How to Read Food Labels and Avoid Toxic Ingredients

Grocery shopping has become hazardous to our health. We are told that whatever is sold from a grocery store shelf has been approved as safe, and the health-isle food is healthy. The truth is that there are actually many harmful additives in processed food and very little nutrition. It’s difficult for the layman to know this when the chemicals are disguised or not labeled. Shopping with an untrained, uneducated eye is becoming detrimental to our health.

In the not too distant past, foods without pesticides and herbicides were the norm. Our soil was rich with nutrients and the ingredients we used for recipes were not enriched or processed. It was easier for families to eat more wholesome and natural foods baked from scratch. Nowadays, the majority of our food supply is manufactured in a laboratory from substances that were not intended for the body. Even cooking from scratch has become a health concern because the individual ingredients going into the freshly cooked food are either genetically modified or loaded with pesticides and herbicides. Without a trained eye and an understanding of how to read labels, even home cooked meals can be hazardous to your health.

Processed Food, Comes In a Package With Ingredients Listed

If you are sick, do not trust anyone else with your health, especially not a corporation. That means you prepare your own food. Processed foods are stripped of many of the natural nutrients, and when fortified, it’s done with synthetic vitamins and minerals that are not bioavailable. Food products are often bleached, pasteurized, deodorized, and have chemical ingredients added to them that are not put on the ingredients label. Often times, artificial preservatives are used in order for the product to taste fresh when it’s purchased a few years later. There are preservatives that do not have to be listed.

But everyone eats processed foods sometimes, so how do we make the best choices? The first dead giveaway that a product is laden with food additives and chemicals is the long list of hard to pronounce ingredients that don’t sound like food. Unfortunately, the food additives lurking in most packaged foods are dangerous to your health. Studies have shown that many of these toxic additives can make you fat, and are a catalyst for the onset of debilitating diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, and more.

Related: Foods That Feed Candida

Enriched and Fortified = Synthetic Nutrients

You can be certain that a product will contain synthetic nutrients if the packaging is labeled with the term “enriched” or “fortified” in the description. This ambiguous term describes most of the refined conventional grain products such as pasta and spaghetti, macaroni, white rice, and white breads. Baked goods will also usually contain this indication on the label.  Lately, even the preferred organic versions of these grains also contain enriched ingredients, so be absolutely certain to check the labels and stand clear of “enriched” products!

Be aware that during the processing, all of the much needed natural nutrients are unfortunately stripped out of the grain to make it appear white. Then, synthetic B nutrients known as Niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate and riboflavin are added to the ingredients in order to make the food “appear” healthy. Synthetic B nutrients are chemically derived using formaldehyde and petroleum and as you may have guessed, they are actually very unhealthy! In the long run, it is easy to avoid synthetic nutrients if you want to by purchasing organic whole grains and organic pasta without the “enriched” ingredients. In fact, Basmati and Jasmine rice are naturally white grains that can be found next to the conventional brands on the shelves of your local supermarket. Mix it up a little bit and try other healthier grains such as couscous, nutritious quinoa, organic polenta (corn meal–to avoid GMO), amaranth, brown rice, millet and more.

Genetically Modified Organisms, GMOs

The four primary genetically modified cash crops in the USA and abroad are soy, corn, canola, and sugar beets. Derivatives of these foods can be found in over 70 percent of the products in your local grocery store, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s included. The main reason the plants are genetically modified is so they can handle higher amounts of herbicide. Bacterial genes are inserted that allow them to survive doses of herbicide that would otherwise kill them under normal circumstances. Luckily for us, the current regulation ensures by definition that Certified Organic food cannot be GMO, therefore, it should be fairly easy to buy organic soy milk, tofu, tempeh, cornmeal, polenta, and canola oil if you visit the local health food store. The challenge comes with the packaged food. Most packaged foods contain fillers like soybean oil, soy protein, and high fructose corn syrup. Those packaged foods produced by healthy brands may have all organic ingredients but many do not.

The surest way to protect yourself from eating these foods is by making recipes from scratch from whole foods without fillers and preservatives.

Related: Understanding and Detoxifying Genetically Modified Foods

High Fructose Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup, a.k.a. HFCS  is a sugar derived from corn. The corn from which it is derived is almost always genetically modified. Currently, it is unfortunate for the consumer that genetically engineered ingredients are not labeled in the U.S. Just knowing that corn is typically genetically modified will help you choose organic versions of corn products.

High fructose corn syrup has been known to cause gastrointestinal distress and elevated triglycerides. It is also associated with blood sugar problems, depression, fatigue, B-vitamin deficiency, hyperactivity, heart disease, diabetis,  tooth decay, and periodontal disease. Large amounts of HFCS has caused tumors in mice and may cause a similar result in humans if consumed frequently.

Related: Is Agave Nectar Healthy?

Sneaky HFCS Synonyms

  • Maize syrup
  • Glucose syrup
  • Glucose syrup
  • Fructose syrup
  • Tapioca syrup
  • Dahlia syrup
  • Fruit fructose
  • Crystalline fructose
  • Dahlia syrup

MSG – Monosodium Glutamate

MSG is monosodium glutamate, a flavor enhancer added to most processed food to make it taste good. This substance crosses the blood-brain barrier and quite literally excites your brain cells to death. In infants and children, the blood-brain barrier is not fully developed, sadly making MSG even more harmful to young ones.

The harmful component of MSG is the glutamate. Glutamic acid is an essential amino acid found in protein and required for the human body to be healthy. It is the L-glutamic acid that is the part of the protein that your body needs. When glutamic acid is manufactured, it contains both L-glutamic acid and D-glutamic acid. D-glutamic acid occurs as a result of the manufacturing process only. It is not a part of the protein and your body does not have a need for it. MSG is a neurotoxin, making it highly toxic to your nervous system. There is a loophole in MSG regulation that allows food manufacturers to include some MSG in your food without labeling it. In order for food companies to list MSG as an ingredient, the glutamic acid content in the food must be 79% or greater. If there is 78% or less of glutamic acid in the substance, the food companies are not required to include MSG in the labels. They are also not required to list the chemicals that are used to derive certain ingredients on the label either. Therefore there is loads of MSG in foods that the untrained and uneducated shopper are not aware of.  MSG can be hidden in many ingredients that the average consumer is not aware of. Ingredients that contain MSG but are not labeled MSG are known as clean label ingredients and used to deceive the consumer.

“Clean Label Ingredients” You Should Avoid

The “Clean label Ingredients” is a marketing phrase to replace “all natural.” There are many MSG “clean label” ingredients identified by Truth in Labelling.org that you should be aware of. The list includes, but is not limited to the following substances:

  • Glutamate
  • Glutamic acid
  • Monosodium glutamate
  • Magnesium glutamate
  • Natrium glutamate
  • Gelatin
  • Calcium caseinate
  • Sodium caseinate
  • Textured protein
  • Hydrolyzed protein (anything hydrolyzed)
  • Yeast nutrient, yeast extract
  • Yeast food
  • Autolyzed yeast
  • Vetsin
  • Ajinomoto

Ingredients That Contain MSG or Create MSG During Processing

According to Truth in Labelling, there are also quite a few ingredients that will often contain MSG or create MSG during the processing:

  • Carrageenan
  • Maltodextrin
  • Malt extract, Malt flavoring
  • Barley malt
  • Citric acid
  • Soy protein concentrate, soy protein isolate, soy protein
  • Whey protein concentrate, Whey protein isolate, whey protein
  • Seasonings
  • Protease, Protease enzymes
  • Pectin
  • Natural Flavor, flavorings
Related: MSG’s Many Side Effects and Aliases

Some Ingredients Work with MSG

You should also be aware that some ingredients work along with MSG and their use typically suggests that the product has MSG in it. Truth in Labeling notes that these ingredients are not likely to be used as food additives if there were no MSG present in the product.

  • Disodium 5-Guanylate
  • Disodium 5-Inosinate
  • Disodium 5-Ribonucleotides

Hydrogenated oils

Fully hydrogenated oils may not contain trans-fat, but research shows that it may be worse than trans fat in that it lowers the good cholesterol more than trans fats and raises blood sugar levels. Hydrogenated oils are associated with heart disease, breast and colon cancer, atherosclerosis and high cholesterol.

Partially hydrogenated fats and oils contain trans fats and are also associated with heart disease, breast and colon cancer, atherosclerosis and high cholesterol. Even if a package claims that No Trans Fats are used, you must read the label to see if it contains partially hydrogenated oils because the government allows companies say “No Trans Fats” if it contains less than 0.5 g of trans fat per serving.

Related: Everything You Should Know About Fat

Cancer Causing Additives

Nitrites and nitrates are used in processed meats and form powerful cancer-causing agents in your body. The FDA knows they’re dangerous but allows these ingredients in food because they prevent botulism. Nitrite-free meets can be found in your health food store. But be sure to read the ingredients on the label and ensure that the food does not contain sodium nitrite, potassium nitrite or anything that has nitrite or nitrate in the name.

According to trusted sources, sodium benzoate is the most widely used preservative in the world. It is typically used in foods, beverages, foods, liquid supplements, toothpaste, oral care products and pharmaceuticals. Sodium benzoate has caused birth defects in lab animals. It can cause skin rashes, gastrointestinal issues, hyperactivity, neurological problems and more. When Sodium benzoate and potassium benzoate are used in a product that contains ascorbic acid or vitamin C, it can form benzene. Benzene is known to cause cancer and cancer kills.

Aspartame

Aspartame is one of the most dangerous food additives on the market today. Drinks, candy, and chewing gum are potential sources of hidden MSG and/or aspartame and neotame. Aspartic acid, found in neotame and aspartame ordinarily causes MSG type reactions in MSG sensitive people. Aspartame is found in some medications, including children’s medications. Neotame is relatively new and we have not yet seen it used widely in the United States.  Aspartame is commonly known as Equal and Nutrasweet. In Europe, it’s called E951. The FDA stopped monitoring adverse toxicity reactions from aspartame in 1995, however before that 92 different adverse reactions from aspartame were reported. Recent studies have shown that aspartame causes cancer in amounts approved for human consumption and it is genetically modified. It’s best to stay away from any products that lists aspartame as an ingredient. Beware of aspartame in chewing gum, breath mints, cereal, frozen desserts, ice cream, gelatin desserts, puddings, cookies, yogurt, frozen yogurt, fruit spreads, sugar-free maple syrup, hard candy, chewable vitamins, laxatives, supplements, medications, prescription drugs, orthodontic elastics, pediatric antibiotics and more! Read the ingredients on the labels very carefully and make sure you do not use any products that contain aspartame.

Sugar Negatively Affects the Absorption of Vitamins and Nutrients

Contrary to popular belief, not all sugar is created equally and most of us are aware of the dangers of consuming too much sugar, whether it be processed sugar from GMO beets or natural sugars.  Some of these dangers include well-known ailments like obesity, insulin spikes, high blood sugar, diabetes and yes, cancer. Too much glucose, a form of sugar can lead to deficiencies in the nutrients that reach your cells. What actually happens is the sugar reduces the absorption of the vitamins and minerals you are getting from the food you consume. There are a few specific vitamins that are affected by the surplus of sugar in your system. Because vitamin C and glucose use the same transporters to the blood, too much sugar intake will slow down the absorption of this nutrient in your body. This can be detrimental as vitamin C is responsible for cell tissue regeneration and a well-functioning immune system. Magnesium is a nutrient that becomes depleted by an over intake of sugar. This is dangerous as magnesium is utilized by all metabolic functions of the body and too much sugar increases magnesium excretion by the kidneys.

I hope you are getting enough Vitamin D which is essential to protect the body from infections, autoimmunity, dementia inflammation and other diseases like cancer. Eating too much sugar in your diet will definitely increase vitamin D deficiency.

Calcium is another nutrient that the body needs. It’s important for bone health among other things. Interestingly, vitamin D works with the calcium in absorption to the cells. In a roundabout way, too much sugar consumption inhibits the body’s ability to take in this nutrient, because the less vitamin D in your system, the less your body is able to absorb calcium from your food.

Related: Healthy Sugar Alternatives and More

Be Mindful of the Ingredients in Your Food

You can start living a healthier lifestyle today by being more mindful of the ingredients in your food. Unfortunately, there isn’t much help from official sources because they are controlled by big corporations interested in raking in the cash — from government agencies to big agricultural and food companies, to research institutes and even congress. They lie and tell us that something is nutritious as long as it helps corporations make a fortune and keeps government officials in office. As a result, people are getting bad information about basic health information. Take control of your life and your diet today, you owe it to yourself!

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An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

As the old adage says, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

The apple belongs to the Rosaceae family like it’s cousins the plum, nectarine, and peach. The apple is a sweet, crunchy fruit with an edible skin and a cream or white flesh that has been touted the world over for its health promoting and disease prevention benefits. The reality is that the medicinal properties of apples are well documented. Here are just a few to get you started.

Apples Are Low in Calories

A medium sized apple contains about 80-100 calories.

Apples Contain Vitamin C and Beta Carotene

The apple contains both Vitamin C and Beta Carotene antioxidants that help the body develop resistance against infections as well as aiding in the removal of harmful free radicals that cause inflammation inside the body.

Good Source of B Vitamins

Apples are a great source of B complex vitamins such as riboflavin, thiamin, and pyridoxine (vitamin B-6). These vitamins are considered “helper molecules” that assist in biochemical transformations inside the body.

Consuming Apples Can Boost Your Immune System

Apples contain several antioxidants that help the body protect itself from the effects of free radicals. Antioxidants are disease fighting compounds, which scientists believe help prevent and repair oxidation damage that happens in our bodies due to normal cell activity. Apples are rich in antioxidant phytonutrients, flavonoids, and polyphenolics. Some of the important flavonoids in apples are quercetin, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2 which help boost and fortify your immune system.

Apples Are High in Soluble Fiber

The apple is rich in dietary fiber, which helps prevent absorption of bad cholesterol in the gut.

Contain Fiber To Help Regulate Cholesterol

The soluble fiber found in apples binds with fats in the intestines and brings your overall cholesterol to lower levels.

Help Detoxify  Your Liver & Colon

Your liver is responsible for clearing the toxins out of your body. Toxins get into our bodies because we are consistently consuming them in the form of food or drinks. If the liver fails to function properly, all sorts of health problems will begin to occur. Eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, like apples, is the easiest thing you can do to help detoxify your liver. The fiber is also beneficial because it saves the colon mucous membrane from exposure to these toxic substances by binding to cancer-causing chemicals inside the colon.

Can Decrease Risk of Diabetes

Apples are loaded with soluble fiber which dulls the blood sugar swings. Also, research shows that certain flavonoids present in apples could be the reason they have a beneficial effect. One study noted in the Feb 2012 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted that people who ate 5 or more apples a week had a lower risk of developing diabetes than those who did not.

Fiber and Pectin Can Help Prevent Colon Cancer

The high amounts of fiber and pectin in the apple helps eliminate toxins and protects the lining of the colon so that cancer cells are unable to form.

Phenolic Compounds Aid the  Heart

When plaque builds inside your arteries, it reduces blood flow to your heart which can lead to coronary artery disease. High soluble fiber intake slows the buildup of cholesterol-rich plaque in your arteries. The cholesterol that gets into your system is prevented from solidifying on your artery walls by the phenolic compound found in apple skins.

Helps Prevent Destruction of Brain Cells Causing  Alzheimers

Eating a few apples a day will prevent the destruction of brain cells which leads to Alzheimers. Noticeable improvements in the memory of Alzheimers patients were made after consuming apples and/or apple juice for a few weeks. Consuming apples may reduce your chances of developing Alzheimers by 75% as noted in a study done by Dr Shea, a neurobiologist at the University of Massachusetts.

Work To Prevent Gallstones

The gallbladder is a storage place for bile which is a liquid produced in the liver. The normal function of bile is to help your body digest fats. Gallstones form when liquid bile hardens and becomes pieces of stone like material that can block the common bile duct causing symptoms such as nausea and vomiting or a painful gallbladder attack. Gallstones have also been known to form when there is too much cholesterol in your bile. To prevent gallstones, doctors recommend a diet high in fiber to help you control your weight and cholesterol levels.

Work To Remove Stains from Teeth

Miraculously, the enzymes present in apples react to the stains on the surface of the teeth. Eating the skin as well as the flesh causes a rubbing effect which removes the stains from the teeth. This natural teeth whitening solution will not strip the enamel of the teeth while keeping them healthy and white!

How To Add Apples to Your Diet

There are many ways to add apples to your diet. Some common methods include eating them whole at breakfast or as a snack in between meals. Apples also make a great addition to any smoothie providing much of the bulk/fiber needed to hold it together. You can also chop apples to top a fresh salad or cook them in pies, muffins, breads, and cakes. Personally, I find apples and peanut butter to be a perfect, healthy treat that satisfies my sweet tooth.

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What Makes Blueberries So Healthy?

Blueberries are perennial flowering plants of the Ericaceous family known as Vaccinium Cyanococcus. The flower itself is typically bell shaped and can be white, pale pink, or red. The fruit is a deep velvety purple with a fleshy characteristic.

Blueberries are sweet and juicy and can be used in a wide variety of recipes from jams, sauces, and smoothies to cakes, baked goods, and other pastries. Aside from the tasty recipes that can come together using blueberries, they are medicinal in terms having antibacterial and antiviral qualities. This succulent fruit packs quite the nutritional punch with its panel of plant nutrients.

Potent Concentrations of Antioxidants

Did you know that blueberries contain high concentrations of antioxidants, which help your body fight free radicals that kill your cells and accelerate aging? In fact, consumption of this natural medicine may even help protect your heart and brain health. Blueberries possess the highest antioxidant capacity, bar none, when compared to other fruit, veggies, and spices according to the world’s healthiest foods website. Eat them raw and optimize your health by giving the body the nutrients it needs to combat free radicals that damage our cellular structures right down to the DNA.

In fact, according to Prevent Disease.com, 300 grams of blueberries puts up a strong fight against DNA damage to blood cells resulting from oxidative stress. Consuming blueberries on a regular basis may just help one bypass the rising risk of cardiovascular and other degenerative diseases.

Loaded With Phytochemical Anthocyanin

The phytochemical, anthocyanin, is present in substantial levels in blueberries and is responsible for its healing qualities involving inflammation reduction, blood pressure reduction, and the overall rise of health and longevity when consumed often. Due to the antioxidant properties of Anthocyanins, good vision can be maintained and even reserved by preventing or slowing down visual loss and other age related eye problems.

Rich in Other Vitamins and Antioxidants, Too

Anthocyanin is just one of the potent antioxidants found in blueberries. You will be surprised to learn that consuming blueberries will raise your levels of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, copper, phosphorous, selenium, zinc, and iron. These antioxidants make the blueberry the go to for a quick nutritious snack promoting health and wellbeing. The copper, for example, helps build immunity by fighting bacteria and it’s required for the production of red blood cells; the zinc and iron will raise hemoglobin and oxygen in the blood to strengthen immunity.

Excellent Nutrients for Brain Health

With all the antioxidants present in blueberries, neurological disorders can be prevented and healed as the degeneration neurons and brain cells are restored to health along with the central nervous system. Adequate intake of antioxidants such as those found in blueberries can benefit Alzheimer’s sufferers because they heal deteriorating brain cells and tissues. This can work toward keeping the memory focused and sharp.

Effective Nourishment for Heart Health

There are several factors that make blueberries terrific for heart health including the high fiber content along with the high level of antioxidants found in the fruit. These factors help blueberries dissolve bad cholesterol and strengthen cardiac muscles.

Works Toward Healthy Digestion

The fiber content in blueberries, if consumed by the handful, will help keep constipation at bay, while the vitamins, minerals, and acids help correct digestive difficulties. One such vitamin is the B-complex group with folates, pantothenic acid, niacin pyridoxine, riboflavin, and folic acid. Together these allow the body to metabolize carbs, protein, and fats, ultimately promoting healthy digestion.

Low in Calories

Stay trim snacking on blueberries, as they are quite low in calories. Just under a half a cup of blueberries is only 57 calories. This is a much more health conscious choice then a processed food snack or baked good which does not offer much in terms of nutrients.

Still Potent When Frozen

Studies have shown that there isn’t any damage to the antioxidant content when blueberries are frozen. When frozen for 36 months, researchers learned that the overall power of the antioxidant was not lost; this is fantastic news for those who may have difficulty getting their hands on fresh blueberries and typically buy them frozen.

Use certified organic ingredients to maximize flavors and nutrition while minimizing your risk of exposure to pesticides, chemicals, and preservatives. In the case of blueberries, it’s best to use the organic varieties as the conventional are high in pesticides according to the EWG’s Dirty Dozen list.

Blueberry Banana Smoothie/ Frozen Ice

This recipe uses 1.5 cups of frozen blueberries, 1 frozen banana, ½ cup of Strauss Organic vanilla yogurt, 2 cups water and 1 cup of crushed ice. Combine ingredients in your blender to desired consistency, then enjoy a frozen treat that is packed with antioxidants and nutrients. This same recipe can be used to make blueberry banana frozen ice by pouring into ice cube tray and freezing.

Blueberry Banana Muffins

This recipe calls for 1 ¾ cups of flour. I like to use a combination of almond, amaranth, and quinoa flour in equal portions. This is then combined with ¼ cup of whole oats, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ cup coconut oil, 3 ripe bananas, 1/3 cup of coconut sugar, 2 large eggs, 1/3 cup of almond milk, a dash of vanilla extract ad 1 ½ cup of frozen blueberries.  Combine ingredients, bake for 30 minutes on 375.

Blueberry Flaxseed Pancakes

For this dish, combine 2 well beaten eggs with 1 cup of buttermilk, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 1 stick of melted butter, 1 cup of your choice of gluten free flour such as brown rice flour and or quinoa and amaranth flour, ¼ cup of ground flax seeds, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/3 cup of honey, 2 cups of blueberries, 3 mashed up bananas and a nice pinch of cinnamon.

Blueberry Parfait

Layer your favorite oatmeal and yogurt with fresh or frozen blueberries. Top with hemp, chia, or sunflower seeds, drizzle with honey and dig in!

Blueberry Jam

Boil 3 cups of blueberries with some maple syrup. Mash the blueberries and boil down to your favorite texture, about 15 minutes. Stir often so that it does not stick. Once you have achieved your desired consistency, remove from heat, let cool, and add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. This can be spread on muffins, toast, tarts, cookies, and more.

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Why Keep Apple Cider Vinegar in Your Pantry?

The thought of apple cider vinegar will make some people cringe as the sour flavor and pungent odor can be challenging. If you are able to get past these things, there are many uses for apple cider vinegar and it is known to have a plethora of medicinal benefits. Apple cider vinegar is basically fermented juice derived from crushed apples. It has some other nomenclature such as Malus Sylvestris, Vinigare de Manzana, and Vinaigre de Cidre.

Due to its tremendous health benefits, I use apple cider vinegar every day in my tea elixir and always in my water, but I have found it to have a wide variety of uses ranging from fighting against warts, to marinating meat! Proper apple cider vinegar will include some strand like material that drops to the bottom of the container. This substance is called the “mother” which holds the raw enzymes and gut friendly bacteria that encourage healing, wellbeing and even aids in weight loss due to its metabolizing effects! Let’s look at some more of the reasons why you should keep apple cider vinegar in your pantry.

Apple Cider Vinegar Contains B vitamins– B1, B2, B6, Biotin, Folic Acid and Niacin

Many of the B vitamins are found in apple cider vinegar. B vitamins are responsible for metabolizing fats and carbohydrates into the  energy we need. B vitamins are also important for the nervous system and muscle functions. B Vitamins in appropriate amounts has been shown to alleviate stress, treat anxiety and depression, help memory, relieve PMS, and reduce heart disease risk!

Apple cider vinegar also contains folic acid, a member of the B family of vitamins, that has been touted for reducing the risk of birth defects. Some research has shown that if taken enough, it can reduce the threat of certain types of cancer as well.

Niacin, another B vitamin found in apple cider vinegar, is an aid to boost the HDL cholesterol while decreasing the LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. This effect makes it beneficial to the body because the more HDL in the body the more bad cholesterol it picks up and sends back to the liver for discarding. This equates to a healthier you!

Apple Cider Vinegar Contains Vitamin C                                                            Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant in the body protecting your skin cells from free radical damage due to exposure to air pollution, ultraviolet light from the sun, first and second hand cigarette smoke, and more. Vitamin C is the principal water-soluble antioxidant in the body, which deactivates free radicals and prevents damage in the environments both inside and outside the cells. Free radical damage to cellular structures and other molecules can result in excruciating inflammation. Vitamin C, strives to prevent the free radical damage that triggers the onset of inflammation and swelling, therefore it may be associated with relief from inflammatory conditions such as asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.  Regular consumption of vitamin C delays the development of hardening of the arteries and also boosts the production of two of the skin’s most important proteins, collagen and elastin.

Apple Cider Vinegar is Rich in potassium

Potassium is a mineral that is crucial for the heart, kidneys, and other organs to work properly.  It helps cell growth and muscle building. Research has shown that a low level of potassium intake is linked with a risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, cancer, digestive disorders and infertility. The good news is that potassium can be derived naturally from our diet when we include apple cider vinegar! Potassium can also be found in foods such as radishes, bananas, avocados, nuts, and leafy green veggies, milk and potatoes, among others.

Apple Cider Vinegar Contains Much Needed Calcium

Calcium is the most familiar mineral in the body but it can also be lost every day via urine and feces. The body replenishes the lost calcium easily from the diet so use lots of apple cider vinegar instead of dressing on your salad for a good source of this nutrient.  Calcium is needed to build and maintain strong bones; is essential for blood clotting, muscle contraction, and nerve impulse transmission.

Apple Cider Vinegar Contains an Essential Mineral– Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential nutrient that keeps the body healthy. It is accountable for about 300 biochemical reactions in the body if not more and it helps the body absorb phosphorous.  The benefits of magnesium are endless and include proper transmission of nerve impulses, regulation of body temperature, detoxification and energy production. Magnesium is also necessary for the healthy formation of bones and teeth. Magnesium intake relieves symptoms of PMS and aids in the assimilation of calcium by the body. Some other health benefits include protein synthesis, boosting the bioavailability of B6, and improving muscle functions. Magnesium also works to prevent a myriad of health ailments that we experience today as a society such as osteoporosis, insomnia, constipation, heart attacks, hypertension, migraines, kidney stones and gallstones. Getting some magnesium into your system will only benefit you by helping to lower the risks of these ailments.

Apple Cider Vinegar Contains Antiviral, Antibacterial, and Antifungal Properties

A key component of apple cider vinegar is malic acid, which gives it the power against viruses, bacteria, and fungi. I have even heard of it being used as a deodorant because of its proven effects in fighting bacteria and absorbing and neutralizing odors. The pungent odor dissipates once it dries.

Apple Cider Vinegar May Be Used to Trigger Weight Loss

Apple cider vinegar increases metabolism and stimulates fat burning when consumed every day before meals. It also makes you feel fuller and eat less. A study noted on Mercola.com involved 29 people who were given 2 tablespoons of vinegar before consuming a meal. These individuals were found to lose approximately 2- 4 pounds during a four-week period.

Apple Cider Vinegar Was Found to Be Effective in People With Diabetes or Those at Risk

In 2004, the American Diabetes Foundation published a study in their journal, Diabetes Care, that found taking vinegar before meals helped decrease insulin and glucose spikes that typically occur after meals. In fact, WebMD also published a study in 2007 involving several people with type 2 diabetes taking 2 tablespoons of ACV before bedtime. In the morning, their glucose levels had been lowered by 4-6%. The research definitely looks promising in this area, however many more studies would be necessary to accurately determine the full extent of insulin stabilization that may occur by adding apple cider vinegar to the diet.

Hair and Skin Care

Apple Cider Vinegar can be used as a rinse to soften and shine your hair due to its alkaline properties, making it feel smooth and silky. It will  substance will clear up and remove dirty residue and oils. Due to its alkalinity, it can also balance the pH in your hair. Just dilute 1 part aple cider vinegar to 3 parts water and rinse. This same dilution can be used for skincare. Apple cider vinegar can also be used as an astringent, firming up and toning the skin while reducing the presence of wrinkles.

Incorporate Apple Cider Vinegar into Your Diet with Recipes from Mimi’s Organic Corner

I love organic food and pursue an eco-friendly lifestyle. So I suggest using certified organic ingredients to maximize flavors and nutrition while minimizing your risk of exposure to pesticides, chemicals and preservatives. Always choose raw, organic, and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar.

Mimi’s favorite herbal infused tea– Steep mint leaves, lavender flowers, two sticks of cinnamon and a slice of raw ginger in water. Then add a tablespoon full of raw honey and a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.

Apple Cider Tonic– Mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in 2 cups of water everyday. Drink it before or during meals. To sweeten it up, use stevia, maple syrup, or molasses. A pinch of cinnamon may help you get it down.

Apple Cider Vinaigrette Salad Dressing– Mix apple cider vinegar, Italian herbs, your favorite oil—I suggest sesame, Hemp or avocado oil–add honey, crushed garlic, sea salt, black pepper and some feta cheese, then drizzle over your favorite green salad.

Apple Cider Vinegar Marinade– Drizzle apple cider vinegar over your favorite meats or poultry, then spice and cook as usual. Marinades will make your meats more tender.

Substitute Apple Cider Vinegar– Apple cider vinegar is a good substitute for lemon on your steamed vegetables or in other recipes that call for lemon. Mix it with crushed garlic, fresh ground pepper, salt, cumin, and oil.

Pickling– Pickled veggies are a fantastic side to serve with drinks or crudités. To prepare, combine apple cider vinegar, water, salt, and chili powder. Bring to a boil. Add cloves, garlic and your favorite veggies. Bring to a boil again. Then remove from heat and cool for a while before refrigerating. Serve cold.

Tomato Sauce– Prepare your sauce as usual and add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to give it a tangy flavor.

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