Gelatin: A protein rich superfood that conquers food allergies, insomnia, arthritis - plus much more

Back in the 1950s, Jello molds were all the rage in the United States and many of us have disturbing memories of these artificial creations. Certainly not consumed for health, Jello actually has a little known secret buried amongst the sugar and toxic dyes: When gelatin is pure, it's actually quite good for you. Strip away the additives and a powerful healing food is revealed.

Jump to the 1970s when people began to make the connection between plain gelatin consumption and lustrous hair, strong nails and healthy teeth. Take a step further into the present day and real food advocates have uncovered further benefits which grant gelatin a superfood status.

Purple Potatoes Pack Mega Antioxidants Compared to White-Fleshed Potatoes

By: Joe Martino 

(Collective Evolution) Most of us are used to seeing and eating the typical white or yellow fleshed potatoes. You may even eat sweet potatoes on a regular basis and so you might be accustomed to orange as well. But purple potatoes are certainly not as popular, although given the deep rich color of these potatoes, more of us should be familiar with these potatoes for the powerful nutrients they pack.
Native to South America, purple potatoes got their name due to their deep purple skin and flesh. There are several types of the purple potato including the Purple Majesty, Purple Viking and Purple Peruvian varieties. Purple potatoes are rich in antioxidant phytochemicals and studies show that purple potatoes can aid in lowering blood pressure.

Ready for a good spring cleaning? Spruce up the liver with these recommendations

It may be hard to believe, but we are already racing headlong into our next season -- springtime. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), each season coordinates with a specific organ and spring just so happens to be the time of the liver. If this organ becomes imbalanced, anger, rage, irritation and depression can set in. While new plants are blooming, sprouting and thrusting upward, the liver deserves much needed tender, loving care to shake off the heaviness of winter. Natural remedies and lifestyle adaptations are the perfect complement to this process. Keep in mind, when the liver is untroubled, we can launch into vibrant beginnings with renewed zest and balanced pleasure.

This City Aims to Be “Car Free” in 20 Years

By: Amanda Froelich

(True Activist) To live in this age is an exciting time. The technological advances have accelerated communication around the world, and in effect, a shifting of resources to more sustainable alternatives continue to be implemented at an increasing rate. Who knew thirty or even fifty years ago that cars would so quickly go out of fashion in favor of more sustainable, alternative modes of transportation?

Yet this is exactly what is happening in the German town of Hamburg. The city council recently disclosed it has plans to divert most of its cars away from the city’s main thoroughfares in twenty years. In order create what will someday be a large green network, local authorities are to connect pedestrian and cycle lanes; this is expected to smooth inner city traffic flow.

Four specialty salts that can change your health for the better

With depleted soils and environmental toxins, consuming a mineral-rich diet is much more taxing now than in the past. Even when the diet is 100 percent organic, ensuring the proper level of nutrients can be difficult. Natural, unprocessed salt can help balance the odds in your favor. Brimming with essential trace elements, these salts are not only delicious but also exceptionally nourishing.

Salt varieties and benefits

Have a look at the four unique salts highlighted below and learn how this small addition can have a big impact on health.

Spicy Tomato & Sweet Potato Bisque {gluten-free and vegan}

I first tasted a version of this soup at Whole Foods in the San Francisco Bay Area. It quickly became a favorite, especially in the cool of winter. This bisque also does quite well as a refreshing chilled version during those hot summer months.

This is a surprisingly creamy, yet healthy, tomato soup which is simple to prepare. The sweet potatoes add a a bit of balance to the acidity of the tomatoes while also lending a wonderful smoothness. Sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic rating than standard potatoes, an added bonus for those of you watching your carbohydrate intake.

The Cilantro Water Cleanse

(Underground Health Reporter) If you’ve traveled to Mexico, you’ve heard the warnings: “Don’t drink the water!” “It’s not sanitary!” “You’ll get the runs!” These warnings aren’t just for tourists to heed; locals need to be wary of contaminated water in Mexico as well. Tap water in the United States fares only a bit better, but in Mexican villages, many locals don’t have the money for filtration systems. A new study conducted by U.S. and Mexican researchers, however, is shedding light on the filtering properties of a popular Mexican spice—cilantro! If further research confirms that cilantro purifies water, then we may just have an extremely inexpensive, all-natural filtering agent on our hands!