When we think of summer vibes, tropical vacations, and beaches, one of the first fruits that pop up in our mind is the crowned queen herself, the pineapple!
Pineapple is more than just a refreshing snack or dessert. It is a great source of many nutrients such as Vitamin C and B, and minerals like manganese. This fruit is available all year round so whatever season you are in, you can always enjoy this vibrant juicy fruit.
Here are some health benefits of pineapple:
Charged with Vitamin C
A powerful antioxidant that amplifies the immune system, encourages healing and growth and is a vehicle for faster absorption of iron in our body.
Supports Digestion
Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain which can help reduce inflammation and supports the healing of wounds and burns. Moreover, this enzyme is linked to supporting digestion and minimizing the effects of diarrhea.
Fortifies Bones
Average consumption of pineapple can help strengthen your bones and prevent osteoporosis. This is because, along with calcium and other trace minerals, this fruit is rich in manganese which improves mineral and bone density.
Energy Booster
Feeling down lately? Get your natural energy booster from this manganese-rich fruit! Manganese is a cofactor in energy production, reproduction, and the regulation of brain activity.
Pineapple Curry
Ingredients:
1 Can Organic Pineapple Chunks 20 Ounces
1 Cup Almond or coconut Milk
½ Cup Pineapple Juice reserved from can
1 onion diced
2 Cloves Garlic minced
2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Tablespoons Curry Powder
1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour or your favorite gluten-free flour
2 Teaspoons ground Cumin
1 Teaspoon Turmeric
1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
1 Teaspoon Paprika
Salt to taste
Direction:
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Sauté the onion, garlic, and pineapple until the onions are translucent, about 3–5 minutes.
Add spices to the pan and continue to cook and stir for a minute or two.
Slowly add the milk and juice while stirring. Let the mixture simmer until it starts to thicken, about 10 minutes. Salt to taste.
These tiny, yet powerful legumes are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein that will surely invigorate your body’s overall function and resistance against infections! Torn between garbanzos and chickpeas? No need to pit them with each other because both are healthy; it’s just a matter of which flavor, color, and texture fit your palate or dish.
Let’s explore the health benefits of chickpeas!
Controls Blood Sugar Levels
Chickpeas are regarded as a healthy alternative to wheat or other high-gluten grains. Chickpeas have a high fiber content and can help you keep blood sugar and insulin levels steady after meals. Consuming chickpeas in place of wheat can also lead to lower postprandial (after meal) blood glucose (sugar) levels
Improve Heart Health
Chickpeas are an excellent source of potassium, fiber, and vitamins C and B6. They help lower the total cholesterol in the blood, reducing heart disease risk. Fiber also assists in plaque removal from arteries, improving heart health. This benefits the whole body.
Source of Protein
Chickpeas are a great source of protein as 1 cup of chickpeas contains 15 grams of protein.
Reduces fine lines
Chickpeas are an excellent source of manganese and a good source of B vitamins, which can help your skin in various ways, especially in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
You can use chickpeas as a face mask by simply mixing chickpea paste with turmeric. Leave it on your face for 15 minutes and rinse with cold water afterward. This can help brighten your face and helps reduce age spots.
Forged with Fiber
You can generate 6 grams of your 24% daily fiber needs in half a can of chickpeas and that already includes both soluble and insoluble fiber! Soluble fiber promotes good gut bacteria while the insoluble create soft stool which prevents constipation.
Homemade Falafel
Ingredients:
Dried chickpeas
Yellow onion (or red onion)
Chickpea flour or other gluten-free flour
Fresh parsley
Cinnamon
Cloves
Cumin
Cilantro
Turmeric
Cardamom
Directions:
Put the chickpeas to soak for a minimum of 8 hours. I prefer to soak them overnight. Make sure it has enough water and is sitting on a large bowl. They will grow to double or even triple their size.
Blend the soaked chickpeas on low speed with the rest of the ingredients, except for the oil, on a food processor, little by little. You may have to stop the processor and mix the ingredients 2 or 3 times. Don’t overmix it! The mix should be crumbly; that’s why we don’t use pre-cooked chickpeas.
Make balls with the falafel mixture. They should be about 2-3 cm in diameter and placed on a tray. If you find it hard to compress them in your hand, add some extra chickpea flour. Don’t worry; they will tighten up after placing them in the refrigerator.
Let them rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour, ideally 2 hours.
Put the oil on high heat, preferably on a flat pan, and optionally add a roughly smashed garlic clove to infuse it.
Set a bowl with paper towels to place the fried falafel balls.
Test the heat. As the oil starts smoking, throw a pinch of the falafel mix, it should emerge immediately and brown in two seconds.
Add falafel balls in batches of 6 (depending on how large your pan is). Just ensure you have about 2 cm between each other. Remember, don’t overcrowd the pan. It should take about 1-2 minutes per side.
This one is the kind of recipe that is very filling, everyone can repeat as much as they want, and surely you will end up with more for later in the week since it can last for as long as four days in the fridge.
I have been using Standard Process and MediHerb supplements both personally and with my patients for over 20 years and the 21 Day Purification Program has been an integral part my practice. In assisting 1000’s of patients with this program over the years, I know that sometimes it helps to have a little guidance, tips, and extra recipes to keep you on track with the program.
I have spent the last few months creating a FREE online resource for all of our patients and customers to use with the detox program. I have created an online, self-guided program that will walk you through the 21 day purification program step by step.
My goal in creating this program is to provide the perfect self-study course to compliment your detox program. I’ve taken everything I’ve learned from over 18 years in clinical practice working with 1000’s of patients and channeled it into a comprehensive, step-by-step implementation of the 21 day purification program that not only teaches you the high level theory, but the actual EXECUTION of how you can do the same.
Want to see what is included with this amazing bonus? This link here lists all of the program perks and info and the step by step instructions on how to redeem access to the free program!
When you purchase your 21 Day Purification Program kit through my office’s authorized website, you’ll receive my online program ABSOLUTELY FREE! You can also order via phone – 843.214.2997
Just forward a copy of your order number or receipt to us at [email protected] and we’ll email you back with the details needed to access the course.
I can’t wait for you to jump in!21 Day Purification Kit
Our 21-day purification program helps patients purify, nourish, and maintain a healthy body and weight. We offer eight different purification product kits based on the preferred protein and fiber choice.
Included in the program are: 1 SP Cleanse–purification 2 SP Complete, SP Complete Chocolate, SP Complete Vanilla or 2 SP Complete Dairy Free–nutritious supplement shakes 2 Gastro-Fiber or 2 Whole Food Fiber–fiber support 1 SP Green Food–phytonutrients 1 patient purification program guide 1 recyclable bag
Click this LINK to learn more about the 8 different kits or to purchase.
Onion is a main household food staple that can enhance practically any savory dish. In the culinary world, it is considered both a spice and a vegetable, but botanically, it is a fruit. Whatever you may want to call it, one thing for sure is that the onion holds a special place in our hearts and for our overall health.
Let’s dive in and uncover the health benefits of onion.
Stabilizes blood sugar levels
Offer a healthy food infused with onions at your family gathering because this spice is known to regulate blood sugar because of its flavonoids.
Happy tummy
The sweetness and umami flavor of onion is truly a treat but the biggest takeaway is its ability to improve your digestion, therefore, strengthening your immune system and minimizing inflammation.
Nutrient overload
Onion is dense with nutrients that can improve your overall health. It is rich in potassium which increases your energy levels and metabolism, manganese promotes the creation of connective tissues, and bones.
Antibacterial properties
Be happy with the tears that onion brings because that strong smell is the compound called allicin which eliminates bacteria and toxins in our bodies.
6 cups homemade beef broth or store-bought beef broth
10 sprigs thyme
2 bay leaves
1 baguette or gluten free baguette
1 garlic clove, cut in half lengthwise
2 teaspoons sherry, preferably Fino or Manzanilla
4 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated (about 1 cup)
Special Equipment
Kitchen twine, six 8-ounce or four 16-ounce oven-safe ramekins or bowls (optional)
Direction
In a large Dutch oven or other large pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the oil and onions; cook onions until softened, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Add the salt, pepper, and sugar; continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deep golden brown and caramelized, and reduce heat slightly if onions seem to be browning too quickly, 35 to 45 minutes more.
Add wine and raise the heat to high. Cook until almost all liquid has evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes.
Tie thyme and bay leaves into a bundle with twine. Add broth and herb bundle to the pot with onions. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook, uncovered, until broth is thickened and flavorful, 20 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Heat the broiler. Cut two 1/2-inch baguette slices for every serving of soup. Place baguette slices on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in the oven until crisp and dry but not browned, about 1 minute per side. Rub one side of each toast with the garlic clove and set aside.
Place ramekins or oven-safe bowls on a rimmed baking sheet, add 1/2 teaspoon of sherry to the bottom of each, and ladle soup on top. Top each serving of soup with two garlic-rubbed toasts. Divide cheese among the servings, covering the bread and some of the soup. Carefully transfer the baking sheet to the oven and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbling, 4 to 8 minutes. (Alternatively, if using regular soup bowls: Top each garlic-rubbed toast with some cheese and return to broiler to melt, about 2 minutes more. Divide sherry and soup among bowls, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and top each serving with two cheese toasts).
This bulbous vegetable may not be as familiar as some of the other veggies, but its flavor, texture, and benefits surely deserve to be a part of your list of healthy foods. What does fennel taste like? Well, it has a light, bright, and licorice-like aroma but is not overpowering. Incorporate this vegetable into your diet and you’ll surely reap the benefits as it boasts an abundance of health-protective nutrients.
Let’s discover the benefits of this vegetable and make sure to stay tuned till the end of this article to uncover the recipe perfect for this veggie!
Food for the Guts
Fennel is your digestive system’s best friend! Snacking on some fennel seeds (1/4 tsp.) or drinking fennel tea can help provide relief to your stomach. This is due to fennel’s abundance in prebiotics which is the food source for probiotic bacteria which it restores balance in the gut. Also, this veggie is rich in fiber which softens your stool.
Prevents Anemia
Iron is a vital component of hemoglobin which transports oxygen from your lungs to various parts of your body. Fennel is rich in iron therefore it helps replenish your body’s iron needs.
Source of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant known for its ability to improve your immune system, keep your skin healthy, prevent macular degeneration, and shield your body from oxidative stress. The good news is, fennel is rich in Vitamin C, and now is the time to munch on these veggies!
Roasted Fennel with Garlic & Herbs
Ingredients:
2 large bulbs of fennel
3 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp thyme
Direction:
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove any of the stalks from the fennel bulbs and then cut them in half lengthwise. Cut each halved fennel bulb into 1/2-inch thick slices and arrange the slices on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet ensuring that they are all laid out evenly and do not overlap.
In a bowl combine the olive oil and minced garlic and brush it over the sliced fennel and then sprinkle the thyme, salt and pepper overtop to ensure they are all well-seasoned.
Roast the fennel in the oven for 25 minutes. After 35 minutes of baking, the fennel should be tender and caramelized on the edges (cook for another 5-8 minutes if it’s not yet tender). Serve warm.
Green beans are one of the most common vegetables that we see in the market and they are also easy to grow whatever the climate is. Their abundance is a blessing to humanity and the earth because like all other legumes, they are rich in nutritional value and they can fix the nitrogen from the air, therefore, improving the soil that they grow in.
Time to cultivate more knowledge about this vegetable by reading more about it below.
Anti- Cancer
Green beans are abundant in chlorophyll. This green pigment can reverse the carcinogenic effects of heterocyclic amines which are produced by foods grilled at high temperatures.
Improves Mood
This veggie can help you meet your daily folate need which is essential for regulating the homocysteine in your body. Homocysteine can prevents the blood from reaching your brain affecting the distribution of nutrients and the production of feel-good hormones.
Bone Booster
Consuming green beans along with other food can help strengthen your bones. A cup of green beans contains 20% of the Vitamin K daily requirement, and 4% of Calcium needed every single day.
Superior Immunity
These goodies are also rich in Vitamin C which is an antioxidant that amplifies your immune system and is necessary for your body’s development, growth, and repair.
Split Green Bean and Pea Soup
Ingredients
1 yellow onion
1 cup green beans chopped
4 carrots
4 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound of split peas
8 cups organic vegetable or chicken broth
Kosher salt
Fresh ground pepper
Chop the onion and carrots. Mince the garlic.
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the onion, green beans, and carrots and sauté for 2 minutes. Add garlic and split peas and sauté for 1 minute.
Add the broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 45 to 55 minutes, until the split peas fall apart and the soup becomes thickened. If you’d like, with a hand-held immersion blender, pulse a few times to yield a smoother yet still chunky texture.
Stir in the kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper. Garnish with smoked paprika if desired.
Since 1929, Standard Process has advanced health through high-quality, whole food based nutritional supplements. We’re trusted partners with health care professionals who rely on our products to holistically address the body and care for patients from all walks of life.
This year we are introducing a new Children’s Products: the Next General of Changing Lives. SP Children’s™ Immune is a chewable supplement for kids ages 4 and older that delivers key nutrients for proper immune system functioning and development.
The first product released: Children’s Immune Chewable:
Supports the Immune System
Chewable Supplement
Contains prebiotic 2′-FL and bovine colostrum
Draws flavor from organic ingredients: elderberry and whole strawberry
Includes organic beet root from the Standard Process certified organic farm.
Excellent source of vitamin D, zinc, and antioxidant vitamin C
Gluten-free and non-soy
Item: 16000 – 60 Wafers
Price = $34.10
Suggested Use: For children ages 4 and older, chew two wafers per day.
The immune system is responsible for keeping out foreign substances, protecting the body, and helping maintain wellness through a person’s lifespan. When nutrition is poor, a healthy immune response can be compromised.1 On the other hand, consuming adequate amounts of essential nutrients is crucial to the immune response’s function and development.1 Fortunately, SP Children’s™ Immune is designed for everyday support to encourage a lifetime of wellness.
Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc: Where Immune Systems Get Their Strength
Vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc are vitally important for the immune system throughout all life stages, including childhood.1 SP Children’s™ Immune is an excellent source of all three.
Children need Vitamin C for a functioning immune system2
Vitamin D is a regulator of immune function1
Zinc is an essential mineral for immune system function3
Contains Prebiotic 2’-FL and Colostrum
The largest immune organ in the body is the GI tract. That’s why SP Children’s™ Immune contains important ingredients that may support the gut and may contribute to a healthy immune system response*:
2’-FL, a prebiotic first identified in human milk, is able to reach the lower GI tract4-9 where it is broken down to feed the growth of beneficial microbes6-11*^
Bovine colostrum is sourced from a whole food (cow’s milk) and supports a normal healthy immune response in the GI tract12
^To date, shown in multiple animal studies, infants, and one adult human study.
Made Safe and Effective for Children
In a taste and tolerance study, SP Children’s™ Immune was considered safe and well-tolerated by children between 4 to 17 years old. No indications of adverse effects were observed.
Like all Standard Process products, SP Children’s™ Immune is subject to a rigorous quality control program. Our scientists run as many as 2,000 tests every week on raw materials, in-process product batches, and finished products so that we can be sure what is in the bottle reflects what is on the label.
We are excited to share the good news with you: Calcium Lactate has received a make over!
Standard Process has redesigned the Calcium Lactate tablets — a product that contains both calcium and magnesium — to provide you with a better experience.
Calcium Lactate is now available in medium oval tablets, which reduces the number of tablets you will need to take each day. The amount of calcium per serving has also been increased, and it’s now considered an excellent source of calcium (20% of the Daily Value).
Calcium Lactate is a dairy-free, vegan tablet that helps maintain healthy bone density. It is an excellent source of calcium and a good source of magnesium.
Supports muscle and nerve function
Supports normal functions of cells and cell membranes
Supports normal blood clotting process
Supports proper functioning of enzyme systems
Supports and helps maintain healthy bone density and remodeling
Provides support in the immune system response function*
Adequate calcium as part of a healthful diet, along with physical activity, may reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later life
Calcium Lactate contains 20% of the daily recommended value of calcium (from calcium lactate and stearate) and 12% of the daily recommended value of magnesium.
Both of these minerals are essential for a number of metabolic functions and processes in the body, yet much of the U.S. population struggles to meet the recommended amount of either mineral.
Calcium Lactate for Maintaining Healthy Bone Density
Bone remodeling (bone turnover) is a continuous cycle of bone breakdown by osteoclasts in areas of the body where bone isn’t needed, and bone rebuilding handled by osteoblasts.1 In other words, bone itself undergoes continuous remodeling, with constant resorption and deposition of calcium into new bone. The balance between bone resorption and deposition is important for healthy bones, and it changes with age.
Both calcium and magnesium are critical to bone health. 99% of the body’s calcium supply is stored in the bones and teeth where it supports normal and healthy bone structure and function.2 Taking an additional calcium supplement can help increase the body’s supply of calcium.
Magnesium also contributes to the structural development of bone, with 50% to 60% present in the bones. 3 In particular, magnesium is involved in bone formation and influences the activities of osteoblasts (bone rebuilding) and osteoclasts (bone breakdown).4
Calcium Lactate for Immune System Health
Both calcium and magnesium are involved in supporting aspects of the body’s healthy immune system. Calcium (Ca2+) signals control various aspects of cell functioning such as T lymphocytes.5 T lymphocytes – along with other immune cells – respond to foreign particles in the body. These T cells, which are made in bone marrow and are essential for cell-mediated immunity, need a sustained Calcium ion flow for regulation, activation, and proliferation.5
Emerging research indicates magnesium may also play a role in the human immune system response such as through magnesium transporters. A number of magnesium transporters have been identified in immune cells such as Magnesium transporter 1 (MagT1).6 MagT1 is expressed in the spleen, thymus, T and B lymphocytes, suggesting that MagT1 may be involved in the human immune system functions. 7
Does lactate come from milk?
The term “lactate” sounds similar to “lactose,” and you may assume that it comes from cow’s milk, but that is not the case. Calcium Lactate is a non-dairy product.
The “lactate” in Calcium Lactate is a calcium salt of lactic acid. Lactic acid is a byproduct of the bacterial fermentation of sugar. In this case, it does not come from milk.
Need to place an order? You can now order this product on our authorized online retail website and have your orders delivered directly from the farm to your home!
1. Wardlaw GM, Hampl JS, DiSilvestro RA. Perspectives in Nutrition. 6th edition. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Higher Education; 2004.2. Committee to Review Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin D and Calcium, Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Calcium and Vitamin D. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 2010. 3. Institute of Medicine (IOM). Food and Nutrition Board. Dietary Reference Intakes: Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Vitamin D and Fluoride. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1997. 4. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/ 5. Oh-hora M, Rao A. Calcium signaling in T-lymphocytes. Curr Opin Immunol. 2008 June; 20(3): 250–258. 6. Schmitz C, Perraud AL. Chapter 26 – Magnesium and the Immune Response, Editor(s): James F. Collins. Molecular, Genetic, and Nutritional Aspects of Major and Trace Minerals, Academic Press, 2017, Pages 319-331. 7. Al Alawi AM, Al Badi A, Al Huraizi A, Falhammar H. Chapter Six – Magnesium: The recent research and developments. Editor(s): N.A. Michael Eskin. Advances in Food and Nutrition Research, Academic Press, Volume 96, 2021, Pages 193-218.
Ya’ll this paleo recipe is soooo good. If you want that buffalo chicken feel without the guilt of fried food, dairy, or gluten this will be your new jam. Whether you a just looking to eat healthy or add weight loss as one of your health goals, this recipe is here to serve all the feels. Serve my buffalo chicken dip on lettuce wraps, gluten free crackers, or just dip in with some veggie sticks. I hope you enjoy! – Dr Z
If you’re looking for an easy program to help keep you on track and progress with your weight loss or health goals, my 28 Day Hormone Reset Detox Program will do the trick! Includes 4 weeks of videos, food guides, shopping list, journal, recipes and much more. Check out the program and all of the details here.
21 Day Purification Kit
