Anti-Inflammatory Latte

Holistic Nutritionist, Amy Michelle Weiss, explains how to use foods and spices as your medicine starting with a simple Anti Inflammatory Latte Recipe.



Start with the Raw Basic Recipe as is or continue to add to your latte



Here are three versions of the recipe so you can understand how simple choices with foods can affect the health benefits of your foods.  Alternate these recipes, as well as mix and match ingredients to create a lifestyle that you can live with!





Anti-inflammatory Latte



* Raw Basic

1 Tbsp Turmeric

1 Tbsp Cinnamon

1 Tbsp Raw Honey

a pinch of pepper



107 Calories   1g fat, 26g carbs 1g protein



Mix with 4-8 oz of hot water



All natural, no chemicals, lower calories, gluten free, vegan, fat free, unprocessed



Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, Mental Sharpness, Superfoods, Anti Cancer, Antioxidants

Drawbacks: Very natural tasting, takes time to acclimate to taste



*Middle Ground



1/2 cup unsweetened Almond Milk

1 tbsp Unsweetened Cacao Powder

1/2 tsp lemon extract or lemon zest

1   tsp Vanilla Extract or vanilla bean

1   tsp Nutmeg



152 Calories 3.5 g fat 29g o saturated fat, 29 carbs 2g protein



Mix with 4 - 8 oz of any hot drink such as tea or coffee



Benefits: Anti-inflammatory,: Magnesium, Antioxidants, Super-food, Anti Cancer, Better tasting

Drawbacks: carcinogens, caffeine, calories, processed Almond Milk with chemicals



Low fat, gluten free, vegan, low-medium chemical risk



*Splurging



1/2 cup Whole Milk  73

1 tbsp Cocoa Powder

1 tbsp Agave

1/2 tsp lemon extract or lemon zest

1 tsn Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean

1 tsp Nutmeg



252 Calories 9 grams of fat 4 grams saturated fat, 45g carbs 2g protein



Mix with 4- 8 oz of any hot drink such as tea or coffee



Benefits: Anti-inflammatory

Drawbacks: Carcinogens, Dairy, Hormones, Chemicals, Processed Agave, Saturated Fat, Lactose, Cholesterol, Cancer Risk





Nutritional overview and comparisons:



107 Calories       1g fat, 0  saturated fat   26g carbs  1g protein

- no health risks, only benefits



152 Calories    3.5g fat  0  saturated fat,  29g carbs  2g protein

- low health risks, many benefits



252 Calories       9g fat  4g saturated fat, 45g carbs  2g protein

- high health risks, small benefit
 

Pineapple Spring Salad

Raw Earth Medicine: Pineapple Spring Salad

2 cups Parsley (finely chopped)

1 cup Cilantro  (finely chopped)

1 cup Mint   (finely chopped)

Unlimited:

Pineapple

Cucumber 

Serrano Pepper

Dressing: One Orange Squeezed over the salad

Health Benefits:

1. Detox:

The parsley, cilantro and Serrano Pepper in this refreshing salad help to detoxify the body of free radical and toxins. 

2. Hydrating:

The high water content in the cucumbers helps to hydrate the body

3. Vitamins and Nutrients: 

Every ingredient in this salad is packed with essential vitamins K, A, C, B 9 and B 12! It's also high in iron, magnesium and bromelain 

4. Anti-Inflammatory:

The high water content from the cucumber works with the detoxifying agents in the parsley, cilantro and orange juice to flush out inflammation. The bromelain from the pineapple helps to reduce inflammation while healing cells. 

5. Disease Prevention:

 

All ingredients in this salad help to prevent diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, heart diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and bone diseases while benefiting your organs, bruising, inflammation, circulation and over all health! 

This pineapple spring salad will definitely put a pep in your step and send refreshing goodness to your entire body! This is how you use whole natural delicious foods as your preventative medicine!  Create a lifestyle you can live with! Enjoy!  

Where is the food?

We are made up of 3 things: water, oxygen and what we eat! 

Ask yourself these questions and change how you look at food:

1. What ingredients are in the foods I'm eating?

2. How are the foods I'm eating feeding my body?

3. What nutrients and minerals does my body require to be healthy?

4. What foods have zero risks associated with eating them and benefit my health while preventing diseases?

5. Am I really hungry?

When we start understanding how to properly feed our bodies we change our mental and emotional relationship with food. 

Feeding your body the proper nutrition connects and balances the body, mind and soul connection, making you a well rounded healthy person and not a victim!

Food for thought: Is eating cheese feeding your body positive nutrition?

Raw Earth Medicine: Food for thought! 

Is eating cheese feeding your body positive nutrition or is cheese a very occasional pleasure food? 

Here's some info about how cheese is made:

Cheese is basically moldy milk.  Although not all Cheeses are exposed to mold; the others are exposed to chemicals. Those cheeses not made with mold are made by exposing Milk to rennens, which are made from an enzyme that comes from calves’ stomach linings, and acids which change the texture and curdle the milk. The liquid is drained off (whey) and the solids are preserved (cheese). 

Soft-ripened cheeses such as Brie and Camembert are made by allowing white Penicillium candida or P. camemberti mold to grow on the outside of a soft cheese for a few days or weeks. The mold forms a white crust and contributes to the smooth, runny, or gooey textures and more intense flavors of these aged cheeses. 

Goats' milk cheeses are often treated in a similar manner, sometimes with white molds (Chèvre-Boîte) and sometimes with blue. 

Blue-mold cheeses like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton are produced by inoculating loosely pressed curds with Penicillium roqueforti or Penicillium glaucum molds. The mold grows within the cheese as it ages. These cheeses have distinct blue veins and, often, assertive flavors. Their texture can be soft or firm.   

Now, we know that most cheese is derived from milk and is either treated with chemicals or mold in order to be made. One of the biggest problems with cheese besides how it's made is what's in the milk that it's being made with. About one-quarter of cheese that's sold in America comes from cows treated with Bovine Growth Hormone (BGH). The FDA approved its use in 1995 despite findings from organizations like the National Institutes of Health and Physicians Commitee that revealed known health risks from consumption of cheese and dairy products.

Let's evaluate the positive attributes and the health risks of eating dairy: 

BENEFITS:

1. Vitamins:   

Dairy products, including cheese, provide vitamins A and D. Vitamin A maintains healthy vision, the immune system and red blood cell production. 

2. Minerals: 

Cheese also provides two important minerals, calcium and phosphorus, which support the growth and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth, and can lower your risk of developing osteoporosis. Calcium also plays a role in the health of your nervous system.

3. Protein: 

You need protein daily because protein is a part of every cell in your body. Cheese provides significant amounts of complete proteins, or all of the nine essential amino acids that you need for good health. Firm cheeses such as cheddar contain more protein than softer cheeses such as blue cheese. The human body only requires 46g for women and 56g for men of protein daily. 

4. Pleasure:

Cheese provides a delicious taste to most recipes. It makes most people very happy and it goes well with wine. 

HEALTH RISKS:

1. Cancer:

According to a study published in the "Journal of the National Cancer Institute," cheese and other dairy products may actually raise the risk of breast cancer. A study published in "Nutrition and Cancer" also came to the same conclusion. Other studies link cheese to lymphoid cancers and lung cancer. 

2. Digestive Diseases:

The Physicians Committee on Responsible Medicine warned in "The New York Times" that cheese can contribute to the development of colic, allergies and digestive problems. Past the age of 2 years old human beings don't produce enough of the enzyme lactase. 

If you do not have enough of the enzyme lactase in your gastrointestinal tract, you might have problems when you consume dairy products. Most people are told they  are lactose intolerant but the truth is that those who can consume dairy without a problem are lactose tolerant and the rest of the people are normal human beings. Aside from a little lactose, dairy can also cause some gut damage due to the way it inflames the gut lining. It’s one of the worst to cause and irritate leaky gut syndrome, which can lead to autoimmune disease and other health issues over time. Dairy consumption is known to cause issues such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or even long-term IBS. Many people who suffer from more serious disorders such as Crohn’s disease find that once they ditch dairy, healing naturally begins. 

3. Heart Attacks:

The Center for Science in the Public Interest warns that the consumption of cheese is giving heart attacks to many Americans because of its high-fat content.  

4. Cholesterol: 

Dairy and cheese can also contribute large amounts of fat, sodium and cholesterol to your diet. Between 15-30 percent of your daily calories should come from fat. The over consumption of dairy and cheese leads to too much fat or cholesterol which can cause you to gain weight, develop heart disease and develop certain cancers. The amount of fat in a cheese depends on the fat content of the milk that was used to make the cheese.  

5. Chronic Inflammation

Dairy is highly acidic, despite it containing high amounts of calcium that acts as an alkaline agent by nature. Milk is rich in natural acids that can cause calcium deposits to build up and potentially cause arthritis and long-term inflammation. It also doesn’t necessarily keep our bones strong as we once believed. Most plant-based foods do a much better job (such as chard, kale, almonds, figs) and don’t contribute to chronic inflammation.

Although cheese and dairy do have some beneficial attributes like vitamin A, calcium and phosphorus, it's quiet apparent that if we eat too much of it we are headed down the road to inflammation, cancer, heart diseases and many other digestive problems. 

There is no argument that cheese and dairy products are delicious but now that we know that the health risks far out way the benefits of eating dairy and cheese, how do we find the balance between feeding our body for optimum health while still enjoying the pleasures in food like dairy and cheese. 

Tips for balancing your nutrition:

1. Be honest with how much you're really eating dairy and cheese. Make it a special meal and something you will savor. Make it worth it and not just a habit. 

2. Buy from locally sourced farms who don't use hormones or chemicals in their dairy production 

3. Eat the real deal with full fat made from whole milks. The reduced fat, non fat or processed  versions of cheese are far worse for you than eating the full fat version because the processing to make it low fat or non fat adds more chemicals and health risks 

4. Use cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or almond cheese which is healthy to give foods a cheese flavor for times you're eating for nutritional health and not pleasure 

5. Find ways to make your favorite cheese dishes without cheese so you can have them regularly and only occasionally with cheese. 

Being healthy means being aware and finding your balance in life and with food.  Knowing what our risks and benefits are with foods makes knowing what's pleasure food and nutritious foods easier. The more we know about nutrition the more our decision making about what we eat becomes an intellectual decision for our health and long term wellness. That's how to create a lifestyle you can live with! 

The Benefits of our Spicy V8 Juice Recipe

Raw Earth Medicine: Spicy V8 Juice Recipe

1 Carrot

1 Jalapeño 

4 cups Tomato or 2 Large Tomatoes  

Handful of Spinach

servings: 1

This nutrient packed juice is spicy, delicious and nutritious. If you're looking for a homemade V8 to drink your veggies or to make your Sunday Bloody Mary a little healthier, this juice is for you! 

The Benefits: 

1. Weight loss: 

Peppers contain a chemical known as capsaicin, which is actually what gives peppers their hot properties. Capsaicin is also good for helping you lose weight, and is commonly found in many weight loss pills and supplements. It literally burns away calories and fat. So that hot feeling you get from eating peppers is also burning away the pounds.

2. Arthritis: 

Capsaicin found in the peppers along with Bioflavonoids, which are concentrated in the tomato skin, counteract inflammation and allergic reactions. The main compounds in tomato skin are quercetin and kaempferol.  The high water content added from the spinach helps to make this juice act as an anti-inflammatory, which makes it great for reducing swelling and pain in those who suffer from arthritis. 

3. Cancer Prevention: 


Tomatoes and Carrots both contain beta-carotene, an orange pigment, that's an important antioxidant which protects against damage from sunlight. Your body also converts beta-carotene into vitamin A.  Both Carrots and tomatoes protect against oxidative stresses that can cause cancer. A tomato has lycopene, a red pigment, with demonstrated anti-cancer effects, as well as containing phytoene and phytofluene, two anti-cancer compounds. A study by British scientists at the University of Nottingham and another study by the American Association of Cancer Research reports that the capsaicin found in peppers actually is able to kill some cancer cells, specifically prostate cancer cells. Increased intake of carotenoids in carrot juice has been said to decrease instances of bladder, prostate, colon and breast cancer 

4. Heart Health: 

Spinach is a heart healthy food. It’s an outstanding source of vitamins C and A which are antioxidants that help reduce free radical amounts in the body. The antioxidants work to keep cholesterol from oxidizing. In addition, folate is good for a healthy cardiovascular system, as well as magnesium, a mineral that helps to lower high blood pressure.  The high levels of vitamins and minerals found in Spinach, Peppers, Carrots and Tomatoes work together in this juice to completely support heart and cardiovascular health. Numerous studies have shown that in countries where peppers are common in the diet, the citizens there have fewer heart attacks. Some studies have also shown that peppers inhibit the buildup of fibrin in the body, and fibrin is a major ingredient for blood clots to form. 

5. Headaches: 




The capsaicin in peppers is also known to block the neuropeptide known as Substance P, which is a main pain transmitter to the brain. What this means is that peppers can actually help to ease pain. So get some jalapenos if you are having headaches, and let those pains go away. 




6. Nasal Congestion: 

The heat in peppers, caused by capsaicin, clears the sinuses. It even helps to fight sinus infections by cleansing the airways.  You can breath easier with the help of jalapeno peppers. 




7. Ulcers: 




Peppers kill bad bacteria in the stomach and intestines, and often this bacteria is what leads to stomach ulcers. 




8. High Blood Pressure: 

Jalapeños, Carrots and tomatoes have lots of flavinoids, Vitamin C and Vitamin A which are good for lowering one’s blood pressure. 




9. Anti-Oxidant Properties 

The flavonoids and vitamins found injalapeño  peppers, carrots, spinach and tomatoes are excellent anti-oxidants, which means they work within the bloodstream to help the body fight off and heal from damaging cells. 

10. Prenatal Health: 

Since vitamin A helps in cell growth it is especially beneficial in fetal growth.  When taken during the last 3 months of pregnancy, it reduces the chance of infection in the child 

If you're having trouble swallowing all the veggies you need in order to feed your body.  This juice has all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals your body needs to properly defend against ailments and protect against disease.  The anti inflammatory properties along with the health benefits of this juice should make it a go to juice to support your health. It can provide you with your daily minimum of vitamins, nutrients and minerals and start you on the path to complete optimum wellness. 

The Benefits of Grape Juice

Raw Earth Medicine: The Benefits of Grape Juice 

Grapes are not only a delicious fruit or juice, they are a rich sources of vitamins A, C, B6 and folate in addition to essential minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium.

Here are just some of the Benefits of adding grape juice or eating grapes to your nutrition: 

1. Cancer Prevention: 

The anthocyanins and pro-anthocyanidins in grapes have properties of an anti-proliferate and can inhibit the growth of cancer causing agents.  The anti-inflammatory effect of resveratrol have been found to have strong anti-cancer properties.  It has been specifically effective in reducing the chances of colorectal cancer and breast cancer. In a recent study, it has been discovered that purple, Concord grape juice helps in preventing breast cancer. Significant reduction in mammary tumor mass of laboratory rats was seen after they were fed the grape juice in an experimental setting. The antioxidants in grapes are beneficial in the prevention of all types of cancer as well. 

2. Immune System:

 Grapes are packed with flavonoids and minerals, and high amounts of vitamins as well! The high levels of Vitamin C, K, and A in grapes  supports many of your organ systems, especially your immune system, which reduces the chance of coming down with common colds and the flu. 

3. Fatigue - 

Since iron is an essential mineral that impacts a number of bodily functions, a deficiency in Iron can contribute to fatigue which can diminish brain function and give you a sluggish feeling.  The high iron content in light grapes and white grape juice supplements the iron content in the body and prevents fatigue 

4. Indigestion: 

Grapes relieve heat and cure indigestion and irritation in the stomach. 

5. Constipation: 

Grapes are viewed as a laxative type food. They are very effective in helping to regulate digestive and stool health because they contain organic acid, sugar and cellulose which has a laxative effect on the body. Grapes are high in insoluble fiber, meaning it remains intact as it moves through the digestive tract. It builds up bulk, which promotes the formation and excretion of healthy stool.

6. Cholesterol: 

Grapes contain a compound called pterostilbene, which has the capacity to lower a person’s cholesterol levels. 

7. Kidney Diseases: 

Grapes have a high water content, they induce urination, which also helps to eliminate the uric acid still present in the body after its acidity is reduced. Grapes have a very cleansing effect on the body, and the antioxidants present benefit all of the body’s systems

8. Brain Function: 

Grapes contain Resveratrol, a beneficial polyphenol, which reduces the levels of amyloidal-beta peptides in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Studies suggest that grapes can enhance brain health and delay the onset of degenerative neural diseases. 

9. Bone Health: 

Manganese is an extremely important element for the body, which aids in everything from protein metabolism, collagen formation, and nervous system functioning. Grapes are phenomenal  source of Manganese and other  micro-nutrients like copper and iron, all of which are important in the formation and strengthening of bones. 

10. Vision Health: 

Grapes can prevent age-related loss of vision,  macular  degeneration and retinal diseases. Flavonoids present in grapes have antioxidants, which can reduce and fight the damage caused by free radicals and potentially reduce the formation of cataracts as well as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and various age-related problems.

11. Asthma: 

Grapes can be used as an aid for treating asthma.  They contain a high level of hydrating properties which increases the moisture present in the lungs and reduces asthmatic events.

12. Heart diseases: 

Grapes increase the nitric oxide levels in the blood, which helps to prevents blood clots.  Including grapes in your nutrition is an effective way to reduce the chances of heart attacks. The antioxidants present in grapes prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which can block the blood vessels can be a contributor to various coronary conditions. Grapes have a high numbers of flavonoids, which are what give grapes their color.  Flavonoids are also very powerful antioxidants. The primary antioxidants found in grapes are resveratrol and quercetin. These two compounds negate the effects of free radicals, reduce the clumping of blood platelets and filter toxins out of the blood.

Grapes are a wonderful addition to a nutritious lifestyle. They aid in keeping the body healthy, properly fed and fight to prevent diseases. It's highly recommended that you add Grapes to your arsenol of disease preventative foods while enjoying their yummy goodness! 

Products We Love❣ REAL Foods: Rawkin Raw Organic Chocolate!

We love REAL Foods: Rawkin Raw Organic Chocolate! It's packed with anti- oxidants, anti-inflammatories, it's all natural with no preservatives or chemicals and it's made from whole natural ingredients. This is not only an extremely delicious product, it's a superfood because of the ingredients. Cacao, Maca, Spirulina and Goji Berries have incredible health benefits. 

1. Maca - Rich in vitamin B, C, and E. It provides plenty of calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and amino acids. Maca is widely used to promote sexual function of both men and women. It serves as a boost to your libido and increases endurance.

2. Cacao- Rich in magnesium, and other essential minerals including calcium, sulfur, zinc, iron, copper, potassium, and manganese is a super food.  Made from the cocoa plant, Cacao is unfiltered or processed Cocoa. Filled with Polyphenols called flavonoids, with antioxidant properties and rich in Vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B9, E and Essential heart-healthy fat: oleic acid a monounsaturated fat, Cacoa should be a delicious part of your nutrition.  

3. Spirulina- An organism that grows in both fresh and salt water. It is a type of bacteria called cyanobacterium, which is often referred to as blue-green algae.  Spirulina is a great source for Vitamin B1 (Thiamin), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Copper, Iron and even has 4 grams of protein per serving.  Phocyanin is the main active compound in spirulina. It has powerful antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and helps to prevent heart disease, as it can lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while raising HDL (the “good”) cholesterol. With all of it's amazing benefits this superfoods should be a staple in your nutrition for optimum health and vitality. 

4. Goji Berries - More rich in vitiman C than oranges, more beta carotene than carrots and more iron than steak. Beta carotene prevents heart disease and  protects the skin from sun damage. Goji berries have Vitiman B and antioxidants which protect against harmful free radicals that damage cells in your body. The polysaccharides in Goji Berries help strengthen the immune system and have 18 kinds of amino acids and potassium. This super food protects the heart, skin, immune system and helps to prevent cancer! 

If you're looking for a healthy delicious Chocolate treat REAL Foods: Rawkin Raw Organic Chocolate is Raw Earth Medicine Approved!

Available at Whole Foods and online!