Healing Your Body With Kombucha

About 4 years ago at the beginning stage of my cocoon experience a Natural Doctor gave me my first bottle of Kombucha. He said it would help heal my sick blood. Afterwards I began to purchase it at the health food store. It took a minute to get adjusted to the pungent favor, but now I love the taste, Ginger is my favorite favor. I like how it makes me feel. Kombucha gives you a natural buzz and the sparkling fizz is very refreshing.

The Kombucha Culture, sometimes mistakenly referred to as a mushroom, is a living, symbiotic, probiotic colony of yeast and bacteria (the friendly type. This superfood beverage contains dozens of health promoting elements. The numerous improvements in overall health may include: increased energy, sharpened eyesight, tightened & toned skin, eczema & psoriasis relief, reduced menstrual cramps, better sleep, easier digestion, controlled candida overgrowth, normalized blood pressure, easier post work-out recovery, reduced acid reflux & joint pain, a feeling of calm, increased sex drive, helps to prevent bladder infections, healthier hair, detoxifying the body and shrinking boils.

Aside from it’s many health benefits, Kombucha is an inexpensive way to help to re-colonize Bifid bacterium in the colon where they produce both acetic and lactic acids. This helps normalize intestinal flora and restricts or prohibits the growth of putrefactive bacteria and potential pathogens such as Candida Albicans. The balance of intestinal flora is affected by many factors: age, sex, diet, stress, exogenous microorganisms, surgeries, immune disorders, antibiotic therapy, and upper GI disorders. Though you can purchase ready to drink Kombucha Tea by the bottle at the health food store in several refreshing flavors, a cost effective alternative is to make it yourself. Simply combine the Kombucha culture, with a mixture of black tea, and sugar. The ingredients must be allowed to "ferment", usually for 10 days. If you’d like to join the millions of people who use Kombucha daily, as a refreshing beverage and a useful health care supplement purchase a starter kit at http://kombubha.org. The 2 cultures included in your kit will reproduce on and on for you.
Please leave me your comments, I love hearing from you.

Blessings and Much Love,
Carmen

Super Healthy Sugar Alternatives (STEVIA)

Have you discovered that sugar is poison yet? If not it's time to wise up. I won't take the time to explain all the reasons why it is right now, because I have so much to say about Stevia Rebaudiana, the “sweet leaf” from Paraguay.

Stevia is the healthiest alternative to sugar and the perfect artificial sweetener replacement. For hundreds of years the Native American Indians of Paraguay have been sweetening their mate-tea with stevia, and use the leaves of this plant (similar to the peppermint) as a healing herb for diabetes, high blood pressure, and skin problems. They named stevia “the sweet bliss,” because it also harmonizes the emotions, and is great for the mood. The stevia leave is already 10 to 20 times as sweet as sugar, however in powder form it is 300 times sweeter than sugar. I find it best to use 1 part stevia to 1 part agave in drinks until you have acquired the somewhat bitter taste. Stevia powders can also be used with agave to replace sugar in recipes. As amazing as it is, stevia has zero calories, zero carbohydrates, zero glycemic index and zero side affects. Making it the perfect alternative to sugar and sweeteners for everyone including people who are watching their weight.

HEALTH BENNIES: Stevia has many health advantages and even healing effects! It is still used today in South America, not only in teas and recipes, but also prescribed and administered as a tonic, to improve digestion, harmonize blood pressure, overcome fatigue and tiredness, loose weight, get rid of fungus, and normalize the blood sugar levels of diabetics. Stevia also represents a healthy and side effect free sweetener for diabetics, and is known in Brazil as a healing food for this disease. Clinical studies have shown that stevia is able to improve the glucose tolerance and lower blood sugar levels. Diabetics already notice more energy and enthusiasm with half a teaspoon of stevia per day. Stevia is also recommended in candida cases, because it does not feed the fungus like other sweeteners do, and has instead an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effect, which helps control the growth of the fungus. Stevia helps teeth problems, and is traditionally used in South America against bleeding gum, cavities, and inflamed gums. Modern scientists have acknowledged the anti-bacterial properties of stevia, which are probably related to its high vitamin C and chlorophyll content, and its ability to slow down the growth of undesired bacteria in the mouth. Someone suffering from cavities or other teeth problems could snack on stevia leaves, chewing them between the meals.
Because it is quite easy to propagate we can grow stevia plants on windowsills, balconies, in gardens, and always have a few leaves to chew on when a sugar craving overcomes us.

SKIN, HAIR & BEAUTY: Stevia is also used to keep the skin and hair young and beautiful. It is traditionally used in South America to heal wounds, treat eczema, acne, dandruff, and other skin conditions. Apparently, the enzymes and chlorophyll are responsible for this healing effect on the skin. There are many ways we can use stevia is also a beauty herb. It is said to be effective against hair problems such as dandruff, falling hair, gray hair, and dull hair. Add some green stevia powder to the shampoo during the last washing and let it soak in a little. Another hair treatment is two tablespoons of olive oil mixed with two tablespoons of green stevia powder. Let it sit in your moist hair for one hour, cover your head with a towel, and thereafter wash thoroughly with a mild shampoo.
Due to the control of artificial sweeteners companies, stevia products have been banned from most European countries (isn't the scary?). In Canada and America, stevia powder and extracts can just recently be found in some supermarkets. They are usually sold as “nutritional supplements.” Your local health food store will be your best bet. Of couse you can always shop online.
1. Whole, dried leaves. I have not been able to find them at the health food store, but I have seen some online businesses that sell them. The alternative would be to grow stevia plants yourself.
2. Green powder. A powder made out of the dried leaves of stevia. Not too refined and can be used in recipes, nut milks, salad dressings, etc. It has a strong sweet taste and a licorice after taste. Great.
3. White powder. A very refined product, though the most popular form of stevia because it looks and works so much like sugar. It contains only the compound steviosid which makes stevia sweet. It does have a bit of an after-taste that you will some get use to. Stevia power can be used in herbal teas, raw lemonades, or any hot drinks. I use "NOW" French Vanilla Stevia Extract Packets for baking (with agave), and in my green smoothies.
4. Liquid stevia extract. A few drops are enough to sweeten a cup of tea. Can be carried along. I use "NOW" French Vanilla Stevia Extract.

PLEASE LEAVE COMMENTS, AND QUESTIONS!!!
With Love,
Carmen

True Superfoods Part V (Final)

Sea Vegetables – Sea vegetables, better known as seaweeds, are powerful gifts from nature. Some of the most popular include nori, hijiki, arame, kelp or kombu, dulse, and wakame. Abundant in minerals such as iodine, iron, trace elements and Vitamins B1, B2, B12, K. Traditional Asian Medicine has long valued the use of sea vegetables to treat a variety of illnesses. Each are a vegetable source of protein and are beneficial for a variety of functions including skeletal health, regular heart beat, blood pressure, nerve health, thyroid, and metabolism. Sea vegetables contain alginic acid, a powerful detoxifier that removes heavy metals and radioactive elements from the body.

Spirulina – An algae that grows in warm climates. Spirulina is a complete protein with anti-cancer and anti-viral properties. Fights against allergic reactions and is a natural histamine blocker. 62% of it contents are amino acids. Has as much iron as beef and is rich in minerals vitamin E.

Wheatgrass Juice – This superfood contains the entire range of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and nutrients that your body requires. Whereas the more popular form of wheat consumed by millions is found in processed, lifeless, enzyme-less breads, bagels, donuts, pizza, cakes and cookies. Though we are habitually drawn to these foods they are totally void of health-giving properties and play a major role in the sickness of this country. Although doctors, dietitians, and scientists have known of the miraculous benefits of wheatgrass and chlorophyll for sometime, they for some reason have chosen to keep it to themselves. Drinking wheatgrass juice will strengthen the immune system to fight deadly microbes and cures radiation sickness. It works wonders for curing acne, eczema and psoriasis, and can even removes scars after it has been ingested for seven to eight months. Helps prevent tooth decay and can relieve toothaches when held in the mouth for 5 minutes. Wheatgrass enemas are great for healing and detoxifying the colon walls while healing and cleanse the internal organs. After an enema, wait 20 minutes, then implant 4 ounces of wheatgrass juice and retain for 20 minutes. Like all other sprouts and seeds, wheat berries were created by God as a way to release the life force and innate healing power hidden within us. It only takes minutes to digest wheatgrass juice and uses up very little body energy. When we release their energy into our body it regenerates into the strong, beautiful and healthy temples God originally created. It takes only 10 to 14 days to grow grass.

Isn't this stuff awesome? This is my offering of some of many lifesaving, healing, and rejuvenating super nutritious food available to us here and now. Be proactive, take advantage of this knowledge and join the ranks of the superbeings of this world.

Don't forget to leave a comment, or any question you may have for me here. To participant in my upcoming Weekly Give-Aways JOIN MY BLOG below right.

Live well,
Love Carmen

True Superfoods Pt. IV

Kombucha "Tea" - The Kombucha Culture, sometimes mistakenly referred to as a mushroom, is a symbiotic, probiotic colony of yeast and bacteria (the friendly type). This superfood beverage contains dozens of health promoting elements. The numerous improvements in overall health may include: increased energy, sharpened eyesight, tightened & toned skin, eczema & psoriasis relief, reduced menstrual cramps, better sleep, easier digestion, controlled candida overgrowth, normalized blood pressure, easier post work-out recovery, reduced acid reflux & joint pain, a feeling of calm, increased sex drive, helping to prevent bladder infections, healthier hair, detoxifying the body and shrinking boils. Aside from it’s many health benefits, Kombucha is an inexpensive way to help to re-colonize Bifid bacterium in the colon where they produce both acetic and lactic acids. This helps normalize intestinal flora and restricts or prohibits the growth of putrefactive bacteria and potential pathogens such as Candida Albicans. The balance of intestinal flora is affected by many factors: age, sex, diet, stress, exogenous microorganisms, surgeries, immune disorders, antibiotic therapy, and upper GI disorders. You can purchase ready to drink Kombucha Tea by the bottle at the health food store in several refreshing flavors. A cost effective alternative is to make it yourself by combining the Kombucha culture, with a mixture of black tea, and sugar. The ingredients are allowed to "ferment", usually for 10 days. If you’d like to join the millions of people who use Kombucha daily, as a refreshing beverage and a useful health care supplement purchase a starter kit at www.kombubha.org. The 2 cultures included in your kit will reproduce on and on for you.

He Shou Wu - He Shou Wu is a Chinese herb that has been called Mother Nature’s Ecstasy. A liver protector, memory and mood enhancer.
Maca Raw organic maca is a Peruvian ancient superfood with amazing nutritional and therapeutic value. It's a great way to re-mineralize your body while giving it a super vitamin boost. Enhances energy, and is a natural hormone rejuvenator, known to strengthen sex drive. Helps one to deal better in stressful situations. Add to energy bars, shakes and raw deserts.

Mesquite - Raw organic Mesquite pod meal is a super nutritious sweetener and favor enhancer for sweet and savory raw food dishes and other culinary creations. Mesquite has high amounts of dietary fiber; and notable quantities of protein, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, lysine and zinc. It’s easy to see why this Native American staple is a modern-day superfood. This sweet powder has a delightful maltiness that comes from its molasses-like taste with a hint of caramel. Replace a potion of your flour in baking and raw crackers for added soluble fiber and protein. Increase the nutritional content in treats such as chocolate, raw pies and cakes as well as creamy concoctions such as ice creams and shakes.

Please leave a comment, or any question you may have for me here. To participant in my new Weekly Give-Aways join in below right.

Stay Blessed,
Love Carmen

True Superfoods Part III

Green Food Powder - Chlorophyll is what makes plants green, it is the basis of all plant life. The chlorophyll in plants is almost identical to the hemoglobin molecule in our blood. Chlorophyll is anti-bacterial and arrest growth and development of unfriendly bacteria. Green foods are good for rebuilding our blood. In fact, it may sound crazy but we can actually receive a blood transfusion from green plant based foods (now don't try this at home kids). Green foods are rich in calcium, iron, oxygen, magnesium and a variety of amino acids. Purchase a Green Food Powder that is organic. I will be adding mine to green smoothies everyday (as soon as my Montel Williams super juicing machine thing finally comes). www.AlisaCohen.com has a 100% organic superfood powder that include Spirulina, Chlorella, Barley Grass Juice, Wheat Grass Juice, Icelandic Kelp & Nova Scotia Dulse, Probiotics, Enzymes and much more.

Quinoa – Found in Peru, quinoa was called the mother of all grains by the Incas. A complete protein. I eat it as a hot cereal, and as a rice and couscous replacement. Quinoa was one of three staple foods including corn and potatoes of the Inca civilization. Contains more calcium than milk and has 8 essential fatty acids. This high protein complex helps carbs breakdown slowly helping to keep blood sugar levels steady.

Hemp Protein Powder - A gluten free vegan protein highly digestible form for protein. The human body needs a constant supply to repair and build living tissue. It is a must for the production of hormones, blood hemoglobin, antibodies and new muscle tissue. In order to maintain existing cells one must replace lost protein. To gain new tissue you must consume more protein than what was lost. Adding 2 servings of protein powder to your diet daily improves digestive function, benefits the immune system, athletic performance, blood pressure, reduces liver damage and balances weight.

Blue/Green Algae – This sea vegetable that is higher in protein than any other food. It is 10 times higher than any animal product. Add to your green smoothies as well.

Flaxseeds – I love flaxseeds. They are very high in soluble fiber and healthy fats. Flaxseeds contain 25,00 mil of omega 3 fatty acids and 650 mil of omega 6 fatty acids. Flaxseeds are excellent for lowering cholesterol levels, as well as reducing high blood pressure and inflammation. Helps lower the risk of heart disease. The high amounts of vitamin E helps to keep the body lubricated. Whole flaxseed has a coating of fiber on the outside that is indigestible therefore soaking the seeds or grinding dry seeds in a coffee grinder or high-speed blender is required. Flaxseeds are low in calories and can be used as a nutritious, low fat replacement in baking. 3 Teaspoons of ground flaxseed will replace 1 tablespoon of butter or any fat in a recipe. 2 tablespoons of ground flax combined with 3 tablespoons of water will replace 1 egg. I like to just throw them into my raw and baked cookie dough for extra crunch and nutrition.

Goji Berry Juice* - This superfood is said to be quite possibly the most nutritionally dense food on earth. It has 10 times the antioxidants of blueberries. Drinking the juice daily is said to… help normalize blood pressure, support kidney & liver function, boost energy & stamina, alleviate anxiety & stress, prevent cancer, build healthy blood, muscles & bones, fight inflammation, improve memory & vision and strengthen the heart. Use the berries in homemade trail mixes and smoothies, but most importantly drink 2 to 4 ounces of juice daily. Though you will most likely notice a positive effect within days, it takes about six months of use it the juice to rebuild the body’s 10 trillion cells.Goji Gold Organic at Puritian.com is priced well and most importantly is organic. *Dried goji berries sold in health food stores are an awesome vitamin packed superfood that can be added to anything including homemade trail mixes.
[Much More To Come]

Please leave a comment, or any question you may have for me here. To participant in my new Weekly Give-Aways join in below right.

Blissful Blessings,
Love Carmen

True Superfoods Part II

Acai Berry Juice - Stops inflammation naturally. Acai is extremely high in essential fatty acids, vitamin E, C and antioxdiants. It’s almost a complete protein. A natural energy booster. Helps to control cholesterol.

Buckwheat - While many people think of buckwheat as a cereal grain, it is actually a fruit seed related to rhubarb and sorrel. Buckwheat is a suitable substitute for people who are sensitive to wheat or other grains that contain protein glutens. Its whole raw kernels are called groats. When roasted the grouts become what’s known as Kasha. Buckwheat contains high levels of antioxidants and almost 86 milligrams of magnesium in a one-cup serving. Magnesium relaxes blood vessels, improving blood flow and nutrient delivery while lowering blood pressure. In addition, because buckwheat is a good source of magnesium, it is also important to note that women who ate the most foods high in magnesium had a 24 percent lower risk of diabetes compared to women who ate the least. Buckwheat only contains healthy fats and lots of fiber making it great for lowering cholesterol supporting a healthy cardiovascular system and a healthy colon. Buckwheat groats has also been found to significantly lowered blood glucose and insulin responses. Eating a serving of whole grains, such as buckwheat, at least 6 times each week is an especially good idea for postmenopausal women with high cholesterol, high blood pressure or other signs of cardiovascular disease. Buckwheat can replace barley in soups, added to cake, cookie & pancakes recipes, can be served as an alternative to rice or made into porridge (a hot cereal). Buckwheat can be soaked and sprouted for living bread and is also ground into flour, available in either light or dark forms, with the darker variety being more nutritious. Buckwheat pasta is a delicious, gluten-free alternative to wheat pasta.

Cacao – (Raw Chocolate) Known as natures’ bliss. Yes this chocolate is really good for you. Because it’s has not been over processed and loaded with sugar and other toxic ingredients, cacao has over 1,200 active chemicals that make you feel good. Use the unsweetened power and bars in baking, healthy cocoas and smoothies.

Please leave a comment, or any question you may have for me here. To participant in my new Weekly Give-Aways join in below right.

Blissful Blessings,
Love Carmen

True Superfoods Pt I

As you may know I have been gone for awhile. Sometimes you just have to put blinders on and focus on that one thing that must be done. For me that one thing has been creating my new Wellness and Lifestyle Coaching Program. I've spent months doing much reseach, while following God's instructions for my ministry. I'm very excited to share with you this powerful post on True Superfoods, it is one of many to follow that will cover some of my amazing findings.

What you are about to read is information that will change your life forever. The government is not going to tell you the truth about superfoods, because if enough people began eating them the western medical arena would lose billions of dollars.

The human body engine thrives on fuel that supports its inherent ability to regenerate. You must eat an above average amount of organically grown, nutritionally dense food to build and repair your mind and body. The fastest way to get to health, and wellness is by eating a diet chockfull of superfoods. True superfoods are nature’s high-octane mind and body fuel. Many superfoods are ancient foods found in some of the most remote regions around the world. They have been treasured by the natives for their nutritional density and their life sustaining properties. True superfoods feed, nourish and heal the living body organism on a cellular level unlike any other foods or drugs, because of their high vibration. They carry information that God placed in them that alter our body chemistry, making us super-beings.

Americans have over taxed their body systems by eating far more food than they should. However, even with all of that eating, the reality is we as a nation are staving for nutrition. The problem is too much quantity and not enough quality. Raw organic superfoods have an abundance of all the vitamins, minerals, proteins, probiotic bacteria and enzymes our bodies need to heal, rebuild and soar.

True superfoods may appear to cost more initially but because they are so nutrient dense they allow you to eat mush less. In addition they are God’s natural alternative to costly vitamin and mineral supplements. A diet rich in superfoods is our best health insurance. We must flood our bodies with raw, organic superfoods to become the super-beings God created us to be. A super-being has a much easier time operating in the supernatural realm. They hear, see, touch and taste on a more intensified level. They remember more, do more, enjoy more and live more. Super-beings are healthy, sexy and strong. They glow with the light of divine love. Super-beings are happy, loving, giving and fearless. They use their God giving super powers to do what they were “called” to do and they do it for the good of all.

Please leave a comment or any question you may have for me. Oh yes, I'm going to begin weekly Give-Aways on this Blog and on Twitter so be sure to 'Follow'.

Blissful Blessings,
Love Carmen