September 2018 - Journey With Healthy Me

The Spice of a Healthy Life: Cinnamon

This familiar spice has been used for centuries, medicinally and in the kitchen. The scent of cinnamon evokes happy feelings of warmth and home. And, as it turns out, this feel good spice promotes health and wellness also.

What is Cinnamon?

Cinnamon comes from a type of tree, and the unique smell, color and flavor of the spice is a result of the oils within the tree. The health benefits of cinnamon come from the bark of the tree. This bark contains several special compounds which are responsible for its many health-promoting properties, including cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid and cinnamate.

The cinnamon tree is grown around the world with at least 250 species identified so far. However, there are two main types of cinnamon spice used today: Ceylon cinnamon, which is less common and sometimes labeled as true or real cinnamon, and Cassia cinnamon, which is more widely available and most often used.

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Cinnamon supplies a wide variety of nutrients and it is especially rich in fiber, manganese, calcium, iron and vitamin K. It also contains trace amounts of vitamins A, B6, C and E, and minerals such as phosphorus, sodium, potassium and zinc.

Health benefits include:

• High in antioxidants, which reduces free radical damage and slows the aging process.

• Prevents oxidative stress and nitric oxide build up in the blood, lowering the risks for brain disorders, cancer and heart disease.

• Relieves inflammation, which helps lower the risk of cognitive decline and reduces pain, muscle soreness and age related stiffness.

• Reduces high cholesterol and triglyceride levels and high blood pressure to keep the heart healthy and strong and lower the risk for strokes. Cinnamon is a helpful blood coagulant and can stop excess bleeding by helping the body to form blood clots. It also increases circulation and improves tissue repair, which may be especially helpful for regenerating heart tissue in order to help fight heart attacks, heart disease and stroke.

• Lowers blood sugar levels and improves sensitivity to insulin, which helps transport sugar from the bloodstream to the tissues to keep blood sugar levels balanced.

• Aids against the development of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

• Protects against DNA damage, cell mutation and cancerous tumor growth, especially in the colon.

• Boosts the immune system and fights against infections and viruses.

• Protects against certain strains of bacteria that cause bad breath, tooth decay, cavities and mouth infections.

• The powerful antifungal properties in cinnamon can be effective in treating and preventing Candida overgrowth in the digestive tract.

• Its antibiotic and antimicrobial properties help protect the skin from irritation, rashes, allergic reactions and infection.

• Cinnamon’s multitude of beneficial compounds help fight common allergy symptoms by reducing inflammation and fighting histamine reactions.

How to Use Cinnamon

There are many ways to include cinnamon in the diet. Dried powdered cinnamon can be added to many recipes and drinks or sprinkled onto organic oatmeal or freshly sliced fruit. Cinnamon sticks flavor drinks such as hot apple cider. The bark is an ingredient in many health boosting teas and cinnamon is available in essential oil form as well.

Cinnamon should not be overused, especially the cassia variety. Taken in moderation, however, this powerful spice brings health and wellness into our lives.

My favorite way to include cinnamon this time of year is in hot apple cider and warm turmeric tea, made with almond coconut milk. Fall is all about bringing warmth and coziness into our homes. Cinnamon is an incredible way to spice up life.

Artichokes

I’ve eaten artichoke hearts for years, primarily as an ingredient in a big mixed salad. I have never actually purchased this peculiar looking vegetable before today, or prepared it at home. There’s a first for everything!

What are Artichokes?

The artichoke is a variety of the thistle plant, cultivated as food. The edible portion of the plant consists of the flower bud before the flowers come into bloom. The budding artichoke flower-head is a cluster of small blooms with many bracts on an edible base. Once the buds bloom, the structure changes to a coarse, barely edible form.

This vegetable grows 4.5 feet to 6.5 feet tall, with arching, deeply lobed, silvery green leaves. The bud is 3 to 6 inches in diameter with numerous triangular scales. The edible portions of the buds consist primarily of the fleshy lower portions of the bracts and the base, known as the “heart”. The mass of immature florets in the center of the bud is called the “choke” or beard. These are inedible in older, larger plants.

Health Benefits of Artichokes

In Life Changing Foods, author Anthony William ranks artichokes in the top ten among superfoods. They are filled with phytochemicals such as lutein and isothiocyanates, vitamins A, E and K, amino acids and enzymes. They enhance B12 and bring balance to the gut.

Artichokes also contain minerals such as silica, which is crucial for the body to survive, and magnesium which when combined with other minerals found in this vegetable, helps to calm all the body’s systems. The mineral denseness in the artichoke nourishes the dense organs of the body, including the liver, spleen, pancreas, brain, adrenals and thyroid.

This is an ideal food for those with diabetes, hypoglycemia and blood sugar imbalances, as well as people suffering with kidney stones, gallstones, calcifications and scar tissue within the body. Artichokes also protect from the radiation of X-rays, cancer treatments and dental work.

Bring more artichokes into the diet for these additional symptoms and conditions: shingles, insomnia, liver disease, Lyme disease, pancreatic cancer, ulcers, systemic lupus, blood cell cancers, infertility, rib pain, food allergies, bone loss, inflamed colon, nerve pain and enlarged spleen.

How to Prepare Artichokes

The best, most nutritious way to enjoy artichokes is to steam them. Follow these easy steps:

• Cut off the stem of the artichoke so that it rests flat. Trim off the top 1/4 of the artichoke. Using scissors, cut the tips from each remaining leaf.

• Fill a large pot with 3 inches of water. Place 1 – 4 artichokes in a steamer basket and place inside the pot. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over artichokes.

• Bring water to a boil and steam covered for 30 – 45 minutes, until leaves are tender and easily pull loose from the bud. Eat by nibbling the fleshy part at the base of each leaf.

I used my pressure pot to steam one artichoke, after preparing it. It took 14 minutes to cook through. Using vegan, egg free mayo, I created a lemon sauce with the other half of the lemon.

My first experience steaming and eating a fresh artichoke was a success! The leaf bases were tender and tasty…and I ate the whole thing. Which is to say, I nibbled away the bases of the leaves and enjoyed the heart. There was a pile of leftover leaf parts when I finished, making artichokes a great beginning to a plant based meal.

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Hibiscus Lemonade

I’ve been enjoying freshly brewed hibiscus tea for a week, after being reminded of the incredible health benefits of this flowering herbal plant. Hot herbal teas are my drink of choice in the afternoons or on crisp chilly evenings.

Coming in late tonight, thirsty and with two blog posts to write, presented the perfect opportunity to try a fun twist on a favorite summer drink instead of my standard hot tea.

Special thanks to Anthony William for this simple and tasty drink. It’s not only delicious, it’s gorgeous as well.

Hibiscus Lemonade

4 cups of water, divided

2 teaspoons dried hibiscus

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

4 tablespoons raw organic honey

Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from heat, add dried hibiscus and cover. Allow to steep for 10 – 15 minutes. Strain tea and chill in refrigerator.

In a small bowl combine remaining water, lemon juice and honey, whisking until honey has dissolved and a smooth lemonade has formed. Chill lemonade while hibiscus tea cools. Combine cold liquids to create hibiscus lemonade. Garnish with lemon slices.

*Hibiscus tea bags can be used in place of loose hibiscus. Substitute 1 tea bag for 1 teaspoon dried. Organic maple syrup can be substituted for raw organic honey.

Tart and Refreshing Lemonade

The hibiscus lemonade was deliciously tart and so refreshing! I don’t typically use any type of sweetener in my tea however the honey added just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering.

I like sour flavors. The combination of hibiscus, with its cranberry-like tartness, and fresh lemon juice created the perfect cold drink.

As Anthony William prepares for the release of his newest book, Liver Rescue, he is sharing these wonderful, health boosting recipes. Hibiscus contains a unique compound that gives it a deep red color and rejuvenates the liver. Hibiscus cleanses mucus off cell membrane walls and improves the liver’s ability to function while supporting the organ’s personalized immune system. This herb cleanses and rejuvenates the gallbladder as well.

I’m looking forward to receiving Liver Rescue, due out next month, and more health improving recipes such as tangy Hibiscus Lemonade!

Preorder Liver Rescue below!

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Hibiscus Tea

I was reminded recently about the powerful health benefits of hibiscus. There are hundreds of species of this herbal flower however Hibiscus sabdariffa is most commonly used to make hibiscus tea. As I happened to have a container of dried hibiscus, I’ve enjoyed refreshing cups of hot tea this week and renewed my appreciation for this healing plant.

What is Hibiscus?

This herbaceous plant is a member of the flowering mallow family. Also known as a rose mallow, the hibiscus plant produces showy flowers in a range of colors and can be either an annual or a perennial, depending on location.

Several species are widely cultivated as ornamental plants. The tea made from hibiscus flowers is known by many names around the world and can be served hot or cold. The beverage is known for its deep red color, tart flavor, and high vitamin C content.

Health Benefits of Hibiscus Tea

There are many known healing benefits associated with hibiscus tea.

• Rich in powerful antioxidants, the tea helps to prevent damage and disease caused by the buildup of free radicals.

• Contains hibiscus protocatechuic acid which has anti-tumor properties. Research suggests that hibiscus slows down the growth of cancerous cells by inducing apoptosis, commonly known as programmed cell death.

• Boosts and supports the immune system by providing anti-inflammatory properties.

• Rejuvenates the liver and helps to treat liver disease.

• Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol.

• Lowers the absorption of starch and glucose which may aid weight loss.

• Relieves cramps and menstrual pain. It helps to restore hormonal balance as well, which can reduce the symptoms of menstruation like mood swings, depression, and overeating.

• Satiates thirst and improves digestion.

• Calms the nervous system, and helps to reduce anxiety and depression by creating a relaxed sensation in the mind and body.

**Do not drink hibiscus tea while pregnant or if low pressure is a problem.

How to Prepare Hibiscus Tea

The tea is easy to prepare. Steep 2 – 3 teaspoons of dried hibiscus in very hot water for 15 minutes. The tea is a beautiful deep magenta color and has a tart taste similar to cranberry juice. Sweeten with raw organic honey if desired.

The tea can be chilled after brewing and served over ice for a thirst quenching cold drink as well. Add lemon or lime juice and a spoonful of honey. I appreciate sour and tart flavors more than sweet, so I don’t add honey to my tea. I love iced hibiscus tea with just fresh lemon juice added.

Dried hibiscus can be purchased at health food stores or health conscious grocery stores, or ordered by clicking the link below. Hibiscus tea bags are available as well.

I’ve just enjoyed a cup of hot hibiscus tea as I wrote about its health benefits!

Order dried hibiscus below.

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Mangoes

After mangling the first fresh mango that I attempted to cut up, I primarily purchased frozen mixed fruit that included mango chunks. My morning fruit smoothies are easy to make using unsweetened frozen fruit. However, I’ve learned how to properly cut up this small, powerful fruit. Fresh mango, eaten alone or mixed with other fruits, can’t be beat.

What are Mangoes?

The mango is a tropical fruit with an outer fleshy part surrounding a seed, or pit. Mangoes, native to South Asia, are widely distributed throughout the world now, earning it the name “king of fruits”. In fact, mangoes are considered the most consumed fruit in the world.

There are many different kinds of mangoes. They range in color, shape, flavor, and seed size. While the skin color of mangoes can vary from green to red, yellow, or orange, the inner flesh of the mango is mostly a golden yellow, and it is notoriously difficult to separate from the pit. The fruit has a sweet and creamy taste.

Health Benefits of Mangoes

In Life Changing Foods Anthony William shares that the mango is a miraculous sleep aid. When consumed before bed, the phytochemicals in mangoes, combined with the fruit’s amino acids, fructose and glucose, travel to the brain and quickly restore depleted neurotransmitters. This allows for true rest during the night.

Mangoes are also beneficial for stress relief, viral protection and calming the central nervous system. Rich in beta-carotene, mangoes strengthen and support the skin and help to prevent skin cancers. They reverse hypoglycemia, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. Plus the fruit’s pulp soothes the stomach and intestinal tract.

Bringing more mangoes into the diet helps with these disorders: Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, epilepsy, Grave’s disease, ADHD, ulcers, stomach cancer, Hashimoto’s, glaucoma, Crohn’s disease, PTSD, urinary tract infections, depression, anxiety, adrenal fatigue, infertility, muscle cramps and pain, constipation, sluggish liver, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

How to Cut Up a Mango

Follow these easy steps, to cut up a mango:

1) Stand the mango up and slice from top to bottom, avoiding the pit. Turn fruit and slice off the other side. You should have two halves and a central section containing the seed.

2) Score the mango halves, cutting through the flesh without cutting through the outer skin.

3) Remove the cubes of mango by scraping the cut sections with a spoon or by sliding a knife between the flesh and skin. I cut the strips into long sections and fillet off the flesh (see photo above).Cut the narrow strips from either side of the pit, slice through the flesh, and fillet off.

Use mangoes in smoothies, salsas and salads, eat alone or combined with other fruits. Frozen mango chunks, combined with frozen bananas, makes a great soft serve type dessert that is naturally sweet and oh so delicious.

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Two Raw Apple Treats

The 10th day of the Apple Challenge presents the perfect opportunity to offer not one, but two delicious treats. I’m grateful for the many recipes that author and teacher Anthony William offers. Both of these scrumptious and easy to prepare recipes are his.

Raw Applesauce

I prepared this simple dish a couple of nights ago, to include with a veggie bowl that included baked potatoes, steamed cauliflower and tomatoes fresh from the garden.

Raw Applesauce

4 apples, cored and diced

4 dates, pitted

2 stalks of celery, chopped

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until a smooth, even applesauce forms. Serve immediately. Makes two servings. If there are leftovers, sprinkle fresh lemon juice over the applesauce and seal tightly. Store in refrigerator.

This recipe came together in minutes, and it was so good. I purposefully left my applesauce slightly chunky. And when I discovered I was out of dates, I substituted 1 tablespoon of organic maple syrup. The applesauce was the perfect accompaniment for the veggies.

Apple Pie Smoothie

I made these cold frosty smoothies after dinner, as a special treat.

Apple Pie Smoothie

2 red apples, cored and cut into chunks

1 1/2 – 2 frozen bananas, chunked

1 1/2 cups almond or coconut milk, unsweetened

1 tablespoon organic maple syrup OR 1 date

3/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Pinch of nutmeg

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Add more almond milk or water, if needed. Serve immediately. Makes two servings.

What a treat this was! The blended drink was thick and very cold, and did indeed taste like apple pie. The smoothie could be served as a meal replacement for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Or, as I discovered, it makes an excellent after dinner treat.

I am loving the Apple Challenge and getting my three apples a day in a variety of ways. And I know my liver is benefiting, as is the rest of my body. Watch for more nutritious and fun recipes as the challenge continues!

Calendula

This beautiful flowering plant has been used for centuries for ornamental, culinary and medicinal purposes. Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and one of the strongest antiviral herbs.

What is Calendula?

This flowering annual originated in western Europe, southeastern Asia and the Mediterranean. It’s commonly found in home gardens throughout the world today and easily blooms and thrives wherever it’s planted. The orange-yellow petals of the flowers are used medicinally, both externally and internally.

These petals contain high levels of antioxidants in the form of carotenoids and flavonoids. Calendula contains both lutein and beta-carotene, which the body absorbs and converts into vitamin A. The flowers also contain fatty acids and they are rich in oxygenated oils.

Health Benefits of Calendula

• Powerful anti-inflammatory properties make it a potent remedy for issues such diaper rash, dermatitis, ear infections, ulcers and sore throats.

• Prevents and relaxes muscle spasms and cramps.

• In studies done for slow-healing wounds it was found that using calendula-based gels and topical ointments helped speed up recovery rate and healing. Even more impressive, it increases blood flow and oxygen to wounds and infected areas, which helps the body grow new tissue.

• Contains antimicrobial and antiviral compounds, making calendula effective in fighting pathogens, candida and antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria.

• Helps reduce gum inflammation and fights against gingivitis, cavities and plaque. Its astringent properties fight mouth bacteria and promote a healthy oral environment.

• Calendula improves skin firmness and hydration, creating a more youthful appearance.

• Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, calendula can help fight against cancer and irritation due to treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.

How to Use Calendula

The herb can be purchased in capsule, tincture, oil, lotion or ointment form. The petals can also be purchased dried, to brew tea.

This bright plant is extremely easy to grow. Sow seeds onto prepped ground in the garden or into containers. The herb will bloom all summer. Collect fresh flowers for use in salads or to brew a flavorful tea.

I add drops of calendula essential oil to the skin serum that I make, to improve skin texture and firmness. And calendula tea goes into my afternoon tea rotation during the summer months.

I appreciate this versatile herb. It is a staple of my apothecary garden, and my skin care.

Order dried calendula below.

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Tips for Avoiding Seasonal Allergies, Naturally

As the seasons shift, we enjoy the changes that accompany them: clothing appropriate for the weather, holidays to look forward to, and a landscape that adapts to more sunlight or less and fluctuating temperatures.

Spring and fall are favorite seasons for many people, except for one thing. Seasonal allergies.

I suffered from severe allergies all my adult life. In the fall and spring, I stocked up on over the counter decongestants, allergy relief meds and ibuprofen. Often my eyes became so irritated I could not wear contact lenses. And cough drops? I carried bags of those at all times to help stifle sudden coughing fits.

Thankfully, allergies are in my past. I’ve “weathered” the changing of the seasons the last three years without trepidation, because I’ve implemented the following tips for avoiding seasonal allergies, naturally.

Tips for Avoiding Seasonal Allergies Naturally

What causes allergies?

Allergies occur when the body reacts or shows sensitivity to an antigen. During spring and fall, one in five people show a heightened sensitivity to pollen, mold and fungus spores and in the fall, ragweed. The body’s response can range from mild sniffles, itchy eyes and a dry cough, to skin rashes and hives, sinus congestion, runny nose, headaches and respiratory distress.

Allergy symptoms occur when the body responds to allergens by producing a chemical called histamine, which works to counteract the allergen. The immune system causes the allergic reactions by producing immunoglobulin antibodies that result in widespread symptoms.

Eliminate Foods that Create Inflammation

Lessening and ultimately avoiding seasonal allergies is a two step process: eliminate foods that weaken the immune system and then support the immune system so it can work properly.

A healthy immune system can handle allergens without creating symptoms in the body. An immune system that is already overwhelmed by a body fighting inflammation and viruses can’t handle anything more.

These foods cause inflammation in the body and should be avoided, especially during allergy season:

eggs
gluten
canola oil
soy
corn
dairy products
MSG

Dairy products create mucus in the body. Continuing to consume dairy products while fighting allergies is akin to throwing gasoline on a fire. Eggs, all eggs, feed viruses in the body such as Epstein Barr and strep, which weaken the immune system and create inflammation by way of their toxic wastes.

Strengthen the Immune System

Eliminating inflammation-causing foods allows the immune system to quiet down. Eating nutrient rich, alkalizing foods strengthens the immune system, allowing it to handle allergens when they invade the body, without creating symptoms.

Include as many of these foods as possible, daily:

wild blueberries
lemon/limes
celery
garlic
sweet potatoes
leafy greens
cruciferous veggies such as cauliflower and broccoli
onions
oranges
cranberries
raw local honey

Buy wild blueberries frozen and add to fruit smoothies. Sip on lemon or lime water first thing in the morning. For an additional boost, have a second glass of lemon/lime water in the evening. Before breakfast sip on the miracle drink, celery juice. (Read more about why celery juice is so good for the body.) Add extra garlic to recipes.

Raw honey is crucial in the fight against seasonal allergies. It needs to be purchased locally. Bees carry local pollen. Consuming it in the honey helps the body to build up a resistance to pollens. Replace cow’s milk with coconut or almond milk in recipes and drinks.

Supplements to Support the Immune System

Finally, support the immune system with these health boosting supplements:

turmeric
nettle
Ester C
elderberry syrup

Turmeric is one of the most powerful inflammation fighters available. Take it in capsule form or create Turmeric Milk, made with coconut milk, to sip on at night.

Stinging nettle naturally controls histamine. Take it in capsule form or, even better, purchase dried leaves to brew tea. The hot drink soothes the throat while delivering healing to the body.

Ester C is a powerful form of vitamin C, taken in capsule form. Elderberry syrup boosts the immune system, relieves cold and allergy symptoms, and calms a cough.

Tips for Avoiding Seasonal Allergies

Daily Regimen to Avoid Allergy Symptoms

Prepare for allergy season a month before spring or fall officially begins by doing the following daily:

Avoid inflammation causing foods
Eat immune boosting, alkalizing and anti-inflammatory foods, as many as possible
Take turmeric and Ester C capsules (follow dosage instructions on the bottle) or drink a cup of turmeric milk
Take a spoonful of raw organic honey, locally produced, and a spoonful of elderberry syrup (I buy unsweetened syrup)
Drink at least one cup of nettle tea, or take a nettle capsule

After many years of losing allergy battles, it feels so incredibly good to know that I can enjoy spring and fall without misery, and without the use of drugs. I am avoiding seasonal allergies naturally. Food is my medicine. And I am the victor.

Tips for Avoiding Seasonal Allergies Naturally

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Parsley

This green leafy herb is recognized by most people as the garnish on their plate in a restaurant. Until recently, I would never have considered eating the garnish. What a deeply ingrained perception, to view parsley as decoration rather than the powerful healing food that it is. I’m glad my perceptions have changed!

What is parsley?

Parsley is a species of flowering plants native to the central Mediterranean region that includes southern Italy, Greece, Portugal, Spain, Malta, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. It is naturalized in Europe, and grown across the US. The plant is widely cultivated as an herb, spice and vegetable.

Parsley is often used in European, Middle Eastern and American cooking. The curly variety is most frequently placed on a plate of food as garnish. Beyond its culinary and decorative uses, this aromatic herb also has many health benefits.

Benefits of parsley

Parsley is a nutrient dense food, full of vitamins such as B12, B9 (folic acid), A, C and K, and minerals including magnesium, sulfur, iron, zinc, manganese, molybdenum, chromium, selenium, iodine and calcium. The plant thrives well and has an adaptogenic nature, making it an excellent food when the body is weary and depleted.

When the body becomes too acidic, disease is more likely to occur. Parsley is one of the best alkalizing foods, for all systems of the body. It drives out acidity due to the special mineral salts that bind onto unproductive acids. This alkalizing ability makes parsley effective in preventing cancer, which thrives in an acidic body.

The herb fights pathogens, keeps bacteria, parasites and fungus away, and pulls herbicides and pesticides from the body. Parsley helps any mouth related disorder such as gum disease, tooth decay and dry mouth.

Bring more parsley into your life for these symptoms and conditions: cancer, anxiety, depression, adrenal fatigue, Epstein Barr virus, migraines, thyroid disease, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, dementia, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, COPD, endocrine system disorders, hepatitis C, nausea, dizziness, abdominal pain, weight gain, neurological disorders and pre-fatty liver. (Info from Life Changing Foods by Anthony William)

How to use parsley

For maximum benefits, choose flat leaf parsley over curly leaf, although it still has benefits if that’s all that is available. Juice it with celery and other veggies, add it to salads and sprinkle over foods. Fresh parsley can be brewed as a tea also.

Move this crucial herb from the sidelines, of your plate and your perceptions, and embrace the health and vitality it offers. I’ll be adding this plant to my herb garden next spring so I can enjoy it and reap the benefits more often.

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Apple Ginger Celery Juice

It was late before I turned my attention to this blog post tonight. As I walked into the kitchen, at a time when I should have been getting ready for bed, the apples piled in a basket called to me. They literally did, by sending their fresh apple scent to tease me.

Inspired, I quickly created a special bedtime treat that is in perfect alignment with the 21 Day Apple Challenge.

Anthony William, who issued the Apple challenge to the Medical Medium Instagram community, shared a juice blend recipe this morning. With those apples calling my name, fresh juice seemed like a great way to relax before bed.

Apple Ginger Celery Juice

4 red apples

4 – 6 stalks of celery

1 – 2 inch piece of ginger, peeled

1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Run the apples, celery and ginger through a juicer. Stir in cinnamon, if desired (and trust me, you will desire it!). Makes 2 servings.

I put four small red apples, 4 stalks of celery, and 1 teaspoon of minced ginger through my juicer and added 1 teaspoon organic cinnamon.

Anthony shared today that apples are anti-inflammatory because they starve viruses. When their pectin enters the digestive system, it releases phytochemicals that bind onto viruses, shrouding viral cells so that they can’t feed and proliferate. Apples also have traces of flavonoids, rutin, and quercidin, phytochemicals that are responsible for heavy metal and radiation detoxification, as well as the amino acids glutamine and serine, which help detoxify the brain of MSG. This fruit helps cleanse and purify organs, improve circulation in the lymphatic system, repair damaged skin, and regulate blood sugar.

Apples also hydrate at a deep, cellular level. They provide precious trace minerals such as manganese and molybdenum, as well as electrolytes and critical mineral salts that help the body rehydrate after exercise or stress of any kind.

This juice was a great way to destress at the end of the day while getting in more apples for the challenge. And it tasted delicious. The blend of sweet apples with salty celery was just right. The ginger added a hint of warmth while the cinnamon immediately reminded me that fall is approaching.

I enjoy freshly prepared hot apple cider this time of year. This refreshing juice drink could become my new fall favorite.