In 2013, Chipotle made the news by being the first fast food chain to tell its customers which of the foods they sold contained GMOs.

In April of 2015, Chipotle announced that they were removing GMO foods from their menu. As stated in the New York Times article dated April 26, 2015, Chipotle to Stop Using Genetically Altered Ingredients, the ban on GMO products did not include soft drinks, which are often made with genetically modified high fructose corn syrup. In addition, they revealed that their meat and dairy may come from animals fed GMO grains. This same statement was made on the Chipotle website.

Chipotle’s move toward cleaner, healthier food and the company’s transparency was not enough to avoid a class action lawsuit filed in late August of the same year. The lawsuit maintained Chipotle falsified their advertising, claiming to be GMO-free when they sold soft drinks containing high fructose corn syrup and sold meat from animals fed GMOs – exactly as they had stated. However, some ads certainly gave the impression that the entire menu was GMO-free.

Food-Borne Illness Outbreaks

In July of 2015, 5 people in Seattle were sickened by an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7. The source remains unknown.

In August of 2015, a norovirus outbreak sickened at least 234 people (including 17 employees) who ate at a Simm Valley, California Chipotle restaurant. The location had been cited for several health code violations. The company had not been compliant in addressing these violations in a timely manner, however, the source of the outbreak remains unknown.

In August and September of 2015, 64 people became ill with Salmonella Newport in Minnesota. The source was contaminated tomatoes.

In October, 2015, 3 people in Oregon and 19 people in Washington became ill from Shiga toxin-producing E. coli bacteria (E. coli O26). A third of those identified were hospitalized. There were no deaths reported. In response to people eating at 6 restaurants becoming ill, Chipotle closed 43 locations in Oregon and Washington as the CDC investigation began.

The outbreak continued in multiple states (9 total) through December 2015. As of December 18^th, 53 people (original reports said 52, but the CDC later amended their report to 53) were reported to be infected with 20 requiring hospitalization. There were no fatalities. Of these people, the CDC determined that 88% had eaten at a Chipotle restaurant in the week before their illness started. The source remains unknown.

In December of 2015, norovirus struck again in Boston with 136 people affected. The source remains unknown.

An Internet search for previous outbreaks, before the announcement of a GMO-free menu, reveals 2 outbreaks in 2008. One was a norovirus outbreak in Kent, Ohio (at Kent State University), with 435 affected. The other was an outbreak of hepatitis A in La Mesa, California, with 5 affected. Chipotle’s communications director, Chris Arnold confirmed this history is correct.

That’s it. We hadn’t had any incidents of this kind for several years prior to this year.”

Industrial Espionage?

There has been much conjecture on social media about the possibility of industrial sabotage, that one or more biotech corporations created these outbreaks in an attempt to drive the company out of business due to their anti-GMO stance and publicity. The recent federal probe by the Justice Department again stirred the pot on this particular rumor mill, raising hope that industrial sabotage was the focus of the criminal investigation. This does not appear to be the case.

If the Justice Department were pursuing an investigation of espionage, they would be looking into all the incidents of food poisoning. Instead their investigation is focused on the Simm Valley, norovirus outbreak. This is in keeping the Justice Department’s new stance on corporate accountability.

In September 2015, criminal charges led to prison terms for Stewart Parnell, the former owner of the Peanut Corporation of America, and two co-defendants, his brother, food broker Michael Parnell, and the plant quality control manager, Mary Wilkerson due to the Salmonella outbreak that caused 9 deaths and 714 illnesses.

The trial was the first federal food-poisoning case to be tried by an American court and the first federal felony conviction of its kind. It won’t be the last. Criminal neglect that could result in death or disability will no longer be tolerated in the food industry, and this is a good thing.

Although the Justice Department does not seem to be looking into the possibility of espionage, it is hard to ignore the glaring facts. A popular company has no food poisoning incidents for many years, then suddenly, right after taking a stance against GMOs, incident after incident occurs across the country. The coincidence just seems too obvious. Chris Arnold says,

We’ve certainly seen those theories, but we haven’t seen any evidence to support them.”

What’s Next for Chipotle?

Meanwhile, the company has announced enhanced food safety and testing procedures and that every location across the nation will close for a few hours on February 8^th for a nationwide all staff meeting to address food safety issues, answer staff questions, and discuss a new marketing plan to bring customers back.

We can only hope Chipotle is successful in weathering the storm and earning back the trust of their loyal clientele.

Recommended Reading:

• Chipotle Removing More Unnatural Ingredients – Sourdough Culture to Replace Tortilla Preservatives
• Understanding and Detoxifying Genetically Modified Foods
• How to Kill Fungal Infections

Sources:

• Chipotle to Stop Using Genetically Altered Ingredients – New York Times
• Chipotle Fires Back Against Non-GMO Lawsuit – Advertising Age
• Chipotle Health Code Violations In Simi Valley – Food Poisoning News
• Amid E. Coli Outbreak, Chipotle Closes 43 Restaurants In Washington, Oregon – The Two Way
• FDA and CDC probe second wave of Chipotle E. coli outbreak – Ars Technica
• Multistate Outbreaks of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O26 Infections Linked to Chipotle Mexican Grill Restaurants – CDC
• A Timeline of Chipotle’s Five Outbreaks – Food Safety News
• 435 Chipotle Customers with Norovirus, 6 Sick with Hepatitis A, but Record Profits, what Gives? – Marler Blog
• Feds probe Chipotle food outbreak cases – Times Union
• The Corporate Shield Fails – Peanut Corporation of America Defendants Convicted – Organic Lifestyle Magazine

The prevailing beliefs around pharmaceuticals in America are that prescription drugs are safe if used according to directions, over-the-counter drugs are even safer – that’s why they don’t require a prescription, and pharmaceutical complications are rare.

Drugs aren’t as safe as many assume. It seems using NSAIDs significantly increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, more so than previously believed, though doctors have known these drugs increase the risk of heart attack and stroke for 15 years, along with raising blood pressure and causing heart failure.

Dangers of Using NSAIDs

Apparently, they did not know the extent of the risk until Vioxx (rofecoxib), another NSAID, was pulled from the market and further studies on all NSAIDs were conducted. In the five years Vioxx was on the market, it caused as many as 140,000 heart attacks in the U.S. and 55,000 deaths.

After Vioxx was removed from the market in 2004, further studies into the safety of NSAIDs were conducted. In mid-2015, an expert panel reviewed the new information about these drugs and decided it was time for the FDA to modify the warnings associated with their use.

NSAIDs (pronounced en-saids) are Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Common, well-known NSAIDs include:

• Ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®, Motrin IB®)
• Aspirin (Note: these particular warnings do not apply to aspirin.)
• Naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®)
• Nabumetone (Relafen®)

The new warnings from the FDA point out that the risk increases with increased dosage and the length of time NSAIDs are taken; however, heart attack and stroke risk increase with short-term use, possibly as short as a few weeks. The risk applies to all users but those with heart disease face a greater risk.

The FDA website says:

There is no period of use shown to be without risk,” says Judy Racoosin, M.D., M.P.H., deputy director of FDA’s Division of Anesthesia, Analgesia, and Addiction Products.

People who have cardiovascular disease, particularly those who recently had a heart attack or cardiac bypass surgery, are at the greatest risk for cardiovascular adverse events associated with NSAIDs.

FDA is adding information in the drug label for people who already have had a heart attack. This vulnerable population is at an increased risk of having another heart attack or dying of heart attack-related causes if they’re treated with NSAIDs, according to studies.

But the risk is also present in people without cardiovascular disease. “Everyone may be at risk – even people without an underlying risk for cardiovascular disease,” Racoosin adds.

Can You Safely Use NSAIDs?

The FDA tells consumers to take the smallest dose possible for the least amount of time possible to increase safety. The reality is, these drugs are not safe, though many still believe them to be. In addition to the cardiovascular risks, there is a risk of “… inflammation, bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine, which can be fatal.” [Motrin Insert] Renal damage is also a concern.

Conclusion

The best approach is to managing pain and inflammation is to treat the cause rather than the symptoms – to heal the body. For many, this entails a sweeping lifestyle change. But those who choose to heal their bodies through nutrition, detox, and exercise, reap the rewards. Check out What Causes Chronic Inflammation, and How To Stop It For Good.

Recommended Reading:

• How to Detoxify and Heal the Lymphatic System
• Holistic Guide to Healing the Endocrine System and Balancing Our Hormones
• How To Detoxify and Heal From Vaccinations – For Adults and Children
• How to Detoxify From Antibiotics and Other Chemical Antimicrobials

Sources:

• FDA strengthens warning that NSAIDs increase heart attack and stroke risk – Harvard Health Publications
• FDA Strengthens Warning of Heart Attack and Stroke Risk for Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs – FDA
• Motrin – Med Library

If you’re not involved in the trash or recycling industry, chances are good that innovations in collecting and processing our garbage are off your radar. When characters get nosy about Tony Soprano’s line of business, “waste management” is the wise-guy throwaway punchline. But today’s advanced trash operations are far from the old dump and cover or incineration solutions.  Many disposal operations are building bridges to a zero waste future.
Image courtesy of Diversified Recycling
Our company contracts with parks and dog daycares in Metro Denver to compost dog waste, so I subscribe to Waste360. This online media and events network provides information to solid waste, recycling, organics, and sustainable communities via daily emails with the latest industry buzz.

Sometimes my mind wanders into climate change doldrums. Will the big-time doers follow through on their promises to slow down global warming? Do eco-conscious consumers have the will to shift behavior and demand meaningful policies? And by the way, my tiny household recycling space is a frozen tundra. Will taking our food scraps out to the curb with the trash be one more downer?

On days like these, the Waste 360 newsfeed can be as bracing as a fresh breeze. Amid the nuts and bolts posts about lawsuits, mergers, and acquisitions, you’ll see occasional updates on environmental advances. And, no lie! There are so many industry pros out there making real progress that I wonder why only local and business news outlets cover the stories. Here are the latest bytes:

• A Louisiana solid waste district’s facility fuels trash trucks with biogas emitted from its landfill, and it shares compressed biogas with vehicles at an additional remote station.
• The New York City Department of Sanitation is expanding its e-cycleNYC to provide residential pick-up services to more than 500,000 households.
• New York’s Lewis County will be hauling its mixed recyclables miles away to a recycling center with sorting capability to offer its customers the convenience of single-stream collections.

These are just a few examples of how progressive waste managers all over the country are going beyond business-as-usual to foster sustainability.  Whether they work for private companies or public authorities, they take their environmental stewardship seriously.  These professionals are aware that a landfill is a no-win answer. They’re trying to divert as many recyclables from their plastic-lined tombs as possible. They’re trying to incorporate waste-to-energy programs into their operations. Like most of us, their options are limited.  But many of them are working hard to expand our disposal options.

The for-profit waste managers need to make business cases for each step toward near zero waste. County and municipal operators have to justify the expense of environmental projects to taxpayers.  Many waste companies and jurisdictions proactively pursue government grants and creative arrangements with outside recycling innovators to reach their goals.

Given their limitations, waste managers are tireless unsung heroes on the front lines of sustainability. The industry suffers from a long history of low status, drudgery and invisibility.  Facilities grab attention only when they produce nuisance odors.  We want the trash we produce to be “out of sight, out of mind, out of range.”  But doesn’t waste management’s humble efforts to save the planet deserve as much recognition and resources as its sexier renewable energy cousins?

Back in the day, Dad always gave our dedicated trash hauler a bottle of good Scotch for Christmas. What can we do today to show our waste management eco partners that we appreciate what they are doing?

Recommended Reading:

• Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included
• Total Nutrition – Make your own Homemade Multivitamin and Mineral Formula
• Seven Easy Ways to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Sources:

• Louisiana Parish Expands CNG Station in Circular Waste-to-Energy Pact with Progressive Waste – Waste 360
• New York’s e-cycleNYC program goes citywide – Recycling Today
• New York County Plans Move to Zero-Sort Recycling through Utica Agency – Journal and Republican

This time of year is not just about gifts and celebrations – for many, it’s also about taking stock of the year that has been and reflecting on what can be better for the year ahead.

Many of us even make promises to ourselves so that we feel more accountable for making certain improvements.  You might resolve to spend more time with family, follow a long-held professional dream, or just get to the gym more often.

As a dentist, I’d like to recommend that at least one of the promises you make to yourself this year be about your dental health and here’s why. The health of your teeth and mouth are closely linked to the health of your whole body, and research has even shown associations between poor oral health and diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis.  That’s why it’s so important to care for your teeth and gums. So, if you know that you could stand to do a little better, start by adding a couple of these dental health resolutions to your list.

1. Floss Like a Boss

Flossing is the single biggest thing that most people can do to improve their dental health, yet it’s the thing that is most often neglected.  The fact is that hardly anyone particularly likes flossing, but it’s something you need to do every day if you truly wish to have healthy teeth and gums.

One challenge many have is that they simply don’t know how to floss properly, so it ends up taking a long time and not really getting the job done anyway.  If that’s the case for you, ask your dentist for a quick tutorial at your next check-up or check out this dentist’s genius one-minute flossing technique.  And if you really loathe the traditional string floss, consider investing in a water flosser, which may make the job a little more pleasant for you.

2. Commit to 2 Minutes

Did you know that to effectively clean your teeth you’re supposed to be brushing for a full 2 minutes in the morning and at night before bed?  Even though you may be using your toothbrush two times a day, chances are that you’re not brushing for long enough, in which case you’re not keeping your teeth as clean and healthy as you should be.

Try to get in the habit of using your phone’s timer app or a basic kitchen timer to ensure that you’re brushing for 120 seconds.  Some electric toothbrushes even come with a 2-minute timer so you can just keep brushing until it goes off.  It might feel like a long time at first if you’re used to brushing for only a minute or so, but consider the time a chance to reflect on the day that’s been or on the one ahead.

3. Get Yourself Something Nice

Sometimes all we need to motivate us to take better care of ourselves is some new toy that makes the routine a bit more fun.  If all you’ve got is a standard toothbrush and string floss, think about treating yourself to some new tools that can reignite your interest in oral care.  Here are a few suggestions that are both cool and useful:

• Water flosser
• Electric toothbrush
• Wall-mounted toothpaste dispenser
• Fancy toothpaste
• Tongue scraper
• Toothbrush sanitizer

4. Say No to Soda

If you’re still guzzling soda on a regular basis, now is the time to quit.  Both regular and diet or sugar-free soda is extremely harmful to your oral health and overall health.  The huge amount of sugar that is in soda and many other sweet beverages rots your teeth and widens your waistline at a dangerous rate.

Your brain might not register it as you enjoy these drinks, but you should look up exactly how much sugar you’re ingesting each time you down one of these beverages. It just might be the wake-up call you need in order to commit to giving up those sweet drinks. And for a replacement, try the healthier and more economical alternative of plain carbonated water flavored with a bit of natural fruit juice.

As you can see from these simple tips, improving your oral health doesn’t require any massive lifestyle changes, just a few tweaks to your everyday routines.

And taking on just a couple of these resolutions will help you make sure that 2016 is your healthiest year yet.

Reccommended Reading:

• Heal Cavities, Gum Disease, Naturally with Organic Oral Care – Toothpaste recipes included
• Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included
  

For many people, money seems to fly out the window during the holidays, and it’s not all due to presents and parties. Decorations and cold weather hit energy budgets hard. But don’t get all “Grinchy” about it. To bring on happier holidays, take steps to reduce your energy costs.

Lighten Up

You know you love your holiday lights, both indoors and out. The season wouldn’t be the same without the twinkling colors. But seriously, think of trading your traditional incandescent lights for LEDs.

Savings are substantial. Plugging in 125 standard-size decorative bulbs for 480 hours costs over $25. Switch to twice as many smaller lights, and you’ll spend about 50 cents. Yes, cents!

Sleep on It

If it gets cold during the holidays in your neck of the woods, it’s tempting to turn up the thermostat. No one likes to be cold. But no one likes high energy costs, either.

Compromise by turning your thermostat down a few degrees at night. Throw on another blanket, and you won’t even notice the difference – except when it comes time to pay your gas or electric bill.

Enfold Your Feet

Speaking of the thermostat…turning it down a few notches during the day lowers energy costs, too. But putting on a sweater doesn’t always make up for it.

So take care of your other end – put on slippers. The temperature of the room is colder near the floor. And if you’re feet aren’t happy, the rest of you is uncomfortable, too.

Keep It Cool

OK, one more thermostat suggestion: turn it down when you’re entertaining. On the surface this seems counter-intuitive. Who wants to freeze guests?

But consider: the stove is on, the food is warm, and the guests are crowded together. That combination heats things up. Your guests will likely be more comfortable if you drop the temp a little.

Cook and Conserve

While you’re slaving over that hot stove during the holidays, conserve energy. Wondering if the turkey is crispy and brown yet? Check the kitchen timer. Don’t peek inside the oven.

Repeatedly opening the oven door lets heat escape. Then the oven has to work harder to get the temperature back up. Plus the cooking time increases.

Another oven tip: cook multiple dishes at once when it’s possible. The turkey pretty much hogs the oven, but bake a few pies or casseroles together.

They don’t mind close quarters. Don’t cram the oven so full, however, that heat doesn’t circulate properly.

Burn Carefully

Gotta love those chestnuts roasting on an open fire. But heat goes up an open-hearth fireplace, and the heating bill goes up with it.

Make sure your fireplace is fronted by tightly fitting glass doors. And though it seems contradictory, leave an adjacent window open just a hair. It helps keep the warmer inside air from escaping up the chimney.

Don’t Give It Some Gas

Holidays bring extra travel to buy presents, go to the post office, visit friends and family, and participate in seasonal activities. So your gas gauge is dropping, and you’re visiting the pump a lot more often.

To cut costs, do several errands while you are out and about. Consider using public transportation. Carpool when you have the chance. Share holiday cheer while you’re sharing travel expenses.

Give the Gift That Saves

Check wish lists for electronics and appliances. Anyone longing for, say, a computer, TV, or air purifier? If so, look for an Energy Star label. It’s really two gifts in one. A great present and year-round savings in energy costs.

Save, Save, Save

The holidays are times for peace and joy, not anxiety and frustration. Take some measures to curb your energy costs.

Then focus on more pleasant worries, like finding time to wrap presents, bake cookies, and make eggnog. Don’t forget the nutmeg.

Further reading:

• The Holy Trinity of Modern Day Housing: Environmentally Friendly, Sustainable, and Energy Efficient Houses
•  Solar Panels Cheaper than Cars – Business Insider
•  Roof Colors – Roofline
• Stool Made of Sand and Urine – Dezeen
• Benefits of Steel Framed Houses – Wide Span Sheds

Sources:

• How to Reduce Home Energy Costs: Bruni & Campisi
• Tips to Save Energy During the Holidays: Energy Saver
• Winter Holiday Time Energy Saving Tips: Consumer Energy Center
• Holiday Energy Saving Tips: Wisconsin Public Service
• Go Green for the Holidays: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

It sounds like the latest Star Wars movie or a villain from Marvel Comics, but this “phantom menace” is not fiction. It’s a deadly superbug with a twist. Classified as a Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, or CRE, this class of bacteria is not only antibiotic resistant to last-resort antibiotics, it has the ability to pass on its antibiotic resistance to other bacteria in the body. Like other superbugs, the phantom menace is associated with healthcare centers (like hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities) and results in a high mortality rate of 50% or more.

From 2010 through 2015, the CDC has confirmed 43 phantom menace cases in the U.S. from 19 states. The CDC reports that the majority of patients were exposed and infected outside of the United States. While 43 is a very small number, the CDC is concerned because they believe this is just the tip of the iceberg. These types of superbugs are believed to be on the rise and under diagnosed.

The phantom menace bacteria pass on antibiotic resistance through a plasmid, a small DNA molecule with the ability to replicate independently. It includes an enzyme that breaks down antibiotics. It is this plasmid that can transfer antibiotic resistance to other bacteria in our bodies. Basically, the non-superbug bacteria become infected with a resistant gene from the superbug bacteria and then continue spreading the resistant gene creating new strains of superbugs.

The worst-case scenario is not far fetched. The Washing Post quotes Lance Price, director of the Antibiotic Resistance Action Center at George Washington University’s Milken Institute of Public Health, as saying, “History shows that these mobile resistance genes can spread around the world quickly, silently riding in people, animals and food.”

The superbug gene, MCR-1, is becoming more common in China and has recently shown up in Demark, fueling the concern that it will spread worldwide. Researchers in China tested marketplace meats and slaughterhouse pigs looking for the gene. It was found in 20% of the pigs and 15% of the meat.

Once again this very real threat is man-made. Researchers have concluded that drugs given the pigs in China provided the breeding grounds for the bacteria. If we continue the inhumane and dangerous practice of factory farming, feeding animals both prophylactic and indicated antibiotics, we will continue to breed new threats to worldwide health.

If we as individuals continue to use antibiotics when they are not needed along with antibiotic soaps, hand wipes, and cleaning solutions, we are part of the problem. We are aiding bacteria in their natural progression toward antibiotic resistance.

Recommended Reading:

• Make Your Immune System Bulletproof with These Natural Remedies
• Detox Cheap and Easy Without Fasting – Recipes Included
• How to Cure Lyme Disease, and Virtually Any Other Bacterial Infection, Naturally

Sources:

• Superbug known as ‘phantom menace’ on the rise in U.S. – The Washington Post
• Notes from the Field: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae Producing OXA-48-like Carbapenemases — United States, 2010–2015 – CDC
• A ‘superbug’ emerges in China to remind us that antibiotics won’t last forever – The Washington Post

Many foods give you some health benefits, but certain foods are positively jam-packed with powerful nutrients that support optimal health. These amazing foods give you the most bang for your buck, making every bite count. Maximize nutrient density and health benefits with the following incredibly nourishing, delicious, and easy to prepare foods!

Salmon

Oily fish like salmon is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosohexanoic acid (DHA). These omega-3s play a starring role in the picture of health because they support a balanced inflammatory response in the body. This is important for both short and long-term inflammation. For example, when you get hurt, a temporary inflammatory response is needed to heal the injury. This short-term inflammation is intended to subside after the healing process is complete. However, without adequate EPA and DHA, the body is unable to return to normal and inflammation persists, leaving the entire body in a pro-inflammatory state. It is this long-term “silent” inflammation that is problematic and can take a serious toll on your health. If proper levels of EPA and DHA are not maintained, your whole body, including the liver, brain, heart and muscles, pays the price. By getting enough EPA and DHA in your diet, you can support the balanced inflammation levels that foster a healthy body and mind. If your immune system is in good shape, try salmon rare or medium rare for the best health benefits.

Berries

Vibrantly colored berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, not only pack a color punch, but pack on the health benefits, too. Full of antioxidants, these red and purple fruits support cardiovascular, visual, mental and skin health, just to name a few. The antioxidant pigments are actually what give berries their trademark colors. Red and purple berries are bursting with anthocyanins, antioxidant pigments known to be free radical fighters. Free radicals wreak havoc on the body, damage tissues, and accelerate the aging process. Eating berries every day is a tasty way to rejuvenate your skin, eye, brain, and heart health.

Ginger and Turmeric Roots

Close botanical relatives that are often found together in flavorful Indian foods, ginger and turmeric contain health-promoting compounds that have been prized for centuries. Ginger, used as a digestive tonic, contains antioxidants galore. Gingerol, the active compound in ginger, is responsible for modulating inflammation and supporting cell health. Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric. Curcumin is another nutrient that supports balanced inflammatory levels in the body, which are key for maintaining overall health.

Garlic

Another herb that has historical roots in ancient times, garlic has a reputation not only for warding off vampires, but also as valuable household remedy. Recent research provides evidence for its health-supportive properties. Allicin, garlic’s best-known active compound, has been studied for its ability to support cardiovascular, immune system, inflammatory and cellular health. It may not freshen your breath, but garlic can help to refresh your health.

Citrus Fruit

The flesh and peels of citrus fruits contain flavonoids, which are compounds plants produce for various purposes, such as protection from pests, disease, and sun damage. Flavonoids protect human health in similar ways by supporting the health of the skin, heart, bones and other cells. In addition to health-boosting flavonoids, citrus fruits are full to the brim with vitamin C.  One of the body’s most important antioxidants, vitamin C supports immune, cardiovascular, and cellular health. In fact, without vitamin C, the immune system cannot function properly. Whether you eat them whole or  juice them, citrus fruits are a sweet way to take care of your health year-round.

Nuts

Vitamin E is naturally found in high concentrations in whole nuts, with some of the best sources being almonds and hazelnuts. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant in the body, protecting against free radical damage and supporting cellular health. This vitamin supports the health of the immune and cardiovascular systems, as well as the body’s detoxification process. From the outside-in and the inside-out, eating nuts is a great way to get your vitamin E levels up. So, go nuts!

It is easy to incorporate all of these versatile and nutrient-dense foods into your diet. This recipe includes all of the power-packed foods above in one delicious meal!

Salmon Berry Salad with Almonds and Citrus Vinaigrette (serves 2)

Ingredients

• 2, 6 oz. salmon filets
• 1 small clamshell of organic spinach and arugula blend
• ½ cup organic blackberries, rinsed and dried
• ½ cup organic raspberries, rinsed and dried
• ½ cup organic blueberries, rinsed and dried
• 1 TBSP olive oil
• ¼ tsp. garlic powder
• ½ tsp. ginger powder
• ½ tsp. turmeric powder
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
• Dash of salt and pepper, to taste

Dressing

• 1 large orange, juiced
• 3 TBSP olive oil
• 3 TBSP balsamic vinegar
• 1 TBSP Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup sliced almonds

1. Place salmon skin-side down on foil, top with olive oil, garlic, ginger and turmeric powders, cayenne, salt and pepper.
2. Place salmon under broiler and cook for four minutes per side. Oven broilers vary, so watch closely; salmon overcooks quickly.
3. While salmon is in the broiler, place arugula and spinach, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries in a large bowl. Toss together lightly.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients.
5. When salmon is done cooking, place on top of berry salad mixture, top with almonds and drizzle with dressing. 

For more recipes, check out Natural Grocers.com.

Further Reading:

• How to Optimize Curcumin Absorption – With Golden Milk Tea Recipe
  
• Things You Should Know About Garlic – DIY, Recipes, Other Tips
• Wild Caught? Maybe Not – Salmon Sold to You May Have Been Farm Raised

Sources:

1. Wilson, L. (2013). EPA & DHA: The Fats of Life. August-September 2013 Health Hotline.
2. Allbritton, J. (2009). Blueberries. Natural Grocers Nutrition Education Department.
3. Allbritton, J. (2010). Age Decelerating Antioxidant-Rich Foods. Natural Grocers Nutrition Education Department.
4. Pratt, H. (2013). Garlic. Natural Grocers Nutrition Education Department.
5. Briggs, S. (2008). Citrus Bioflavonoids. Natural Grocers Nutrition Education Department.
6. Allen, J. (2004). Vitamin C. Natural Grocers Nutrition Education Department
7. Allen, J. (2003). Vitamin E Fact Sheet. Natural Grocers Nutrition Education Department.