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DIY Pomegrante Chia Pudding

Go get some chia seeds and make rich, delicious chia pudding right now – you’ll love every bite of it, I promise!

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients

6 tablespoons of chia seeds
2 cups of milk (dairy milk, almond milk, or whichever type of milk you prefer)
4 teaspoons of honey
2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1 cup of fresh pomegranate seeds
Instructions

In a large bowl, mix chia seeds, milk, honey, vanilla extract and ground cinnamon together. (Make sure to mix the chia seeds thoroughly so you don’t end up with chunky chia pudding.)
Let the mixture chill in the fridge overnight in the refrigerator
Divide chia pudding into two portions and serve topped with fresh pomegranate seeds

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Delivering since 2012

Delivering organic raw food goodies since 2012. Wether it’s a juice feasting cleanse, a juice bar order, a monthly stock your fridge, or a raw food meal delivery packages, we are here to keep you healthy and moving on sip or bite at a time.
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Welcome to our sample Package 3 of our raw food meal delivery packages.
Each day Consists of:
– Four 500ml cold slow pressed, unpasteurized, non pressurized, organic, GMO free Raw living Juice
– 1 Raw Vegan Meal
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.Find packages on website under “meal delivery” tab. You can also always call 1 800 831 9028 for any questions. .
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Have You Had Your Cucumbers Today?

Are cucumbers good for you
Have you had cucumbers today?
Here are seven reasons why you should have it daily.

Acidity: Fights Inflammation almost as well as any other food. This juice really does a good job at soothing gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Blood pressure: Helps regular blood pressure, as its trace minerals and traces of sodium benefits help keep the body from dehydration as well.

Connective tissues: Excellent source of Silica. So if you want to keep your connective tissues healthy, drink this frequently. Also the Silica helps make our skin and hair and nails beautiful.

Lower Body Heat: This juice when combined with Celery helps cool the body down from heat stroke or being overheated more than anything we know of.

Diuretic: Helps in the dissolution of kidney stones and helps the body urinate frequently because of its high water content. Great for women who have pre-menstrual tension. Drink a few quarts or liters of this TONIC we posted today and add 8 ribs celery to it, and you will easily lose the bloated feeling most women feel right before their periods.

Inflammation: Cucumber can help eliminate inflammation in joints. This means it also help other inflamed conditions like arthritis, asthma, and gout. 1 Liter per day of this tonic, will help you achieve relief within just a few days.

Skin Conditions: Psoriasis, Eczema, rashes are helped when consuming this tonic for 30 days, 1 liter a day. Add 5 ribs Celery to this tonic to make it even more effective.

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Vegan Avocado Chocolate Mousse Cake


Avocado Chocolate Mousse Cake

A chocolate cake that needs no baking and contains no refined sugars. This one is made with a good amount of avocado that gives it all the creaminess that I love about mousse au chocolat but without the guilt. It’s topped with fresh seasonal blackberries and keeps well frozen.

This avocado chocolate mousse cake is very easily done and and is sure to wow your guests and loved ones. It contains no refined sugars or dairy and it’s gluten free.

INGREDIENTS

For the base:

125g (1 cup) almonds
4 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp coconut oil
3 tbsp dark maple syrup, or sweetener of your preference

For the cream:

450g (1lb) avocado pulp, about 4 medium ripe avocados
250ml (1 cup) dark maple syrup
125ml (1/2 cup) cold water
100g (1 cup) medjool dates, pitted
8 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tsp vanilla bean (extract)

INSTRUCTIONS
Place all the ingredients for the base into a food processor and pulse until combined. Don’t over process it or it will turn into a paste, you still want some crunch in it and the base to hold together. Transfer it into a loose bottom tin and flatten it out evenly. I prefer loose bottom tins because it is so much easier to get cake out of them, especially no-bake cakes. The base will seem crumbly and rather sticky but don’t worry, once it’s frozen it will hold together very nicely. Transfer the form into the freezer and proceed with the cream.

Half the avocados, remove the stones and scoop the flesh into the bowl of a food processor. Make sure the avocados are ripe. If you are unsure about how ripe they are you can look at this post. Remove the pits from the dates and add them with the rest of the cream ingredients into the bowl. Process for several minutes until perfectly blended. Depending on your avocados and dates you might need a few more spoons of water. The consistency should be silky smooth.

Take the cake from out of the freezer and tip the cream onto the base. Spread it evenly with a spatula and tap the form against your kitchen counter a few times to release possible bubbles that are caught in the cream. Return it to the freezer and let it sit for about 2 hours.

Once frozen, spread a layer of berries on top. There is an easy way to get a neatly looking cake without spending an hour on arranging the berries. Simply lay a neatly placed ring of berries at the edge of the form and tip the rest of the berries into the center. Spread them gently with your fingertips and you are done. This will take little time and look like you arranged each single blackberry.

Return the avocado chocolate mousse cake to the freezer and take it out about half an hour before you want to eat it. Keep in mind this is a mousse cake. It will be very soft, creamy and rich so if you do want perfect slices you will have to keep it a bit more on the frozen side.

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Thai Peanut Wraps


Vegan Thai Peanut Wraps

These vegan plant based Thai Peanut Wraps are loaded with tasty ingredients, but the icing on the cake is the quick peanut sauce. Just drizzle this flavor-packed sauce on top of the wraps before rolling them up, and you’ve got one heck of an awesome lunch.

Ingredients

For the Thai Peanut Wraps
4 cups cabbage, shredded (see note)
1½ cups carrots, shredded (~5 large carrots)
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup edamame, cooked and shelled
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
½ cup green onions, chopped
½ cup honey-roasted peanuts
1 cup wonton strips
5 Gluten free wraps or you can use collard if you like
For the Peanut Sauce
2 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp lime juice
1 Tbsp honey
1 tsp garlic, minced
¼ cup peanut butter
½ tsp salt
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions

For the Peanut Sauce
Using a small mixing bowl, add rice vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice, honey and garlic. Whisk until well combined.
Add the peanut butter, salt and red pepper flakes. Whisk until smooth.
For the Thai Peanut Wraps
Using a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients except for the wraps; mix until well combined.
Divide the mixture evenly between the wraps.
Drizzle Peanut Sauce on top and then roll up flatbreads; cut in half before serving.
Notes

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Top Five Seeds for Protein

Seeds contain nutrients for new plant life, and are packed with nutrients. Frequently categorized as super foods. Most seeds are rich in minerals and fibre and good for health and weight management. Health professionals recommend eating seeds as part of a varied diet.

FIVE TOP SEEDS

LINSEED, also called flax, flaxseed, or lint, are high in vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6 and calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc, and a good source of fibre and protein. Contains Omegas 3, 6 and 9, and Lignan, an antioxidant. Linseed is used to help relieve atherosclerosis (ASVD, or hard arteries), constipation, diabetes, gastritis (stomach), gastrointestinal tract (GI), high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), osteoporosis (bones), and weight loss.

A natural remedy for constipation – place two tablespoons of flaxseed in warm water, steep for a minute before drinking. Drink remedy twice a day, or add seeds to cooking or cereal. To avoid dehydration drink extra water. Note: Natural remedies or the information we provide does not replace medical treatment or advice.

POPPY seeds are highly nutritious, high in fibre, and a good source for calcium and manganese. They contain protein, thiamin, copper iron, and Vitamin B9. A good source for energy and minerals. Used by ancient Greek athletes for their health benefits. Beneficial to the digestive system, and helps treat insomnia. A word of caution: Poppy seeds should be taken in moderation, and they may trigger a positive opiate result on drug tests. Poppy seeds are banned in Saudi Arabia and Singapore.

PUMPKIN seeds – Native American Indians prize pumpkinseeds for their medicinal benefits. Pumpkinseeds are packed with nutrients; they are high in manganese, tryptophan magnesium, phosphorus, copper, protein, zinc and iron. Enhancing the immune system, reducing cholesterol, and helping maintain bone density (and reducing the risks of osteoporosis caused by low levels of zinc).

SESAME seeds are high in nutrients and beneficial minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, vitamin B1 and zinc. Sesame seeds contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidants and cholesterol lowering properties. Helps prevent high blood pressure, colon cancer, and reduces the symptoms of PMS and migraines, and helps maintain bone density.

SUNFLOWER seeds are high in vitamin E; contains selenium, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc. Several athletes use sunflower seeds for their collection of minerals, protein and energy building properties. Contains high levels of tryptophan, which increases the brains production of serotonin; high levels of serotonin has a relaxing effect on the brain.

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Vegan Mexican chopped Salade


Vegan Mexican Chopped Salad

Easy and delicious gluten-free recipe of a vegan Mexican chopped salad with avocado dressing. Perfect lunch salad, packed with dietary fiber and protein.

INGREDIENTS
For the vegan Mexican chopped salad:

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 ear corn husks and silk removed
2 bell peppers red and green
4 medium-sized tomatoes red and yellow
1/2 red onion
2 scallions
1 avocado
170 grams or 1 cup pre-boiled or canned black beans

For the avocado dressing:
1 avocado
80 ml or 1/2 cup water (more to adjust the consistency)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/4 teaspoon cumin
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

GRILL YOUR CORN: Use a broiler or a griddle pan. Heat a lug of olive oil over medium-high heat and grill the whole corn cob for 15 minutes, lid closed, turning every 5 minutes, until the cob has black burn marks here and there and the kernels are soft (you can check it by piercing the cob with a fork). Let it cool a bit and remove the kernels with a knife.
CHOP THE VEGGIES: While your corn is grilling, chop the veggies. Dice red and green bell pepper, red and yellow tomatoes, red onion, scallions and avocado and arrange on two plates, creating sections (or in any other way you like). Add pre-boiled (or canned) black beans and corn kernels.

MAKE THE DRESSING: Pit and peel avocado, add water, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper and process with an immersion blender until smooth. Pour the dressing over the salad.

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Matcha!! Drink Up it’s 11 Health Benefits

Amongst its many health benefits, matcha…

1) High in antioxidants. Antioxidants are the magical nutrients and enzymes responsible for fighting against the negative effects of UV radiation, giving us younger-looking skin, and preventing a number of life-threatening maladies. Antioxidants are something that all health-conscious individuals seek from such foods as raw fruits, green veggies, and (let’s not forget) dark chocolate.

2) The first amazing benefit of Matcha Green Tea is that just one bowl provides over 5 times as many antioxidants as any other food – the highest rated by the ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) method. Is packed with the powerful antioxidant EGCg. Out of all the antioxidants, EGCg is the most widely recognized for its cancer fighting properties. Scientists have found that Matcha Green Tea contains over 100 times more EGCg than any other tea on the market.
3) Boosts metabolism and burns calories. Matcha increases metabolism and helps the body burn fat about four times faster than average.
4) Detoxifies effectively and naturally. Matcha is also a powerful detoxifier capable of naturally removing heavy metals and chemical toxins from the body. Very high levels of chlorophyll in matcha.
5) Calms the mind and relaxes the body. L-Theanine (amino acid found in matcha) promotes the production of alpha waves in the brain which induces relaxation without the inherent drowsiness caused by other “downers.”
6) Is rich in fiber, chlorophyll and vitamins
7) Enhances mood and aids in concentration. Another side-effect of L-Theanine is the production of dopamine and serotonin. These two chemicals serve to enhance mood, improve memory, and promote better concentration – something that can benefit everyone!
8) Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium
9) Prevents disease
10) Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar. Matcha lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol while at the same time displaying higher levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.
11) Fortifies the immune system

Matcha is an easy and simple way to add powerful health benefits to your everyday diet.

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Make Spirulina Your Best Friend

You need your protein to feed your muscles. That’s why you eat lean meats and supplements with protein powder. Ur meat only has 27% protein on average, while spirulina has a more pure source, composed of 60 percent protein.
– spirulina also helps endurance and postpones exhaustion.
-it’s packed with one hundred nutrients that ensure you are not In a state where you will need or want to reach for anything else. Curbing cravings.
-spirulina is also a triple threat of vitamin E, selenium and tyrosine which slow down aging. All 3 are integral in making you healthier.

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Health Benefits of Banana

CALORIES
By eating a banana you can Indulge your sweet tooth without ruining your diet. A banana averages about only 110 calories.

FAT AND CHOLESTEROL
Bananas are naturally fat and cholesterol free. Use mashed bananas to substitute for some or all of the butter or oil when making cookies, for example, for a healthier treat.

POTASSIUM
Bananas are known for their high potassium content, with over 400 mg potassium in a single medium-size banana. According to Colorado State University Extension, potassium is necessary for good nerve and muscle function as well as for maintaining a healthy balance of fluids in the body. The potassium in bananas can help prevent muscle cramps after exercise.

VITAMIN C
As with many fruits, bananas contain a good amount of vitamin C. One banana provides about 10 mg of vitamin C, or about 15 percent of your daily recommended amount. Vitamin C boosts your immune system and cell health and improves the absorption of other nutrients such as iron.

VITAMIN B-6
Since B vitamins are more commonly found in animal products, it may come as a surprise that bananas are an excellent source of vitamin B-6, also called pyridoxine. One banana supplies 35 percent of your daily B-6 requirement. Your body uses vitamin B-6 to grow new cells.

MANGANESE
Bananas are a good source of manganese, with one medium banana providing about .3 mg. Adults need between 1.8 and 2.3 mg of manganese daily. Manganese is necessary for bone health and metabolism.

FIBER
According to the USDA, one banana has about 3 g of fiber. Dietary fiber can help you feel fuller longer and also keep your digestive processes running smoothly.

OTHER NUTRIENTS
Bananas also deliver small amounts of other vitamins and minerals. A banana provides some iron, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus as well as vitamins A and E, folate, carotene and choline. Bananas also contain trace amounts of many amino acids.

CARBOHYDRATES
Your body uses carbohydrates as a primary source of energy. Eat a banana after a workout to refuel. A banana with breakfast will start your day off right and will give you the energy to make it through to lunch without snacking.

DIGESTIBILITY
Bananas are easy to digest. When you’re sick with a virus or indigestion, bananas can be an appealing way to get some important nutrients into your system without upsetting your stomach. Mashed bananas are also often used as an introduction to solid foods for babies.

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13 Amazing Super Powers of Chia Seeds

What Is Chia?

According to Wikipedia: “Salvia hispanica, commonly known as chia, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala”.

It’s an ancient seed that dates back to the 16th Century and is thought to be used by the Aztecs. The seeds themselves are harvested from the flowers and can be used for multiple purposes, which we’ll cover in more detail soon.

1. Chia Seeds Are Packed With Nutrients

chia seeds are full of fiber, healthy fats such as omega 3, protein, and loads of vitamins and minerals. In fact, as far as seeds go, they really are a ‘complete’ food source so we can see why it’s been eaten for centuries.

2. Chia seeds are full of healthy fats.

chia seed contain quite a lot of fat, 30.7 g per 100 g. Now while this might have you worried, don’t be because they contain super healthy fats.

According to a study by Mathaus and Ozcan, alpha linolenic acid (59.4 to 65.7 g/100 g) is the main fatty acid in chia seeds, which happens to be an essential omega 3 fatty acid. We need more of these in our diet because most of us just don’t get enough of them. They also contain linoleic acid (15.9 to 20.9 g/100 g) and oleic acid (8.5 to 10.7 g/100 g) , again both healthy forms of fats. Oleic acid in particular has powerful anti-inflammatory benefits, amongst other things.

On top of this they also contain a healthy amount of the fat soluble vitamin E, “ranging from 82.8 to 536.5 mg/kg”.

And like Mathaus and Ozcan conclude, the seeds or oil from chia provide “high-value products for healthy nutrition”, so go ahead and eat that healthy fat!

3. Great Source Of Vegetarian Protein

Vegetarians do have lots of alternatives for protein and chia seeds just happen to be one of them. With 17 g protein per 100 g serve you can definitely see these little guys become a regular part of your vego eating routine. And even if you’re not vegetarian they will still provide a great source of protein to help keep you fuller longer.

4. Chia Seeds Help Reduce Inflammation

Over the past few years there’s been a great deal of research that shows inflammation is at the core of many health conditions. I did my Masters thesis on the topic of inflammation and nutrition, and it’s always fascinated me ever since just how many things inflammation is involved in.

One of the main nutrients studied for anti-inflammatory benefits is omega 3, and as can be seen by the nutrition info on chia above, chia contains 17.8 g of omega 3 fats per 100 g. This omega 3 comes from alpha-linoleic acid, which doesn’t convert to the usable forms of EPA & DHA as well as eating something like salmon, but it does still provide benefits.

Dietary fiber is also known as an anti-inflammatory agent – something that chia also contains a lot of. And the fact that it has great antioxidant power only contributes to it’s anti-inflammatory power as well.

5. Chia Seeds Provide High Levels Of Antioxidants

Chia seeds: Powerful antioxidant chia seeds are loaded with antioxidant capacity and “these antioxidants protect the sensitive fats in the seeds from going rancid”.

Antioxidants are very important because they help fight free radicals and prevent oxidative stress and damage to the body. Too many free radicals cause damage to the bodies cells and leads to the development of many conditions. Chia can donate stable molecules to those free radicals and make them normal again, preventing further damage or decline in our health.

“Researchers from Mexico uncovered that chia seeds had a total natural phenolic (antioxidants) concentration nearly two times higher than previously reported, and the antioxidant activity was shown to stop up to 70% of free radical activity.”

6. Chia Seeds For Constipation

In a study where people took a supplement of psyllium husks and chia seeds, the outcome was definitely better bowel movements.

As Dr Barbara Bowen, IBS expert says: “When chia seeds absorb water, they take on a gel-like consistency. This may help with optimal stool formation, in other words, keeping stools more moist and easy to pass”.

Chia seeds do contain nearly 35 g fiber per 100 g, these tiny seeds are definitely going to help get things moving. The important thing to remember when introducing more high fiber foods is to make sure you drink lots of water. If you don’t you can end up making matters worse. Adding the extra fiber is the right move to make, but you need the water to really help flush things out.

7. Chia Seeds and Diverticulitis

A recent study from Feb 2015 states that:

“Risk factors favouring the development of symptomatic diverticular disease include obesity, smoking and diets low in fiber…Prior theories of the cause of diverticulosis suggested that constipation was an important cause, but new data challenge this and has provoked new ideas. Underlying mechanisms causing diverticulosis include weakening of the colonic wall and/or degenerative changes in the enteric nerves. Dietary induced changes in microbiota and the host inflammatory response may underlie the subsequent development of acute/chronic diverticulitis and its sequela.”

While there is no specific evidence for the benefits of chia for diverticulitis, only because no specific studies have been done, a couple of important things to draw from that paragraph above are that, a low fiber diet is thought to contribute to it’s development – chia has both soluble and insoluble fiber, and lots of it.

The other thing is inflammation, chia is packed with omega 3, and while it’s the alpha-linolenic version of omegas, which doesn’t convert as well as say, eating fish, it still does provide anti-inflammatory benefits, particularly with the amount of anti-oxidants it contains, which can help reduce oxidative stress.

8. Chia Seeds and Diabetes

In a recent study in rats, one group of rats were fed a high fat, high fructose (sugar) diet (HFF), and the other group were fed a high fat, high fructose (sugar) diet along with chia seeds and chia oil (HFFC). The rats fed the HFF diet developed glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress – much like humans would if fed a typical diet high in processed foods and sugar.

The rats fed the HFFC diet, didn’t develop the same problems, it was quite the opposite. The addition of chia seeds helped restore the bodies antioxidant system and improve glucose and insulin tolerance – which is actually quite remarkable.

This is perhaps one of the strongest and most important studies around the topic of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and chia. A 2007 randomized control trial (the strongest form of study) took 2 groups of type 2 diabetics and gave them either 37 g of chia or wheat bran per day as a dietary supplement for 12 weeks.

The group taking chia seeds had a reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 6.3 mmHg, a reduction in hs-CRP of 40% (an inflammatory molecule that’s frequently seen in heart disease), and significant decreases in A1C. Both reductions in SBP and CRP indicate major improvements for cardiovascular risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes, which is just awesome.

9. Chia Seeds and Weight Loss

Although many health experts claim that chia seeds can help with weight loss, when it comes to the science chia seeds and weight loss has turned back poor results. All I could find was a study in 2009 that showed no effect on BMI or weight. But I think that although there isn’t any direct evidence to say they contribute to weight loss directly, but included in an every day healthy diet, I don’t see how they wouldn’t help.

They have high protein and fiber levels that help you feel fuller for longer, and with all the other nutritional benefits I can only see they make the perfect ingredient for a healthy guilt free pudding.

10. Chia Seeds and Hypertension

Chia seeds for heart healthStudies have shown that chia can help regulate peptides and hormones that regulate hypertension, aka blood pressure. Again, not a lot of research but a little to suggest some overall benefits.

And as we just mentioned, the study with type 2 diabetics showed the group taking chia seeds had a reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 6.3 mmHg, so you could only suppose that if more studies were done, then we’d likely hear more about the benefits for hypertension.

11. Chia Seeds and Cancer

There isn’t loads of evidence around cancer either, but there is enough to convince me it could be of great benefit.

A study published in the Journal of Molecular Biochemistry“analyzed the effect of the essential fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid (ALA) on nitric oxide release as well as induction of lipid peroxidation in breast and cervical cancer cell lines”.

What they found was that: “ALA regulated the growth of cancer cell lines through induction of lipid peroxidation and modulation of nitric oxide release resulting in apoptosis”.

Apoptosis means cell death, so the extra ALA from the chia seeds killed the cancer cells, which I’d say is pretty darn amazing.

12. Chia Seeds Can Improve Public Health

Studies have looked at including chia seed flour, which is essentially just ground chia seed, into breads. What one study did was remove the hydrogenated oils and replaced them with chia seeds or chia flour, and it resulted in a 24-27% decrease in horrible inflammatory saturated fat content from hydrogenated oil.

The researchers state that: “These new formulations might be used on an industrial scale to prepare products that could contribute to reducing the intake of saturated fatty acids and increasing that of essential fatty acids, such as ?-3 fatty acid.”

So hopefully we’ll start seeing more breads like these on the shelf, which could potentially improve population health as a whole.

13. Improves Major and Emerging Cardiovascular Risk Factors

As we showed earlier, the 2007 randomized control trial showed reduced systolic blood pressure and a reduction in hs-CRP of 40%. CRP is an inflammatory molecule that’s often seen in the early stages of cardiovascular disease, so a CRP reduction indicates major improvements for cardiovascular risk factors.

Another study in the Journal of Nutrition showed a reduction in serum triglyceride levels, and again a reduction in serum CRP, that pesky inflammatory molecule. So while we can’t say it really prevents or cures heart disease, we can definitely say it can provide benefits.

So that’s some of the powerful health benefits of chia seeds, pretty awesome hey!

Where To Buy Chia Seeds

Because of the popularity of chia seeds as a ‘superfood’, you can virtually buy them anywhere these days.

You can get chia seeds as both white chia and black chia. Look in the health food section of your local supermarket, check out your local health food store, or buy them online from somewhere like Amazon.

How To Use Chia Seeds

chia seeds can be used for all sorts of things from:

1- As a safe egg substitute –, “to substitute for an egg: Use 1 tablespoon finely ground chia seeds and 3 tablespoons of water per egg in a baked recipe”.
2- To make healthy pudding
3- To thicken soup or gravies – try grinding the chia seeds in a mortar and pestle, and use the powder to thicken soups, sauces, and gravies.
4- To thicken meatballs instead of breadcrumbs – just throw in a couple of tablespoons per pound of meat.
How to Soak Chia Seeds

One way chia seeds are commonly used is to soak them first.

Soak chia in liquid

“To soak chia seeds, simply mix them in a 1:10 ratio chia to water. That’s about 1.5 tablespoons chia seeds in one cup of water. It does not have to be exact, but you do want it to gel all the way and not be too watery. Then let them sit for about 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Since chia seeds can hold up to 12 times its weight in water, they are wonderful to prevent dehydration. However, if you choose not to soak them, then they can also absorb water from you during digestion. So make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated”.

You can soak them in coconut milk or almond milk with cinnamon and spices for a delicious chia pudding. Essentially you can use any liquid in the above ratios and the chia will soak up great.

So there you have it, as you can see chia really does have lots of great health benefits so I hope this convinces you to include chia seed superfood in your diet on a regular basis and gives you lots of chia inspiration too.

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Ten Health Benefits of Soaking Your Nuts

Ten reasons why we should all Soak Nuts & Seeds…

1. Helps deactivate the phytic acid.
The biggest defense mechanism in nuts & seeds is the phytic acid. When something that contains phytic acid is eaten, the acid binds itself to minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium, manganese and chromium in the gut, which prevents the digestive system’s ability to break the nut or seed or grain down properly (that’s why, often, when you eat nuts or seeds… you see undigested bits in your stool the very next day!).

2. Reduces giotrogens.
Goitrogens is are known to suppress the function of the thyroid gland by interfering with iodine uptake, which can cause a goiter (enlargement of the thyroid), slow down the thyroid, hypothyroidism other autoimmune thread disorders. Soaking helps reduces goitrogens and actually increases the necessary minerals needed for a healthy thyroid!

3. Helps neutralize the enzyme inhibitors.
Enzyme inhibitors neutralizes vital enzymes that your body naturally produces and can lead to many illnesses that results of an unhealthy, enzyme-depleted gut. Signs that your body is lacking enzymes are bloating, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, irritable bowels and gas. A lack of just one enzyme in the body can lead to many problems and you will only live as long as your body has enzymes… which is why it is important to neutralize the enzyme inhibitors to keep them from robbing your body of its natural enzymes. Soaking increases the natural enzymes within the nuts & seeds, helps provide greater absorption of the its’ nutrients and increases digestibility.

Most health experts say it is enough to take digestive enzymes to help neutralize the enzyme inhibitors, but why spend at least $20 for a bottle of digestive enzymes when simply soaking and dehydrating is all you need to do and costs next to nothing!

4. Encourages the production of beneficial enzymes.
The salt used to soak the nuts & seeds help activate enzymes that neutralizes the enzyme inhibitors. These good enzymes aid the gut to be able to digest and absorb nutrients properly.

5. Increases vitamins absorption, especially B vitamins.
When the phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors are removed, it basically sets the vitamins and minerals free to be easily absorbed by the body.

6. Helps make the proteins more easily available for absorption.
Phytic acid inhibits two specific enzymes needed to make the proteins easier to digest and absorb, Pepsin and Trypsin. Pepsin is needed to help breakdown the proteins in the stomach and Trypsin is needed for protein digestion in the small intestine. Tannins also prevents the body from properly absorbing the proteins and is removed during the soaking process.

7. Prevents mineral deficiencies and bone loss.
Diets high in phytate (phytic acid) cause mineral deficiencies. Again, we know that when phytic acid is eaten, the acid binds itself to minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium, manganese and chromium in the gut. Thankfully, soaking helps deactivate the phytic acid to allow the minerals to be absorbed in the body.

Studies show that we absorb about 20% more zinc and 60% more magnesium from our food when phytic acid is removed. It is important to note that phytic acid does not leach minerals that are already stored in the body… it only prevents the absorption of minerals from food where phytic acid is present.

8. Neutralizes toxins in the colon and keep the colon clean.
Nuts and seeds are high in fibre, which is the most important, non-digestible component of food. A high-fibre diet supports a healthy digestive tract by sweeping debris from the colon, much like a broom. Fibre from the nuts & seeds help exercise the intestinal tract and hold moisture in the colon, softening the stool.

9. Prevents many health diseases and conditions
When consuming too much phytate (phytic acid) in nuts, seeds and cereal grains for a long period of time… the body becomes seriously deficient in minerals, vitamins and enzymes, which can lead to anemia, low zinc levels, rickets, osteoporosis and other illness related to low mineral absorption. If you struggle with any of these conditions/diseases you should not be eating unsoaked nuts.

10. Improves flavor & texture.
Many of the nuts & seeds, especially walnuts and almonds, have a delicious flavor after they’ve been soaked and rinsed. That is because the tannins found on the skin of most nuts & seeds is removed via soaking.

When soaking for as little as 20 minutes, the soak water turns a murky brown color. After several hours, much of the dust, residue and tannins from the skins are released into the water and the soaked comes out more palatable and sweeter.

You will notice that soaked walnuts does not have that astringent, mouth-puckering taste… this is because when soaking walnuts, the tannins are released and rinsed away, leaving behind a softer and more buttery nut. Same with pecans!

Note: the soak water should always be discarded and never used as water in a recipe or given to your animals.

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The How to Lowering Your Coffee Addiction

Whether you love it or are not into it, it is definitely one of the most popular consumed beverages in the country.

I wanted to answer a question that came up recently about how to get rid of a coffee habit without the withdrawal headaches. This is something that I’ve had to work on with a lot of different clients and have created a few tips over the years I wanted to share with you.
Of course, coffee is very popular across the world and when we try to remove it from our lifestyle suddenly, our bodies can react significantly- in a physical, emotional and psychological way, depending on how much you have been consuming and for how long.

When you stop drinking coffee, you may actually experience withdrawals, cravings and physical repercussions, one of them being headaches. No one wants to deal with dreaded headaches, but don’t worry, these unpleasant side effects will soon pass.

When it comes to cutting out coffee, first off, there are different ways to approach it. Some people want to go cold turkey, while others may want to wean themselves off the coffee slower and in a more drawn-out kind of way. I think it’s very much a personal choice and what works for your personality. I’ve guided clients through both ways, admittedly much more chose the gradual approach.
Either way, do what works for your body and your mental stability.

Going Cold Turkey

If you do decide to go cold turkey, just know that there may be a few difficult days.

If you’re used to drinking multiple cups of coffee through the morning, try to stock a variety of teas with less caffeine in them, such as, yerba mate, black tea and eventually work down to green tea, white tea, and/or herbal teas like rooibos.

Be sure you are staying hydrated by drinking lots of water and starting your day with fresh water and hot water with lemon. We all get to be varying levels of dehydrated during the night, and it’s important to rehydrate before reaching for your coffee. And of course, don’t forget to drink one of our Organic raw green juices as they are full of important, hydrating fruits and vegetables. We also have a cafe chaga juice that is made up of chaga mushroom, raw sugar cane juice and coconut milk, many swear it tastes like coffee. Picture below. It’s an alternative to those that still want to get the taste but this juice has a superfood of chaga.

Weaning Off Slowly

Quite honestly, I don’t think one cup of coffee a day is the absolute worst thing in the world that you could be putting in your body, as long as it doesn’t have dairy in it! I strongly dislike creamer packets, powdered creamer or any kind of dairy milk really.

And if you are having one cup of coffee, you could drink it black or you could put almond milk, coconut milk or even coconut-based creamer. And ideally, it should be organic. Sweetener-wise, try stevia, coconut sugar or a little coconut nectar.

If you, like most people that I’ve worked with, want to try this trickle down approach- what helps is adding something into your diet in the place of your beloved coffee. You can probably guess what that special magical something is. That’s right, a raw organic juice, cafe chaga juice or a green smoothie.

Adding An organic raw juice or a green Smoothie is so nourishing and alkalizing that it gives you so much energy naturally without feeling you’ve deprived yourself, and you’ll naturally start to decrease your coffee intake without feeling hugely deprived.

Where Do You Begin?

For a recap, start your morning routine with hot water and lemon. Try to allow time for it to digest through your system, since this will aid your body to flush out toxins and help along the detoxification process.

After, follow your hot water and lemon with the Raw juice or smoothie. Then of course, follow your routine. If you do want to drink a cup of coffee have it at least 25 minutes after your green Smoothie or raw juice.

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Wheatgrass! It talks about your body

Wheatgrass juice increases red blood cell count and lowers blood pressure. It cleanses blood, organic and gastrointestinal tract. Wheatgrass stimulates metabolism. Helps reduce over acidity in the body.
The enzymes and amino acids found in wheatgrass can protect us from carcinogens like no other food or medicine can.
It strengthens our cells, detoxifies the liver and bloodstream and neutralizes environmental pollutants.
And believe it or not it does even more

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Yes You Can Have Too Much Protein

Following a long list of flashy buzzword predecessors: low-fat, antioxidant-rich, whole grain, sugar-free, and now it’s all about that protein (yes plain ‘ol protein!) has been thrust into the media as the uncontested, current “it” word in the wild world of food marketing.

Greek yogurt has more protein than regular yogurt and it’s successfully marketed toward women, men, and even children (though the fact that it’s Greek yogurt–not just yogurt with “2X the protein”–isn’t obvious at first glance). dairy product—as a source of protein is a bad idea. Talk about draining your Energy in an attempt to build a better, more toned body. Doing so will have adverse affects for your digestion (like cause inflammation of your body) and imbalance your whole body, which is an interconnected system. In the end you won’t get the lasting, excellent results of what you were going for.
More Isn’t Better

There is currently a super scary “more is better” mentality associated with the macronutrient or protein. Processed, protein-laden snacks, meal replacements, and sometimes even meals themselves, like certain breakfast cereals, are viewed as healthy choices. In reality, they’re far from it. Besides, girls and women ages 14-70+ only need about 46 grams of protein per day and men need 52 to 56 grams, according to the Institute of Medicine. By embracing the protein trend and picking up bars, cereals, shakes, and other products that contain extra protein, there’s a good chance you’ll get too much protein in your diet.

If you’re following a lifestyle that has a variety of fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and whole grains, you don’t really need the extra grams of protein to have a lean body or to feel full, and you definitely don’t need the types they’re usually offering. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “eating a good variety of plant-based protein throughout the day will provide all of the essential amino acids your body needs.” The added protein in these could actually have negative effects on your health- including leave acidic residue that ages and weighs down your body and digestion.

Soy protein is plant-based, yes, but it’s still far from good. Soy is one of the top allergenic foods in the country and tends to be heavily sprayed with pesticides. Not only that, but most soy in the United States is genetically modified, which devastates any level of nutrients the soy may have had in the first place. Soy contains trypsin inhibitors which make it harder for you to digest protein and reduce amino acid uptake. The phytic acid found in soy prevents your body from absorbing minerals, and the phytoestrogens can cause hormonal problems. Soy protein isolate products are highly processed, and I consider them a disaster. Sorry to be harsh, but I simply am with this stuff. I care too much. By consuming packaged products that contain it, you’re wreaking havoc on your body.

The Dangers of Consuming Too Much Protein
When you stock up on those pre-packaged products with extra protein added, you can quickly surpass your daily protein needs by quite a bit. That puts you at risk for reduced kidney function if you have pre-existing kidney problems. According to Medline Plus, too much protein can also contribute to severe liver problems, like hepatic encephalopathy, which reduces the liver’s ability to transform the ammonia released as a byproduct of protein digestion into a harmless substance. When the kidneys and liver can’t function smoothly, that contributes to even more toxicity in the body, and ultimately more sickness.

Too much protein, especially when that amount includes animal and dairy protein, is also extremely acidic and has an aging effect on the body. This is what I see people time and time again not really understanding…you don’t have to overeat any one macronutrient to look good! In fact, it has quite a detrimental effect. I see lots of people that look older than their chronological age, and I know it doesn’t have to be that way. Balance is the key. And it can be reversed, in many cases, when you change your diet. I’ve seen people’s skin and bodies become soft and healthy.

Metabolizing animal products creates acidity, and in an effort to neutralize itself, the body begins taking calcium compounds from the bones. There’s nothing sexy or strong about osteoporosis. Other possible complications with a high-protein diet include: constipation, bad breath, headaches, heart arrhythmias and more.

When you eat a balanced, whole-food diet, there’s no need to succumb to the marketing hype regarding high-protein foods, especially not when the protein comes from processed, highly refined soy or dairy and is delivered via processed foods. Stop eating that crap.

There are just Some Foods that contain substantial amounts of protein include:

-Raw nuts and seeds, including almonds, Brazil nuts, chia seeds, walnuts, sunflower seeds & sesame seeds
-Chlorella and spirulina (good for athletes!)
-Legumes and beans
-Broccoli (11.2 grams per 100 calories)
Romaine lettuce (11.6 grams per 100 calories)
-Kale, spinach and all greens
-All Sprouts (example sunflower Sprouts, pea Sprouts, wheatgrass, lentil Sprouts, alfalfa sprouts)
-Hemp seeds: averaging 11 grams of protein per three tablespoons, you’ll get an omega-6 called gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), which promotes a healthy metabolism, burns fat, and helps you get that toned, beautiful body most people are after when they consume products that advertise extra protein. Hemp seeds also balance the hormones, promote healthy skin, hair and nails, and act as an anti-inflammatory.

Don’t fall for the hype. Leave those chalky and acid-forming products on the shelf and enjoy a delicious diet of real food, filled with just the right amount of protein that nature intended.

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Detoxify Your Body From Heavy Metals With These 6 Potent Superfoods

Detoxify Your Body From Heavy Metals With These 6 Potent Superfoods

Every person in this world has been exposed to heavy metals at some point in their lives, and worst of all, many people are exposed on daily basis. Heavy metal toxicity can lead to very serious illnesses if it’s not treated on time.

Heavy metals are neurotoxins that can cause memory loss, mental confusion, allergies, irritability, high blood pressure and heart problems, weight gain, fatigue, skin rashes, digestion problems, joint stiffness, cold feet and worst – they damage the organs and weaken the immune system because the body slowly gets poisoned.

Whether the heavy metals are coming from foods, vaccines, cosmetics, dental fillings, or water, they accumulate within the body over time if they’re not properly detoxed.

detoxification

One way to remove them is a chelation therapy, which associates administering synthetic chelating agents that bond with heavy metals in the body and remove them. Another way to deal with these neurotoxins is a proper diet. You can always add food that can help eliminate these metals because they attract and bond to the metals and help to safely remove them from the body. Below are 6 foods you can add to your diet that can assist in a safe detoxification of your body:


Spirulina

Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that has many health benefits aside from helping to remove heavy metal build-up from the nervous system and liver. It can also be used as a complete protein that contains all 8 essential amino acids.

Chlorella

Chlorella is another type of green algae which has tough cell walls that don’t break easily, binding to the toxins in the body and helping with the elimination process. It is more difficult to digest than Spirulina, but that’s the main reason why this algae is so effective in the elimination process.

Atlantic Dulse

Atlantic dulse is a type of seaweed which binds to metals such as aluminum (commonly used in the food industry), mercury, copper, and lead, and carries them all the way through the colon in order to eliminate them rather than release them back into the body. It is loaded with important nutrients including iodine, B vitamins, omega 3 and 6, potassium and more, which are usually absent from the Western diet.

Cilantro

Cilantro is also another ingredient that can be used for a safe removal of heavy metals. You won’t regret if you include it in your diet. It can be eaten raw in anything from salads to grain bowls and tacos, and also makes a delicious juice.

Ginger

Ginger is an all-around great staple to add to your diet. It is one of the healthiest plants on this planet which eases all kinds of digestive problems and can also reduce inflammation in the body. Another great thing about Ginger is that it also supports all kidney functions – and we are all aware that kidneys play a critical role in the body’s toxin elimination processes. So eating more of this wonderful root can amazingly assist in the detoxification of the body from heavy metals.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is an edible wild plant which is known to support liver function. Can be made into a tea or taken as a supplement. The liver must be supported during a heavy metal detox because it also plays an important role in the elimination process.

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The Importance of Magnesium For Your Health

Magnesium deficiency is widespread and the use of magnesium oil can restore healthy magnesium levels in your body. Dr. Sircus, a leading magnesium researcher and author of Transdermal Magnesium Therapy, says:

“After oxygen, water, and basic food, magnesium may be the most important element needed by our bodies, vitally important yet hardly known. It is more important than calcium, potassium or sodium and regulates all three of them. Millions suffer daily from magnesium deficiency without even knowing it.”-

Another interesting connection Dr. Sircus makes is how excessive thirst often signals magnesium deficiency and mineral imbalance. I wanted to point this out to you because I’ve had many readers ask why they suffer from excessive thirst:

In fact there happens to be a relationship between what we perceive as thirst and deficiencies in electrolytes. I remember a person asking, “Why am I dehydrated and thirsty when I drink so much water?” Thirst can mean not only lack of water but it can also mean that one is not getting enough nutrients and electrolytes. Magnesium, Potassium, Bicarbonate, Chloride and Sodium are some principle examples and that is one of the reasons magnesium chloride is so useful.

These are just some of the vital roles magnesium plays in the body:

-Necessary cofactor for more than 300 enzyme reactions in your body
-Needed for the relaxation of muscles so it is a key treatment for muscle cramps
-Required for stable blood sugar and insulin sensitivity. Consumption of refined sugars deplete magnesium.
-Vital for cardiovascular health
-Key for balancing hormonesfor both men and women because it supports balanced minerals in the body
-Needed in increased quantities during periods of increased emotional or physical stress, since stress burns through magnesium stores
-Essential for mood regulation, particularly reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of wellbeing

High magnesium foods include dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish, beans, whole grains, avocados, yogurt, bananas, dried fruit, dark chocolate, and more.

How can you benefit by using magnesium oil? These are a few of the ways magnesium oil therapy works to improve symptoms by reducing the magnesium deficiency in your body:

-Supports overall health and a suitable supplement for most individuals
-Reduces (and should eventually stop) muscle cramping, including menstrual cramps
-Improves sleep, because magnesium is a “calming” and “soothing” mineral
-Very helpful in reducing symptoms of PMS including bloating, mood swings and breast tenderness
-Widely helpful for headaches and even migraines, according to Dr. Sircus. Many individuals have reported profound improvement in migraines when they use magnesium oil regularly.
-A key part of any hormone-balancing protocol, because magnesium helps balance the other minerals and hormones in the body
-As an anti-stress agent in the body, it often promotes a sense of peace and wellbeing. It is very helpful in depression and anxiety.

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Raw Stuffed Mushroom with Cashew Creamy Garlic Sauce

The raw vegan recipe was born for all our clients who ask “how did you make that” when they get their raw food meal deliveries. Here is one for you all to try and trust us it tastes amazing. Give it a try and let us know. Hard to resist a raw Mushroom stuffed with a flavourful, healthy filling made with tomatoes, onions, olives , spinach and pine nuts , topped with a creamy Cashew raw vegan sauce.

I put a little extra step in this recipe that isn’t necessary, but I would suggest you take the time to do it. It contributes to what is called “flavor layering” and it has a big impact on the taste of the final dish. Flavor layering builds, expands and deepens the flavors that are already in your dish. In this recipe, I have taken part of the tomatoes and onions, marinated them, and dehydrated them for a bit. When mixed with the raw tomatoes and onions, the effect deepens and expands the flavor. You can use a low heat oven (not raw) to get the same effect. Just don’t leave them in too long.

Raw Stuffed Mushrooms with Creamy Cashew Garlic sauce “

4 large portobello mushroom caps
3 cups diced tomato, divided
1 cup diced sweet onion, divided
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons tamari
2 tablespoons coconut nectar or liquid sweetener of choice
4 cups spinach, crushed
1/2 cup kalamata olives, chopped
1/2 cup pine nuts
Himalayan salt and pepper to taste.

Rub mushroom caps inside and outside with two tablespoons of tamari. Set aside. Place half the tomatoes and half the onions in a bowl.
Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup tamari and the coconut nectar. Make sure all the tomatoes and onions are coated.
Spread on a non-stick dehydrator sheet and dehydrate, along with the mushroom caps for 2-4 hours at 115 degrees.
When the tomatoes and onions are done, mix together with the remaining tomatoes, onions, spinach, olives and pine nuts. Salt and pepper to taste.
Spoon tomato mixture into mushroom caps and top with garlic cashew cream.

Cashew Garlic Cream

1 cup cashews, soaked overnight, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup water
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
Himalayan salt and pepper to taste.

Blend cashews, water, and garlic in high-speed blender until smooth.Stir in rosemary, salt and pepper.

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Crispy Vegan Avocado Tacos

Celebration TACOS? Why not? What better way to celebrate any occasion than with tacos, stuffed with crispy, baked, avocado, some roasted radishes, some spicy smashed siriacha beans, and some crunchy bits. When I made these, I was just playing around with the idea of crispy avocado. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about a warm and crunchy avocado (I like my avocado, cool and creamy) but ….. I have to say, I feel really really really good about warm, crunchy avocado, especially when it’s in a tortilla. with lots of other delicious stuff.

These tacos are very easy to throw together, so they are perfect for a fun, simple weeknight meal, or great if you want to invite some friends over for a taco party. Less time cooking, more time celebrating and partying is what I am all about right now.

Crispy Avocado Tacos

MAKES
about 8-10 tacos

INGREDIENTS

about 1 cup of butter radishes, quartered
a drizzle of olive oil
salt + pepper
3-4 avocados, that are on the firm side
1/4 cup of bread crumbs (gluten-free if you want to make this gf)
1 can of (organic, no-sodium) cannelloni beans, drained
2 tablespoons of your favorite sriracha
about 1 cup of purple or green cabbage, shredded (sliced very thin)
about 10 tortillas (I like to use Ezekiel gluten-free sprouted tortillas)

*additional (optional) toppings: micro greens, pain yogurt, sautée onions

METHOD

Roast the radish:

Pre-heat the oven to 400º.

Place the sliced radish onto a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Roast for 10-15 minute until the radish is soft. Remove and set aside until you’re ready to assemble the tacos.

Prepare + bake the avocado:

Turn the oven heat up to 425º.

Slice the avocados by halving them, remove the pit, and then using a spoon, gently separate the avocado from the skin (keeping it in one piece). Then slice each half, lengthwise, into three slices. Each avocado will yield 6 slices.

Pour the bread crumbs onto a plate or flat surface, and one by one, dip the avocado into the bread crumbs so they are completely coasted on both sides. Then place them onto a baking sheet (season with salt and pepper if your bread crumbs are not seasoned). Do this until all of the avocados have been coated.

Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, until the crust has become light brown.
While the radish and avocados are baking,
prepare the beans:

Place the drained beans into a bowl with the sriracha, and mash it all together with a fork. Do this until they are all roughly mashed.

Assemble the tacos:

Place a spoonful of the sriracha beans onto the center of the tortilla. Then top with 2-3 slices of avocado, and a couple of rashes. Fishish with a pinch or two of the cabbage and any other additional toppings that you like.

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10 Things To Know About Your Gut & Probiotics

Until a couple of years ago, my understanding of the bacteria that live in our digestive systems could be summed up in two sentences – “If you take antibiotics they’ll kill some of the good bacteria along with the bad and you’ll get diarrhea. So eat some probiotic foods, like yogurt, to restore the good bacteria.”

That’s true as far as it goes, but I’ve now learned that those bacteria, which many people call “gut flora” and scientists call “gut microbiata,” do so much more than prevent diarrhea. Although the study of gut flora is still in its infancy, many scientists now refer to it as a separate “organ” of the body, one that plays key roles in everything from digestion to immunity to mental health.

Why are the good bacteria in your digestive tract so important? Research is beginning to show that “good” bacteria play dozens, if not hundreds, of roles in maintaining our health.

Here are five:

1- Bacteria in our intestinal tracts produce B vitamins and vitamin K. These vitamins play important roles in energy metabolism (producing energy from food), maintaining the health of the nervous system, and clotting blood.

2- Bacteria in the large intestine digest fiber and use it to produce chemicals that feed and protect the intestinal lining. This lining plays key roles in preventing infection, boosting immunity, and reducing inflammation. If the lining breaks down, chemicals that should never leave the intestines end up in the bloodstream, which can lead to inflammation or an overactive immune response.

3- Gut floral produce most of the body’s serotonin, a key neurotransmitter. Scientists are beginning to see connections between the health of the gut and the health and functioning of the brain.

4- Intestinal bacteria produce enzymes that metabolize drugs, hormones and toxins. In addition, they produce chemicals that “communicate” with the liver regarding production of enzymes used in detoxification.

5- Gut bacteria may play a role in obesity. Some animal studies, and now a few human studies, have shown that animals or humans deficient in certain bacteria may be more prone to gain weight.

Can We Improve Gut Flora

Can we “improve” our gut flora? And should we even try? Yes! Although scientists are hesitant at this point to “prescribe” actions people should take, the research to date suggests that people can change their gut flora in ways that are likely to benefit their health.

Here are five things we can do:

1- Eat probiotic foods regularly. These include yogurt and fermented foods, such as kefir and sauerkraut. You can buy high-quality yogurt and kefir at the grocery store, but you can make them too. We make both, and it’s fun, cheaper, and not too difficult,

2- Eat fewer processed foods. Processed foods lack many of the nutrients that contribute to a healthy “climate” in the digestive tract. In addition, they tend not to contain the kinds of healthy bacteria found in more natural forms of food. (For example, think of a processed cheese product vs. real cheese. The former doesn’t contain any bacteria when it leaves the factory, but the latter contains plenty of “good” bacteria – and it tastes delicious!)

3- Eat foods high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fruits and vegetables are great for your health in so many ways. When it comes to your gut health, plant fiber feeds the bacteria in the large intestine, and they in turn produce chemicals that protect the intestinal lining.

4- Take antibiotics only when necessary. If your doctor says, “Let’s wait a day or two to see if you need antibiotics,” don’t insist on getting some right away! Antibiotics can significantly alter the gut flora, killing off beneficial bacteria and providing an “opening” for harmful bacteria to move in and “set up shop.” When you do take antibiotics, eat probiotic foods (take steps during and after treatment to re-establish a healthy gut microbiata.

5- Consider taking probiotic supplements. Scientists, physicians and government agencies have not issued official guidelines on probiotic supplements. The research on the benefits (or drawbacks) just isn’t clear yet. So right now there’s no clear “right” or “wrong” answer to the question, “Should I take a supplement?” I’ve done some research on probiotics, and my husband and I take a supplement fairly regularly (probably 4 or 5 days a week). We buy several different brands that contain different bacteria, and we alternate them (because it’s hard to figure out which bacteria are the best ones to take!).

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Why Cafe Chaga Is Better Than Coffee

Replace your coffee with our cafe chaga

Did you know that Caffeine is absorbed through the body and effect many of your critical organs, interfering with numerous processes in the body. Caffeine is taxing on the liver which had to metabolize it. Too much caffeine can overload the liver and slow down the livers ability to burn fat efficiently and cleanse other toxins from your system. Caffeine also contributes to increased levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that has been linked to excess fat storage , especially around the belly. Caffeine can promote norepinephrine production, which is another stress horomone that affects your brain and nervous system, raising your heart rate and blood pressure.

Put those coffees away people trust me one zip of this “cafe Chaga” and you will be saying coffee who.

Chaga is one of the highest food antioxidants in the world!
Chaga is the most powerful sought after mushroom on earth. It’s one of the
highest, if not the highest, antioxidants in the world and it’s documented
extensively for having numerous health benefits, but it’s publicized
mostly as an anti-cancer.

Why Chaga is so awesome:

• Chaga is the number one rated healing plant on Earth according to Traditional Chinese Medicine
• It has been used as a remedy for thousands of years by Native Americans and Europeans
• It is so powerful because it harnesses the strength, nutrients and longevity of living trees into a concentrated form, making chaga mushrooms one of the most nutrient-dense and powerful superfoods on Earth
• IT TASTES DELICIOUS: if you’ve ever tapped a maple tree in the late spring to collect sap, it tastes like that. A light, watery, sweet, earthy taste. I really enjoy drinking it and think it’s delicious. It’s caffeine-free too of course, so you can safely enjoy it anytime.

Benefits of Chaga:

• over 200+ phyto nutrients
• abundant vitamins and minerals
supports the adrenal glands (which produce your stress hormones – the adrenals are easily exhausted / disregulated these days with stressful lifestyles and over-consumption of caffeine)
• slows the aging process through anti-oxidant and detox action
• supports the immune system and healthy digestion
• supports the flushing of radiation, heavy metals and toxins
• slows or stops the development of pre-cancerous cells
• one of the most potent anti-oxidants in the world

The following are purported uses of the Chaga Mushroom:

• Anti-aging
• Anti-allergic
• Anti-bacterial
• Anti-Cancer
• Anti-genotoxicity
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-microbial
• Anti-mutagenic
• Anti-oxidant
• Anti-tumor
• Anti-viral
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Bacterial Diseases
• Blood Pressure High (Hypertension)
• Blood Pressure Low (Hypotension)
• Blood Purification
• Bronchitis
• Candidiasis (yeast)
• Cardio-Vascular
• Crohn’s Disease (CD)
• Diabetes
• Fungal Growth
• Gastritis
• Heart Disease
• Hepatoprotective
• HIV
• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Immune Support / Enhancer
• Influenza
• Intestinal Worms
• Kidney Tonic
• Lower Cholesterol
• Liver / Hepatitis
• Pain Relief
• Parasites
• Parotid gland
• Pulmonary Diseases
• Skin Ailments
• Stomach Ailments
• Stomach Disease
• Tuberculosis
• Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

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Why Sprout?

Why we love to add sprouts to our raw food and raw juices? What are sprouts exactly? Well, there are a lot of different types, almost as many as there are edible plants. But the main reason for eating sprouts is about nutrition and digestion. When you sprout foods, you increase proteolytic enzymes that make both carbohydrates and proteins digestible.

Here are 10 simple reasons why we all need to eat more sprouts:

1. There are 100 times more enzymes in sprouts than uncooked fruits and vegetables. Enzymes are special types of proteins that act as catalysts for all your body’s functions.

2. The quality of the protein in the beans, nuts, seeds, or grains improves when it is sprouted. Proteins change during the soaking and sprouting process, improving its nutritional value.

3. The fiber content of the beans, nuts, seeds, or grains increases substantially.

4. Vitamin content increases dramatically. This is especially true of vitamins A, B-complex, C, and E. The vitamin content of some seeds, grains, beans, or nuts increases by up to 20 times the original value within only a few days of sprouting.

5. Essential fatty acid content increases during the sprouting process.

6. During sprouting, minerals bind to protein in the seed, grain, nut, or bean, making them more useable in the body. This is true of alkaline minerals like calcium, magnesium, and others than help us to balance our body chemistry for weightloss and better health.

7. Sprouts are the ultimate locally-grown food. You can grow them yourself

8. The energy contained in the seed, grain, nut, or legume is ignited through soaking and #sprouting.

9. Sprouts are alkalizing to your body. Many illnesses including cancer have been linked to excess acidity in the body.

10. Sprouts are inexpensive. People frequently use the cost of healthy foods as an excuse for not eating healthy. But, with sprouts being so cheap, there really is no excuse for not eating healthier.

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Raw Vegan Nanaimo Choclate Bar

It’s the new year and many set their news years resolution. This raw vegan treat will keep you on track while quenching that sweet tooth that likes to creep up on all of us. So grap one or even 2 if you can. It truly is a guilt free snack.

This recipe is vegan, gluten free, dairy free, raw, grain free, no-bake, chocolately and ofcourse delicious!

RAW VEGAN NANAIMO BARS
Makes 12-16 Raw Nanaimo Bars

Chocolate Crust Ingredients:
1 Cup Slivered Almonds
1/2 Cup Soaked Dates
1/2 Cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
1/4 Cup Cocoa Powder
Dash of Salt

Cream Ingredients:
1/4 Cup Coconut Oil
1/2 Cup Soaked Cashews
3 Tbsp Agave Nectar
1/4 Cup Coconut Cream (Pre-refridgerated – thick consistency)
1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract

Chocolate Topping Ingredients:
1/2 Cup Soaked Cashews
1/2 Cup Cocoa Powder
1/2 Cup Coconut Oil
1/4 Cup Agave Nectar

Directions:
-Place all cream layer ingredients into your food processor and blend until completely smooth.
-Place into a bowl and set aside.
-Place all chocolate topping ingredients into your food processor and blend until completely smooth.
-Place into a bowl and set aside.
-Place crust ingredients into your food processor and blend until dough-like.
Set aside.
-Place the crust mixture into an 8×8 -silicone baking pan or a loaf pan (for thicker squares).
-Press down and even out the crust.
-With a fresh spatula top crust layer with your cream layer. Spread out evenly.
-Top cream layer with your chocolate layer (you will have extra of this layer so use as much or as little as you would like).
-Cover baking dish with saran wrap and place in the freezer for 3-4 hours.
-Remove from freezer, cut into squares and serve!

*Tip – Store Raw Nanaimo Bars in the freezer.

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50 Reasons For You to Drink Wheatgrass Daily

50 REASONS TO DRINK WHEATGRASS EVERYDAY

1. Wheatgrass Juice is one of the best sources of living chlorophyll available today. However, to get the full benefit, the chlorophyll must come fresh from a living plant.

2. Wheatgrass juice is an effective healer because it contains all minerals known to man, and vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, l and K. It is extremely rich in protein, and contains 17 amino acids, the building blocks of protein.

3. Wheatgrass juice contains up to 70% chlorophyll, which is an important blood builder. The chlorophyll molecules closely resemble that of the hemin molecule, the pigment which combines with protein to form hemoglobin. The major difference is the chlorophyll molecule contains magnesium as it’s central atom, and the hemin molecule contains iron. The molecular structure of these two substances is almost identical in all other respects.

4.Chlorophyll contains enzymes and super- oxide dismutase, a copper-containing protein found in mature red blood cells. This enzyme decomposes superoxide radicals in the body into a more manageable form, thereby helping to slow down the aging process.

5. Chlorophyll is the first product of light and, therefore, contains more light energy than any other food element.

6. Wheatgrass juice contains crude chlorophyll (as opposed to pure) and can be taken orally and as a colon implant without side effects. In addition, scientists have never found wheatgrass to be toxic in any amount when given to either animals or humans.

7. Science has proven that chlorophyll arrests growth and development of unfriendly bacteria.

8. Chlorophyll is antibacterial and can be used inside and outside the body as a natural healer.The United States Army exposed guinea pigs to lethal doses of radiation. The guinea pigs fed chlorophyll-rich vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli had half the mortality rate as those fed a non-chlorophyll diet.

9. Chlorophyll can be extracted from many plants, but wheatgrass is superior because it has been found to have over 100 elements needed by man. If grown in organic soil, it absorbs 92 of the known 115 minerals from the soil.

10. Liquid chlorophyll has the ability to get into the tissue, where it can actually refine and renew them.

11. The bland soothing effect of chlorophyll (wheatgrass) ointments are very beneficial to the treatment of various skin diseases involving the outer and underlying layers of the skin, including: itching and burning of the rectum; ivy poisoning; weeping and dry eczema and even in conditions caused by insect bites or infection.

12. Doctors R. Redpath and J. C. Davis found chlorophyll packs inserted into the sinuses had a drying effect, clearing up congestion, and giving immediate relief. Congested head colds were cleared up within 24 hours.

13. Liquid chlorophyll washes drug deposits from the body.

14. Chlorophyll neutralizes toxins in the body.

15. Chlorophyll helps purify the liver.

16. Chlorophyll improves blood sugar problems.

17. In the American Journal of Surgery (1940), Benjamin Gruskin, M.D. recommends chlorophyll for its antiseptic benefits. The article suggests the following clinical uses for chlorophyll: to clear up foul smelling odors, neutralize Strep infections, heal wounds, hasten skin grafting, to cure chronic sinusitis, overcome chronic inner ear inflammation and infection, reduce varicose veins and heal leg ulcers, eliminate impetigo and other scabby eruptions, heal rectal sores, successfully treat inflammation of the uterine cervix, get rid of parasitic vaginal infections, reduce typhoid fever, and cure advanced pyorrhea in many cases.

18. Dr. Birscher, a research scientist, called chlorophyll “concentrated sun power.” He said, “chlorophyll increases the function of the heart, affects the vascular system, the intestines, the uterus, and the lungs.”

19. Wheatgrass juice can dissolve the scars that are formed in the lungs from breathing acid gasses. The effect of carbon monoxide is minimized since chlorophyll increases hemoglobin production.

20. Wheatgrass is high in oxygen like all green plants that contain chlorophyll. This is beneficial because the brain and all body tissues function at an optimal level in a highly- oxygenated environment.

21. It is a nutritionally complete food which will sustain the growth and development of laboratory animals and humans alike. Wheatgrass has what is called the grass-juice factor, which has been shown to keep herbivorous animals alive practically indefinitely.

22. Wheatgrass juice is a superior detoxification agent compared to carrot juice and other fruits and vegetables.

23. The starch of the wheat berry is stored energy which when converted to simpler sugars is a quick energy source. It is especially good for athletes because it is a juice and is assimilated in 20 minutes or less, and uses very little of the body’s energy to extract the nutrients…

24. Because 1 ounce of juice equals 2 pounds of produce nutritionally, it naturally shuts off the appestat in the brain.

25. Wheatgrass contains a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals, including the thirteen essential ones, combined with dozens of trace elements and enzymes.

26. Wheatgrass juice is an effective healer because it contains all minerals known to man, and vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, l and K. It is extremely rich in protein, and contains 17 amino acids, the building blocks of protein.

27. Farmers in the Midwest who have sterile cows and bulls put them on wheatgrass to restore fertility. (The high magnesium content in chlorophyll builds enzymes that restore the sex hormones.)

28. Wheatgrass juice cures acne and even help to remove scars after it has been ingested for seven to eight months. The diet, of course, must be improved at the same time.

29. Wheatgrass juice acts as a detergent in the body and can be used as a body deodorant.

30. A small amount of wheatgrass juice in the human diet helps prevent tooth decay.

31. Wheatgrass juice held in the mouth for 5 minutes will help eliminate toothaches. It pulls poisons from the gums.

32. Gargle wheatgrass juice for a sore throat.

33. Drink wheatgrass juice for skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis.

34. Wheatgrass juice helps to keep the hair from graying.

35. Pyorrhea of the mouth: lay pulp of wheatgrass soaked in juice on diseased area in mouth or chew wheatgrass, spitting out the pulp.

36. Wheatgrass juice improves the digestion.

37. Wheatgrass juice is an excellent skin cleanser and can be absorbed through the skin for nutrition. Pour green juice over your body in a tub of warm water and soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse off with cold water.

38. Wheatgrass implants (enemas) are great for healing and detoxifying the colon walls. The implants also heal and cleanse the internal organs. After an enema is evacuated, implant 4 ounces of wheatgrass juice. Retain for 20 minutes.

39. Wheatgrass juice improves arthritis. Soak a cotton sock with 6 ounces and place on affected area, cover with plastic bag.

40. For minor eye irritation apply strained wheatgrass juice mixed with half pure water in an eye cup for 15 – 30 seconds.

41. Massage 6 ounces into the scalp and cover with shower cap for 15 minutes to help eliminate dandruff.

42. Wheatgrass juice can be used as a douche for many feminine complications.

43. Wheatgrass juice is great for constipation and keeping the bowels open because it is high in magnesium.

44. Wheatgrass juice reduces high blood pressure and enhances the capillaries.

45. Wheatgrass juice can remove heavy metals from the body.

46. Wheatgrass juice is great for blood disorders of all kinds.

47. Another benefit of wheatgrass is you can grow it in just about a weeks, right in your own home.

48. Wheatgrass is gluten-free because it’s cut before the grain forms.

49. Dr. Earp Thomas said, “Wheat is the king of all grain foods”. He found that an ounce of wheatgrass in a gallon of fluoridated water would turn the fluorine into harmless calcium-phosphate-fluoride compound. Used in wash water it adds softness to the face and hands. In the bath, it is most soothing. It stops bleeding, eases itching, and helps sores and pimples to heal. Dr. Thomas further discovered that fruits and vegetables contaminated by sprays were thoroughly cleaned and the negative food transformed by wash water with a wisp of wheatgrass placed in the water.

50. And finally – by taking wheatgrass juice, one may feel an increase in strength and endurance, renewed health and spirituality, and experience an overall sense of well-being.

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Raw Vegan PISTACHIO DATE CLUSTERS

With only 8 ingredients, no oven and 15 minutes you can make these amazing raw vegan pistachios date clusters. They are vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, raw, and only naturally-sweetened. Also, they’re delicious.

INGREDIENTS:
Date Caramel

2 cups pitted dates
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup warm water
¼ cup + 2 tbsp raw shelled pistachios
1 tsp sea salt

Coating

¼ cup + 2 tbsp unsweetened cacao powder
2 tbsp cup coconut oil, liquid
1 tbsp maple syrup/agave/raw honey
2 tbsp crushed raw shelled pistachios, for topping.

INSTRUCTIONS:

-In a food processor, combine dates, warm water, ¼ cup and 2 tbsp pistachios, sea salt, and vanilla until a paste forms.
-Transfer paste to a foil-lined small 4×4 dish or square Tupperware. Spread evenly, cover, and freeze for 10 minutes.
-Meanwhile, combined cacao powder, liquid coconut oil, and maple syrup in a medium bowl with a whisk until homogenous.
-Remove pan from freezer and cut into squares. Dip each date square into the chocolate coating and sprinkle with remaining pistachios.
-Place each square on a lined baking sheet and return to freezer for 15 minutes.

Store in refrigerator.

And enjoy!!!

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The Raw Truth About Activated Charcoal

What is Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal has been used for thousands of years. Today, it’s even used in hospitals. When someone is poisoned, activated charcoal could help. It binds toxic chemicals like a sponge. Then it ushers those poisons out of the body. That got the health industry thinking: “If activated charcoal can suck up drugs and toxic chemicals, what else can it do?” As they found out, a lot! It has a ton of health-boosting benefits—but it also can be quite dangerous if consumed incorrectly.

Activated charcoal is a unique form of carbon that is oxidized at very high temperatures to give it a massive surface area and incredibly porous properties. Just 2 grams of activated charcoal has roughly the equivalent surface area of a football field.

It’s millions of microscopic pores have a strong negative charge, which attracts positively charged intestinal gases and toxins like a magnet. Because of this, activated charcoal can bind to and eliminate compounds many thousands of times its own weight.

Activated charcoal is an excellent gastrointestinal detoxifier that absorbs intestinal gas and a variety of other toxins as it passes through your system. It is also a particularly potent remedy for smelly flatulence as it binds to highly odorous compounds like hydrogen sulphide (the so-called rotten egg gas).

How to Use Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is perhaps the most powerful of all the known cures for intestinal gas and flatulence. It does have a problem though. It works too well.

If you typically drink more than one juice a day, only one should contain charcoal. Since activated charcoal can can bind to as much as 100 times its own weight, downing it in large doses can cause the detox process to become too harsh, flushing vital nutrients that are stored in fat tissues in the body. While the words “flushing” and “fat” in the same sentence are usually a good thing, in this case, it’s quite the opposite.

Timing of your charcoal cocktail is also key. Ideally, you should only sip activated charcoal and water three or four hours after your last meal. Throughout the day it’s vital to fuel the body with fruits and veggies which have the vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients the body needs to stay healthy. Since activated charcoal is so absorbent, drinking it during the day or too close to a meal can interfere with the absorption of these nutrients.

Research has demonstrated that activated charcoal will pass harmlessly through your gastrointestinal tract, without being metabolized in any way. It does, however, absorb any positively charged substances it comes into contact with.

This is a good thing when it comes to toxins, as most are positively charged and are drawn to activated charcoal. Once bound to it, they are eliminated when you go to the toilet and can do no further damage in your body.

Unfortunately, beneficial substances like medications, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are also often positively charged. So now your asking “but wait my juice bar mixes charcoal with so many other ingredients so am I not absorbing those nutrients from the drink?” Answer NOPE.

This means that activated charcoal should not be taken anywhere near or with any food, prescription medicine, supplements and well away from any kind of food. So activated charcoal in water is all you need, mixing it with anything else is useless since all those nutrients will pass your body and not be absorbed, so your flushing your money down the toilet.

Charcoal can’t tell the difference between toxins, meds, vitamins and minerals. If there is something you have been prescribed by a doctor that is keeping you healthy and safe, do not under any circumstance drink charcoal.

Activated charcoal should be taken at least 2 hours before eating with a big glass of water. To be safe, make that 2 hours before taking any medications or supplements to be sure it doesn’t interfere with them.

For maximum effectiveness, activated charcoal also needs to be taken well after eating. 3 hours would be a minimum, with 4 hours recommended for a large meal. And always always drink a litre of water with it and after it so constipation does not occur.

Also be aware, if you do start taking activated charcoal in high doses, it will likely turn your stools grey or even black. This is harmless so don’t be concerned by it. In fact, it can be a helpful indicator of just how long food takes to travel through your digestive tract. Also taking activated charcoal wrong and too often will cause constipation and many ailements since it is stripping your body of all nutrients. so please take at maximum 2 times a week.

If a night of alcohol drinking leaves you feeling dead to the world, charcoal may help take you out of your misery but it’s not a craze that should be used as a hangover cure. Due to its strong cleansing properties, activated charcoal can help remove toxins from the liver and bloodstream after a long night of drinking. Keep in mind, however, that charcoal will not absorb any of the alcohol left in your system, so it won’t be of much assistance if you’re still feeling a bit tipsy the morning after your night out.

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Green Juice Power…Let’s Get Juicing

This amazing juice is packed with chlorophyll, antioxidants, minerals and nutrient dense greens! The celery helps to infuse the body with magnesium and calcium to help soothe the nervous system and prepare the body for rest. Parsley and cucumber boost our immune system by flooding our body with nutrient dense chlorophyll, while ginger aids in digestive fire, helping to alleviate any stomach or intestinal issues.

Parsley is one of the best blood purifiers, and helps control blood cholesterol levels, constipation, gum and tooth issues and protects the body from harmful free radicals. Cucumber is a great natural diuretic and helps regulate body temperature and aids in cell hydration, waste removal and dissolves kidney stones. Celery is a natural appetite suppressant and has a calming effect on the nervous system. It is beneficial for respiratory conditions like bronchitis and asthma and can even help lower blood pressure up to 14% in hypertensive patients.

Ingredients:
– 1 cucumber
– 2 limes (peel removed if non-organic)
– 2 cups spinach
– 1 bunch parsley
– 3 green apples
– 5 stalks celery
– 3-4 inches fresh ginger root

Juice the above ingredients in a juicer and enjoy!

Go ahead and get juicing!

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Let’s Talk Juicing and Juice feasting cleanse

There are a number of benefits to doing a juice feasting cleanse and regular juicing. One of the main reasons this should be your new “habit” are the high concentration of antioxidants, vitamins , minerals, liver enzymes and phytonutrients that the body gets in one shot.

About 90% of the nutrients in fruits and vegetables are found in their juices. Since it is a liquid, the body is able to absorb all of the nutrients much more quickly than actually eating the veggies and fruits. Plus, you’d have to eat quite a few veggies and fruits daily just to get a fraction of the nutrients you get from drinking on glass. It also makes a fast and easy snack that helps to quench that sweet tooth, and fill you up. It really helps with cravings and is quite filling.

One of the main things you will experience after juicing for awhile is the change in your palate, your Taste buds do change. Foods that aren’t organic or natural taste like processed junk just doesn’t taste right anymore. The artificial sweeteners used they use have a nasty aftertaste.

With natural raw organic juice, the sugar is fructose, a natural sugar your body can easily break down because it sees it as glucose. Glucose is a sugar that the body uses for energy, and everything we eat gets converted into this sugar. Fructose is a very similar molecule to glucose in its chemical makeup, so the body has less work to do. It also doesn’t have the acidic aftertaste caused by artificial sweeteners like saccharin.

Most of the foods we eat daily are riddled with preservatives, chemicals (like insecticides) and other toxins that can wreak havoc on our bodies. All of these chemicals and toxins create free radicals in our blood stream. Free radicals are responsible for the aging process, autoimmune diseases, and even cardiovascular disease.They cause cells to break down and die and slow the healing process considerably.

Antioxidants, phytonutrients and live enzymes are the antidote so to speak. Fruits and vegetables are full of nutrients as vitamin E , vitamin C , magnesium, calcium, and many more among others. In raw organic juice form, these nutrients go straight into the blood stream and neutralize these free radicals preventing cell damage and death.

The fact that the body doesn’t have to work very hard to digest juice, allows the energy saved from the digestion process to be used for other essential activities like building muscle or clearing out toxins already in adipose tissue (fat cells).

Many people also notice that they have quite a bit more energy after they start juicing. I’m one of those people. My energy levels drastically increased after about the third day of juicing. Of course, the same effect when happen you consume more raw foods or go vegan. Animal products, specifically the animal protein casein, are very difficult to break down, taking up to 72 hours to digest, and they also create an acidic state in the body known as metabolic acidosis. This causes the body to strip calcium from the bones to neutralize the acidic state. This can cause osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

A juice feasting cleanses, or even just drinking it several times a day, and limiting your intake of animal products (or removing animal products all together) will allow the body to reverse this acidic state and start replenishing its calcium stores.

The juice feasting really jumpstarts the process of cleansing the body. It also helps you burn away all those fat stores. Many people do the it for three, five, or seven days. Some people go much longer, up to 60 days in some cases. These longer juice feasting cleanses are called reboots and they allow the body to burn fat, cleanse toxins and repair previous damage. Of course, you should always talk to your doctor before starting but any doctor with a nutrition background will tell you it wouldn’t be a problem and “you’re getting plenty of nutrients.”

The first three to 5 days are the hardest. You feel sluggish, and horrible. But this is the body “resetting.” Many suffer headaches and withdrawal from caffeine and sugar for the first few days or week it varies on the person.
But as the time goes on, all this changes. You’ll have a spring in your step, and you won’t feel loaded down by excess fat, salt and other toxins. You won’t have constipation; in fact you’ll be quite regular because of all the fiber.

This help to lower the risk of colon cancer, diabetes and many other diseases. Acidity and inflammation are the r
oot causes of all diseases. Feasting your cells with nutrients reduces inflammation and balances your pH.

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Sunflower Seed Mylk

Creamy and delicious raw vegan milk that’s just as good as almond milk but without the nuts!

This mylk is awesome for everyone especially anyone who who’s allergic to nuts, oats, rice, soy or any other ingredient that’s been transformed into a dairy-free milk.

BENEFITS OF SUNFLOWER SEEDS

I bet you’re wondering, ‘Why make milk out of Sunflower seeds?’ I’ll tell you wh?

Because they’re high in vitamin E and vitamin E keeps our immune system rockin’ and our skin glowing. We all like glowing skin.

Also, they’re loaded with magnesium that helps keep our bones strong and our muscles chilled out and relaxed.

Lastly, you’ll find a bunch of selenium in these little guys, the trace mineral that helps repair your DNA.

Little power bombs, these guys are.

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What is a Detox? Ten Reasons To do A Juice Feasting Cleanse

Why Cleanse?
Why do people do a juice cleanse?
Doesn’t your body detox itself its a waste of money to do a juice cleanse?
Juice cleanses screw up your body?
What toxins does the juice cleanse remove, why cant these companies that sell juice cleanses tell you the name of the toxins that are being removed?

I am sure you have heard all these questions and even you yourself have wondered what is the point of a juice cleanse. I am here to tell you its not a hoax, its not a waste of money, and its not useless.

So yes your body does detox itself daily. Or I should say your body is supposed to be detoxing itself daily. Your body works like a well oiled clock. Every few hours in the day a different organ in your body is attempting to detox itself. Have you ever wondered why when you wake up in the morning one of the first things that happen is you go poop. That is because your intestines detox between the hours of 3 and 6am. Problem is our eating habits and lifestyles have changed dramatically. We consume lots of dairy, meat, processed and nutrient deficient foods. We don’t sleep enough, we don’t exercise and get our bodies moving.

The body becomes overloaded with toxins due to various internal and external forces such as unhealthy foods, stress, sleeping habits and harmful environments.

It’s important to flush these toxins out of the body regularly to make sure that the body’s systems are running properly.

Common signs of excess toxins in the body are fatigue, excessive weight gain, skin reactions (rashes and acne), constipation, and bad breath to name a few.

There are two main sources of toxins that affect the body on a daily basis:

Environmental Toxins: These are toxins outside of the body. They include things like pesticides, carbon monoxide, the perfume or cologne you wear, your cleaning products and other chemicals people come in contact with on a daily basis.

Metabolic Toxins: These are toxins on the inside of the body. This can happen through a variety of mechanisms, but the main thought here is something that has been eaten and absorbed into the cells through digestion. The dairy and meat you eat have growth hormones given to the chickens, cows and etc, they also contain antibiotics. Something to keep in mind is that 85 percent of the antibiotics in the world are used on the foods you eat. There is also the fluoride that is added to your water, linked to dementia and Alzheimer. We have all heard about GMOs cant forget those, not to mention preservatives like salt, MSG, and all those long complicated names that you see written on the ingredient lists of foods. We can write a novel about the toxins that are inside your body at this moment just from the foods you have eaten.

What is a detox? You can detox in a variety of ways, but the main purpose is simple – to get the toxins out of the body, best way is by doing a juice cleanse. WHY? A juice feasting cleanse gives your digestion a break by flooding your system with nutrients it needs to reset, reboot and heal. A raw juice is be absorbed by your digestive system within 15 minutes, compared to other foods you eat that can take anywhere from 24 to 36 hours. Anytime you eat your body can use up to 80 percent of its energy on digestion, and that is not good. Hence why you might feel tired after eating complex foods like meat, dairy and processed. When your body is using 80 percent of its energy trying to digest the food you just ate, other organs that are meant to be detoxing are not.

Other ways to detox after your cleanse are through dieting, exercise, inhaling fresh air, and consuming more water, fruits, and vegetables. Juicing can have dramatic effects on your overall health and how you feel.

10 Reasons to do a Tailored Juice feasting cleanse and Detoxify the Body

1. Youthful energy

Remember the vibrant, non-stop energy you had in your youth? Detox programs can help to get some of it back. One of best benefits from detoxification of the body is increased energy levels.

Cutting out harmful chemicals like sugars, hydrogenated oils, fatty foods, and dangerous energy drinks while replacing them with water, vegetables, and fresh fruits, can cause a dramatic spike in the body’s natural energy levels.

Things you will notice in your day-to-day life:

Wake up and feel energized to start the day
Experience less midday energy crashes
Have a greater desire for new experiences instead of time on the couch

2. Improves mental clarity

There is a direct connection between cognitive and digestive health. Once you improve your overall health, you will notice the mind becoming clearer. Foods labeled as inflammatory not only affect your organs and gut, but the brain as well. Most people overlook the important fact that inflammation from foods happens in the brain as well as the body.

Once you clear your plate of sugar and fatty foods, you will notice clearer thinking and an improved mood as a result of the detoxification process.

Things you will notice in your day to day life:

Less brain fog, especially midday
Better focus and attention to detail on daily tasks

3. Strengthens the immune system

If you feel like you’re constantly catching a cold or the flu, juicing and juice cleanses will help. When the body detoxes, it is freed up from the toxin burden on major organs and can operate like it was designed to.

All good juice cleanses will provide a healthy amount of vitamin C, which has been conclusively shown to improve the immune system and protect against diseases. Also you will be getting all the nutrients, phytonutrients and minerals your immune system needs to fight anything that comes its way.

Things you will notice in your day to day life:

Get the common cold less often than co-workers and friends
Recovering faster from illnesses when they happen

4. Aids in weight loss

It’s easy to see how cutting out processed foods, dairy, meat, sugars and fatty foods from the diet will impact weight quickly. Toxins affect the body’s natural ability to burn fat and lead to weight gain. When foods are not digesting properly, losing weight will be more difficult. Juicing gives your digestive system a vacation. The juice you drink will be absorbed by your digestive system within 15 minutes, where the food you normally eat can spend 24 to 36 hours in your digestive system.

Things you will notice in your day to day life:

Yoga pants will fit better
Juice cleanses do help you loose fat cells
Gradual steady weight loss over time

5. Slows the aging process

By reducing the amount of toxins and free radical damage done to the body, you will notice benefits in both the short-term and the long-term. Free radicals are incomplete electrons that are devastating to your health and aging processes, but when you eats more vegetables and fresh fruits, they will combat these free radicals with powerful antioxidants.

The antioxidants will keep the body looking younger and healthier while slowing the aging process.

Things you will notice in your day to day life:

Less wrinkles on your forehead and around the eyes
Less bags under the eyes when you wake up

6. Clearer skin

Environmental and diet-based toxins can have very visible results on the largest organ in the body – the skin. Detoxifying the body can help with acne, will strengthen nails and hair, and will help provide a natural healthy glow. As toxins leave the body though the skin (your biggest eliminative organ), a slight increase in acne or even patchiness to the skin is common.

Don’t worry though, it will clear up after a few days and when it does, you will be left with healthy, vibrant skin that you will love.

Things you will notice in your day to day life:

Improved skin color and overall complexion
Nails and hair will grow a little faster than normal
Acne will become a rare occurrence, if ever

7. Helps curb sugar and carb cravings

It is a fact that sugar and carbohydrates are biologically addictive. Sugar has even been reported to be 8 times more addictive than cocaine. There’s a reason why it’s so hard to give it up, and thankfully a sugar detox can help with this. There really is no better way to kick these craving than to cut it out for awhile. The problem is that this can induce headaches and sluggish feelings that come with withdrawal.

That is why replacing the process sugars and bad carbs with healthy organic cold pressed raw juice is important. Yes the Fruit does have sugar but those sugars come with enzymes that help break them down and make them healthy do your body.

Things you will notice in your day to day life:

Cravings for fruits and vegetables
Bad feelings if you consume sugars and bad carbs again

8. Improves digestive health

When detoxing, the body is getting rid of the excess waste stored in the gut and fat cells. The primary way this happens is through the increase in fiber that comes with the raw juice. Yes you heard us say it, Raw juices do have fiber, its all about the machine you use when you juice those fruits and vegetables. The fiber helps cleanse the colon and drag out any of the toxins that get built up over time. It also improves the functionality of the liver and kidneys that are responsible for processing the foods that you eat.

In this way, the body will be able to better absorb the vitamins and nutrients from your food.

Things you will notice in your day to day life:

Becoming regular
More instant energy from food

9. Establishes healthy habits

Doing a juice cleanse for 10 days and longer will make a huge impact on your life, and will help you make healthy choices and decisions for the days following. The key to making clean eating and being healthy work for you is establishing lifelong habits that you can stick with. That is why detox programs should be the first stepping stone to living a healthier life.

When you cleanse the body and replace the old foods with healthier food choices, you can train yourself into making your health a priority in your life.

Things you will notice in your day-to-day life:

Thinking about how a specific food is going to impact long-term goals
Waking up and thinking about healthy decisions first thing in the morning

10. Restores balance to the body’s systems

The body is a complex group of intertwining systems that work together in order to achieve optimal health. The nervous system, digestive system, and hormonal system are trying their best to keep you healthy and reproduce your genes. That is what the body is made for!

Detoxing and getting rid of these harmful toxins will bring balance back to your overall system and make you feel like you’re in a brand new body!

Things you will notice in your day to day life

Becoming happier with yourself
Improved mood and outlook on day-to-day living

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Superfood Hot Chocolate

Not only are we using raw cacao powder not to be confused with cocoa powder which is processed. We also added ginger, cinnamon, turmeric and coconut oil, which are all immune boosting and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Which makes this hot chocolate a superfood. Drink up and enjoy. But first let’s talk about the health benefits of these raw and plant based ingredients.

Cacao: Contains high amounts of magnesium and high levels of flavonoids, an antioxidant responsible for decreasing inflammation and ridding the body of free-radicals. If possible, buy raw cacao powder instead processed cocoa powder. Cocoa powder is heated to high temperatures, which destroys some of its healing qualities.

Ginger: A reliever to GI upset, but also a potent anti-inflammatory. Gingerols, a substance found in ginger is responsible for decreasing pain and inflammation in people suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Cinnamon: Similar to ginger, cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties. Some studies even suggest that cinnamon helps with insulin resistance.

Turmeric: A very potent anti-inflammatory agent due to curcurmin, the compound that gives turmeric its bright yellow color. In addition to decreasing inflammation and pain in those suffering from arthritis, turmeric protects cells from oxidative stress.

Coconut Oil: Contains lauric acid, which may fight off bacteria, fungus and viruses. Also, a good source of medium chain triglycerides that contain anti-aging properties.

Ingredients:

2 cups of milk of your choice (hemp, soy, almond, etc.)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ginger
¼ teaspoon turmeric
2 tablespoons cacao powder (or cocoa powder if you don’t have cacao!)
2-3 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust according to your taste)
2 tablespoons coconut oil
pinch sea salt

Instructions:

-Warm all ingredients in a saucepan over low heat, whisking occasionally.
-Transfer to a blender and pulse until frothy.
-Top with coconut, soy or rice whip for fun!

Enjoy!

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Our Super Tomatoe Basil Soup

Looks tasty, right?! I actually like to call this Superfood Soup because the health benefits of this soup are HUGE!! First, it is completely raw, meaning it has not been cooked. Thus preserving the enzymes.

“Enzymes are substances that make life possible. They are needed for every chemical reaction that takes place in the human body. No mineral, vitamin, or horomone can do any work without enzymes. Our bodies, all organs, tissues, and cells are run by metabolic enzymes.” – Dr. Howell, Enzyme Nutrition

Second, it is bursting with lycopene (from the tomatoes), an antioxidant highly effective in scavenging cancer causing free radicals. The lycopene in tomato fights against cancer and has been shown to be particularly effective in fighting prostate cancer, cervical cancer, cancer of the stomach and rectum as well as pharynx and oesophageal cancers. It also protects against breast cancer and cancer of mouth according to studies published by Harvard School of Public Health. Tomatoes are also excellent in supporting the health of the eyes, skin, urinary tract and supports healthy cholesterol and blood pressure.

Third, we’ve got celery which is rich in vitamin C, helps to lower cholesterol, prevent cancer, reduce high blood pressure, and promote overall health. Because of it’s high calcium content, celery can help calm the nerves. Celery is also good for people suffering from arthritis, rheumatism and gout since its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and pain around the joints.

Fourth, the Mighty Avocado! The monosaturated fats in avocados not only help in reducing LDL cholesterol but are also good for the heart, skin, eyes, weight control, anti-aging, digestion, and regulating blood sugar. Did you know avocados contain 30% more potassium than banana? The high potassium content helps in regulating blood pressure and prevents circulatory diseases. Avocados have numerous phytonutrients which not only prevent prostate cancer and breast cancer but also can help repair damaged cells. Avocados are also a powerhouse of vitamin E which protects our skin from free radicals.

With all those incredible health benefits who wouldn’t want to try this soup?! It’s delicious, PACKED with AMAZING nutrition.

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Raw Vegan Cashew Cream Cheese

This vegan cashew cream cheese is exceptionally easy to make: just pop all of your ingredients into a high powdered food processor (Like vitamix) and blend until creamy. How long you need to blend for will depend on your equipment – this took less than a minute in the Vitamix – so keep checking as you go. Without a Vitamix or equivalent, it may take significantly longer but I haven’t tested this. If it comes out too thick, adding a little water should get you to your desired consistency.

Raw Vegan Cashew Cream Cheese

A creamy dairy-free spread that’s perfect on a bagel, with fruit or anything you would normally put cheese on.

Ingredients:

-60g plain cashew nuts, soaked in hot water for at least an hour
-1tbsp garlic-infused oil
-1 tbsp lemon juice
-1 tsp apple cider vinegar
-Pinch of dried rosemary

Instructions:

-Drain the cashews and add into a high-powered blender along with the oil, lemon juice and apple cider vinegar.
-Blend for around 1 minute in a high powered blender, or around 3-5 minutes (or longer if needed) in a lower powder unit, until it has formed a smooth, thick paste that resembles cream cheese. If it is too thick, then add a little warm water.
-Transfer to a small dish and sprinkle over the dried rosemary. Serve on a hot bagel or use as a substitute to cream cheese in any other dish!
-Store in an airtight pot in the fridge for up to three days.

Notes
The garlic-infused oil can be substituted for one tablespoon of plain rapeseed or olive oil and one small crushed clove of garlic but the taste from the garlic will be stronger.

Depending on the strength of your blender, you may need to soak the cashews for longer or blend for longer. Older cashew nuts will also need soaking for longer than fresher ones.

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Cinnamon Ginger Anti-inflammatory Tea

For years, people have recommended drinking ginger ale when sick to help reduce nausea, and throughout history ginger root has been coveted as a powerful medicinal spice. While there are several ways to prepare and eat ginger, my favorite way to experience the benefits of this spice is by making ginger tea with cinnamon.

Ginger is known for a wide variety of health benefits, including:

Anti-inflammatory
Pain Relief
Anti-Nausea
Immune-Boosting
Anti-Fungal
Cancer-fighting
Antioxidant

Plus, it’s absolutely delicious! I usually drink ginger tea at night after dinner to help prepare myself for bed. Ginger is a warming spice, so it’s great for warming yourself up on colder nights.

If ginger isn’t enough of a health boost for you, consider the health power-punch of this drink once cinnamon is added!

Cinnamon is also known for a variety of health benefits:

Antioxidant
Anti-Inflammatory
Diabetes Fighting
Supports Heart Health
Supports Brain Health
Antimicrobial
Antibacterial
Anti-viral

Wow! Sometimes I have a hard time believing how insanely powerful this ginger tea can be with cinnamon added.

Making ginger tea at home is very easy. And it can be stored in refrigerator for 2 weeks.

Start by cutting about an inch-long piece of ginger off the root and peeling it. Then chop it into coins and place in a pot with about 2 cups of water. Add in the cinnamon stick.

Bring the water to a boil and then turn down the heat and let the tea simmer for about 20 mins.

Remove from the heat and let cool for about 15 minutes after that. This step is very important, as the cinnamon stick must cool for the nutrients to be extracted.

Filter the tea through a fine mesh or colander to remove the ginger pieces and cinnamon stick.

At this point, you will have very strong tea, so I usually dilute it by at least half with fresh water before drinking. Whatever I don’t drink right away I pour into a jar and keep in the fridge. I’ve never pushed the limits on how long it will keep, but I know it stays good for at least 2 weeks.

If you want your tea to be a little sweeter, you can add some raw honey to it while it’s hot.

This ginger tea has become my new favorite tea.

Ginger and cinnamon are both powerful anti-inflammatory agents, among a myriad of other wonderful health benefits. This ginger tea with cinnamon is a perfect addition to a healthy diet, and can protect against colds, the flu, cancer, diabetes, and more!

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Improve your Digestion

Love. A woman’s hands forming a heart symbol on belly.; Shutterstock ID 44072719; PO: aol; Job: production; Client: drone
15 Ways to Improve Your Digestion

The health of your gut is directly related to your overall well-being. I
like to think of your gut as your second brain – it’s that important to keep it healthy! It seems more of my clients are coming to me with complaints related to their digestive systems including constipation, gas, bloating, diarrhea and heartburn. Luckily, your digestive health can be easily kept healthy and even improved with a few simple lifestyle adjustments.

If you’re experiencing digestive troubles, implement some of these simple ways to improve your overall digestive health. It will make a huge difference to the way you look and feel. When you’re experiencing sluggish digestion, this can have an impact on other areas of your health like your skin as well.

1. Increase the amount of fruit and vegetables you consume: Eating a range of fruit and veg will provide your system with heaps of soluble fibre to keep your digestive system moving the way it should. Juicing is a great way to get all those nutrients and minerals your body needs.

2. Increase the amount of whole foods in your diet and decrease the amount of processed foods you consume: Processed foods are difficult for the body to digest and can cause blockages within your digestive tract. The more real food you eat, the more your gut will love you.

3. Start your day with a tonic of freshly squeezed lemons with a tablespoon of ACV (Apple cider vinegar) in spring or filtered water: This is alkalizing and helps to clean the stomach of any residual debris, while also kick-starting your digestive system first thing in the morning.

4. Listen to your body and what it needs. Your body is always talking to you, so if you’re having a difficult time “knowing” what works for you, consider doing a short cleanse.

5. Eat more fibre (fruit and vegetables are a great source of this!) as this helps your bowel movements to happen regularly: You should poop at least once a day, ideally up to three times a day.

6. Skip non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs if possible: As regular use of these can cause peptic ulcers in the digestive tract. Great for inflammation is ginger, turmeric and green vegetables.

7. Be careful of use of other drugs that also create digestive problems: Especially including antibiotics which strip your gut of all the good bacteria that your body needs to maintain good immunity.

8. Don’t overeat, but always eat when you feel hungry: This all comes down to listening to your body’s needs.

9. Use herbs which aid digestion: Such as peppermint, fennel, and ginger. Also consume ginger to help settle an upset tummy.

10. Drink liquids before and after meals, not during: This is the best way to avoid diluting your digestive juices.

11. Take your time and really chew your food: It might seem silly, but most people don’t chew their food enough! Your body can use energy for other things if you chew your food instead of relying on acid and enzymes. Aim to chew at least 30 times per mouthful.

12. Eat slower so your body has time to digest everything: Eating slowly means you won’t have too much air coming into your body when you swallow.

13. Avoid using laxatives: Your body becomes reliant on them and they are habit forming. Instead, try these 7 Ways to Heal Constipation Naturally.

14. Stop smoking a& drinking alcohol: These habits cause ulcers & heartburn.

15. Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of a specialist (gastroenterologist): You may want to get a referral from a friend or relative. Remember that they are there to diagnose and treat, prevention lies in your hands.

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GUT-HEALING VEGETABLE BROTH (AND WHY IT’S BETTER THAN BONE BROTH)

img_0213Apparently, animal products are absolutely essential for gut healing, which I find very hard to believe or understand. After searching forums, all I can find is people frustrated with the lack of choice for veggies and vegans and people encouraging them to compromise their ethics, as this is “the only way”.

One particular “superfood” related to gut-healing that I’ve seen talked about a lot, is Bone Broth. You might have seen a lot about it in the news and media, as it seems to be a health trend at the moment. I’ve read a few books and articles that INSIST this is the number one thing you need for healing your gut and that if you leave it out, you’re not going to the best results and healing will be much slower.

So I decided to look into what exactly it is about bone broth is apparently so fascinating… and was very underwhelmed.

Bone Broth is Nothing Special

Turns out, the most beneficial nutrients and electrolytes in bone broth can be found in vegan-friendly sources and the one thing that sets itself apart, the thing that is impossible for vegans to find a veggie replacement for is the collagen.

Our bodies can’t even digest collagen whole. We simply absorb the nutrients from our food which provides our bodies with the building blocks it needs to naturally create collagen, if and when it needs it.

Eating collagen does not equal having more collagen. “Just as the dietary fat you swallow doesn’t directly translate to body fat, swallowing collagen doesn’t become collagen in or between your bones.”

Kantha Shelke, a food scientist says “Eating a diet rich in leafy green vegetables is ideal. Plants offer richer sources in collagen building blocks and, in addition, provide nutrients not found in sufficient quantities in meats or broth.”

Healing the stomach lining

And as for it being healing for the stomach lining, particularly from the gelatin, there are some great plant-based sources for that too. Particularly fermented foods.

There are many other foods that have been shown to contribute towards healing the stomach lining and digestive tract, such as seaweed, aloe vera, healthy fats and turmeric.

Vitamins and minerals

Obviously, all the calcium, potassium and other minerals found in bone broth are more than easy to find in plant-based foods plus they contain much, much more goodness.

So the animal product-reliant parts are kind of useless… Or at the very least, unnecessary and over-hyped. It’s all in aid of making what our bodies already naturally produce and plant-sourced vitamins and minerals are the best option to actually help it do that.

img_0212Gut-Healing Vegetable Broth And Why It’s Better Than Bone Broth a Plant-Based Option Works The Same If Not Better

So now we’ve established that the bones in this healing broth are not only unnecessary but also not as nutritious as plant-based sources, it seems pretty clear that using a bunch of wholesome plant-based ingredients is going to be WAY more healing. And way more appealing, too.

Although, I should say that I haven’t come across any evidence of the healing benefits of slow-cooking or broth, in general. It doesn’t do much to enhance the nutrients but there is definitely something that feels healing when drinking broth. It’s warming, it’s comforting, it’s full of goodness and it tastes good.

The bottom line though is that we shouldn’t be relying on a broth to heal our gut! Because that’s silly. Also, many foods that help heal the gut need to be eaten raw (such as fermented foods and cabbage juice) so adding them to a broth is counter-productive.

But the aforementioned benefits are good enough reason to make it. Plus, it’s delicious and a great way to use up peelings, scraps and leftovers.

Vegan Bone Broth Alternative

This has lot’s of nutritional goodness that is great for overall health but particularly focuses on plenty of gut-healing properties. Feel free to switch up, leave out or add in any ingredients you like, to suit your diet and taste.

The Six main stars are:

Wakame seaweed: Great source of omega 3 – one of the best for vegans, great for intestinal health, full of vitamins and minerals (particularly good source of iron, calcium, magnesium and iodine). Not suitable for SCD diets, leave out as necessary.

Shiitake mushrooms: Gives the most amazing, comforting flavour. Full of vitamins and minerals (great source of vitamin D – especially if sun dried, zinc and B vitamins). Contains all essential amino acids. Prebiotic.

Coconut oil or olive oil: Healthy fats with a good omega ratio that help absorb nutrients.

Turmeric: Powerful anti-inflammatory plus adds delicious flavour and a beautiful colour.

Spinach or kale: Full of vitamins and minerals (particularly high in Vitamins K, A and C, magnesium and calcium). Also a good source of protein and omega 3. Prebiotic.

Coconut aminos: Mainly used for flavour but also gives the benefit of it’s amino acids. May not be suitable for some diets as it’s considered a sugar, so leave out if necessary.

img_0211A nutritious, gut-healing broth as a vegan alternative to bone broth. If you don’t like or can’t find any ingredients, don’t worry. Add what flavours you like and try to get as much variety and nutritional goodness as you can!

Serves: 8

INGREDIENTS

12 cups (2¾ litres) filtered water
1 tbsp coconut oil or extra-virgin olive oil
1 red onion, quartered (with skins)
1 garlic bulb, smashed
1 chilli pepper, roughly chopped (with seeds)
1 knob ginger, roughly chopped (with skin)
1 cup greens such as kale or spinach
3-4 cup mixed chopped vegetables and peelings (I used carrot peelings, red cabbage, fresh mushrooms, leeks and celery)
½ cup dried shiitake mushrooms
30g dried wakame seaweed
1 tbsp peppercorns
2 tbsp ground turmeric
1 tbsp coconut aminos*
A bunch of fresh corriander or other herb of your choice (plus extra, to serve)
(optional) ¼ cup nutritional yeast, for extra flavour and vitamins

INSTRUCTIONS

-Simply add everything to a large pot. —Bring to a boil then simmer, with the lid on, for about an hour.
-Once everything has been cooked down, strain the liquid into a large bowl.
Serve immediately with some fresh herbs, for decoration or cool for later.

It also freezes well.??

NOTES
*Coconut aminos can be very salty, depending on what brand you use so taste before adding any additional salt.

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DIY Acai Smoothie Bowl

img_0175 Acai berries are a great source of fiber and healthy fats. They increase energy production in the mitochondria, keep you hydrated, and help your body fight against oxidative stress, as it is said that their antioxidant benefits are higher than most of the other berry fruits, including blueberries.

Ingredients

Smoothie:
Frozen Blueberries
Frozen Strawberries
½ Banana
¾-1 cup Almond Milk (or any nut milk of your choice)
1 teaspoon Acai Powder or 1 pack of frozen Acai

Toppings:
-½ Banana, sliced
-Fresh blueberries
-Fresh strawberries, sliced
-Granola of your choice
-Coconut Flakes
img_0165>strong>Instructions

1- Put all the smoothie ingredients into a blender.
2- If the mixture is having trouble blending, add more Almond Milk or water
3- Blend until the smoothie is smooth
4- Pour the smoothie mixture into a bowl
5- Top with desired ingredients. You can add what you want. Trust me you can’t go wrong.

Serve and enjoy!

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Vegan Avocado Chocolate Muffins

img_0135The healthy fats in the avocado make these cupcakes as healthy as a bowl of kale and bean soup! OK, maybe not that healthy, but healthy enough to feel good about reaching for more. Each cupcake offers almost five grams of fiber and is just 230 calories. A regulat chocolate cupcake is 600++ calories! So you can indulge and have a second one.

Ingredients:
6 tbsp cacao powder
1 &1/2 cups gluten free whole wheat flour or you can use coconut flour
1 cup coconut sugar
1 cup mashed avocado
1 & 1/2 coconut or almond milk
2 tbsp vanilla extract
4 tbsp cacao nibs
2 tsp baking powder

Instruction:

1- Preheat the oven to 180c 350f
2- scoop out the inside of the avocados and mash or puree in a blender. Add the water, vanilla extract sugar and mix.
3- sift in the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder and
4- Salt then stir then add the cacao nibs and fold in.
5- fold into muffin wrappers and bake for 20 minutes. Check with a skewer and if it comes out clean they are done
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This Is How Aspartame Causes Obesity

img_0108By Dr. Mercola

The allure of artificial sweeteners — zero calories and a sweet taste — is a strong one, such that up to 180 million Americans use them routinely.1

There have been concerns from the beginning, however, that consuming synthetic compounds with hyper-sweetness (200 times that of sugar in the case of aspartame) has some serious drawbacks.

One of the most appalling, especially to those consuming artificially sweetened sugar-free and diet products in the hopes of losing weight, is their propensity to fuel weight gain. Researchers wrote in the Yale Journal of Biology & Medicine:2

“Intuitively, people choose non-caloric artificial sweeteners over sugar to lose or maintain weight…. Whether due to a successful marketing effort on the part of the diet beverage industry or not, the weight conscious public often consider artificial sweeteners “health food.” But do artificial sweeteners actually help reduce weight? Surprisingly, epidemiologic data suggest the contrary. Several large scale prospective cohort studies found positive correlation between artificial sweetener use and weight gain.”

Although their reputation as a weight-loss aid has held strong since the beginning, it’s been known for years that they seem to have the opposite effect.

Recently, a team of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) investigators even revealed a potential reason why artificial sweeteners like aspartame prevent, rather than promote, weight loss.

img_0110Aspartame May Promote Obesity by Blocking Gut Enzyme Activity.

A study on mice revealed that animals fed aspartame-laced drinking water gained weight and developed symptoms of metabolic syndrome while mice not fed the artificial sweetener did not.

Further, the researchers revealed that phenylalanine, an aspartame breakdown product, blocks the activity of a gut enzyme called alkaline phosphatase (IAP).

In a previous study, IAP was found to prevent the development of metabolic syndrome (and reduce symptoms in those with the condition) when fed to mice.4 Study author Richard Hodin, MD, of the MGH Department of Surgery, said in a press release:

“We found that aspartame blocks a gut enzyme called intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) that we previously showed can prevent obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome; so we think that aspartame might not work because, even as it is substituting for sugar, it blocks the beneficial aspects of IAP.”

Mice in the study were fed either plain water or water infused with the equivalent amount of aspartame found in two to 3 1/2 cans of soda, along with a normal diet or a high-fat diet. Mice in the high-fat group that drank aspartame-infused water gained more weight than those eating the same diet without aspartame in their water.

Further, all the mice fed aspartame had higher blood sugar levels — an indicator of glucose intolerance — and higher levels of inflammatory protein TNF-alpha, which is suggestive of systemic inflammation. Given aspartame’s inhibition of IAP, the researchers suggested its use is counterproductive.

img_0109Artificial Sweeteners Linked to Weight Gain Since the 1980s.

Artificial sweeteners are still viewed as a weight-loss aid in 2016 even though their hindrances to weight loss have been documented since at least the 1980s.

Then, the San Antonio Heart Study, which involved nearly 4,000 adults, found drinkers of artificially sweetened beverages consistently had higher BMIs (body mass index) than non-drinkers.

Again in the early 1980s, a study of nearly 78,700 women found artificial sweetener usage increased with relative weight, and users were significantly more likely to gain weight compared to those who did not use artificial sweeteners.

Such associations have only continued to grow over the passing decades. Artificially sweetened beverages, including diet soda, are among the key culprits, with intake associated with “striking” increases in waist circumference among older adults, according to one study.

Research published in PLOS One also found regularly consuming artificially sweetened soft drinks is associated with several disorders of metabolic syndrome, including:

Abdominal obesity
Insulin resistance
Impaired glucose intolerance
Abnormally elevated fats in the blood
High blood pressure

The study found drinking aspartame-sweetened diet soda daily increased the risk of type 2 diabetes by 67 percent (regardless of whether they gained weight or not) and the risk of metabolic syndrome 36 percent.

One way artificial sweeteners increase your risk of weight gain, obesity and other related problems like type 2 diabetes is by inducing “metabolic derangements,” according to a report published in the journal Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism:

” accumulating evidence suggests that frequent consumers of these sugar substitutes may also be at increased risk of excessive weight gain, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.”

“consuming sweet-tasting but noncaloric or reduced-calorie food and beverages interferes with learned responses that normally contribute to glucose and energy homeostasis. Because of this interference, frequent consumption of high-intensity sweeteners may have the counterintuitive effect of inducing metabolic derangements.”

img_0107Soda Industry Pledge to Cut Calories Off to Slow Start.

The soda industry has pledged to cut the number of calories Americans consume via beverages by 20 percent over a decade, but they’re off to a slow start.11 In 2015, this caloric intake dropped by just 0.2 percent, according to a beverage industry report.

In addition to introducing smaller package sizes and reformulating products, a key strategy toward this goal is the promotion of artificially sweetened diet drinks, but the consumption of low- and no-calorie soda fell by nearly 6 percent last year.

Americans are growing increasingly wary of artificial sweeteners, and the soda industry is becoming increasingly desperate to hold on to its once-loyal customers. One of their ongoing strategies to appear like they care about your health is to promote their diet beverages as a healthy alternative.

In 2013, they rolled out an ad campaign encouraging people to unite in the fight against obesity, and then swiftly launched another campaign touting aspartame in its diet sodas.

According to the ad, aspartame is a “safe, high-quality alternative to sugar.” Clearly they’ve not reviewed the hundreds of studies on this artificial sweetener demonstrating its harmful effects or the risks of consuming diet sodas in general.

In one study, people who drank diet soda had a 70 percent greater increase in waist size in a 10-year period compared to non-diet soda drinkers. Those who drank two or more diet sodas a day had a 500 percent greater increase in waist size.

Research published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics also revealed that people who drink diet beverages may end up compensating for their “saved” calories by eating more foods high in sugar, sodium and unhealthy fats.

Obese adults had the highest incremental daily calorie intake from unhealthy foods associated with diet beverages. Researcher Ruopeng An, a kinesiology and community health professor at the University of Illinois, noted:

“It may be that people who consume diet beverages feel justified in eating more, so they reach for a muffin or a bag of chips … Or perhaps, in order to feel satisfied, they feel compelled to eat more of these high-calorie foods.”

img_0106Problems With Aspartame

Aspartame is made up of aspartic acid and phenylalanine. But the phenylalanine has been synthetically modified to carry a methyl group, as that provides the majority of the sweetness. That phenylalanine methyl bond, called a methyl ester, is very weak, which allows the methyl group on the phenylalanine to easily break off and form methanol.

When aspartame is in liquid form, it breaks down into methyl alcohol, or methanol, which is then converted into formaldehyde and represents the root of the problem with aspartame.

While industry funded studies, which are notoriously biased, attempt to support aspartame safety, 92 percent of independently funded studies found aspartame may cause adverse effects, including depression and headaches.14A recent study also found the administration of aspartame to rats resulted in detectable methanol even after 24 hours, which might be responsible for inducing oxidative stress in the brain.

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Avocado Dill Dip Recipe

img_9920This avocado dill dip can bring a delicious wrap to that next level perfection. It’s perfect for wraps, burritos, tortillas or tacos. It has a very fresh, yet fragrant flavor thanks to our buddy Garlic.

Avocado is great for your skin, your hair and your health. It prevents cancer, inflammation and is bursting with antioxidants. The green fat fruit with a huge seed inside, as my mother likes to call avocado, contains Biotin, which is an important vitamin for hair and nail strength.

Dill has antioxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties. It contains a lot of Iron and Calcium – both important for skin health maintenance.
img_9923 Lemon is highly alkalizing and full of Vitamin C, which is important for the synthesis of collagen – the protein, that holds the skin together and makes it nice and firm.

Garlic is not the one you want to mess around with – Garlic fights Cancer, Viruses, Fungi, Bacteria, Psoriasis, Acne, even Vampires and lowers blood pressure on top. It can also make your hair grow.

As you see the ingredients of this dip are pretty great on their own, but combined they’re even more beneficial for your skin and health.

For example Vitamin C from the lemon increases the absorption of Selen from the garlic. Selen is an antioxidant mineral, shown to also prevent cancer.
img_9921 Further the combination of Vitamin C from Lemon with Vitamin E from Avocado increases the antioxidant properties of both vitamins, so evil free radicals have no chance at damaging your skin.

Ingredients

1 avocado
1/2 lemon – juice it
1 garlic clove
a bunch of dill

Instructions

Chop dill, peel avocado, remove the big seed (as my mom likes to call it – a green fat thing with a big seed inside), juice the lemon, squeeze the garlic clove and put everything in the blender. Blend until smooth and you’re ready to dip!

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Ten Reasons To Eat Banana Daily

img_9903Bananas are one of the most widely eaten fruits in the planet. They are dense in potassium and pectin, a form of fiber, and are also an excellent way to get vitamins C and B6 as well as magnesium. Bananas are packed with antioxidants, which give protection against free radicals. They have several benefits for weight loss, heart health and digestion, and contain many essential nutrients. Besides being extremely nutritious, they are also a convenient snack to bring around.

1. Boost your mood

The next time you feel low, try eating a couple of bananas to boost your mood. The banana contains tryptophan, which the body uses to make niacin and serotonin. Serotonin is responsible for produce healthy sleep and a happy, stable mood. Not only this, but bananas also contain Vitamin B-6 and fiber.

2. For High Blood Pressure

Suffering from High blood pressure? Eating bananas will help you controlling it as they are a rich source of potassium. They are low in sodium but high in potassium, making them a great food for your blood pressure and heart health! Harvard Medical School has good advice on it.

3. Constipation. Promotes Regularity

Treat irregular bowel irritation and constipation problem by adding bananas to your everyday diet. They are the excellent source of fiber and minerals and help in improving the digestion.

Just one banana a day can help in keeping you regular. A typical 6-inch banana contains around 2.5 grams of total fiber, half of which are insoluble.

When insoluble fiber passes through the digestive tract, it helps push out waste and ensures that bowel movements are easy to pass.

Keeping your bowels healthy by consuming a minimum of 14 grams fiber per 1,000 calories consumed is recommended by the Colorady State University Extension. So for a standard 1,800-calorie diet, consumption of at least 25 grams of total fiber is recommended.

img_9907
4. For High Energy

Have you seen athletes, your favorite tennis players gobbling bananas before and during play? It’s because bananas are the best source of energy. They contain 3 types of sugar– Glucose, fructose, and sucrose! The first two gives a burst of energy quickly, whereas, the sucrose absorbs slowly and provide constant energy.

5. Get Help in Restless Leg Syndrome

If RLS giving you or someone you know restless leg syndrome– It’s time to eat bananas. Potassium rich food helps in RLS and bananas are a rich source of it.

6. Bananas for Weight Loss

Bananas are relatively low in calories, containing just under 90, but it is also quite filling and nutritious. Due to their rich fiber content, consumption of more fruits and vegetables has been associated with weight loss as well as a lower body weight.

It is also such an ideal snack due to the convenience at which you can eat them.

A popular myth on the Internet is that bananas improve mood because of their serotonin content. Logically, it makes sense that the dopamine found in bananas was believed to have a positive effect on mood and disposition, but since it does not cross the blood-brain barrier, it simply functions as an antioxidant.

7. Bananas are Good for Heart

Take a high fiber diet that is rich in potassium and low in sodium and it’ll help you in maintaining blood pressure, prevent stroke and heart attack. Bananas contain all that. Also, they are a great source of potassium, and Vitamin B6 and it’s proven that B vitamins help break down homocysteine, an amino acid that at high levels is related to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

8. Bananas support cardiovascular health

Potassium, an essential mineral for cardiovascular health and blood pressure control, is abundant in bananas, making it an ideal dietary source. Potassium-rich diets can help decrease blood pressure, and individuals who consume lots of potassium may lower their risk of developing heart disease.
img_9905
9. Bananas Enhance Immunity and Combat Cancerous Cell Changes

In an experiment that looked into different ripe fruit such as persimmon, pear, pineapple, watermelon, apple, grape and banana and their effects on immunity on the body, results showed that banana increased showed the best results in increasing the number of white blood cells and producing Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), which is an anti-cancer substance.

TNF is a cytokine, or a substance secreted by cells of the ummune system which helps in fighting abnormal tumor cells. In another study, fuctose-binding lectin was isolated from Del Monte bananas which inhibited the proliferation of leukemia cells and hepatoma cells. It is possible that the lectin isolated from banana in this particular study can be developed into a useful antitumor agent, among other things.

10. Bananas Contain Nutrients That Control Blood Sugar Levels

Bananas are contain fiber known as pectin. Young bananas have resistant starch, which functions akin to soluble fiber and evades digestion. Resistant starch and pectin may control blood sugar levels after meal consumption, and lessen cravings by delaying gastric emptying. Bananas also figure moderately on the glycemic index. The glycemix index is a measure of how swiftly foods raise blood sugar levels (0-100). Bananas therefore should not trigger spikes in blood sugar levels in normal individuals.

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Health Benefits of Chlorella

chlorellayesAs you’re about to see, chlorella is one of the most nutrient-dense superfoods in the world.

A 1-ounce (3 tbsp) serving of chlorella contains:

Protein—16g
Vitamin A—287% RDA
Vitamin B2—71% RDA
Vitamin B3—33% RDA
Iron—202% RDA
Magnesium—22% RDA
Zinc—133% RDA

In addition, chlorella contains a good amount of vitamin B1, vitamin B6 and phosphorus.

When you look at its nutrient density score, it’s easy to see why chlorella is ranked one of the top 10 health foods in the world. In fact, it is way more nutrient dense per gram than other greens, including kale, spinach and broccoli!
7 Researched Chlorella Benefits

Here are seven scientifically proven chlorella benefits you can expect to receive by incorporating this superfood into your daily diet.

1. Detoxifies Heavy Metals

If you have mercury fillings in your teeth, have been vaccinated, eat fish regularly, have been exposed to radiation or consume foods from China, you may have heavy metals lurking in your body. It is important for your overall health and wellness to be proactive in detoxing heavy metals and toxins.

One of chlorella’s most significant health benefits is that it wraps itself around even stubborn toxins residing in our bodies, such as lead, cadmium, mercury and uranium, and keeps them from being reabsorbed. Regular consumption of chlorella can even help keep heavy metals from accumulating in our bodies’ soft tissues and organs in the first place.

chlorellayes12. Detoxifies Radiation and Chemotherapy

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the most common forms of cancer treatment today. Anyone who has gone through either of these

treatments, or knows anyone who has, knows what a toll they take on the body. Chlorella’s high levels of chlorophyll have been shown to protect the body against ultraviolet radiation treatments while removing radioactive particles from the body.

According to researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University Medical College, “Cellular components and functions of the immune system remain at or near normal levels and are less adversely affected when patients are undergoing chemotherapy and/or taking immunosuppressive medications such as steroids.”

The university’s two-year study allowed researchers to observe that glioma-positive patients have fewer respiratory infections and flu-like illnesses when taking chlorella.

3. Supports Your Immune System

Research published in 2012 in the Nutrition Journal found that after 8 weeks of chlorella intake, NK cell activity improved.

Researchers from the Yonsei University in Seoul Korea studied healthy individuals and their immune system’s response to chlorella supplements.

The results showed that chlorella supports a healthy immune system response and helps “natural killer” cell activity.

4. Promotes Weight Loss

Losing weight is difficult, especially as we age. In a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, researchers state, “Chlorella intake resulted in noticeable reductions in body fat percentage, serum total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose levels”.

Chlorella benefits you by helping to regulate hormones, helping with metabolism, improving circulation, and promoting higher levels of energy. It also helps to reduce weight and body fat, and removes stored toxins.

As our bodies lose weight, toxins are released, and can be reabsorbed. It is important to flush these toxins out of our system as quickly as possible. Chlorella’s ability to surround the toxins and heavy metals resident in our bodies helps facilitate elimination and prevent reabsorption.

chlorellayes35. Makes You Look Younger

Research continues to reveal that chlorella may also slow the aging process, making you look younger. A study published in the journal Clinical Laboratory revealed that chlorella greatly reduces oxidative stress, that can be caused from pollution, stress and a poor diet.

The reason chlorella is so effective at giving you younger looking skin is because it naturally increases levels of vitamin A, vitamin C and glutathione in your body which eliminates free-radicals and protects your cells.

By just taking 1 teaspoon or a couple capsules daily of a chlorella supplement, you can see results in as little as 2 weeks.

6. Fights Cancer

It is believed that all human bodies at some time develop cancer cells. Properly functioning immune systems have the ability to attack and destroy these cells, before they have the chance to take hold and create cancer. A recent medical study found that chlorella helps fight cancer in several ways.

First, when taken preemptively, it strengthens the immune system, so our bodies respond properly.

Second, because it removes heavy metals and toxins from our body, we are less likely to get environmentally based cancers.

Third, studies have shown that individuals once diagnosed with cancer, chlorella enhances the action of T cells helping to fight new abnormal cells.

And, as mentioned above, if cancer is diagnosed, and chemotherapy or radiation therapy is used, chlorella can help to fight the side effects and be used in addition to natural cancer treatments.

7. Lowers Your Blood Sugar and Cholesterol

Type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol are two of the serious chronic conditions facing many Americans today. Years of improper eating, stress and a lack of sleep have led many to one or both of these diagnoses.

In a study published the Journal of Medicinal Food, researchers found that doses of 8,000 mg of chlorella per day (divided into 2 doses), helps lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels.

Researchers observed first a decline in cholesterol levels, and then the improvement in blood glucose. They believe that chlorella activates a number of genes at the cellular level that improve insulin sensitivity, encouraging a healthy balance.

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Quote For Tuesday November 22, 2016

We study yet we learn not
We learn yet we know not
We know yet understand not
So what have we learned.
animal

#compassion #empathy #love #spirituality #quotes #quote #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quotestagram #quotesdaily #peace #peaceandlove #peaceful #motivation #inspiration #hope #animalcruelty #humanity

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Quote Of The Day

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Eckhart Tolle believes we create and maintain problems because they give us a sense of identity. Perhaps this explains why we often hold onto our pain far beyond its ability to serve us.
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We replay past mistakes over and over again in our head, allowing feelings of shame and regret to shape our actions in the present. We cling to frustration and worry about the future, as if the act of fixation somehow gives us power. We hold stress in our minds and bodies, potentially creating serious health issues, and accept that state of tension as the norm.
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There will never be a time when life is simple. There will always be time to practice accepting that. Every moment is a chance to let go and feel peaceful. .

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Importance Of Vitamin D for your health

sun1Vitamin D is making the headlines more and more – barely a week goes by without another study linking to a reduced risk. Research has linked the vitamin to a reduced risk of depression, breast cancer and colds and chest infections.

But what is it, how much do we need, and why is it so vital to our health?

Vitamin D regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, both needed for healthy bones, teeth and muscles. Vitamin D is involved in the activation of macrophages – the hunter-killer cells that engulf and destroy invading viruses, bacteria and even fungi. Vitamin D receptors are also present on other immune cells which fight infection and regulate our allergic responses and inflammation.

The nutrient is also involved in the production of antibiotic-like proteins in the cells lining the respiratory tract. Known as defensins, these proteins stick to bacterial walls and open up holes so bacteria become leaky and implode. Defensins are also active against viruses. It’s therefore not surprising people who have low vitamin D levels – especially in winter – are more prone to colds, influenza, bronchitis and even pneumonia.

And it doesn’t stop there. There are so many more health benefits to making sure you get your vitamin D in daily.

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Heavy Metals Detoxification

chlorella1High levels of exposure to 23 environmental metals considered “heavy metals” such as lead, mercury, aluminum and arsenic can cause acute or chronic toxicity. This can result in damaged or reduced mental and central nervous function and damage to vital organs.

Long-term exposure may lead to physical, muscular, and neurological degenerative processes that mimic Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Multiple Sclerosis.

Some of the most common warning signs that you are struggling with heavy metal toxicity include:

Chronic fatigue
Autoimmune disease
Neurological disorders
Brain Fog
Depression, Bi-polar and Anxiety
Dementia
Insomnia

Toxic Foods to Avoid

Farmed fish – Can contain heavy metals, dioxins and PCB’s which are highly toxic.
Food allergens – If your body is fighting against common allergens, it will not be able to detoxify from heavy metal poisoning.
Non-organic foods – These foods increase exposure to chemicals which make symptoms worse. Some of the worst offenders include conventional apple juice and brown rice products.
Foods with additives – Additives are chemicals that can aggravate toxicity symptoms and decrease your body’s ability to detoxify.
Alcohol – Is toxic to the body and can make it more difficult for your liver to process other toxins and contributes to toxic load.

SO now you are wondering okay so how does one detox heavy metals out of their bodies? Here are 5 supplements you can use to do that. Also remember green organic raw juices and raw food will help as well.

Number #1 for detoxing heavy metals is Chlorella.
Acts as a natural chelator to remove heavy metals.

Number 2 is Cilantro, especially when it is paired with parsley.
Helps with detoxification. These 2 greens together are a powerhouse especially in a green juice

#3 Vitamin C
Helps reduce free radicals.

#4 Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle aids in detoxification of the liver.

#5 Probiotics
Improves detoxification of gut and boosts immunity.

Natural Detox Treatments
Chelation therapy is the most effective way to reduce serious heavy metal exposure.

cilantroThe Detox Diet

Foods rich in vitamin C – Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C can reduce the damage caused by heavy metal toxicity by acting as an antioxidant.

Cilantro and other green vegetables – Cilantro and green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach and parsley are detoxifying and can help reduce the buildup of heavy metals like mercury in the body.

Garlic and onions – These vegetables contain sulfur which helps your liver detoxify itself of heavy metals like lead and arsenic.

Water – Drink 8 ounces of water or vegetable juice every two hours to help flush out toxins.

Flax and chia seeds – Omega-3 fats and fiber can help with detoxification of the colon and reduce inflammation.

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The Seeds That is “Perfect Protein”

If you’re looking to improve digestion, balance hormones and improve metabolism, then hemp seeds may just be the superfood you’re looking for.

For a long time, hemp seeds we’re ignored for their nutritional benefits because it’s botanical relationship to drug/medicinal varieties of Cannabis.

However, hempseeds do NOT cause any psychotropic reaction and instead may provide significant health benefits with it’s unique nutritional profile.

hemoHemp Seed Nutrition Profile
Here is what we know about the therapeutic benefits of hemp.

Excellent 3:1 balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which promote cardiovascular health.
High in gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an essential omega-6 fatty acid found in borage oil and egg yolks that has been proven to naturally balance hormones.
“Perfect protein” not only containing all 20 amino acids, but also each of the 9 essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce.
Rich in soluble and un-soluble fiber which naturally cleanses the colon and reduces sugar cravings
Hemp seeds are also a rich source of phytonutrients including:

Minerals · Calcium (145mg per 100 grams) · Iron (14mg per 100 grams) · Magnesium (483mg per 100 grams) · Manganese (7mg per 100 grams) · Phosphorus (1160mg per 100 grams) · Potassium (859mg per 100 grams) · Zinc (7mg per 100 grams)

Vitamins · Vitamin A (3800 IU mg per 100 grams) · Vitamin B1 (0.4mg per 100 grams) · Vitamin B2 (0.11 mg per 100 grams) · Vitamin B3(2.8 mg per 100 grams) · Vitamin B6 (0.12 mg per 100 grams) · Vitamin D (22.77.5 IU mg per 100 grams) · Vitamin E (90 mg IU mg per 100 grams)

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WHY REBOUND? Health Benefits of Jumping

rebounder-testimonials_03Remember when we were kids and we’d jump on the bed? Maybe if our parents had known the vast amount of benefits that come from that jumping up and down motion, they wouldn’t have yelled at us to stop!

Let’s talk about the adult version of jumping on the bed, it’s called rebounding. Rebounding is just a fancy title for, ‘’mini trampoline.’’ You can rebound anywhere from 5 minutes to as long as your heart desires.
Why rebound?

The most commonly known benefit of rebounding is the stimulation of your lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system is like your body’s internal filtration system. It’s job is to filter your blood and dispose of acidic and toxic waste.

Without it our cells, tissue and organs would become overloaded with toxins. A sluggish or unhealthy lymph system could lead to a weakened immune system, chronic fatigue, aches and pains, bloating, cellulite, your body collecting fat deposits, poor digestion, fibromyalgia and so much dang more.

Rebounding for just 5-15 minutes a day can increases the circulation of your lymphatic system by 15-30 times!

Aside from really rockin’ your lymphatic system, rebounding has plenty of other neat benefits:

Zero-impact exercise that won’t stress your joints
Strengthens abdominal muscles
Enhances digestion and elimination ( pooping is essential to good health!)
Helps burn calories
Helps decrease your resting heart rate
Circulates oxygen to tissues and muscles in the body
Helps promote relaxation
Improves quality of sleep
Increases blood flow in the veins of your circulatory system
Normalizes your blood pressure
May help combat depression
Stimulates your metabolism
Promotes muscle tone
Increases the production of red blood cells.
Lowers elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels

All of that just from jumping on a trampoline for a few minutes a day? Hell yeah!
How to rebound

1. Step on your mini-trampoline

2. Jump up and down

3. Repeat daily

Now go rebound. You’ll do something amazing for your health, and, rebounding is quite joyful. Something about just jumping up and down is fun and freeing. It really helps release the inner child in you and who knows, that happy inner child may provide you with some much-needed perspective.

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What is HPP ?

What is HPP?
Google says: “High Pressure Processing (HPP)
is an FDA approved method of treating foods and juices. They claim that by doing HPP you reduce or eliminate harmful bacteria and extend the shelf life. Because HPP is a non-thermal pasteurization process, it does not materially affect the food itself thereby preserving freshness, taste, and consistency. HPP usually extends the shelf life of raw foods from a few days to 45-90 days. This makes the food stable and easier to transport, hold, store, and sell.”
hpp
The above quote is what you would read if you google HPP. We have been talking about HPP since we started back in early 2012, Educating consumers that these juices are not raw like they claim. There are no laws in place right now that forces juice cleanse companies to tell the truth that they are using HPP. .
HPP is just another way where something that is healthy and amazing for you is taken and turned into garbage. Raw juice does not last 45 days or 60 days. And you can not preserve the live enzymes and nutrients for that long that’s why if you taste a juice that is HPP it will taste different and watery compared to a raw juice made from raw ingredients and in its raw state.
Also yes you are killing the bad pathogens they may occurr in the juice when it expires in its natural state in 5 to 7 days, but at that same time you are killing all the good bacteria as well. Your body needs both those bacterias, the bad builds up your immunity and the good bacteria is amazing for your gut. Conclusion: HPP is only about profit, its about prolong the shelf life of the juice to make it easier for companies and it has nothing nothing at all to do with your health.
The sterile alternative to actual RAW juice is not what you should use when doing a juice cleanse. Point of a juice is feast your cells on all the live enzymes and raw nutrients and the amazing gut flora. All these are destroyed when you HPP. Live enzymes die withing 5 days of a raw juice and they CANT be prolonged. The only thing HPP is prolonging is companies making money of you drinking sugar water. Because once those live enzymes are dead than that juice becomes all sugar. One of live enzymes million job is to break down that sugar and if they are no longer there than all that is left is sugar.

Remember there is no law right now in Canada or even the USA that makes companies tell the truth. So here clues to look for.

So how do you know if a juice that is claiming to be raw is actually HPP?

1- you can not HPP glass bottles. The high pressure process can only be done on juice in plastic bottles. So if juice is in plastic it’s 99.9 percent HPP.
2- Its sold at big chains like whole foods, planet organic, drug stores, loblaws, Rabba, sobeys, Metro, Walmart, and Costco. It’s all about big stores making profit. No big grocery chain is going to carry a juice that will be expired in 5 days, so a shelf life of 45 to 90 days is perfect for them and perfect for the juice company as well since nothing will go in the garbage.
3- Companies that hpp their juice will never tell you the day it was juiced and bottled and if they are not sold in stores they don’t have to tell you expiry date either. In the grocery stores Its the law for them to put expiry date. Check the expiry date and remember a RAW juice does not and can not last more than 5 to 7 days. If it does its no longer raw and has been processed.
4- Look at the bottle itself. HPP is very watery because the fiber is lost with the hpp process. Look for the separation that happens in the juice. If a juice claims it has 8 different leafy greens and apple in it, 45 percent of the bottle should be separated between the water and the fiber. If I confused you I apologize. Raw juice separates when it sits there, its a natural state and it tells you how much fiber is in the juice. I know many think that raw juice does not have fiber, they are wrong.

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DIY ginger oil mask for hair growth | cure for dandruff & thinning hair

Whether searching ancient Ayurveda remedies from India, Chinese herbal remedies or folk medicine from Europe and America, you’ll find ginger plays a prominent role. If your mother every gave you ginger-ale for stomach problems, you probably already know about the benefits for nausea.

However, it’s used for so many ailments, such as easing the effects of the common cold and aiding in relieving the pain of arthritis. One of the primary pain relieving components is gingerol. Today, science backs up the benefits and add to them even more uses, such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.

Health & Body Benefits of Ginger

Not only is ginger good for your health, it’s a fabulous beauty aid too.
Ginger contains many phytochemicals and nutrients that can help you look your best.
It has anti-aging properties due to the antioxidants. It improves circulation when applied topically, repairs damaged hair follicles and contains keratin proteins that helps hair grow and softens hair.
It comes in a number of different colors, but all of the have the same benefits. Ginger can be yellow, redo or white on the inside, but the light brown skin of this root is always similar.

Because of the ability of ginger to stimulate circulation and the keratin proteins, a hair mask made of ginger can bring life back to your hair and make it look fabulous.

It works both on the hair shaft and the scalp to create stunning, strong, soft follicles, so you’ll get benefits immediately and even more benefits the longer you use it. This recipe takes only minutes to make and apply and won’t cost you a fortune.
mask

If you have a scalp or dandruff problem, you should try this hair mask as it really cleanses your scalp thus, helps with the new hair growth.

INGREDIENTS

3-4 knobs of fresh ginger
olive oil or coconut oil

INSTRUCTIONS

Peel the skin of the ginger
Grate the ginger (the easiest to get the juice of the ginger)
Using a strainer or a cheesecloth, squeeze the grated ginger and separate the juice from the pulp (this is optional – you can dilute the mixture with water because the ginger may sting your scalp or you have a sensitive scalp)
Add olive oil or coconut oil – just eyeball the amount but use more oil than the ginger juice
Mix the mixture and apply it by section into your scalp by using cotton pads or cotton balls.
Make sure your scalp is fully coated.
You can do this routine once or twice a week to see improvements.
Do a 3 minute scalp massage and wrap your hair with a plastic bag
Let it sit for 20-30 minutes and wash it off with shampoo and conditioner.

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Juice Feasting Cleanse is Great For You

Why is it always a good time to do a juice feasting cleanse?
Floods your body with super nutrition. Being on an all-produce diet gives us not only the vitamins and minerals but the all-important phytonutrients that are powerhouses for the clean-up and healing process. Juices are by nature raw foods — and retain nutrients that would be destroyed by cooking, including some B vitamins and especially (digestive and anti-inflammatory) enzymes.

As you are feeling better and having more energy, you also naturally lose weight. Some of this is water bloat, but also some is fat. A juice cleanse (three days minimum) is a great way to jump start a diet. The longer you do the better. It not only helps control appetite and cravings, but is naturally lower in calories, while supplying the body with probably more concentrated beneficial energizing and healing nutrients than it has seen before.
saturday

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Cashew Mylk Heaven

cashewDelicately sweet yet healthy and delicious cashew nut is packed with energy, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that are essential for robust health.
Not only are cashews one of the best-tasting and most versatile nuts there is, but they also come loaded with health benefits. Cashews nutrition benefits include the ability to improve heart health, support healthy brain functioning, and improve digestion and nutrient absorption. Plus, they even be able to help you lose weight.

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Vegan Chickpea Meatloaf

meatloaf1

Vegan Chickpea Meatloaf:

You and your family will love this dish we promise. This hearty vegan meatloaf is made from chickpeas and baked up to perfection and topped with a flavorful glaze. It’s not your meatloaf your mom or grandma makes but we promise it will be better. Try this recipe and let us know what you think.

This recipe has the protein, the right carbs and the perfect fats. Add a salad to the side and you have the perfect meal.

Enjoy

Ingredients
For the Chickpea Meatloaf

2-14 oz. cans or 3 cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 onion, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups breadcrumbs (we used 1 cup Glutino Bread crumbs and 1 cup of Spelt Bread crumbs)
½ cup almond milk
3 tbsp. vegan Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp. soy sauce or tamari
2 tbsp. coldpressed olive oil
2 tbsp. ground flax seeds
2 tbsp. tomato paste
1 tbsp. BBQ sauce- we used Amazing Dads BBQ sauce in honey garlic and regular.
¼ tsp. black pepper
sauce bread crumbs
For the Glaze

¼ cup tomato paste
2 tbsp. Organic maple syrup
2 tbsp. raw apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp. soy sauce or tamari
1 tsp. paprika
meatloaf2

Preheat oven to 375°. Lightly oil a 9 inch loaf pan.
Place all meatloaf ingredients into food processor bowl and pulse until chickpeas are broken up and ingredients are well mixed, stopping to scrape down sides of bowl as needed. Do not overblend.
Press mixture into prepared loaf pan and bake 30 minutes.
While meatloaf bakes, stir glaze ingredients together in a small bowl.
Remove loaf from oven after 30 minutes and spoon glaze overtop of loaf. Bake another 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool at least 10 minutes before cutting.
The longer this sits, the firmer it gets. If it initially feels a bit soft for your liking, let it sit a for a few minutes or prep it a day in advance and reheat the day of serving. meatloaf3

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Yoga and Meditation

Performed with the proper attitude, each of our everyday actions can be an asana, each breath a pranayama, each thought (or space between two successive thoughts) a seed for meditation.

We may have been gifted with the life-enhancing tool of yoga, but for what reason? The clue is in the Sanskrit word yoga itself, which as you no doubt have heard means “union.” For our purposes, though, it might be better to define it as “wholeness,” a word etymologically related to both healthy and holy. So why do we really practice yoga? Because life wants us to be whole in the widest and truest sense of the word.

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Chronic Disease

More people die from chronic disease today than all other causes combined. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 36 million people die every year from degenerative conditions.
disbet

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The Mind Body Gap

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Touch is the Key

Touch is our mother tongue, the original and only language of the body. As mammals we rely on skin contact and warmth to awaken our digestive, circulatory, and nervous systems. Kittens not licked or caressed at birth, die. Gentle touch stimulates the hormone thymopoeitin, which nurtures the budding immune system into readiness, and helps us be safe in the world as separate beings. In his groundbreaking book, Touching: The Human Significance of the Skin, Ashley Montagu says: “The communications we transmit through touch constitute the most powerful means of establishing human relationships, the foundation of experience.”

The intimate connection between the “mind” and the “body” too often goes unrecognized by psychotherapists and bodyworkers. When the mind is seen as some disembodied entity with its own independent imbalances, and the body as merely physical, the essential wholeness of a person gets ignored, and fractionalized treatment can be ineffective, and even make things worse.

The latest findings of psychoneuroimmunology help to bridge the mind/body gap. The discovery of the vast inner neuropeptide network, that contains and relays our emotions, inner images, and even beliefs, lays the common ground for doctors, bodyworkers, and psychotherapists to collaborate and formulate a new holistic approach and language to healing. Deep feelings held in the body outside of conscious awareness are the lock. Touch is the key.

Touch is emotional. Although bodyworkers primarily focus on the treatment of the soft tissue of the body, they are in fact treating the whole person, and often encounter an expression of emotion and/or memories triggered by touch. The science of psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) investigates the mind/body link and offers a model that bridges the connection. Holistic treatment calls for the bodyworker to be familiar with the concepts of PNI to help understand the emotional component of his or her work in order to better facilitate positive changes that last over time.

Source:
http://hippocratesinst.org/the-inner-dimension-of-bodywork?platform=hootsuite

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Microbeads Toxic Substance Under CEPA

Statement by Environmental Defence’s Maggie MacDonald on federal government’s decision on microbeads
Jun 29, 2016

Taken From: http://environmentaldefence.ca/2016/06/29/statement-environmental-defences-maggie-macdonald-federal-governments-decision-microbeads/

Toronto, Ontario
We applaud the federal government’s decision to add microbeads to the Schedule 1 list of toxic substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), enabling the government to regulate the substance. The government can now move on regulations to ban microbeads under CEPA.

Microbeads are toxic and unnecessary additions to personal care products like toothpaste and body wash. They may contain toxic substances such as phthalates and bisphenol-A (BPA) that become absorbed on their surface, and can be consumed by fish and birds. Furthermore, every day they continue to be used, the Great Lakes become more polluted with microplastic. Researchers from the State University of New York estimate that Lake Ontario contains 1.1 million plastic particles per square kilometer of lake bottom.

Microbeads can easily be eliminated from personal care products and replaced with natural ingredients like almond and apricot shells. Several large companies, including Johnson & Johnson and Loblaw have already taken the lead and announced that they will be ending the use of these microplastics, effectively eliminating economic arguments for delaying a ban on these substances.

Also, other jurisdictions have already moved to ban microbeads. On December 28, 2015, U.S. President Obama signed a bill requiring that American manufacturers end the use of microbeads in products by July 1, 2017. The bill will also end the sale of products containing microbeads in the U.S. by July 1, 2018. Today’s announcement will enable the Canadian government to better align our regulation of microbeads with the U.S., in terms of the definition of the size of microbeads, and how quickly they can be removed from the market.

This announcement also comes at a time when CEPA is being reviewed by the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development. We are calling for improvements to risk management under the act to make sure toxic substances are removed from products in a timely manner.

While risk assessments have been completed for many toxic chemicals on schedule 1, development and implementation of risk management strategies for many substances assessed as “CEPA-toxic” has yet to be completed or is inadequate. For example, triclosan was declared toxic to the environment under the CMP in 2012, yet no ban or restrictions have been announced to date. We hope that this swift action on microbeads is a sign of things to come when it comes to the federal government’s attention to toxic chemicals.

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For further information contact:

Jen Mayville, Environmental Defence, jmayville@environmentaldefence.ca; 416-323-9521 ext. 228, 905-330-0172 (cell)

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Chlorella & Heavy Metals

If you have mercury fillings in your teeth, have been vaccinated, eat fish regularly, have been exposed to radiation or consume foods from China, you may have heavy metals lurking in your body. It is important for your overall health and wellness to be proactive in detoxing heavy metals and toxins.

One of chlorella’s most significant health benefits is that it wraps itself around even stubborn toxins residing in our bodies, such as lead, cadmium, mercury and uranium, and keeps them from being reabsorbed. Regular consumption of chlorella can even help keep heavy metals from accumulating in our bodies’ soft tissues and organs in the first place.

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Do You Drink Lemon Water? Time to Get Started

today1 A glass of lemon juice contains less than 25 calories. It is a rich source of nutrients like calcium, potassium, vitamin C and pectin fibre. It also has medicinal values and antibacterial properties.

16 Health Benefits Of Drinking Warm Lemon Water

1- Lemon is an excellent and rich source of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that protects the body against immune system deficiencies
2-Lemons contain pectin fibre which is very beneficial for colon health and also serves as a powerful antibacterial
3- It balances to maintain the pH levels in the body
4- Having warm lemon juice early in the morning helps flush out toxins
5- It aids digestion and encourages the production of bile
6- It is also a great source citric acid, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium
7- helps prevent the growth of bacteria that cause infections and diseases
8- It helps reducing pain and inflammation in joints and knees as it dissolves uric acid
9- It helps when you are sick and coming down with a cold.
10- The potassium content in lemon helps nourish brain and nerve cells
11- It strengthens the liver by providing energy to the liver enzymes when they are too dilute
12- It helps balance the calcium and oxygen levels in the liver In case of a heartburn, taking a glass of concentrated lemon juice can give relief
13- It is of immense benefit to the skin and it prevents the formation of wrinkles and acne
14- It helps maintain the health of the eyes and helps fight against eye problems
15- Aids in the production of digestive juices
16- Lemon juice helps replenish body salts especially after a strenuous workout session

Get on the lemon water bandwagon, Its a habit that should be done daily, especially right when you wake up.

How much lemon to put in your water?
squeeze or juice one lemon and add to 1 litre of water. ENJOY.

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Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

aloeOur Fresh weekly delivery of aloe Vera.

Benefits of Aloe Vera
1. Aloe Vera Is High in Vitamins & Minerals:
Aloe Vera is also one of the few plants that contains vitamin B12.

2. Aloe Vera is High in Amino Acids & Fatty Acids.
Aloe has 20 amino acids, with all 8 essential amino acids. Aloe vera also includes quite an impressive range of fatty acids. Aloe contains three plant sterols, which are important fatty acids – HCL cholesterol , campesterol, and B-sitosterol.

3. Aloe Vera is an Adaptogen.
Aloes power as an adaptogen balances the body’s system, stimulating the defence and adaptive mechanisms of the body. This allows you an increased ability to cope with stresses of environment.

4. Aloe Helps with Digestion.
Aloe soothes & cleanses digestive tract & improves digestion. because aloe is an adaptogen, it helps with constipation or diarrhea, helping to regulate elimination cycles. It’s great for people irritable bowel syndrome & acid reflux. Aloe also helps to decrease the amount of unfriendly bacteria in our gut keeping intestinal flora in balance.

5. Aloe Helps in Detoxification
Aloe Vera is a gelatinous plant food, just like chia seeds. The main benefit to consuming gelatinous plant foods in your diet is that these gels move through the intestinal tract absorbing toxins along the way and get eliminated through the colon.

6. Aloe Alkalizes the Body.

7. Cardiovascular Health.

8. Aloe Helps Boost the Immune System. The polysaccharides in aloe vera juice stimulate macrophages, which are the white blood cells of your immune system that fight against viruses.
9. “Don’t put anything on your skin that you wouldn’t eat!” Aloe increases the elasticity of the skin making it more flexible through collagen and elastin repair. It helps supply oxygen to the skin cells, increasing the strength & synthesis of skin tissue & induces improved blood flow to the skin through capillary dilation.
10. Aloe vera is a: Disinfectant, Anti-biotic, Anti-microbial, Germicidal, Anti-bacterial, Anti-septic, Anti-fungal & Anti-viral.

11. Aloe Helps Reduce Inflammation.
Aloe Vera contains 12 substances, including B-sisterole, which slows down inflammation.

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Lacuma Health Benefits

lacuma Lucuma is sweet, but low on the glycemic scale, so it is perfect for anyone looking to decrease their sugar consumption. The flavor is similar to caramel or maple, so it lends itself to a wide variety of sweets. For breakfast, add a tablespoon of lucuma powder to smoothies, yogurt, and oatmeal. You can of course use it in desserts as well by blending it into pudding, cakes, cookies, candies, and bars.

Lucuma contains antioxidants, good amounts of fiber, healthy carbohydrates, and minerals such as zinc, calcium and iron. Judging the by the bright, yellow-orange hued flesh, we know that it is packed with beta-carotene, a powerful anti-carcinogenic compound.

Given it’s fruity flavour, Lucuma can be used as a natural low GI sweetener. This makes it safe for diabetics, and great for the rest of us to help stabilise blood sugar (critical for all bodily cell function), and even out energy levels. It can be substituted for regular sugar in a 2:1 ratio (2 Tablespoons Lucuma for every 1 Tablespoon sugar).

Lucuma’s rich antioxidant content means it helps to fight and prevent disease, and slow the aging process. The fruit is used as a natural healing medicine in South America, due to its antibiotic, antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

As a fruit, Lucuma is full of healthy carbs. That’s right, Healthy + Carbs (you haven’t heard those two in a sentence for a while right). Whole food carbohydrates are essential for the body, providing energy and fuel, and helping our brain to function. Ever wondered why you can’t concentrate after a carb-restrictive day? Precisely. Paleo-peeps you especially need to increase your whole food carbohydrate intake given your lack of grains. Lucuma is a perfect way to do that.

Lucuma has the same amount of calcium as a glass of cow’s milk, as well as plentiful amounts of beta-carotene (an anti-carcinogen), zinc, iron, vitamin C, niacin (B3), and fiber. It also contains 14 essential trace minerals.

Smoothie for you to try with Lacuma, experiment and have fun.

Chia, Lucuma, Coconut Smoothie

Ingredients

1 Cup almond milk
1 Cup water
½ Cup coconut milk (or 3 frozen coconut milk cubes are even better)
½ very ripe banana
1 t cinnamon
2 t lucuma powder
1 T chia seeds
½ t stevia or 1 t agave

Preparation

Blend.
Drink.
Love.

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One Therapeutic Benefit Of Hemp Seeds

hemp seedsHere is what we know about the therapeutic benefits of hemp. Excellent 3:1 balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which promote cardiovascular health. High in gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an essential omega-6 fatty acid found in borage oil and egg yolks that has been proven to naturally balance hormones.

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Are You Juicing Yet? You should?

11224148_856103724496775_1887734345445985447_n1800 831 9028
Info@rawjuiceguru.com

Juicing offers many life-enhancing health benefits including a faster, more efficient way to absorb immune boosting nutrients naturally found in fruits and vegetables. It provides a way to access digestive enzymes typically locked away in the fiber matrix of whole fruits and vegetables. Most commercial juices are processed and lacking in nutrition while freshly juiced fruits and vegetables are loaded with an abundance of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.

Drinking fresh juice can help us adopt healthier eating patterns. For those of us who do not traditionally consume many fruits and vegetables, incorporating fresh juice can be a fun and different approach to increasing consumption of these important plant foods for improved health and wellness and reaching your weight loss goals.

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Majik Bomb Elixir

blue majik“Say hello to my little friend” scarface ?

The Majik Bomb:
One of many new combinations coming with the superfood and amazing ??Blue Majik? .

Next week you will meet Majik Guru: a sweet combination of pineapple, coconut next, mint, and a few screw ingredients to be revealed soon. This juice will make our number at 958 yes we are actually counting.
So what is Blue Majik I hear you all asking?
It is a certified, organic proprietary extract of Arthrospira platensis, a nutrient-dense aqua botanical cultivated from the pristine Klamath Lake in Oregon. It is made up primarily of Phycocyanin, a powerful antioxidant which can quench free radicals and has been shown to be a potent natural COX-2 inhibitor.
Is an amazing water-soluble blue pigment that gives its bluish tint. Phycocyanin is only found in blue-green algae like Spirulina—you can’t get it in other foods. Phycocyanin is so effective as an anti-inflammatory, immune enhancer, and superb detoxifier for the kidneys and liver.

So Blue Majik is an extract of spirulina

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New JalaPina Raw Juice and Benefits of Jalapenos

jalapeno1Don’t let this green juice fool you, it’ does have pineapple but the jalapeño will add a serious punch into your life. JalePina juice as available at both locations at Yonge and st Clair, as well as in the junction at Runnymede and Dundas.

Let’s talk jalapeno:

1. Weight loss: Peppers contain a chemical known as capsaicin, which is actually what gives peppers their hot properties. Capsaicin is also good for helping you lose weight. It literally burns away calories and fat.

2. Arthritis: Capsaicin acts as an anti-inflammatory, which makes it great for reducing swelling and pain in thosejalapeno who suffer from arthritis.

3. Cancer: the capsaicin found in peppers actually is able to kill some cancer cells, specifically prostate cancer cells. Does this mean a cure for cancer is just around the corner? We can always hope.

4. Headaches: The capsaicin in peppers blocks the neuropeptide known as Substance P, which is a main pain transmitter to the brain. What this means is that peppers can actually help to ease pain.

5. Nasal Congestion: The heat in peppers, again caused by capsaicin, clears the sinuses. It even helps to fight sinus infections by cleansing the airways.

6. Ulcers: Peppers kill bad bacteria in the stomach and intestines, and often this bacteria is what leads to stomach ulcers.

7. High Blood Pressure: Jalapenos are a chili pepper, and chili peppers commonly have lots of flavinoids, Vitamin C and Vitamin A that help Lower one’s blood pressure.

8. Fluid Loss: Too much fluid in the body is bad for the heart. fluid can build up around the heart, putting a strain on it and potentially damaging it. peppers cause you to sweat, and the more you sweat, the less fluid there is in your body.

9. Heart Attack: The peppers inhibit the buildup of fibrin in the body, and fibrin is a major ingredient for blood clots to form.

10. Anti-Oxidant Properties Because of the flavinoids and vitamins found in jalapeno peppers, these peppers are excellent anti-oxidants, which means they work within the bloodstream to help the body fight off and heal from damaging cells.

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Top 5 Popular Children’s Snacks Made with Cancer Causing Petroleum Products

gummyThe snack foods that are marketed for children can have anything from cancer causing artificial coloring to the unbelievable, petroleum products! ! Petroleum is the same ingredient that is used to make up oil and gas. Commonly used food dyes, such as Yellow 5, and Red 40 are made from petroleum and pose serious health problems. The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that ingestion is typically under the “concern threshold.”

Those health problems can include hyperactivity in children, cancer (in animal studies), and allergic reactions. Artificial food coloring has been linked to bed-wetting, ear infections, headaches, hypersensitivity, obesity, asthma,diabetes,eczema, mood swings, hyperactivity, sleep disturbances, increased risky behavior, ADD/ADHD, chromosomal damage, hives, and possibly hypoglycemia.

In fact, these substances are so toxic that the British government and European Union have ended the use of dyes throughout Europe.

1. Pop tarts

These toaster pastries were first introduced in 1964. The Frosted Strawberry flavor has corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose and sugar within the first 6 ingredients! These are all forms of harmful sugar. The other alarming ingredients are TBHQ which comes from petroleum and is related to butane, partially hydrogenated soybean oil that causes cellular dysfunction, and cancer causing artificial colors.

2. Fruit snacks

These come in so many “fruit” flavors and characters they maybe hard to resist, until you realize they are made mostly is artificial additives and colors. Red 3 is a commonly used food coloring, also known as E127 or Erythrosine, a petroleum product.

3. M&M’s

They are fun colorful chocolate candies that melt in your mouth and not in your hands… These colors are artificial and are harmful when ingested. The colors utilized are, Blue #2: Is a petroleum based product that increases hyperactivity in children, increases brain tumors in lab rats and other abnormal cell development. Blue #1: Produces malignant tumors. Red #40: Damages DNA. Yellow #6: Can cause cancer and Yellow #5: All of these artificial colors are made from petroleum and can cause, in addition, allergic reactions, hyperactivity, and cancer.

4. Cheetos.

Those orange, cheesy snacks. The artificial color that creates the “cheese” color is made from Yellow 6, which we know is derived from petroleum. As is the “cheese” flavoring, including, methyl benzoate and ethyl methylphenidate.

5. Teddy grams

They have been around since 1988 and are available in 5 different flavors. These tiny bears are a great size for even small fingers but they are laced with the dreaded TBHQ. TBHQ can be toxic and also cause nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ear, delirium and collapse. It is shown to cause stomach cancer in lab rats, fragment DNA and cause damage to humane lung and umbilical cells. In children it can cause anxiety, restlessness, and intensify the symptoms of ADHD.

There are many quick and easy healthy snacks to grab and go. Organic fruit, pre portioned bags of organic carrots and celery and when I have a few minutes I make a large batch of granola bars with chia and flax seeds. These bars freeze well, can be made with fruit or nuts, are filling and nutritious.

sources

http://www.cspinet.org/new/201310161.html

http://blog.aarp.org/2013/06/25/8-foods-we-eat-that-other-countries-ban/

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Cruciferous Vegetables and Health Benefits

yes1Let’s talk cruciferous vegetables and why we love them and use them daily here at Raw Juice Guru, these are some of the cruciferous vegetables:

ARUGULA
-Cancer-fighting properties from phytochemicals
-Vitamins A, B-6, C, K, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin, which help with everything from bone formation, neurological health + detoxification
-Metabolism-controlling minerals such as copper and iron

BOK CHOY
-Omega-3s for brain function and anti-inflammatory properties
-High levels of vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin known for bone health and lowering inflammation
-Zinc, which helps to regulate hormones
Antioxidant support from vitamins A and C and flavonoids

BROCCOLI
-fiber content for digestive support + cholesterol-lowering benefits
-Anti-inflammatory, pro-detox + antioxidant benefits for cancer-fighting
-B complex vitamins linked to cardiovascular health

BRUSSELS SPROUTS
-Fiber content contributes to digestive support + cholesterol-lowering benefits
-High in detoxifying + cancer-fighting glucosinolates phytonutrients
-Elements in sprouts linked to improved DNA stability

CAULIFLOWER
-Detoxifying phytonutrients + antioxidant benefits from vitamin C + manganese, lower chronic stress + risk of cancer
-Excellent source of anti-inflammatory vitamin K
-High fiber content for digestive support

COLLARD GREENS
-Best of the cruciferous for cholesterol-lowering benefits by binding bile in digestive track, making it easier to exit the body
-Cancer-fighting glucosinolates support detox + anti-inflammatory systems

KALE
– b vitamin folate is key for brain development
-fiber + protein content manage hunger + satiate
-Lutein + zeaxanthin, nutrients protect against macular degeneration

MUSTARD GREENS
-High-fiber for gut health
-Vitamin K for bone development + limiting neuronal brain damage
-Indoles inhibit cancer-cell growth

RADISHES
-This detoxifying diuretic increases urine production
-High levels of vitamin C and anthocyanins may inhibit cancer-cell growth
– B + C vitamins, zinc, phosphorus + high water content benefit the skin health + appearance

TURNIPS
– B vitamins help promote healthy liver, skin, eyes + hair
-Calcium for bone, muscle + nervous system health
-Indoles inhibit cancer-cell growth

list

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For The Love of Cashews…EAT THEM

casKnown benefits of Cashew Nuts
• Abundant source of essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium
• Rich in “heart-friendly” monounsaturated-fatty acids
• Supports cardiovascular and circulatory health
• Supports weight management due to high dietary fiber and high energy content

cashew nog

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When to Juice Cleanse?

Every day is the perfect time for a detox! Start fresh, cleansed, and ready to take on 2016 with a tailored and formulated juice cleanse from @Rawjuiceguru, which is unlike any typical juice cleanse because we formulate juices to each client from over 900 raw juices. Our 900 juices have bio-available nutrients, live enzymes, boosters, phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals and the healing powers of earth, water and sun.

Your cleanse is not about going into starvation mode, but rebuilding your body and. digestive system to get you on track.
Don’t miss the holiday promo going on now too…

Promo ends December 31st, you have 6 months to book your cleanse once you buy it.

email cleanse info@rawjuiceguru.com or call 1800 831 9028 to order.
cleanse

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About Makeup You Wear

“If you want to test cosmetics, why do it on some poor animal who hasn’t done anything? They should use prisoners who have been convicted of murder or rape instead. So, rather than seeing if perfume irritates a bunny rabbit’s eyes, they should throw it in Charles Manson’s eyes and ask him if it hurts.”
~ Ellen DeGenerescos

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Quote of The Day

“Vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, nuts and seeds sound boring? But so does A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and yet, that boring alphabet when you put it together, makes Shakespeare. When you put the five food groups together, it makes the most delicious cuisine ever.” – Main Street Vegan
tod

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Grap Your Raw Juice

What Can Organic Slow pressed Raw Juice do for you:

– Boost the number of fruits and vegetables you consume daily
– Break the cycle of unhealthy eating and crave healthy foods
-Lose weight
-Manage a healthy weight
– Lower the risk of life-threatening diseases
– Promote longevity
– Decrease aches and pains in joints and muscles
– Boost your immune system
– Release stored toxins
– Increase energy levels
-Promote beautiful and healthy skin, nails and hair
– Ease digestion by accessing digestive enzymes locked away in whole produce

Stop by 3324 Dundas street west, Toronto
For your organic slow pressed raw juice, or order for delivery on www.rawjuiceguru.com
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Eucalyptus Health benefits

Hang Eucalyptus in your shower, the steam will release beneficial oils.

Eucalyptus benefits:
-antiseptic,
-anti stress,
-mental clarity,
-mood enhancer,
-anti inflammatory
-respiratory health
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Our Alfalfa Raw Juice Called POWER

Power:
Alfalfa, ginseng, kale, orange, pineapple

Alfalfa in Arabic means “The king of all foods.”

Not only does the alfalfa plant contain a full spectrum of important vitamins, but it is also loaded with extremely important minerals such as biotin, calcium, folic acid, iron, magnesium, potassium, and many others.

Alfalfa is rich in protein as well as vitamins A, C and K. It is a nutritious whole food, packed with antioxidants and minerals including magnesium, calcium and iron. Heavy in phytoestrogens, alfalfa is used in the treatment of menopause symptoms to combat estrogen deficiency. It is also a popular tonic for flushing the body of toxins.
alfala

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Chlorophyll

12359952_861851483921999_3439581981483822322_nPlaydo and wheatgrass elixirs go hand in hand. Ones for imagination, the green one for your health.

Molecular structure of ?#?chlorophyll? is very similar to that of hemoglobin, the substance that transports oxygen in the bloodstream. Consuming #chlorophyll rich fruits & veggies improves the efficiency of oxygen transport in the body.

Wheatgrass is a huge source of chlorophyll vitamins minerals and amino acids. Wheatgrass offer a myriad of benefits. It’s high chlorophyll content is what makes it a superb detoxifier and anti cancer ?superfood?.

Chlorophyll exhibits strong anti inflammatory and anti viral activity and serves as an effective chelation agent , removing toxic heavy metals such as Mercury from the body.

The buildup of ?#?toxins? can severely depress the immune system. In past half century with the increase in environmental pollution and dependence on processed foods we have witnesses a higher rates of diseases such as ?#?cancer? , dementia, heart disease, ALS and arthritis among many others.

Did you know taking chlorophyll enhances any ?#?exercise? program because the body requires oxygen to develop muscles & burn fat.

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Hemp Seeds and The Amazing Health Benefits for You

hemp seeds and hemp oilRaw shelled hemp seed is one of nature’s perfect foods – a Super Food. This is one of the most potent foods available, supporting optimal health and well being, for life. Raw hemp provides a broad spectrum of health benefits, including: weight loss, increased and sustained energy, rapid recovery from disease or injury, lowered cholesterol and blood pressure, reduced inflammation, improvement in circulation and immune system as well as natural blood sugar control.

Hemp seeds are the perfect 1/3 oil and 1/4 protein for cellular health and energy

-Hemp seeds contain all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids vital for optimal health. Hemp Protein contains all 20 Amino Acids including the 9 Essential Amino Acids. There are 9 essential amino acids that your body can not produce on its own and hemp has them all. If you don’t consume foods rich in these essential amino acids, your health will be compromised. Amino acids work as a building block of proteins. Essential amino acids (contained in hemp) are the most digestible in the world. Hemp also contains vitamin A, E and D, and many B vitamins, sodium, calcium, dietary fiber and iron.

-Hemp Seeds are one of the best vegetable sources of protein. The proteins contained in hemp are similar to proteins in the human body. Thus, hemp provides the right amount of amino acids to help our bodies produce protein. Hemp protein consists of globulins (edestin) and albumin. Approximately 65% of the protein in hemp seeds is made up of the globulin protein Edestin and is found only in hemp seeds.

-Hemp is one of the world’s most potent natural sources of magnesium. Around 75% of people in America are Magnesium deficient. Being one of the most vital minerals, it is responsible for over 300 different biochemical reactions which are essential for your body to function properly. 1/2 cup of hemp seeds contains 92% of your daily value of magnesium.

-Hemp contains the perfect ratio of omega fatty acids; three omega3 to 1-omega6. Omega-6 is only beneficial for our bodies if the ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3 is 3 to 1. As a nation, we do not consume enough of these. The current ratio in America is at 50:1.

Hemp seeds have a very mild, nutty flavor. As with the other seeds, they’re good in hot or cold cereals, smoothies, and soups, or just sprinkled on salads, casseroles, noodle dishes, or cooked grains. Hemp oil has a strong “grassy” flavor that, though an acquired taste, affords the same benefits and can be used in place of olive oil in cold dishes like salads, but not for cooking.

Enjoy or Hemo Mylk pictured below, or our many raw food meals containing Hemp seeds and hemp oil.

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Cookie Cutter Cleanse Is NOT for You

11224148_856103724496775_1887734345445985447_nDaily weekly monthly and yearly we ignore our bodies signals and warning signs.
Headaches, acne, foggy, dryness, depression, mood swings, menstrual pains, weight gain, bloating , lower back pain, migraines, skin rashes and so on and so on.

All these is your body telling you “pay attention something is not right in here”.

Let us help tailor and formulate a juice feasting cleanse to help your body. We have over 900 kinds of juices that we use to put your juice cleanse together. No matter the amount of days you choose, we ensure that your juices change daily and that you receive all the nutrients your body needs.

Your not a cookie cutter person and your cleanse should not be either.

1800 831 9028

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Matcha Matcha

matchaLong ago in ancient civilizations, tea began as a medicine. Only later did it turn into the casual daytime beverage that we enjoy today. But modern studies continually reveal the enormous range of health benefits of matcha, confirming those early sought-after medicinal properties. And turns out they’re pretty impressive. One study states a single cup of matcha contains an incredible 137 times more antioxidants than a cup of brewed tea bag! What’s uniquely special is that matcha contains a certain kind of antioxidant called catechins (of all antioxidants, catechins are the most potent and beneficial – nice!) Matcha is especially high in one specific catechin, called EGCG, which is recognized for it’s cancer fighting properties.

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China Study Statements about Food Labels

This is a very hard hitting statement from Colin T Campbell, he wrote the china study. Amazing book if you haven’t read it. I truly believe in this statement.
But you have to also realize even as vegans you can eat the wrong things, there is still processed food for vegans. Choose wisely. Read ingredients of the foods you buy. Be aware and be cautious of hidden meaning and names.

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Vitamin D and its Importance to Your Health

558895_510625919044559_1673957776_nVitamin D is Actually a Hormone: Here’s Why You Need It

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin (technically a hormone) that is generally produced by special cells in our skin, in conjunction with cholesterol. When the sun hits your skin, it sets off a series of chemical reactions that produce each of the phases of Vitamin D.

This Vitamin D3 is then transported to your liver where it is converted into the usable form of vitamin D, and then goes about doing all the wonderful things vitamin D does for us. Did you know that one of the roles of vitamin D is helping us to better absorb and utilize calcium & phosphorus? That is one of the reasons why many calcium supplements come with vitamin D included.

Boost your body’s ability to utilize these bone, teeth and nail building minerals by getting your daily dose of vitamin D through 15-30 minutes of bare skin sun exposure 3-5 times per week (longer exposure needed the darker tone your skin is and where you live in relation to the equator), beating foods high in naturally occurring vitamin D2 (Ergocalciferol), and
supplementing with very effective and inexpensive vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) oils which can be readily found in a health food store near you.

If you can only afford one supplement for your health, the wide array of health enhancing and disease preventative benefits that healthy levels of Vitamin D3 provides makes this the one.

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Our New C-V8 Juice & Benefits of Tomatoe

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Come try the refreshing, happy heart, cardiovascular strengthening raw juice.

Cucumber, tomatoes, celery, cayenne pepper, black pepper, Himalayan salt

10 Health Benefits from Eating Tomatoes

1. Tomatoes are good for your skin.

Tomatoes contain a high level of lycopene, which is a substance that is used in some of the more pricy facial cleansers that are available for purchase over-the-counter.
If you want to try tomatoes for skin care, you need to start with about eight to twelve tomatoes. Peel the tomatoes and then place the skin on your face with inside of the tomato touching your skin.
Leave the tomatoes on your face for a minimum of ten minutes, then wash. Your face will feel clean and shiny. Some redness may occur, but should fade with time.

2. Tomatoes help prevent several types of cancer.

A number of studies have been conducted that indicate that the high levels of lycopene in tomatoes works to reduce your chances of developing prostate, colorectal and stomach cancer.
Lycopene is a natural antioxidant that works effectively to slow the growth of cancerous cells. Cooked tomatoes produce even more lycopene, so go ahead and cook up a batch of your mom’s famous tomato soup.

3. Tomatoes help maintain strong bones.

Tomatoes contain a considerable amount of calcium and Vitamin K. Both of these nutrients are essential in strengthening and performing minor repairs on the bones as well as the bone tissue.

4. Tomatoes help repair damage caused by smoking.

No, eating tomatoes is not the most recent fad to help you quit smoking. However, tomatoes can reduce the amount of damaged done to your body by smoking cigarettes.
Tomatoes contain coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid that work to protect the body from carcinogens that are produced from cigarette smoke.

5. Tomatoes provide essential antioxidants.

Tomatoes contain a great deal of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. This is primarily because these vitamins and beta-carotene work as antioxidants to neutralize harmful free radicals in the blood.
Free radicals in the blood stream are dangerous because it may lead to cell damage. Remember, the redder the tomato you eat is, the more beta-carotene it contains. In addition, you also want to keep in mind that cooking destroys the Vitamin C, so for these benefits, the tomatoes need to be eaten raw.

6. Tomatoes are good for your heart.

Because of the Vitamin B and potassium in tomatoes, they are effective in reducing cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure. Therefore, by including tomatoes in your regular balanced diet you can effectively prevent heart attacks, strokes as well as many other heart related problems that may threaten your life.

7. Tomatoes are good for your hair.

The Vitamin A in tomatoes works perfectly to keep your hair shiny and strong. In addition, it also does wonders for your eyes, skin, bones and teeth.

8. Tomatoes are good for your kidneys.

Adding tomatoes without seeds to your diet has been proven in some studies to reduce the risk of kidney stones.

9. Tomatoes are good for your eyes.

The Vitamin A found in tomatoes is fantastic for improving your vision. In addition, eating tomatoes is one of the best foods to eat to prevent the development of night blindness.

10. Helps diabetic.

Tomatoes are packed full of the valuable mineral known as chromium. It works effectively to help diabetics keep their blood sugar levels under better control

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Why we should all consume Raw Juice?

IMG_4857Consuming Raw juices repairs cellular DNA and helps prevent cancer! 98% of your cells are replaced every year. When you rebuild your cells with high mineral content foods, you protect your body from free-radicals, diseases, viruses, infections, and more! Raw juices are filled with minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants, and powerful proteins. Make healthy habits now. We believe in REAL prevention, do you?

Respect how incredible your body is. Your body has the ability to heal itself and it will achieve it’s highest potential if we clear the way for it to do so. Clear out all the foreign junk and toxicity with a tailored organic coldpressed juice feasting cleanse

Only when we cleanse can the energy in our body be distributed to rebuild the beauty and lustrous qualities of skin and hair, add glitter in eye, firm up and tighten skin, give you loads amount of energy and clarity not to mention you allow your body to properly nourish and revive itself. By allowing your organs to function like they should

Www.rawjuiceguru.com
Info@rawjuiceguru.com
1800 831 9028

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Raw Pumpkin Pie Recipe

imagesThe BEST Raw Pumpkin Pie Recipe

This pumpkin pie, is FOR SURE, the BEST pumpkin pie I have ever had the chance of experiencing. The crust is incredibly tasty, and the filling is to die for! So much better than a plain dough crust and refined-sugar infused filling (with who knows what other chemicals are hidden in there!). It is 100% raw, gluten-free, nut & seed free, low-fat and AMAZING!

Pumpkin is one of my favorite fall treats because it is loaded with so many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients (especially when eaten raw, such as in this recipe!). Pumpkins are packed with muscle-building protein, contain lutein for eye health, help support a healthy prostate, bladder and kidneys, help lower cholesterol, rich in B-complex group of vitamins, and they contain vitamin C, E, iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium, & alpha and beta carotenoids, which help prevent cellular damage!

Ingredients:
Crust:
– 1 mature coconut
– 1-1.5 cups raisins
– pinch of cinnamon

1. Take the coconut and cut open – take out meat and shred it into flakes (I used my juicer, and just processed the coconut – the pulp that comes out resembles fresh coconut flakes!)
2. Put coconut flakes & 1 cup of raisins into food processor. Blend for awhile, until it starts to clump and turn into “dough” – you can add more raisins if you like, just make sure the mixture is not too sticky, so somewhat dry.
3. Form this into a pie dish to resemble the crust.

Filling:
– 1 sugar pumpkin
– 7-10 dates, pitted
– 1/2 tsp. cloves
– 1 tsp. cinnamon
– 1 inch piece fresh ginger root (or 1-2 tsp. dried ginger powder)

1. Peel sugar pumpkin, and take out seeds.
2. Cut into little pieces and put into a high-speed blender like the Vitamix.
3. Put in dates, and spices and ginger.
4. Put in a little bit of water to get the mixture started.
5. Blend until smooth (the Vitamix is a great blender for blending pumpkin!)

Put filling into pie crust, and voila! You can put it in the freezer to set it a bit if you please, but I just put mine in the fridge and kept it overnight. Enjoy! Leave a comment below and tell me how it went!

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87 Chemicals found in Febreeze

12107254_652468321522323_2037889180249162409_nThe first thing that is really important to understand: the product does not remove odor molecules and it doesn’t clean the item it comes into contact with.

The odor molecules are still there. Your nose just can’t perceive them because you smell the chemical product instead.

That alone should be your first warning. We know inhalation of any chemicals is dangerous, and several of its ingredients listed below are known to irritate the lungs…but this is a chemical whose entire purpose is to be inhaled!

Unfortunately there is not much data being shared on Febreeze and their many products, but the Environmental Working Group (EWG) did conduct a test for the ingredients of one of their products, Febreeze Air Effects.

Shockingly, P&G only disclosed THREE ingredients in this product, but the EWG…they found 87 chemicals in total!

Now this is just one Febreeze product, but the fact that only 3 ingredients were disclosed and that so many undisclosed ingredients are dangerous, it’s safe to assume that their other air fresheners are just as dangerous.

Febreeze Ingredients

Below you’ll find a list of just some of the 87 chemicals found by the EWG in Febreze Air Effects, listed in order of their toxicity to humans:

BHT – Known as a neurotoxin, endocrine disruptor, immunotoxicity, non-reproductive organ system toxicity, skin eye and lung irritator

Acetaldehyde – Known to cause cancer, toxic to reproduction and development, immunotoxin, non-reproductive organ system toxin, skin, eye and lung irritator

“Fragrance” – One of the three ingredients actually disclosed, it’s a neurotoxin, immunotoxin and allergen

Propylene Glycol – Causes cancer, allergies, toxic to immune system, accumulates in the system, non-reproductive organ system toxin, is classified with “enhanced skin absorption” and irritates the skin, eye and lung

1,3-Dichloro-2-propanol – Carcinogenic (causes cancer)

Limonene – Allergen, immunotoxin and skin, eyes and lung irritator

Methyl pyrrolidone – Toxin to reproduction and development, allergen and immunotoxin, non-reproductive organ system toxin and skin, eyes and lung irritator

Alcohol denatured – Also disclosed in the ingredients of Febreeze, it’s linked to cancer, developmental/reproductive toxicity, organ system toxicity and skin, eyes and lung irritator

Butylphenyl methylpropion al – allergen, immunotoxin and and skin, eyes and lung irritator

Ethyl acetate – linked to developmental/reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity, organic system toxicity and and skin, eyes and lung irritator

Geraniol – Linked to allergies, immunotoxicity, organic system toxicity and and skin, eyes and lung irritation

Linalool – allergen, immunotoxin, and and skin, eyes and lung irritator

Benzaldehyde – neurotoxin, and skin, eyes and lung irritator

Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether – non-reproductive organ system toxicity

Ethylhezanol – developmental and reproductive toxin and skin, eyes and lung irritator

Hexyl cinnamal – allergen, immunotoxin and skin, eyes and lung irritator
And way too many more..
..
http://www.ewg.org/…/greener-s…/school-cleaner-test-results…

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Nature Is The Answer

12079275_839975769442904_3709165707332905173_nOn a daily basis, we inhale, ingest, and absorb more toxins than out body can naturally eliminate. Detoxification involves multiple organs such as our kidneys, lungs, skin and gastrointestinal tract. Our liver is the recycling center for our whole body, its essential and vital that its working at top speed. A juice cleanse helps our body do what its meant to do on a daily basis.

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October Juice Cleanse Special

Order 3 or 5 day juice cleanse formulated to your health and receive an extra free on us.

If you order 3 days you will 4th day added on us.
If you order 5 days you will get 6th day free on us.
Let us help you get back on track.

We deliver to GTA for free. Check if we deliver to your home for free.
1800 831 9028
Or order online
http://rawjuiceguru.com/prices/
Info@rawjuiceguru.comIMG_4755

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GMOs and NON GMOs

12072547_838255729614908_2372178310134088714_nGMOs are unhealthy
GMOs are dangerous
GMOs are full if pesticides and herbicides
GMOs cause damage in our body

If GMOs are so good for us and don’t harm us why are they not labelled.

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Dandelion greens part 1

imageDid you know those pesky little weeds on your lawn have actually been used for hundreds of years by native healers and herbalists to treat all sorts of ailments?
?#?Dandelion? greens are packed with vital nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, calcium and copper. They contain more protein per serving than spinach (14% daily value). They have been shown to be good for exhaustion and boosting energy levels.
They are also incredibly powerful for detoxification.

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Ready To Feel Better?

1Do you want to feel better and look great? Are you ready to get back to a healthier you and adopt a healthier lifestyle? If you are serious about a healthy lifestyle, you can start by giving your body the time, energy and nutrients to heal and detox itself. Whether as routine maintenance or a kick start to a new you, a tailored juice cleanse will help you achieve a better, cleaner body and a younger, brighter appearance. Imagine a juice cleanse program that’s designed just for your health and body.
1800 831 9028.

We deliver for free to toronto, mississauga, oakville, burlington, brampton, Richmond hill, vaughan, woodbridge, markham. And extra delivery charges for other areas

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Is there A perfect Time to Cleanse?

IMG_6815Is there a perfect time to do a juice cleanse?

Change of every season is a great time to do a juice cleanse.
Start with changing your eating for just a few days with a 3 to 10 day juice cleanse , it is remarkable what positive transformation will follow.

The romance of unhealthy foods is powerful, as evidenced by the 65 percent of Americans who struggle daily with being overweight and obese. But it is essential to break the cycle of dependence on saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, processed foods, and excess caffeine and alcohol.
Here are 15 significant health enhancements you can obtain with the just a 3 day juice cleanse:
1) Rest the stomach
2) Rest and repair the gut.
3) Rest the liver.
4) reduce your appetite
5) eases food decision making
6) Eliminates harmful foods.
7) Floods our body with super nutrition.
8) loose fat cells
9) Improves energy
10) Rehydrate the body
11) reduced physicals pains and symptoms
12) allows maximum detoxification
13) heals your cells
14) reduced inflammation
15) balances your ph

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A shot a Day, The Powers of Wheatgrass

wheatgrass2 The power of daily wheatgrass shots.

Wheatgrass is the leaf of a young wheat plant. Today, it has become a popular health and diet food. It is considered the topnotch cleanser, builder, healer, protector and rejuvenator of health. Dr. Ann Wigmore was the 1st person to apply the benefits of wheatgrass juice to human health and since then, has helped many overcome health problems.

??wheatgrass? juice helps eliminate toxins stored in the body such as hardened mucous, crystallised fatty acids, fat deposits, calcification and solidified decaying fecal matter. The concentrated amount of selenium in wheatgrass juice is also vital to help purge the body of toxic heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic.

Wheatgrass ?juice? contains all 21 minerals. Wheatgrass juice contains over 100 different elements and scientists have concluded that it is a complete food.

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Health Is An Investment

health

When we learn to eat properly, we begin to rebuild our bodies and to fulfill our purpose on this planet: to grow in health, creativity, wisdom and compassion. Dr. Ann Wigmore

Start each meal with raw vegetables or greens to ensure you get plentiful supply of enzyme rich foods to increase your enzyme reserve.

?#?Didyouknow? live enzymes help reserve the aging process, increase beauty and help us loose weight.

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New Juice: Chaga Greens

today1Newest creation:
CHAGA GREENS

Coconut water, kale, lemon, cucumber, Chaga, ginger

Come try it today or the other 25 flavors we have bottled for you this morning. Or come create your own.

Chaga mushroom is one of the highest food antioxidants in the world!

Chaga is the most powerful sought after mushroom on earth. It’s one of the highest, if not the highest, antioxidants in the world and it’s documented extensively for having numerous health benefits, but it’s publicized mostly as an anti-cancer.

Antioxidants
Anti-Cancer
Anti-HIV
Antibacterial
Anti-Malarial
Anti-Inflammatory
Anthelmintic Properties
Antiviral
Antifungal
Antimicrobial
Anti-Candida
Immune System Modulator
Adaptogen
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)

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Feel And Look Better

todayDo you want to feel better and look great? Are you ready to get back to a healthier you and adopt a healthier lifestyle? If you are serious about a healthy lifestyle, you can start by giving your body the time, energy and nutrients to heal and detox itself. Whether as routine maintenance or a kick start to a new you, a tailored juice cleanse will help you achieve a better, cleaner body and a younger, brighter appearance. Imagine a juice cleanse program that’s designed just for your health and body.
1800 831 9028.
Delivering daily 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Also come visit us at out first location 3324 Dundas street west Monday to Saturday 7am to 3pm

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Recharge Your Battery with a Shot of Wheatgrass

wheatgrass1

The right fuel for our body

Wheatgrass is a complete source of protein, supplying all of the essential amino acids, and more. It has about 20% of total calories coming from protein. This protein is in the form of poly peptides, simpler and shorter chains of amino acids that the body uses more efficiently in the blood stream and tissues.

When it is consumed fresh it is a living food and has bio-electricity. This high vibration energy is literally the life force within the living juice. This resource of life-force energy can potentially unleash powerful renewing vibrations and greater connectivity to one’s inner being. These powerful nutrients can also prevent DNA destruction and help protect us from the ongoing effects of pre-mature aging and cellular breakdown. Recent research shows that only living foods and juices can restore the electrical charge between the capillaries and the cell walls which boosts the immune system. When it is fresh, ?wheatgrass? ??juice? is the king of living juices

Hippocrates

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Turmeric Kick Elixir

turmeric
Turmeric Kick: turmeric, ginger, water and apple cider vinegar.

This 1oz elixir packs a very powerful punch. It is an incredible cleanser and helps
things get moving internally.

Turmeric contains curcumin which has very high anti-inflammatory capabilities. Many
hail it for its ability to alleviate various ailments from joint pain to inflamed
bowels.

Ginger is also an awesome immune-booster. It improves the absorption and
assimilation of essential nutrients in the body. Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory
properties brings relief.

Apple cider vinegar is great for your gut and helps lower blood sugar. The main
substance in vinegar, acetic acid, can kill bacteria and/or prevent them from
multiplying and reaching harmful levels. Apple cider vinegar has shown to improve
insulin sensitivity and helping to lower blood sugar responses after meals.

Available in store today, incorporate it into your day

3325 Dundas street west, Runnymede and dundas in the junction. Toronto

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Who is Raw Juice Guru?

IMG_4755Who is Raw Juice Guru?

Raw food eatery & Juice bar 7am-3pm.
We have been Delivering Tailored juice feast cleanses, raw food cleanses and raw food meal delivery packages Since 2012 to all of southern ontario cities and towns.

We bottle 900 Organic coldpressed nohpp Gmofree Juices.

We craft the most organic and healthy raw food, desert & smoothies.

We created a line of raw juice and treats just for children called “little Juice Guru” in 2013.

We are more than just a juice cleanse company. We want to show you how easy and healthy it is to incorporating more raw food can be. And how half your plate needs to contain raw food. How amazing you will feel including one or two raw juices a day. How detoxifying a wheatgrass elixir can be.

It all starts at the root. Let us help.

Www.rawjuiceguru.com
1800 831 9028

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What is Chlorophyll?

chlorophyll2 Giving plants their green color is a natural compound known as chlorophyll. Utilizing light energy to convert water and carbon dioxide to glucose, chlorophyll plays a vital role in plant energy production. Research has found that this substance not only sustains plant life but has profoundly beneficial effects on human health as well.
The molecular structure of chlorophyll is very similar to that of hemoglobin, the substance that transports oxygen in the bloodstream. Consuming chlorophyll rich fruits and vegetables improves the efficiency of oxygen transport in the body, which works to thin the blood and, in turn, helps prevent clotting and heart disease. Taking chlorophyll enhances any exercise program because the body requires oxygen to develop muscles and burn fat.
Chlorophyll exhibits strong anti-inflammatory and anti0viral activity and serves as an effective chelation agent, removing toxic heavy metals such as mercury from the body. Studies have observes the ability of this substance to aid in the prevention and treatment of cancer. Due to its antibacterial properties, many individuals with bad breath and body odor use chlorophyll mouthwashes or baths for relief.
As with other beneficial nutrients found in whole foods, juicing maximizes the absorption of chlorophyll. Some of the best sources of this rejuvenating substance including asparagus, romain, collard, swiss chard, arugula, bok choy, barley grass, chlorella, collard greens, kale, leeks, parsley, spirulina and wheatgrass.chlorophyll1

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Why Juice?

IMG_4857There are many reasons why we should all juice. Today I will be talking about just 3 of those reasons.
1) It contains protein
2) Its full of Live enzymes
3) It gives you energy

Many are surprised to discover greens are one of the best sources of instantly absorbable, alkaline protein. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and green veggies are loaded with these muscle building nutrients. How do you think cows get their amino acids, magnesium, calcium and other muscle and bone building nutrients? FROM GREENS! They eat the green grass that contains all the phyto-nutrients we need to flourish. So, cut out the middle man and go straight to the source- EAT YOUR GREENS.

I have read so many articles that say meat is the best source of protein out there, its so false. Yes they contain alot of Grams of protein but what your body absorbs is a completely different ball game. Your body will only absorb 20 percent of that protein.

Raw Juice is also full of live enzymes. Food enzymes help make the digestion of food possible. All of natures uncooked and processed foods are full of enzymes. Its what gives us life and health. Live enzymes have a million and one functions, and there are many different kinds of live enzymes. Raw food and raw juice are living foods, they are life. But once you cook your food, they are gone. Enzymes are destroyed at temps over 115 F.

If you want Raw energy without the crash, raw juice is your answer. Coffee is not only acidic in your body but it is also one of the most heavily pesticide sprayed crops around.

Raw juices are liquid nutrition that your body drinks up almost immediately. Enjoy the rich infusion of nutrients.

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Is There Fiber In Raw Juice?

fiberYou have all asked is there fibre in our raw juice? Yes. The separation you see in picture that 80 percent is the fiber. And this juice is apple, cucumber, parsley, cilantro, kale, lemon.

You can always tell the amount of fiber in any raw juice you buy by this separation. It also varies on the kind of juicer you use. We use the best cold pressed juicers to give your body the best amount of live enzymes, nutrients and fiber.

It was also thought that the juice had no fiber. Juicing got a bad rap in the early nineties because it was thought that the juice lacked fiber. But that assertion was simply not true; only the insoluble fiber is removed in the juicing process, and it’s loaded with soluble fiber, which is excellent for the intestinal tract.

There are 2 main types of fiber in fruits and vegetables. There is insoluble and soluble.

We all get enough insoluble, the problem is we are not getting enough soluble because it’s harder for our bodies to break down. Because of the food choices we make. When you remove the insoluble fiber and are left with the fluid part of the fruits and vegetables, it allows easier assimilation and absorption of vitamins, minerals & other important phytonutrients across the digestive tract. Insoluble fiber slows down absorption of many micronutrients, so basically juicing is fast tracking our nutrients.

In the past it was thought when juicing fruits and vegetables, a significant amount of nutrients remained in the fiber of fruits and vegetables, but that theory has been disproved. The Department of Agriculture analyzed twelve fruits and found that 90% of the antioxidant activity was in the raw juice rather than the fiber.

The recommended fiber intake for adults is between 20 and 35g per day, but the average Persona daily intake of dietary fiber is only 14 to 15 grams. It is easy to double that by juicing once each day. You can drink 2-3 lbs of veggies in one juicing, where it would be next to impossible to eat that amount in a meal.

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Raw Food and Weight- Loss

IMG_3567Processed foods as well as animal and dairy products are acidic foods. The more
acidic the foods you consume the more probe you are to health threats ranging from
obesity, to diabetes to cancer and anything in between. An alkaline diet helps to
get rid of the toxins and acidic wastes in your body. Much of this waste is trapped
in the boy fat, so when these toxins are released , body fat is released as well.
This makes raw food diet more efficient than any other dietary programs that allow
intake if processed and cooked foods.
Another factor that contributes to the weight loss effect is that raw food diet is
nutritionally dense. When you crave for food it’s not actually the food that you are
craving for but the nutrients. Essential vitamins and minerals are stripped off
during food processing. You will notice that the more processed food you eat, the
more the cravings you will have. This is less likely to happen if you shot to eating
raw food.
The majority of raw foods belong to the low glycemic index. Which means that these
food release glucose more slowly and steadily. Just like nutritionally dense food,
low GI foods lessen your chances if craving and overrating.
Raw foods are the least calorie dense foods. Meaning you can consume more foods
without gaining weight, this is more true I you eat raw fruits and vegetables.
Because these foods are high in fiber, you feel fuller longer and you love your
bowels more regularly.
Weight-loss is not just a matter of how much you eat and how often you excessive.
Environmental toxins also play an important role. These toxins can interfere in many
of your body’s functions like digestion and metabolism. The raw food diet itself is a
cleansing diet. It helps flush away toxins that cause problems with your digestion,
metabolism and absorption of nutrients.
If all body processes, it’s digestion that consumes most of your energy. Raw foods
are easier to digest and they provide more energy for other body processed
inculcating detoxification. This does contribute to weight loss.

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The Healing Power of Grapefruit!

The Healing Power of Grapefruit!

the "White Pith" of the grapefruit is very valuable, bio available Vitamin C (bioflavinoids) and a fantastic anti-cancer nutrient.

Our Adrenals need Vitamin C more than any other organ of the body. Usable Vitamin C such as Citrus is almost a daily must to get into our diets.

Acidity: Grapefruit has a sub-acid taste, however its juice actually has an alkaline reaction after digestion. This applies as well, with Lemons and Limes, Plumellos.

Diabetics can eat Grapefruit!

Grapefruit can help increase the body's sensitivity to blood glucose. While this seems bad, it is actually quite the opposite. A diabetic has increased resistance to blood glucose and therefore contracts the disease. If the body increases their sensitivity to blood glucose, they can also stave off some of the symptoms or effects of diabetes. This is one of the greatest grapefruit benefits that you will find from a fruit that has a whole lot of grapefruit benefits.

Breast cancer: Bioflavonoids found in grapefruit was discovered to even halt cancer cells from spreading in breast cancer patients, by ridding the body of excess estrogen.

Digestion:
The fibers from Grapefruits can benefit good colon health, especially the pith from the Grapefruits. So this is why I eat, almost daily, one Grapefruit before I do anything. Red Ruby are my favorite.

Pregnant woman: The bioflavonoids and vitamin C help to reduce water retention and swelling of the legs during pregnancy. Another reason why to juice the Grapefruits, because the bio-availability from the Pith is magnificent when juiced along with the Grapefruit.

Weight-loss: This fruit has a fat-burning enzyme and can help to absorb and reduce the starch and sugar in the body. It is widely consumed by people who are trying to lose weight.


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Start every morning with a cleansing tonic

"Start every morning with a cleansing tonic. To improve digestion and heal the liver which naturally cleanses the body.

Both these juices have one coming powerhouse: Broccoli. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables (kale, arugula, watercress, cabbage, mustard greens, bok choy, cauliflower, maca, radish, rutabaga, daikon, Brussels sprouts, collard greens).

Detoxification is a 3-step process: Activation, neutralization, and elimination. "Broccoli contains three glucosinolate phytonutrients that work synergistically to assist the body in detoxing in all three phases.

Brok power:
Broccoli, kale, romaine, lemon cucumber

B-carrot:
Carrot, lemon, ginger, broccoli, celery




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Got water

Did you know The Brain is 75% water, blood is 92% water, bones are 22 % water and muscles are 75 % water

Next to air, water is the element most necessary for survival. A normal adult is 60 to 70 percent water. We can go without food for almost two months, but without water only a few days. Yet most people have no idea how much water they should drink. In fact, many live in a dehydrated state. We even need water to breathe, our lungs must be moist to take in oxygen and excrete carbon dioxide. It is possible to lose a pint of liquid each day just exhaling.

water1We will discover the 15 different health conditions which can result from dehydration and how increasing your water intake can prevent a host of conditions and serious illnesses.

1) water is the most vital source of energy in the body. Dehydration causes the enzymatic activity in the body to slow down, resulting in tiredness and fatigue.

2) The blood is normally about 92% water when the body is fully hydrated. when dehydrated the blood becomes thicker causing resistance to blood flow and resulting in elevated blood pressure.

3) When dehydrated the body will restrict airways as a means to conserve water. In fact the rate of histamine produced by the body increases exponentially as the body looses more and more water.

4) Headaches are often a symptom of dehydration and therefore drinking enough water will help eliminate headaches and should be the first thing doctors recommend. Drinking enough water is a natural remedy that has no side effects and eliminates the problem of headache without using artificial means.

5) Dehydration impairs the elimination of toxins through the skin and makes it ore vulnerable to all types of skin disorders, including dermatitis and psoriasis, as well as premature wrinkling and discoloration.

6) When the body is dehydrated it will produce more cholesterol to prevent water loss from the cells.

7) A shortage of water and alkaline minerals such as calcium and magnesium can lead to a number of digestive disorders including ulcers, gastritis and acid reflux. Drinking enough water raises your metabolism because it helps in digestion.

8) Drinking enough water is even more important for someone suffering from diabetes. Diabetics are not able to process sugar that is eliminated through urine drawing water from the body. This can cause dehydration that can lead to serious health problems for diabetics. Drinking enough water is therefore even more important for someone suffering from diabetes.

9) With a dehydrated body, the accumulation of toxins and acid waste creates an environment where bacteria thrive resulting in the bladder and kidney to be more prone to infection, inflammation and pain.
water2
10) The colon is one of the primary area the body draws water from in order to provide fluids for other critical bodily functions. Fiber and water go hand in hand to favor a daily bowel movement. Without right amount of water wastes move through the large intestine much more slowly or sometimes not at all resulting in constipation.

11) All joints have cartilage padding which is composed mainly of water. When the body is dehydrated, cartilage is weakened and joint repair is slow resulting in pain and discomfort. Proper hydration helps keep your joints and muscles lubricated, so you’ll less likely get cramps and sprains.

12) The cornea in your eye is made 80 percent of water and drinking adequate water is therefore necessary to maintain good eye health.

13) When your body is dehydrated it cant eliminate toxins effectively, the toxins build up, it ends up storing them in fat cells. Furthermore the body will not release the fat unless it is sufficiently hydrated to safely remove the toxins. When we become dehydrated toxins saturate our blood and the flow is slowed down.

14) When chronically dehydrated, the body’s organs, including its largest organ, the skin, begins to wrinkly and age prematurely.

15) Proper water intake is a key to weight loss. If people who are trying to lose weight don’t drink enough water, the body can’t metabolize the fat adequately. Retaining fluid also keeps weight up.” Research has shown that drinking one to two glasses on rising and before meals can help raise your metabolism, feel less hungry, consume fewer calories and ultimately lose weight. Drinking adequate water is more important for people who are obese, as they need more water to metabolize their excess fat.

Tip to Drinking enough water:
If you’re not used to drinking water regularly, here is a way to get enough: 1 cup in the morning when you wake up. 1 cup half an hour before breakfast and 1 cup half an hour later. Repeat this with lunch and dinner. One cup before bed. You can also add a wedge of lemon or squeeze half a lemon into your water.