will continue to be very safety oriented.  Consuming a plant-based diet and keeping my immune system as strong as possible is #1.  Here in Florida, the State has lifted "stay at home" restrictions, while trying to inform residents to be safe.  Encouraging CDC recommendations on wearing face masks, keeping 6' social distancing, etc.  Unfortunately, most are not doing that.  Retail/Grocery workers are definitely abiding by these rules, but only a small amount of residents are.  It's all or nothing!  I will be wearing a face covering and continuing safe clean practices indefinitely! Please be safe and do what we can to stop the spread, if not for yourself, for those who have compromised health issues. 

So let's get started:

ENVIRONMENTAL

We don't want to go "back to normal", we need to go forward and build a healthier and cleaner world.

From 350.org, "How We Build Back Better"

It's a start in the right direction: U.S. Renewables are Set to Generate More Electricity Than Coal For The First Time

Meet the new "Citizens of Costa Rica".  The country is a leader in environmental measures, planning to be carbon neutral by 2050, and currently gets 98% of its energy from renewable sources!

Positive consequences are happening because the Covid-19.  Air quality has improved dramatically worldwide, even in the U.S. Air Pollution Decreases Over Southwest U.S. 

Check out the "Tesla" of  electric boats at X Shore from Sweden.

WELLNESS

The world is realizing that factory farming is not sustainable.  The way people eat all around the world, is a major risk factor for pandemics: The Meat We Get From Factory Farms

With the "shortage"of meat in grocery stores, the demand for plant-based meat alternatives are skyrocketing, like The Impossible Burger and Beyond Meat Beast Burger.

Need to lower or maintain your Triglycerides? Try Red Quinoa.

Green tea consumption is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke.  But what about Cancer?

Establishing Healthy Habits during Social Distancing by Dr. Garth Davis

Go outside, breathe in nature.  Why You Should Walk More.

More powerful than antibiotics?  This has been used since ancient Grecian times.  Oregano Oil to the rescue!

VIDEOS

Five Kitchen Hacks from The Happy Pear

The Nantucket Project with Dr Zach Bush and Rich Roll

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

2 Super Simple Sunday Recipes

I usually eat avocados 5 out of 7 days per week.  If I was stranded on a desert island, there had better be an avocado tree!  Most everyone has had avocado toast and if you haven't, why the hell not!  There are so many different ways to create avocado toast, you can let your creativity flow.  Our daughter Bree makes an awesome avo toast:

Avocado Toast

Toast 2 Slices whole grain bread.

Mash 1 ripe avocado in a bowl.

Season with ground pepper or we use:

Trader Joe's "Everything but the Bagel Sesame" seasoning blend which is: white and black sesame seeds, sea salt, dried minced garlic, onion and poppy seeds

Spread mixture on toast.

Top it with a Free-range organic egg.

I mostly adhere to a plant-based diet, but occasionally I will have an egg for an additional dose of B12. I guess I am a "veggan".😊

Add a bowl of mixed fresh organic berries.

If I will be working locally the following week, on Sundays I will do a little lunch meal prepping.  

One of my favorite recipes is;

Coconut Ginger Beans and Rice

Prepare one cup rice of your choice.

Prepare beans of your choice and season with spices you like.( cumin, smoked paprika, garlic salt, etc., get creative.

Dice and saute sweet onions in coconut oil.

When rice is done, add 1 tb. each coconut oil, ground ginger and ground turmeric.

Stir in beans and onions.

Cube a small pack of cooked seasoned tofu or "Tossables"

This makes around 4-5 lunches, including bowls or wraps with fresh greens.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

WASH YOUR HANDS
Judd

Earth Day 2020

EARTH DAY 2020

This year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.  In the Spring of 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson(D-Wisconsin) proposed a national "teach-in" after touring an oil spill devastation off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, which happened a year earlier in January of 1969.  As his idea blossomed, he set up an independent organization called Environmental Teach-In to handle the grass-roots movement which created "Earth Day".  On April 22,1970 more than 20 million Americans participated in the first awareness.  It worked, in December of 1970 the Environmental Protection Agency was created to tackle all environmental issues, including the Clean Air Act ,the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Needless to say, the EPA has changed leadership in this administration and most rules and regulations have been relaxed or removed, not to the benefit of the environment.  For a more in depth look at Earth Day please see The History of Earth Day. 

We must take care of our planet and its environment, human existence depends on it.  We have seen the effects of Coronavirus , with us having to be sequestered, the capabilities the planet can heal itself without us.  Just think what together the possibilities can be, living in harmony with nature.  

There is no planet "B"

Have a great week.

Be kind.

WASH YOUR HANDS.

Judd 

Benefits of Garlic

Don't you just love the smell of garlic roasting in olive oil?  It's the organic sulfur compound allicin that gives it the pungent smell.  When he garlic is crushed or chopped the amino acid allicin is released.  Garlic is one of the most beneficial spices/herbs that can be added to your diet.  Garlic is in the same family as onions, leeks and shallots, the Allium family.  Each segment is called a clove with 10-20 cloves per bulb.  Being a popular cooking ingredient, garlic is and can be grown throughout the world, even in your own window garden.  Throughout history it's main use was for health and medicinal purposes. 

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food"

Hippocrates (the Father of Western medicine) prescribed garlic to treat a variety of medical conditions.

Benefits:

*Highly nutritious but very few calories-containing a little of all the minerals you need every day.

*Can combat sickness, including the common cold- boosting the immune system is very important.

The active compounds in garlic reduce high blood pressure- cardiovascular diseases are the #1 killers in the world.  In one study, 4 cloves of garlic per day were just as effective as the drug Atenolol at reducing blood pressure over a 24 week period, with NO SIDE effects. The red blood cells turn the sulfur into hydrogen sulfide gas which expands our blood vessels helping to regulate blood pressure.

*Improves cholesterol levels- reducing total and/or LDL levels by 10-15%. The red blood cells turn the sulfur into hydrogen sulfide gas which expands our blood vessels helping to regulate blood pressure.

*Garlic contains high antioxidants-antioxidants protects against cell damage and aging, helping to reduce the risk of  Alzheimer's and dementia. 

*May help min detoxing your body from heavy metals- it has shown to reduce lead toxicity and other heavy metals.

Boosts immunity-  in studies, garlic appears to kill cancer and viruses cells. 

Protects our food- the antibacterial properties in garlic can kill the bacteria that lead to food poisoning, including salmonella and E.coli.

*It just makes your  food taste great!

Here's a great video from Dr Michael Greger;

Benefits of Garlic for Fighting Cancer and the Common Cold

Have a great week.

Be kind. 

WASH YOUR HANDS!

Judd