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9 Powerful Benefits Of Drinking Moringa Every Day Moringa plant is beginning to gain more popularity as a new “superfood” for its highly nutritious profile and powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue-protective properties among many other health benefits. Moringa Oleifera, also known as horseradish tree, ben tree, or drumstick tree, is a small tree from India, Pakistan, and Nepal that has been used for generations in Eastern countries to treat and prevent diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, anemia, arthritis, liver disease, and respiratory, skin, and digestive disorders. Moringa has become popular as a natural leaf powder supplement, although the pods, roots, bark, flowers, seeds, and fruits are also edible. It's used as a traditional remedy for many ailments, and here are 10 scientifically backed health benefits of consuming the moringa leaf: 1. It's nutrient-packed. Moringa is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It contains significant amounts of vitamin A, C, and E; calcium; potassium; and protein. 2. It fights free radicals. Antioxidants fight free radicals, molecules that cause oxidative stress, cell damage, and inflammation. Moringa contains antioxidants called flavonoids, polyphenols, and ascorbic acid in the leaves, flowers, and seeds. A study found that leaf extracts had higher antioxidant activity, free-radical-scavenging capacity, and higher inhibition of lipid, protein, and DNA oxidation than flowers and seeds. This means it prevents the damage and degradation that free radicals cause in the cells of different organs in the body, keeping them healthy and functioning at their best. 3. It fights inflammation. Inflammation can lead to chronic diseases like diabetes, respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and obesity. Moringa reduces inflammation by suppressing inflammatory enzymes and proteins in the body, and moringa leaf concentrate can significantly lower inflammation in the cells. 4. It helps reduce some diabetes symptoms. Moringa leaf powder has been effective at reducing lipid and glucose levels and regulating oxidative stress in diabetic patients, which means it lowers blood sugar and cholesterol and improves protection against cell damage. 5. It protects the cardiovascular system. Moringa leaf powder has heart-healthy benefits, particularly in blood lipid control, the prevention of plaque formation in the arteries, and reduced cholesterol levels. 6. It supports brain health. Moringa supports brain health and cognitive function because of its antioxidant and neuro-enhancer activities. It's also been tested as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease with favorable preliminary results. Its high content of vitamins E and C fight oxidation that leads to neuron degeneration, improving brain function. It’s also able to normalize the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline in the brain, which play a key role in memory, mood, organ function, responses to stimulus such as stress and pleasure, and mental health, for example in depression and psychosis. 7. It protects the liver. Moringa contains high concentrations of polyphenols in its leaves and flowers that protect the liver against oxidation, toxicity, and damage. Moringa can reduce liver damage and fibrosis and reverse oxidation in the liver. Moringa oil can also restore liver enzymes to normal levels, reducing oxidative stress, and increasing protein content in the liver. The liver is responsible for blood detoxification, bile production, fructose metabolism, fat metabolism, and nutrient processing, and it can only fulfill these functions with the aid of liver enzymes, so it's vital they stay at normal levels. For instance, lower levels of hepatic enzymes can impair its ability to filter the blood. 8. It contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Moringa has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that fight infections. It's been effective against types of fungi that cause infections on skin and strains of bacteria responsible for blood and urinary tract infections and digestive problems. 9. It enhances wound healing. Moringa has blood-clotting properties in its leaves, roots, and seeds that benefit wound healing and can reduce clotting time, which means it reduces the time it takes for scratches, cuts, or wounds to stop bleeding. How to Use It: You can add moringa powder to your smoothie or drink it as a tea. The leaf powder was deemed safe in human studies, even in larger doses than normal. The powder has a mild flavor, so it makes for a light moringa tea with a slightly earthy taste. But you might want to stay clear of seed extract consumption, as they have shown a level of toxicity in immune cells. Moringa can have laxative effects in large quantities, so a safe dose to introduce it into your food or diet and avoid digestive problems is ½ to 1 teaspoon per day.

Moringa Oil is extracted from the seeds of Moringa Oleifera tree, also known as the Drumstick tree. Moringa oil is also called Ben oil. It is called so because it has high amounts of behenic acid. Moringa oil has been mentioned as a very useful oil in the medicinal books of Greece and Rome. Ancient Egyptian Royalty used it as a beauty oil and protection against the harsh desert winds. Even today, Moringa Oil Uses are included in skin and hair care formulas. Names- Moringa oil is also known as Ben Oil or Behen Oil. Moringa Oil Uses / Properties Moringa oil has many therapeutic properties because of its unique nutrition. Antioxidants – Moringa oil is full of Antioxidants Anti-inflammatory – The oil reduces inflammation both topically and internally. Anti-aging – The oil provides nutrition to our skin and provides a supple and smooth complexion. Ridding the skin of fine lines and wrinkles. Anti-microbial – Africa uses moringa seeds to purify water. Killing a large percentage of bacteria. Disinfectant – can be used to treat wounds. Carrier – It is excellent carrier oil for aromatic compounds. Hepatoprotective – Moringa oil protects the liver from damage. Emollient – Moringa oil is a great moisturizer for the skin. Preservative – This oil resists rancidity and also used as preservative in certain products. Exfoliant – used in a exfoliant drives away dead skin cells. Perfume Base – Moringa oil absorbs the aroma of essential oils and other fragrant compounds. Making it the perfect perfume base Known Health Benefits Moringa seed oil offers many health benefits when used on the skin and also when taken internally. 1. Excellent Moisturizer Ben oil is one of the best moisturizers for the skin. It can be applied to the skin as a massage oil. It gives a natural glow to the skin and makes it well moisturized, but not too oily because it absorbs so quickly. Making it a nice ingredient in many home made cosmetic products. It's a brilliant moisturizer because of very high amounts of omega- 9 fatty acid ( oleic acid ) in moringa oil. It also makes the skin quite smooth, because of the behenic acid in it. Behenic acid is used in many products for its ability to smooth the skin and condition hair. This oil slips easily on the skin and spreads well. 2. Other Benefits for Skin Besides a good moisturizer, moringa oil can do a lot more for your skin. Moringa oil pacifies dry skin. It is helpful in dry, irritated skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Acne – Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, moringa seed oil can be used as a spot treatment for acne. It also aids the body in healing acne scars. It adds gloss to the skin, which may be needed sometimes, especially when the weather is dry. It can be applied over scars left behind by wounds, scrapes, bruises and burns. Moringa oil mixed with tamanu oil is a powerful scar diminishing formula. Fungal infections – Moringa oil can deal with certain fungal infections because it contains anti-fungal activity. One can use it on ringworm, athlete’s foot and jock itch. Anti-Aging – Regular application of moringa oil reduces the striking appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin, It can be combined with an astringent product like aloe vera or witch hazel to make saggy skin taut. 3. Moringa Oil for Hair It is just as good for the hair as it is for the skin. Moringa oil is a powerful hair conditioner. It can be used as a hot oil conditioner to deal with nearly any hair related problem. The hot oil treatment leaves the hair well moisturized, the hair roots are nourished, dandruff is washed out and there is much less irritation on the scalp. The best result is the conditioning. Hair is manageable and can be combed nicely. It adds shine or gloss to the hair, making you hair look beautiful. This effect is because of behenic acid. Moringa oil also strengthens hair roots and as such can help with hair loss. It nourishes weak, damaged hair and reduces the lifelessness in them. 4. Liver health Moringa oil has been identified to improve liver health in people whose liver has received damage due to toxicity. 5. As a Rheumatic Oil Moringa oil is a nice rheumatic oil. It is applied to painful, arthritic joints. It can be use directly, or used as an oil pack, just like castor oil packs. It is effective at reducing swelling and inflammation, which provides relief from the pain in the joints. This can also be used in gout. 6. Management of Hysteria Moringa oil can be used to calm down hysteria and uncontrolled emotional instability. This is a traditional use for the moringa seed oil in India. 7. Boosts Gum Health Massage moringa seed oil onto the gums. It might seem a bit awkward, but its is not irritating as the oil has a mild taste. It relieves gum inflammation and is also helpful in scurvy. These are some home remedies using moringa oil. Sleep Aid – Massage the head with moringa oil with about 3 – 4 drops of lavender essential oil. It reduces irritability and sleeplessness. Exfoliating Oil – Mix olive oil and moringa oil in equal amounts. Add some sugar cubes to the oil and rub it on the skin. Nail Softener – If one has really strong, powerful nails then they may cause trouble if they become dry and grow awkwardly. Soak them in moringa oil to make nails soft so that they can be easily cut. Homemade Perfume – Add a essential oil to moringa oil to make homemade perfume. Use 2 – 3 drops of this as a perfume. Known Uses Moringa seed oil has had lots of uses since it was first extracted. These are some of the prominent industrial and home uses for the Moringa oil. Soap, Scrubs, Lotions, Conditioners, Shampoos, and many more Hair care and Skin care formulas – Moringa oil is used in skin and hair care formulas because of its skin cleansing and moisturizing properties. Perfume Base – Perhaps the best natural perfume base of all oils. Moringa oil was preferred by people of ancient civilizations. It was used as base for perfumes. Even today, this remains one of the most important commercial application of moringa oil. Buying and Storage- Moringa oil is one of the most stable oils. the healthiest one is the cold pressed oil. It is more dense, has more color and even more taste than filtered or solvent extracted oils. Moringa Oleifera: A Review of the Medical Evidence for Its Nutritional, Therapeutic, and Prophylactic Properties. Part 1. Jed W. Fahey, Sc.D. Interested in more information. Here is a Link to a study with John Hopkins https://www.tfljournal.org/article.php/20051201124931586

Moisturizing Moringa Rosehip Beard Oil Recipe -2 ounce Amber Glass bottle and dropper -1 ounce Moringa Oil -1 ounce Rosehip Oil -7 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil -3 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil Beard Oil Instructions Combine all ingredients in a 2 ounce amber glass bottle with a dropper. Gently swirl to incorporate. To apply: Depending on beard length, drop 3-5 drops in one hand. Longer beards will require more drops but remember, a little goes a long way, so increase amount by one drop at a time. Dip fingertips from the other hand in the oil and rub oil all over beard. When all the oil has been applied, use fingertips to massage oil down into the beard all the way to the skin. Use a small comb like this one to smooth down the beard. For best results, apply daily to freshly washed beard that has been toweled dry. Support our Blog by grabbing one of all natural pure and organic oils below.

Yield: 1 servings Calories: 244 How to Make Our Fountain of Youth Shake Recipe Ingredients: 1 cup coconut water 2-3 Wheatgrass ice cubes (juice, fresh wheatgrass and freeze) 2 tbsp. Spinach Powder 2 tbsp. Moringa Powder 3 pineapple spears 1/2 lemon, peeled 1 small green apple 1 tbsp ginger Directions : Pour all ingredients into a blender, blend to desired consistency, and enjoy! Support our Blog by using our Ingredients:

Moringa Rosehip & Tamanu Natural Healing Facial Serum Recipe Ingredients: -12ml/ 0.40 fl. oz. Moringa oil -9mL / 0.30 fl. oz. Rosehip oil -9mL/ 0.30 fl. oz. Tamanu oil -1-2 drops Frankincense essential oil -1 (30ml/1 ounce) glass bottle with a dropper top Measure the oils out into the bottle. Top with the essential oils. Cap & shake to combine. To use, massage a few drops into the skin, or use as a spot treatment. Great to use for scars, acne, pimples, blemishes, wrinkles and fine lines. Interested in purchasing any of the oils on this recipe, check out the products below.

3 DIY Orange Face Mask Recipes for Bright Skin What makes Orange Peel Good for Skin? Orange Peel Powder Benefits: Vitamin C- Protects skin from free radical damage. Keeps acne at bay and promotes a healthy skin glow. Calcium- Helps in renewing worn-out cells and prevents DNA damage. Good for healing dry, flaky, and itchy skin. Potassium-Hydrates dehydrated skin. Helps preserve moisture. Magnesium-Prevents oxidative stress in skin cells, for youthful, glowing skin. Be-Blemish-Free Orange Peel Face Mask With this simple blemish-removing face mask, you only need two other ingredients: honey and yogurt. These powerhouse ingredients are full of nutrients that provide nourishing benefits to skin. Check out the benefits of each additional ingredient below: Organic Honey - A powerful antibacterial and antiseptic agent. Slows down the aging process of skin by fighting off free radicals. Moisturizes skin. Honey also helps in evening out discolorations and blemishes on skin. Yogurt - Contains live cultures that kill acne-causing germs and bacteria. Hydrates and nourishes skin. Ingredients: 2 teaspoons orange peel powder 1 teaspoon organic honey 1 teaspoon yogurt Directions: Mix all the above ingredients in a small bowl. Apply a thick coat of the mixture onto your clean face. Let it sit for 15 minutes or until it dries out. When the time is up, rinse your face gently until all of the mixture is completely gone. Pat dry with a towel. If your face is dry after this mask, use a drop of coconut or olive oil as a natural moisturizer. Tips: 1.Make sure to gather your hair away from your face before applying this mask. Put on a headband or plastic shower cap to prevent the mixture from going on your hair. 2.You can add more honey or yogurt to make the mixture a little runny to apply it effectively. 3.Don’t over proportionate the orange peel powder as it may burn your skin. Goodbye Acne Orange Peel Powder Mask Orange peel contains powerful properties that help keep annoying pimples away. Apply a thick coat of this zit-busting orange peel face mask to deep-cleanse your pores and drive out the dirt, grime, excess oil, and bacteria, all of which cause pimples and blackheads to form on the skin surface Check out the benefits of each additional ingredient below: Oatmeal -Gently exfoliates and scrubs skin clean. Absorbs and eliminates impurities and dirt from the skin’s surface. Baking soda -Deep-cleanser for skin. Ingredients: 2 teaspoons orange peel powder 1 teaspoon oatmeal 1 teaspoon baking soda Directions : Mix all the above ingredients in a bowl. Gradually add water until a thick paste is formed. Using clean fingertips, massage a thick coat of the mixture onto your face in a gentle circular motion. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse your face with cold water and pat dry with a clean towel. Your skin will feel amazingly soft and look clean and moisturized. If your face is a little dry after the mask, especially in acne areas, simply use a drop of olive oil as a natural moisturizer. Tips : 1.Make sure you're using baking soda, and not baking powder! 2.Ensure not to smile or talk with the face mask on! This will stretch your skin around the mouth and eyes and actually cause wrinkles to form. 3.If the orange peel powder and oatmeal used together feels a little rough on your skin, add more olive oil but don’t make it too runny as it will create a drippy mess. Orange Peel Face Mask for Oily, Pimple-Prone Skin Got very oily and acne-prone skin? Worry no more with this simple and cleansing orange peel face mask, which will leave your skin oil-free and moisturized at the same time! Orange peel is known to absorb excess oil or sebum from oily skin. This face mask also uses coconut oil, which works wonders in driving out the ‘bad’ acne-causing oil from deep within your skin pores. Check out the benefits of each additional ingredient below: Coconut oil -Pushes out the excess sebum clogged in your pores. Hydrates and nourishes skin of all types including peeling, acne-prone skin. Milk -Nourishes with vitamins and minerals. Leaves skin feeling soft. Ingredients: 2 teaspoons Orange peel powder 1 teaspoon milk 1 teaspoon Coconut oil Directions: In a small bowl, mix the above ingredients until a thick mixture is formed. Steam your face to open up your pores. Apply the mixture onto your face using clean finger tips in a circular motion. Let sit for 15 minutes. In this time, you can take a quick soak in the bath or read a chapter of that book you’ve been meaning to finish. Keep yourself relaxed. When the time elapses, gently and thoroughly rinse your face and pat it dry with a towel. Your face will have a wonderful glow and feel silky and soft! Tips: 1.To open up your pores, you can also have a quick splash with warm water as an alternative to steaming. 2.To liquefy your coconut oil, place it in a bowl of hot water and it will melt in a few seconds. 3.It doesn't matter if you use low fat or skim milk instead of full fat milk in this mask. Why Homemade Face Masks Are Better: Homemade face masks are filled with nature's restorative goodness, in the form of the nutrients, minerals, acids, and oils explained in the tables above, without any of the chemicals that store-bought masks have to contain for an extended shelf life. Fruits are rich in AHAs and other micro-nutrients that nourish and heal the skin. When expensive skin creams claim to contain 'fruit compounds,' they usually only contain a fraction of the nutrients that are found in the fruit itself. Save yourself the money and the chemical damage and make your own homemade skin products.

Summer is a great time to fill up on fresh salads packed with fruits and vegetables. But what isn’t so healthy is the dressing that usually goes on top of these salads; many salad dressings sold in food stores are filled with unhealthy oils, chemicals and additives that aren't doing our bodies any good. In fact, they may be creating inflammation. After suffering from chronic illness for 10 years, I finally found relief from integrative/functional medicine -- not drugs used to cover up my symptoms. We tackled my inflammation at the root cause, which helped heal me from a decade of chronic pain, illness and Lyme's disease. Where did we start? With the food I was eating. I switched to an organic diet, cut out all processed foods and started eating one-ingredient, whole, unrefined foods that fought inflammation instead of accelerating it. I fell in love with avocados, unique oils such as flax oil, nuts, seeds and hemp. These foods were inflammation-fighting machines for my body. Today, my inflammation is gone. My liver is perfect, my gut is healed and I'm me again. I'm living proof that real food helps fight inflammation and chronic illness. I've created a few easy salad dressing recipes that are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, vegetarian and vegan. Each dressing includes inflammation-fighting ingredients like turmeric, ginger, basil, coconut oil, garlic, parsley, kale and extra virgin olive oil. Chop up that salad and start pouring these dressings on top for your lunch today. Bon appetite! Vegan Caesar Salad Dressing Serves 6 • 1/2 cup raw cashews • 1/2 cup sesame seeds • Juice of 1 large lemon • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 2 garlic cloves • 1/3 teaspoon sea salt • 1/4 teaspoon pepper • 1/4 teaspoon paprika • 1/3 cup organic vegetable broth or water Puree all in a blender or food processor; pulse until smooth. Adjust ingredients as necessary for desired taste and texture. Ginger Kale & Carrot Dressing Serves 6 • 3 large carrots • 2 large organic kale leaves • 1/2 shallot, minced • 3-inch piece fresh ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced • 1/4 cup chickpea miso • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar • 1/3 cup coconut oil • 2 tablespoons organic vegetable broth or water • Sea salt and pepper, to taste Place the carrots, shallot, ginger, miso, vinegar, and sesame oil in a blender. Blend, scraping down the sides as necessary, until very finely chopped, about 1 minute. Add oil and blend until nearly smooth, about 30 seconds. Add sea salt and pepper, to taste. If necessary, thin the dressing with up to 2 tablespoons water. The dressing will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Honey Shallot Dressing with Organic Moringa & Parsley Serves 6 • Juice of 2 large lemons • 1 1/2 teaspoons honey (or maple syrup if vegan) • 1 shallot, minced • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt • 1/4 teaspoon pepper • 1/2 teaspoon organic moringa powder • pinch of crushed red pepper In a small bowl, whisk all ingredients. Drizzle over salad; toss to coat and serve. Basil Vinaigrette with Mustard Seeds Serves 6 • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil • 1 garlic clove, crushed • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt • 1/4 teaspoon pepper In a small bowl, whisk all ingredients. Drizzle over salad; toss to coat and serve.

5 Peruvian Superfoods For 5 Refreshing Paletas These recipes are simple, quick to assemble and a great excuse to socialize with friends and family, or just to enjoy on a quiet afternoon. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout snack or a poolside treat, paletas are perfect for everyone. With summer settled in and our days stretched out, we look for ways to gather our friends and family to spend more time under the sun. However, as we enjoy these days, the sun is ultimately drawing the moisture from our bodies, leaving us both tired and parched. As part of leading a healthy and well-balanced life, it is important for us to stay hydrated and nourished. Paletas, the Spanish name for ice pops, come to mind when thinking of ways to cool down in the summer heat. But rather than spending money on commercially-produced paletas made with high fructose corn syrup and synthetic dyes, why not get creative in making your own nutrient-packed refreshments? I have used five of my favorite Peruvian superfoods to make the paletas because of their delightful tastes, abundant nutrients, and remarkable health benefits. Here is just to name a few of these benefits: Lúcuma is a tropical fruit born on the coastal highlands and valleys of Peru. When biting into this favored fruit, hints of caramel, pumpkin and maple spread throughout the palate, making it a popular featured flavor of ice cream. Despite its natural sweetness, Lúcuma has a considerably low glycemic index of 25, making it the ideal treat for those watching their blood sugar. Lúcuma helps boost immunity and also replenishes skin cells during the sunshine season due to its wealth of beta-carotene. Camu-camu is a tropical berry commonly found in the Amazonian jungle. Camu-camu is a prized resource for its ample supply of Vitamin C -packing more than 60 times the vitamin C per serving than an orange. Even better, the vitamin C in this berry is more readily absorbed than from supplements, as our bodies better utilizes nutrients that come from natural sources. Purple Corn is one of 3,000 corn varieties native to Peru and is a staple of the native diet. As its name implies, the corn is purple in color- a deep vibrant hue derived from its nutrient-dense pigmentation. Purple corn is rich in anthocyanins, which have the great potential in reducing the risk of heart disease and helps increase visual acuity and improve night vision. Pichuberry is possibly the greatest superfruit available in the United States. The Pichuberry is a small orange fruit that resembles a cherry tomato in size and appearance. However, don’t let its appearance fool you. The taste of this little berry can be truly shocking with its tart yet sweet flavor, as if a hybrid of cherry and passion fruit. Pichuberries contain a large amount of naturally occurring active chemical compound called withanolides, which are known to have a strong link to inhibition of cancer growth. Withanolides also help prevent inflammation, linking them to pain relief and management of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Cacao. Resembling the coffee bean, cacao is a tiny brown bean used in the process of chocolate making. As many chocolate products are diluted with sugars and fillers, the higher percent of cacao bean, the higher the quality of chocolate. This bean is packed with minerals and anti-aging antioxidants, and is rich in B-complex vitamins as well as vitamins A, C and E – making your Cacao paleta a deliciously natural multi-vitamin. These are my fun and nutritiously quenching paletas. The recipes are simple, quick to assemble and a great excuse to socialize with friends and family, or just to enjoy on a quiet afternoon. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout snack or a poolside treat, paletas are perfect for everyone. I mean, what child or adult doesn’t enjoy making and eating paletas?

Frozen Yogurt with a Health Kick: The Hottest Summer Treat. Frozen yogurts are the hottest summer treat and are constantly in demand. Almost everywhere I go, malls, movie theaters and even airports, I see frozen yogurt shops with delicious options, beautiful colors and long lines. I frequently hear “they are low fat and healthy.” But, are they really good for you? Most frozen yogurts from your regular shops have added sugar and little to no nutritional value, no matter how low-fat they are. I’ve seen the “plain” or the “low-fat” options, which are supposed to be the “healthiest,” with up to 80 grams of sugar for a large serving (about 2 cups). And that is not including the toppings that alone can give you a sugar overload. As a registered dietitian who loves the kitchen and good food, I put myself to the challenge to see if I can make these delightful treats with less sugar and adding more nutritional power. To start, I decided to use Greek yogurt, which is known as a good source of probiotics. Research has linked certain probiotics with a lowering effect on abdominal fat and body weight. Moreover, certain bacteria has also been shown to help in the absorption of a few indigestible nutrients, while others help resist the colonization or growth of pathogenic organisms, stimulating the immune system in return. Then, I began to think of fruit and vegetable colors as well as Peruvian superfoods that could make these frozen delights explode with great nutrients. Give these frozen yogurt superfoods a try, and remember: although they are a lower calorie treat and made with superfoods, you should always be mindful of the portion size. Pichuberry frozen yogurt Pichuberry, the “lost Incan crop,” is one of the most nutrient dense fruits. Pichuberries contain rare phytochemicals called withanolides, which have demonstrated to suppress carcinogens. Not only that, but they are also rich in antioxidants and vitamins, including vitamin E, A and B-complex vitamins. This small berry, which also packs a deliciously tart and sweet flavor, makes it versatile for any food combination. Here, I use it to make a scrumptious version of my frozen Greek yogurt. Serves 4 (Serving size: 1/2 cup) Ingredients: 2 cups Pichuberry, chopped 1 cup 2 percent Greek yogurt 1/2 cup agave nectar Directions: 1. Using a food processor or blender, puree the Pichuberries. Add the remaining ingredients and puree until well mixed. 2. Cover and refrigerate for one to two hours. Then prepare according to your ice-cream maker manufacturer instructions. Strawberry-beet frozen yogurt The strawberry is a classic summer fruit and a good way to use it is in frozen yogurts. But who knew beets can also be used. With this recipe, you’ll get not only your fruit serving but also a veggie serving. To top it off with more nutritional power, I added Peruvian superfood Camu-camu powder. Camu-camu is a tropical fruit that is one of the world's most potent sources of vitamin C — packing more than 60 times the vitamin C per serving than the almighty orange. Better yet, the vitamin C in Camu-camu is more easily absorbed than from supplements, as your body better utilizes nutrients that come from natural sources. Serves: 8 (Serving size: 1/2 cup) Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs. strawberries, fresh ½ cup beets, raw, chopped 1 cup 2 percent plain Greek yogurt ½ cup coconut sugar (or agave nectar) 1 tsp Camu-camu powder Directions: 1. Using a food processor or blender, puree the strawberries. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until well mixed. 2. Allow to cool in your freezer for 1 hour. Remove and whip around mixture. Repeat after another hour and serve, or follow your ice cream machine instructions. Dark chocolate frozen yogurt Chocolate is something that is enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Whether you enjoy it in hot chocolate or as a simple snack, it’s hard to say no to this beautiful ingredient. Probably one of the most popular dessert options that uses chocolate is ice cream, of which the healthier version would be frozen yogurt. Here I make the frozen yogurt using cacao. Studies have shown that cacao acts as a natural appetite suppressant and can help reduce food cravings and aid weight loss. Full of antioxidants, it also helps prevent inflammation, making it a heart healthy ingredient. This recipe combines the health benefits of cacao and Greek yogurt to give yourself a delicious and healthy dessert that you can feel great about. Serves 8 (Serving size: 1/2 cup) Ingredients: 1 cup milk 1 percent (or milk of choice) ½ cup agave nectar 1 cup cacao powder, sifted 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 ½ cups 2 percent Greek yogurt plain Directions: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until evenly combined. Cover and refrigerate for one to two hours, then prepare according to your ice-cream maker manufacturer instructions.

7 Foods to Increase your Libido When we think of eating to increase sex drive, we tend to look to “aphrodisiac” foods like oysters, bananas, almonds, figs and avocados. But when trying to resolve ongoing low libido, according to ancient Chinese medicine, it might be time to look at the kidney system. The kidney system, which encompasses the physical kidneys, adrenal glands, bladder, and kidney and bladder meridians, is responsible for storing our essence and is the source of yin and yang in the body, according to traditional Eastern medicine practices. This system is considered the most important system in the body to Eastern medicine practitioners, because they believe it governs growth, maturation, sexual function, fertility and aging. In this light, ancient Chinese medicine teaches that eating foods that support kidney function can help restore sexual virility. So here are seven foods can help support healthy kidney function. 1. Sea Vegetables are said to strengthen kidney energy. They are rich in vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron and iodine and have balancing and cleansing properties that can benefit the kidneys. Try adding kombu when cooking beans, rice and even oatmeal, make a wakame and carrot salad or sprinkle dulse on top of your food as a seasoning. 2. Adzuki beans originate in China, where local medicine states they are great for strengthening the reproductive organs, kidneys and bladder. This bean has a diuretic effect on the body, which helps the body excrete toxins, and excess uric acid, helping to clear up kidney problems. Eating as little as half a cup per week can help you reap the health benefits, but you should aim for double if you are experiencing a kidney-related problem. 3. Cranberries have been used to fight illness and infection for hundreds of years, including bladder and kidney problems. This little berry is loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants like proanthocyandins and polyphenols. They also contain flavonoids, which target the bacteria that latch themselves to the urinary tract, by weakening them so that they can be flushed out in the urine instead of proliferating an infection inside the body. Aim for two to four 8-ounce glasses of unsweetened, organic, cranberry juice per day in addition to eight glasses of unflavored water. 4. Microalgae such as spirulina, blue algae and chlorella have been found to be effective in reducing kidney toxicity. Supplementing with these super foods can help purify the blood and cleanse the body’s elimination systems, while balancing the body’s pH level. Ridding the body of unnecessary toxins can help strengthen the kidneys. Since they have such powerful detoxification capabilities, always begin supplementation with a very low dose and gradually increase to a tolerated level. 5. Clams are said to clear “heat” in the body, which comes from a lack of moistening and cooling functions, and can weaken the kidneys. According to traditional Chinese medicine, freshwater clams can nourish kidneys. 6. Umeboshi plums are Japanese pickled plums known for their medicinal qualities. They have a strong acidity, which has the opposite effect on the body- providing an alkalinizing effect. It is also known to neutralize fatigue, stimulate digestion and promote the elimination of toxins, therefore helping to unburden the kidneys and help strengthen them. These sour plums can be eaten as a condiment for rice dishes, and umeboshi plum vinegar makes a great salad topper. 7. Homemade bone broth is frequently used in Chinese medicine to strengthen the kidneys. Turkey, fish, pig, chicken or cow bones can be used and simply need to simmer in water, with your choice of herbs and vegetables, for several hours. The longer the bones simmer the more they are broken down, releasing all the available nutrients and minerals. It can be eaten as a simple snack or used to prepare rice, beans, soups, meats and casseroles, and can be easily frozen for later use. Besides eating a nourishing diet of kidney-strengthening food, lifestyle changes may be able to further help. Set aside some time each day to unwind and decrease stress through things like exercise, tai chi, herbal medicine, acupuncture and meditation. Slowing down and finding balance in your life will help strengthen and replenish the kidneys and restore libido.