Category: Natural Remedies

The Oil Pulling Effect

Posted by Nerd on January 10, 2018August 25, 2023

Oil pulling is an age-old remedy hailing from Ayurvedic medicine. Where one is using natural substances to clean and detoxify gums and teeth. It’s great for overall gum health and a natural teeth whitener. Certain oils combinations can also help fight harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Dr. Bruce Fife, whose written an entire book on oil pulling, says the oil acts as a c leanser.

“When you put it in your mouth and work it around your teeth and gums it “pulls” out bacteria and other debris. As simple as it is, oil pulling has a very powerful detoxifying effect. Our mouths are the home to billions of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other parasites and their toxins. Candida and Streptococcus are common residents in our mouths. It is these types of germs and their toxic waste products that cause gum disease and tooth decay and contribute to many other health problems including arthritis and heart disease. Our immune system is constantly fighting these troublemakers. If our immune system becomes overloaded or burdened by excessive stress, poor diet, environmental toxins and such, these organisms can spread throughout the body causing secondary infections and chronic inflammation, leading to any number of health problems.”

The basic idea is that oil is swished in your mouth for 15 – 20 mins each day helping to improve oral health. The idea is the oil is able to cut through plaque and remove toxins without disturbing the teeth or gums. It was first introduced to the United States in the early 1990s by a medical doctor named Dr. F. Karach, who used it with success in his medical practice.

Most sources do agree that oil pulling is safe but debate how effective it is. I can say I have been oil pulling for about a year, and it has tremendous results. I enjoy how easy it is to do during the day, allowing me to easily multi-task.

Some Good Oil Pulling Recipes are:

1 drop oregano oil substitute for (peppermint, clove, and cinnamon)

1 tsp. sesame oil

1 tsp. coconut oil

1 drop oregano oil

1 tblsp. coconut oil

1 drop oregano oil

1 tblsp. sesame oil

Coconut and sesame oils are natural, antibacterial, antimicrobial.

Instructions:

1. Drink 1 cup of water on an empty stomach.

2. Put 1-2 teaspoons of oil into the mouth.

3. Swish around 20 minutes.

Timing is key, you want the oil there long enough to break through plaque, but not long enough that your body starts to re-absorb toxic mix. The oil will become thick and milk as it mixes with saliva and toxins. When you first start 20 minutes may be really hard to do. When I started I worked my way up 5 mins. every week.

4. Spit oil into the trash can. Spitting in the sink and toilet can lead to clogged pipes. Swallowing it would completely defeat the purpose of trying to detox. You would be ingesting all of the toxins.

5. Rinse well with warm water.It’s better to swish the water like you did the oil. This will get any remaining bacteria out of your gums and teeth. If you swish hard enough you may feel like you just drank peroxide. That’s perfectly normal. It may even be better to swish with salt water.

6. Brush your teeth

See More: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elyK-UjPXKE

Exploring Natural Sweeteners : Maple Syrup

Posted by Nerd on December 17, 2017August 25, 2023

One of our biggest issues as humans is our consumption of sugar or our addiction. On average we consume way too much sugar daily. Some great alternatives to help curve the habit, with moderation is maple syrup. Maple syrup was produced way before European settlers came to America. It holds cultural significance to many aboriginals and native American tribes. They viewed maple sap as a source of energy and nutrition.

Canada produces 30 liters of maple syrup a year, which leads to 80 percent of the world production. The maple leaf is Canada’s natural symbol which is featured on their flag. Maple syrup is graded by how much light passes through it. Make sure depending on the color that it’s not mixed with filler syrups like High Fructose, or Rice Syrup. Rice syrup is a common filler in honey.

Since maple is an unrefined natural sweetener, it contains higher levels of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants.

Some health benefits are:

Rich in antioxidants properties, 65 to be exact, that can help delay or prevent diseases caused by free radicals such as cancer, or diabetes.
Protects against various cardiovascular disorders
Helps maintain a healthy heart
Aids in maintaining male reproductive health.
Boosts Immune system
Fights Inflammatory Diseases
May Help Protect Against Cancer
Helps Protect Skin Health

In all plants, a sort of sugar is naturally present. Plants’ primary sugar is a product of photosynthesis that occurs when the sunshine comes into contact with the plant’s leaves. Sucrose is the most prevalent type of sugar found in maple syrup (at least 66 percent of the sugar in maple syrup must be sucrose in order for it to be considered pure).

Maple syrup is considered, by many, to be a “green choice.” This is due to the fact that a tree is not harmed when the sap is extracted. Keep in mind, the sap is the core ingredient, this is indeed a green choice. Maple syrup is quite popular in the vegan lifestyle. This choice has proven to be an excellent substitute for the ordinary sugar. Pure maple syrup has been called the complete and total “green choice.” Many individuals have named this is a green option. It ought to be noted, maple syrup does not harm the environment. This is a natural item.

Lemon Powers

Posted by Nerd on May 8, 2017August 27, 2023

When life hands you lemons, appreciate them, They are very good for you.

Lemons though acidic to the taste, but do the opposite in the body. They actually are alkaline-forming to the body. Lemons are in fact the highest alkaline-forming food and are great at keeping the bodies PH level balanced. Because of their antibacterial properties, lemons can be found in kitchens all over the world.

Lemons are your livers best friend. It helps to stimulate and detoxify the liver. Starting your day with lemon water is a great way to daily detoxify. Lemons help dissolve uric acid and other poisons.

Lemon peels contain potent phytonutrient tangeretin which protect against brain disorders like Parkinson’s disease

Guards you against Hangovers Lemon juice and room temperature water helps reduce nausea and aids in metabolizing alcohol.

Dissolves calcium like deposits Lemons decrease the acidity of urine; this prevents the formation of calcium oxalate and uric acid stones. Lemons are rich in citric acid this helps to dissolve gallstones, calcium deposits, and kidney stones.

Lemons contain flavonoids and Vitamin C, making it a great immune system booster to help the body fight off infections. Also, vitamin C helps neutralize free radicals that lead to aging and disease.

They Treat Scurvy This seems random but if you’re a cruise ship traveler this may intrigue you.

In 1747, a naval surgeon named James Lind cured scurvy with fresh lemons. To this day, the British Navy requires ships to carry enough lemons so that every sailor could have one ounce of juice a day. In the past, lemons were replaced with limes; this is where the English got their nickname “limeys.”

Lemons protect from intestinal worms. One cup of spearmint juice, black salt, and lemon juice daily removes all types of parasite infections from the stomach.

Lemon Nutrition:

Lemons contain vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, citric acid, flavonoids, potassium, calcium, iron, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and fiber.
Lemons contain more potassium than apples or grapes. Potassium is beneficial to the heart. But you still need Bananas for your potassium fix.

Warning: Stay away from restaurant and bar lemons. Lemons not washed properly can lead to microbial flora.

“We are living in a world today where lemonade is made from artificial flavors and furniture polish is made from real lemons.” –Alfred E. Newman

Common Causes of Asthma and Holistic Options

Posted by Nerd on May 2, 2017May 10, 2017

Asthma is a typical condition that prompts breathing trouble, hacking, and wheezing. It is created by a mix of inflammation and spasms of the small airways of the lungs, both of which disable the capacity of the lungs to exchange air.

Natural treatments for asthma are wrapped around key principals: reducing allergies is the main one.

Aggravations that trigger signs of allergies (allergens) can also trigger signs and manifestations of asthma. Asthma triggers are not quite the same from individual to individual and can incorporate;

Physical Exercising (work out prompted asthma)
Chilled Air
Respiratory infections, such as the head cold
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, an ailment that pushes stomach acid back up into the throat.
Salt acids and preservatives added to types of foods and beverages
Stress
Air irritants and carcinogens
Airborne substances, such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, or cockroach waste
Beta Blocker medications (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen (Aleve)

Nutrients in Natural Asthma Treatment

Nutrients that are important in the treatment of asthma include vitamins C, B6, and B12, and the minerals selenium and molybdenum. There have been 11 clinical studies since 1973 which have studied the use of vitamin C in the treatment of asthma, seven of which showed significant improvement. Vitamin B12 and molybdenum both act to reduce sensitivity to sulfites, a common ingredient in restaurant foods which aggravates asthma in an estimated 5-10% of people with asthma. Urine testing is available in our office to determine if someone has sulfite sensitivity that may be contributing to their asthma.

GreenMountainHealth

Broccoli, broccoli sprouts, Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables:

These contain many antioxidants and a key compound called sulforaphane. Researchers from UCLA state, “A major advantage of sulforaphane is that it appears to increase a broad array of antioxidant enzymes, which may help the compound’s effectiveness in blocking the harmful effects of air pollution. We found a two-to-three-fold increase in antioxidant enzymes in the nasal airway cells of study participants who had eaten a preparation of broccoli sprouts. This strategy may offer protection against inflammatory processes and could lead to potential treatments for a variety of respiratory conditions.”

Draxe.com

black cumin seeds (nigella sativa) from GreenMedInfo

The potent black seed known as nigella Sativa never disappoints. This small seed proves that food can be a powerful asthma medication alternative. In the past, it has been known as the remedy for everything “Except death” lol

Basic Uses of Hemp

Posted by Nerd on April 20, 2017April 20, 2017

Hemp typically found in the northern hemisphere is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species that is grown specifically for the industrial uses of its derived products.

Some Uses for Hemp

Paper products

Food

Textiles

Plastics

Medicines

Essential Oils

Nutritional Supplements

Livestock Bedding

Fuel

Livestock Feed

Construction

Personal and Body Care Products

Check out these cool Hemp Glasses

Banana Super Powers

Posted by Nerd on April 19, 2017April 24, 2017

Though they are native to Asia, Bananas grow in much warmer parts of the world. They are part of the berry family, contain a fair amount of fiber and antioxidants, help you lose weight, reduce bloat, fight cancer and increase your energy, all for just 19 cents a piece. At least that’s what they are going for at Trader Joe’s

One medium-sized banana (118 grams) contains

Potassium: 9% of the RDI.

Vitamin B6: 33% of the RDI.

Magnesium: 8% of the RDI.

Copper: 10% of the RDI.

Manganese: 14% of the RDI.

Vitamin C: 11% of the RDI.

Protein: 1.3 grams.

Fat: 0.4 grams.

Net carbs: 24 grams.

Fiber: 3.1 grams.

Each Banana contains almost 105 calories, consists mostly of carbs, water, and contains very little protein and no fat.

The carbs in green bananas are mostly of starch and resistant starch, but as the banana turns yellow, starch turns into sugar (glucose, fructose, and sucrose).

They improve digestion

Bananas contain nutrients that help moderate body sugar levels after meals. They also help to reduce one’s appetite by slowing stomach emptying.

Assist in Weight loss

Because of their appetite reducing effects, Bananas’s can assist in weight loss, since they are low in calories and high in nutrients your bodies need.

Help in Sustaining your Hearts Health

In my opinion, Banana’s are the best source of potassium and magnesium. These particular nutrients are essential for a healthy heart.

A great source of antioxidants

Bananas are high in antioxidants, such as dopamine and catechins. These potent antioxidants have been known to reduce the damage of free radicals, and lower risks of degenerative diseases, and heart disease.

A common misunderstanding is that dopamine from bananas acts as a feel-good chemical in the brain, but dopamine produced by bananas never cross the blood-brain barrier. It simply acts as a strong antioxidant instead of altering hormones or mood

Banana’s help you feel full

Bananas ripe and unripe contain high amounts of resistant starch or pectin, both have been shown to have appetite-reducing effects. Both help keep you full.

Unripe Bananas are a diabetic’s friend

Insulin resistance is a major risk factor for many of the world’s most serious diseases, including type 2 diabetes. Several studies have shown that 15–30 grams of resistant starch per day may improve insulin sensitivity by 33–50%, in as little as 4 weeks

Unripe bananas are a great source of resistant starch, and could, therefore, help improve insulin sensitivity.

Banana’s lend help to your kidneys

Thanks to its potassium potency, eating bananas several times a week can reduce the risk of kidney disease by up to 50%. Potassium is essential for blood pressure control and healthy kidney function.

Works like protein when it comes to Muscles

Because your muscle tissue is made up predominantly of protein, it needs an infusion of dietary protein, such as whey (pref. casein), that is rich in essential amino acids and can repair the damage that occurs during exercise. Potassium also assists your muscle recovery from a workout, strengthens their development and allows you to work out more.

Helps with PMS

Bananas have a great amount of vitamin B6, which balance glucose ratios in blood and control typical mood swings. You don’t have to eat three bananas daily, but you should try to eat them during menstruation. They decrease stomach, back pain, and will make you happy.

Improves brain functions

Bananas have a good amount of potassium & magnesium, both minerals are so important for brain development. Potassium provides oxygen to the brain and magnesium repairs electrical activities between the nerves and brain. Eating bananas daily, active your brain and improve memory. They also protect you from Alzheimer and other neurological diseases.

People don’t often carry bananas with them for the day because they are afraid of the banana getting squashed and getting all over the contents of their bag. There’s a solution for this with the Banana Saver.

The Powers of Licorice Root

Posted by Nerd on April 12, 2017April 12, 2017

Licorice Root Benefits

Licorice root contains many anti-depressant compounds and is an excellent alternative to St. John’s Wort. As a herbal medicine, it has an impressive list of well-documented uses and is probably one of the most over-looked of all herbal wonders.

Hundreds of potentially healing substances have been identified in licorice as well, including compounds called flavonoids and various plant estrogens (phytoestrogens). The herb’s key therapeutic compound, glycyrrhizin (which is 50 times sweeter than sugar) exerts numerous beneficial effects on the body, making licorice a valuable herb for treating a host of ailments. It seems to prevent the breakdown of adrenal hormones such as cortisol (the body’s primary stress-fighting adrenal hormone), making these hormones more available to the body.

It has a well-documented reputation for healing ulcers. It can lower stomach acid levels, relieve heartburn and indigestion and acts as a mild laxative.

It can also be used for irritation, inflammation, and spasm in the digestive tract. Through its beneficial action on the liver, it increases bile flow and lowers cholesterol levels.

Boosts immune system

Licorice also appears to enhance immunity by boosting levels of interferon, a key immune system chemical that fights off attacking viruses. It also contains powerful antioxidants as well as certain phytoestrogens that can perform some of the functions of the body’s natural estrogens; very helpful during the menopause. Glycyrrhizinic acid also seems to stop the growth of many bacteria and of viruses such as influenza A.

Relieves pain and stress

It has an aspirin-like action and is helpful in relieving fevers and soothing pain such as headaches. Its anti-allergenic effect is very useful for hay fever, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and bronchial asthma. Possibly by its action on the adrenal glands, licorice has the ability to improve resistance to stress. It should be thought of during times of both physical and emotional stress, after surgery or during convalescence, or when feeling tired and run down.

Control respiratory problems and sore throat

Licorice eases congestion and coughing by helping to loosen and thin mucus in airways; this makes a cough more “productive,” bringing up phlegm and other mucous bits. Licorice also helps to relax bronchial spasms. The herb also soothes soreness in the throat and fights viruses that cause respiratory illnesses and an overproduction of mucus, such as irritating coughs, asthma and chest infections.

Lessen symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia

By enhancing cortisol activity, glycyrrhizin helps to increase energy, ease stress and reduce the symptoms of ailments sensitive to cortisol levels, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromylagia.

Combat hepatitis

Licorice both protects the liver and promotes healing in this vital organ. The herb’s anti-inflammatory properties help calm hepatitis-associated liver inflammation. Licorice also fights the virus commonly responsible for hepatitis and supplies valuable antioxidant compounds that help maintain the overall health of the liver.

Treat PMS and menstrual problems

The phytoestrogens in licorice have a mild estrogenic effect, making the herb potentially useful in easing certain symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome), such as irritability, bloating and breast tenderness. Although the glycyrrhizin in licorice actually inhibits the effect of the body’s own estrogens, the mild estrogenic effect produced by licorice’s phytoestrogens manages to override this inhibiting action.

Prevent heart disease

Recent studies have found that by limiting the damage from LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, licorice may discourage artery-clogging plaque formation and contribute to the healthy functioning of the heart. Research indicates that modest doses of licorice (100 mg a day) have this effect.

Latin Names

Glycyrrhiza glabra, Liquiritia Officinalis

Common Names

Chinese Licorice, Gan Cao, Kan-ts’ao, Kuo-lao, Licorice, Licorice Root, Ling-t’ung, Liquorice, Mei-ts’ao, Mi-kan, Mi-ts’ao, Sweet Licorice, Sweet Wood, Yasti Madhu

Properties

Anti-allergic, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, demulcent, emollient, estrogenic (mild), expectorant, laxative, pectoral (moderate), soothing

Indicated for

Addison’s disease, allergic rhinitis, arthritis, athlete’s foot, baldness, bronchitis, bursitis, canker sores, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, chronic fatigue, colds, colitis and intestinal infections, conjunctivitis, constipation, coughs, dandruff, depression, duodenal-ulcers, emphysema, exhaustion, fibromyalgia, flu, fungal infections, gastritis, gingivitis and tooth decay, gout, hay fever, heartburn, hepatitis, inflamed gallbladder, liver disease, Lyme disease, menopause, prostate enlargement, psoriasis, shingles, sore throat, spleen disorders, tendinitis, throat problems, tuberculosis, ulcers, viral infections, yeast infections. Reducing stomach acid and relieving heartburn and indigestion. Increasing bile flow and lowering cholesterol. Improving resistance to physical and emotional stress.

Do not confuse with licorice confectionery which contains very little, if any, licorice and is in fact flavored by anise.

Can cause water retention and raised blood pressure. Prolonged use should be avoided if you suffer from high blood pressure.

Can cause mild adrenal stimulation.

Parkinson’s and other tremor disease culprits

Posted by Nerd on April 11, 2017March 26, 2018

As a disease that currently cannot be cured, prevention of Parkinson’s disease is crucial. People over 60 years of age used to make up the majority of those afflicted, but with increasing lifestyle factor risks like chronic exposure to pesticides and a generally increasing toxic burden, cases are now being reported regularly in people under 50 and even under 40 years of age.

THE PESTICIDE CULPRIT

The risk of Parkinson’s disease clearly increases with exposure to certain environmental toxins, such as pesticides. Pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides are potent toxicants that may cause disruptions or damage to the neurological system, including your brain.

What is perhaps most concerning is that even ambient exposure to pesticides has been found to increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease considerably,¹ and this was further confirmed by new research linking the disease to extremely low-level pesticide exposure.

Parkinson’s disease is still classified as idiopathic, meaning it has no identifiable cause. But one reason it is likely on the rise is due to many environmental toxins that now bombard your body on a daily basis, with pesticide exposure becoming an undeniable risk factor. According to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation

Avoiding pesticide exposure – around your home, in your community, and via the food you eat – is clearly important for reducing your Parkinson’s risk, as is reducing your exposure to environmental toxins of all kinds. Exposure to industrial solvents, including TCE, a common degreasing agent and dry-cleaning chemical, has also been linked to Parkinson’s disease, for instance. So along with avoiding the use of solvents and pesticides in your home and garden, eating organic foods as much as possible will help you avoid unnecessary exposure to these chemicals.

THE MERCURY CULPRIT

Another important and often-overlooked environmental risk factor is “silver” amalgam dental fillings, which actually are more than half mercury. Mercury becomes a biochemical train wreck in your body, causing your cell membranes to leak, and inhibits key enzymes your body needs for energy production and removal of toxins. Mercury toxicity can lead to major inflammation and chronic illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease.

THE FLUORINE CULPRIT

fluoride is a waste of aluminum

The Parkinson’s-like tremors are, likewise, also associated with the toxic substance, Fluorine/Fluoride. It particularly affects the kidneys and promotes low blood pressure. It causes the muscles to become flabby and degenerated. Fluoride destroys our will to live! “Many commercial tubes of toothpaste contain cavity-fighting fluoride. Each one of these tubes contains 1,000 – 2,000 mgs. of fluoride, enough to kill a small child who might eat the whole contents.” (Journal of Pediatrics 1987) People taking tablets containing one-half of one milligram of fluoride per day (the amount found in 1 to 2 pints of fluoridated water) can expect to experience: Black tar-like stools, stiffness, bloody vomit, diarrhea, faintness, nausea and vomiting, shallow breathing, stomach cramps or pain, tremors, unusual excitement, unusual increase in saliva, watery eyes, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, pain and aching bones, skin rash, and sores in the mouth and on the lips. (US Pharmacopeia Volumes on Drug Information 1983 quotes Hannah Kroeger’s book, God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

THE ALUMINUM CULPRIT

In the Harvard Health Letter, (Oct. 1990, Vol 15, No. 11), studies found that “Aluminum accumulates in lesions in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. It builds up in degenerating nerve fibers (neurotic plaques) and shriveled filaments inside the cells (neurofibrary tangles).

According to Louise Gittleman in How to Stay Young and Health in a Toxic World, the major areas where aluminum accumulates is in the brain, kidneys, and GI tract. And in his book, Fighting Radiation, Steve Schnechter, N.D. not only indicates aluminum’s connection with Alzheimer’s, depression, constipation and Schizophrenia, but says “Like many of the other environmental toxins, aluminum has cumulative effects in the human body – what started out at age fifteen as occasional headaches may by age fifty be Parkinson’s disease.” He adds that people who eat animal foods such as meats, poultry, and dairy are regularly ingesting higher concentrations of aluminum.

THE ARSENIC CULPRIT

Arsenic exposure causes numbness of the limbs and loss of coordination as part of its long list of symptoms. It is found in heavy industrial areas in the air, water, pesticides, and insecticides and is associated with Epilepsy, Arthritis, and Arteriosclerosis. (Arsenic and Your Environment, Dr. Bara Fischer, 1986).

The Environmental Protection Agency limits the amount of arsenic in U.S. public drinking water to 10 parts per billion (ppb). Water that comes from privately owned wells may contain higher levels of arsenic, especially in areas where the groundwater flows over arsenic-rich bedrock, according to Dartmouth University.

No federal limit has been set for the amount of arsenic in foods. Arsenic may found in grains, fruits, and vegetables according to the FDA. Rice is different than other grains — it takes up arsenic more readily from the environment, according to the FDA.

According to Consumer Reports, a 2010 study from the EPA said that vegetables account for the biggest dietary exposure to arsenic, accounting for 24 percent of intake. Fruits and fruit juices follow, with 18 percent, and rice accounts for 17 percent. Both organic and conventionally-grown foods may contain arsenic, according to the FDA. Inorganic arsenic is a known human carcinogen — it is this form of arsenic that is linked with increased risks of cancer and other health effects.

THE LEAD CULPRIT

Pesticides, paint, water and a long list of domestic products commonly contain lead and long exposure to it leads to tremors, twitching of the face muscles, jerking of the limbs, confusion, mania, seizures; a tremendous list of symptoms. The metal affects more than 1.7 million young children. In 1991, lead poisoning was referred to as the most common and socially devastating environmental disease of young children. Even in small amounts, lead poisoning damages children’s brains, slowing their mental capacities and lowering their intelligence level. Note particularly, that it is directly associated with Epilepsy and kidney cancer.

THE CADMIUM CULPRIT

Cadmium, like, is dangerously pervasive in our air, food, and water and is also a cumulative poison that can cause a wide range of toxicity symptoms. A principal source is again, the pesticides. Significant amounts are found in cigarette smoke. Other common sources are smoke from burning of wastes, wood, garbage, etc.; industrial effluents, plastics, fertilizers, auto exhaust, refined foods, coffee, and be forewarned: The first water out of the tap each day, hot tap water, and water from galvanized or black plastic pipes contain cadmium. It is also associated with hypertension (high blood pressure).

THE POLLUTION SOLUTION

In recent years, alternative means of protecting or ridding the body from these toxic poisons has begun to prove a natural means of protecting us from these hazards.

Black Garlic Powers

Posted by Nerd on March 13, 2017March 13, 2017

Black garlic has long been prized by Asians for its health benefits, but it became widely available in Western markets only a few years ago. Developed in Korea, black garlic has gained popularity among Western foodies for several years now, but it has recently caught the eye of the health-minded due to studies revealing its impressive nutritional properties.

The black bulb is created by fermenting raw garlic through prolonged exposure to heat and humidity, giving it a sweet, mellow flavor and an inky hue. No additives, no preservatives… just pure garlic. Fermentation takes place in a humidity-controlled environment in temperatures of about 140 to 170 degrees F for 30 days. Once out of the heat, the bulbs are then left to oxidize in a clean room for 45 days.This lengthy process causes the garlic cloves to turn black and develop a soft, chewy texture with flavors reminiscent of “balsamic vinegar” and “soy sauce,” with a sweet “prune-like” taste. In addition to the sulfuric compounds that provide garlic with its heart-healthy and anticancer benefits, the fermented cloves are a source of important probiotics. “Fermented foods help stabilize our intestinal flora. When the intestine is in good shape, it strengthens our immune system,” says Bellatti. Black garlic has been increasingly sought-after in high-end cuisine, and it is often used to make sauces, dressings, and dips.

Although the process is consistently described as “fermentation,” it really isn’t that in the strictest sense, as the transformation does not involve microbial processes—specifically, enzymatic breakdown and the Maillard Reaction are responsible for the caramelization of the sugars, dark color and deep, complex flavor profile. As the pearly white cloves slowly transition into their final black appearance, compounds in the fresh garlic transform into a whole new range of compounds. Compared to fresh garlic, black garlic is low in alliin but it is astonishingly high in other antioxidants.

Black garlic was found to have twice the antioxidant levels as fresh—the aging/fermenting process appears to double the antioxidants. Aficionados claim the flavor will impress even the most avid garlic-hater, as the pungency and spiciness is gone

Perhaps this is why Mandarin oil painter Choo Keng Kwang experienced a complete reversal of his psoriasis after just four days of eating half a bulb of black garlic a day—this, after trying countless medically prescribed skin creams that were all complete failures.

Proper Breathing Assists in Longevity

Posted by Nerd on March 12, 2017March 13, 2017

Why is breathing important or even a topic of discussion

Breathing correctly is not only important for living longer, it also keeps you in a good mood and performing at your best. Let us look at the benefits of deep breathing and why you should make it part of your everyday sustainable living.

Breathing Detoxifies and Releases Toxins

Your body is designed to release 70% of its toxins through breathing. If you are not breathing effectively, you are not properly ridding your body of its toxins. Other systems in your body must work overtime which could eventually lead to illness. When you exhale air from your body you release carbon dioxide that has been passed through your bloodstream into your lungs. Carbon dioxide is a natural waste of your body’s metabolism.

Breathing Releases Tension and Brings Clarity

Think how your body feels when you are tense, angry, scared or stressed. It constricts inward. Your muscles get tight and your breathing becomes shallow. When your breathing is shallow you are not getting the amount of oxygen to circulate through your body.

When you take a deep breath you are also stretching muscles in your neck, chest, and stomach. You’re also sending oxygen to those muscles. Pay attention to your breathing, breathe slowly, deeply, and purposefully into your body. Notice any places that are tight and breathe into them. As you relax your body, you may find that the breathing brings clarity and insights to you as well.

Breathing Relieves Pain.

Breathing has a real connection to how you think, feel and experience life.

Let’s examine what happens to your breathing when you anticipate pain?

You probably hold your breath, yet studies show that breathing into your pain helps to ease it.

Breathing improves Circulation

The movements of the diaphragm during the deep breathing exercise massage the stomach, small intestine, liver, and pancreas. The upper movement of the diaphragm massages the heart. When you inhale air your diaphragm descends and your abdomen expands. By this action, you massage vital organs and improve their circulation. Controlled breathing also strengthens and tones your abdominal muscles.

Breathing Strengthens the Immune System

Oxygen travels through your bloodstream by attaching to hemoglobin in red blood cells. This, in turn, enriches your body to metabolize vitamins and nutrients.

Breathing Improves Quality of the Blood

Deep breathing increases blood quality by removing carbon dioxide and increasing oxygen in the blood.

Breathing Improves Posture

Good breathing techniques over a sustained period of time will encourage good posture. In order to take a deep breath, your body needs to be straight. Bad body posture results in incorrect breathing so the process works in a cycle.

Breathing Increases Digestion and Assimilation of food

The more oxygen the stomach receives, the more food it digests efficiently. The digestion is further enhanced by the fact that the food is oxygenated.

Breathing Improves the Nervous System

The brain, spinal cord, and nerves are nourished with oxygen. This improves the health of the whole body since the nervous system communicates to all parts of the body.

Proper Breathing makes the Heart Stronger.

Breathing exercises reduce the workload on the heart in two ways. Firstly, deep breathing leads to more efficient lungs, which means more oxygen, is brought into contact with blood sent to the lungs by the heart. So, the heart doesn’t have to work as hard to deliver oxygen to the tissues. Secondly, deep breathing leads to a greater pressure differential in the lungs, which leads to an increase in the circulation, thus resting the heart a little.

Breathing Strengthen the Lungs

As you breathe deeply the lungs become healthy and powerful, a good insurance against respiratory problems.

Proper Breathing assists in Weight Control

If you are overweight, extra oxygen burns up excess fat more efficiently. If you are underweight, extra oxygen feeds starving tissues and glands.