Grapes

Superfood 101: Jaboticaba!

Jaboticaba is a member of the family yrtaceae or Myrtle family of the genus Myrciaria Berg, also known as guava berry, containing the species Myrciaria cauliflora (Mart.) O. Berg or jaboticaba. The plant is native to Brazil and is also known as the Brazilian grape tree. For millennia the native peoples used jaboticaba as a snack and for making wine. Its nutritional value has made this fruit a valuable tool in their healing arsenal.

Spicy, Tangy, Sweet: The Best Fall Fruit Salad

Looking to add something healthy and a little sweet to your fall table? How about a spiced fruit salad? And even if you’re thinking not another fruit salad, keep reading, because this is not your average fruit salad. Inspired by the classic fruit chaat common in India and Pakistan, this fruit salad has spicy, tangy South Asian flair. Whether you add it to your breakfast, brunch, dinner, or holiday table, it’s sure to wow.

The Dirty Dozen 2018: What Produce Should You Buy Organic?

Have you heard of the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) Dirty Dozen list? Every year, this non-profit organization shifts through the fruit and vegetable market to see which conventionally-grown produce is loaded with the most pesticides. The Dirty Dozen list for 2018 is officially here and let’s just say the report found nearly 70 percent of produce tested was contaminated with pesticide residue. Here's what you need to know.

Superfood 101: Grapes!

Grapes are a member of the Vitaceae family that has eleven genera. This fruit bearing genus is Vitus, which has approximately sixty species. The plant was cultivated by humans around 6500 B.C.E. and by 4000 B.C.E. the grape could be found in vineyards from Transcaucasia east to Asia Minor and south to the Nile river delta. The grape existed long before humans walked the earth and could be found throughout the world. The Old World grapes were used as a snack food and dried to make raisins, but in Europe the main use of the grape was to make wine.

6 Reasons To Let Fido Eat His Own Food

Several fruits, vegetables, and nuts that are touted as superfoods to humans are surprisingly toxic to dogs—toxic enough, unfortunately, to kill your pet. What benefits us might not benefit our pets, so it’s important to ensure that certain foods always remain far out of reach for a dog, cat, or even bird. Not sure what’s toxic and what’s not? Here’s a list of foods to put on your “Not for Fido” list and another for the open-door policy—whether that means leftovers, treats, or homemade dog food. 

5 Ways To Eat Like It’s Fall

After a long, bountiful summer, autumn is finally here. To some, it's a welcomed change; to others, not so much. Regardless, I's a time of year we all must go through, and there are several ways to make it a great one. To ensure your health and happiness are at their peak this season, here are a few ways to celebrate the arrival of fall. By celebrate, I simply mean ways in which you can transform this season into something worth celebrating. By following these tips, you will enjoy a bountiful autumn and prosper.  

Protect Your Skin With These Foods

It might be almost back-to-school time, but that summer sunshine is still shining brightly in a lot of places.  And even when it’s not, those UV rays can sneak through clouds and chilly weather.  While a little sunshine is certainly good for your vitamin D levels, too much can lead to skin cancer, aging skin, and sun spots.  You’re already

5 Foods You Eat That Your Dog Must Not

As children, we were all guilty of slipping the family dog(s) some table scraps when nobody was looking. It’s harmless, right? Wrong. I know they’re your best friends, but you cannot let those big ol’ puppy eyes get to you. Many common foods that may be somewhat healthy for us can actually send your pets to the vet (or worse, unfortunately). You may be tempted to share the wealth of food with your furriest family members, but it’s in the best interests of all parties involved to just toss them their favorite dog treats.

October’s Bounty: 5 Must-Have Seasonal Produce Items

October is, without a doubt, the best month out of all 12 of them. The weather is pure perfection because I greatly appreciate a slight chill. Even just looking outside of my window right now is picturesque. I mean seriously—is it a life-size painting or my front yard? I could be biased because I’m such a Halloween fanatic, but it truly is the best 31 days of the year. If the cozy-up weather, fall foliage, and ghosts, ghouls, and goblins haven’t convinced you that nothing beats October, let the produce do the talkin’.

Mother Earth’s Medicine Cabinet: 7 Natural Muscle Healers

We have all had to deal with sore, stiff, and achy muscles – they’re a fact of life. It is nice to know there are foods you can add to or increase in your diet to help ease your pain. Any foods that provide a substantial amount of magnesium are great for the muscles. Magnesium maintains proper nerve and normal muscle function.

Here is my list of 7 Natural Muscle Healers and Relaxers: