Live Long Naturally ©2012

For those of you who don’t know what Kombucha is… it is a sparkling and invigorating fermented tea. It is highly beneficial – once brewed, the tea contains Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12, folic acid, antioxidants, enzymes, probiotics, polyphenols, and glucuronic acid (which helps detoxify the body and liver). It has been around for centuries, used by many to increase energy, aid in weight loss, improve well-being, and cure diseases.

There are “starter” batches sold in the range of $30, though… you don’t need it to start making your own. Simply get yourself a raw unflavored store brand and use that as a starter tea. The are many variations to the recipes and the supplies needed. I will say that quite often less is more. You don’t need fancy equipment or tea bags for that matter.

One last key to making your own flawless batches are to keep your hands and all supplies/ingredients clean at all times.

I was never a Kale eater myself! Until a dear friend and fellow CSA (Community Sustained Agriculture) volunteer told me a simple and delicious way to prepare. Even kids love it!

KALE CHIPS

• Simply tear kale apart into bite size pieces

• Drizzle olive oil and salt over and bake at 350 until crisp.

Another tasty way I discovered is to spray with Bragg’s Liquid Aminos in place of the olive oil and salt.

Need more reasons to eat Kale? It is an antioxidant, helps prevent cancer, loaded with vitamins A, C and K. Great for the eyes and a good source of protein and fiber ♥♥♥

There are many “Top 10″ lists out there, and like most things… there is no one-size-fits-all. I compiled this list for a project I worked on earlier this year. One thing is certain… Our Food Can Be Our Pharmacy!

Choosing only ten foods was not an easy task. However, I narrowed it down and grouped one or more together for the purpose of this article. I did not include water on this list, simply because, I could only hope this is a “no brainer,” so a verbal reminder may be all that’s needed to help others eat healthier.

I weighed the pros and cons after looking at over a dozen expert lists. My decision is based on the following:

• Colors – I tried to include a variety of color, more color, more vitamins.
• Cost – not everyone can afford organic or specialty items.
• Most common – easy to find in any neighborhood.
• Seasonal – what’s in season.
• Disease specific – selected my list based on the leading causes of death in America.
• “Worth Knowing” – avoided any that may cause adverse side effects on certain health conditions or allergic reactions. I also omitted those most contaminated with pesticides since many (think they) cannot afford organic.

My list of “Top 10 Healthiest Foods” (listed in alphabetical order) are:

Avocado: Aside from these making a great cheese replacement, they are a good source of fiber… something cheese is far from. They can be used a variety of ways, and they help protect the eyes, skin, and heart. They are cholesterol friendly because of their healthy fat. Avocados a great source antioxidant, mineral, folate, and Vitamin A.

Blueberries: These seem to come up on most everyone’s list of healthy foods, for good reason. They are considered anti-cancer/inflammatory/oxidant, much  of what’s missing in this day and age of fast everything (food and technology). They are beneficial for the brain, heart, and eyes.

Broccoli: Even non-vegetable eaters tend to eat these. They are an antioxidant and great for cancer. They are loaded with fiber, protein, minerals, calcium, Vitamin A & C, and folate. They are considered a detoxifier because they help your body rid itself of toxins. Broccoli is also good for hormonal health for women.

The last 7 will appear in the following 2 posts…

As we age, it is crucial we supply our body with the needed, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, etc. The easiest and best way to do this is by eating 7 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. One serving equals 1/2 to 1 cup, depending on the food. Example… lettuce/salad would be 1 cup versus, an apple, which is more dense would be 1/2 cup.

Whether at home or on-the-go, the time to prevent any and all illness and disease is now WITH WHAT IS AT THE END OF YOUR FORK! An added benefit to eating more healthily… weight loss will no longer be an issue!

You just might be able to have your cake and eat it too. This 2 1/2 minute video by the worlds #1 Raw Food Expert David Wolfe  explains how.

Raw Organic Chocolate

In case you haven’t noticed, raw foods (restaurants, books, desserts and more) are on the rise – they are also becoming more mainstream. This short educational video explains some health promoting facts about eating this type of chocolate, some include:

• Chocolate being #1 source of Magnesium
• Magnesium is the #1 mineral deficiency
• It is great for the brain and heart
• #1 antioxidant in the world
• Zero caffeine (in some studies)

So… why not try your favorite chocolate dessert raw and guilt free?