antioxidant

Monica

Homemade Cough Syrup

What can you do at the first sign of a cold or the flu to keep it from becoming full-blown?  Just a quick recipe that I have tried and it works wonders for the immune system.  You can use it for the treatment of symptoms or as prevention.  When people around you are sick such as close family or co-workers that you have no choice of being around, we must have a way to ward off illness.

Photo credit:  WSJ

Here is what you will need…..it’s super simple:

  • About 20-24 cloves of garlic
  • Enough honey to cover the garlic in a jar to yield about a pint (approximately 400 mL by the time the garlic is added)
  • Note:  Raw honey is preferred instead of refined like you typically buy at the grocery store.  You can always make a half batch of this recipe.
  1. Peel the garlic cloves, crush them or cut them into tiny pieces and put them in a medium-size jar; add enough honey to cover the garlic and then set it aside for at least 36 hours.
  2. Take one teaspoon every 2-3 hours or as needed to relieve cough and sore throat.
  3. Use at the first signs of cough/cold and flu symptoms as an immune system booster.

Photo credit:  memegenerator.net

Garlic contains Allicin

This part of garlic gives it it’s health benefits but also will cause bad odor and potent taste.  The fresher it is, as with other foods, the more potent it is.  Garlic is a natural anti-infectant, helps to decrease blood pressure and works against blood clotting to some degree.

Honey stands on its own as a natural remedy

Honey is not only a natural sweetener, but it also has many vitamins and nutrients. If used in raw form as a sweetener, it won’t spike your blood sugar.  Its anti-oxidant properties are powerful and it guards against free radicals which can be cancer-causing.   more info honey health benefits

Together, these 2 make a superfood that helps us in multiple ways!

Do you have a recipe that’s similar to this?  Post it in my comments and let us know how it worked for you!

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Thanks so much for visiting!

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Monica

Go Go Goji!

Goji berries are amazing, and although small, are packed with so many vitamins and nutrients. They are also known as lycii fructus, lycium barbarum, wolfberries and even Red Diamonds.  Top 10 reasons to incorporate them into your regular diet:

  • High antioxidant action
  • Improves immune function
  • High in fiber and nutrients
  • Stabilizes blood sugar
  • Fights cancer
  • Detoxifies the liver and kidneys
  • Enhances eye health
  • Increases fertility
  • Energy, sleep aid and mood booster
  • Blood health

In addition, it has been said that they prolong life.  Goji berries contain beta sitosterol which decreases the development of cancer, aids in arthritis and allergies and prevents premature aging. Goji berries have neuroprotective effects due to their high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Goji up for Cold and Flu season! These berries are packed with Vitamin C and Iron which also helps to boost our Immune Systems.

Other nutritional facts in 28 grams:

  • 3 grams of protein
  • 18 Amino acids which includes all of the essential ones
  • 22 trace minerals
  • Loads of fiber
  • Vitamins C, A, riboflavin, iron, potassium, copper, thiamine, zinc, selenium, and calcium.  This is nature’s multivitamin!

Dosage:

Generally this depends on your condition. Here is a reference which may prove helpful.

dosage suggestions

How to use them in your diet:

These berries are Berry versatile! They can be purchased at health food stores as dried fruit and used in salads, in smoothies along with chia seeds, in trail mix or homemade granola bars, or just as they are. You can also use them to make a tea, smoothies, shakes or juice if bought fresh.

Caution!!!  ⚠💊Consult your healthcare provider before starting if you take high blood pressure meds or blood thinner medications such as warfarin or anti-diabetic medications.  Goji berries may interact with these medications.

I recently started using them in breakfast pancakes and cake recipes to add more fiber and nutrients to give a fuller feeling. So far, they have worked well to suppress my appetite. Give them a try and let me know what you experience!😄🍒🍇

Monica

Health Benefits of Tumeric

 

What is Tumeric                                   20160120_115848

Tumeric is a plant that is the main spice in curry.  Most people know it for its bitter taste and its bright orange color.  It has a sharp taste and smells like pepper.  In addition to its use to flavor and color curry, its root is also used in the making of medications. 

In addition to its antiinfective properties (antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal) tumeric is also loaded with protein and dietary fiber.  It is packed with a host of vitamins and nutrients such as niacin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc.  If that’s not enough, check out these additional uses.

Top 10 Claims to Fame 

Prevents cancer

Helps to relieve inflammation such as in arthritis and has anti-oxidant properties to destroy free radicals.

Prevents liver disease

Controls diabetes

Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease

Reduces cholesterol level

My favorite- boosts the immune system

Can improve digestion

Heals wounds

Can help to maintain ideal body weight

Bonus:  I have found it helpful with lemon juice to controlling acne!

How does it work

Some components in tumeric may help to decrease swelling (inflammation).  Tumeric also has anti-oxidant properties which decrease free radicals that can damage the cells in our body.

Sources such as Web MD report that for most problems, tumeric has been used in doses of 500 mg twice a day and up to 500 mg four times a day.  As with everything, it is not without side effects, however, I would rather use something natural that has been around for ages instead of popping a pill.  Feel free to comment on your experience with this natural root.

References and further reading:

Top 10 Health Benefits of Tumeric

Web MD Review of Tumeric

Disclaimer:  As always, please remember to consult your doctor before using any medication, herbal or natural product/supplements.  If you are pregnant or nursing, please especially be cautious of using any medication, herbal or natural product/supplements without consulting your doctor.  This information is only to be used as a supplement to instructions given by your medical professional and you should always inform them of the usage of other medications, herbs or natural products/supplements.