A place to explore wellness through what nature has to offer
Yields: ~25 crackers
Ingredients
Combine into a ball and flatten out to desired width, cut into squares with a pizza cutter and bake at 350 for 10mins. Get creative with theses, try onion powder and fresh chives, you can try the classic rosemary or get adventurous with curry powder, endless options. Make a double batch, you will not regret it. ENJOY
Truly Taste the Rainbow!!
Love your Fats!
Love this recipe!!
Spirulina is just one of hundreds of algae species, it’s commonly known as blue- green algae. Spirulina thrives in warm, alkaline fresh-water bodies. The natural nutrients of phycocyanin- blue pigment and chlorophyll- green pigment is why it’s called blue – green algae. It’s a rich source of nutrients, containing up to 70% plant protein- high in essential amino acids, B-complex vitamins, beta-carotene, vitamin E, and numerous minerals. Spirulina contains more beta-carotene than carrots! (healingdeva.com)
What’s so good about that?
Beta-Carotene- helps prevent night blindness and other eye problems, skin disorders, enhance immunity, protects against toxins and cancer formations- natural carotenoids in algae and vegetables have the most antioxidant and anti-cancer power- also helps colds, flu, and infections. It is an antioxidant and protector of the cells while slowing the aging process. Sources of Beta-Carotene can be found in Spirulina, apricots, carrots and many other natural sources. No vitamin overdose can occur with natural Beta-Carotene. (vitamins-nutrition.org)
Spirulina supplies several of the vitamins that all living beings need to carry-TOCOPHEROL or vitamin E (190 mg/kg): Spirulina contains more vitamin E per gram than pure wheat germ. This nutrient protects heart and vascular health, promotes oxygenation of cells, and stunts aging. RIBOFLAVIN or B2 (40 mg/kg): The most common vitamin deficiency resulting in cataracts, failing vision, watery eyes and uncontrollable eczema. THIAMINE or B 1 (55 mg/kg): A co-enzyme in the breakdown of dietary carbohydrate. Maintains levels of glucose in the blood. Deficiency results in weakness, cardiac damage, abdominal distention and poor oxygenation. INOSITOL (350 mg/kg): Vital lipotropic nutrient that sustains liver health and helps detoxify carcinogens, particularly excess female hormones. Helps normalize blood cholesterol levels. With choline, inositol is used by the liver to manufacture lecithin. Inositol is the second most abundant vitamin in the body, after niacin. Recent studies indicate that inositol, with biotin, reduces loss of scalp hair. (naturalways.com)
Health benefits of Spirulina are, Encouraging weight loss, Counteracting toxins in the body, Helping purify the liver, Increasing mental alertness, Lowering blood cholesterol and excess triglycerides, Helping fight viral infections, Treating radiation sickness, Enhancing ability to generate new blood cells, Improving blood sugar problems, Strengthening the nervous system, Strengthening the immune system, Removing toxic metals such as lead and mercury from the body, and Improving healing of wounds. All these health benefits and many more are attributed to a near perfect combination of nutrients and antioxidants of extremely high bioavailability in Spirulina. (spirulina-benefits-health.com)
TRY IT!!
Simply add it to Smoothies, dips, seasonings during cooking, in backed goods, sprinkled on salads, added to your tea or broths & much more!
-Jessica Bradley, N.C.
Reference:
http://healingdeva.com/blog/health-benefits-of-spirulina
http://www.vitamins-nutrition.org/vitamins/beta-carotene.html
http://www.spirulina-benefits-health.com/spirulina_health_benifits.html
http://www.naturalways.com/spirulina-analysis.htm
Cancer results from the accumulation of mutations in genes that regulate cellular proliferation. Human studies show that about 70% of gene mutations are environmental and thus, relatively controllable based on what we eat, whether we smoke, or exposure to genotoxins or radiation (Disease Prevention). Mutation is a common event in the life of a cell, with several thousand errors introduced into your DNA daily. Most mutated cells die before passing on the mutation, in a process known as apoptosis (cell suicide). Only mutated cells that survive have the potential to become cancerous. Lowering your risk is essential for preventing all types of cancers and disease.
How to Lower your Cancer Risks
Heredity- p53 tumor suppressor gene, mutation of the gene is the most common genetic alteration in human cancer; p53 prevents replication of damaged DNA in normal cells and promotes apoptosis of cells with abnormal DNA. Diets rich in refined sugars, starches, and red meat, promote p53 mutation. There are many supportive foods that enhance p53 function and eating an abundance of these foods would be a preventative approach.
Ionizing Radiation- may occur as a result of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, emission of radon gas found in basements, power lines, cell phones, x-rays, or microwaves. Creates cellular damage.
Viruses– may promote cancer by causing mutations via inserting their own DNA into the cell. Examples: HPV common association with cervical cancer.
Toxic Load- tobacco, alcohol, pesticides, herbicides, aflatoxin- found in the mold of peanuts, acrylamide found in plastics and fried foods, formaldehyde is a break down of products containing aspartame (warm diet soda cans), charred or processed meats, Teflon cookware, fluoride, chemotherapy, radiation, metal toxicity, obesity, pharmaceutical drugs such as statins, exogenous hormones-BPA or Glade plug-ins. Nanoparticles found in sunscreens and cosmetics are used to invade underlying blood vessels; small ingredients, big risk.
Free Radical Damage- Their chief danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane. Free radicals attack and snatch energy from other cells to satisfy themselves. These can come from the toxic load list above, damaged or rancid fats such as; corn, vegetable, canola, soy, incorrect cooking method with low temp fats, and/or improper storage of delicate oils such as olive, hemp, or flax. Heavy metal exposure; can be found in toothpaste, baked goods, dental fillings, large fish, tap water, food coloring, and ceramic dishware.
Neuro-Hormonal Instability- Estrogen stimulates cell division, even cells with damaged DNA. High estrogen exposure over time implicated in estrogen dependent cancers such as breast, ovarian, endometrial, and some prostate cancers are also estrogen dependent. Hyperinsulinemia is associated with changes in the cellular environment making it a more favorable for tumor formation.
Chronic Inflammation- n6 pathway produces arachidonic acid AA in the context of low n3 leading to pro- inflammatory biochemistry. Having a diet rich in omega6 and lower in omega 3 will lead to inflammation and possibility to cancer. The standard American diet is ~30:1 when it comes to high omega 6 consumption; these foods are coming from vegetable oils, refined carbohydrates and animals on a high grain diet. Eating adequate omega3’s will ensure lower inflammation.
Immune Deficiency- NK cells (natural killer) are a part of the innate immunity and are responsible for removing cancer cells; low or inhibited NK cell status reduces immune surveillance of tumors.
Nutrient Deficiencies- Lack of antioxidants to repair free radical damage, eating Standard American Diet, deficiency of vitamin A, C, E, Se and zinc put an individual at a higher risk for cancer. Vitamin D has inhibitory effects on tumor invasion and metastasis and supports apoptosis; deficiency of vitamin D associated with at least 18 types of cancers. Low levels of folate increases DNA damage and defective apoptosis. Lack of sulfur rich foods and minerals ensures poor liver detox making it harder on the body.
Making simple changes to our daily routine such as brushing our teeth with fluoride-free toothpaste, drinking clean water free of chloride, lead, rust and much more, eating a balanced diet of healthy antioxidants (the rainbow), and using chemical free body products will drastically lower your toxic load and will allow your body to heal. Changing harmful habits such as smoking, drinking, or using prescription drugs will also enhance your wellness.
Finding alternative methods that are more healing will ensure a swift recovery and long term heath and won’t be just a band-aid.
-Jessica Bradley, N.C.
Reference:
Ed Bauman, M. Ed., Ph.D. Jodi Friedlander, N.C. Therapeutic Nutrition 212 Cancer Prevention and Support
Disease Prevention and Treatment 4th edition: scientific protocols that integrate mainstream and alternative medicine. 2003, Life Extension Media
Inflammation is designed to protect us; it’s the body’s primary and normal response to injury or infection. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like aspirin and ibuprofen are often prescribed to treat pain for inflammatory conditions like arthritis. NSAIDs block cyclooxygenase (COX), an enzyme abundant in cells at sites of inflammation, but side effects can include stomach bleeding, kidney and intestinal damage. Using alternative medicine like food – the building blocks of our cells – is a much safer and healthier route to recovery. All inflammatory conditions will improve with dietary changes, but the most marked changes are with digestive disorders such as IBS, skin disorders such as eczema, and joint conditions such as gout and arthritis.
5 MOST COMMON INFLAMMATORY FOODS TO AVOID!
Common cooking oils- High in omega 6 fatty acids and low in omega 3 fats high imbalance of omega 6 to 3 promotes inflammation and breeds inflammatory diseases like heat disease and cancer. Sources- Polyunsaturated vegetable oils- corn, cottonseed, safflower, sunflower, canola and sometimes poor quality grapeseed oil. Staying away from Trans fats found in fried foods, hydrogenated oils and vegetable shorting is advised for anti- inflammatory relief. These industrial oils are also commonly used in prepare foods and dressing, processed or packaged foods, restaurants, and homes. Substitute- cold pressed oils with a closer ratio to 1:1 omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids such as macadamia nut oil, and extra virgin olive oil. Learn more about healthy fast and visit my blog on The Skinny on Fats.
Sugar- Excessive sugar intake causes tooth decay and has been linked to increased risks of inflammation, obesity and chronic diseases. It also has been proven that sugar, as well as dairy, are the leading cause of acne. Sources- Dextrose, fructose, golden syrup, maltose, sorghum syrup, sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, and aspartame are the highest consumed. Other hidden sources may be, Lactose “milk sugar”, sweetened beverages such as, sweet teas, fruit juices, and soft drinks, prepared pastries, desserts, candies, and snacks. Substitute- Honey, Grade A or B maple syrup, blackstrap molasses, dried fruits, and fruit preservative with no added sugar are still pretty sweet. When having major craving try snacking on dates, figs, persimmons, kiwis, tangerines or berries.
Dairy- As much as 60% of the world’s population cannot digest milk! Milk is also a common allergen that can trigger inflammatory responses, such as stomach distress, constipation, diarrhea, skin rashes, acne, hives and breathing difficulties, in susceptible people. Sources- Milk and cheese products, Half-n-Half, cream, yogurt, butter, cookies, cakes, ice creams, powdered milk, etc. Substitute- Coconut Kefir, coconut milk, almond milk, rice milk, coconut cream, and rice, soy, or coconut, ice creams.
Refined Grains- The majority of the gains we consume today are refined- without the germ or bran. These grains are stripped of fiber and vitamin B’s making refined grains just as “good” as refined sugars, which are practically empty calories. Sources- Anything that has white flour, white rice, most bread, noodles/pastas pastries and any grain that has been enhanced with vitamins/nutrients has been refined. Substitutes- Homemade breads and pastries made from almond meal, whole wheat flour and but not limited to brown rice flour. Pasta made out of whole wheat, rice or quinoa. Try taking gluten out of your diet for a period of time if you’re having trouble with inflammatory foods.*
Commercially raised and processed meats- Commercially produced meats are feed with grains like soy beans and corns, a diet that’s high in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids but low in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats. Due to the small and tight living environment, these animals also gain excess fat and end up with high saturated fats. Worse, to make them grow faster and prevent them from getting sick, they are also injected with hormones and fed with antibiotics. The result is one piece of meat which you and I shouldn’t be eating! Sources-Unless otherwise stated, most, if not all, beef, pork and poultry you can find in the supermarkets and restaurants come from feedlot farms. Substitute- Organic- free-range animals from local farms are the best. Their natural diet of grass contains more omega-3 fats than commercially grown and they are also leaner cuts of meats because they are allowed to roam.
FOODS TO BOOST! ANTI-INFAMMATORY FOODS
Nature has provided us with many anti-inflammatory foods! Their abilities to reduce inflammation and also supply us with loads of essential vitamins and minerals make them a great investment for our heath and overall well-being. These include, but not limited to:
-Sea vegetable- Kelp, kombu, wakame, arame and if found limu-moui (Asian markets)
-Salmon, anchovies, mackerel and sardines
-Turmeric and ginger
-Shiitake, maitake, enoki, and oyster mushrooms
-Green and Herbal teas and lots of pure water
-Papaya and pineapple
-Blueberries, cranberries, goji berries, strawberries and raspberries
-Extra virgin olive oil, macadamia oil, Fish oil, and avocado oil
-Broccoli, Cauliflower- The Cruciferous family
-Sweet potatoes
-Spinach, kale- All dark leafy green veggies
Moderation is key! Always pair anti inflammatory food when you decide to indulge.
-Jessica Bradley, N.C.
References-
http://theconsciouslife.com/top-10-anti-inflammatory-foods.htm
http://www.naturallysavvy.com/health-concerns/fighting-inflammation-with-food
http://drpullen.com/antiinflammatoryfoods/
The cayenne pepper is a member of the Capsicum family, more commonly known as chili peppers. The common name “cayenne” was actually given to this pepper because of its cultivation in a town named Cayenne in French Guiana located on the northeast coast of South America. It wasn’t until the 15th and 16th centuries that cayenne and other chili peppers were introduced to the rest of the world. Christopher Columbus encountered them on his explorations of the Caribbean Islands and brought them back to Europe where they were used as a substitute for black pepper, which was very expensive at that time. Today China, Turkey, Nigeria, Spain and Mexico are among the largest commercial producers.
Blood Sugar: If you’re diabetic an average of 3 capsules of capsaicin will help bring down high blood sugar levels. *If you’re just the opposite and hypoglycemic, you might want to avoid cayenne pepper, both in food and in most herbal formulas.
Arthritis: The chemical capsaicin, found in cayenne pepper is noted for its anti-inflammatory properties. The pain relief comes from capsaicin’s ability to block nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF produces a hormone called substance P, which is responsible for sending pain signals to the brain. When NGF is blocked, pain is reduced or even eliminated. Messaging cayenne creams and ointments can really help relieve pain in the joints and muscles, or can be taken orally- Take 2 cayenne capsules 3-4x a day.
Circulation: Cayenne thins the blood and steps up the circulation making the blood less likely to clot; this is due to the cayenne peppers effect on the blood platelets “stickiness”.
Weight Control: Capsaicin is the component responsible for cayenne pepper’s ability to increase basal metabolic rate and stimulate the burning of fat for energy. Add cayenne to as many dishes as you want, homemade salad dressing, pasta sauces, beans and eggs.
Cardiovascular: Cayenne can help STOP a heart attack! -cayenne is able to act as a vasodilator where it opens the arteries for fresh blood to flow to the heart. Can be taken orally in case of a heart attack but usually 1tsp mixed in a warm tea for a much faster absorption.
Ulcer Prevention: The consumption of capsaicin stimulates the stomach to release more mucous that coats the walls of the intestines, including sore and bleeding ulcers. Take 1 cayenne capsule 2 -3x a day always with meals, suggested to take it with apple juice.
To enjoy the health benefits of this powerful pepper, mix a quarter of a teaspoon of ground cayenne into an eight ounce glass of warm water and drink. If you find the spice too hot at first, decrease the amount of cayenne until you get used to it. Eventually, you should be able to graduate to taking ½tsp of ground cayenne to 4ounces of warm water. Drink daily. Of Course you can just add it to any of your meals to add a little heat!
-Jessica Bradley, N.C.
Okay, so this was back in 1995.. but it has to have at least stayed the same if not gotten worse especially with the increase in our industrialized foods. As seen above, there is a large difference between the two when it comes to mineral density!! Plus organic crops are produced through sustainable means, using measures such as crop rotation, natural soil enrichment and pest predators, which assist in maintaining the integrity of the land and soil. In addition, certified organic foods cannot contain any genetic modified organisms, which promote biodiversity in agriculture and livestock. It is always best to buy organic but I understand the struggle with prices so here is a quick guide to the “must buy” organic list! Though sweet corn in on the clean 15 I would suggest always buying organic corn, it is one of the largest GMO crops and it’s just a safer choice.
We vote with every dollar we spend whether or not we are spending it on food, entertainment or material items. It allows the economy to asses what people prefer and how to adjust. Buying more organic local and seasonal foods will not only help your local community but also your health and puts a wave out for more sustainable practices.
Besides the awesome benefits of organics it just taste so much BETTER!!!
-Jessica Bradley, N.C.
Rooted Pantry 
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