It is widely understood that consuming any amount of saturated fat is bad for your health. It is considered to be one of the leading causes of heart disease and is linked to many types of cancer. Saturated fat is the kind of fat that is found most commonly in animal [...]]]> By: Dayna Copeland Schaef

It is widely understood that consuming any amount of saturated fat is bad for your health. It is considered to be one of the leading causes of heart disease and is linked to many types of cancer. Saturated fat is the kind of fat that is found most commonly in animal products like meat, poultry, dairy and fish but it is also found in some nuts, seeds and beans. Recent scientific studies regarding the consumption of saturated fats have led many health professionals to offer some redemption where the consumption of certain forms are concerned.

In a recent article featured in the New York Times, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association explained the benefits of consuming coconut oil. Their claims explained that Lauric Acid, one of the components of saturated fat, is highly concentrated in coconut oil, unlike butter, for example, which is higher in Palmitic and Stearic acids and contains almost no Lauric Acid. So it can be deduced that coconut oil could be considered a healthier option to butter.

These studies seem to suggest that not all saturated fats are created equally, as we maybe once understood them to be. As a result of extensive research, scientists have been able to further explore the effects of specific saturated fats on the human body. By breaking down the different components of specific sources of saturated fats, studies have shown that Lauric Acid is actually incredibly beneficial as a supplement to a healthy immune system, helping stave off viral, bacterial and fungal infection–including the very problematic Candida. Coconut oil has one of the highest concentrations of natural Lauric Acid, surpassed only by the insurmountable levels found in a mother’s breast milk.

In addition to its health benefits, cooking with a small amount of this natural saturated fat can add immense flavor to the foods that you already love. Coconut oil can be subbed in wherever vegetable oil, peanut oil, soybean oil, shortening, olive oil or butter is called for. With its rich, exotic flavor, using coconut oil in baked goods such as cakes, cookies and breads adds depth to your favorite sweets. With a deliciously tropical taste, you can also use a little extra virgin coconut oil in the bottom of your frying pan to cook seafood, chicken, vegetables, steak and more. Of course, like any other saturated fat, coconut oil should still be used sparingly. Include it thoughtfully as a part of an already healthy menu.

Eating a healthy, well balanced diet has proven to be a confusing endeavor for so many Americans, with so many individuals at either pole in extreme eating. While it is obvious that eating a high fat diet is very unhealthy, scientists are finding more and more evidence that the extreme low fat fad diets can be just as dangerous. Fat is, indeed, an essential element of a well balanced diet, and with the right understanding of the foods that are available to us, optimal nutrition need not be an unachievable exploit.

Nettle, a member of the Urticaceae family, is a nutrition-packed herb that [...]]]> Looking for a way to shed years off your appearance without resorting to chemicals or even more drastic measures? If so, make sure to check out this age-defying herb that is touted for its natural ability to help heal and nourish the body.

Nettle, a member of the Urticaceae family, is a nutrition-packed herb that has been used throughout time to help promote better health. In fact, some two thousand years ago Caesar’s Roman troops were ordered to gather as much nettle as possible from England because of its many benefits.

Nettle is rich in chlorophyll, and is a good source vitamins A, C and E, iron, calcium and phosphates – key nutrients to help turn back time. It has been used to help prevent infections, combat viruses and bacteria and revitalize the body after childbirth.

When it comes to helping one improve their appearance, nettle serves as a magic tonic for hair and skin. It helps heal blemishes, just like these other innovative natural acne treatments.  Specifically, it helps increase circulation to make brittle hair feel more luxurious and strong. And guys – listen up – it has also been touted for helping to prevent hair loss. On the smooth skin front, it helps to soothe irritation and relieve acne and eczema to promote a more youthful appearance.

The easiest and perhaps best way to consume nettle is by making a simple tea. You can find high quality organic loose leaf nettle at sites including Mountain Rose Herbs. Try combining a bit of organic loose leaf peppermint with nettle to produce a delicious tea blend.

If you are new to nettle or herbs in general, consult your health care provider before adding nettle into your daily routine. If your current health care provider doesn’t know anything about nettle or its vast benefits (or treats you like an idiot for asking about it), then ask around or do your own research into the healing benefits of herbs.

Bach Kids Original Flower Essences – For over 70 years Bach has been making their popular Flower Essence [...]]]> Parents are always looking for safe and effective remedies for common kids complaints like scraps, fussiness, bug bites, seasonal allergies and colds and flu. Find out some natural ways to help your kids feel better fast.

Bach Kids Original Flower Essences – For over 70 years Bach has been making their popular Flower Essence Remedies. Their kids line focuses on helping boost confidence, focus and a better outlook. Each remedy is 100% safe and natural for children.

Herbs for Kids – Herbs For Kids Echinacea blends combine the best of Echinacea with targeted ingredients to support the healthy functioning of the immune system. All Herbs for Kids products use only organically grown or ethically wild harvested herbs.

Skincando Balm for Babies + Kids – This amazing balm features organic ingredients to nourish the skin for relief  from eczema, bug bites, beach burn, forest scratches, dry skin, grass itchies, princess pin pricks and chapped cheeks

Complete Allergy 4 Kids – This homeopathic formula effectively relieves the symptoms caused by indoor and outdoor allergies, in a sugar-free, pleasant tasting all-in-one formula. Safe and Effective for Ages 2+. 100% Natural & Sugar Free.

Oregon’s Wild Harvest – Oregon’s Wild Harvest makes a variety of wonderful natural remedies for children including their popular Tranquil Child formula for fussiness, Ear Drops for ear canal health (you put a few drops into the ears) and Tummy Aid for stomach aches. Everything is 100% certified organic and biodynamic.

Unless you live in a tropical location, the cold winter months inevitably mean that you’ll be sporting a pastier complexion. Some individuals embrace this look and take these chilly temps as an opportunity to flaunt their wind bitten, rosy cheeks. But, for those who crave that “just got back from Maui” [...]]]> By: Dayna Copeland Schaef

Unless you live in a tropical location, the cold winter months inevitably mean that you’ll be sporting a pastier complexion. Some individuals embrace this look and take these chilly temps as an opportunity to flaunt their wind bitten, rosy cheeks. But, for those who crave that “just got back from Maui” glow, the road to tan can be a bit harrowing.

With more and more incriminating information arising about the harmful effects of tanning booths, the once hugely popular outlet is losing its appeal. With the decline in tanning salon popularity, there has been a huge increase in the sale of drugstore tanning creams, sprays, gels and lotions. But, these products can boast a long list of synthetic and possibly harmful ingredients that could do just as much damage to your health as the tanning booths.

So what is a pasty person to do when the sun doesn’t shine? Not surprisingly, the natural cosmetics industry has evolved to meet the challenge, introducing better, healthier sunless tanning options that won’t cause irreversible damage to your skin or your wallet.

Lavera NaturKosmetik makes an award winning organic self tanner for the face and body. Instead of the synthetic and possibly toxic ingredients that are found in some of the top drugstore brands, the active ingredients in Lavera’s sunless tanner come from soy and sugar extracts. The affordable cream also includes organic aloe, lavender, rose water and organic oils like jojoba, macadamia and sunflower for an even, non streaky color and a pleasant smell. True Natural Cosmetics offers an all natural anti aging self tanning lotion, so you can even reverse the years of unhealthy sun damage, while getting bronzer.

If you are looking for an at home solution for your winter skin woes, try this recipe, made up of ingredients found in any natural foods grocery store. Brew three bags of organic black tea in one cup of boiling water. Let it steep for ten minutes and then add the tea gradually to a ½ cup of lanolin and a ½ cup of sesame oil. Apply directly to exfoliated, clean skin, after a bath or shower. Try testing the oil on a small spot before lathering on your entire body.

Aging is a phenomenon that none of us are immune to. No amount of wealth or good favor could save us from the inevitable grips of old age, but there are many factors that might cause us to reach it, much faster.

Surely genetics play a large role in how an individual wears his [...]]]>

Aging is a phenomenon that none of us are immune to. No amount of wealth or good favor could save us from the inevitable grips of old age, but there are many factors that might cause us to reach it, much faster.

Surely genetics play a large role in how an individual wears his or her maturity, but more than anything, the factors of aging that show on your face and on your skin are simply lifestyle choices; smoking, drinking, poor diet, lack of exercise and lack of sleep. Someone who is interested in fending off the early signs of seniority need only to look at their approach to dealing with stress, in order to claim control over their health.

Stress is very often the leading factor in how a person manages their day to day health. A particularly stressful work situation can lead a person to seek release in different ways; some beneficial, some, potentially harmful. Behaviors such as recreational drinking, a glass of wine to unwind after a long day at work, might start off as a reasonably healthy choice for dealing with stress, but continue to indulge past two glasses, and recreational drinking evolves into binge drinking. Where at first, your intentions were noble, your attempt to de-stress can quickly lead to a long list of unappealing side effects, including: dehydration of your skin and internal organs, restless sleep, fluctuating metabolism and unstable moods. So, while one or two drinks might have their health benefits, there are certainly many other alternatives for stress relief that one can turn to that will contribute to a youthful, rested, balanced self.

Physical activity, including: cardio and weight training exercises, intramural sports involvement and yoga can all be incredible outlets for releasing frustration in a healthy way. Much like a champion greyhound, our bodies crave exercise; our bodies are meant to work and sweat and burn calories, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we get a little wound up after sitting at a desk all day. Finding a physical activity to enjoy either alone or with friends and family will help you to curtail so many of the other unhealthy habits in your life. After releasing some tension on the tennis courts or on the yoga mat, the urge to comfort ourselves with processed foods, cigarettes and alcohol is no longer there. We sleep more soundly and we find that we look well rested and vibrant.

In addition to trading our bad habits for healthier choices, there are many natural products that can aid in our journey to a stress free life. Scented candles, a tea tree oil massage and a cup of herbal tea can do wonders for centering your chi. Another great stress reliever, Rescue Remedy is a pocket sized product sold at most health food stores that can be used anywhere. It’s the perfect pocket sized solution for instant stress relief. Made from all-natural flower and plant essences, the spray serum helps to manage: irritation, impatience, panic, inattentiveness and more. At the first sign of any of these emotions, just a few sprays of Rescue Remedy on your tongue and a few deep breaths will help you come back down to earth.

Managing stress is one of the most important choices we are faced with in our day to day lives, not only to benefit our outer health and beauty, but also to ensure that our inner health reflects. Choosing to be proactive instead of reactive about our outlets can add  quality years to our lives.

Cherished for decades in the East for its unique flavor and healthful influences, Wasabia japonica is best known as an age-old food pairing with sashimi or sushi dishes. But, its uses can be much more wide-reaching…even as far as dessert! A company called Real Wasabi is pioneering the use of Wasabi in a variety [...]]]>

Cherished for decades in the East for its unique flavor and healthful influences, Wasabia japonica is best known as an age-old food pairing with sashimi or sushi dishes. But, its uses can be much more wide-reaching…even as far as dessert! A company called Real Wasabi is pioneering the use of Wasabi in a variety of inventive products. Check out these dessert ideas, which all incorporate the flavors of organic Dried Ground Real Wasabi.

Wasabi Spiced Pumpkin Pie
Prep time 60 minutes, serves 4

1 1/4 cups pumpkin puree, canned or fresh
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. Dried Ground REAL WASABI™
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. all-purpose flour
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup evaporated milk, undiluted
2 Tbs. water
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 unbaked pastry shell (9-inch)

Preheat oven to 400°. In a medium mixing bowl combine pumpkin, sugar, salt, Dried Ground REAL WASABI™, ground ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and flour. Then add eggs and mix evenly. Once the ingredients are equally mixed, stir in the evaporated milk, water and vanilla and mix well. Grease a pie pan and line with pastry. Pour contents of the mixing bowl into pastry-lined pie pan. Bake at 400° for the first 15 minutes and then reduce heat to 375° and bake 30 additional minutes, or until center is set.

Real Tempting Hot Chocolate
Prep time 15 minutes, serves 2

2 cups milk
splash water
2 Tbs. cocoa
2 Tbs. sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. Dried Ground REAL WASABI™
pinch salt
2 Tbs. white chocolate

Over medium heat, mix cocoa, sugar, 1 cup milk and water until slightly warm, smooth and creamy. Add the rest of the milk, the salt, and Dried Ground REAL WASABI™ and keep stirring, until mixture begins to bubble and steam. Remove from heat and set aside. In another pan, melt white chocolate over medium heat until creamy and then set aside. Stir mixture one last time and then pour into large mugs. Using a butter knife, swirl in white chocolate and serve immediately.

Fresh Fruit Compote with a Twist
Prep time 30 minutes, chill time 4 hours, serves 4

3 cups water
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup sweet white wine
1 lb. fresh mixed fruit such as blueberries, strawberries, prunes, raspberries, pears, apricots, peaches, apples or figs
2 tsp. Dried Ground REAL WASABI™
2 whole cloves
1 Tbs. lemon zest
3 cinnamon sticks

In a large saucepan, stir in water and sugar over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Place the rest of the ingredients into the saucepan and stir. Simmer for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fruits are tender and liquid has reduced to a syrupy texture. Turn off heat and let mixture cool to room temperature. Pour into a large glass bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Serve on fruit cups, in long-stemmed goblets with a dollop of natural whipped cream; on warm pie; alongside poultry dishes; or in the place of jelly.

Extraordinary Easy Apple Crisp
Prep time 45 minutes, serves 4

4 apples, peeled and sliced
1 Tbs. water
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup flour
4 tsp. brown sugar
4 tsp. butter
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. Dried Ground REAL WASABI™
1 dash nutmeg

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease pie pan or baking dish. Combine apples, water, and salt and then place in baking pan or dish. Mix remaining ingredients in a separate bowl until crumbly and then sprinkle over apple mixture. Bake in the top part of the oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Marty’s Marvelous Wasabi Cheesecake
Prep time 75 minutes, chill time overnight, serves 4

1 3/4 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 1/4 cups sugar, divided
3 pkg. (8 oz. each) Cream Cheese, softened
2 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. Dried Ground REAL WASABI™
3 eggs
1 cup Sour Cream
1 jar apple, strawberry or raspberry jelly for topping

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl mix crumbs, butter and 1/4 cup sugar. Once completely mixed, press evenly on bottom and sides of deep baking dish or spring form pan and set aside. Next, use an electric mixer to beat Dried Ground REAL WASABI™, cream cheese, remaining sugar and vanilla until creamy. Then beat in eggs, one at a time and carefully blend in sour cream. Once the mixture is ready, spread in prepared dish or pan. Bake for 60 minutes or until center is set. Turn off oven. Leave cheesecake in oven 1 hour with the door slightly ajar. Remove from oven; cool completely and then refrigerate overnight. Top with apple, strawberry or raspberry jelly before serving.

To purchase Real Wasabi Products, please visit www.realwasabi.com

Many of us have heard of spring cleaning, a task that we can always expect to lead us to the deepest, darkest, dirtiest corners of our homes to capture every last rogue dust bunny, to finally recycle a year’s worth of old magazines, to scrub the sticky shelves in the refrigerator from the time [...]]]>

Many of us have heard of spring cleaning, a task that we can always expect to lead us to the deepest, darkest, dirtiest corners of our homes to capture every last rogue dust bunny, to finally recycle a year’s worth of old magazines, to scrub the sticky shelves in the refrigerator from the time that bottle of soda exploded last October. Spring is the time to get a fresh start, but it isn’t just the perfect time to clean out our closets and shampoo the carpets, it is also a great time to cleanse our bodies from a year’s worth of toxins.

There are a plethora of detox diets on the market today, but finding a gentle cleanse that will wipe your slate clean and reset your gauges can be downright overwhelming. The trick is to enlist a helping hand right from mother nature’s detox manual, by using all-natural ingredients in a gradual, refreshing cleanse regimen.

The Gerson Method is a diet that has been used with great success as an alternative cancer therapy, but it’s principles are essentially to cleanse the body of any toxins that cause illness, disease and any other unfortunate ailments that may arise from poor diet, lack of sleep, lack of exercise or other contamination.  Whether you have cancer or not, following the Gerson Method is a great way to eliminate your body of unwanted buildup that could be making you feel sluggish and causing a number of other unwanted health issues. The Method enlists the cleansing effects of eating raw organic foods, drinking juices made from the freshest organic fruits and vegetables, consuming natural supplements and partaking in enemas to cleanse the digestive system. Specific information about the Gerson Method can be found at their website: Gerson.org

Another Springtime cleanse that works wonders for many, in both the physical and spiritual realms, is the Ayurvedic Cleanse, Pancha Karma. With its roots in ancient India, Ayurvedic cleansing is done in three stages, preparation, cleansing and rejuvenation. During the preparation stage, certain foods like sugar, caffeine and alcohol are phased out gradually to prepare the body for a fast, which takes place during the second stage, the cleanse. During this second stage, a special herbal drink is consumed, which is made up of water, fennel, pepper, ginger, cumin, coriander and cardamom. During this cleanse period, psyllium fiber is also prescribed in order to flush the system. During the rejuvination period, food is slowly phased back into the diet, until balance is achieved.

No matter which cleanse you choose, taking the season as an opportunity to cleanse your body and refresh your spirit is a great way to nurture your lifelong health and to stay in touch with Mother Earth.