Approved by the USDA -- Common additive in organic food triggers significant inflammation and cancer

Found in a wide variety of organic products, from almond and hemp milk to cottage cheese and yogurt, carrageenan is an familiar ingredient. Unfortunately, many are unaware that it can wreak havoc on the intestinal tract and cause inflammation of the gut -- aggravating conditions such as IBS, Chron's disease and ulcerative colitis. Carrageenan is also implicated in tumors and lesions of the intestine along with other inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and arteriosclerosis. 

Lobbyists for the additive proclaim 'food grade' carrageenan is completely safe, the only culprit is degraded carrageenan. What proponents fail to address is the likely conversion of food grade carrageenan into the degraded form during digestion. Scientists have suspected this to be the case since the 1980s. Read more »

Flash greens with red pepper, olives and bacon + Why I switched to a Paleo diet

Fast, easy and delicious is the name of the game this summer. If truth be told, who wants to spend time slaving over a hot stove when the weather is sparkling bright and a host of outdoor activities beckon? Yet we also don't want to substitute convenience for good food. Man (nor woman) can live by protein bar alone. So a happy medium is struck with a medley of colorful vegetables and a smattering of bacon with a few choice olives tossed in. A squeeze of lemon along with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and you're set. For those who have the time and inclination, roasting the red peppers is a nice touch – although it isn't necessary. I am not a big fan of pork for health reasons, but thankfully we live in an abundant age where convincing organic and nitrate/preservative free turkey alternatives are available.

Common backyard weed may curb cancer risk

Steve 'Wildman' Brill loves to forage for food. Along with Medicine Hunter Chris Kilham, Brill set out to Central Park in New York City to locate peppergrass growing wild. Brill believes the plant blocks carcinogens and may help prevent cancer by protecting cells. As part of the mustard family, peppergrass shares many similar anticancer attributes. The sharp taste of mustard seed is due to isothiocyanates and thiocyanates -- compounds that demonstrate antibacterial, antifungal and anticarcinogenic properties. The fiery tasting seed, leaf and root of peppergrass contain these same health enhancing substances. Peppergrass also helps to clear toxins from the body.  Read more » 

Cooking School | Fresh Hazelnut Butter

Ingredients ...

2 1/2 cups raw hazelnuts

Method ...

Preheat oven to 350ºF. On a baking sheet, roast the hazelnut for 8-10 minutes until skins begin to crack. Remove from oven. While still warm, roll the nuts in between both hands to remove the skin.

Place the nuts In a food processor and pulse until granular. Next, blend non-stop until the mixture turns creamy. You may need to scrape the sides of the processor bowl a few times for an even consistency.

Cocoa butter is not just for chocolate anymore - Discover the healthy secrets behind this sensuous food

Need another reason to love the cacao bean? As it turns out, cocoa butter has its own set of health enhancing properties apart from cocoa. External use of the butter clears everything from psoriasis to dermatitis to eczema, while conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, heart disease and cancer respond well to internal use. Cocoa butter is also nutrient dense -- supplying antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and beneficial fats. Frequently used in skin care products, this heavenly butter is also great for cooking, smoothies and raw food creations.

Food of the gods

Chocolate is considered a food of the gods for good reason. Nothing else quite compares to the texture, taste and complexity of this flavorful delight. While most of us are familiar with the rich, dark element of cacao beans, many are unaware of the health perks contained within its light-colored counterpart. Cocoa butter is what gives chocolate its smooth, melt-in-your mouth, satisfying quality. It is also an incredible source of vitamins, flavonoids, antioxidants and minerals. In fact, cocoa butter contains generous amounts of cocoa mass polyphenol (CMP) which has been shown to thwart cancer, prevent cardiovascular disease and ease arthritis. These same compounds also help to regulate excessive T-cell activity -- the root cause of immune system dysfunctions like psoriasis, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Researchers believe that the oleic acid content in cocoa butter may lower the risk of heart failure as well. Oleic acid is a healthy monounsaturated fat which is also found in olive oil. For ultimate nutrition and flavor, source organic cocoa butter that is processed under low temperatures.

Ditch the commercial sport drinks and artificial protein bars -- Try economical, nourishing and handmade varieties instead

In a rather sad and ironic state of affairs, individuals exercising to improve health and fitness often fall into the trap of neon colored sport drinks and sugary protein bars with questionable ingredients -- believing these products support ultimate vitality and strength. Unfortunately, these 'foods' compromise true health and also tend to rack up a hefty grocery bill. But making your own at home is far easier than you might imagine and affordable to boot.
Read more ...

Sunny and Spicy Anti-influenza Tea

Since we are right in the middle of a raging flu season, I thought I would post a quick recipe for ginger-garlic tea. Believe me, it will help to ease flu symptoms in no time flat. It may even prevent the illness altogether. And it actually tastes good -- another incentive to try this unconventional combination.

As you may know, garlic gives the immune system a nice boost. It is also a natural antibiotic and has strong antiviral and anti fungal properties. Garlic will not harm beneficial bacteria in the gut like standard antibiotics and is an excellent decongestant. It will even prevent the stomach flu by destroying illness-causing pathogens. Make sure to use raw garlic that has been chopped and left at room temperature for 15 minutes before consuming. This rest period activates the health promoting allicin. See Paul Fassa's article here for more information on the outstanding benefits of the 'stinking rose.' And for those who fear they might emanate a garlic aroma, eat 1/2 teaspoon of fennel seed after enjoying the tea.

Ginger and honey are good friends to have around when battling the flu as well. Ginger will help ease nausea and a throbbing head. It enhances the immune system as well. And honey will calm sore throats and coughs. In fact, a study published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine found that buckwheat honey significantly reduced coughs and sore throats in children. As an added bonus, the children also slept more soundly. I would venture to guess this variety of honey would help adults quiet coughs too. Don't forget about manuka -- the queen of honey. Learn more about this amazing food here. It is important to note that honey should not be given to children under the age of two due to the possibility of infant botulism, a rare but potentially fatal illness.

I have added a touch of lemon for a dose of vitamin C. This tangy juice also helps relieve bothersome congestion.

Here's to a healthy and happy New Year.

Sunny and Spicy Anti-influenza Tea

Yield: 1 serving

*As always, organic ingredients are best for nutritional value, health and flavor.

2 cups purified water
1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
2 medium sized cloves of garlic
1 tablespoon high-quality honey.
Juice of half a fresh lemon

It doesn't get much easier than this: In a small covered saucepan, simmer ginger and garlic in water for 5 minutes. Strain into your favorite mug. Add honey and lemon juice. Stir and enjoy.

As a preventative, one cup per day is a good starting point. If you are in the thick of an illness, flu or otherwise, make sure to drink at least three cups each day until symptoms subside.

"There are many miracles in the world to be celebrated and, 

for me, garlic is the most deserving."

                 
                             -Felice Leonardo (Leo) Buscaglia
                                                                (1924-1998)