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.
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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)

GMO Alert

In the wake of startling findings that genetically modified (GM) corn causes massive tumors, liver damage and shortened life spans in rats, it is vital now more than ever to educate ourselves, friends and family about the dangers of GM food. Genetic Roulette, a new documentary from the author of "The Seeds of Deception," can be viewed free online until September 22. In the spirit of a safe food supply and health, please share these Natural News articles with family and friends:

Shock findings in new GMO study: Rats fed lifetime of GM corn grow horrifying tumors, 70% of females die early  Please note: This article contains graphic images

"Genetic Roulette" documentary shatters the myth of GMO safety -- for a few days only, watch it for free

The GMO debate is over; GM crops must be immediately outlawed; Monsanto halted from threatening humanity

Stop the madness. In the rallying words of activist Tanya Sitton, M.S., "...take this opportunity to aggravate the biotechnology megacoporations pinning their hopes on an uninformed and apathetic public: watch, learn, reflect, and share!"

Researchers seek to tame unruly emotions with food-based solutions

A staggering 20.9 million Americans suffer from mood disorders that may be linked to dietary choices. Researchers are exploring the effect of poor diet on the mind while searching for straightforward answers to our emotional woes. Findings suggest a varied, nutrient dense diet can significantly alter brain chemistry, leading to more balanced, clear and joyful mental states.

The power of complex carbohydrates on mood

Consuming a nourishing diet reaches far beyond just simply supporting physical health. Mental functioning, emotional state, and behavior are all influenced by the quality and variety of the food ingested. According to Trudy Scott, a nutritionist and spokesperson for the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, "I've seen people make dramatic improvements in depression and anxiety within a week of making some simple dietary changes." Take, for example, carbohydrates which have gone out of fashion over recent years in favor of high-protein diets. Research has shown that anger, fatigue, depression, and tension are much more prominent in low-carb dieters than those who balance their protein intake with complex carbohydrates. In order for the body to produce serotonin, a feel-good neurotransmitter responsible for curbing the appetite, improving mood and calming stress -- carbohydrates are required.

The type of carbohydrate consumed is extremely important to avoid a roller-coaster ride of fluctuating moods. Abstain from sugar-laden foods such as candy, cakes and cookies. The same for potatoes, white bread and flour. These foods create a vicious emotional cycle of peaks and valleys by flooding the system with simple sugars. The body compensates by releasing insulin, which causes blood sugar levels to plummet. In response, cortisol production goes into full swing, attempting to balance this downward spiral. As cortisol surges, so does depression. This triggers yet another cycle of ingesting simple carbohydrates to boost serotonin and mood.

When the focus shifts from simple to complex carbohydrates, a person's temperamental landscape changes for the better. Whole grains such as oats, quinoa, barley, amaranth, and brown, red, or black rice release carbohydrates slowly, keeping blood sugar levels and emotions stable. Beans are another excellent source of these healthful carbs.

Three key nutrients for emotional harmony

Omega-3 oils also have a tremendous impact on emotional health. Studies show that people who are deficient in this fatty acid have higher levels of impulsiveness, pessimism, and depression. Omega-3's can be found in fish such as sardines, salmon, and mackerel. Other excellent sources include organic canola oil, ground flaxseeds, walnuts, and omega-3 enhanced eggs.

Deficiency in iron and thiamine adds to emotional instability as well. Insufficient levels of iron is associated with fatigue, lack of attention, and depression. Foods that are iron-rich include egg yolks, dried fruit, beets, beans, and black-colored foods. As seen in the Darthmouth Undergraduate Journal of Science, inadequate levels of thiamine caused "introversion, inactivity, fatigue, decreased self-confidence, and a poorer mood." This vitamin can be found in nutritional yeast, cauliflower, eggs and whole cereal grains.

When nutrient-rich food is prominent in the diet, positive mental states are strengthened, thus encouraging greater focus, zest and clarity along with a healthy dose of serenity.

Sources for this article include:

"You Feel What You Eat" by Radha Chitale, ABC News Medical Unit. Retrieved on June 24, 2012 from: http://abcnews.go.com

"Diet, Stress, and Emotions: The Mind-Body-Diet Connection" by Dr. Barry Sears. Retrieved on June 24, 2012 from: http://www.cbn.com/health/NaturalHealth/drsears_mindbodydiet.aspx

"The Self Healing Cookbook" by Kristina Turner. Retrieved on June 24, 2012 from: http://www.wholenourishment.com/article5.htm

"Food and Mood: 6 Ways Your Diet Affects How You Feel" by Angela Haupt, August 31, 2011. Retrieved on June 12, 2012 from: http://health.usnews.com

"How Diet Can Affect Mood and Behavior" by Jane E. Brody. November 17, 1982, New York Times. Retrieved on June 24, 2012 from: http://www.nytimes.com

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/036347_food_emotions_mental_health.html#ixzz24yAxbu6U

A Pleasurable Spelt Brioche

I have a confession to make: Pleasure in life is my top priority. More specifically, embracing the philosophy of Epicurus. Curiously, most associate this doctrine to be one of gluttony, extravagance, and senseless self-gratification. Upon further investigation, however, an epicurean way of life honors simplicity while seizing upon any opportunity to be fully present -- naturally leading to a sense of pleasure. Cultivating close friendships along with a deep connection to the natural world both have a treasured place in this life-affirming philosophy. All in all, it is an attitude of fully savoring the moment, slowing down, and really living. Traditionally, the French are known for their exquisite embodiment of epicurean living. To read more about this orientation, click here.

In quiet celebration of pleasure, a recipe for brioche. Here we are using classic ingredients with an eye for quality and simplicity. Pasture butter, free-range eggs, heirloom spelt flour. It is worth the extra effort of sourcing sprouted flour for maximum nutrition while minimizing bone harming phytic acid. On a sweet note, orange blossom honey is the perfect compliment to the unique flavor of lavender.


Spelt Brioche with Lavender

Ingredients...

1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon evaporated cane juice
1/4 cup lukewarm milk
1 cup white sprouted spelt flour
1 tablespoon agave nectar
1 free-range egg
1/2 teaspoon fresh or dried lavender flowers
3 oz pasture butter, room temperature
Orange blossom honey for serving

Method...

Whisk yeast, evaporated cane juice, and milk in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside for 5 minutes until it begins to foam.

With a wooden spoon, stir the flour, honey, egg and lavender into the yeast mixture until combined. Add butter in fourths until a sticky and soft dough forms. Cover and allow to rest in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease a six-cup capacity brioche mold or small bread pan. Lightly dust the dough with flour and shape into a round ball. Place in brioche mold, cover, and set aside for 20 minutes to rise once again. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from mold and serve warm with orange blossom honey. Savor fully with those who delight in wonderfully simple pleasures.

"Laetus in praesens" (Happiness now)

-Inscribed on the wall of villa Careggi, Florence, Italy  

Health Benefits of Organic Pasture Butter

Organic butter made from the milk of pasture-raised cows not only supports humane care for the animals but is a nutritionally superior product. Able to roam freely and eat their natural diet of grasses and plants, the milk produced by these cows is lower in calories and fat while supplying a richer source of vitamins. Additionally, the levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in the milk from pasture cows can be up to five times higher than the milk produced from their grain-fed counterparts. CLA is a beneficial fatty acid usually lacking in the modern diet. This fat is an important component of adrenal health and has also been shown to aid in weight loss, especially around the midsection.