Effective Natural Plant Based Foods To Boost Immunity

Natural plant based foods are the effective ways to boost immunity health. They provide power to the body to fight against diseases to maintain health and well being.

There are so many diseases around humans that they are prone to in life. These diseases affect their general well-being. The life has become so stressful that it is difficult to control diseases. It is suggested to take care of the health and protect against diseases by building immunity. Immunity is like building a wall that protects the body from diseases. It fights against diseases and does not let the system to be affected. There are so many medicines that are prescribed for every small problem as the body gets affected by disease. It is important to understand that there are natural plant foods that can help protect the body from several diseases. It gives power to the body to fight against diseases. There are immunity boosting foods that help the body to be well protected. These simple plant-based foods should be included in the diet for the best results.

The use of cod liver oil is healthy option for immunity problem. It helps to increase the immunity without any side effects it should be regularly included in the diet after meals. It is used as healthy tonic for positive results. It is one of the simple immunity boosting foods. Regular usage will help to show results without any side effects. It helps to give special antioxidant properties. It also gives antiviral properties. Regular use will detox the body. It will cleanse the system. 

The use of jasmine leaves grinded and dried to make into powder is healthy option for immunity. It should be mixed with warm water and consumed for positive results. It is used as healthy tonic for results. It is one of the popular immunity boosting foods. Regular usage will help to show excellent results without any side effects.

The use of pumpkin seed made into a powder after drying and adding basil leaves is healthy to increase immunity it should be included in the diet and consumed after meals for effective results. It is used as healthy tonic for positive results. It is one of the popular immunity boosting foods. Regular usage will help to show results without any adverse effects. It helps to give special antioxidant properties. It also gives antiviral properties. Regular use will detox the body. It will cleanse the system. 

The use of leaves of tulsi should be consumed every morning to increase immunity. It has positive results on the body. The regular use followed by warm water detox will help the body. It is used as healthy tonic for excellent results. It is one of the natural immunity boosting foods.

The use of fig leaves is healthy for the body. It is used as healthy tonic for excellent results. It is one of the popular immunity boosting foods. Regular usage will help to show results without any adverse effects. It helps to give special antioxidant properties. It also gives antiviral properties. Regular use will detox the body.

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The Benefits Of Seaweed: Its Vitamins And Importance To Your Overall Health

Today, many of us have eaten seaweed in one form or another. However, you might be surprised to find out how many vitamins it offers and how vital they are for our general health. Seaweed also has an abundance of minerals, but I'll cover that in another article. For now, lets see what vitamins seaweed offers us and the impact it has on our overall health.

Vitamin A

• Cell Growth, Repair, and Immunity - Helps your body fight illness from viruses and bacteria. It strengthens areas of your body which are vulnerable to them such as the mucous membranes near the eyes and nose which is how viruses and bacteria can enter your body which can lead to illness.
• Vision and Eye Health - Helps fight against glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts, along with other illnesses of the eyes which you may become vulnerable to as you get older.
• Cancer - Is considered to be a strong antioxidant and is thought to prevent development of certain varieties of cancer and pulmonary diseases.
• Bones - Since Vitamin A plays a significant part in the growth of new cell tissue, it also helps ensure bone health by replacing damaged tissue. It also helps the formation of dentin on your teeth.
• Prevention of Urinary Stones - Vitamin A creates a mineral called calcium phosphate that prevents solid particles from forming within your body. These particles can form stones and can cause vomiting and pain.
• Helps to Maintain Healthy Skin - Vitamin A is an antioxidant. Free radicals damage the skin, which is why antioxidants are important in maintaining healthy skin. It will protect it from wrinkling, pimples, dryness, and psoriasis.

Vitamin B1

Is also commonly known as Thiamine or Thiamin. B1 is important for maintaining a healthy nervous system. In addition it will help to convert the food you eat everyday into energy your body uses to function.

Vitamin B2

Also known as Riboflavin. Vitamin B2 also helps convert food into energy. As a matter of fact, every B vitamin aids in the conversion of food into energy. However, B2 is also responsible for breaking down fats and proteins. In addition it helps in the production of hormones and helps red blood cells to stay healthy.

Vitamin B3

Is typically known as Niacin. It also helps in converting food into energy like all the B vitamins. It's also responsible for helping your nervous system to continue functioning properly, assists in maintaining a healthy digestive system and assists in blood circulation.

Vitamin B6

Helps prevent heart disease, aids in the production of antibodies to fight infection, viruses and bacteria. Like B3, it assists in the maintenance of your nervous system. It also assists in keeping red blood cells healthy. Similar to many of the B vitamins, it also converts food to energy.

Vitamin B-12

Is also known as Cobalamin. B-12 is known to assist in preventing heart disease, strengthen the immune system, keep red blood cells healthy and like all the B vitamins we've mentioned, it assists in converting food to energy.

Vitamin C

Is another vitamin that has a host of positive affects on your health. There's also evidence that it helps to raise good cholesterol generally known as HDL. HDL helps to eliminate fatty deposits from arteries, which reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. It's also an antioxidant like Vitamin A. It also promotes strong teeth and bones, healthy skin and gums, helps wounds to heal and strengthens blood vessels.

Vitamin D

Aids in bone growth, strength and also helps to strengthen teeth. It also boosts the activity of the natural killer cells in your body. These cells are responsible for targeting other cells that are infected by viruses. Vitamin D also plays a role in the rejection of tumors. It also helps lower cholesterol. Low levels of Vitamin D can lead to increased blood pressure and increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Vitamin E

Is known as an antioxidant like Vitamins A and C. It protects cells from the negative affects of free radicals. It can help to strengthen the immune system. It also helps create red blood cells. In addition it widens blood vessels, which prevent blood clots.

We take vitamins for granted, but they're vital to the proper functioning of our bodies. As you can see, seaweed has an abundance of them. Maybe it's time you thought about including it in your diet more often?

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Switching To Plant-Based Eating Is Not As Hard As You Think

A healthy plant-based diet is not really all that different from a healthy omnivorous diet. If you are thinking about transitioning to a plant-based diet or wanting to incorporate more plant-based food into your nutrition, it's much easier than you may think.

A healthy diet, whether you eat only plants or combine plants with meat, consists of a healthy emphasis on fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans and legumes. Even those who call themselves vegetarians or vegans can eat unhealthy by not choosing the best plants to eat. For example, pizza and ice cream (for those who eat dairy) are vegetarian foods, but they are not healthy choices. Structuring your nutrition properly is important, and the basis of that should be around whole natural foods.

The largest difference between an omnivorous diet (one that contains meat) and a plant-based diet is where your protein is coming from. Other than that, 80% of the diet is going to be the same (because that's what everyone should be focusing on). Many people eat meat 2-3 times per day. The best place to start is to limit your meat consumption to 2-3 times per week.

The biggest myth in eating a plant-based diet is that you do not get enough protein since you are not eating meat. There are plenty of ways to get great protein sources from plant-based foods. The one food that has the most protein you will find is tempeh (soy protein). One cup of tempeh has as much as 41 grams of protein, more than you will typically find in a steak. One cup of lentils has as much as 18 grams of protein, kidney beans have as much as 13 grams. Chick peas are another one, which have up to 12 grams in one cup. Nuts are also a great choice. A quarter cup of almonds have up to 8 grams of protein; a quarter cup of sunflower seeds has 6 grams of protein. You may be surprised to learn that even broccoli has protein in it! One cup of cooked broccoli has four grams of protein.

Protein is in almost anything that is a whole natural food. Many people only count animal protein in their protein grams, but you can actually get more protein from a plant-based diet than you can with a meat-based diet. Supplements are also available in powder form where you can add your protein to something like a smoothie. Some great ones to start off trying are brown rice protein and hemp protein.

Challenge yourself to begin this process of switching to a plant-based diet by watching where your food is coming from over the next week. 80% of your diet should come from natural sources (not processed foods). As Michael Pollan made popular in his book, "Food Rules," if it's made in a plant don't eat it, but if it is a plant you should eat it.

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5 Great Benefits to Get From a Plant-Based Diet

A plant-based diet includes a high percentage of food sourced from plants rather than animals. This can mean eating nuts, whole grains, lentils, peas, beans, fruits, and vegetables. But, this style of diet does not need to be strictly vegetarian. Here are five of the health benefits that come from eating lots of plant foods:

Blood pressure

A plant-based diet offers a perfect source of potassium-rich foods which can help to naturally lower blood pressure. Fruits and vegetables, as well as most seeds, nuts, legumes, and whole grain include a sufficient amount of vitamin B6 and potassium for healthy blood pressure. Animal foods like meat include minimal potassium and can lead to higher cholesterol and blood pressure.

Cholesterol

A significant benefit of adopting a plant-based diet is the ability to lower cholesterol. Plants are cholesterol-free, even the more saturated types like cacao and coconut. For this reason, eating a diet that mostly consists of plant-based foods can offer a simple solution to lowering cholesterol. Great food choices to lower rates of heart disease and cholesterol include seeds, nuts, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Blood Sugar

A highly effective method to control high blood sugar is to increase the fiber in the diet. A fiber-rich diet is perfect to help with slowing the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream. An added benefit is the ability to control hunger throughout the course of the day. Also, fiber can help with balancing the level of cortisol in the blood stream, which is responsible for the feelings of stress. Many of the animal foods can have a significant hand in increasing the blood sugar level.

Cancer

A plant-based diet that includes low-fat, whole food is one of the most efficient choices for helping to cut the risk of cancer. Certain cancers like breast and colon are at great risk for those that eat a diet mainly consisting of animal foods.

Weight Loss

A diet consisting of plant-based and whole foods, with minimal processed sugars and low in fat, is certain to help with cutting weight. A further benefit comes from a diet that is high in clean and raw whole foods. Weight loss is naturally able to occur when the daily diet includes a higher percentage of vitamins, minerals, and fiber compared to proteins and animal fats. A well-planned plant-based diet has the potential to cut 4-6 pounds within a two-week period. This should also ensure you aren't left feeling hungry.

Eating a diet based on whole, plant-based food can reduce your risk of a broad spectrum of diseases, such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. What we should eat is our main concern.

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Vegetarian Protein Sources: How To Get The Essential Amino Acids

Vegetarianism is widely known as the lifestyle or diet in which there is a strict exclusion of animal meat and byproducts in the diet. These include fish, poultry, meat and byproducts such as eggs, milk, and even honey.

Because of the booming cases of cancer and other diseases, which are leading causes of death worldwide, many people are becoming more conscious of what they eat, most especially meat. Animal meat, in all forms - be it red meat, white meat, or fish meat, is always in controversy.

It is a known fact that processed meat contains preservatives and chemicals that are carcinogenic. It is interesting to note that lard, which is highly saturated fat, was once used as a sandwich spread. Imagine the effects it had dealt to those who have consumed it. Having a high saturated fat content, it can easily clog arterial walls and blood vessels, leading to dangerous levels of blood pressure and, in turn, can lead to cardiovascular complications and even death.

Why do people consume things they know can be harmful to them? One reason why people persist in the consumption of these foods is because of the taste. The taste of these foods, despite their knowledge that these are potentially harmful, has an appeal to them and makes eating more enjoyable. Food is supposed to be delicious and enjoyed, after all.

Vegetarians have different classifications. Ovo-vegetarians can include eggs in their diets, but not dairy products such as milk and cheese. Lacto-vegetarians, however, are the opposite of ovo-vegetarians. On the other hand, ovo-lacto vegetarians include both eggs and dairy products in their diets. However, vegans are a different case, and they strictly exclude both eggs and dairy products in their diets, in addition to animal meat, poultry and fish. However, if that's the case, where do these people with this kind of diet or lifestyle get the necessary proteins and essential amino acids needed by their bodies?

Studies reveal that the protein vegetarians get through their diets is only slightly lower compared to their meat-eating counterparts. It was once believed that those with vegetarian diets have a significantly lower amount of protein intake or that their protein levels in their bodies is inadequate. Although misconceptions about this still exist, it is important to note that there is sufficient protein to be had in the consumption of plant based foods.

Protein is made up of many amino acids, so eating a variety of foods rich in amino acids is important. All whole foods have amino acids, so eating a variety of complementary plant sources can suffice. Ovo -lacto vegetarians, however, get ample amounts of protein from eggs and dairy products, so this is not a big issue for them.

Learning how to get the essential amino acids is not enough. The food must appear palatable, as well. The appeal of the food to the eyes and taste is also important for those with vegetarian diets. With a little simple creativity or fancy culinary touch, these foods can taste as good as those foods with meat. However, what separates these foods is the fact that the vegetarian diet is healthier and safer.

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Plant Based Diet

Get Health with a Plant Based Diet

What if one simple change could put you on a path to better health? And what if that change could even save you from obesity, heart disease and cancer? You have the power to transform your life by maintaining a plant based diet - no ifs about it.

While many omnivores feel that a meal without meat just doesn't feel like a meal, the vegan and vegetarian plant based lifestyle is growing in popularity just the same - and with good reason. A plant based diet moves away from animal-based foods like meat, eggs and milk, and incorporates more fruit, vegetables, legumes and grains. The less meat and dairy you eat the less fat you take in. This goes a long way when it comes to maintaining healthy weight and cholesterol levels.

If you're wondering whether you should try out a plant based diet, consider the top five benefits listed below. Keep in mind that you don't have to jump into a full-on vegan diet or vegetarian diet. Just limiting your intake of meat, poultry and dairy, and increasing vegetables, fruit and grains can do wonders for your health.

Top Five Benefits of a Plant Based Diet

1. Lower Cholesterol

Going green can dramatically lower the amount of LDL cholesterol in your blood - the bad kind that can lead to heart disease and stroke. Avoid butter, cut out fatty meats and opt for plant-based foods. Dairy and animal products are loaded with fat and have no fiber. Plant based foods contain no cholesterol whatsoever. That means vegan nutrition is much better for your heart and your health. It's even been proven by a recent study out of St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, which found that a low-fat plant based diet can lower LDL cholesterol by 28 percent.

2. Lower Blood Pressure

When you eat fatty meats and dairy products, the viscosity of your blood increases, placing more pressure on the blood vessels. A plant based diet fills you up with veggies and fruit, which are high in potassium. Higher intake of potassium modulates blood viscosity. This is why vegetarians and vegans tend to have lower rates of hypertension, "the silent killer," according to observational studies published in the Nutrition Review.

3. Prevent Cancer

High-fat diets have been linked to higher rates of cancer. In fact the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine's Cancer Project showed vegetarians to be 40 percent less likely to develop cancer than meat-eaters. Meat tends to be high in saturated fat and low in fiber. Fiber plays a key role in keeping your digestive system clean and healthy, removing cancer-causing compounds before they can create harm. A vegetarian diet and vegan diet are high in fiber, low in saturated and trans-fats and typically include more fruit, vegetables and other cancer-preventing phytochemicals.

4. Avoid Heart Disease

The American Heart Association says 83 million Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease, and many of the risk factors, such as obesity, are at all-time highs. But you reduce your risk. Research has found that a balanced, low-fat, plant based diet can help reduce cholesterol, contribute to weight loss and lower blood pressure. All of which lead to heart problems.

5. Maintain Healthy Weight & Fitness

Those who follow a plant based, vegan or vegetarian diet generally consume fewer calories and have lower body weights than those who don't, according to the Mayo Clinic. Still, a plant based diet doesn't guarantee weight loss. You'll want to keep your intake of sweets and fatty foods low, choose whole grains, eat a variety of fruit and vegetables, and choose fat-free and low-fat dairy products. Also remember that cooking method counts. Steam, boil, grill or roast instead of frying. Your new diet will even give you renewed energy for physical exercise.

How to Transition to a Plant Based Diet

Aside from simply avoiding meat, there are ways to ease the transition to a primarily plant based diet. Increase the amount of grains, fruits and vegetables on your plate gradually until the meat is the smallest portion of your meal. An online vegan delivery service can make the process simple.

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What Is A Raw Food Diet

The raw food diet is a diet where the foods are consumed in their raw state. Foods are considered to be raw if they have not been exposed to high temperatures above 46 degrees Celsius (or 115 degrees Fahrenheit). This ensures that all enzymes and nutrients are left unchanged and intact so that the body is able to absorb them faster.

In addition, raw foods contain many antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals and eliminate toxins. According to studies, most age related diseases and common ailments are the result of too many toxins in the body. Thus the raw food diet can help to slow down the aging process by preventing diseases.

Variations of the Raw Food Diet

There are several different variations of the raw food diet and they include the Raw Vegan Diet, the Raw Vegetarian Diet and the Raw Omnivorous Diet. All three focus on raw foods, but each diet has slightly different restrictions.

Raw Vegan Diet

The raw vegan diet is the strictest of the variations, but it is also the healthiest and the most popular.

The diet mainly consists of raw fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices, sprouts, nuts and seeds, as well as many superfoods such as raw cacao, goji berries, protein powders and sea vegetables. The superfoods usually are not available in most grocery stores, but can be purchased in most health food stores or online.

The raw foods are often eaten as they are, or mixed together in salads, smoothies, or are juiced in a juicer. Many western recipes can be mimicked with raw foods, such as ice creams, raw fruit pies, pizzas and many others. Bread, crackers and cookies can be mimicked by using a dehydrator, which is an oven-like appliance that dehydrates the foods at low temperatures over a period of 4 or more hours.

Raw Vegetarian Diet

The raw vegetarian diet is not quite as strict as the vegan, as it allows for the consumption of dairy, eggs and honey. However, there are some vegetarians that only consume eggs, while others will only consume dairy, and still others refuse to eat dairy and eggs, but will use honey as a natural sweetener.

Raw Omnivorous Diet

This diet is the most relaxed diet, as it allows for all animal products provided that they do not contain harmful food additives such as colorants and/or preservatives.

All animal products, whether consumed by the raw vegetarians or raw omnivores are usually obtained from free range and grass-fed animals in order to reduce the risks of ingesting harmful bacteria. In addition, foods from grass-fed animals also contain more nutrients.

Does the Raw Food Diet Eliminate All Cooked Foods?

Many who hear about the raw food diet think that they can no longer enjoy their favorite cooked meals. But this is not so. Dieters can consider themselves to be a raw foodist if they consume at least 75% of their foods in the raw state. This allows for a partially cooked meal every night.

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Cooking With Quinoa - Complete Nutrition In One Delicious Super Food

Quinoa is fast becoming a staple in the diets of health-conscious people all over the globe. This super-food gets its bona fides by offering a complete package of essential protein, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Not only is quinoa packed with nutrients, it's easy to cook and is delicious. This little seed plumps up nicely in just a few minutes, making it the perfect 'fast food' substitute. Mix quinoa with an endless variety of other nutritious ingredients to make a filling meal that satisfies both your appetite and your desire to eat healthy.

One thing that most of us have in common is the desire to feed our kids, and ourselves, nutritious food. But, when faced with the array of choices, it gets confusing. What's good, what's bad... it's not easy to distinguish the difference sometimes.

Over the last few years, quinoa has exploded in cookbooks, cooking shows, and the internet. This 'super-food' is becoming quite popular in many circles; including vegetarian, vegan, weight loss, gluten-free, and fitness diets.

Quinoa is not a grain, it is a seed, a relative of beets, spinach, and Swiss chard. Because it is not a grass or grain, quinoa is considered the perfect food for those with grain, like wheat, sensitivities. The awareness of gluten-free diets may have likely brought quinoa into the limelight. However, quinoa is proving to fit into many diets for a wide range of reasons. Let's take a look at a few benefits that quinoa offers us all:

Protein: Not all foods considered high in protein contain all the essential amino acids in proper proportions for maximum effectiveness in the body, but quinoa does. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all essential amino acids in perfect proportions. In fact, quinoa has the same protein quality as milk. For a vegan, or a vegetarian who doesn't drink milk, quinoa is the perfect replacement food. Mix in some black beans in a simple soup or casserole, and you have the ultimate protein-rich super-food.

Minerals: The most concentrated amounts of minerals in quinoa are manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus. With just one serving of quinoa, you will have more than half the RDA of manganese alone, neutralizing those damaging free radicals that are constantly attacking our organs. Along with manganese, quinoa contains high concentrates of magnesium and phosphorous which are both essential minerals aiding in bone health, heart and cardiovascular health, as well as nerve and brain health. Quinoa completes the mineral wheel with ample supplies of calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, copper, and selenium, all vital to our health and well-being.

Vitamins: The highest concentrated vitamin in quinoa is folate. Folate is a B vitamin that is essential for healthy red blood cell development as well as healthy tissue and organ development, most notably during a child's early years. Folate is also believed to fight the destructive cell developments of cancer. Other vitamins that can be found in a good supply in quinoa are vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6, all essential in the growth, repair, and functioning of vital organs, blood, and tissue.

Dietary Fiber: You probably hear a lot about dietary fiber in advertisements aimed at curing constipation. But, the fact is, dietary fiber is crucial for all of our body functions. With a whopping 21% RDA in one serving of quinoa, eating a regular diet including this super-food makes sense. Why? Not only does fiber aid the digestive system, it also is known to lower blood cholesterol levels. Studies also show that increasing fiber in your diet will help reduce blood pressure which promotes heart health. A good diet rich in fiber helps control blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugars. Along with these benefits, high-fiber diets also may help with weight loss, due to the fact that foods that are high in fiber and low in calories, like quinoa, fill you up without added calories.

It appears that if you had to choose one food to survive on, quinoa may be your best bet. This super-food contains just about everything a body needs - fiber, vitamins, minerals, healthy fat, carbohydrates, and protein. Add to that the fact that quinoa is low in calories, has zero cholesterol, zero sugars, and is low in sodium, and you've got the perfect food to add to your family's healthy diet.

How do you get more quinoa into your diet? You can do much more than substituting quinoa in dishes that call for rice or pasta. Rather, start by remembering that quinoa is a protein. With that in mind, think about quinoa like you do black beans, another vegetarian source of protein. Replace meat meals with quinoa meals on a regular basis to enjoy all the benefits of this super food. Go ahead and clear a spot in your pantry, because once you cook with quinoa, you'll be stocking up.

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Celery Is A Low Calorie Super Food - 10 Healthful Benefits Of Celery

A skinny green stalk of celery boasts a shopping cart full of benefits.

Celery is 95% water but packed in the remaining 5% are a miraculous collection of some of the most vital nutrients. It is all too often considered just a simple garnish in a Bloody Mary, but this fiber-filled wonder finds its place among some of the top candidates for weight loss and lowering high blood pressure.

10 Healthful Benefits of Celery

1. Loaded with fiber (cellulose), it works toward weight loss and fighting bad cholesterol. Adding a single stalk to your daily food intake will give you a tremendous boost toward your weight-loss goals. The plant hormones in this super food tend to calm your central nervous system, facilitating weight-loss efforts.

2. According to Chinese Medicine studies, it is a great source of active plant phthalides, which reduce the stress hormones and allow artery walls to relax-thus lowering high blood pressure

3. Celery is an alkaline food stuff, off-setting the acidic effects of eating too much meat. The human body is alkaline in nature and highly acidic blood is thought to cause considerable damage to many body functions.

4. The leaves of this plant contain a bounty of flavonoid antioxidants that include lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene. Unfortunately many grocers trim off the leaves so this benefit is lost. Antioxidants are needed for their cancer-fighting, immune system strengthening- qualities.

5. Some natural healing forms of medical treatments use the seeds of the plant for the treatment of the common cold, arthritis, spleen and liver ailments. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center celery seeds benefit good urine flow-a frequent problem among us senior citizens. Research is underway to examine the possibility that these seeds may also fight inflammation and also arthritis complications.

6. Celery... taken as a whole is one of the smart-carbohydrates as contrasted with potatoes. rice and other starchy foods.

7. The essential oils from this simple green stalk are used to combat nervousness and even some forms of gout and osteoarthritis.

8. The roots and seeds also augment breast milk secretion-certainly not a concern for us old folks.

9. This super food mixes with virtually any prepared dishes: from raw salads to cooked spaghetti sauce (one of my favorites). I love the added crunch.

10. Mix it in fresh fruit salads too. And it even provides a bounty of great nutrition when cooked.

In review... here's what you can expect from this super food:

· Vitamins A, K and C plus folate and potassium.

· The high fiber content helps to reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol

· The juice from the plant has been tested to lower blood pressure, when consumed on a regular basis

· Storage advice: keep celery refrigerated. When the stalks go limp, trim off a little of the bottom and let it soak in a glass of cool water.

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Eat Your Weeds! Forage In Your Yard For Edible Wild Plants

Every year we spend countless billions of dollars and hours of our time eradicating the healthiest foods on the planet.

We dowse these weeds with chemicals, shuddering at the thought of these invaders taking over our fields, pastures and gardens. Or, we handpick them from between our fragile domesticated crops and toss them in the trash, bypassing the compost bin, chicken yard and goat pen. [..]

Weeds are nutritionally superior to our domesticated crops and better acclimated to growing conditions, making them hardy and resilient. Our ancestors all over the world revered these plants for food and medicinal properties. Here are several edible wild plants-herbs-that you should learn how to identify so you can add these nutrient-dense foods to your diet. Be sure to use a field guide for plant identification.

• Dandelion (Taraxacum spp.)-high in iron, beta-carotene and potassium. The blossoms can be made into a wine or fritters. Dandelion roots, made into a tea or added to soups, relieve acne, eczema and water retention by strengthening the liver.

• Lamb's-quarters (Chenopodium album)-rich in iron, calcium, beta-carotene and vitamin C. Throughout history, lamb's-quarters were used as a nourishing food during times of famine and war. It is more nutritious than spinach and requires no care in the garden. It is also called goosefoot, because of the shape of the leaves. Can be eaten raw or cooked. The tea can relieve sunburns and headaches.


• Nettles (Urtica dioica)-high in iron, beta-carotene and vitamin C. Because of the stinging hairs on nettles, they should be cooked. Use them in soups and as steamed greens. Nettles are excellent for skin, hair and nails.

• Chicory (Cichorium intybus)-Chicory flowers are used to garnish salads, main dishes and cakes. Young leaves are picked before the plant flowers and added to salads. The root is sautéed as a vegetable or it is dried, roasted and brewed as a coffee. Make a poultice of the leaves for inflamed skin.


• Chickweed (Stellaria media)-high in vitamin C. Traditionally, chickweed was given to frail people to strengthen them. Add the leaves, flowers and stems to soups, salads and stir-fry dishes. Chickweed is also made into a salve for skin disorders for everything from diaper rash to psoriasis.

• Knotweed (Polygonum aviculare, P. erectum)-high in silica. Used to strengthen the connective tissue in the lungs and as a remedy for swollen arthritic joints. Steam the young tender stems and add to stews or quiches. Add the seeds with your other grains to make gruel and breads. Always cook knotweed, eating it raw can cause intestinal discomfort.


• Common Mallow (Malva neglecta)-rich in beta-carotene. The leaves are soothing and anti-inflammatory. Can be eaten raw or cooked, and is used to thicken soups. Made into a tea or syrup, it relieves sore throats, coughs and ulcers. Make a poultice from the fresh shredded leaves and water for skin rashes, burns and insect bites. Garnish your salads with the delicate pink and white flowers.

• Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)-high in omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, and vitamin C. Purslane strengthens your immune system, liver and heart. An excellent cooling herb, add to cold soups like gazpacho. If you are pregnant or have digestive problems, avoid purslane.


• Violet (Viola spp)-rich in vitamin C. Who can resist the beautiful heart-shaped leaves of violet? Or a springtime dessert made from the crystallized purple, lavender, yellow or white flowers? Violet tea is used for bronchitis, coughs and fevers. Make violet honey and take as a remedy for heartache.

• Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus)-Young leaves are high in oxalic acid which inhibits calcium absorption, so eat in moderation and cook in 2 changes of water. Grind the seeds into a nutrient-dense meal and add to breads. It is recommended to remove the astringent papery flanges from the seeds before using. Do this by rubbing the seeds between your hands. Pour them into a clean container, tilt it slightly and sweep the seeds with a playing card, keeping the chaff near the top and letting the seeds roll to the bottom. Make a poultice of the fresh leaves for skin rashes and nettle stings. The root is astringent and antiseptic and used for acne, jaundice and constipation.

Whenever harvesting your edible weeds, be sure to collect them from areas that haven't been sprayed. Allow them to grow in your garden and collect them as you harvest your plants and combine them into nutrient packed meals for your family.

Read several books on identifying plants and talk to your county extension agent on identifying plants in your area if you are not sure how to identify them.

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