Political and corporate elite shun GM food on their own plate


With a sad twist of irony, corporate and government elite dine on safe, organic food while the masses, those very people who are supposedly represented and protected by their governments, are poisoned by hidden genetically modified organisms, pesticides and dangerous contaminants. The presidential family demands organic food in their kitchen, yet behind closed doors, shake hands with the biotech industry. China's top brass is fed by an exclusive, gated organic garden while the rest of the population consumes GM food, steroid contaminated meat and dairy laced with melamine. Even Monsanto's own employee's command non-genetically modified food in their canteen. Access to clean, organic and healthy food is not a given right anymore -- it has become a political battleground with the average citizen suffering the loss.

Awaken supernatural health with aronia berry


Aronia berries are a little known superfood that have tremendous nutritional value. European researchers have extensively studied the extract of Aronia fruit and found it to be a nutrient dense food with incredible protective and healing properties. A host of health issues are eased with the Aronia berry including high-blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. A rich source of antioxidants, this fruit also provides strong protection against aging and neurodegeneration.

Sometimes referred to as Chokeberries, the Aronia melanocarpa fruit is native to North America. These robust shrubs often grow in swamps and damp woodlands, able to withstand salty and harsh conditions. Growing to a maximum height of four meters, the plant produces clusters of dark purple fruit that are quite bitter due to the high tannin content. Cooking reduces the astringent quality of the berries, and they are frequently used in wine and jam making. Freezing the berries also tempers the bitter taste while increasing sweetness. Aronia berries were an integral part of a traditional Native American diet for centuries. Today, Aronia berries can be easily grown and cultivated in a backyard garden, often yielding up to 40 pounds of fruit per bush during the growing season.

Autumn and the season of sorrow: Heal grief naturally


Through the many different avenues of loss, everyone has experienced the effects of grief. The depression and sadness that accompany sorrow can weaken the immune system which creates an opportunity for illness. Chinese medicine considers autumn to be the season of grief and sorrow, making it especially important to nurture one's health and emotional wellness during this time of year.

Adequate vitamin C is essential. Camu Camu and Amla berries are the highest source of natural vitamin C. A good quality vitamin D supplement is very important for immune function as well. For adults, The Vitamin D Council advises at least 5,000 IU per day.

Buying clubs - A fresh approach to eating healthy on a budget


No doubt about it. Food prices are skyrocketing, especially organic, high-quality fare. With crop failure, bizarre weather patterns and the cost of living on the rise, it's no wonder eating healthy can be a challenge. But a relatively unheard of revolution is spreading across the U.S. and beyond: local buying clubs. Using the power of numbers, food costs are slashed by up to 50 percent. And the club offerings are of outstanding quality -- often organic, eco-friendly and healthful. It's a win-win situation for the consumer, farmer and environment.

Top healing foods that stop ovarian cancer in its tracks


Ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly diseases. It is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among US women -- an astounding 14,000 out of 23,000 diagnosed each year die. Ovarian cancer tends to be aggressive and generally has very few symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage.  Fortunately, several natural remedies have proven to be exceptionally useful in both preventing and curing this silent killer. Ginger, ginkgo biloba, green tea and flaxseed are all remarkably effective at destroying ovarian cancer cells and tumors -- hindering proliferation and increasing survival rates dramatically.

Food as medicine

Diet is extremely influential in preventing as well as healing ovarian cancer. Beyond consuming an abundant variety of fresh produce and limiting dairy, meat and sugar, certain foods specifically target ovarian cancer cells -- demonstrating extraordinary success in defeating this life-threatening disease.

Superfood Kitchen Giveaway Winner

Let me just say, I had a blast with this promotion. Not only was it fun revisiting one of my all time favorite cookbooks, but just the idea of another lucky reader enjoying it too was enough to make my week. I simply loved reading all the wonderful comments and connecting with new people. If my bank account could handle a giveaway every couple of weeks, I'd do it in a heartbeat. For now, though, I will need to stick with the occasional event here and there. But don't worry, more gift-bearing promotions are are the way. So stay tuned. As for the winner this time around . . .

Superfood Kitchen + Cacao nibs will be arriving shortly on Sharaya Nicole's doorstep.

A hearty thank you to everyone who participated. Until the next time. 

Forget Prozac - try probiotics to ease anxiety, curb depression and elevate mood


Could eating yogurt be a replacement for antidepressants? A group of scientists believe so. Groundbreaking research has shown that a common strain of probiotic can create GABA within the gut while also enhancing brain receptors for this neurotransmitter. Naturally produced GABA is a safe alternative to dangerous psychiatric drugs -- it calms the nervous system, promotes tranquil sleep, minimizes anxiety and alleviates depression. This is good news for over 50 million people around the world who use antidepressants.

Perils of a "Prozac Nation"

With a 400 percent increase of antidepressant use from 1994-2008, it looks as though the United States certainly is a Prozac Nation. An astounding 1 in 5 women between the ages of 40-59 use Prozac while nearly 4 percent of adolescents are on antidepressants. Second only to cholesterol drugs, prescriptions for antidepressants rose to an incredible 255 million in 2010 alone. World-wide, the sale of antidepressants totals over 20 billion dollars a year. This industry does not come without serious health risks.