BUTTER 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth

Beets! One of the healthiest foods

You can't beat them for nutrition

Beets are packed with nutrition. They are an excellent source of folate, and research has shown that the red pigment, betacyanin, protects against heart disease and cancer. Beets are loaded with potassium. Cup for cup, beet roots have about the same amount of potassium as bananas, and beet greens have twice as much. Add to that the fact the beets are high in fiber, low in calories, and inexpensive, and you have an all around winner as a nutritious addition to your diet. - See more at: http://www.therealfoodchannel.com/videos/healthy-foods/beets-one-of-the-healthiest-foods.html#sthash.xhx6Ic2S.dpuf

Cranberry health benefits and natural remedies - with raw food recipe

(NaturalNews) Cranberries are well known for treating urinary tract infections, but they do much more - from cardiovascular protection to cancer prevention.

The phytonutrients in cranberries include phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids and they are high in fiber, vitamin C, and manganese.

Cranberry extracts support the immune system and have been proven to reduced the risk of colds and flu. Cranberries help the entire digestive tract from aiding in gum health in the mouth through supporting the balance of bacteria in the gut. The proanthocyanidins in cranberries inhibit bacteria from latching onto the lining of the urinary tract and the stomach lining (preventing ulcers).

Cranberries are both an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, especially when the berries are eaten as a whole food. The anti-inflammatory properties reduce inflammation in the stomach, the colon and the cardiovascular system. In the vascular system, these properties inhibit the formation of plaque on the vessel walls. Studies have confirmed that cranberries help prevent cancer, specifically breast, colon, prostate, and lung cancer.

Are there genetically modified cranberries?

Cranberries are not genetically modified; however, cranberry juices and dried cranberries are sweetened with either high fructose corn syrup or beet sugar and 90% of corn and beet crops are genetically modified.

Organic verse conventional cranberries

Proponents of conventional farming methods for cranberries state that the bogs used to raise cranberries are rife with natural pests and that the wetlands encourage fungi. The What's On My Food website reveals 13 pesticides found on cranberries. Of these, 3 are known or probable carcinogens, 6 are suspected hormone disruptors, 5 are neurotoxins, 1 is a developmental or reproductive toxin and 6 are honeybee toxins.

Things you didn't know about cranberries

There are only 3 commercially cultivated fruit crops that are native to North America. Cranberries are one of the three.

Cranberry vines do not need to be replanted each year. If properly cared for, vines last for years. Many cranberry farms produce crops each year from vines 150+ years old.

How to store cranberries so they last longer

Be sure to sort, removing any damaged or shriveled berries before refrigeration. Berries can be refrigerated for up to 20 days. Frozen berries can be kept for several years. Do not thaw the berries until you are ready to use them.

How to pick good cranberries

Choose firm, plump, dark red berries. The should not be bruised, broken, shriveled, tough, or sticky.

Things to consider

There is one contraindication for adding cranberries to your diet. If you suffer from kidney stones, especially calcium-oxalate stones, cranberries may exacerbate your condition.

Remember that the benefits of cranberries can be negated with pesticide consumption, GMO consumption, or sugar consumption. Look for organic dried berries sweetened with juice, organic unsweetened juice which can be sweetened with stevia or other juices, and organic fresh or frozen whole berries.

Cranberry juice has huge health benefits, but whole berries pack a much greater nutritional punch.

Raw cranberry relish recipe:

The following is a recipe from one of the most amazing chefs I know of, Raw Chef Dan, for raw Cranberry Relish. Simply blend the following ingredients in a food processor.

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 4 Medjool dates
• 2 Tbsp chopped ginger
• tsp. sea salt
• med orange
• juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup loose mint leaves
• 1/2 red apple

For more information on cranberries and Raw Chef Dan's video of another cranberry recipe, check out Cranberries - Health Benefits, Natural Remedies, Nutrition Info, and Recipes. There's also this tonic recipe and a cranberry stevia lemonade recipe in the One Gallon Detox.

Sources:

http://rawchefdan.com

http://www.healingthebody.ca

http://nutritiondata.self.com

http://www.whfoods.com

http://www.cranberries.org

http://www.organiccranberries.com

http://www.whatsonmyfood.org

http://mcgovern.house.gov

About the author:
Kali Sinclair is a copywriter for Green Lifestyle Market, and a lead editor for Organic Lifestyle Magazine. Kali was very sick with autoimmune disease and realized that conventional medicine was not working for her. She has been restoring her health by natural means and is interested in topics including natural health, environmental issues, and human rights.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/047783_cranberries_natural_remedies_kidneys.html#ixzz3K6EVg0hW

Beauty of Broccoli

Before kale, we were in love with broccoli

Broccoli is so common that it's easy to forget what a nutritional powerhouse it is. It's hard to find a more nutritious vegetable. Broccoli is a close relative to Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage. Broccoli is high in sulforophane, a sulfur-containing compound present in cruciferous vegetables. Sulforophane has anti-cancer properties and may promote the elimination of potential carcinogens from the body. It's high in fiber and low in calories. A cup of cooked broccoli offers as much Vitamin C as an orange, and is very rich in beta carotene. Broccoli contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Broccoli is a great source of vitamins K, A, and C, in addition potassium, folate, and lutein. - See more at: http://www.therealfoodchannel.com/videos/healthy-foods/beauty-of-broccoli.html#sthash.nBvfLyMs.dpuf

8 Supplements and herbs to help you deal with stress

(NaturalNews) Times of high stress can affect your health, your sleep, and your entire sense of well-being. While chronic long-term stress is a cry for a change of lifestyle and a more serious intervention, sometimes we go through stressful periods knowing there is an end in sight. If this is your situation, know that a good diet, 8 hours of sleep a night, exercise and the following supplements can help see you through.

The following supplements will help you feel more relaxed, help you avoid illness, and help you sleep:

• Vitamin B complex
• Tryptophan
• Calcium Magnesium
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Multi-vitamin or Total Nutrition Formula
• Omega 3s
• Melatonin (if insomnia is a problem)
• Valerian Root (if insomnia is a problem)

Vitamin B complex

While a few of the B vitamins are regularly recommended for stress, it is always best to take B vitamins in a B complex form, as B vitamins work together. Research has also shown that taking one B vitamin alone over time can actually cause deficiencies in other B vitamins. B vitamins are nature's valium. They soothe the nervous system and aid in many functions in the body and brain. They may also help you sleep.

L-Tryptophan

L- tryptophan is an amino acid our body needs in order to make serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin is the basic "feel good" neurotransmitter, whereas melatonin is needed for sleep.

Calcium and magnesium

Calcium and magnesium work together. Magnesium is calming to the body. You can take it as a supplement, or soak for 40 minutes in epsom salts.

Vitamin C and vitamin D

In times of great stress, the immune system is often suppressed. An extra boost of vitamin C and vitamin D aid the immune system and may keep you from catching a virus or a bacterial infection at an already difficult time.

Multi-vitamin or Total Nutrition Formula

Times of high stress are a good time to ensure that all of your nutritional needs are met. A daily multi-vitamin and/or Total Nutrition Formula will aid you in getting all the nutrients your body requires.

Omega 3s

Krill oil, flax seed oil, fish oil, or a good oil blend will help with stress and aid in concentration and mood stabilization.

Melatonin and valerian root

If L-tryptophan and B vitamins have not reversed your insomnia, add melatonin and valerian root to your nightly routine. Also see Natural Insomnia Cures. (see link below)

Conclusion:

Coping with stress in a healthy way includes a healthy diet, adequate exercise, good sleep, and avoiding those shortcut stress reducers that do more harm than good. Don't rely on drugs, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, or junk food to help you through stressful times. They don't help at all, even though it may seem like they do at the moment. This is a time to take excellent care of yourself to minimize the stress on your body even though there is more than enough stress in your life. An inability to handle stress is a sign of adrenal stress. Check out Natural Remedies for Adrenal Fatigue and see this Nerve Sedative Recipe for a tincture you can make yourself.

Sources:
http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com

http://www.healingthebody.ca

http://www.healingthebody.ca

http://www.doctoroz.com

http://www.lef.org

http://truthwiki.org/B_vitamins

http://truthwiki.org/Vitamin_D

http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com

About the author:
Kali Sinclair is a copywriter for Green Lifestyle Market, and a lead editor for Organic Lifestyle Magazine. Kali was very sick with autoimmune disease and realized that conventional medicine was not working for her. She has been restoring her health by natural means and is interested in topics including natural health, environmental issues, and human rights.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/047691_stress_adrenal_fatigue_anxiety_remedies.html#ixzz3JQNWw4x8

Study finds it's possible to train the brain to choose healthier food over junk food

(NaturalNews) For many people, it's difficult to break their pattern of reaching for unhealthy, processed foods that are laden with chemicals and a high sugar and fat content. While they're aware that eating more fruits and vegetables is necessary to fight obesity, diabetes, skin conditions and a slew of other health concerns that come as a result of partaking in a traditional junk food diet, it's easier said than done.

Or is it?

New research has shown that it may be possible to train the brain to actually desire the likes of broccoli over foods like French fries and in turn, be a healthier, non-invasive alternative to methods such as gastric bypass surgery. ⁽¹⁾

Scientists at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (USDA HNRCA) at Tufts University and at Massachusetts General Hospital set out to determine how people react to healthier foods over time. ⁽¹⁾ Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans of groups of overweight and obese men and women were analyzed by these experts over a six-month period while they consumed a variety of foods, including one specialized healthy-eating program put together by the researchers.

After six months, it was noted that the portion of the brain linked to rewards as it relates to addiction and learning was more sensitive in response to eating lower-calorie, healthy foods than when eating other, unhealthier alternatives.⁽¹⁾

Weight loss surgery not necessary to train the body to eat healthier

"Although other studies have shown that surgical procedures like gastric bypass surgery can decrease how much people enjoy food generally, this is not very satisfactory because it takes away food enjoyment generally rather than making healthier foods more appealing," says first author and co-corresponding author Thilo Deckersbach, Ph.D., who is also a psychologist at Massachusetts General Hospital.⁽¹⁾ "We show here that it is possible to shift preferences from unhealthy food to healthy food without surgery, and that MRI is an important technique for exploring the brain's role in food cues."⁽¹⁾

Healthy foods eaten by the participants were primarily high fiber, low-glycemic options.

According to co-author Sai Krupa Das, Ph.D., a scientist in the Energy Metabolism Laboratory at the USDA HNRCA and an assistant professor at the Friedman School, "our study shows those who participated in it had an increased desire for healthier foods along with a decreased preference for unhealthy foods, the combined effects of which are probably critical for sustainable weight control."⁽¹⁾

Additional health benefits of eating better

Not only is eating healthier linked to weight control and improving other health conditions, but other findings have also linked it with greater psychological growth that includes a heightened sense of well being and a more enhanced desire for curiosity and creativity.⁽²⁾ "Young adults who ate more fruits and vegetables reported higher average eudaemonic well-being, more intense feelings of curiosity, and greater creativity compared with young adults who ate less fruits and vegetables," say the researches in this particular study.⁽²⁾

Healthy eating helps people from both the physical and emotional front; fresh, whole foods that consist mainly of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds can improve energy, build stronger bones, regulate mood, control weight, help the digestive system and much more.⁽³⁾

Sources:

(1) http://www.sciencedaily.com

(2) http://blogs.naturalnews.com

(3) http://www.livestrong.com

About the author:
Raw Michelle is a natural health blogger and researcher, sharing her passions with others, using the Internet as her medium. She discusses topics in a straight forward way in hopes to help people from all walks of life achieve optimal health and well-being. She has authored and published hundreds of articles on topics such as the raw food diet and green living in general. >>> Click here to see more by Michelle

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/047673_brain_health_junk_food_healthy_eating.html#ixzz3JQL2lkQb

A simple guide to evaluating your drinking water options

(NaturalNews) When you start to become healthy, one of the easiest things to incorporate into your routine is increased water consumption. It doesn't cost much, involves no real preparation, and doesn't offend the taste buds. However, due to the pollution of the public water system and our waterways, finding clean and nourishing water has become quite a task.

So where do you begin? Start by understanding the main routes people get their drinking water and their general effectiveness in clean, nourishing hydration.

Tap water

Tap water has come under a lot of scrutiny in the last few decades, for good reason. The addition of fluoride and chlorine to our water supply has created many health problems, along with over 2,100 other contaminants found in the public water supply.

Even though we were told that fluoride has a beneficial effect on our teeth and bones, there has been research that has indicated quite the opposite. Fluoride has actually been linked to increased cavities and bone fractures, behavioral problems, cancer, thyroid problems, and lowered IQ.

For these reasons, it's advisable to stay completely away from unfiltered tap water.

Plastic bottled water

Bottled water has created a convenience that has more people drinking water overall, but unfortunately, it can have even more levels of contaminants than tap water. In a study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), 9 out of 10 of the most popular brands failed to identify the methods in which their product was filtered or purified. After doing more research, the EWG found that almost 50% of bottled water is municipal tap water and is less regulated than tap water in terms of contaminants!

Aside from this problem, one needs to also keep in mind that plastic bottled water contains Bisphenol A, a hormone disrupting chemical which can cause cancer, obesity, and intestinal problems. Also, if you care about the planet, the amount of energy and resources placed in the production of the planet and the litter caused by plastic bottles is atrocious.

If you choose bottled water, get it in glass or a biodegradable carton, then reuse or recycle appropriately.

Filtered water

Filtered water systems are a nice way to purify your water provided the system you use actually removes the majority of contaminants that are an issue in our public water supply. Unfortunately, many of the well-known brands produce inferior results, so you need to do your research when choosing a quality water filter.

To get results of different filters tested and their ability to remove toxic elements, check out the first source below.

Alkaline water systems

Alkaline water systems have been heavily promoted in recent years, and although they do have their benefits, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

First of all, these systems can deliver exceptional active hydrogen and abundant colloidal mineral content, which is nice to have in your drinking water. However, the pH levels of these systems are often unnaturally high, sometimes registering 12-13 on the pH scale. Although this may be a boon to someone who is overly acidic, over the long term a healthy person needs to be wary of such a high pH as it could contribute to being overly alkaline, which has its own set of health problems.

If you choose an alkaline water system, look for those that deliver a more natural pH of 8 - 9.

Spring water

The purest, most original source of water, spring water has been largely forgotten about with the popularity of bottled water and all the filtration systems that have hit the market. That, and people simply don't want to spend much time acquiring one of our basic human necessities. However, it is the source that all other systems try to imitate in order to increase proper hydration.

Spring water, when collected from an approve source, is the most hydrating and beneficial water you can possibly drink. Not only is it "alive" (unlike any other water sources), it is exceptionally hydrating, mineralizing, and full of oxygen. It is also very satisfying to the palate, as compared to many other water sources.

To learn more about the validity of other water sources, how to find a spring, and the best filters on the market, visit this Guide to Drinking Water. Fora another view on the best water, see the second source below. For an amazing detox, check out the One Gallon Challenge.

Sources:

http://www.healingthebody.ca

http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com

http://www.naturalnews.com

http://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com

About the author:
Derek Henry, B.Kin, is a highly revered holistic health coach and world renowned natural health blogger and educator who created Healing the Body Healing the Bodyto help people understand the fundamental principles to exceptional health so they can overcome their own health challenges. 

In this pursuit he created proven protocols and guides in the Ultimate Reset personal coaching program, the THRIVE online holistic health program, and his very popular Wellness Transformation E-Guide.

Connect with Derek and Healing the Body on Facebook Facebookand Twitter!

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/047695_drinking_water_plastic_bottles_hydration.html#ixzz3JPmoJEH8