Reishi Mushroom: The Elixir of Immortality

Reishi mushroom is also known as Ganoderma Lucidum, it is one of the most ancient organic and natural mushrooms made use of in todays medicine. It has been used for 100’s of years in China as it has been thought to aid people with a large selection of medical conditions. As the mushroom was scarce and highly-priced treatments were reserved for royalty. Through technological advancements growing Reishi Mushrooms has now turn out to be a actuality thus decreasing the cost of this mushroom making it available to the everyday man or woman.

The Reishi mushroom is considered to enhance the body’s immune system and aid in rehabilitating the immune system if needed. While some of todays traditional western medicine basically don’t work as well after a time period with Reishi Mushroom the entire body nerves seem to fully get used to the effects that is has , thus promoting a more robust immune system.

Pipa // Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) (Photo credit: Valter Jacinto | Portugal)

People who have allergies may find some relief when using Reishi Mushroom. In addition people who suffer from simple mental problems such as stress, concentration problems, fatigue and sleep deprivation have also found the mushroom to be of tremendous aid.

Reishi Mushroom has also been known to prevent health problems that may lead to more serious problems such as heart attack or other heart conditions. It is claimed that it can also help people with liver disorders, blood circulation , lung disorders and even help with symptoms of HIV.

The Reishi Mushroom also is known to have wonderful effects on the skin as it helps to increase the delivery of nutrients to the skin. It may also help control acne and minimize fine lines and age spots which can only make you look younger!

Pipa // Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) (Photo credit: Valter Jacinto | Portugal)

As with all types of treatment one should always consult with the medical practitioner before starting any type of therapy, we suggest you check with your doctor should you want to try alternative remedies.

Reishi Mushroom is also known as the “elixir of immortality” because of its advantageous properties on the body. It is also known as the “King of Adaptogens” with its ability to improve the immune system, stamina, and circulatory system.

Mushroom of Longevity in Changdeokgung (Photo credit: Nathan (Mushroom Nathan))

Reishi Mushroom is known to help restore the organs natural functions. People who take Reishi Mushroom have been known to improve mental clarity, skin, and overall body functioning. This can be taken for short and long term benefits. Not only does it restore the body’s overall vitality like Ginseng, but it also has a “fountain of youth” effect for those who take this supplement on going.

The Appropriation cycle (12pm-8pm ). This is when we should eat the majority of our heavy concentrated foods.

Now your body has the energy required to preformed the vital functions concerning the food you eat. INGEST (EAT)  – DIGEST (BREAK DOWN). This is when we should eat the majority of our HEAVY CONCENTRATED FOODS.

Lunch and dinner fall into this cycle.

This is the time when the body is most efficient at digesting and dealing with foods. It’s also the time when we are burning them up the fastest because we’re at our most active. As long as we are eating according the dictates of our appetite, we should be merrily refuelling and burning, refuelling and burning in a fairly steady and comfortable way, which makes for a really comfortable feeling in the body.Eating when one is truly hungry can take a bit of getting used to, but is far more enjoyable than eating just because the clock dictates it’s lunchtime. And it makes so much sense! 

Lunch is the best convenient to have starch meals at lunch as opposed to protein, Do so – Do not make this difficult.

Just make sure you plan your meals using the BASIC PRINCIPLES OF COMBING HEAVIER CONCENTRATED FOOD (protein or starch) with lighter foods, vegetable and /or salad).

Here are the food combining basics:

• Starches + Veggies = OK
• Proteins + Veggies = OK
• Proteins + Starches = No No
• Plant Proteins + Plant Proteins = OK
• Animal Proteins + Animal Proteins = No No
• Starches + Starches = OK
• Fats + Proteins (animal or plant) = No No (or pair moderately)
• Fats + Carbohydrates = OK
• Fats + Starches = OK
• Fruits are best eaten on an empty stomach
• Fruit + Raw greens = OK (except melons)

When you “mis-combine” (mix incompatible food groups together at the same meal), two things happen: first, the food does not digest properly and ends up rotting and putrefying in your stomach, and second, because the food isn’t being absorbed properly, you don’t get the nutritional value you need from it.

When you mis-combine your meals by mixing animal protein with, say, carbohydrates high in starch (Maxi Carbs), your stomach begins pouring in both alkaline and acid, and unfortunately they neutralize each other. It’s a stalemate, and since the stomach maintains a 104 degree temperature, what you end up with is sort of an “oven” where the undigested meat and starch begins to ferment, rot and putrefy, causing the undesirable symptoms of gas, flatulence, headaches, bloat, sleepiness, diarrhea, constipation, etc. We’re talking about a real mess, and if it continues over the years, undigested food will begin to pile up and ultimately clog your colon and intestinal tract (your life lines to health).

 

WE ALL MUST BECOME MORE ACCEPTING OF THE FACT THAT…..WE DO NOT HAVE TO EAT MEAT AT EVERY MEAL……..WORK WITH THE PROGRAM AND THE PROGRAM WILL WORK FOR YOU.

 

Living/raw food breakfast. A great way to start your day..

Healthy Berries are Good Food for Health (Photo credit: epSos.de)

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s a fact that in the morning our digestives system takes just as much time to wake up as the rest of our body does. The best way to gently get it going is by drinking easy-to-digest juices, smoothies ,etc. They’re hydrating and packed with nutrients to replenish vitamins and minerals lost during the night and provide energy without feeling weighed down.

 

 

 

Some of the best raw food recipes for breakfast are green smoothies, fruit salads,granola and chia pudding. Even if you do not eat a strict living/raw food diet, having a breakfast of living/raw foods can do wonders for your health.

 

Your breakfast choice is crucial to whether or not your body can continue to detoxify or is forced to stop. For example, eggs and bacon will bring a halt to all the body’s hard work after a long night of fasting, but a raw food breakfast such as a fruit smoothie or bowl of chia oatmeal will allow the body to continue to cleanse itself.

 

Orange, pear, apple (Photo credit: Joe Lencioni)

 

A light breakfast of raw foods will also result in higher energy levels throughout the day because of how easy it is to digest. A few of my favorite living/raw food breakfast is fresh juice, fresh frutits, chia pudding or even smoothie, which is predigested by the blender and even easier to digest.

 

 

 

Though we need food for nourishment, we also need food to taste exquisite and be pleasing to the eye. Are not the most memorable meals the ones where every human sense is enticed? Don’t be discouraged if you never been proficient in the kitchen. Balancing flavor, creating texture and beautiful presentation are culinary arts that anyone can master. With living foods, there are countless possibilities within the parameters of not heating them. Sometimes you just have to think outside the box. As you look at these pictures, I hope that you are inspired.

 

A diet rich in soy and whey protein, found in products such as soy milk and low-fat yogurt, has been shown to reduce breast cancer incidence in rats. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

Please use only certified Organic Ingredients( if you can) ~Use Discernment~ in Gratitude ~ Peace ~ Love ~ Compassion & *Light*

 

 

 

Don’t Be A Lazy Vegetarian

Indian curry is real good. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It seems like the diet for so many vegetarians is filled with noodles, desserts, and processed junk from everywhere you can think of. For a person to feel life in their body they have to add life to their body in someway or else.

Selecting the Improper carbohydrate supply for your body creates a high probability of obesity and other health issues. You or someone you know has been there. After a long day at work and the last thing on your mind is to set a moment aside to prepare a healthy, nutritionally balanced vegetarian dish. So you may of opted for a pizza from a local resturant that serves your favorite pizza on wheat crust with maybe even soy cheese too.

But there’s only one problem. Sure your dinner choices are taken care of plus you have your vegetarian pizza with a tiny amount of sprinkled vegetables on it too. However you still have no real nutritional benefit added to your body. Dough, sauce and a hint of over cooked veggies are well under what your body needs to truly thrive most effectively!

It’s not good in the long run to choose a refined or enr carbohydrate iched (the junk stuff) over the opposite which is 100% beneficial carbohydrates that a solid, well-balanced vegetarian diet offers without any guess work. Eating for taste alone defeats the purpose of your decision to live a vegetarian lifestyle. A balanced vegetarian diet ideal for optimal health. Eating refined carbohydrates presents several potential risks to your well being.

Over-ingestion of processed carbohydrates and all kinds of sugar can result in extra insulin in the bloodstream, not a good thing at all. In the presence of too much insulin, glucose, the blood sugar, is converted to triglycerides and stored in the fat cells of the body causing the body to stop burning but instead to store fat. Unless you’re looking to gain unhealthy weight, not an amazing idea for the health of your body.

According to a medical analysis, eating refined grains could also raise your risk of acquiring stomach cancer. In addition, refined sugars and carbohydrates have been suggested as a factor in contributing to increased gallbladder disease, according to a recent study. The research showed a direct link between the amount of sugars eaten and the incidence of gallbladder disease. Another study looked at the role carbohydrates play in the incidence of heart disease. The researchers noted that as carbohydrate consumption increased, so did the level of triglycerides in the blood of the participants.

People can’t live off of sugars alone. Most people don’t know it but there is a such thing as healthy cholesterol. There has to be a stability in the diet for the most exceptional results. Diets low in fat and high in carbohydrates not only dramatically raised triglyceride levels but significantly reduced levels of HDL, the “good” cholesterol.

Another contributing factor to an out of whack vegetarian diet is, refined white sugars. These high processed sugars are known to increase the rate at which your body EXCRETES calcium, which is directly connected to your skeletal health. The bottom line is, as your sugary and refined carbohydrate intake increases, your bone solidity diminishes.

A good vegetarian meal can take all of 30 minutes to prepare and we’re talking about a very healthy meal too! All it takes to eat better is to Plan to do so. You will certainly need a grocery list and an idea of what you want to eat throughout the week but also decide how often you want to eat your homemade meals. Don’t be lazy! Take care of your body and take the time to put together a nutritious, delicious vegetarian meal. Your mind, body and spirit will thank you for putting in extra work it in the long run.

 

 

3 Healthy Simple To Make Tasty Fruit Smoothies

 

Svenska: Tropical Smoothie (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

 

Sweet Beta Carotene Blast

2 apricots (sliced and pitted)

1/2 papaya (frozen in chunks)

1/2 mango (frozen in chunks)

1/2 cups carrot juice

1 tablespoon honey

Add ingredients (except for honey) to blender in the order listed, then blend on high speed for 30 seconds.

Add honey and blend a few seconds more.

Option: add a few teaspoons of fresh orange juice for a looser consistency.

 

 

Vanilla Banana Carob Smoothie

5 dates pitted and soaked in water for 20 minutes

1 cup nut or grain milk

1 frozen banana cut in chunks

3‐4 tablespoons carob powder

A dash of vanilla or fresh vanilla beans

Place dates in a small bowl with just enough water to cover. Let them soak 20 minutes, drain off water.

In a blender, combine dates, nut milk, banana, carob powder and vanilla.

Blend until smooth. Drink it up!

 

 

Island Gingah Rootz Smoothie

1 apple, cored, peeled

lemon juice from 1 lemon, no seeds

1/2 cups filtered water

1 (2‐inch) piece fresh ginger root, sliced

A great smoothie to calm your tummy.

Blend all ingredients until smooth.

Slip smoothie slowly

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Recipe: Shou Wu Chih Chia Pudding

Chia (Salvia columbariae) seeds Français : Akènes de Chia (Salvia columbariae) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Aztec and Mayan empires revered chia seeds for their virility boosting benefits on the body.  Chia seeds are high in omega 3’s, fiber, antioxidants, protein  and they’re also gluten-free! Chia seeds taste good in and on almost anything. I was introduced to them by a dear friend and i have loved them ever since.

Shou Wu Chih is a chinese herbal blend that works nicely with the body to build the kidney (root) energy. Look in this blog for information on the Root Chakra to see why this tonic should be taken alone or in this recipe. This longstanding tonic is a strong compliment to nourishing the kidneys which are also known as the bodys ‘batteries.’

The Recipe is Vegetarian friendly by the way and Vegan friendly too!

Shou Wu Chih Chia Pudding~

There are 3 ways to make this pudding. Whichever one you choose to make simply add ingredients to the blender and blend for 30 seconds. Pour in a glass or bowl and enjoy!

This is so good I’m going to make some more another day this week!

Option one: The Original Chia Pudding

3 Tbs of Shou Wu Chih (buy this herbal tonic from most Asian markets costs around $6.00)

1 cups of almond milk  (vanilla or chocolate or plain)

1/8 tsp of cinnamon

1 Tbs raw honey or 2-3 dates

1 large banana

4 Tbs of Chia seeds (brown chia tasted delicious in it but any chia seeds should work just fine)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Option two: The Raw and Dirty Nutty Chia Pudding

3 Tbs of Shou Wu Chih (buy this herbal tonic from most Asian markets costs around $6.00)

1 cups of water

a handful of nuts of your choice; cashew, almond or pecan nuts (soak them over night first) 

1/8 tsp of cinnamon

1 Tbs raw honey or 2-3 dates

a taste of vanilla bean or vanilla extract

1 large banana

4 Tbs of Chia seeds (brown chia tasted delicious in it but any chia seeds should work just fine)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Option 3: The Raw Sweet and Buttery Coconut Chia Pudding 

3 Tbs of Shou Wu Chih (buy this herbal tonic from most Asian markets costs around $6.00)

1 cups of water

2 Tbs almond Butter

1/8 tsp of cinnamon

1 Tbs raw honey or 2- 3 dates

1 large banana

4 Tbs of Chia seeds (brown chia tasted delicious in it but any chia seeds should work just fine)

Do you enjoy Chia seeds and Herbal tonics as much as we do? Please share you’re experience and thoughts with us please.

Recipe: Coconut Curry Callaloo (Vegan)

INGREDIENTS:

4 cups chopped or sliced callaloo (rinsed)

1/4 cup water

1 small or medium onion chopped

1 medium tomato, chopped

3 large clove garlic, chopped

1/3 red or green pepper chopped

1/4 tsp fresh or dried thyme 

3 dashes of cayenne pepper

1/8 tsp salt (optional)

1 Tbs curry powder

1 Tbs palm oil

1 Tbs coconut oil

The Recipe
Remove all loose rough pieces, pieces with dark spots, or hard stems from callaloo. Rinse in a large bowl of cold water. Pour out dirty water then slice callalou into slices or cubes. In a medium pot add oil and water. Next, add callaloo to a pot and add enough cold water to cover the callaloo. Add seasonings. Cover pot. Steam callaloo on a medium heat and simmer for about ten minutes or just until callaloo is tender. The callaloo should be green, even while cooking it. Any discoloration means the callaloo is overcooked. Serve while hot but take your time and enjoy!

Serves: 2- 3

Great served as a side dish or with plantain or breadfruit for lovely vegetarian breakfast.

Dulse (Palmaria palmata): The sea vegetables that is one of the best food sources of vitamins and minerals

Dulse (Palmaria palmata), also called  dillisk, dilsk, red dulse, sea lettuce flakes or creathnach, is a red alga (Rhodophyta) previously referred to as Rhodymenia palmata (Linnaeus) Greville. It grows on the northern coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.  It is a red seaweed that grows attached to rocks by a “holdfast” in the North Atlantic and Northwest Pacific. It is commonly used in Ireland , Atlantic Canada both as food and medicinally and is now shipped around the globe. Dulse is found in many health food stores or fish markets or can be ordered directly from local distributors.

Dulse grows from the mid tide portion of the intertidal zone (the area between the high tide and low tide) and into deep water. Fronds may vary from rose to reddish-purple, and range from about 20 to 40 cm (8″ to 16″).  From June through September, it is picked by hand at low water, brought to drying fields (or spreading grounds) and put through a shaker to remove shells pieces, etc. The fronds are spread thinly on netting and left to dry, turned once and rolled into large bales to be packaged or ground later.

Dulse is a type of seaweed, one that is popular in many countries including Northern Europe, not just in Asia and Japan. In Ireland, many people use dulse to make sandwiches.

Dulse is red seaweed that has a somewhat spicy and salty flavor. It often comes dehydrated so you need to soak it in a broth or in water. Often people add dulse to soups or to salads. You can also add it to your favorite stir fry. It is packed with many vitamins and nutrients which is one reason for its popularity.

Some people bake dulse into various grains or breads. One reason dulse is so popular is because it is packed full of vitamins and so versatile, meaning you can use it in so many different ways. It contains a ton of protein, so it is an excellent food for raw food fans, because it is a non-animal product. Among it’s strong points include its plentiful B6, B12, potassium, fluoride and iron content.  Dulse also contains vitamins C, E, A and plenty of fiber,  calcium, potassium, fluoride, magnesium and zinc.

Health Benefits of Dulse

Dulse is a high-protein and a super source of iron. Like all sea vegetable, it has a very high mineral content, containing  high quantities of organic iodine, potassium, phosphorus and organic sodium. It is recommend to correct mineral deficiencies, anemia (due to its high iron content), for poor digestion, enlargement of the thyroid (because of its high iodine content) and for proper gland function. Dulse is said to be beneficial for impotence and under-weight.  Purple dulse seaweed’s fluorine content boosts the body’s defence systems and strengthens teeth and bones. It is also helpful against the herpes virus. Fluorine is lost in cooking, which is why it is ideal in its raw state when eating. Dulse has also been an age-old remedy to get rid of parasitic worms in the body.

As a rich source of fiber, dulse adds bulk to the diet and also aids in the process of digestion. It helps in keeping a person fuller and satisfied till next meal and this makes way for an effective weight loss program. Stomach disorders including constipation can be treated with the regular use of dulse.

One of the important dulse benefits is its store of vitamins, as mentioned above. Its content of vitamin C helps in preventing conditions like scurvy, which might arise from vitamin C deficiency. It also adds appreciable amount of vitamin A to the diet and this helps in keeping ailments such as night blindness, diseases related to the bone marrow and white blood cells and many others. Its high amount of vitamin B enhances brain function and health of the nervous system.

Dulse  also help to beautify the skin and other sea vegetable’s  are no exception. You can add ground powder to a face mask, but also eating it on a regular basis will help to clear skin issues and improve skin health overall. Used in skin care products and as a cosmetic ingredient in the beauty industry, it provides minerals and nutrients that can be easily absorbed through the skin.

Nutritional Facts

Here is a table presenting the nutritional facts of this sea weed for a serving size of 1/3 cup (7g).

Nutrients	Amount
Total Fat	0 g (0%)
Cholesterol	0 mg (0%)
Sodium	122 mg (5%)
Total carbohydrate	3 g (1%)
Dietary fiber	2 g (8%)
Sugars	0 g
Protein	2 g (4%)
Vitamin A	2%
Vitamin C	0%
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	10%
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)	10%
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)	42%
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)	23%
Calcium	2%
Iron	19%
Magnesium	6%
Zinc	(2%)
Chromiumr	9%
Potassium	547 mg (16%)

Source :

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmaria_palmata,
• http://www.triedtastedserved.com/health-trends/sea-vegetables-dulse.php,
• http://www.buzzle.com/articles/dulse-benefits.html

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Sweet Destiny Smoothie

 

A favorite smoothie of many!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2 cups- Pineapple juice

 

1- 2 Tbs- Shredded coconut

 

1/4 cup- Coconut milk

 

1/2 cup- Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries

 

1/2- 1 Banana

 

1- 2 Tbs- Soy protein

 

1/4 cup- Vanilla yogurt (Vegan friendly if desired)

 

Blend, sip and enjoy!

 

 

 

How to Veganize your Favorite Recipes?

Japanese style “Silken tofu” with soy sauce and a decorative carrot slice (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

To replace one egg choose an option here:
-Egg Replacer use 1 1/2 tsps. egg replacer + 2 Tbs. water for each egg

-1 Tbs. soy powder mixed with 2 Tsb. water

-1 1/2 Tbs. ground flax seeds soaked in 3 Tbs. boiling water for 15 minutes. Pour off excess water and use the gelled flax seeds.

-Half mashed banana.

-3 Tbs. apple sauce

-1 Tbs. arrowroot powder

To replace milk or cream:
Store-bought non-dairy milk (such as a thick, rich soy/rice/oat or nut milk) or non-dairy cream

Homemade nut/grain milk -Blend nuts/oats with water in a food processor or in blender. To prepare: Soak and drain 8 oz. (one cup) of nuts (almond, cashew, oats.) Using a blender, blend tofu with one cup water. Puree until smooth. Add one more cup of water and blend. Add sweetener and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla beans or extract, This will yield 2 1/2 – 3 cups

Cream filling- Silken tofu, pureed in the food processor, makes a great base for a pie or cake.

Coffee Creamer– Use a dairy free creamer from your local health food store.

To Replace White Refined Sugar-Organic evaporated cane juice sugar, Date sugar, Sucanat, Xylitol (birch sugar)

To replace honey- Use Agave nectar, Brown rice syrup, Maple syrup, Sorghum molasses

Practice makes Perfect!

Take your time to get the ingredients and measurements correct. It is a good idea to keep measurements in the recipe close as possible to the original recipe. If you want to make adjustments to your favorite recipes, do a little research then, give it a try. Baking can be a bit slower to master on your own so its important to do your research with vegan cookbooks first. Then get creative and just flow with it.

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