Superfood Salad Dressing (Creamy Spirulina)

I was at the Lucidity Festival in Santa Ynez this past weekend and ran across a vendor that was serving up smoothies and selling healthy products (I bought a yummy Charge Boss Clusters and golden berries).  I wasn't much in the mood for sweet so I opted for something called the "Miso Sip"  it was a tall glass of warm miso with spirulina and ginger in it.  Perfection!

They had recipe cards out side of their vending station so I picked up this recipe.  

Recipe from Imlake'esh Organics

Ingredients

1/2 cup olive oil

4 tsp spirulina

2 inch piece of fresh ginger

1 inch piece of fresh turmeric

1/2 avocado

1 tsp sea salt

pinch of cayenne pepper

Directions

Add all ingredients into a blender.

Blend on HIGH for 1 minute

Massage into kale or your choice of salad greens

Toss in your favorite toppings

Turmeric and Activated Almond Butter (Vegan / Raw / Vegetarian / Holistic)

I cannot sing the praises of Turmeric enough.  It is truly the wonder spice for overall  health.  There have been so many studies done regarding the healing and preventative benefits of Turmeric, that there is no doubt that this is an important item to add to your natural arsenal.

But, there are a couple of things that are important to understand regarding the most efficient intake of turmeric

First off, it must be taken with oil.  If it is taken as a powder or root without the presence of some form of oil it is not bioavailable to the body, meaning your body cannot absorb the beneficial properties of the root.

Second, if you consume turmeric with pepper, it is 1,000 times more effective.  The pipeline in black pepper (which is what makes it spicy) increases the absorption of the turmeric by heating up the digestive system

Ingredients

1/2 cup of coconut oil, heated to a liquid state

3 1/2 Tablespoons of Turmeric Powder

1/2 - 1 teaspoon of cayenne or black pepper

1/2 teaspoon of sea salt

1/2 cup of activated or raw almonds

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a small food processor, this is where the magic bullet really comes in handy.  Blend the ingredients until the consistency you prefer.  You can make it a chunky butter or a smooth, depending on your preference.

Serve on an apple or slice of melba toast.  Whatever you like the most

Liver Cleansing Juice

Brightly colored and packed with antioxidants this combination of fruits and veggies is a great reprieve for your liver after a fun filled weekend.

Ingredients and why they work…

1 carton of organic blue berries 

4 organic carrots 

3 organic beets

1 thumb sized piece of ginger

1 teaspoon of Turmeric mixed with 2 teaspoons of liquid Coconut Oil and a dash of pepper

Juice all of these fruits and vegetables and then add the turmeric/coconut mixture after. 

*I am currently trying to come up with a type of turmeric butter (for lack of a better word) to mix conveniently with my juices.  Turmeric powder alone doesn't have the bioavailability that is does when mixed with an oil and pepper.

Blueberries: A University of Illinois laboratory study showed that many of the active compounds found in blueberries – including anthocyanins – possess the power to help prevent liver cancer in all three phases: initiation, promotion and proliferation.

Carrots: The flavonoids and betacarotene offer significant protection to the liver from damage caused by chemicals and pollutants.  A carrot a day will stimulate the liver and improve overall function.  

Beets:  This ruby red vegetable is one of my favorites.  The phytonutrients, known as betalains, that occur in beets have long been known to have powerful detoxification elements.   Along with a whole host of other health promoting abilities the beet is one of your liver's best friends.  A word of caution….the dark carotenes in Beets will give your urine and poops a dark red tone.  I freaked out the first time I witnessed this and wish I had been warned….so, you've been warned. 

Turmeric:  Turmeric helps boost liver detoxification by helping enzymes that flush out dietary carcinogens.  Curcumin in turmeric is well-known for its cancer-blocking properties it prevents the spread of malignant cells. 

Ginger:  In 2010 a study from the "Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences" showed that the active ingredients in the ginger root significantly improved liver functions when used daily.  It can also protect against the development of liver fibrosis. Ginger helps prevent and treat fatty liver by reducing oxidative stress in the liver. Simultaneously, ginger lowers insulin resistance, preventing inflammation, and distanced from the factors that cause a fatty liver.

Apples: I personally love to eat apples whole because of the fiber content which is lost during juicing but, even juiced the apple adds more than just amazing flavor to your diet. Apples provide and excellent source of pectin which is a fiber than binds with toxins and aids the body in the excretion process.   

Coconut Oil: So there are a few reasons that I like to add coconut oil to my juices.  I have found so many benefits associated with coconut oil, that at some point I would like to do an entire post on this alone.  But, for now I will keep it short.  Turmeric is considered a "Wonder Spice" because of all of the health benefits associated to it, however, the powder alone is not bioavailable unless mixed with a fat.  You could use the roots, but I have discovered they make such a mess when I press them.  

The MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) have long been used for treating absorption disorders, including liver disease.  Unlike other fatty acids, the MCTs in coconut oil go straight from the intestines to the liver.  Because of this they are burned immediately as fuel and can help the liver function more efficiently.  

Medicine Chest of Spices

Herbs and spices add more to your life than just intense aromas and flavors to your food, they are packed with health benefits too.

I keep these spices separate from the rest of mine because I use them nearly every day

I bought this convenient tin at Cost Plus World Market for $9.99 ~ quite a value

So whats so special about this mix of spices…

TURMERIC

The National Institutes of Health lists 24 current studies on the effects of turmeric (and there are many others to back these).  The chief component in Turmeric is curcumin which has a positive effect on many functions in the human body

*  It delays liver damage which could eventually lead to cirrhosis and is especially good as a supplant   for drinkers

*  If you eat meat it has been shown to reduce the levels of carcinogenic compounds that are formed when meats are barbecued, broiled or fried.

*  Studies on rats and mice have shown that curcumin inhibits the growth of several deferent cancers including melanoma and slows down the metastasis of breast cancer into the lungs

*  In some early studies it has been shown to enhance the beneficial effects of chemotherapy by making the cancerous cels more vulnerable to treatment

*  It helps in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease by blocking the formation of beta-amyloid, a sticky protein that causes the cell and tissue loss which is seen in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.  It also reduces the inflammation of neural tissues associated with this illness

*  It reduces the amount of inflammation in the body so it helps with people who suffer from arthritis and other joint disorders

*  It improves circulation and minimizes blood clots

*  It aids in weight loss by reversing insulin resistance, hyperglycemia and other inflammatory symptoms associated with obesity and metabolic disorders

*  Used topically it can help heal many types of skin diseases including acne, ringworm and many other viral, fungal and bacterial infections

and these are just a few.  The internet is filled with page upon page of studies related to this miracle spice.

GINGER

Ginger is a rhizome of the plant Zingiber official  a member of the same plant family as turmeric, cardamom and galangal.  A list of health benefits for this super star are…

*  As an aid in weight loss, ginger dulls the appetite and causes more action with the digestive liquids in the stomach

*  It is an anti-inflammatory and can help with a variety of joint issues

* It aids in the recovery of sinus issues

* Helps with nausea and is a safe alternative for pregnant women

*  Brings relief to people suffering from cramps

*  Studies have shown that ginger may reduce protein levels in urine which prevents kidney damage in diabetics and may also increase circulation, thin the blood and lower cholesterol and blood pressure

* The root works as an antihistamine and a decongestant and is a beneficial supplement for those suffering from allergies and colds

*  A study published in the journal of Osteoarthritis found that patients given ginger experienced significantly less pain than those given a placebo

SAGE

I have used sage since before I new it was good for you.  I love the earthy flavor and put it into a variety of foods especially soups, stuffings and stews.  It is an herb native to the Mediterranean region of the world and is part of the same family as oregano, lavender, rosemary, thyme and basil.  It has many of the same benefits of the herbs listed above  and is a rich antioxidant.  Studies have shown that it aids with the following:

*  Treating Alzheimer's disease

*  Preventing and aiding in the treatment of depression

*  Improving memory

* Anti Inflammatory

* Lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels in diabetic patients

* Lowering the painful effects of periods

* Treatment of stomach ailments including cramps, diarrhea and indigestion

* Reduction in excessive sweating 

CINNAMON (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum)

Cinnamom is one of the first trade spices of the ancient World and is referenced many times in Biblical text.  It is the bark and twigs of a number of related plants that the fragrant oil is distilled from.  People with liver issues should be careful about the amount of cinnamon they consume.  The health benefits include:

*  Improvement of glucose and lipid levels in diabetic patients

*  It contains properties that can inhibit the development of Alzheimer's disease

*  Some studies have shown that Cinnamomum cassia (bark) and Cardiospermum helicacabum (shoot and fruit) may prove to aid in the treatment of HIV

* It has been shown to help patients suffering from multiple sclerosis by halting the degenerative diseases effects

*Weight loss aid (yippee) researches at Penn State revealed that diets rich in cinnamon can help reduce the body's negative responses to eating high-fat meals and by controlling blood sugar

*  It can lower the levels of Candida in the body for those suffering with yeast infections

* If you have a stomach flu cinnamon tea is a great thing to sip on.  

*  People suffering from Irritable Bowl Sydrome (IBS) should consider this spice for it's ability to reduce bloating which it does by killing bacteria in the GI tract

*  It is a powerful Anti-oxidant

* can be used as an anti- fungal topically (works great on athlete's foot)

* Aids in memory and cognitive development

* Helps alleviate the symptoms of depression and is a mood enhancer

* Relieves many of the symptoms associated with PMS

* Kills E-coli Fighter / Salmonella and is a great natural alternative cleaner in the kitchen.  Mix cinnamon oil with hydrogen peroxide and use to clean your cutting boards and counter tops

CAYENNE PEPPER

The active ingredient in cayenne pepper is capsaicin, which is what makes it nice and spicy.  It has been used for culinary and medicinal treatment for centuries all over the World.   The pepper is loaded with a variety of vitamins and minerals and offers health benefits when ingested and used topically.  Some of these benefits include…

*  It has been shown to remove the plaque in the arteries of heart attack victims and improves blood circulation by thinning the bloods and removing toxins

*  It helps stabilize blood pressure levels

*  Regular use of capsaicin has been shown to lower cholesterol levels (The bad kind LDL)

*  Studies have shown that cayenne pepper can help kill cancer cells in people suffering from leukemia, lung, pancreas and prostate cancers

*  It helps reduce arthritic pain by targeting the nerves and pain receptors

Please be aware that I am not a health care professional and only report things that I have read in various online publications or magazines.  I find this interesting and hope you will too but, please consult a physician before using any of these ingredients for medicinal reasons

Super Duper Healthy Shake (Antioxidant/Anti-Inflammatory/ Vegetarian)

I am absolutely enamored with Super Spices right now, especially Turmeric. I plan on doing a post very soon that explains the benefits of the top herbs and spices for holistic health. This is a smoothy that I like to have in the mornings that covers so many health issues and offers so many benefits that I would recommend it to anyone looking to better their overall health

Ingredients

1/2 cup of Green Tea, chilled 

1/2 cup of Coconut Water

1/2 cup mixed berries (Frozen is my choice)

1 scoop of protein powder *

2 teaspoons of Chia Seed Gel 

1/2 Tablespoon of MCT Liquid Coconut Oil *

2 teaspoons of Raw Honey (or more to taste)

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

dash of Himalayan Pink Salt (or any high quality salt)

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until mixed and smooth.  One of my favorite kitchen gadgets is the Magic Bullet.  It is a convenient way to make a single serving shake or smoothy and the clean up is simple.  Rinse, add some some and warm water…..blend and then rinse.  Voila!

The Magic Bullet 

I like to use Optimum Hydrolyzed Platinum Whey which offers 30 grams of Protein per scoop 

Natures Way Liquid Coconut Premium Oil

This is the Brand of Coconut Oil that I use.  Since it doesn't solidify it is great for smoothies