Bulgur is processed wheat that is native to the Mediterranean basin region and is one of the earliest processed foods that began being used approximately 4000 years ago. It is made by steaming wheat then drying it and cracking the dried kernels. Bulgur was initially processed by boiling wheat in a huge pot for many days to be sure it was thoroughly cooked; then the contents of the pot were spread out on roofs to dry in the sun.
Walking around the grocery store, you may have noticed a few labels popping up on your favorite products. Non-GMO, natural, and all those tricky use by dates are being stamped all over products. With consumers becoming more health conscious, companies are using labels to distinguish the ingredients of the products. While that is all good and dandy, deciphering our foods labels can be like trying to crack the code on a lock.
It wasn’t until I started running (very) long distances that the need for proper nutrition became clear to me: I needed to reduce inflammation in my body and to do that, I needed to focus on anti-inflammatory foods. The Anti-Inflammation Diet and Recipe Book by Jessica K. Black, N.D., was the perfect guide, or so it seemed.
Archeologists have found that wild barley is native to what is termed the Fertile Crescent, the region that covers modern southern Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, and northern Egypt. It was first gathered in 9000 B.C.E. for a food grain and was reportedly first used by the Egyptians as cereal. For millennia, people depended on barley for food for themselves and for their horses.
There are many plants and herbs in Mother Earth's aresenal that repel bugs. Here are some of our favorites! All of these plants are amazing options for all-natural bug repellents. All of these plants, aside from the garlic, can be planted in and around your yard to keep the insects further away from your home.
Ever think about how we would get nutrients if we were unable to purchase containers of encapsulated vitamins? Well, from our gardens of course! Before vitamin capsules even existed, we gained our nutrients naturally from fruits, veggies, and herbs grown in the garden. Today, there are gardens that are specifically grown to yield plants just for the sole purpose of providing nutrients for the body.
Pumpkin pie is my absolute favorite pie. There’s just something about that smooth, dreamy texture that is so sweetly satisfying. For me, nothing says comfort food like having pumpkin pie for dessert, which is why I had to figure out a way to make this spiced, velvety delight without gluten or animal products.
For all those who wanted to have a fruit tree, but have no land to plant the seed in -- pot a bonsai instead…
Fruiting trees are marvelous creations of nature. They are rather attractive, come in all shapes and sizes, add to the oxygen content around, offer up delicious fruits and bloom into beautifully scented flowers that really add to a fragrant garden.
Amaranth is a seed that has been part of the Aztec diet for more than 8000 years, when the Aztecs would collect the seeds in the wild. They also used the seeds to make flour for baked images of their gods during festivals and for tributary payments. The plant began to be cultivated in Mexico approximately 4000 B.C.E. and continues to be a native Peruvian crop.
Black beans are a species of the common bean and are native to areas in Central and South America. They were brought to Europe in the 15th century and became a major crop in India and China. Today, they are a staple in many international cuisines. Black beans are rich in nutrients and are used to prevent many diseases. Ayurveda uses black beans to regulate Pitta and Kapha doshas and recommends they be avoided by those with Vata dosha.