Month: December 2017

Turmeric for Wellbeing

Welcome to Sunday Supplements. This day of soulful self care is perfect for sharing weekly about the supplements that aid and support healing. From vitamins and minerals to herbs to health boosting drinks and teas, I will be sharing the best supplements to take for different situations.

I chose to begin with what I consider to be the best supplement for overall health and wellbeing…turmeric.

Turmeric is a rhizome perennial herb in the ginger family. It is native to India and southeast Asia. Turmeric is what gives curry its yellow color, and it has been used for thousands of years in India as a spice and for medicinal purposes. Science has caught up to what the people of India have known for a long time…there are incredible healing benefits in turmeric.

This herb contains curcumin, a phytochemical with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric also contains natural steroidal compounds that calm down the body’s inflammatory response to pathogens, such as viruses.

This makes turmeric ideal for fighting inflammation anywhere in the body, from joints to the liver to nerves to the brain. The compounds in this herb increase blood flow to the parts of the body that need it the most, lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol, inhibit tumors and cysts and can help prevent any type of cancer.

Turmeric aids in combatting a host of conditions, including skin disorders, anxiety, colds and flu, sinus issues, chronic fatigue syndrome, Epstein Barr Virus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lymphoma, heart disease, Lyme disease, Parkinson’s, liver disorders, joint pain, headaches, leg cramps, body aches, blurry vision, brain fog, menopause symptoms and many other health problems.

You can see why this herb is considered one of the best supplements to include for the greatest overall benefits. It basically helps every system, every area of the body.

And, it is the supplement that I make sure I don’t run out of. I can feel a difference in my body if I skip a day or two of taking it. Joint pain and stiffness begins to return when I don’t take turmeric.

Turmeric is available in many forms. It can be purchased in its rhizome form, in health food stores or in the produce section of most grocery stores. Use one inch pieces at a time and run it through the juicer to add to other fresh juices such as orange and apple. Combine with fresh ginger and orange juice for powerful anti-inflammatory shots.

I take turmeric daily in capsule form. I have used several different companies. Make sure the capsules also contain black pepper, which helps the body to absorb the turmeric better. The bottle of Gaia Turmeric pictured above has black pepper listed as an ingredient, on the back label. I take two capsules in the morning, with my breakfast smoothie.

My favorite way to include turmeric in my diet is with this tasty Turmeric Tea, also called Turmeric Milk or Golden Milk.

In the bottom of a large mug, mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with 1 tablespoon of raw organic honey and a dash of black pepper. Fill cup with warm unsweetened, non dairy milk. I love unsweetened almond coconut milk. Stir well. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

This drink is so delicious. I crave it. Turmeric Milk is the perfect way to wind down after a busy day and prepare for a good night’s sleep.

Taking turmeric as a daily supplement, drinking my Turmeric Milk, makes me feel like I am taking excellent care of myself. I know I am calming inflammation in my body while combating the Epstein Barr Virus. For me, it is nurturing at the highest level.

I am so worth it.

Get your Turmeric here!

I am an Amazon Affilate and may make a commission on products purchased through my links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for considering a purchase of this item, or any other items, through my Amazon links!

Cara Cara Oranges

One of the things I love about this time of year, other than the Christmas season, is the arrival of oranges in the fresh produce section. I’ve always been okay with oranges. I have to peel them, but I know they are worth the extra bit of trouble. They are full of health benefits.

A couple of years ago, I discovered an orange that is so delicious that I don’t mind removing its peel at all!

Cara Cara Oranges are a natural hybrid, a cross between a Washington Navel Orange and a Brazilian Bahia Navel Orange. They look like ordinary navel oranges on the outside, but peel one and its secret is revealed. The flesh ranges in color from light pink to dark red and they are juicy, sweet and refreshing.

Cara Cara Oranges, also called Red Oranges and Blood Oranges, are lower in acid than regular oranges, meaning they are never bitter or sour. And, they are incredibly good for health reasons, making them an ideal foundation in the plant based diet.

Oranges are rich in flavonoids and limonoids, which fight off viruses in the body, while protecting from radiation and deactivating toxic heavy metals. This citrus fruit also contains a form of bioactive calcium that can’t be found anywhere else. The body readily absorbs this calcium. It strengthens teeth while helping to dissolve kidney stones and gallstones.

Rich in vitamins and nutrients, oranges help with a host of diseases and disorders, including diabetes, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and fertility issues. They also ease hormonal imbalances, body pains, ringing in the ears and provide emotional support.

Cara Cara Oranges can be peeled and eaten as a fresh fruit snack. They can also be added to salads, mixed with other fruits, juiced or peeled and added to smoothies. Because they help to cleanse the body of heavy metals, I frequently add a Cara Cara Orange to my Detox Smoothie, which also contains frozen wild blueberries, bananas, Hawaiian Spirulina, Atlantic Dulse and Barley Grass Juice Powder.

I crave these sweet oranges. I was excited to find them back in the grocery store two weeks ago, just in time to add slices to Hot Spiced Cider. Sadly their season ends about mid April, so this is the perfect time to grab these luscious fruits and enjoy them to the fullest. I know I will.

Vegan Black Bean & Corn Salsa

I was looking for a healthy salsa to share at my family’s Christmas Day Smorgasbord. I contributed plant based snacks, sides and desserts. My family members brought their favorite sides or main course dishes, however, they got to sample my plant based recipes too.

I had in mind to make my sister’s Cowboy Caviar. But when I saw that the recipe called for bottles of salad dressing, I opted for this easy to make salsa that includes the fresh juice of two limes instead.

The recipe, from SparkPeople, on my first official Try This Tuesday, is not only quick to throw together, and healthy, it is pretty to look at too! And, it is incredibly delicious, as the flavors all blend together.

I omitted the cilantro, because of a family member’s dislike of it. And the salsa was still excellent. In fact, the recipe made a large bowl of salsa and I brought home a very small bowl of left overs. I used only organic, non GMO canned goods. Del Monte brand now has non GMO canned goods, as do other brands found in health conscious grocery stores, like Natural Grocers. I diced the avocado and added it right before serving.

The salsa was accompanied by organic, non GMO tortilla chips, made by Tostitos, and available in the chips aisle at any supermarket. These bite sized scoops are perfect for dipping.

The black bean and corn salsa was so good that I will be making this recipe often. It is a great side dish to take to parties or family gatherings. I can know that I am contributing food wise, and also to the health of everyone present!