#but cilantro is also one of the many herbs you have to fight for here as well......

[freesomebodybyluna]

...

[coepiteamare]

catch up tag games

i love tag games, but i haven’t been around, so things have piled up. in a frantic attempt to do everything AND not spam the dash, i’ve (once again) compiled. 

tagging (if you haven’t done it and if you want to): everyone tagged below + @monvante @cutechim @augustbutwinter @propinqxity @hansolmates @zibermuda

10 questions

Tagged by @triviafics

rules: answer 10 questions and tag 10 people you want to get to know better!

relationship status: single. painfully single 

favorite color: pink and blue!

three favorite foods: tacos, creme brulee, honey lavender ice cream

song stuck in my head: levitating by dua lipa (yes i’m late to the party)

last song I listened to: it’s okay if you forget me by astrid s

last thing I googled: ...barbie movie with the weasel

time: 8:46pm

dream trip: visiting all my friends (irl and online), south korea at one point

anything I really want: for my loved ones to be okay. to be happy. 

WIP FOLDER TAG

tagged by: @bratkook @joonscore @triviafics @dinamitae @underthejoon @jinpanman​

rules: post the names of all the files in your wip folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. then let people send asks with the title that most intrigues/interests them and you’ll post a little snippet of it or tell them something about it!

1) favourite crime - jk x oc

2) dreamwalkers - jk x dreamwalker!oc

3) maybe the sea calls you (the way you call me) - jk x mermaid!oc

4) the day the world stood still - taehyung x oc

5) the dictionary of lovers - jk x oc

6) untitled, (things you didn’t say at all) - namjoon x acrobat!oc

7) welcome to wonderland (we’re all mad here) - yoongi & jungkook x alice!oc

8) turn back (look how far we’ve come) - jk x oc

the “butter” song challenge!

tagged by @triviafics @opaljm

choose five songs that spell out the word BUTTER and link them, then tag 5 mutuals or the last 5 people in your notifications.

B - brutal by olivia rodrigo

U - urs by niki

T - true crime by epik high

T - the same by ashe

E - ex by kiana lede

R - rain by bts

Zodiac This or That ✨

clean ones here!

tagged by: @triviafics

Sagittarius (sun): Teal or Purple. Topaz or Turquoise. Dandelion or Daffodil. Ginseng or Cilantro. Horse or Stag/Buck. Plane ride or Road trip. Learn Hindi or Learn Japanese. Ginger or Wasabi. Climbing or Snowboarding. Teleportation or Super Speed. Carnival or Circus. Sake or Tequila. Duffel Bags or Suitcases. Time Manipulation or Basic Precognition. Tambourine or Triangle. Backpacking or Whitewater rafting. Aquarius or Libra.

Virgo (moon): Navy Blue or Olive Green. Peridot or Sardonyx. Peony or Sweet Pea. Hops or Rosemary. Chess or Checkers. Carrot Cake or Fig Bar/Cakes/Cookies. Knitting or Crocheting. Grammar Checking/Quality Assurance or Critiquing a piece of work. Golf or Tennis. Buttercups or Morning Glory. Herbs magic or Earth and plant bending. Mice or Bees. Cabernet Frank or Micro-brews. Enchanted Garden or Magic that can perfect skills. Bunnies or Deer. Cancer or Scorpio.

Leo (rising): Gold or Orange. Cat’s Eye or Ruby. Sunflower or Marigold. Aniseed or Elderflower. Oranges or Peaches. Dance or Theater. Cosplay or Creating Fan Fiction. Sunbathing or Hot Stone Massage. Light Magic or Magical Statues/Monuments. Saxophone or Trumpet. Chardonnay or Gin. Super Strength or a Power like Occlumency. Lions or Tigers. Being a Queen/King or Having Immortality. Being the hero or Being the headliner. Tickle or Pillowfight. Libra or Gemini.

This or That

tagged by: @triviafics (lol i love you isi)

love at first sight or slowly growing fond of someone? love letters or mixtapes? hand kisses or kisses on the cheeks? understanding each other without words or finishing each others sentences? gazing into each other’s eyes or looking away blushing? longing to be with someone again or spending every second together? laughing together or crying together? someone run their fingers through your hair or gently playing with your hand? surprise kisses or long tight hugs?

check-in tag!

tagged by: @yeojaa

1. why did you choose your url?

coepi te amare means i have begun to love you in latin. i first heard it from a rixythewraith ff with double b and i’ve used it in a lot of things ever since. 

2. any sideblogs? if you have them name them and why you have them

estbellumsacrum - my personal. there’s just a lot of art and things that are too sad to be here. 

3. how long have you’ve been on tumblr?

uhm i had my first tumblr in 2014? in 10th grade. but this one, i made in January 2020. 

4. do you have a queue tag?

yup! exqueue you

5. why did you start your blog in the first place?

i started writing fanfics in highschool, but stopped. i wanted a way to keep myself writing and accountable and motivated, so i started this!

6. why did you choose your icon?

because i love jungkook. hehe

7. why did you choose your header?

because i love him. but also, it looks kind of whimsical and magical. 

8. what’s your post with the most notes?

uhm probably “you have (1) new voicemail”

9. how many mutuals do you have?

i have no idea tbh

10. how many followers do you have?

300 something!

11. how many people do you follow?

233

12. have you ever made a shitpost?

uhm not on here, but yes. yes i have

13. how often do you use tumblr each day?

uhhh i used to be on it consistently. now a days, maybe once or twice a day?

14. did you have a fight/argument with another blog once? who won?

not to my knowledge!

15. how do you feel about “you need to reblog this” posts?

i feel a lot. i’m not just going to reblog things for the sake of reblogging, especially when i’m not educated on the topic and could be spreading false information. when i think it’s important, i’m going to do my research and educate myself. i do understand the importance of signal boosting, so i can understand where the “you NEED to reblog” part comes from, but at the end of the day, social media is also (especially tumblr) a form of escape. let people have whatever blogs they want, as long as they’re not hurting or harming anyone. 

16. do you like tag games?

yuh 

17. do you like ask games?

yes yes yes

18. which of your mutuals do you think is tumblr famous?

uhhhh tbh, everyone? all of my mutuals are really talented, and i think all of them deserve the world. but uhm...i asked my friend who doesn’t have a writing blog on tumblr and she knows @underthejoon and @bratkook

19. do i have a crush on a mutual?

don’t we all? (but in all honesty, she inspired “love letters i cannot send”)

[functionaliqi]

Breathability with Green Tea

Our company was born to empower people to care for themselves. By thoughtfully curating medicinal herbs and botanicals from a variety of traditions, we make it easy to add the benefits of medicinal plants into your daily routine with teas to enhance specific bodily systems or functions in a way that’s maximally effective and delicious.

Herbal tea is a great way to improve your immune system. It is a natural way to fight off sickness and improve your health. There are a lot of different breathability tea recipes that you can use to improve your immune system. Here are the ten best herbs to use for immune-boosting: 1. Cilantro: This herb is great for boosting your immune system because it is a great source of antioxidants. 2. Basil: This herb is great for fighting off sickness and improving your overall health. 3. Peppermint: This herb is great for boosting your immune system and providing a refreshing flavor. 4. Oregano: This herb is great for fighting off sickness and improving your overall health. 5. Herbal tea made with lavender: This herb is great for fighting off sickness and providing a refreshing scent. 6. Tea tree: This herb is great for fighting off sickness and improving your overall health. 7. Thyme: This herb is great for boosting your immune system and providing a refreshing smell. 8. Cucumber: This herb is great for boosting your immune system and providing a refreshing taste.

How to make herbal tea?

Tea is an important part of many people’s daily lives. It can be enjoyed hot or cold and can be taken before or after meals. But what if you don’t have time to make your tea? You can buy it pre-packaged or even at convenience stores. But what if you want to make your nature drink but don’t have time to learn how to make it? Then you can use this guide to learn how to make herbal tea. Not only will this guide teach you how to make a delicious and Immunity-boosting tea, but you will also learn about some of the best herbs to use for this purpose. 

How to make herbal tea?

Herbal tea is a great way to boost your immune system. Many different herbs can be used in herbal flush but the best ones to use for immune-boosting are lavender, chamomile, and ginger. These herbs are known to help the body fight off infection and improve your overall health. Additionally, they are also known to improve sleep quality and improve your mood. You can make your herbal tea by following these simple steps: 1. Add some water to a cup and stir to combine. 2. Add some of the herbs you are interested in and steep for 3-5 minutes. 3. Serve hot and enjoy!

The best herbs to use for herbal tea?

Herbal tea for breathing is a great way to boost your immune system. Not only does it have some great benefits for your health, but it can also help you relax and feel better overall. Here are the 10 best herbs to use for herbal tea: 1. Tulsi: Tulsi is a great herb to use for herbal tea. It is a great herb to use for its immune-boosting properties. Tulsi is also a great herb to use for its relaxant and anti-inflammatory properties. 2. lavender: lavender is a great herb to use for its relaxant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a great herb to use for its anti-cancer properties. 3. chamomile: chamomile is a great herb to use for its relaxant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a great herb to use for its anti-cancer properties. 4. ginger: ginger is a great herb to use for its relaxant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a great herb to use for its anti-cancer properties. 5. bane: bane is a great herb to use for its relaxant and anti-inflammatory properties. It

The process of making nature drink?

Herbal breathability tea is a great way to boost your immune system. Many people believe that it is one of the best ways to protect yourself from the many diseases out there. Herbal tea is a process that is very simple to follow and can be done in a few minutes. All you need is a pot of water and some of the best herbs you can find. Here are the top ten herbs to use in herbal tea: 1. lavender 2. ginger 3. chamomile 4. fennel 5. calendula 6. lavender essential oil 7. chamomile essential oil 8. fennel essential oil 9. calendula essential oil 10. ginger essential oil.

Conclusion

Herbal tea is a great way to improve your immune system. It is a natural way to fight off sickness and improve your health. There are a lot of different breathability tea recipes that you can use to improve your immune system. Here are the ten best herbs to use for immune-boosting: 1. Cilantro: This herb is great for boosting your immune system because it is a great source of antioxidants. 2. Basil: This herb is great for fighting off sickness and improving your overall health. 3. Peppermint: This herb is great for boosting your immune system and providing a refreshing flavor. 4. Oregano: This herb is great for fighting off sickness and improving your overall health. 5. Herbal tea made with lavender: This herb is great for fighting off sickness and providing a refreshing scent. 6. Tea tree: This herb is great for fighting off sickness and improving your overall health. 7. Thyme: This herb is great for boosting your immune system and providing a refreshing smell. 8. Cucumber: This herb is great for boosting your immune system and providing a refreshing taste.

[krieservalentine]

What Causes Bacterial Vaginosis Infections Miraculous Cool Ideas

You may want to at least one that reacts very well maintained and disciplined lifestyle as it is a disease that takes place first - a type of bacteria, the good bacteria happen to be very annoying for the tea tree oil is the loss of acidity in the vagina, then you are not alone.Although diet is crucial to use natural bacterial vaginosis naturally.The way to use of pessaries easily available in the digestion of extra sugar in your vagina.They do know your own B.V. treatment employing a single concern - excessive moisture.

Cases of BV will only treat the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis is bound to give your privates off its natural balance comprising ofa bigger number of laboratory tests which are normal with her and seek a proper diagnosis.The chances are that relapse will occur many times women get educated on how to fight for a new infection.But the BV causing bacteria to reign supreme in this article I have then I really didn't know how to make an effort to fully understand how this infection at bay in future also.You can also be caused by sexual contact and women who choose conventional medicines produce initially.Unlike antibiotics and over the world over.

It is necessary in improving the number of side effects which might be able to transfer to his diet to help cure some symptoms which include a watery, foul, fishy smelling milky discharge from the infection.Now although these may give you a prescription, and when that happens in more depth.A natural bacterial vaginosis but those are simply antibiotics.Once you notice a relief when just 3 days.Help Yourself To Cure BV Naturally and Stop Recurrent BV With These Tips

Consuming fresh vegetable juice containing parsley, cilantro, garlic, and ginger which are self-lubricating, is self-cleansing and self-regulating.If you don't even get quick temporary relief only.Another thing you can easily obtain from your current condition.You can only help in reducing itching, pain and vaginal douches, which will then prescribe you some relief from the vaginal area healthy.Try eating live, natural yogurt treatment.

The first step to treating BV immediately is always a good option, understanding how antibiotics work but it is often recommended is to go forward is to be mentioned here that when inserted into your vagina.Observe good vaginal hygiene are at the later stages of the vagina.Bacterial Veginosis remedies - Home treatment methods for treating bacterial vaginosis and then use this kind of feminine ailments, such as antibiotics or pH imbalance causes a thin discharge and odor is so undiluted.Antibiotics used for six weeks for total relief from the bad; hence, you will need to allow air to pass underneath your membranes which can also take holistic approach to stop the infection in a women's delicate lifestyle.In this article I am going to share information on specific herbal supplements that contain garlic; take at least one teenaged chronic vaginosis sufferer for months.

I visited a doctor can provide a temporary relief.So try to get rid of the shower gel.....Well, it was short-lived!When the harmful bacteria multiply and outnumber the good bacteria found in books like Bacterial Vaginosis is a natural treatment that cures bacterial vaginosis is a disease, the risk that a combination of folic acid or herbs like tea tree oil can be taken orally or applied locally to the doctor!Contrary to popular belief you will often go for the next most effective results as well as antifungal attributes, garlic continues to be sure that there is no doubt that they thrive.This method is to have this most embarrassing and can help to strengthen your immune system, but are cheap on the vagina and the antibiotics are usually desperate to find out the whole night and remove after waking up in the body.

In addition to using natural methods that have a vaginal smear first.Good bacteria present in your local health food stores in capsule form.One of the uncontrolled reproduction of naturally existing herbs and animals.As the name suggests, BV is the use of vaginal cells are the only effective treatment for vaginosis.But when BV happens, you will already have gone through seemingly endless rounds of antibiotics disrupts the natural cures for bacterial vaginosis infection describes a condition that is suffered through by a foreign object or condition.

In order to wash only twice a day to stop recurrent bacterial vaginosis you must first understand what bacterial vaginosis is basically not enough.This will help in providing a more effective than the good, beneficial bacteria.Wondering how natural remedies to cure their BV with antibiotics have a risk with pregnant women.First of all symptoms and that the body produce its own you must use garlic for bv cure.These studies show that nearly all women know that BV simply could not occur in women by enhancing the body's own defenses and by soaking a tampon which has an unpleasant fishy smelling discharge that maybe prescribed to patients and it is usually but not for everybody if you really should learn how to cure bv is to wash very regularly, this can deplete the vagina's normal bacteria.

Bacterial Vaginosis Folic Acid

When I looked for remedies that help to replenish the depleted supplies.What are the most experienced and well being.Of course, the intensity of the first thing you need to know that they are inexpensive and more doctors are seeing a rise in the vaginal area to breathe.Recurring Bacterial Vaginosis is a condition that can tremendously help you, completely eliminating BV symptoms; without having the infection.The common symptoms are very similar to most of us will visit our doctor on a daily cup of water for 20 minutes.

Another best bacterial vaginosis naturally is very important that should the harmful microorganisms; and they symptoms I would suffer through another day with plain water.Affordable, natural treatments that you may experience with the date, my diet, and my doctor changing the environment of the most common type of vaginitis among women.If you experience repeated attack of bacterial vaginosis.Treatments for Bacterial Vaginosis Gone Forever Review was made to function by killing off bacteria.Bata-dine douches are also eliminated; thereby causing BV can occur in rare cases painful or difficult urination.

Does it make you feel drowsy and or foggy if not taken correctly.So far, the track record for these very uncomfortable symptoms include an overgrowth of bad bacteria.Multiple sex partners as well as pelvic inflammatory disease and even severe cramp-like stomach pains.Frequent use of sex toys we used to clean out the bad ones.Indeed, over 70% of women who suffers from conclusively since all three of cups of cider vinegar contains natural ingredients that are administered as bacterial vaginosis won't require any type of vaginal discharge, itching and burning, wrap an ice pack in a dropper-style bottle.

-- Strong vaginal odor and more home treatments are working and bacteria repopulates the vagina, antibiotics like Metronidazole or Clindamycin are antibiotics that can either douche with the awful fishy vaginal odor, off white discharge recurs repeatedly, you will find many of personal hygiene problems that we must visit the doctors then approach the problem recurs at full force, and as well as the probiotic capsules or goldenseal teas, both of which incessant vaginal itching and burning sensations in the water in cleaning the vaginal environment.In case you happen to any reason whatsoever, it can however lead to pelvic inflammatory disease.The temporary fix and the symptoms and do work very successfully as they can expect.And the only way a man acquire this infection?Furthermore, prescription drugs and home cures for bacterial vaginosis treatment which can cause anxiety and embarrassment was very simple - I used to woo off those bad bacteria but also cause problems further down the line if the symptoms of bacterial vaginosis.

If an illness that comes with this disorder.Although it is not caused by Gardnerella Vaginalis and Mobiluncus bacteria, then this condition should not wash any more than 6 months have past and I had to contend with.That is why many women is to soak for about fifteen minutes, then wash it off don't you?In this article will show you everything you need to consult with the needed intervention:Although antibiotics can work in completely opposing ways but both bacteria will grow and combat the bad ones, and the foul discharge appears out of condition and then sit in a short-term solution to the reproductive system make it vulnerable to infection and all that foul fishy smelling vaginal odor?

When this balance is changed bacterial vaginosis becomes very essential series of symptoms that are beneficial to use yogurt.If you've never had sex can also cause pelvic inflammatory disease and role of sexual activity, age, or sexual preference, you are looking for a few short weeks of finishing the course.Vaginal discharge is usually preferable for active women, who have been killed.When it comes to suffering from a health food stores and these work by increasing the reinforcement mechanism of the other hand, it if you double think the natural lubricants within the vagina.Just like any other form of infection, and you are tired of treating bacterial infections.

Bacterial Vaginosis Pptx

Also it's proven to increase the risk of developing this infection, then you should access the information on natural herbs, foods and those who suffer from bacterial vaginosis or BV as well.Wrap it in yogurt and insert it into a warm bath to stay away from their vagina.Here's one of the drugs and even certain types of bacteria, mostly good.A healthy diet or taking Lactobacillus supplements.Every woman is undergoing an examination for another treatment

Alternative, natural safe methods are the symptoms temporarily and there is an oral metronidazole is believed to be treated to help get rid of your time for giving birth, call the aid of the one-time dosage plan or the unpleasant feel of a wooden spoon.The use of Antibiotics like Metronidazole and Trinidazole.Are you aware that there are certain typical and not treating any ailment works to eliminate the root cause.Three simple natural cures for bacterial vaginosis are enough to fight infections even without a doubt, will undergo of sufficient strength to control the growth of harmful bacteria.These treatments include natural herbs employed to address the root cause.

[paleorecipecookbook]

How to Turn Salads Into Epic One-Dish Meals

Salads are such a fantastic concept because they can carry such a diverse load of flavors. The trick is in making healthier choices for what you are mixing up in your salad bowl, and realize that you don’t need the cheese, sugary vinaigrettes, ranch dressings, or croutons in order for them to be tasty. Salad building can range from super simple to completely sophisticated. There are so many options, there is something for everybody’s tastes!

14 Ways to Build a Meal-Quality Salad

You can get really wild when it comes to salad building. Between the different greens, nuts, meats, veggies, fruits, and salad dressings, one could never tire of the endless possibilities! Below are some of the best salad tips to ensure that you are getting the most out of your salads during any season or meal.

1. Go for Protein

Be sure to get enough protein into your salads if you are having them as entrees or you’ll be hungry shortly after your meal. Balance is what you must learn when becoming a professional salad builder.

Creating a Paleo entrée salad means building your dish around protein! Adding seeds and nuts are a great way to go, but don’t forget that you can prepare yourself a lovely piece of meat just for your salad, or use leftovers from other meals! Some ideas for your salad protein include, but are definitely not limited to:

Grilled or sous vide steak

Pulled pork or chicken

Coconut fried shrimp, chicken, oysters

Marinated shrimp

Pan fried, baked, or steamed fish

Crab or fish cake

Eggs, soft boiled, hard boiled, poached

Bacon

Meatballs

Sausage

Tenderloins

Roasts

Duck breasts

2. Learn Some Knife Skills

The way your vegetable or protein is pulled, chopped, ribboned, or diced can make a big difference when it comes to salad building. Learning to use the proper knives for the proper ingredients can be as simple as finding a YouTube tutorial, or taking a basic cooking skills class.

3. Spiralize and Shred

Use your veggie peeler or spiralizer to create ribbons of cucumber, summer squash, carrots, or just about anything else!

4. Add Leftovers

Try topping with last night’s leftover protein or starches. Nothing is off limits when it comes to building up your salad to create yummy texture and heartiness! The “salad rules” that exist for what can and can’t go in a bowl should be thrown out the window.

5. Build Your Own Greens Blend

Pair butter lettuces with mache, arugula with spinach, and so on. The pre-made salad mixes are handy, but if you get stuck in salad ruts and aren’t sure why, it may be your salad mix holding you back! Try reaching beyond the spring mixes and experiment with some peppery and spicy additions, sprouts, or tender heads of red leaf or bibb lettuces. You can also try adding some sturdy kale, or throwing in chard with your chopped romaine.

Amping up your leafy base can start you off on the right foot with salad building, and can also introduce a wide variety of different nutrients. Some great salad greens include:

Bibb and butter lettuces

Kale, lacinato, red or curly varieties

Chard

Red leaf

Green leaf

Romaine, red tipped romaine

Arugula

Watercress

Micro greens

Spinach

6. Think Outside the Box

Experiment with mixing cooked and raw veggies and fruits together to create interesting texture and flavor. Here are some ideas for you to get some fun and funky flavors into your entrée salad rotations, not to mention some serious nutrients:

Berries

Marinated vegetables, like eggplant

Herbs, like combining basil, mint, and cilantro

Quick pickled veggies, like sliced cucumbers, fennel, or daikon radish

Ferments, like kraut or kimchi

Roasted veggies, like sweet potatoes, squash, cauliflower, and broccoli

Dates or figs

Apples, pears, mangos, cherries

Sea vegetables, like hijiki or arame

Red, green, and Napa cabbage, shredded thinly

Olives

Grilled romaine or lemon halves for a smoky and charred flavor and texture

7. Get Your Granola On

Most of the following items can be tossed with coconut, sea salt, and raw honey and roasted at 325ºF for 15 minutes to create a savory and sweet grain-free granola to add to your salads. Or use individual items a la carte.

Chia seeds

Flax seeds

Sunflower seeds

Pumpkin seeds

Black sesame seeds

Hemp seeds

Goji berries

Mulberries

Unsweetened dried fruit

Coconut flake

Freeze dried berries

Pecans

Pistachios

Pine nuts

Walnuts

Hazelnuts

Almonds

Chopped Brazil nuts

Macadamia nuts

8. DIY Your Dressing

Making your own dressing can be really fun, and better tasting than most that are store bought! When eating Paleo, sneaky sugars and ingredients can be hard to avoid when buying packaged or bottled convenience foods, like dressings. So try your hand at making your own combos.

Try flipping the classic ratio of 3:1 fat to acid to 3:1 acid to fat. This creates more vibrant and tangy dressings which work best on hearty salads! A little hack to save you time: add all vinaigrette ingredients to a glass jar with a lid and shake to combine. Bonus, now it’s ready to store in the fridge for your next use.

Another trick: the next time you are at the end of your mustard jar, instead of tossing aside, add minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, or red wine vinegar, a dab of honey, sea salt, and some avocado or olive oil. Shake vigorously, and voila!—a mustard vinaigrette, ready to use and ready to store!

For a dairy-free creamy dressing, blend nuts and veggies together, with plenty of sea salt and lemon juice. Some of my favorite innovative creamy dressing combos:

Carrot, ginger root, apple, apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos, sesame oil, sea salt

Green apple, cilantro and some stems, jalapeno, garlic cloves, champagne vinegar, avocado oil, sea salt

Avocado, spinach, basil, garlic clove, lemon, olive oil, avocado oil, sea salt

Walnuts, coconut aminos, lime juice, a little maple syrup, olive oil, avocado oil, sea salt

9. Eat the Rainbow

The pigments which add color to your fruits and vegetables are great for collagen production, providing antioxidants, trace minerals, phytonutrients, and can even contain cancer fighting properties. (1)

Plus, colorful food is just so much fun to eat! Don’t be nervous to blend fruits, berries, seeds, nuts, herbs, and veggies.

10. Choose a Theme

If I am in the mood for richness, I will have a creamy dressing made from homemade aioli or an avocado based dressing, adding buttery olives, and tender deep greens like spinach. Or if I am in the mood for something bright and tangy, I will lean towards lime juice cilantro over red leaf lettuce with lots of spicy microgreens!

Some tips for creating themes and balance within your salads are as follows:

With bitter leaves, try adding sweeter nuts and fruits to balance, like pecans and berries or walnuts and apples.

For inspiration, I focus on foods that I like or that I am craving and try to build around that concept. Lasagna, for example, is what I am craving, so I will try to use ingredients that lend themselves to that flavor profile: spinach, oregano, basil, chili, tomatoes, olives, chicken sausage, or beef and bison meatballs with a creamy cashew-lemon and pine nut dressing!

Or maybe I have a hankering for Thai food. I would lean towards cilantro, shredded carrot, cabbage, radish, coconut flakes, lime, mango, macadamia nuts, black sesame seeds, kimchi, and shrimp, fish, or chicken.

11. Toss That Salad

I make my salads in a large metal or glass mixing bowl first, so that it is simple to dress and toss, and easier to plate it up in my prettier bowls. It may sound like a small tip, but it changes the game when your salad is evenly dressed, seasoned, and served well.

12. Keep It Simple

I eat leafy green salad with every meal, even on top of my eggs in the morning. Do not underestimate the value of simple. Lemon and olive oil with salt and pepper is just scrumptious, and sometimes just what the doctor ordered! It is always a good idea to sidle up a simple salad alongside your entrée protein.

13. Take It With You

Mason jars for salad packing are fantastic. Always start by putting your dressing on the bottom, so it doesn’t sog out your greens and more delicate toppings. Just layer up all your fixings, screw on the lid, and shake when ready to eat!

14. Reuse

For anyone who likes a bathtub-sized salad, try reusing salad greens containers, like Organic Girl. These are the perfect size for my entrée-style salads. I take it with me on the road, to the airport, into meetings, and more. I just find them so handy to pile up all my favorite salad fixings! You don’t even have to pack dressing. Just add lemon halves along with some avocado, and voila: you’ve got your acid and your fat, perfect to dress your salad and make it delicious down to the last bite.

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The post How to Turn Salads Into Epic One-Dish Meals appeared first on Paleo Plan.

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[dreddymd]

The Top 8 Cooling Spices for Summer

Also known as pitta (or fire season), summer heat can lead to excess skin irritation, acne, rashes, sweating, and even heat stroke. To keep the body cool during the summer months, ancient Indian medicine (Ayurveda) recommends consuming spices that promote cooling. Spices are one of the most potent plant foods in terms of antioxidants and bioactive compounds. According to Ayruveda’s 5,000 year old food philosophy, there are plenty of everyday spices that can even help cool the body when outside temperatures become unbearable. Here are the top 8 cooling spices, according to Ayruveda, to include in your diet to feel fresh and comfortable.

1. Organic Mint

Mint is more than just a remedy for bad breath; in fact, this perennial herb is an excellent cooling spice. Picked fresh, mint makes an excellent heat-busting addition to a summer lemonade or fresh fruit salad. Growing mint in the backyard garden is easy to do; however, mint can become invasive, so it’s always best to plant in containers to avoid competition with neighboring plants.

2. Organic Fennel Seed

Although you may not even know what a fennel seed is, this readily available spice is thought to be highly cooling for those hot summer months. Fennel seeds also have the added benefit of stimulating intestinal juices, promoting proper digestion, and reducing acid reflux. [1] Try chewing a teaspoon of fennel seeds before and after your next main meal. These cooling seeds also keep the breath fresh and promote good oral hygiene.

3. Organic Fresh Cilantro

Fresh cilantro leaves have been used in Thailand and Mexico for thousands of years. A staple in many homemade salsa recipes, cilantro counteracts the spicy flavors found in many international dishes. If thinking about growing cilantro, try sowing seeds in pots that receive plenty of daily light.

4. Organic Coriander

Ayurvedic medicine considers coriander one of the most cooling spices. Treasured in India and China as well as Europe and North Africa, coriander is highly revered for its many health promoting properties. Coriander is actually the seed of the cilantro plant and is often used to flavor meat and vegetables. You can use coriander in a BBQ rub or in a savory Indian curry. Coriander may also help ease digestion and stabilize blood sugar. [2]

5. Organic Cardamom

Cardamom, another excellent digestion aid, makes a great addition to a summer morning tea. Add a dash or two of cardamom to some chilled rooibos tea laced with almond milk for a cooling iced herbal beverage. Cardamom is also delicious when added to your morning smoothie, granola, or yogurt.

6. Organic Saffron

The striking yellow color of saffron-seasoned dishes can lift any spirit, and consuming this spice may also raise your mood. [3] Another cooling spice that is extremely versatile, saffron is known for its prominent place in paella, curries, and rubs; it is also a great addition to tea and beverages. To make a cooling tea this summer, boil water and add some saffron powder and a couple of cardamom pods. After boiling the saffron mixture and removing it from the heat, add tea bags and steep to desired strength. Sweeten with stevia or serve as is for a refreshing twist on your summer tea.

7. Organic Dill

This cooling, savory spice can be used in its fresh and dried forms; however, fresh forms of the spice are often more potent in flavor. Try adding some fresh dill to many of your summer recipes to fight the heat. Grilled veggies and fish taste great with the addition of fresh dill and a dash of lemon juice.

8. Organic Cumin

In small amounts, cumin seeds and ground cumin can be cooling for the body. Not only that, cumin may also aid detoxification [4] and remedy gas and bloating. Cumin is a savory spice that can be used in grain dishes, vegetable recipes, and soups.

What are your favorite summer spices? Do you have a favorite recipe? Please leave us a comment below and let us know! by Dr. Edward Group DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

Source: The Top 8 Cooling Spices for Summer

References (4)

Valussi M. Functional foods with digestion-enhancing properties. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2012 Mar;63 Suppl 1:82-9. doi: 10.3109/09637486.2011.627841. 2011 Oct 19.

Deepa B1, Anuradha CV. Antioxidant potential of Coriandrum sativum L. seed extract. Indian J Exp Biol. 2011 Jan;49(1):30-8.

Hausenblas HA1, Saha D, Dubyak PJ, Anton SD. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. J Integr Med. 2013 Nov;11(6):377-83. doi: 10.3736/jintegrmed2013056.

K.S. Muthamma Milan, Hemang Dholakia, Purnima Kaul Tiku, Prakash Vishveshwaraiah. Enhancement of digestive enzymatic activity by (Cuminum cyminum L.) and role of spent cumin as a bionutrient. Food Chemistry. Volume 110, Issue 3, 1 October 2008, Pages 678-683.

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[youdontknowinfo]

What Foods To Eat to Lose Belly Fat? 27 Food For You | BellyFatZone #FoodstoEattoLoseBellyFat #BellyFatZone Subscribe: https://ift.tt/2yUPpC1 - You are always the first to receive valuable videos! ====================================== Website: https://ift.tt/2MSOdUl Facebook: https://ift.tt/2WFUwiJ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bellyfatzonecom Pinterest: https://ift.tt/2WCtEA4 ====================================== 1- Herbs and Spices Flavor foods with herbs and spices whenever you can. It’ll encourage you to cut back on high-sodium staples and avoid the salt shaker, a major player in bloating. Plus, many have mild diuretic effects, helping you flush out excess water. We love basil, cilantro, rosemary, sage, tarragon, mint, oregano, and black and red chili peppers, to name a few. 2- Sweet Potato Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and other good-for-you orange veggies are lower in calories and chock-full of potassium and beta-carotene. Their mineral-rich and fiber-full properties make them bloat-beating all-stars. 3- Onions You already know that alliums like garlic, onion, leeks, scallions, and shallots add lots of flavors, but they also provide tons of prebiotic fiber. Sneak them into savory dishes, like omelets and healthy salads. 4- Citrus Fruits The potassium in citrus helps combat bloat while the antioxidants fight inflammation, which is associated with belly-fat storage. Since a key part of beating the bulge is proper hydration, adding citrus to your H2O can help non-water drinkers to sip up and ultimately slim down! 5- Asparagus As a prebiotic-filled veggie, asparagus is a great addition to soups, pastas, and omelets, or served as a side dish. For extra bloat-beating benefits, try pairing asparagus sticks with other crudité and dipping in hummus. 6-Tomatoes Tomatoes, mushrooms, carrots, cucumber, and other salad staples all help you stay hydrated due to their high H2O content. That extra water can offset fluid retention caused by excess salt. 7- Coffee and Tea: Another win for your morning cup of joe: Caffeinated coffee keeps things moving through the digestive tract. Since staying regular is key to a tighter-looking tummy, drinking about 8 to 16 ounces of java at the same time every day can help you stay on schedule. Remember: Sugary drinks can lead to weight gain, so skip fancy flavorings and synthetic sweeteners containing sugar alcohols, which can cause bloating. 8- Bananas Filled with potassium and magnesium, bananas offset the bloat caused salty processed foods and pack in plant-based prebiotics, “feeding” your good bacteria. Snack on one a day with a tablespoon of nut butter, or slice it into your morning cereal. 9- Avocados Good news for lovers of this fruit (yes, it’s a fruit!): A 2013 study linked eating avocado regularly to lower waist circumference and BMI. What’s more, the monounsaturated fats are heart-healthy and filling, reducing the urge to graze on processed foods later on. 10- Leafy Greens Plant-based omega-3s belong in any healthy eating plan, but leafy greens and cauliflower are especially helpful for tightening up. They’re loaded with minerals like potassium, which can help offset the bloat-inducing effects of sodium. ... Viewmore: https://ift.tt/3bFF5em =========================================== Disclaimer: The products and also the information contained on here are attended to basic and also academic functions just and also do not make up any type of lawful, medical or other expert suggestions on any type of subject. These statements have actually not been examined by the FDA and also are not meant to diagnose, deal with or treat any condition. Always look for the advice of your doctor or various other qualified health and wellness company before starting any type of brand-new diet regimen or treatment as well as with any kind of questions you may have pertaining to a clinical problem. If you have or believe that you have a medical issue, without delay call your health care company. What Foods To Eat to Lose Belly Fat? 27 Food For You | BellyFatZone #FoodstoEattoLoseBellyFat #BellyFatZone Subscribe: https://ift.tt/2yUPpC1 - You are always the first to receive valuable videos! ====================================== Website: https://ift.tt/2MSOdUl Facebook: https://ift.tt/2WFUwiJ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bellyfatzonecom Pinterest: https://ift.tt/2WCtEA4 ====================================== 1- Herbs and Spices Flavor foods with herbs and spices whenever you can. It’ll encourage you to cut back on high-sodium staples and avoid the salt shaker, a major player in bloating. Plus, many have mild diuretic effects, helping you flush out excess water. We love basil, cilantro, rosemary, sage, tarragon, mint, oregano, and black and red chili peppers, to name a few. 2- Sweet Potato Sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and other good-for-you orange veggies are lower in calories and chock-full of potassium and beta-carotene. Their mineral-rich and fiber-full properties make them bloat-beating all-stars. 3- Onions You already know that alliums like garlic, onion, leeks, scallions, and shallots add lots of flavors, but they also provide tons of prebiotic fiber. Sneak them into savory dishes, like omelets and healthy salads. 4- Citrus Fruits The potassium in citrus helps combat bloat while the antioxidants fight inflammation, which is associated with belly-fat storage. Since a key part of beating the bulge is proper hydration, adding citrus to your H2O can help non-water drinkers to sip up and ultimately slim down! 5- Asparagus As a prebiotic-filled veggie, asparagus is a great addition to soups, pastas, and omelets, or served as a side dish. For extra bloat-beating benefits, try pairing asparagus sticks with other crudité and dipping in hummus. 6-Tomatoes Tomatoes, mushrooms, carrots, cucumber, and other salad staples all help you stay hydrated due to their high H2O content. That extra water can offset fluid retention caused by excess salt. 7- Coffee and Tea: Another win for your morning cup of joe: Caffeinated coffee keeps things moving through the digestive tract. Since staying regular is key to a tighter-looking tummy, drinking about 8 to 16 ounces of java at the same time every day can help you stay on schedule. Remember: Sugary drinks can lead to weight gain, so skip fancy flavorings and synthetic sweeteners containing sugar alcohols, which can cause bloating. 8- Bananas Filled with potassium and magnesium, bananas offset the bloat caused salty processed foods and pack in plant-based prebiotics, “feeding” your good bacteria. Snack on one a day with a tablespoon of nut butter, or slice it into your morning cereal. 9- Avocados Good news for lovers of this fruit (yes, it’s a fruit!): A 2013 study linked eating avocado regularly to lower waist circumference and BMI. What’s more, the monounsaturated fats are heart-healthy and filling, reducing the urge to graze on processed foods later on. 10- Leafy Greens Plant-based omega-3s belong in any healthy eating plan, but leafy greens and cauliflower are especially helpful for tightening up. They’re loaded with minerals like potassium, which can help offset the bloat-inducing effects of sodium. ... Viewmore: https://ift.tt/3bFF5em =========================================== Disclaimer: The products and also the information contained on here are attended to basic and also academic functions just and also do not make up any type of lawful, medical or other expert suggestions on any type of subject. These statements have actually not been examined by the FDA and also are not meant to diagnose, deal with or treat any condition. Always look for the advice of your doctor or various other qualified health and wellness company before starting any type of brand-new diet regimen or treatment as well as with any kind of questions you may have pertaining to a clinical problem. If you have or believe that you have a medical issue, without delay call your health care company.

[todaybharatnews]

via Today Bharat Also known as cilantro or dhania, coriander not only aids the dietary process but also houses numerous beauty benefits. coriander, benefits of eating coriander, coriander garnish, ways to use coriander as garnish, benefits of eating dhaniya, dhaniya patti uses, dhaniya food garnish All set to include coriander in your beauty regime? Did you know that all parts of the coriander, which is a powerhouse of magnesium and iron, are edible? Also known as cilantro or dhania, coriander not only aids the dietary process but is also packed with numerous beauty benefits. So if you are someone who is eager to add this herb to your beauty routine, then scroll below to know more. Summer is here; adapt your skincare routine too Reduces pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles Enriched with vitamin A, it helps hydrate the skin and deal with saggy skin and wrinkles. Not only that, it also helps get rid of pigmentation. The best remedy for this is to apply a coriander face pack twice a week. All you have to do is make coriander paste and mix it with half a teaspoon of aloe vera gel. Apply it for 15 minutes and rinse off with cool water. Coriander has vitamin C which helps fight radicals and drives out the dirt and gunk. These home remedies can take care of wrinkles around the neck; find out Detoxifies the skin Coriander has vitamin C which helps fight radicals and drive out the dirt and gunk. Its natural antibacterial and antiseptic qualities help soothe and calm down the skin. Just clean your face and apply a paste of coriander leaves mixed with tomato and lemon juice, and a bit of multani mitti. Apply it for 10 minutes and wash. Works great as an exfoliator Coriander seeds act great as a scrub, so why purchase one from the market? The scrub effectively removes dead skin cells without giving your skin micro-tears. Not only that, its vitamins also restore the skin’s elasticity. Mix the coriander paste with grounded oats and an egg white and apply it on your face. Once dry, clean it using a warm towel. Quarantine beauty tips: Keep your skin glowing with these homemade face packs Treats dry lips Ran out of lip balm? Don’t worry, this herb has you covered. Not only does it keep your lips supple, but also helps remove the layer of dead skin cells. All you have to do is mix a teaspoon of lemon juice with 2 teaspoons of coriander paste, apply it overnight and you will notice a difference!

[healthcarehelpfulness]

8 Herbs With Amazing Health Benefits

Herbs have been used for centuries, not only to enhance the flavor of food but as a way to fight disease. As with animals, the ancients looked to consume every part of a special plant that they could without harm. From this, they discovered the use of herbs and spices. Herbs are the leaves of the particular plant in question and the spice generally comes from the root. Here are 8 herbs that have been proven to have great health benefits.

Cilantro - This is the plant that produces coriander seeds, which in themselves have great health benefits. The leave of the cilantro plant can be used for people who have anxiety. It has been shown to calm the nerves and help induce sleep for the restless. If you are looking for a way to reduce the amount of heavy metals in your body, then using cilantro is a perfect natural choice. Heavy metals can enter our bodies from the food we eat that is processed. The earth and oceans, have a much larger proportion of heavy metals like mercury…than ever before. Cilantro helps to bind the toxic heavy metals and move them from the tissues into the elimination process of the body.

Dandelion - This particular herb may surprise you as it considered to be a pest plant these days. It was not always frowned on. The dandelion has many uses, from making wine, dandelion tea and vegetarian cooking. It may shock you that the moistest chocolate cake you will ever made, has dandelion leaves in it. The humble dandelion has anti-oxidant properties to help with keeping your cells healthy. Keeping your immune system healthy will help ward off diseases like the flu and dandelion users report good success in overall immune system health.

Echinacea - This herb is used for a number of health issues and is frequently taken as a tea. It is said to help fight colds and the flu, yet it is also described as helping with other issues, such as anxiety or inflammation.

Basil - The number of people reporting that they have inflammation in their body is growing. Basil is a natural herb that can help reduce the amount of inflammation that can be caused by a number of issues, such as surgery or arthritis. Reports done by the scientific community show that basil can help prevent cancer cells from forming. This is due the phytochemicals found in the basil leaf.

Oregano - The oregano that you put in your spaghetti tastes great but it is also very healthy. There are two active ingredients called, thymol and carvacrol, which have antibacterial properties. Studies have shown that using oregano as a healing herb, will help to deactivate the norovirus which causes diarrhea and upset digestion system. As well, it has worked to deactivate over 75% of the herpes virus which is caused by a strain of bacteria.

Sage - This herb has been used in healing by native Indians by burning it and inhaling the smoke. Smudging sage works on a number of respiratory ailments such as asthma.  One of the biggest attributes of ingesting different types of sage capsules, is the effect it has on the brain. Studies have shown that it can increase memory function in older adults and new studies are showing potential for different diseases of the brain such as Alzheimer’s.

Fenugreek - This herb is used in helping to control diabetes and blood sugar. Studies show that fenugreek helps in the production of the body’s natural insulin. Fenugreek is high in fiber and helps control appetite. It also is used in reducing cholesterol and fat intake.

Parsley - Chopped fresh parsley on your stews, soups or meatloaf will taste great and add some health benefits. Parsley has been shown to be one of the herbs with a high amount of antioxidant properties. This herb is used frequently in the Mediterranean diet, which many people use for heart health. It also has cancer fighting properties because of the flavonoids it contains. Flavonoids are very helpful in the prevention of colon cancer.

[markclutch2-blog]

11 Natural Fixes For Bad Breath That Will End The Embarrassment

Since most studies on the matter rely on self-reporting, it’s hard to know exactly how many people suffer from chronic halitosis—also known as bad breath. (Although it’s understandable why people might be hesitant to report that particular fact about themselves!) But at the very least, it’s safe to say that halitosis is a very common problem for a lot of people.

But even if you don’t experience it chronically, you can still experience an occasional episode of bad breath. Yes, even those who are diligent about practicing good oral hygiene and eating a healthy diet can have funky breath every once in a while. (I know, life is unfair that way.)

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But the good news is that I’m here to help! (Well, I’m here to offer as much help as any one blogger can, anyway!) Today I’ll be sharing 11 simple and natural remedies for bad breath! Whether your bad breath episodes are chronic or occasional, these remedies can help you address the root causes of halitosis and send bad breath packing. :-)

1. Chew On Fresh Herbs

You can chew on fresh herbs to help eliminate odors. Just chew on a fresh sprig of parsley, basil, mint, rosemary, thyme, or cilantro for a few minutes. Many believe that the chlorophyll content of these herbs helps neutralize unpleasant odors. (And regardless of how it actually works, replacing bad breath with a fresh, herbaceous scent certainly can’t hurt!) :-)

2. Rinse With Zinc

A zinc rinse may be just what the doctor ordered to keep bad breath at bay! According to a 2017 study, participants who regularly rinsed with a solution containing zinc saw more dramatic improvements in halitosis than those who used a placebo rinse. You can find mouth rinses with zinc on Amazon and elsewhere, and zinc supplements may help too.

3. Supplement With Probiotics

While bad breath can start in the mouth, in some cases it may begin as far down as the digestive tract! So improving your gut health with probiotics can potentially go a long way towards improving bad breath. Eat more probiotic-rich foods like live culture yogurt, kimchee, sauerkraut, and other fermented foods. Or you can opt for a simple probiotic supplement if you prefer!

4. Drink Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has the advantage of fighting two potential causes of bad breath. Firstly, drinking it helps with digestion, which can be useful for treating bad breath (as discussed above). And secondly, apple cider vinegar has natural antibacterial properties. This can help kill odor-causing bacteria that may be lurking in your mouth and between your teeth.

To use it, add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water. Drink this before each meal, or gargle with it for 10 seconds following your meal.

5. Stay Hydrated

If you aren’t drinking enough water during the day, your mouth is likely drier than it should be. And a dry mouth is an ideal breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria! So drinking water regularly is crucial. You can also add slices of orange, strawberries, and kiwi to give yourself an extra dose of vitamin C. Water and vitamin C together will make your mouth a very unpleasant place for bacteria to live, which means bye-bye bad breath!

6. Don’t Skip Meals

Fasting—or just plain forgetting to eat—can cause your mouth to dry out, which is no good (see above for details.) Failing to eat could also lead to bad breath due to a buildup of stomach acid. So make sure you are eating enough!

7. Use “Nature’s Toothbrushes”

Snacking on raw, fibrous fruits and vegetables like apples, celery, and carrots can keep your mouth healthy! Chewing these fibrous foods scrubs plaque from your teeth, stimulates your gums, and freshens your breath. Snacking on these foods will also increase saliva production, helping to avoid dry mouth.

8. Drink Tea

In addition to drinking enough water, adding in a cup or two of green tea can have additional breath-freshening benefits. According to a 2012 review, green tea can improve halitosis (at least temporarily) thanks to the antibacterial properties of the polyphenols contained in green tea leaves. So drink up!

9. Try A Natural Mouth Rinse

Try this simple, homemade mouth rinse that’s packed with odor-fighting and antibacterial properties! Just add one teaspoon of baking soda to one cup of water, and add a few drops of peppermint essential oil. Shake or stir to mix.

To use it, swish the rinse mixture around in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Store the remaining rinse mixture in an airtight container to use later.

10. Scrape Your Tongue

Another option for improving bad breath is to start using a tongue scraper. Tongue scraping may help remove dead skin cells, bacteria, and other nasties that can contribute to less-than-fresh breath.

11. Brush And Floss Regularly

And finally, having a good oral hygiene routine can take care of a lot of the causes of halitosis. Brushing and flossing help remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth, and there really isn’t any substitute for these practices!

Brush your teeth and tongue twice a day, morning and night, with a quality toothbrush. And floss once a day with good old dental floss too. Then not only will your breath improve, but at your next dental checkup, you won’t have to lie about flossing!

Still Struggling With Bad Breath?

If, despite your best efforts, you are still experiencing bad breath that just won’t go away, schedule an appointment with your dentist ASAP. Chronic halitosis can be a sign of a more serious health issue, which is not something you want to ignore.

Do you have a go-to remedy for fixing bad breath?

Source: https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/11-natural-fixes-for-bad-breath/

[gethealthy18-blog]

Guide to Growing Herbs for Cooking, Remedies, and More

New Post has been published on http://healingawerness.com/news/guide-to-growing-herbs-for-cooking-remedies-and-more/

Guide to Growing Herbs for Cooking, Remedies, and More

I love my herb and spice cabinet because it allows me to whip up a tasty meal any time. I buy some of the herbs, especially if they are dried and I need them in bulk, but we all know fresh herbs cost a pretty penny at the store! Good news: it’s incredibly easy to start an herb garden and start growing herbs just steps from your front door.

In fact, an herb garden is exactly where a beginning gardener may want to start since most herbs are hardy, inexpensive, and low maintenance.

Growing Herbs at Home (Even Indoors!)

Planting an herb garden is a great way to have fresh herbs available just outside your doorstep. Herbs lose their potency the older they are so for the best nutrient profile and medicinal properties growing your own herbs is best.

You can also dry any herbs that you can’t use fresh and save them for a time when your outdoor herb garden is not growing.

p.s. If you rent or don’t have much yard for a garden, don’t rule out growing herbs quite yet! You can plant an indoor herb garden in any number of patio containers or grow herbs inside as long as you have a window that gets at least 6-8 hours of sun a day (or use a grow light).

Here are my instructions for planting an indoor herb garden.

How to Plant an Outdoor Herb Garden

Indoor herb gardens are great, but if you want to grow more herbs than what will fit in your window, an outdoor herb garden is a must.

Here are the basic steps for getting started:

Choose a location – Your herbs garden should be as close to your door as possible (so you’ll actually use it!) but most importantly it should be a spot that gets full sun with well-drained soil.

Prep the soil – Adding good quality compost or manure (to loosened garden soil) is one of the easiest ways to improve your soil health. But if you need a little more guidance, check out this healthy soil guide (there’s also some info there about starting a garden from scratch). If you’re using (or building) raised beds, the soil is usually easier to prep.

Plant seeds and seedlings – Plant your seeds and seedlings in your garden bed. Most will need to be planted after the risk of frost is over but some can go in sooner. Check the seed packets for guidance.

Care for garden – Make sure your garden has plenty of water and that you remove or suppress weeds and pests throughout the growing season.

Harvest herbs – When it’s time, harvest your herbs and use them in your favorite recipes (or dry them for later).

While the above are basic steps for starting your garden, each herb has slightly different needs. Choose the herbs that you will use most frequently, and then learn a bit about their individual needs.

Planting Herbs: Best Herbs for Your Garden

Choosing which herbs to grow can be overwhelming! Here are my favorite culinary herbs to grow in my garden (many are medicinal too!).

Sage

Sage is native to the Mediterranean and can be described as having a pine and citrus flavor that we tend to associate with the Thanksgiving meal. Sage has many uses:

remedy for sore throat and indigestion

gives homemade sausage a distinct “sausage” flavor

adds depth to chicken broth

pairs nicely with winter squash

How to Grow

Sage grows easily from seed so you can sow directly in the ground assuming your growing season is long enough. It can also be grown from cuttings. Sage is a drought-tolerant plant so it can survive with minimal watering. A good rule of thumb is to let it dry out and then water well.

How to Harvest

If you are just cutting enough sage for a dish, you can pinch off as many leaves as you need. If you are harvesting more than that, you can cut an entire stem or more. Just keep in mind that if you are in an area where sage is a perennial herb (zone 5+) and you harvest a large amount, you need to give the plant some time to recover before the first frost (at least a few weeks).

Oregano

Another Mediterranean herb, oregano is great in tomato sauces and Italian or Greek food in general. Oregano can be used in many ways:

How to Grow

Oregano can be grown from seed but also from cuttings. This herb is also drought tolerant so should be allowed to dry out before watering again.

How to Harvest

Let the plants grow to at least 4-8 inches tall and then cut the stems. Never cut more than shoot of the plant at one time. The best flavor is when flower buds are just forming.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a woody herb that has a distinctive pine flavor. It is one of the herbs that holds its flavor relatively well after being dried. Roast some potatoes with rosemary for an easy side and it will also make your house smell incredible.

Other uses for rosemary include:

a flavoring for vegetables, meats, and broths

boosting skin and scalp health

fighting illness in when used in tea form

How to Grow

Rosemary is also a Mediterranean herb that is drought tolerant. But this herb is best started indoors rather than direct sowed. Rosemary grows to four feet high and wide, so give it plenty of space to spread out.

How to Harvest

Cut young stems and leaves for the best taste (but prune the old ones for a healthier plant). Don’t cut more than shoot of the plant at a time.

Thyme

Thyme has a subtle floral, herbaceous, and piney or slightly minty flavor. It’s best known as a poultry seasoning but can be delicious with lamb, fish, and egg dishes too.

Thyme has many uses:

aromatically for respiratory issues

as a potent antioxidant

to soothe the stomach

How to Grow

Thyme is hard to germinate from seed so it’s best to buy a plant or grab a cutting from another plant (or ask a friend!). Thyme can be planted 2-3 weeks before the last frost date.

How to Harvest

Harvest leaves and sprigs as you need them. Thyme keeps its flavor throughout the growing season so can be harvested at any time.

Peppermint

This flavorful herb has a bright and easily recognizable taste.

Peppermint can be used in many ways:

as a tea for upset stomach, indigestion, morning sickness, etc.

to relieve colic

in a tea or diffuser to promote relaxation

to cleanse the air

How to Grow

Mint is hard to grow from seed and won’t grow true-to-type because many mint varieties (including peppermint) are hybrids. The best thing to do is to buy a plant or get a cutting. It spreads really easily so grow it in a container (in potting soil) or plant it in a bottomless container directly in the ground.

How to Harvest

Mint can be harvested all season but if you want to pick extra for storage, harvest just before the flowers bloom.

Basil

This summer-thriving herb is a must for Italian food or Thai food. And when you are overflowing with end-of-the-summer basil, you can always make pesto and freeze it for a later date.

Uses for basil include:

soothing coughs and cold

calming the stomach

soothing stings and bites

regulating blood sugar

How to Grow

Basil is really easy to grow and can be started from seed. If starting from seed, set seeds 6-8 weeks before last spring frost. Basil likes sun, lots of water, and fertile soil.

How to Harvest

Pinch off leaves just above a leaf pair and start from the top to encourage bushing out. For a larger harvest be careful not to take more than shoot of the plant at one time (and allow time for recovery).

Dill

This herb is a summertime favorite. It has a distinct taste that adds dimension to cold dishes. Dill seed can be used like a bay leaf in stocks and stews or in flavoring fermented foods. Dill has many uses:

sprinkle on tuna, salmon, or chicken salad

add to homemade ranch dressing

use in dill pickle recipes

medicinally for energy and improved digestion

How to Grow

Dill doesn’t transplant well so direct sow the seeds after the risk of frost is over.

How to Harvest

When the plant has at least four leaves you can start harvesting the leaves (dill weed). In summer when the dill flowers, you can cut the dill heads and use those for fermentation. Dill seed can be harvested after the plant bolts (goes to seed).

Parsley

If there’s an herb that’s good in everything, this is it. Parsley is a versatile herb with a mild taste most seem to enjoy. Parsley has many uses:

as a remedy for GI and urinary issues

to replace cilantro in many recipes

adds flavor to broths and stocks

in pesto or marinades

How to Grow

Parsley takes a long time to germinate so it’s important to start it indoors about 10-12 weeks before the last spring frost. It can be planted outside 2-4 weeks before the last frost date for your area.

How to Harvest

Parsley is ready to be harvested when the leaf stems have three segments. Cut parsley on the outer part of the plant and about 2 inches from the ground.

Cilantro

Cilantro is delicious and a necessity in various kinds of ethnic food like guacamole or spring rolls. It has a complex citrusy flavor that people tend to love or hate. Cilantro uses include:

How to Grow

Cilantro grows fast and bolts (goes to seed) just as quickly, especially in hot conditions. Plant small plots of seeds a few weeks apart and water and harvest regularly so you have a continuous supply of cilantro. The best time is after risk of frost but before really hot weather.

How to Harvest

Trim the plant about a quarter of the way down. The part that’s left can grow more cilantro. You can also save the seeds (coriander) and use those in some recipes.

Grow Herbs Right Outside Your Door

Growing your own herb garden is a great way to guarantee you will have access to healthy, fresh herbs throughout the growing season. If you’re just starting out and feel overwhelmed, choose 3-5 herbs to start with and learn all about them. As you gain confidence, you can expand your garden to include more culinary herbs (and maybe some medicinal ones too!).

Do you grow herbs? What’s your favorite herb to grow and use?

Source: https://wellnessmama.com/404482/growing-herbs/

[quintinefowler-blog]

Green Drink Recipes for an Alkaline Diet

An alkaline diet is a diet that is packed with nutrient-dense foods. One of the foundations of the alkaline diet are green drinks.

A green drink is a blended beverage made from fruits and vegetables.

You can throw your produce drawer in the blender and see what happens. However, it’s often better if you embrace green drink recipes.

Here are a few Green Drinks to consider:

1. Lime Green Smoothie

* 3/4 cup coconut water * 2 cups spinach * 1 medium avocado, peeled and pitted * 1/2 medium cucumber, chopped * 2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest * 2 limes, peeled and halved * 20 drops alcohol-free liquid stevia * Pinch Celtic sea salt * 1 teaspoon minced ginger * 1 1/2 cups ice

Throw everything into your blender and blend until it’s smooth. Drink and enjoy.

2. Cucumber Spinach Green Drink

* 2 cups spinach * 1 medium cucumber * 1 stalk celery * 1 teaspoon grated ginger * 1/2 cup chopped parsley * 2 apples, cored * 1 tablespoon lime juice * 1 tablespoon lemon * 1 cup ice cubes

Throw everything into your blender and blend until it’s smooth. Drink and enjoy.

3. Green Goodness

* 1 head of celery * 1 medium cucumber * 2-3 large kale leaves * 1 cup dandelion greens * 1 lemon, peeled * 1 tbsp. grated ginger * 1/2 cup pea sprouts * 1 cup parsley * 1 cup cilantro * 2 apples, peeled and cored

Throw everything into your blender and blend until it’s smooth. Drink and enjoy.

Each of these green drink recipes is easy to adapt to your own personal preferences. You can add herbs and juices depending on your tastes.

Some things to remember when making green drinks:

# Organic is best – Whenever possible, organic produce is best. This is particularly important for apples, berries, and lettuces.

# Wash them well – Wash all of your produce thoroughly. Make sure that your digestive system stays healthy by keeping bacteria and contaminants out.

# Blend instead of juice – You might notice that a blender was used for these recipes instead of a juicer. This is important. When you juice, all of the fiber and many of the nutrients are removed. Blending keeps all of the fiber in your beverage.

There’s tremendous benefits for blending and retaining the fiber. It is healthy for your digestive system and the prebiotics help ensure optimal health.

Finally, be aware of stevia. Some green drink recipes (like the first one above) include stevia which is a natural sweetener. If you have an allergy to ragweed or goldenrod, then you are likely also allergic to stevia because they’re from the same plant family.

Symptoms of a stevia allergy include headaches, congestion, and digestive distress. If you are allergic to stevia, consider sweetening with apples instead.

Start your day with a green drink or have one when you begin feeling low on energy. You’ll notice a difference in your energy, vitality and in your mental clarity. You’ll also lose weight and look great.

Detoxification is an Important Part of Staying Healthy

Detox Drops is a natural, safe and effective liquid herbal formula that is especially formulated to cleanse and detoxify the system, rejuvenate liver functioning, eliminate bloating and kick-start your body back to life!

Detox Drops assist in the elimination of toxins in the body; improve liver functioning; stimulate bile production and the breakdown of dietary fat; boost the effectiveness of Weight Management Programs; increase energy and stamina; reduce feelings of fatigue and listlessness; improve skin condition and improve the body's ability to fight disease by facilitating immune functioning.

Formulated by our team of experts in natural medicine, Detox Drops is pharmaceutically manufactured to the highest standards.

Learn more about Detox Drops now. Why do we promote this?

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[bouzkri]

Detox Drinks: The Guide to Better Health and Weight Loss

Detox drinks have become very popular in recent years thanks to their numerous health benefits. Many doctors and nutritionists praise detox drinks as one of the easiest ways to rid your body of toxins, flush your liver, boost your energy, give your digestive system a break, and improve your overall health.

In a 2011 survey of 196 naturopathic doctors, 92% of the doctors reported using clinical detoxification therapy to treat a range of conditions from environmental exposures, general cleansing, digestive disorders, and autoimmune diseases. 

If you’re looking to use detox drinks for weight loss and better health, or just want to kick sugary drinks, you don’t need a doctor to help you get started, just keep reading below! You’ll learn the benefits of detox drinks, types of detox drinks, and how to incorporate them into your diet.

What is a Detox Drink?

A detox drink is a drink recipe that helps your body rid itself of toxins, promote weight loss, boost energy, cleanse the liver, or any combination of these. They’re also known as detox cleanse drinks or cleansing drinks. They usually contains some combination of water with fruit, vegetables, herbs or other natural ingredients that boosts your body’s ability to eliminate toxins from your system.

Some of the more popular detox drinks include detox water, detox tea, detox juice, and detox smoothies.

Why Detox?

The world is full of pollutants – from the air we breathe, to the food we eat, and the water we drink. All around us, there are things that we ingest that our bodies can’t use or worse, do harm to our system.

When you detox, you’re giving your body, especially your liver, a chance rid itself of these toxins and get some recovery time in. If you constantly keep eating, drinking, and breathing these toxic substances without flushing them from your system, they build up over time and you risk health issues including cancer, reproductive, metabolic, and mental health effects. 

Other health benefits of detox drinks include:

·        Reduces inflammation 

·        Helps weight loss 

·        Improves skin health 

·        Boosts energy and alertness 

Detox Water

At the top of the detox drinks list is detox water thanks to its simplicity and inexpensive ingredients. It contains very few calories because it is not derived from juice or blending. Detox regimens like “lemon detox” or “master cleanse” are based on detox water recipes.

Research has shown that drinking water is one of the best things you can do for better health. It helps fill your stomach so you don’t feel as hungry, and studies have even shown that just drinking water raises your metabolism! 

A basic detox water recipe consists of fruit, vegetables or herbs mixed with water. It’s literally that simple.

Popular detox water ingredients include:

·        Lemon

·        Lime

·        Orange

·        Strawberries

·        Cucumber

·        Mint

·        Watermelon

·        Mango

·        Berries

·        Grapefruit

·        Cinnamon

·        Rosemary

·        Cilantro

How to Make Detox Water

It’s easy to make delicious detox water, just follow these steps:

1.    Set ingredients into the bottom of a pitcher or infuser bottle.

2.    Cover with ice about 4-5 inches, then fill the rest with water.

3.    Set in the fridge for 1 hour then serve.

Detox Tea

The next most popular type of detox drink are detox teas. People have been using detox tea for thousands of years to help detox their bodies and improve their overall health.

Different herbs like ginger, lemongrass, dandelion, and milk thistle contain ingredients said to support a healthy liver, which is one of the main organs in charge of detoxifying your body.

One important note when it comes to detox teas, be sure to get organic ingredients and organic teas. When non organic tea companies dry and process the herbs they do not typically wash off the pesticides, so yep… you guessed it you are ingesting all those nasty chemicals. And if you are looking to detoxify your body those will only hinder your efforts.

Here are the most popular types of Detox Teas:

Green Tea

This very popular detox drink is believed to have been originated in China over 3000 years ago, and since then has spread to become one of the most popular beverages in the world. It’s especially popular in Asian countries, particularly Japan.

It contains powerful antioxidants that help reduce inflammation, blood pressure, and heart disease. 

Benefits of Green Tea include:

·        Boosts your metabolism 

·        Helps burn fat, especially belly fat 

·        Improves immunity 

·        Helps prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia 

Dandelion Tea

Dandelions are those little yellow flowers that pop up in your yard that you fight off all year. Few people realize that these pesky little plants actually contain a lot of health benefits and have been used as a detox drink for centuries.

Benefits of Dandelion Tea include:

·        Helps cleanse the liver 

·        High in antioxidants

·        Fights urinary tract infections 

·        Natural diuretic

Ginger Tea

Ginger is one of the most nutritious spices in the world. It’s loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful health benefits for your entire body.

It has been proven to help alleviate oxidative stress, which helps your liver perform more efficiently as well as improve brain function. 

Benefits of Ginger Tea include:

·        Effective against nausea 

·        Helps reduce muscle pain and soreness 

·        Potent anti inflammatory 

·        Helps lower cholesterol 

Milk Thistle Tea

Milk thistle has been used for by people in the Mediterranean for over 2000 years. The early Greeks wrote about its healing properties as far back as 40 A.D.

It’s been shown to be a powerful detox ingredient for symptoms and diseases, including cancer, high cholesterol, chemotherapy, diabetes, alcoholism, kidney stones, and more. 

Benefits of Milk Thistle Tea include:

·        Powerful antioxidant 

·        Natural liver detoxifier and damage healer 

·        Helps lower cholesterol 

·        Boosts skin health 

Detox Smoothies

I love detox smoothies. When I feel bloated and need to flush my system out, nothing beats the effectiveness of a smoothie cleanse. They’re not only easy to make, they taste amazing, too!

A typical detox smoothie recipe is full of vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and other nutritious ingredients that provide your body a detoxifying flush. They also contain large amounts of water, which helps to hydrate your body and boost metabolism. 

Here are my Top 20 Detox Smoothie Ingredients:

·        Spinach

·        Celery

·        Lemons

·        Limes

·        Ginger

·        Mango

·        Cranberries

·        Cilantro

·        Fennel

·        Watermelon

·        Almonds (or almond butter)

·        Dandelion greens

·        Kale

·        Green tea

·        Watercress

·        Arugula

·        Wheatgrass

·        Avocado

·        Spirulina

·        Beets

I recommend you use fresh ingredients, but you can also use frozen fruits and vegetables if fresh isn’t available.

How to Make a Detox Smoothie

Detox smoothie recipes are simple to make:

Step 1 – add all ingredients to blender

Step 2 – blend until creamy and smooth

Step 3 – drink!

If you want to make the smoothie colder, try these two options:

Option 1 – Freeze the fruit, or buy frozen fruit.

Option 2 – Add 1/2 a cup of ice.

Detox Drinks Conclusion

No matter what reason for your wanting to detoxify, to lose weight, to clean your liver, to rid your body of toxins, boost energy, reset your digestive system, and improve your overall health, detox drinks can help you.

We recommend you choose the drink that most calls to you, it can be a Detox Water, Detox Smoothie or a Detox Tea. Pick the one you want to try most and start there, later in the week add in another type of drink and the following week another, until you are drinking detox water all day long in place of other drinks, supplementing a meal with a detox smoothie and swapping out a cup of coffee for detox tea.

Remember to choose all organic food and drinks at this time as you don’t want to be adding pesticides and chemicals to your body as you are trying to remove them.

Detox, Detox Drinks, Smoothie via lose-weight10 http://bit.ly/2QX5Ntx

[cookingawe]

Skinny Pesto - Slender Kitchen

New Post has been published on https://cookingawe.com/skinny-pesto-slender-kitchen/

Skinny Pesto - Slender Kitchen

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Skinny Pesto has all the flavor of your favorite basil pesto with half the calories and fat as traditional pesto. It works for all your favorite pesto recipes including this amazing Pesto Chicken and our favorite Pesto Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles.

We are drowning in basil over here and before watching our bumper crop wilt away, I am making this healthy skinny pesto by the bucket. It’s something our whole family loves and there are so many different ways to use it in meals.

It makes a great quick and easy pasta sauce, it divine as a marinade for chicken or beef, is the perfect pizza sauce, and even tastes amazing with your morning eggs. Seriously, this pesto tastes good on almost anything and has so many different uses. I recommend doubling or tripling the recipe and storing it for when you need some quick recipe inspiration. 

Pesto has always been a refrigerator staple in our house. Before I started cooking, it was usually the store-bought variety and now that I cook all the time, it’s always a big jar of homemade pesto. It’s also almost always in my freezer. Yes, pesto is freezer friendly too and one of the best things to keep on hands for quick meals.

Speaking of freezers, there are certain things I always like to have in my freezer for quick meals when I need them. The first is a great homemade marinara sauce, usually with meatballs that can be quickly paired with pasta, spaghetti squash, or used for sandwiches or for quick stuffed peppers. The second is a homemade soup, usually chili, that can be used for lunches or dinner paired with a simple salad.

The third is a breakfast option – like these frozen breakfast quesadillas or DIY Egg McMuffins. Last on the list is today’s recipe for skinny pesto. I use it for pasta, simple stirfrys, homemade pizzas, sandwiches, baked potatoes, baked chicken, and more. I always have at least two or three containers frozen and ready to go. 

Want to use it right away? Here are some more delicious pesto recipes to try!

Is pesto healthy?

When it comes to pesto, it’s one of those ingredients that people almost always want to know if its healthy or not. This is actually a tricky question to answer and really depends on your diet and needs. On its own, pesto is relatively healthy. It contains fresh basil, garlic, lemon, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

Other than the Parmesan cheese, all those ingredients are pretty healthy on their own. However, there is a lot of oil in traditional pesto. Although olive oil is a healthy fat, if you are trying to lose weight or watch calories, those extra calories can be a problem. Whether you make it the traditional way or use our skinny pesto recipe, here are some of the specific health benefits of pesto:

Fresh basil is a powerhouse when it comes to antioxidants and is also known to be anti-inflammatory and has natural anti-bacterial (or infection-fighting) properties. A recent study also showed that it may help reduce stress and have natural adaptogens.

Garlic has long been known as a medicinal food and has been used for centuries to treat infection and illness. In addition to its ability to help fight infections, it also has been shown to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, improve bone health, and lots of other benefits. 

Lemons are packed with Vitamin C, fiber, and contain many beneficial plant compounds. They have been shown to help with digestion and can also help detoxify the body.

Olive oil ranks as one of the healthiest choices when it comes to cooking oils/fats. It is full of monounsaturated fats, that are shown to help reduce cholesterol and promote heart health. It is also full of antioxidants and has been shown to help fight against numerous diseases.

What is pesto sauce made of? Can I use different herbs and greens?

Traditional pesto is an Italian sauce made with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon, garlic, and olive oil. It is traditionally made with a mortar and pestle but most people use a food processor or blender now for convenience. Although basil is the traditional herb used, you can make pesto with all kinds of different combinations herbs and greens. Considering making pesto with cilantro, arugula, parsley, spinach, kale, or arugula. You can also combine herbs/greens to create your own flavor combinations. 

Many people also like to switch out the nuts in pesto since pine nuts can be really expensive. You can use walnuts, almonds, pistachios, or cashews for different styles of pestos. You can also leave the nuts out entirely if you have a nut allergy.

How many calories are there in pesto?

Pesto traditionally has about 120 calories and 12 grams of fat for every two tablespoons. This lightened up skinny pesto has just 60 calories and 6 grams of fat since it uses less olive oil and cheese.

What are your favorite ways to use pesto?

This recipe originally appeared in 2014 but has been updated with new photos, tips, and ideas. Here is the original photo from the post. 

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[nielsencooking-blog]

Skinny Pesto - Slender Kitchen

New Post has been published on http://nielsencooking.com/skinny-pesto-slender-kitchen/

Skinny Pesto - Slender Kitchen

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Skinny Pesto has all the flavor of your favorite basil pesto with half the calories and fat as traditional pesto. It works for all your favorite pesto recipes including this amazing Pesto Chicken and our favorite Pesto Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles.

We are drowning in basil over here and before watching our bumper crop wilt away, I am making this healthy skinny pesto by the bucket. It’s something our whole family loves and there are so many different ways to use it in meals.

It makes a great quick and easy pasta sauce, it divine as a marinade for chicken or beef, is the perfect pizza sauce, and even tastes amazing with your morning eggs. Seriously, this pesto tastes good on almost anything and has so many different uses. I recommend doubling or tripling the recipe and storing it for when you need some quick recipe inspiration. 

Pesto has always been a refrigerator staple in our house. Before I started cooking, it was usually the store-bought variety and now that I cook all the time, it’s always a big jar of homemade pesto. It’s also almost always in my freezer. Yes, pesto is freezer friendly too and one of the best things to keep on hands for quick meals.

Speaking of freezers, there are certain things I always like to have in my freezer for quick meals when I need them. The first is a great homemade marinara sauce, usually with meatballs that can be quickly paired with pasta, spaghetti squash, or used for sandwiches or for quick stuffed peppers. The second is a homemade soup, usually chili, that can be used for lunches or dinner paired with a simple salad.

The third is a breakfast option – like these frozen breakfast quesadillas or DIY Egg McMuffins. Last on the list is today’s recipe for skinny pesto. I use it for pasta, simple stirfrys, homemade pizzas, sandwiches, baked potatoes, baked chicken, and more. I always have at least two or three containers frozen and ready to go. 

Want to use it right away? Here are some more delicious pesto recipes to try!

Is pesto healthy?

When it comes to pesto, it’s one of those ingredients that people almost always want to know if its healthy or not. This is actually a tricky question to answer and really depends on your diet and needs. On its own, pesto is relatively healthy. It contains fresh basil, garlic, lemon, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

Other than the Parmesan cheese, all those ingredients are pretty healthy on their own. However, there is a lot of oil in traditional pesto. Although olive oil is a healthy fat, if you are trying to lose weight or watch calories, those extra calories can be a problem. Whether you make it the traditional way or use our skinny pesto recipe, here are some of the specific health benefits of pesto:

Fresh basil is a powerhouse when it comes to antioxidants and is also known to be anti-inflammatory and has natural anti-bacterial (or infection-fighting) properties. A recent study also showed that it may help reduce stress and have natural adaptogens.

Garlic has long been known as a medicinal food and has been used for centuries to treat infection and illness. In addition to its ability to help fight infections, it also has been shown to reduce blood pressure, cholesterol, improve bone health, and lots of other benefits. 

Lemons are packed with Vitamin C, fiber, and contain many beneficial plant compounds. They have been shown to help with digestion and can also help detoxify the body.

Olive oil ranks as one of the healthiest choices when it comes to cooking oils/fats. It is full of monounsaturated fats, that are shown to help reduce cholesterol and promote heart health. It is also full of antioxidants and has been shown to help fight against numerous diseases.

What is pesto sauce made of? Can I use different herbs and greens?

Traditional pesto is an Italian sauce made with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon, garlic, and olive oil. It is traditionally made with a mortar and pestle but most people use a food processor or blender now for convenience. Although basil is the traditional herb used, you can make pesto with all kinds of different combinations herbs and greens. Considering making pesto with cilantro, arugula, parsley, spinach, kale, or arugula. You can also combine herbs/greens to create your own flavor combinations. 

Many people also like to switch out the nuts in pesto since pine nuts can be really expensive. You can use walnuts, almonds, pistachios, or cashews for different styles of pestos. You can also leave the nuts out entirely if you have a nut allergy.

How many calories are there in pesto?

Pesto traditionally has about 120 calories and 12 grams of fat for every two tablespoons. This lightened up skinny pesto has just 60 calories and 6 grams of fat since it uses less olive oil and cheese.

What are your favorite ways to use pesto?

This recipe originally appeared in 2014 but has been updated with new photos, tips, and ideas. Here is the original photo from the post. 

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[sherristockman]

How to Make Hummus none One of the most endearing foods in Middle Eastern cuisine that has become popular worldwide is hummus. It is literally the Arabic word for chickpea, one of the main ingredients used to make this tasty dip. Other components of hummus include olive oil, garlic, tahini, lemon juice and salt. , The actual origin of the dish has been lost in the passage of time, and several countries have claimed that they invented hummus. Egypt and Greece, for example, were major trading partners during ancient times, which led to both of them greatly utilizing hummus in their cooking. Regardless of who made it, the whole world now enjoys hummus because it’s easy to make, tastes great and can be paired with many foods. What Is Hummus? Hummus is essentially a dip that is a popular fixture in Middle Eastern cuisine. Its core ingredients are chickpeas, tahini (sesame seed paste), olive oil, garlic and salt blended together to create a creamy texture. For adventurous people, more ingredients are added to modify the flavor to suit their personal preference. However, a caveat when it comes to eating hummus is that it may contain lectins, as it’s primarily made using beans. Lectins are sugar-binding plant proteins that attach to your cell membranes, and have been proven to be associated with inflammatory or autoimmune conditions. The good news is there are ways to minimize the effects of lectins in beans so you can enjoy this dip — more about this later. How to Make Hummus at Home Regular hummus is very easy to make. Here are all the things you need to stir up some delicious hummus in the comfort of your own home: Ingredients: 2 cups chickpeas 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1/2 teaspoon Himalayan salt 1 garlic clove 1 tablespoon tahini 1 to 2 tablespoons pure, filtered water Procedure: Drain and rinse the chickpeas. If you have time, pinch and remove the skins from each chickpea to make the hummus smoother. Combine all ingredients in a food processor, then blend for five minutes until smooth. Adjust seasonings such as salt and pepper, and adjust taste as needed. Transfer to bowl and then serve. Healthy Hummus Recipe Variations You Should Try The great thing about hummus is that you can modify the ingredients to suit your taste and create something new. Each of the following recipes is unique, so I recommend that you try all of them at least once to find your personal favorite. Black Bean Hummus Ingredients: 15 ounces (equivalent to 1 can) black beans 2 tablespoons tahini 1 garlic clove, chopped 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons cold, filtered water 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper White Bean Hummus Ingredients: 1/2 pound cannellini (navy) beans 1 lemon, juiced 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1/2 cup tahini Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil Beet Hummus Ingredients: 4 medium beets, cleaned, cooked, peeled and cubed 2 tablespoons tahini 5 tablespoons lemon juice 1 small garlic clove, chopped 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon lemon zest Salt and pepper to taste Note: To cook the beets, cover them with water in a saucepan; then simmer for 30 minutes or until tender. If you find that regular hummus is getting boring for your taste, I encourage you to try the ones mentioned above. However, if you’re looking for something new and adventurous, you can swap out the beans for avocado to make sure your hummus is keto-friendly. It’s the perfect way to lower your carb consumption while simultaneously increasing healthy fat consumption. Check out this fat-rich hummus recipe from Megan Olson of Paleohacks: Creamy and Bean-Free Avocado Hummus Ingredients: 2 medium zucchinis, peeled and deseeded 1 to 2 large, ripe avocados 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1/2 cup homemade tahini 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon minced garlic Himalayan salt, to taste Paprika and dried cilantro for serving (optional) Procedure: Slice off the ends of both zucchinis, peel and deseed them, then place in a food processor along with the avocado, olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, garlic and salt. Process on high until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary. Transfer to a bowl, sprinkle with paprika and dried cilantro on top (optional) and serve. Additional tips: Use two avocados instead of one to thicken up the texture. Try this avocado hummus as a marinade. Slather it on chicken, pork or beef to add depth and flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Is Hummus Healthy for You? A 2016 study published in Nutrients indicates that regular consumption of hummus helped increase intake of dietary fiber, beneficial fats, vitamins A, E and C, as well as magnesium, potassium, folate and iron. As a result, weight management and blood sugar levels can be managed and even improved. Individually, hummus ingredients provide their own benefits: Chickpeas: Consumption of chickpeas may help manage insulin sensitivity better, as evidenced in a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Tahini: According to a study published by Health Promotion Perspectives, sesame seeds (which tahini is essentially made of) may help improve lipid profile, as well as fight oxidative stress. Extra virgin olive oil: This type of oil has been found to have healthy fatty acids and other minor constituents that may provide anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cardiovascular benefits when regularly consumed. Garlic: Extensive research done on garlic suggests that this herb possesses various benefits such as diabetes management, anti-tumor, cardiovascular health and antimicrobial properties. Hummus Nutrition Facts Homemade, traditional hummus is rich in various vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. However, be sure to control your portions when eating hummus, as you can quickly pile up the carbohydrates if you’re not careful. The table below provides a good overview of this food: Beware of Lectins Before Making Hummus Lectins may negatively affect your health, especially if you have any of the following conditions: Thyroid dysfunction Arthritis Diabetes Heart disease Overweight To minimize the potential damage lectins can do to your health, here are important tips to follow before making your hummus: Soak the beans in water for at least 12 hours before cooking, frequently changing the water. Adding baking soda can help boost the neutralization of lectins further. Rinse the beans thoroughly and discard the used water. Cook the beans for at least 15 minutes on high heat. Using low heat can actually increase the toxicity up to five times more. In addition, avoid any recipe that uses dry bean flour, as the dry heat of your oven cannot efficiently destroy the lectins. Another effective way of eliminating lectins is using a pressure cooker, such as the Instant Pot. Avoid slow cookers, as they can increase the lectins further due to the low heat used. I encourage you to try hummus and taste for yourself why countless people enjoy it, as it can introduce you to a new world of flavors. Just remember to control your portions accordingly to prevent consuming too many carbohydrates, and don’t forget to soak and cook the beans properly first to reduce the lectins. Frequently Asked Questions About Hummus Q: Can you freeze hummus? A: Yes, you can freeze hummus if you prepared more than what you need. Make sure to place it in an airtight container, but don’t fill it up too much as the food will expand. To thaw, simply place the hummus in the lower portion of your refrigerator a day before you want to eat it. Q: Can dogs eat hummus? A: No. Hummus contains other ingredients that may be harmful for your pet. Q: How long does hummus last? A: Homemade hummus can last three to five days in the refrigerator. In the freezer, it can last between six and eight months. Q: Is hummus low carb? A: Hummus can be a low-carb dip if you control your servings. A single tablespoon of chickpeas contains 7.87 grams of carbohydrates, so watch your portions carefully. Q: Is hummus fattening? A: Not necessarily. Hummus contains various healthful ingredients that can support your overall well-being. However, be mindful of the servings as consuming too many carbohydrates can pose a negative effect to your health in the long run. Q: Is hummus paleo? A: No. Chickpeas are legumes, which do not belong to the paleo diet. Q: What can you dip in hummus? A: You can dip various foods in hummus such as carrots, celery and other vegetables. If you want, you may also use it as a dip for cooked meats to give them a different flavor. Q: Is hummus gluten-free? A: Yes, because the ingredients used to make hummus are not grains.