Natural Allergy Relief

Anyone who has been hiking before or even working in the garden has probably encountered "stinging nettle".  You never forget the stinging pain on your leg or hands that comes with brushing up against this wonderful weed.  But the natural benefits outweigh the sting of Nettle.  The first recorded use of it was by Roman soldiers battling the harsh cold by rubbing leaves on their arms to induce inflammation just to warm their skin!  Its leaves have long stinging hairs that inject chemicals into the skin of unlucky persons or animals who cross its path.  It is its natural defense mechanism.

Some of the great benefits when consuming nettle are:

*Helps to detox the body, it is a natural diuretic, flushing out harmful chemicals and 

excess liquids. especially useful in urinary tract infections.

*Promotes healthy blood circulation and cardiovascular health, with high amounts of

iron and vitamin c its helps to alleviate anemia and fatigue.  Also with high amounts of potassium it lowers your risk of strokes and heart attacks.

*Reduces arthritis pain, the antioxidant properties minimize the swelling related with arthritis and used topically can relieve some pain also.  

*Alleviates allergic reactions, even though the physical contact of nettle causes inflammation, the ingestion of it does the opposite by dampening the body's response to allergens.  It binds with the body's histamine receptors to lessen the effects of allergy symptoms. 

One of the most effective ways to consume Nettle is drinking a tea blend of  nettle, peppermint tea  and honey.  Nettle by itself has a very strong earthy taste, the honey and peppermint smooth it out a little.  You can find a variety of different brands to purchase online or at your local health food store,  Some even sell it in bulk so you can make your blend.

The next time you have the sniffles from pollen, etc in the air, brew  a cup of Nettle tea!  During heavy allergy season drink it daily you will definitely see a difference.  

It is always better to find a natural remedy from nature than bombarding your immune system with a man-made alternative.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

The Power of Turmeric

Turmeric has been used in India for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb.  It's what gives "curry spice' and mustard its yellow color.  It contains a medicinal compound called curcumin which is the main active ingredient.  It has a powerful anti inflammatory effect and is a very strong anti-oxidant.  Unfortunately curcumin is poorly absorbed by the body.  It helps to combine it with black or cayenne pepper which contain peperine, a natural substance which enhances the absorption  by 2000% !  Also being fat soluble, adding a fat such as coconut oil helps also.

I first started taking curcumin a few years back when I was suffering from MCL issue with my knee.  With the advice from the nutritional guru: Mitch from my local health food store "Love's Whole Foods", I began taking curcumin supplements. Within three days the inflammation was reduced considerably and most of the pain subsided.  I was amazed and begin researching more about this wonder herb.  I begin consuming "Golden Milk" which consists of a turmeric paste, cayenne pepper and non-dairy milk with a little coconut oil.  

Turmeric Paste:

Combine:

 1/4 cup turmeric powder (buy bulk at health food stores).

!/4 cup filtered water.

A pinch of cayenne or black pepper.

1 tbs unrefined organic coconut oil.

On warm heat mix together until a thin paste is formed.

It should only take a few minutes, DO  NOT BURN IT.

Let it cool and store in a small glass jar (jelly)

When ready to consume, warm a non dairy milk(8-10 oz.) in a pan until it just starts to steam.

Add 1 -2 tsp of paste to the milk into a recycled glass bottle (I use the same bottle because it will stain it.) Shake it up! Enjoy.

If you are dealing with inflammation try drinking one bottle twice a day to see amazing results.

I like adding it to my post workout smoothie to aid in inflammation.

Here a few of the benefits of consuming it:

*Relieves arthritis and sore muscles 

*Prevents ulcers

*Helps in detoxing the body

*Alleviates pain and fever related to illness

*Improves brain function

*Helps prevents and treats cancer 

The benefits of turmeric are too many to list, check out some videos from NutritionFacts.org.

When working out of town I bring along some homemade gel-tabs filled with powder mix from the paste recipe: turmeric and cayenne pepper. In case of of unexpected sprains etc.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

judd

Recommended Reading

It's recommended reading time...

As I have posted before, I come across a lot of interesting articles, podcasts and recipes etc. throughout the week.  Here are a few that might interest you.

It's very hot and humid outside stay hydrated  "The Truth About Water".

Eating healthy isn't difficult "A Whole Foods Vegan Diet, The Ultimate Guide".

Being the best that you can be " 9 Ways to Live Like a Spartan"

Get off the udder and cut out the cheese "RRP: Neal Barnard, Breaking the Dairy Addiction"

For a quick and easy dessert 2 Ingredient Chocolate Banana Nice Cream

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

"The future depends on what we do in the present"

Mahatma Gandhi

Pineapples

The first thought of the tropics is delicious sweet pineapples.  They have been a popular global fruit since Christopher Columbus's return to Europe in 1493.  Pineapples are actually native to Paraguay, Brazil and parts of the Caribbean, but are now cultivated in large quantities in Costa Rica, Brazil and the Philippines.  Hawaii was the most significant grower until just recently as they have lessened their exports of the delicious fruit.  The name evolved from the 17th century due to its similar appearance to pine cones and were traditionally known as "ananas".

Pineapples contain a relatively rare enzyme called bromelain which has serious anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling effects, making it great in reducing signs and symptoms of arthritis, inflamed muscles and tissues.

Being very high in Vitamin C other benefits include:   

*Tissue and Cellular health by creating collagen which is the essential protein base of blood vessel walls, skin, organs and bones.

*Helps to heal wounds and injuries and defending against infections and illness.

*Being high in other antioxidants like Vitamin A, beta carotene and manganese it helps in cancer prevention directly related to the mouth, throat and breast.

*Pineapples are a rich source of fiber and are special in the way they contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, which vastly improves the digestion system.

*Cough and Colds reducer: bromelain is helps to reduce phlegm and mucus build up in the respiratory tracts and sinus cavities.

*Bone health: while it does not have a strong calcium content, it does have an impressive amount of manganese  which is another mineral essential in strengthening, growth and repair of bones. A single serving of pineapple is more than 70% of our RDA!

*Oral Health: pineapples have astringent properties which strengthen gums and helps tighten up tissues so our teeth do not become loose.

*Eye Health: beta-carotene boosts eyes and helps to prevent macular degeneration.

*Blood pressure and circulation: High in potassium and copper which prevents blood clots and increases red blood cell formation.

Word of Caution:

Although the benefits are clear, bromelain is primarily used as a "meat tenderizer" which means it can result in softening or tenderness of your lips, tongue and gums if you eat too much.

June 27th is International Pineapple Day

Kris and I love making Chef Chloe's BBQ Tofu Pineapple Pizza

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Eating Healthy On A Budget

I have it heard over and over... "It's to expensive to eat healthy",  "I'm not buying organic, its not worth it", "I don't have time to prepare something for lunch, I'll just get something on the way to work".  I have to disagree with all the excuses some come up with.  When you consider the value of food in terms of nutrients, the servings it provides and the long term health benefits preparing your own meals over "fast food" choices, there is no comparisons.  What kind of costs will you pay later by eating $1 menu burgers, etc. instead of a little bit more on healthy foods that you prepared.  Eating healthy and plant-based is not only easy, but the best part is you will probably save money over the course of a month, especially when you cut out the "drive thru".

Some are blessed with the availability of a close by Trader Joe's( my favorite), Whole Foods( yes you can get great prices on their own "365" brand) or Aldi's have great prices on store brands.  

The other day I went to Walmart to see what your hard earned money can buy in terms of healthy food.  Here are several items I found that could be used to meal prep for a weeks worth of healthy meals:

Breakfast- Do Over Night Oats

*Great Value Multi-Grain Oats 18 oz $2.68 

*Ground Organic Flax seeds 16 oz $2.98

*Frozen Berries Mix 32 oz $9.96

*Hodgson Stone Ground Whole Wheat Flour 5 lb $3.96( for pancakes)

Great Value Organic Chia seeds 12 oz $3.92

Bananas .44 cents per lb.

Lunch-

La Banderita Whole Wheat Tortillas $1.98

Great Value Multi Grain Bread $2.50

Vegan Just Mayo $3.48

Organic Romaine Lettuce 3-pak  $3.42

Organic Chopped Kale 16 oz bag $4.28

Tomatoes $1.29 per lb

Avocados $1.00 each 

Organic Baby Carrots 2 lb bag $3.48

Organic Celery $1.94

with Organic Peanut Butter $3.92

Dinners-

Iberia Brown Rice 5 lb bag $3.14(WOW!)

Great Value Organic Red Quinoa 16 oz $3.92

Organic extra Firm Tofu @2.80

Great Value Organic Black Beans 92 cents per can

Great Value Organic Chick Peas 92 cents per can

Dry Black Beans/Chick Peas/Lentils 1 lb bag $1.42 Great for making soups!

Frozen Broccoli Florets 3 lb bag $5.94

Frozen Mixed Veggies 3 lb bag $5.94

Sweet Potatoes 3 lb bag $2.94

Russet Gold Potatoes 5 lb bag $2.47

Gluten-free 4 grain Spaghetti $1.77

Whole Wheat Spaghetti $1.00

Organic Crushed Tomatoes 28 oz can $1.98

Head of Cauliflower $2.97( make "rice crumbles" with Taco seasonings $1.00

to make "meat" for spaghetti)

You can make quite a few different recipes with these ingredients for a whole weeks worth of meals.

 Most nutrient dense foods are very affordable, so you can can eat healthy for less money!

Check out my 3-part series on "Eat Like Peasant, Live Like Royalty"

Coming soon; Meal Prepping

P.S. Checkout "What The Health" now available on Netflix.

It's an eye opening Documentary from the makers of "Cowspiracy"

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Leftover's Dinner

Most everyone has leftovers in the refrigerator by the end of the week.  While doing your weekly meal prepping, it's the perfect time to make a quick and easy leftover dinner.  

Here's a great idea:

Roasted Veggies over Pasta 

Preheat oven to 425' 

Slice up whatever veggies you have, like zucchini, squash, onions, carrots, bell peppers, beets etc.

In a large bowl toss with extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.

Get some water boiling in a large pan.

Use whatever pasta you have; brown rice noodles, whole wheat spaghetti, etc.

Roast veggies on a baking sheet, stirring occasionally for 30 minutes.

When pasta is done, toss in a large non-stick skillet(cast iron is best) melt a tablespoon or so of oil with a few crushed cloves of garlic.  Continue heating until well coated and slightly crispy.

Serve topped with roasted veggies.  

Quick and easy.

Next week; How to eat healthy on a budget.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Recommended Reading

This week I am starting a new portion of the blog called "Recommended Reading".

Throughout the week I read, view and listen to many interesting articles, videos and podcasts.  Our minds need exercise also, so its great to spend some down time and flex that brain muscle with knowledge.  I will share different subjects that cover health, exercise, nutrition, world and personal issues and even some off the wall subjects you might never have heard of before.  

I hope you enjoy this weeks suggestions:

 *Why Exercise and Mental Health Go Hand in Hand

*Ginger: 10;000 times Stronger than Chemo

"I'm Too Old For That" is the dumbest thing you can say.

Vegan Products to Buy at Trader Joes

Shpuld You Meditate Before Cardio?

Forbidden Black Rice and Cabbage Tacos

Vegan-Strong Rich Roll

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Don't quit, keep going.

Judd