Hey, my friend! Let's dive into a topic that might make you rethink your herb and spice game. We're talking about food irradiation, specifically when it comes to those beloved flavor enhancers we use every day.

Picture this: our lovely herbs and spices, subjected to radiation like they're auditioning for a sci-fi movie. Yep, that's food irradiation for you. It's meant to zap away bacteria and extend shelf life, but here's the kicker—it messes with the natural goodness of our seasonings by changing the DNA.

When herbs and spices go through this radiation process, their chemistry takes a wild ride. Nutritional content? Altered. Chemical makeup? Changed. It's like they got a funky makeover, but definitely not in a good way. And as if that weren't enough, these changes can lead to the formation of "free radicals," those troublemakers that wreak havoc on our cells and potentially contribute to health issues over time.

But fear not, my friend! We have options. We can give irradiated...

Hey there! The warmer weather that's coming (and some days, is already here) can make a girl want to cool down, and one great way to do that is with mint.

So, let's talk about mint (both spearmint or peppermint)– that cool and refreshing herb that adds a burst of flavor to your dishes and leaves your taste buds tingling with delight. But hold on tight, because mint is not just a pretty face in the herb garden. It's a powerhouse of health benefits that will leave you mint-conditioned and ready to conquer the world. Today, I want to spill the beans on the amazing perks of mint and share a lip-smacking vegan recipe that will have you screaming, "Mint to be!" Let's dive in!

First things first, mint is like a breath of fresh air for your body. It's packed with essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like iron and manganese. It's like a little vitamin bomb that goes kaboom in your system, keeping you fueled and fabulous.

But wait, there's more! Mint is a...

Well hey there! Yesterday, i was going through my herb garden outside and picking some fresh basil to make pesto, when I caught a whiff of my cilantro plant. I looked over at my cilantro and kind of felt bad, like a mom who has neglected her child or something! I mean, I take care of my herbs, but I haven't given cilantro much attention (on the dinner table, that is) lately.

So let's talk about cilantro – that vibrant herb with its zesty flavor and leafy goodness. But hold on, cilantro is not just a mere leafy garnish. It's got some serious nutritional mojo going on. Today, I want to spill the beans on the amazing health benefits of cilantro and share a recipe that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. Buckle up!

So, first things first, cilantro is a nutritional powerhouse. It's like a vitamin-packed superhero ready to save the day. It's loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese. Talk about a nutrient party in your mouth!

And the...

Hey there, my friend! Let's talk about basil – that awesome herb with its vibrant green leaves and an aroma that can make your taste buds dance. But you know what? Basil is more than just a flavorful addition to your meals. It's been cherished for centuries for its culinary and medicinal properties. Today, I want to share with you the incredible health benefits of basil and a mouthwatering dairy-free basil recipe. Let's dive in!

First things first, basil is a nutritional powerhouse. It's loaded with essential nutrients like vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health. Plus, it packs a punch of vitamins A, C, manganese, and other minerals that keep our bodies running smoothly.

Now, here's where it gets exciting – basil is armed with powerful antioxidant properties. It's got these fantastic compounds called flavonoids and volatile oils that go superhero mode against harmful free radicals. By fighting off those free radicals, basil can potentially lower...

No, I'm not talking about some pharmaceutical concoction in the form of a pill. I'm talking about something more cost effective and actually tastes good, too! Yes, the image gave it away - red bell peppers! But, why? 

Red bell peppers are rich in nutritional components, actually. Let's take a look at some: 

1. Vitamin C: Red bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune function, collagen synthesis, and antioxidant protection.

2. Vitamin A: They contain vitamin A, mainly in the form of beta-carotene, which promotes healthy vision, supports immune function, and contributes to skin health.

3. Vitamin B6: Red bell peppers provide vitamin B6, which plays a role in brain development, red blood cell production, and hormone regulation.

4. Vitamin K1: They contain vitamin K1, which is important for blood clotting and bone health.

5. Folate: Red bell peppers are a good source of folate, a B-vitamin that is crucial for DNA synthesis, red blood cell...

Have you ever had a long day of never-ending meetings, where your stomach is growling embarrassingly loud, but you have another couple of hours before you have time to grab a bit to eat? If you haven’t, lucky you! I’ve had far too many, and I’ve learned to find ways to carry along some easily transportable snacks to keep me going, when I need it.

Nuts are a simple, nutritious, and easily transportable snack that also work really well for anyone following a keto diet. Below, I’ve listed out several different types of nuts, and highlighted some of their associated health benefits. Have a nut allergy? Then stay tuned for next week, when I share information on seeds, which make an excellent substitute for nuts!

•  Hazelnuts: Hazelnuts are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They are also a good source of micronutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. Hazelnuts are particularly high in vitamin E, providing about 37% of the daily...

New year, new you? No? Me either! Actually, I don’t do new year’s resolutions because they are temporary, and unless they are aligned to my greater goals, what’s the point? I do goal planning annually, and review the actions I need to take regularly to achieve them. One of the things I set my sites on long ago was to improve my health. Not the fitness kind of health (although, that’s part of a it), but the nutritional side.

If you know my story, I had a lot of healing to do. To boost my nutritional intake to give my body what it needed so that it could  perform its healing magic, I started juicing. I bought my first juicer, and started experimenting. I was fortunate to have my family members willing to try out my juicing concoctions, too, and we’d rate how we did or did not like each recipe, and then adjust it accordingly.

In fact, our favorite is this green juice (surprised?)! Never, ever, did I think this would be “a thing” for me,...

Legumes, otherwise known as beans (used interchangeably here), are a type of plant food that is high in protein and fiber. Because of this, a lot of vegetarians and vegans are intentional about making legumes an important part of their diet, but meat-lovers could greatly benefit from them, too! I’m going to walk you through some of the amazing health benefits that beans have to offer, and then I’ll share a delicious creamy bean soup recipe for you to have a healthful and tasty way to immediately give beans a try!

There are only three nutrients that the body needs in relatively large amounts. These are called macronutrients, and they include proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. As mentioned, beans are great in the protein department, so I’ve included some of the important roles protein plays in the body:

1.  Building and repairing tissues: Protein is an important building block for the body's cells, tissues, and organs. It is necessary for the repair and...

Ginger is a popular spice that has been used for centuries for its unique flavor and health benefits. Some of the health benefits of ginger include:

1. May reduce muscle pain and soreness: Some research has suggested that ginger may help reduce muscle pain and soreness, particularly after exercise.
   
2. May reduce inflammation: Ginger contains compounds with anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce inflammation in the body.
   
3. May lower blood sugar levels: Some studies have found that ginger may help lower blood sugar levels and may be beneficial for people with diabetes.
   
4. May reduce menstrual pain: Ginger has been used traditionally to help reduce menstrual pain and cramping. Some studies have suggested that it may be effective for this purpose.
   
5. May lower cholesterol levels: Some research has found that ginger may help lower total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels, which may improve heart health.
6. May improve brain function: Some research has suggested that ginger may have a...

Do you ever just get tired, and not feel like cooking for dinner? Busy momma's, I know you're out there! I love making big batches of soup so that I can have leftovers for those days I just don't feel like cooking after a long day of work! Enter.... Black Bean Chili recipe! It's the dinner recipe you didn't know you needed, but now you want, right? Let's assemble the ingredients, shall we?

• 1 Tbsp Avocado Oil
• 1 Yellow Onion
• 1 Jalepeno Pepper (optional: seeds removed and finely chopped)
• 4 Garlic cloves
• 3 Tbsp Taco Seasoning
• 2 Tsp cacao powder (or substitute cocoa powder)
• 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste
• 4 Cups Black Beans (cooked)
• 1 1/2 cups Fire Roasted Tomatoes
• 2 cups Vegetable broth
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

1. Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the onions and jalapeno and cook for about five minutes or until the onion begins to soften. Stir in the garlic, taco seasoning, and cocoa powder, and cook for another minute

2. Add the tomato paste and black beans and...