Vitamin D

 

The Sunshine Vitamin

One of the main sources of Vitamin D comes from our exposure to sunshine. (note: tanning salons are NOT the same!) As UVB rays hit the cholesterol in our skin cells, the energy for Vitamin D synthesis is naturally generated.  The body forms "D" precursors on the skin which in turn the kidneys converts these substances into the active form of Vitamin D. The bloodstream then transport's it throughout the body.  This helps the immune system defends itself against diseases like cancer and heart disease.  It's other important role is to help regulate calcium and phosphate levels, which leads to strong bones, teeth and muscles. 

The average American spends 92% of their life indoors!

Low levels of Vitamin D can lead to increased mortality from heart disease, colon cancer, heightened risk of breast cancer and osteoporosis.   

The most efficient way to get enough of Vitamin D is exposure to sunshine.  Those with light skin only need about 20 minutes of midday sunshine ( the more exposed skin the better).  Those with darker skin need up to 2 hours to absorb the same amount.  This amount of exposure produces approximately 90% of our total amount needed, so the remaining amount needs to come from food or supplementation.  By wearing SPF clothing,(don't stop wearing if you spend a lot of time outside) you are restricting the amount of UVB rays from interacting with your skin.  By taking a 5000iu(125mcg) supplement daily you will be getting what you need. Studies have shown that Vitamin D also helps in preventing COVID 19, by improving your immune system.

Foods that are high in Vitamin D are:

*Fish- Salmon being the highest.

*Crimini Mushrooms-Portabella coming in 2nd.

*Fortified Milks-Nut milks preferred (see link).

*Fortified Yogurts-Dairy-free preferred again.

*Fortified Tofu/Tempeh- also high in protein

5 Conditions That Affect Vitamin D Absorption and How To Tell If You Are Deficient 

There are many opinions on the use of sunscreen.  Yes, they do protect you from excessive amounts of UV rays which can lead to skin damage and possibly skin cancer.  But, did you know that most sunscreens contain: Avobenzone, Oxybenzone, Ecamsule or Octocrylene.   These are hormone-disrupting cancer-causing chemicals that can mess with body, which immediately begin absorbing into your bloodstream the minute you rub it on your skin!  The FDA determined just one application of sunscreen leaves your blood with 180 times the "safe" amount of these chemicals.  That's CRAZY.  In addition, sunscreen PROHIBITS your body from producing Vitamin D.  Be informed that they are very toxic to the environment, especially our marine life.  There are many natural, chemical free, safe sunscreens to choose from: Mad Hippie, Goddess Garden, Blue Lizard, and Raw Elements

Here are some foods that boost your skin's natural sun protection:

Citrus, Carrots, Strawberries, Green Tea and more

When outside for long periods of time, wear wide-brimmed hats, UV long sleeved shirts and sunglasses to protect your eyes.

DON'T FEAR THE SUN

Have a great week.

Be kind.

PLEASE WEAR YOUR MASKS 

Judd

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

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

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

Recommended Reading 04/05/20

It's April Recommended Reading time.

With most people staying at home now, there is plenty of time to spend time with family. to be creative, catch up on reading and exercise.  Hopefully you will be able to continue working while at home.  Please make time for yourself and take care to keep up with your mental, physical and spiritual habits.  Also, don't get caught up eating a crapload of processed junk food.  Eating a healthy, whole foods plant-based diet will keep your immune system strong, which is even more critical now.  One thing I have noticed, is with this crisis, people have been connecting to their creativity and kindness for one another.  Let's not forget that when we get back to the "new"normal.

Let's get started:

WELLNESS

I know the media is bombarding us with Coronavirus information, but this from Food Revolution is useful info on overall wellness, Staying Healthy

Here are 7 Tips on Staying Healthy from Spartan Life.  Also from Spartan Life: Your Guide to Eating Smart and Healthy when you're stuck at home.

How to Boost Your Immunity During Coronavirus Outbreak from FoodmattersTV. FMTV is like Netflix but all about total wellness, food, yoga, meditation etc. Check it out!

FOOD/RECIPES

Here in Florida we are blessed with a year-long growing season.  With everyone needing to practice social distancing the local farmers are having their own drive up farmers markets and some plant-based restaurants are having "virtual" farmers markets where you can order many different types of produce, local coffees, honey and even prepared foods weekly and then a curbside pick up!

To keep a healthy immune system you need a healthy gut biome.  Fermented foods are one of the best ways to do this.  Here is a very easy recipe for Beetroot Sauerkraut 

Roasted radishes will become your new favorite veggie with this flavorful recipe.

Roasted Veggies:

We take a variety of cubed root veggies like potatoes, onions, heirloom carrots, zucchini and squash. Mix with a few tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper in a large bowl.

Roast in oven at 450' until potatoes are tender(40-45 min)

Serve on a bed of prepared whole grain or rice spaghetti noodles which has been "fried" in an oiled skillet until it is a little crispy.

For the sweet tooth in us, try these Jammin' Almond Thumbprint Cookies

ENVIRONMENT

Wild For Life is an awesome learning site about our oceans health. Children(and adults) will like Reef Rider Journey, by learning how coral reefs work.

This company in Switzerland is sucking carbon out of the air and making soda.

Why's There's Never Been a Better Time to Combat Climate Change

3 Ways to Celebrate Earth Day

10 Surprising Dolphin Superpowers

VIDEOS

Broccoli- The DNA whisperer

"Home" Is A Poem by IN-Q

Have a great week.

Please be kind.

WASH YOUR HANDS

Judd

Recommended Reading 03/08/20

Let's get started with the:

Environment

These articles are all from Globalcitizen.org:

Why the heck is Los Angeles dumping 96 million black balls into a reservoir?  Sounds pretty interesting.

This article is a couple of years old, but still relevant today as it is very important.  We seriously need to do something about our plastic problem:  10 Plastic Pollution Facts 

Ditch the plastic bottles and Save the Environment and drink tap water.  Tap water may not be the healthiest choice, but tap water is 3500 times less expensive than bottled water.  My choice is 1/2 tsp Pink Himalayan Salt , 1 "Zinger" tea bag added to 1 gallon of distilled water.

On the environmental technology side introducing "Tidal" , from the "X" Company.  Humanity is pushing the ocean past its breaking point and soon there will more plastic than fish.

Health and Wellness

Our liver is critical for healthy functioning of our body.  Do you need a liver cleanse?

For your health and the world's: 9 Reasons to Eat More Plant-based Foods in 2020.

This is the only type of seafood I consume, Kelp:The Oceanic Plant with Skin, Health & Thyroid Benefits

Beans, beans are good for your heart, the more you eat...the longer you live! From Blue Zones: A Cup of Beans Every Day.

The foods you choose for breakfast are crucial for giving your muscles and brain what they need to perform at optimal level:  2 Perfect Breakfasts for Blood Sugar Balance.

From the Center for Nutrition Studies: Living a Whole Food Plant-Based Life

Videos

The Amazing Way Bicycles Can Change You

Vegan Bacon Double Cheeseburger!!

LIVE LIKE A PLANT

Fresh air & sunshine

Strong Support Systems

Minimize Weeds & Toxins

Keep Moving & Reaching

You Don't Have To Get There Fast

Have a great week.

Be Kind.

Judd

Recommended Reading 01/25/20

It's the first 2020 Recommended Reading time!

Introducing the newest addition to our family:

Miso and Mochi

The sweetest sister and brother rescues who joined our family at the end of the year.   They were just 8 weeks old and have 7 other siblings who all have been adopted.  It is quite an enjoyment to watch them play and grow.  They will never take the place of the Queen Lizzie, but they definitely are creating their own Kingdom,

The Queen

Let's get started with:

CRAZY SHIT

U.S. households throws out $240 billion dollars a year worth of food, that's crazy!  Don't go to the grocery store hungry.

This is both crazy and scary: One Nation, Tracked,  12 million phones, one dataset, zero privacy.

GM is bringing back the Hummer, thank God it's electric.

For a blast from the past, check out a new hotel at JFK airport that recently opened: TWA Hotel,  our daughter Bree spent some time there this past week while on a short business trip in Manhattan,  She was very impressed, saying it would be great to spend the night there while on a layover/early flight to Europe.

ENVIRONMENTAL

8.3 billion tons of plastic have been produced since introduced in the 1950's.  Most all of it is still here and 91% of it is not recycled.

New technology from RESYNERGI know just what to do with it.  They have compact mobile equipment that turns chipped plastic waste into clean fuel sources.

4 Environmental laws that athletes(and everyone) should know and fight for.

Possible BLUE/GREEN  -Green New deal proposed by Elizabeth Warren.

A short important video from Ocean Unite: #Love30x30. 

The ocean gives us life: it provides half the oxygen we breathe, has absorbed a quarter of our CO2 emissions and over 90% of the excess heat trapped by those emissions, it puts food on our plates and is home to 80% of all life on Earth.

I know there are endless issues we all face everyday.  But the most important issue the world faces right now is the climate crisis.  If we all don't work together and solve this, all else really doesn't matter.  WHAT IF WE SURVIVE?

EXERCISE, FOOD and WELLNESS

Build strength, stamina, stability and power with these 4 Essential Bodyweight Exercises.

Another reason why we should just give up sweeteners all together, Not Sweet Nothings.

Joking aside, for health reasons we need to "cut the cheese"  Nut cheeses  have come a long way and are way more healthy and earth friendly.

Here's another take on "Crazy Shit", Wasting Food: Steps You Can Take to Stop Food Waste.

How to order a healthy plant-based meal from any restaurant menu.

For a rainy afternoon video, watch Rich Roll and Dr. Zach Bush at the Nantucket Project.

For a quick and delicious meal whip up Chef Chloe's vegan Avocado Pesto Pasta and steam some fresh broccoli topped with nutritional yeast.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd 

Recommended Reading 09/03/19

It's Recommended Reading time!!

This weeks post is a few days late thanks to Hurricane Dorian.  We have been prepping for the storm, and heading inland to some gracious friends home to spend a few days from the coast.  Our hearts go out to those in the Bahamas who have been hit the hardest so far.  Elbow Key, Abaco which took the initial hit is a beautiful serene little island where I have been surfing and I know those residents are hurting.  I hope the whole East Coast of the U.S. stays strong and be strong.

ENVIRONMENTAL

Unfortunately with the climate emergency storms like Dorian are going to be commonplace.

Bill Nye gives us 3 things we can do to combat climate change.

FOOD

We all know carbs give us energy, but too many carbs?, 4 easily-missed signs you are eating too many.

As much as 75% of cancer can be linked to our food choices, here are 5 food choices to help fight cancer.

Stock your pantry with these 10 ingredients every plant-based pantry needs.

If you haven't heard Burger King is now offering the Impossible Whopper, I must say they are very good but I feel very weird going into Burger King! At least now while on the road you have more plant-based options to choose from.  Just don't give in to the temptation and get the greasy fries and soda.  

Here's a easy and healthy recipe for Avocado & White Bean Salad Wrap.

For any newcomers to a plant-based lifestyle here's a plant-based primer guide.

 WELLNESS

How emotional stress can ruin your life.

44 Ways to practice gratitude.

Beat "monkey mind" with these breathing techniques.

  

 STUFF

Blue Zones Project Hawaii: Street Art Makes Pedestrians Safer.

Principality of Sealand 

Oceans Disconnected:

"No matter how far you have gone on the wrong road, you can always turn back."

Have great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Recommended Reading 07/07/2019

It's reading time!  These are my favorite posts to do.  Knowledge is power.  Being able to share the articles and videos I come across is fulfilling and I hope you enjoy.  I hope they open your minds to new ideas and solutions to any issues you personally might be encountering.

ENVIRONMENT

We should all know by now that we are in a climate emergency.  The world is changing and we need to drastically change the way we are living our lives.

Climate crisis: Europe's cities dangerously unprepared for heat wave hell

June was the hottest ever recorded on Earth.

 Alaska Heat Wave  It was 90' in Anchorage, Alaska on July 4th.

The youth will show the way: Greta Thunberg on igniting an Environmental Movement.

Even the world's investors are demanding action: $34 Trillion

Fresh water discovered under the North Atlantic.

The hype around hemp: Hemp is Back

HEALTH

New study shows risks from highly processed foods.

Foggy, Anxious, Irritable? here's what toxins can do to your brain health.

You know it's hot outside: Your Body in Extreme Heat

While you are outside, try these 5 Natural Ingredients you can use as DEET-Free mosquito repellent.

Most of What You Know About Protein is Wrong

Want to live longer? Welcome to The Blue Zones Life

CRAZY

Your next uber?

Competitive Tag

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Recommended Reading 03/02/19

March Recommendations

Let's get started with fitness.

*New research suggests the number of push-ups you can perform might be an indication of your overall heart health.  

If you are interested in learning how to increase that number, check out this video from the "Iceman" Wim Hof on How to do more push-ups   If you want to go even deeper and unlock your fullest potential, spend 45 minutes watching this new documentary from Yes Theory: "Becoming Superhuman"

After a long workout or activity instead of reaching for ibuprofen, try one of these 10 Natural Ways to Recover Faster

On to nutrition and wellness.

More knowledge from Dr. Michael Greger: "Why Prevention is Worth a Ton of Cure"

More from Blue Zones: "America's Chronic Disease Crisis is Not Inevitable.

If you still have questions on adapting to a plant-based lifestyle, listen or watch Rich Rolls podcast with Marco Borges.. "The Greenprint Project-22 Days",  lately I have been more interested in watching the podcasts.  It's definitely better than watching mindless TV. 

Bored with the same old breakfast ideas? 15 Plant-based Breakfast and Brunch Ideas

Plant-based diets are becoming more widely known for their benefits:"Why Food Could Be the Best Medicine of All,

The healthy "cheese" alternative: Ingredient IQ:Nutritional Yeast.

Here's an all natural 2 ingredient mouthwash solution for :"Get Rid of Canker Sores"

Last but not least, Environmental.

"Historic Public Lands Bill Passes Congress"

"It Seems Like Summer in Barrow Alaska"

"THIS is an Emergency, Damn it!

This Sunday (3/3/19) on National Geographic Channel:

This is interesting..

BELIEVE IN 

KINDNESS

 Have a great week.

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