immune system

Yeast has been used since the days of the ancient Egyptians. It is a single celled microorganism that needs the same nutrients as humans, and because it is grown on sugar-based entities that lack some of the essential nutrients, the yeast manufactures its own vitamins, minerals and amino acids using a biochemical reaction. In its active form it is used as a rising agent in breads. When heated it becomes inactive and takes two forms: brewer’s yeast and nutritional yeast, both high in nutrients.

While perusing the fruit and vegetable department of my local grocery store several years ago, I came upon an interesting looking fruit. I had never had it in my life at that point and was looking for something new to add to my diet that was healthy.

I had read about the kiwifruit and knew that it “packed a punch” of vitamin C. There was one sliced open, and I was intrigued by its beauty as well. What an interesting looking fruit it truly is. Of course, it went into my grocery cart along with the rest of my items. I had to try it.

Wheat germ is the reproductive part of a grain of wheat -- thus the term germ, meaning to germinate, which left to grow becomes wheat grass. It contains the most fat of the grain and is also the most nutrient rich. It has valuable health benefits, including preventing several major diseases, as well as aiding many other physical and mental functions.

“All disease begins in the gut.”

– Hippocrates

Hippocrates was getting at something here. Perhaps all diseases do not begin in the gut but there is mounting evidence that many chronic diseases do.

Did you know that we have a second brain? And it’s in our gut.

The avocado tree is a member of the laurel family and was first cultivated somewhere in Central America 7,000 years ago, making its way to Mexico some 2,000 years later. By the late 15^th century it could be found as far south as Peru where it is known as “palta.” The English term avocado was derived from the Spanish translation of the Aztec name “ahuacatl” -- their nomenclature was “aguacate.” The original fruit was round in shape but as it was cultivated it became pear shaped. It is said to have arrived in the West Indies after the arrival of the Europeans in the Americas.

We all know lemons and strawberries are really good for us, but did you know adding those two ingredients to warm water in the morning could provide many health benefits? I kept hearing all this hype about the benefits of drinking a warm glass of lemon water every morning, and I decided to try it out for myself. I noticed a difference the first day and was excited about the results, but I had to add my own twist to it. I decided to put a spin on the lemon water and added some organic strawberries to it and that was even better.

It’s summer, the season for the king of fruits. No, not the durian -- the mango! It’s sweet, juicy, golden-yellow goodness. I like to think of mangoes as an app for my sugar cravings; whatever kind of sweetness you need, there is a mango for that. If you like sweet with a little bit of tang, you can find one like that. If you like a creamy sweet, there are mangoes for that. If you feel like a sugar rush, you can certainly find one for that. If it’s savory you desire, mangoes make a delicious curry dish or chutney as a side order.

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” – John Muir

Imagine walking through a forest - the soil hugs the soles of your feet, birds chirp in the distance, and the smells of moss and morning dew fill your nostrils. Sounds nice, right? Turns out, there's a science to it.