The three beneficial HOWs of Turmeric! How does it work? How do you buy it and how do you use it? All answered here by our amazing contributing physician Beth Ricanati, MD.

Looking for a food ingredient that has a tremendous amount of science behind it, tastes good, and keeps us healthy? Let’s talk about the iconic Indian spice, turmeric. Ayurvedic and Indian medicine practitioners have been using turmeric for thousands of years; now researchers have been able to pinpoint what the Ayurvedic practitioners knew all along: turmeric is an extremely powerful anti-inflammatory substance.

Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that has documented anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin also contains other important nutrients for our health, like magnesium and iron.

Why should you care about curcumin? Simply, many chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer obesity and even Alzheimer’s disease, are in large part caused by inflammation in the body. In addition, inflammation is the culprit behind aches and pains like what you might experience with diseases like arthritis, and even just after a hard workout.

1. How does turmeric work? Research shows that curcumin prevents cellular oxidation, which is a fancy way of saying it blocks a molecule in our bodies that turns on the “inflammatory cascade”. No “inflammatory cascade”, no inflammation! Thus, turmeric helps to stop inflammation before it even starts!

2. How to buy turmeric? Turmeric is available in root form, powdered form and in a pill. It’s hard to grind yourself, so buy the powdered form unless you are throwng a piece into a strong mixer for a smoothie! Turmeric as a spice comes from two places in India, Alleppey and Madras. Look for the powdered turmeric from Alleppey; it has more curcumin in it.

3. How to use turmeric? Although most of us recognize turmeric in Indian curries, recently it has been showing up in a diverse array of dishes. I have found it’s great in smoothies, soups and stews. I have even seen it recently in beverages and with just hot water, ginger and lemon. My current personal favorite are dark leafy greens stir-fried with eggs and a hefty dose of turmeric!

Check out our fabulous recipes with turmeric! Indian Butter Chicken and Roasted Acorn Squash Seeds.

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10 benefits and tips of lovely lemons!

Lemons are incredible little yellow beings of love. While they may seem quite sour and acidic, each one is anything but a crabby little sourpuss. What tastes acidic in lemons, is actually alkaline, creating a balancing affect your body adores.

What is alkaline you ask? Alkaline and acid are the measurements of PH in your body. Optimally, your alkaline and acid ratios are balanced. Unfortunately, most standard diets are causing our internal systems to be too acidic, causing significant ill health and a terrain of disease. Don’t worry. There is good news! Many foods are alkaline and assist your body in maintaining the right levels. And guess what?! Lemons are one such food. In addition to helping us achieve balance, lemons have many other great benefits.

Lemons are anti-bacterial and can protect against many types of infections. Think of these sunshine beings as a natural antibiotic.

Lemons are anti-viral. Starting to feel the flu invading your inner peace? Drink a glass of lemon water every two hours to help deter the virus and increase your immune system.

Lemons can assist in dissolving gallstones. Anybody who has ever felt the ouch of a displeased gallbladder will adore this tidbit. Lemons help dissolve the calcification in your gallbladder and flush them from your system.

These yellow lovers also help improve mental clarity. They act as natural energy boosters and may even assist in improving focus. Do you have a big meeting or a challenging exam? Sometimes just the wonderful citrus smell of a lemon may elevate your concentration.

Lemons assist in detoxifying your liver. Think of your liver as a filtration system for your body. Because lemons are a natural cleanser and anti-oxidant they support the wonderful housekeeping job your liver does everyday.

They can even make you feel happy! Yep, that is right. Lemons are a natural mood enhancer. They can help reduce anxiety, diminish stress levels, and boost those feel good emotions.

Lemon water is a lovely choice. Yet, why stop there? Let the creativity begin!

How about adding lemon to balsamic and olive oil for a great dressing.

Thirsty? Add lemon juice, orange zest, and honey to a glass of warm water for a healthy and fulfilling drink. Take it to the next level with sparkling water and apple juice. Oh so fancy.

Lemons can be squeezed over your favorite protein. For an added kick, combine lemon juice with coconut oil and garlic for a great marinade.

Love your greens? Of course you do! Add lemon to kale with a minced shallot and feel fabulous.

Want more ideas? Sign up for our secret recipe club and receive Rachel’s Paleo lemon cupcake for free. YUMMMMMM.

Enjoy! Healthy is fabulous.

Originally published by Organic LifeStyle Magazine.

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The amazing benefits of avocados, plus recipes!

Over recent years avocados have rapidly developed in popularity. This nutritiously rich fruit is introducing itself to more and more dinner menus and grocery store shelves. Why the spotlight all of a sudden?

1. Excellent source of healthy fat. Fat is the body’s preferred form of energy. Biologically we aren’t meant to utlilize sugar for long sustaining energy. It is critical that we begin to increase our intake of healthy fats. Avocados are a great place to start!
2. Rich in protein and easy to digest which makes them a popular supplement for vegans, pregnant, and nursing mama’s.
3. Increase our body’s ability to take in nutrients. Healthy fats like avocado increase nutrition assimilation in the body by supporting gallbladder function and improving overall digestion.
4. Nourish your brain! Uniquely, avocados are a natural source of lecithin, which nourishes the brain and supports cardiovascular function.
5. Lower blood sugar. Unlike other fruits, avocados are low in fructose, supporting blood sugar regulation and the nervous system.
6. Full of amazing nutrients. This super fruit is a source of revitalizing nutrients such as potassium, copper, folate, and vitamins B and E.

When buying 100% organic is not an option, it is helpful to note that avocados are one of the safest foods to buy conventionally. Avocados protective shell helps maintain nutrients and protect the inside from chemical exposure.

Please check out avocado loveself recipes here!

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Spring has arrived and so have our springtime seasonal favorites. Enjoy the six body loving benefits of asparagus.

Asparagus is another of nature’s miracle foods. When Spring arrives so do these amazing little green asparagus spears.

Did you know that asparagus is only recognizable several days each year as the stems we so adore? These delicious green vegetables are the first sign of Spring. Asparagus peaks in April in Southern states and May as we travel North. The asparagus not harvested during this time will quite rapidly turn into a three to four foot feathery tree.

Asparagus is packed with vitamins and minerals and even contains the incredible glutathione known for its liver cleansing properties.

These happy green stalks are an anti-inflammatory and are said to have healing effects on autoimmune dis-ease.

Asparagus also supports digestive health as an inulin containing ‘pre-biotic’.

Amazingly asparagus can help in lowering type two diabetes risk and even aid in the prevention of kidney stones.

In addition, Nikki Fleck, LoveSelf’s fabulous wellness tips contributor reminds us that asparagus is also a leading supplier of antioxidants. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals in the body, which can significantly reduce stress, prevent disease and slow the degeneration of cell tissue.

A serving of asparagus provides the body with nearly 60% the recommended daily amount of Folate. Folate is especially crucial for pregnant and nursing mamas. Folate is also known to support heart health and prevent liver disease.

Pick up a bunch or two from your favorite local farm to create this tasty  Ginger Asparagus Soup LoveSelf recipe.

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