Tag Archives: vegetarian

Vegan Dish: Stuffed Zucchini w/ Brown Rice & Veggies

healthy living

So, I decided to make a vegan dish tonight while eating with the fam. Haven’t had brown rice in a few months, but I’ll live. Too much of it, makes me feel not so great, but little amounts I can handle. I tend to fluctuate between periods of all raw, and then I have cooked things like brown rice, quinoa, and steamed plantains that I love to incorporate every once in a while. I also really wanted to make something yummy to possibly encourage my father to get back on the veg bandwagon. My mothers stayed on as far as I know, but I hear he’s fallen way off since their 40 Day vegan fast. Anyhow, I was toying with doing stuffed bell peppers or zucchini, and stuck with the latter because I have so much from the garden right now. Below is the recipe. Remember that you can modify this any way you like to suit your taste buds. You can make a veggie version w/ no brown rice, or a version with quinoa, which is probably equally as delicious. You can even make a vegan version that includes daiya cheese (vegan cheese) as a topping. When I cook food, I choose to not cook things very long, because I don’t believe in zapping every last ounce of life force from my food, but you can modify the cooking times to suit your preference.

Ingredients:

Cooked brown rice

1-2 Zuchinni

red or green bell pepper

red onion

tomatoes

garlic (diced)

broccoli

Seasonings: Braggs, black pepper, curry powder, pinch of sea salt

Heat oven at 350 degrees. Cut your zucchini in half and scoop/cut out insides without breaking the skin. You can use a spoon and/or knife. Place on a baking pan or foil that has been drizzled with olive oil. Dice up veggies: broccoli, garlic, bell pepper, red onion, and insides of zucchini. Rinse thoroughly, and add all veggies to a wok or frying pan.  Add pinch of sea salt, two dashes of yellow curry, black pepper to taste, and generous amount of Braggs. Cover and let veggies cook/steam for a few minutes then add in brown rice. Heat until rice mixture is warm.  Use a spoon to scoop rice mixture into zucchini halves. Place zucchini in oven and let back for 15-25 minutes, depending on your preference. Serve & enjoy!!! 🙂

Bring in the Tea Season w/ a Sting!: Nutrition Packed Nettle

anemia
The fall is approaching and I’ve  been getting that familiar urge I always get around this time of year which gets me through the coming winter months; it’s tea time! So I knew it was time to write about one of my favorite herbs ever, Stinging nettle!
 
A prehistoric plant that has received critical acclaim, Stinging nettle (Urtic Diocia), has been used for ages for a number of different uses.  A flowering plant of the Urtica family, the stinging nettle is naturally found in Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America. Urtica Dioica specifically is the most commonly recognized and used species of nettle. It has been used as the material for the uniforms of German soldiers in the first world war, as well being used worldwide in many rituals and superstitions for health, luck, and protection.

Nettles have incredibly powerful and beneficial medicinal and dietary properties, and are very nutritionally dense.  Not only is it very rich in chlorophyll (great for overall health), but nettles are abundant with fatty acids and amino acids. As far as minerals , nettles has calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sulfur, and zinc for a powerful combination of minerals that are vital to the body’s functions.  A vitamin B powerhouse, nettles contain vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 along with vitamins C, E, K and folate.  Nettles are packed with a host of essential phytonutrients such as lycopene, beta-carotene, caffeic acid, acetic acid, and betaine.

These naturally occurring plant compounds (phytonutrients) help prevent and treat many of the diseases in humans by preventing and reducing free-radical-induced damage to your cells and DNA.  With these nutritionally powerful properties, there’s no wonder nettles carries a sharp reputation for overall good health as a dietary supplement (pun intended because they can actually sting).

There is a saying that goes: “The sting of the nettle is but nothing compared to the pains that it heals.”  Indeed this herb has healing power. As a tea, nettles can be used to treat a number of diseases and inflammations of the urinary system.  Nettles can be used to treat anemia, asthma, allergies such as hay fever and allergic rhinitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, cancer, diabetes, goiter, kidney problems, and malabsorption syndrome. It’s great for the kidneys, helping to expel gravel from the bladder, and dissolve kidney stones.  Nettles stimulates the kidneys to excrete more water, helping to purify the blood of toxins, metabolic wastes, eliminating viruses and bacterial infections.  Also, due to the decreases the tea causes in blood sugar levels, and subsequently the glycemic level, it is great as a tea for diabetics. The tea actually cleans out the entire intestinal tract, and activates the body’s natural defense mechanisms.  Other uses and benefits include helping with high blood pressure, anemia, skin inflammation, and more. With all of the apparent uses for nettles, there’s no wonder why this herb is such a hit with so many people who are aware of its benefits- and even more- it tastes great! Below are a few ways  you can use nettles to add great flavor and abundant health to your life one tea cup at a time. – XoXo Nicola, Signing in for Raw Girl
  • Herbal tea/tisane:  Soak fresh or dried nettle leaves in boiled water.  For a more concentrated, infused drink, use more nettles and make sure they are finely crushed, then let them sit while covered and boiling for a good ten minutes.  This can be served either hot or cold.
  • Nettle Tincture:  For a healthy and youthful hair and scalp, 6-7 fresh leaves or 2 spoons of dried plant in a half a liter of alcohol for 10 days will make a concoction that will revitalize your hair, eliminating dandruff and leaving hair silky and fresh.  Rub this at the root of the scalp.
  • Nettle Juice:For a powerful addition to your daily routine, nettle juice will provide a host of healthy and powerful benefits if added to your juicing regiment.  Just take the leaves and the stem and place them in the juicer.  Filter the paste that results from this process and you will be left with a juice that is to be kept cold in the fridge in a dark container.  Consume a half a glass before the most important meals of the day to regulate arterial pressure and straighten the blood vessels.  If you suffer from renal insufficiency and you want those kidneys to kick it back into high gear, drink one glass of this every day after waking up for 20-30 days and you’ll be feeling a major change.  Drink 1-2 glasses of nettle juice every day for 2 weeks if you suffer from anemia and de-mineralization.

Natural Solutions for Eczema

coconut oil

My cousin recently told me that she and her newborn son have developed eczema. Sitting around with the thought of the cutest little baby in the world itching and crying his cute little face out provoked me to immediately  look into natural ways to treat eczema. When they visited a doctor, of course our little bundle of joy was prescribed loads of non-organic chemically laden ointments and creams.

Eczema is a skin condition that affects over 18.7 million adults and 7 million children in the United States. It’s a very inconvenient condition and can be easily agitated if you don’t know how to deal with flare ups when they occur. My research revealed that there are a host of natural ways that it can be treated. Eczema is term for a group of medical conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed or irritated. During a flare up the skin can become very itchy, flaky, and develop a rash may appear that can turn into blisters and even ooze liquid from them. The more you scratch, the worse it gets.

Some triggers that may cause an eczema flare up include: soaps, household cleaners, perfume, makeup, chlorine, cigarette smoke, sudden changes in temperature or humidity, tight or scratchy clothing, wool, cleaning products, detergents, perfume, certain foods, sweating, medication, stress, mold, smog, dust and STRESS (so chill out!) Important note: Eczema is NOT contagious by the touch (usually hereditary or due to food allergies). For women who are pregnant a study published in the Journal of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology showed that woman who took probiotic supplements while pregnant were significantly less likely to have a baby who developed eczema. Below are a few things you can try to treat your symptoms naturally. – XoXo Nicola, signing in for Raw Girl

  1. Neem Oil.  (Read more about Neem oil: The Healing Wonders of Neem) This soothing and evening oil has properties which are anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-fungal, antibacterial, antioxidant,  and anti-carcinogenic. This is certainly a go- to in treating eczema naturally because it brings just the right amount of moisture to your skin. Applying it topically can help relieve itching and facilitate healing. It doesn’t smell great at all, so for regular use mix with a sweeter smelling essential oil.
  2. Bentonite Clay is always an important substance to remember. Massaging some bentonite clay with a little rose water on the skin is very effective in healing the skin through drying it out while sucking impurities and toxins from the skin. (Read more about Bentonite’s amazing healing ability in article: Natural Cures: the Wonders of Bentonite Clay)
  3. Dietary Changes. Our body is made from food,  water, air, and light energy. From foods, water and air our body must derive 50+ essential factors to function in a healthy way, factors our bodies cannot make from other substances. These include 20 or 21 minerals; 13 vitamins; 8 to 11 essential amino acids; 2 essential fatty acids; water; air; light; and a source of energy (carbohydrates).  Make sure to investigate your diet; find and eliminate any foods that are causing allergic reactions.
  4. Drink Plenty of Water & Take Baths. Eczema involves excessive moisture loss, so you want to keep your skin as hydrated as possible, so drink at least your 8 glasses of water daily. It also helps to soak without scrubbing aggressively on your skin. Adding in epsom salts to your bath should provide some relief as well.
  5. Use Natural Skin Products. Check your soaps, face creams, and lotions and try to use products with the least amount of unnatural ingredients in them. Anything you can’t pronounce or have no idea what it is research it. You wouldn’t want to increase your flare-ups and aggravate your skin more, just because you wouldn’t switch to a chemical-free product.
  6. Coconut Oil is an awesome soothing moisturizer for your skin without causing irritation.
  7.  Nutritional Balance. Inflammation is a factor in eczema so getting adequate omega-3 & omega-6’s ‘s is necessary to treat         the condition. Adding in foods like nuts and seeds, fish oil or DHA flaxseed oil,  spirulina, and hemp oil will give your body these essential fatty acids. To promote vibrant skin and repair of damaged skin cells make sure to get adequate zinc, selenium, silica, vitamin A, vitamin C, and sulfur. Nutrition can be improved by the consumption of whole foods, fresh juices, and super foods supplements.

Leaky Gut Syndrome: Root Cause of Eczema, Psoriasis, & Autoimmune Disorders

autoimmune disorder

My dear contributing writer Nicola wrote up an article on some things one can do for treating eczema naturally, which I will post soon. I realized that first I must personally elaborate on this subject  and provide the proper context because I have recently come across research that reveals the root cause. My mother developed psoriasis sometime last year, following my little brother passing away unexpectedly. She’s never had anything like this in her life, and her situation is a clear example of how stress and dealing with overwhelming emotions can bring out diseases that would have remained dormant. I’ve got her taking omega-3’s via flaxseed oil daily, she’s eating a high plant-based diet with some fish, and getting moderate exercise. Thus far her condition has been steadily improving, the skin marks are fading away rapidly, and I intend to see that it disappears altogether.

While researching how to help her I came across a very brilliant book called “Healing Psoriasis” by John O. A. Pagano, D.C. which I highly recommend for anyone dealing with psoriasis or eczema. The book includes accounts of healed patients, research, and recipes/meal plans for those implementing a healing program. What I learned that literally gave me an Oprah AHA! moment, was that skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, along with AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS can all be traced to leaky gut syndrome. For years now, I’ve had friends and colleagues with autoimmune disorders  that are deemed “un-cureable” and I couldn’t for the life of me figure out what was behind them. I knew there had to be something. How does the body just starting attacking itself?  Come to find out it all goes back to THE COLON, which shouldn’t have been surprising considering it is the root of almost every disease we know. What is leaky gut? It is exactly what it sounds like…the intestinal walls get weak and “leak” out toxins into the bloodstream causing illness.

In Pagano’s book he mentions Dr. Zoltan P. Rona  who has conducted research on this matter: ”  ‘Leaky gut syndrome is almost always associated with autoimmune disease, and reversing autoimmune disease depends on healing the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.’ He [ Dr. Rona] named diseases in this category such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, vertigo, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and diabetes among others as being directly linked to a hyperpermeable intestinal wall.”

Here are some causes the Dr. Rona and Pagano list that may cause leaky gut: antibiotics, alcohol and caffeine, foods and beverages contaminated by parasites, chemicals in processed foods, enzyme deficiencies, prescription corticosteroids, diet high in refined carbs, prescription hormones (birth control pills), chronic constipation, improper elimination, insufficient intake of water, foods high in saturated fat, nightshade foods like tomatoes (destructive to those with eczema or psoriasis), smoking, negative emotions, depression, spinal misalignment (which can be rectified with a chiropractor), and hereditary factors.

All that said, basically if you or someone you know has any of the conditions mentioned above, change in diet  and removal of unnatural foods will help relieve symptoms and lessen inflammation or pain. Colon cleansing will help get rid of stored toxins and also actively working to rebuild the walls of the colon may help address the root cause. How do you do that? There are herbs that are great for that include slippery elm bark powder and American yellow saffron tea that can be taken, and/or you can also supplement with vegetarian glucosamine.

I’m more of an herbal girl, so I would probably try to find the most potent version of the teas, but glucosamine will probably be more aggressive at addressing the issue although it may come with some side effects. Try it and just be wary of how your body feels and reacts. Glucosamines are amino sugars which are an essential component of all bodily tissues. An inability of the body to manufacture glucosamine causes the intestinal walls to thin (leaky gut) and allows toxins and undigested proteins to enter the bloodstream, which leads to the aforementioned diseases and autoimmune disorders. Most glucosamines are made from shellfish and other animal products, so take care to find the vegan/vegetarian brands. The veg friendly brands are out there, and I heard first-hand while at a local health food store from a few suffering from diseases related to leaky gut that this drastically helped reverse their condition.

If you have an autoimmune disorder or any skin condition like eczema and psoriasis, the good news is that there is hope. It’ll take some investigation as to what is aggravating you (as you are probably highly sensitive to chemicals, additives etc.), and determination to change your lifestyle and dietary habits, but it is possible to heal yourself and live symptom-free. Stay the course, and may the veggie force be with you. -XoXo Raw Girl

Juice! Cucumber Kiwi Lime & Nutritional Benefits of Kiwi

asthma

I don’t know about you guys, but when I was a little girl I used to sometimes play with my food, or randomly try mixing together weird combinations just to see what would happen. For whatever reason I was in a slightly adventurous mood this morning and I decided to put my last two kiwi’s to use in this juice by blending them in after juicing the rest of my ingredients. It was tart, but really good. If you prefer slightly sweet add in an apple to this recipe.

What I learned from my little experiment which made me curious about the nutritional benefits of kiwi’s is that they are great immune boosters like orange and papayas. They actually have more vitamin C than oranges! Kiwi’s originally were called the “Chinese gooseberry” and then got the name kiwi from New Zealanders who named it after their national bird. With one kiwi you get around 230% of the RDA for vitamin C, which helps heals wounds, increase absorption of iron, and boosts your immune system.  In addition to that kiwi provides 16% of RDA fiber which prevents constipation, fights some cancers, and also helps move food through the digestive system at an even pace which regulates blood sugar absorption, and 10% RDA for folic acid which is good for mothers-to-be and is involved in producing red blood cells in our bodies. Add to that calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. The phytonutrients in kiwi repair DNA and also act as antioxidants. Not bad for a little fuzzy green berry.

A famous study conducted in Italy followed more than 18,000 six or seven years olds and found that those who ate citrus and kiwi were 44% less likely to experience wheezing, 32% less likely to have shortness of breath, 28% less likely to have runny noses, and 25% less likely to have chronic cough than the control group. So kiwi is effective in combating respiratory health problems such asthma and cough. They also reduce the potential for blood clots and decrease triglycerides (fats) in the bloodstream. Other studies have shown that eating three or more servings of kiwi per day may lower the risk of macular degeneration, the primary cause of vision loss in adults.

Below is the recipe for my juice. Kiwi’s are also really good in smoothies. Hopefully you’ll keep in mind from now on,  if your immune system is down and you need a vitamin C boost, kiwi’s can come to the rescue. -XoXo Raw Girl

Cucumber Kiwi Lime Juice

Ingredients: 

1 long English cucumber or 2 large cucumbers

1 head of romaine lettuce

1 lime

1 apple (optional)

2 kiwis

Juice the cucumbers, romaine, and lime. Strain into blender, add in peeled kiwis, and blend together until smooth. Serve & enjoy!

Moringa: The Miracle Tree to Combat HIV, Purify Water, & Save the New World

AIDS

Dearest Readers: We live in a world where fear rules all. We are taught to believe and accept that sickness, degenerative aging, disease, and war over resources can only be the norm. I am very excited about this post by my lovely contributing writer Nicola. I really encourage you to share this article with people you know. The more that I continue along my path to live optimally, the more I believe that the Divine force that governs all has created the human body to heal itself, and has provided plant life that can address any sickness, ailment, or disease. Even those caused by our own neglect and abuse of our body temples. It’s up to us to believe, to choose courage over the fear and pharmaceuticals. I believe Moringa has a special place in a new world, where the majority of us begin to choose optimal health and sustainable living. I plan to write a sequel to this post which elaborates on the incredible and scientifically proven anti-aging power of Moringa. -XoXo Raw Girl

So I’ve come across another amaaazing plant, which is not only nutritious but highly sustainable and increasingly relevant (basically, what we NEED right now). The Moringa tree also known as Moringa Oleifera, is known by hundreds of other names in different languages, “la libertad” and “mothers best friend” are just two recognized in the Dominican Republic. With a name like that, this miracle tree is not likely to fall short of goodness, cause as you know…MAMA DON’T PLAY. Moringa Oleifera contains more than 92 nutrients and 46 types of antioxidants. Moringa  is said to cure about three hundred diseases and contains almost all the vitamins found in fruits and vegetables in a larger proportions. All of its nutritional benefits easily make it the most nutritional herb on the planet. There are no side-effects which also has tried, tested, documented and proved evidence to support the same. Moringa is being considered as a plant which has the potential to virtually wipe out worldwide malnutrition. This is due to its ability to grow under adverse subtropical conditions, such as that in Sub Saharan Africa and South East Asia where it is easily cultivated and grows abundantly.

The Moringa trees powerful qualities come in large part from but are not limited to it’s leaves. Moringa leaves are a solid rich green but not dark in appearance, that contain all eight essential amino acids and 18 of the 20 amino acids absolutely essential for good health! Not only that, it has seven times the Vitamin C content of oranges, four times the Vitamin A of carrots, four times the calcium of milk,  and three times the potassium of bananas. It also contains high amounts of iron, and phytochemicals. These humble but giving leaves are a complete protein in perfect proportions, which in plant form makes it super bio-available to your body and easy to assimilate. Some see Moringa as an ideal for a multivitamin supplement. While it is a very reliable source of whole nutrition, I would prefer the term “superfood” because supplement to me sounds so…manufactured. And Moringa, is grown naturally in even the harshest of climates.  In a three-week study, researchers saw a complete turnaround in the health in a Sub Saharan African community who used Moringa as food, as a water purifier, and for healing external wounds. Its durability is what’s making it a hot topic in fighting hunger and malnutrition around the world. Moringa contains high nutrients, low calories, and low sodium, and this makes it an ideal high energy food. I personally, have a friend whose mother started using Moringa to treat HIV/AIDS symptoms, and months later her HIV test has come back UNDETECTABLE. Yes, UNDETECTABLE! The high vitamin A content may be in part attributable to this, because it acts as an antioxidant, anti-infection, and strengthens the immune system. Moringa is not completely understood in its totality but it is indeed, a miracle tree.

What I found to be most amazing about Moringa in my research, is that it can actually PURIFY water. As we all know, clean water is becoming harder and harder to come by, and studies have shown that the Moringa seeds not only remove solid contaminants, but greatly reduce amounts of harmful bacteria. Moringa is a treasure. I could write a whole dissertation it seems on the Moringa tree and why this tree seems to be a savior of sorts for the future of our world. Below are some more of Moringa tree uses and benefits. -XoXo Nicola, signing in for Raw Girl

The Vitamin Component of Moringa Leaves

Moringa has Vitamin A (Beta Carotene), Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B6 Pyrodixine), Vitamin B7 (Biotin), Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol), Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Vitamin K, High in Oleic acid (raises good cholesterol), Complete Protein

The Leaves

*Anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, strengthens immunity, high Vitamin A content keeps the eyes, nose, mouth, and digestive tract strong.

The Seeds

*Water purification (how to: http://www.treesforlife.org/our-work/our-initiatives/moringa/other-uses/water-purification)

*Oil- great for hair, skin, and preparing food in, which also contains even more phytochemicals to boost your immunity

*External wound healer (rub on wounds)

The Root

*Use as a tea (treats colds), natural antibiotic, an aid in childbirth (lubricant/tea), used for treating liver disorders, and more.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcZzUkevbao]

Omega-3’s: The Super Supplement You Need More Of

acne

While conducting research for acne cures, I was reminded of just how important it is for everyone to supplement adequate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Dr. Alan C. Logan, author of the “Clear Skin Diet” asserted that the ratio of North American omega-6 to omega-3 intake is as high as 20:1 when the ideal is 2:1! This drastic increase in the supply and consumption of vegetable oils like corn, safflower, sunflower, and soybean oils which have omega-6 linoleic acid, and the decrease of  omega-3 consumption is a sure recipe for inflammation. If you didn’t know, tons of research has made it clear that inflammation is connected to virtually ALL chronic health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and acne. For parents struggling with children with ADHD, know that research has shown that frequently kids diagnosed have lower levels of omega-3’s along with B vitamins and magnesium, so supplementing omega-3’s could improve the negative behavioral patterns in ADHD children.

If you are experiencing any of the following conditions, you especially need to ensure proper supplementation:

  • Depression
  • Cardiovascular Disease
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Fatigue
  • Dry, itchy skin
  • Brittle hair and nails
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Joint pain
  • Acne

In addition to preventing the onset of some serious diseases, getting sufficient omega-3’s is going to help decrease your stress-factor. Our planet is in a constant state of stress these days, and a large majority of diseases are caused by simply being stressed out. According to a study conducted at Ohio State University, consumption of Omega 3’s will lower stress levels. Additional research has shown that this necessary super supplement may also reduce your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and depression. It may even speed recovery after a workout. Hopefully these  benefits have wowed you enough; below are some good veggie sources of omega-3 fatty acids.  Along with B-12 it’s important for vegans and non-vegans alike to add  omega-3 into the arsenal of can’t-live-without-supplements. -XoXo Raw Girl

Some great vegetable sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids:

  • Chia Seeds
  • Flaxseeds
  • Flaxseed Oil
  • Neuromins DHA (supplement from algae; highest non fish source of DHA)
  • Walnuts

 

Quick Meal-on-the-Go: Raw & Vegan Lettuce Wraps!

easy recipes

Last week I had a bunch of romaine lettuce left in my fridge along with tons of zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc from the garden. Rather than juice all of it, I chose to make some yummy lettuce wraps. These are an awesome, quick n’ easy to make meal that can be very satisfying. Below are my versions, one is raw, and the other vegan (has cooked lentils in it). Whatever versions you choose, have fun with it, and get creative with your veggie choices! -XoXo Raw Girl

Ingredients: Romain Lettuce,  Zucchini, Avocado, Tomato, Cucumber, Green Pepper, Rosted Nori Krinkles. 

Wash all veggies thoroughly. Use a grater and grate zucchini into a bowl. Dice cucumber, green pepper, and tomatoes and add to bowl. Add a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil, dash of Braggs Liquid Aminos, dash of curry, and a pinch of sea salt (optional). Use fork to mix together. Grab one head of romaine lettuce and chop off bottom. Wash leaves and choose some that are the right size to suit your tastes. Tip: If you peel back a couple layers you’ll get smaller leaves that hold your filling better. Place your chosen lettuce leaves on your serving plate and scoop in filling. Chop avocado and add on top, and sprinkle roasted seaweed or nori krinkles as a final touch. Serve & Enjoy!

Ingredients: Romain Lettuce, Lentils, Zucchini, Tomato, Red Pepper, Lime.

Cook regular lentils or red lentils, whichever you prefer. To make 100% raw use sprouted lentils. Add in sea salt to taste. Dice raw zucchini, tomato, red pepper and season with dash of Braggs and a pinch of black pepper. Mix thoroughly, then stir into lentils. Cut a small lime in half and squeeze over blend. Grab one head of romaine lettuce and chop off bottom. Wash leaves and choose some that are the right size to suit your tastes. Tip: If you peel back a couple layers you’ll get smaller leaves that hold your filling better. Place your chosen lettuce leaves on your serving plate and scoop in filling. Serve & Enjoy!

The Power of Celery Juice

alkaline

Celery is one of those dependable veggies that most often gets taken for granted. The word celery comes from the Latin word celeri which means quick acting, probably referring to the therapeutic properties of this powerful root vegetable. A great base for vegetable juice due to its high water content, celery has been considered a cure-all since ancient times. Besides being extremely hydrating, celery juice is highly nutritious and boasts a good amount of vitamin A, along with vitamin B1, B2, B6, C, potassium, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, phosphorous, and essential amino acids. I consider celery juice a staple in the Raw Girl super power boosting arsenal because it is extremely alkalinizing and can balance out the bodies’ PH level. It provides live sodium essential for the body that is soluble and organic, and is a great juice for athletes because it replenishes electrolytes in the body. Below’s a quick run down of some of the amazing benefits of celery juice:

  • Fights cancer
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Gets rid of LDL “bad” cholesterol and leave HDL “good” cholesterol intact
  • Prevents stress, calms the nervous system and relaxes the body
  • Regulates body temperature
  • Boosts weight loss and reduces cravings for sugar
  • Natural diuretic
  • Eliminates toxins from the body
  • Prevents constipation and reduces risk of kidney, urinary, and gall bladder stones
  • Research has shown celery juice useful in treating numerous conditions such as: arthritis, rheumatism & gout, nerve disorders, blood disorders (such as acne and anemia), respiratory disorders, indigestion, insomnia, kidney and gall stones, stomach ulcers, treating neurological damage from parkinson’s disease and stroke, and more.

    If you’ve put celery on the back burner, I suggest you start showing some celery love. Your body will say thank you. -XoXo Raw Girl

Natural Cures: Diatemaceous Earth for Detox & Parasites

bugs

Diatemaceous Earth is an amazing substance I discovered through a girlfriend of mine who had some crazy run-ins with some bugs and needed something that would be quick, effective, and most importantly natural. This substance which is a mouthful to pronounce, is composed mainly of silica, occurs naturally, and is mined all over the world. Not only is DE good for killing pests such as fleas, ticks, roaches, and slugs (perfect as an organic pesticide), but its also extremely safe for human consumption and helps fight off parasitic infections, cleans the colon, and aids in overall detoxification of the body. Many bread manufacturers actually use DE in their products to prevent pests from eating them. One of the most amazing things about DE is how it actually works. On a microscopic level, DE has a honeycomb structure with razor sharp edges which gets caught into the exoskeleton of the pests and literally slices them up and dries them out. They are made of fossilized diatoms of prehistoric algae which look like cylinders. As these millions of cylinders move through the stomach and digestive tract, they attract and absorb fungi, protozoa, viruses, endotoxins, pesticides, drug residues, E.coli, and heavy metals. These are trapped inside the cylinder and passed out of the body.

DE is easily ground up into a fine powder very similar to talcum, and is usually simply taken with a glass of water. Now before you jump out of your seat to go and quickly purchase some (which is super affordable by the way) it is important to know that if you consume DE you MUST take FOOD GRADE diatomaceous earth. There is also Industrial DE which is used mainly as a pool filter and has a more crystallized form of silica which you do NOT want to take. So FOOD GRADE not INDUSTRIAL…alright we get the picture. Anyways, food grade diatomaceous earth is composed of 80-90% Silica which is an important trace element that plays an important role in mineral absorption, as an antioxidant and is great for healthy skin, hair, and nails. And not only that, there are NO negative side effects. My girlfriend noticed after a month of taking one heaping tablespoon every morning that not only did she have increased energy levels but her nails were growing strong, and she was detoxing more heavily. It also helped with that bug problem too.

Diatemaceous Earth is one of those substances that is good for just about everything and has multiple uses for your body, around the house, and in the yard all at the same time. I’ve just purchased my own and I’m excited about it’s cleansing properties, which are useful this time of year. Silica is a trace element that is very important in preserving skin, bone, and cartilage health. DE is 80-90% silica which is what makes it such a great wound healer. If you happen to have any pets, you can also rub it on their fur to keep away any pests. Below is a brief outline on some more of the goodness Diatemaceous earth offers. Based on this list, you may agree it’s something worth trying. – XoXo Nicola, signing in for Raw Girl

● Assists in natural weight loss ● Stimulates metabolism ● Kills Parasites ● Aids healing of external wounds (sprinkle on top) ● Fights acne ● Cleans colon ● Kills household pests (fleas, ticks, bed bugs) ● Aids in calcium absorption (due to silica content) ● Lowers blood pressure and bad cholesterol ● Relieves sore joints. ● Promotes healthier skin and hair● Promotes healthier teeth and gums, and harder nails. ● Helps to detox from mercury, viruses, drug residues and common causes of intestinal infections ● Fades age spots and prevents premature aging ● Raises energy levels ● Improves lung functioning