Eat

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has been dubbed the miracle solution by many, from holistic healers and practitioners of natural medicine, to the old timers who know the backwoods remedies. It is easy to make, only takes 3 basic ingredients, serves so many purposes, and can be stored indefinitely. Some people choose to pasteurize their ACV to be sure it will keep, while others do not find this step necessary. I suppose it is up to the individual; just be sure and do your own research.

Mushrooms are a common part of many diets around the world. Some are safe for eating, while others can kill us. However, even the mushrooms that don’t harm humans have a potential to kill human cells: that is, human cancer cells. Research shows that the cute fungal foodstuff we call mushrooms have potent chemicals in them that are highly lethal to cancer cells.

Have you ever found yourself at the grocery store, deep in a mental debate about exactly which tomato or apple to buy?  Stores today provide an abundance of choices – but more choices mean more decisions.  It can be quite confusing to decide on which labeled items to buy with choices like conventional, natural and organic. Furthermore, there is a lot of controversy regarding the agricultural methods used in growing our foods. However, some studies state that there is little actual difference between these procedures except for the cost to the public.

Spicy and aromatic, ginger packs a punch. Commonly recognized as a spice and ingredient in some of our favorite foods, this rhizome root is more than flavorful. Ginger has long been cultivated for medicinal remedies.

What do the following images have in common?

Photo Credit: Flickr

Stumped? How about this for an additional clue?

Basil is an herb that adds a lot flavor to many dishes. But did you know that this herb also has potent effects against cancer? Three studies tested the chemicals found in different types of basil on three different types of human cancer. The results will make you feel good about adding a few extra leaves of basil to your next lunch. These studies specifically extracted chemicals from three types of basil: holy basil, sweet basil, and garden basil. There are over 20 types of basil, but since they easily interbreed it is not always easy to tell the difference between all of them.

Many foods, herbs and spices promote our well-being beyond merely providing nutrients. Numerous scientific studies point to the benefits associated with health and disease prevention based on our dietary choices.

The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates recognized the benefits of a veritable food pharmacy that still exists in our kitchens today when he said, “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food.”

Festivals are dedicated to it. Chefs are building menus around it. Roadside stands are selling it. What is it everyone is so excited about? Ramps. Often referred to as wild leeks or spring onions, ramps (Allium Tricoccum) are found in the Appalachian mountain region. They thrive as a woodland crop in rich soil and are among the first spring greens ready for foraging each year. It was only a matter of time before foraging went from personal consumption to monetary gain. With rising demand, the wild ramp population is at risk.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease occur as our brains age into our elder years, but herbal medications can make a big difference in protecting our brains. Few things are sadder than to watch a loved one slowly deteriorate into a shell of their former selves. Alzheimer’s is unique in that its terror is that the mind and memories of the person we know so well, and who knows us so well, fade before our very eyes.

Products used daily -- from scented soaps to processed foods -- can really throw off your hormones. And when those hormones are messed up, it can affect your body in some very unhealthy ways. But no need to stress; here are eleven foods that can help you put those hormones back into balance.

1. Raw Honey

Besides being sweet and delicious, raw honey can help balance reproductive hormones by enhancing glycogen for the liver. It is even said to stop or greatly reduce hormones contributing to PMS.  

2. Coconut oil