Need an ingredient change or addition to your juice routine? Getting tired of the same flavors? Not reaping the benefits of multiple superfoods in your juice? Here are 5 nutritious ingredients that will give your juice a boost!Click here for SET 2 JUICE BOOSTERS! Or our new SET 3 – SMOOTHIE BOOSTERS
Juice Boost Ingredient #1 > Just Add Kale
Leafy greens have amazing health benefits but there is one leafy green that outshines the rest. You’ve guessed it…. KALE is the #1 superfood when it comes to greens as it contains zero fat, is low in calories and high in fiber. In addition, kale is extremely high in iron, Vitamins A, C and K, calcium and powerful antioxidants. These vitamins and minerals give kale the edge when it comes to anti-inflammatory foods. Not only that, but this juice booster also gives you cardiovascular support and is a great detox superfood as well.
Juice Booster #2 > Just Add Chia Seeds
Many people have heard of chia seeds, but not many people add it to their morning smoothie or juice. We recommend adding chia seeds as a juice booster to start your morning off on the right foot. Just a tablespoon of chia seeds will do the trick. Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory agents. It’s fiber cleans out our digestive tract too. Chia seeds as a juice boost also features amazing amounts of phosphorous, calcium, magnesium and manganese in addition to being a gluten free addition to your morning smoothie.
Juice Boost Ingredient #3 > Just Add Blueberries
Wild blueberries will give you a boost in essential anthocyanins, vitamin A, C, E & B complex in addition to several minerals that will boost your immunity and prevent infections. The high concentration of antioxidants will combat free radicals and lower your risk of heart disease through cardiovascular support. In addition, the blueberry juice booster will also help prevent cancers, improve brain function and aid in your urinary and digestive systems. Now this is a great juice boost for any morning juice or smoothie!
Juice Booster #4 > Just Add Spirulina
Not your average juice booster, spirulina is a cyanobacteria (algae) that is rich in health benefits. Incredibly high in protein and nutrients, spirulina is extremely rich in iron, B-12 content, gamma linolenic acid (GLA), omega-3 fatty acids, natural chlorophyll, potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, selenium, sodium and zinc just to name a few. As a juice boost spirulina will also give you great amounts of Vitamin B-1 (thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3 (nicotinamide), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-9 (folic acid), C, D, A and E! Not only that, but a spirulina juice boost will also help in preventing allergies and fat burning.
Juice Boost Ingredient #5 > Just Add Cacao
By using raw cacao powder or cacao nibs as a juice boost, you will be adding a healthy supply of potassium, calcium, Vitamin C, iron and copper into your daily diet. Also rich in magnesium and iron, cacao provides healthy doses of antioxidants to fight free radicals in addition to Vitamin E, copper and magnesium that help heart function. Cacao also balances serotonin levels which contribute to feelings of happiness and contentment.
Just Add Good Stuff recommends adding some or all of the above juice boost ingredients into your daily smoothie or juice. Please consult with a health professional to make sure you are not allergic to any of these juice boosters. The 5 juice boost ingredients recommended in this article are: kale, chia seeds, blueberries, spirulina and cacao.
The Just Add Good StuffINFOGRAPHIC SERIES continues with our Goji Berry Infographic. The original infographics (or infograms) that we are designing provide you with interesting facts and things about the best fruits, whole foods and vegetables in addition to general health details. From weird and wacky facts to nutrition information per serving, these infographics is a starting point to help you kick start a more happy and healthy lifestyle. We hope you enjoy them!
PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!
Just Add Goji Berries! Goji berries (or goji berry) have been used in Asian herbal medicine for over 5,000 years. The goji berry is one of the most nutrient rich foods in the world. It is a vegetarian form of protein and is packed with essential amino acids, vitamins A, C, B2 and E. They also contain over 20 trace minerals and beta-carotene. Goji berries are ‘superfoods’. Here is our Goji Berry Infographic that outlines the Top 10 health benefits of goji berry, goji nutrition information, goji berry recipes and some interesting facts about goji berries in general. Here is the Just Add Good Stuff Goji Berries Infographic:
TOP 10 Health Benefits of Goji Berries as described in the Just Add Good Stuff Goji Berry Infographic:
rich in antioxidants that boosts our immune system
goji berry helps fight free radicals that contribute to cancer & ageing
high in beta-carotene improving vision & prevents cataracts
goji berries provides our body with vitamins B1, B2, B6 and E
contains another 22 minerals and 11 amino acids
goji berry is used to treat cancers, skin disease and inflammation
prevents and fights both fatigue and tiredness
goji berries are high in natural plant based protein and iron
stimulates release of human growth hormone (anti-aging)
goji berry reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Goji Berry Nutrition Facts as described on our Goji Berries Infographic
Serving Size = 1 oz (28 g)
Calories = 100
Calories from Fat = 0
Total Fat = 0 g
Cholesterol = 0 mg
Sodium = 75 mg
Potassium = 0 mg
Total Carbohydrate = 21 g
Dietary Fiber =3 g
Sugars = 13 g
Protein = 4 g
Vitamin A = 140% RDI
Vitamin C = 20% RDI
Calcium = 4% RDI
Iron = 10% RDI
Healthy Goji Berry Recipes on our Goji Berries Infographic
Things You May Not Know About Goji Berries as described on our Goji Berry Infographic
Goji berries are rich in zeaxanthin, and have been known to prevent the loss of eyesight in people over the age of 65
They enhance fertility and improve sexual function, particularly in men
Goji berries are used to relieve headaches and insomnia
Contains 13% more protein than whole meat
Make a great snack and come dried, powdered and in liquid extract
Also contains more iron than spinach
Chinese Journal of Oncology concluded that they help fight cancer
Goji berries come from China, Tibet and Mongolia
Increasingly popular in weight loss clean eating diet & lifestyles
The Just Add Good Stuffgoji berry infographic (we also call it our goji infograph) talks about general goji berry facts and nutrient information. For more details about the health benefits and nutritional information, please contact us and we will find out more from licensed dieticians and medical science professionals. It is our goal to provide the best information possible and to help inspire you to become more healthy through diet, nutrition and fitness. The goji berries infographic will be updated whenever necessary, as studies and clinical research provides us with more insight into the health benefits of wheat grass which would affect our Top 10 goji berry health benefits. In addition, we constantly experiment with uses of goji (fresh and dried) in various dishes, so our recipes will also reflect that. Lastly, if we find any more interesting facts and figures about these berries in general, we will also update the ‘Did You Know?’ section of our Just Add Good Stuff Goji Infographic.
The information on this infographic is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to nor should it be a substitute for advice, consultation or visits to your health care provider. ‘Nutrition Facts’ provided by FatSecret.com and verified by Just Add Good Stuff.
Looking to impress your friends and family with a healthy raw dessert? Are you vegan and want to learn more about nutritious dessert possibilities? Here is our first raw dessert ball recipe that is completely organic, raw, unprocessed and delicious! Welcome to clean eating at its best!
When it comes to dessert, it’s tough to find recipes that don’t contain a high level of refined sugars, processed ingredients, gluten and other foods detrimental to our health and well-being. However, our Just Add Good Stuff raw mango coconut dessert ball recipe is a dish that is completely vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar free. This nutritious and addictive treat is great for dinner parties and also serves as a healthy snack for kids. The raw mango coconut dessert ball recipe is easy to follow and quick to prepare. Plus, there’s no cooking involved, so all of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other good stuff stay 100% intact! Below is the recipe and preparation details for our Mango Coconut Dessert Balls.
Here are the ingredients for the Raw Mango Coconut Dessert Ball Recipe:
1½ cup of shredded coconut (organic, dried and unsulfured)
1 cupmango (organic, dried and unsulfured… approximately 100 grams)
1/8 cupagave syrup or maple syrup (works as binding agent, can be substituted using flax/water)
2-3 tbspcoconut oil (raw and virgin)
1-2 tsplemon zest (organic)
3 tbspmango nectar (pure, organic and no added sugar)
¼ cup of shredded coconut (for rolling, optional)
Here are the preparation directions for our Gluten Free, Vegan Dessert Ball Recipe:
Step 1: Plug in your food processor Step 2: Place all ingredients (except for shredded coconut used for rolling) into food processor Step 3: Process until it becomes a sticky wet dough Step 4: Form into balls and roll in remaining shredded coconut (or lay the entire mixture into a baking pan and sprinkle the remaining shredded coconut on top) Step 5: Place into fridge for at least 2 hours (or the freezer for 30 minutes) Step 6: Enjoy and Share with friends
* Leave the mango coconut dessert balls in the fridge if not eaten straight away. You can leave the dessert balls refrigerated for at least 5 days. Or you can put them in the freezer to keep them longer. Thaw at room temperature before serving if this is the case.
About Mike’s Raw Balls
Mike’s Raw Balls TM are raw dessert balls made from real, natural, organic, non-GMO and nutritious ingredients. Just Add Good Stuff endorses Mike’s Raw Balls TM as a healthy alternative to processed snacks and desserts. Containing only natural and non-modified ingredients, many of Mike’s Raw Balls TM contain a great balance of whole foods (nuts and seeds) in combination with unsulfured and unsweetened fruits (both fresh and dried). Other additions to Mike’s Raw Balls TM include superfoods like chia seeds, hemp seeds, spirulina, chaga, goji berries, maca powder and raw cacao nibs. Mike’s Raw Balls are certified organic and GMO-free. The raw dessert balls contain no heated or pasteurized ingredients. In addition, Mike’s Raw Balls TM are completely vegan/vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy free. The snacks and desserts contain absolutely no modified corn or soy ingredients. Mike’s Raw Balls TM are all about healthy living through nutritional foods that are organic and raw.
Here’s our second infogram in our INFOGRAPHIC SERIES on Just Add Good Stuff. The infographics give you some introductory information about health benefits, recipes and interesting facts about various whole foods, vegetables and fruits. We hope you enjoy them!
PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!
Just Add Ginger! A powerful, aromatic, gentle and flavorful herb, ginger or ginger root has been used as a natural remedy for hundreds of ailments for centuries. The stunning health benefits are now being scientifically proven and they range from treating bacterial infections to digestion to cancer. Here is a Ginger Infographic that outlines the Top 10 health benefits of ginger, ginger nutrition information, ginger recipes and some interesting facts about ginger root. Here is the Just Add Good Stuff Ginger Infographic:
TOP 10 Health Benefits of Ginger as described on our Ginger Infographic:
treats and prevents multiple forms of cancer
prevents diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol
acts as a natural antibiotic to fight pathogenic bacteria
reduces pain & inflammation acting as a natural painkiller
Interesting Facts about Ginger on the Ginger Infographic
Cultivation started in South Asia & has spread to East Africa and the Caribbean. Top producers are India, China & Indonesia.
Although there are few negative side effects to consuming ginger, it can interact with some meds.
Ginger root should be stored in a COOL & DRY place
Ginger root is NOT actually a root, but a rhizome
Choose robust / firm roots with a spicy fragrance and smooth skin
Contains silicon for healthy skin, hair, teeth and nails
Plant is 30 – 60 cm tall and is extremely rare to find in the wild
One of the most important herbs in the world
Ginger is also used to treat heartworm problems in doggies!
The ginger infogram (or ginger infographic) talks about high-level information regarding the ginger root. For more details about the health benefits and nutritional information about ginger and ginger root, please contact us and we will find out more from licensed dieticians and medical science professionals. It is our goal to provide the best information possible and to help inspire you to become more healthy through diet, nutrition and fitness. The ginger infographic will be updated whenever necessary, as studies and clinical research provides us with more insight into the health benefits of ginger root which would affect our Top 10 ginger health benefits on the Ginger Infographic. In addition, we constantly experiment with uses of ginger root in various dishes, so our ginger recipes will also reflect that. Lastly, if we find any more interesting facts and figures about blueberries in general, we will also update the ‘Did You Know?’ section of our Just Add Good Stuff Ginger Infographic.
The information on this infographic is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to nor should it be a substitute for advice, consultation or visits to your health care provider. ‘Nutrition Facts’ provided by FatSecret.com and verified by Just Add Good Stuff.
Want a great spring/summer salad dressing recipe? Look no further as Just Add Good Stuff is publishing their favorite Strawberry Mango Salad Dressing recipe right here!
Strawberries and mango are a perfect pairing when it comes to flavours, textures, colours and nutrition. Both of these fabulous and nutritious fruits are combined in this simple and very quick salad dressing recipe that can go on any spring or summer mixed green salad. Personally, we love the combination of fresh organic spinach, arugula, kale, cucumber and lettuce coupled with this Strawberry Mango Salad Dressing, but it’s really up to you. Below is our recipe … let us know what you think and how we can improve it!
Strawberry Mango Salad Dressing Recipe
Please share with your friends and family!
Servings: enough for a starter salad for 6-8 people
Preparation Time: 5 to 10 minutes
Here are the ingredients for the Strawberry Mango Salad Dressing:
1mango (organic, ripe, champagne mangos are preferable)
8strawberries (organic, ripe and large size, de-stemmed)
1/8 cupalmond oil
1/3 cuplemon juice
1/3 cup lime juice
1/3 cupmango nectar (organic, no sugar added!)
2 tbsporange juice (freshly squeezed, organic)
2 tsplemon zest
1 pinchsalt
Here are the preparation directions for the Strawberry Mango Salad Dressing:
Step 1: Wash all fresh ingredients thoroughly
Step 2: Cut the fruit from the mango. Try to get the least amount of ‘mango hair’ when cutting close to the pit.
Step 3: Add all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor.
Step 4: Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth
Step 5: Empty salad dressing into a serving container or a sealed jar for up to 5 days
Step 6: Serve with a mixed green salad of your choice
Step 7: Enjoy and Share with your friends and family
Remember that cooking is all about experimenting and changing things up all the time.
For instance, this Strawberry Mango Salad Dressing recipe can easily be converted into a spread or dip. By combining these ingredients along with some banana or avocado, you can easily make this salad dressing recipe into a thicker dip that goes well with gluten free crackers and breads.
Alternatively, the Strawberry Mango Salad Dressing recipe can also be cooked with chia seeds in order to create a jelly or jam spread. This will be even thicker than the dip and will likely be sweeter as most of the moisture of the fruits will be boiled away.
Of course, Just Add Good Stuffpromotes healthy, organic and raw foods as much as possible … so the closer it is to its natural state, the better and more nutritious the ingredients will be for your mind and body.
This is the first of our INFOGRAPHIC SERIES on Just Add Good Stuff. The infographics (or infograms) will provide you with interesting facts and figures about various vegetables, fruits, whole foods and general health. From weird and wacky facts to nutritional information per serving, these infographics is a starting point to help you kick start a more healthy and happy lifestyle. We hope you enjoy them!
PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!
Just Add Blueberries! Blueberries are one of the best superfoods in the world! Blueberries are high in nutrition, vitamins and trace minerals. All of these aid in our cognitive, circulatory, nervous and digestive systems. Here is a Blueberry Infographic that outlines the Top 10 health benefits of blueberries, blueberry nutrition information, blueberry recipes and some interesting facts about blueberries. Here is the Just Add Good Stuff Blueberry Infographic:
TOP 10 Health Benefits of Blueberries on the Blueberry Infographic:
extremely high in anti-oxidants
restores & protects brain cells for cognitive function
slows the aging process to keep us healthy & young
32% of recommended vitamin c in a single serving
effective anti-depressant to stabilize mood swings
ideal dietary supplement to prevent heart disease
no known side effects and very few allergies
high in fiber which improves digestion
fights free radicals against cancer, alzheimers & infection
keeps us fresh, active, fit & sharp
Blueberry Nutrition Facts on the Blueberry Infographic
Serving Size = 1 cup
Calories = 83
Calories from Fat = 4
Total Fat = 0.48 g
Cholesterol = 0 mg
Sodium = 1 mg
Potassium = 112 mg
Total Carbohydrate = 21.01 g
Dietary Fiber = 3.5 g
Sugars = 14.44 g
Protein = 1.07 g
Vitamin A = 2% RDI
Vitamin C = 24% RDI
Calcium = 1% RDI
Iron = 2% RDI
Healthy Blueberry Recipes on the Blueberry Infographic
Things You May Not Know About Blueberries on the Blueberry Infographic
USDA study ranked wild blueberries as the #1 anti-oxidant fruit
WILD blueberries contain 48% more anti-oxidants than cultivated blueberries
You can buy ORGANIC & WILD blueberries at your local grocers
WILD & ORGANIC blueberries also come frozen
> 95% of store bought blueberry MUFFINS contain no blueberries
Use FROZEN wild blueberies in place of ice cubes
Blueberries are one of the only natural foods that are truly blue
Blueberries were once called star berries
State of Maine is the blueberry production capital of North America
This blueberry infographic (we also call it a blueberry infograph) talks about general blueberry facts and information. For more details about the health benefits and nutritional information, please contact us and we will find out more from licensed dieticians and medical science professionals. It is our goal to provide the best information possible and to help inspire you to become more healthy through diet, nutrition and fitness. The blueberry infographic will be updated whenever necessary, as studies and clinical research provides us with more insight into the health benefits of blueberries which would affect our Top 10 blueberry health benefits on the Blueberry Infographic. In addition, we constantly experiment with uses of blueberries in various dishes, so our blueberry recipes will also reflect that. Lastly, if we find any more interesting facts and figures about blueberries in general, we will also update the ‘Did You Know?’ section of our Just Add Good Stuff Blueberry Infographic.
The information on this infographic is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to nor should it be a substitute for advice, consultation or visits to your health care provider. ‘Nutrition Facts’ provided by FatSecret.com and verified by Just Add Good Stuff.
Often find yourself scrambling to find something for lunch? Or you just need a quick lunch option that will take less than 5 minutes to prepare? Or are you looking for a lunch that will satisfy not only your nutritional needs for the afternoon, but something that is full of antioxidants, vital minerals, vitamins and trace elements?
Look NO further as we have the perfect Quick ‘n Healthy Power Lunch recipe just for you! These easy to find organic ingredients include: quick oats, dried goji berries, fresh organic wild blueberries, ground flax seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds and bananas.
The Quick ‘n Healthy Power Lunch Recipe
Please share with your friends and family!
Servings: 1 bowl fit for 1 person
Preparation Time: 5 minutes (or less)
Here are the ingredients for the Quick ‘n Healthy Power Lunch Recipe:
½ cup to 1 full cup of quick oats (or equivalent)
1 tbsp of ground flax seeds (organic and raw)
1 tbsp of hemp seeds (organic and raw)
1 tsp of ground chia seeds (organic and raw)
1 tbsp of goji berries (dried organic or fresh if possible)
15-20blueberries (wild organic if possible)
½banana (organic)
Here are the preparation directions for our Quick ‘n Healthy Power Lunch:
Step 1: Wash all fresh berries and banana
Step 2: Combine all ingredients into a bowl
Step 3: Add hot water
Step 4: Stir and Enjoy!
This quick and nutritious lunch should get you through the afternoon as it packs a powerful list of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. The combination of these superfoods will aid in maintaining your digestive, circulatory, mental/nervous and immune system throughout the day.
Best of all, the entire bowl of the Quick ‘n Healthy Power Lunch will be less than 180 calories with very little fat (about 4-5 grams). Not only that, it’s very low in sodium (less than 10mg) and high in carbohydrates (around 30 grams). More than 20% of your daily requirement for fibre is satisfied (the single bowl has over 5 grams of fibre) and it packs very little sugar (less than 2 grams, all of which is completely natural and unrefined). The Quick ‘n Healthy Power Lunch recipe is also moderately high in protein (around 6-8 grams) and contains a decent amount of potassium, iron, calcium and Vitamins A and C. As mentioned above, the recipe also features high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
Make your oatmeal even more nutritionally rewarding!
If you are looking for an even healthier and more nutritious oatmeal based lunch, try adding: 1 tsp of spirulina powder, 1 tsp maca powder, 1 tbsp of sunflower seeds and/or 1 tbsp of pumpkin seeds.
You’ve probably heard the name before. Your friends may have mentioned Rip Esselystyn in passing or you may have watched Forks Over Knives, an eye opening food documentary about health, diet and nutrition.
Rip was born in Upstate New York and attended the University of Texas at Austin on a swimming scholarship between 1982 and 1986. During that time, Rip Esselstyn was an All American swimmer, winning numerous swimming awards during this collegiate years and becoming a household name on the swimming circuit. After University, Rip Esselstyn became a successful triathlete, competing against the world’s best for over 10 years. In late 1990’s Rip retired from being a pro-triathlete and became a professional firefighter and emergency medical technician. Soon after getting his certifications, Rip Esselstyn started working at the Austin Fire Department’s Engine 2.
The Rip Esselstyn Whole Foods Plant Based Diet
As with most people in North America, Rip Esselstyn grew up eating a standard ‘Western-style diet’ which consisted mainly of animal protein, some vegetables and fruit, lots of carbohydrates and starch and of course, fast food and soda drinks. What’s interesting is that during Rip Esselstyn’s triathlete competition years, he switched over to a whole foods plant based diet. He was inspired by some of his dad’s teachings in this subject area and decided to go into an entirely whole foods plant based diet as of 1987, years before he retired from competing in professional triathletes.
Rip Esselstyn’s whole foods plant based diet book The Engine 2 Dietalso made it onto the highly acclaimed Forks Over Knives documentary. Forks Over Knives is one of Just Add Good Stuff’s most favorite food documentaries and is a must-see! The Engine 2 Diet on Forks Over Knives solidified Rip Esselstyn place as one of the leading role models for a whole foods plant based diet and lifestyle. What Forks Over Knives and The Engine 2 Diet combination did for many people is that someone such as Rip Esselstyn, can live an extremely healthy and fit lifestyle while incorporating many ‘scary’ diet and nutrition related changes to their lives. In many ways, Rip Esselstyn’s appearance on Forks Over Knives showed that it can be done with commitment, awareness and self-education. The movie was quickly followed by Forks Over Knives Presents The Engine 2 Kitchen Rescue with Rip Esselstyn.
Rip’s latest book was released in mid May 2013 and is called Rip Esselystyn My Beef with Meat: The Healthiest Argument for Eating a Plant-Strong Diet. Not only does it contain a lot of new material, but My Beef with Meat: The Healthiest Argument for Eating a Plant-Strong Diet by Rip Esselstyn but it also has 140 new Engine 2 Diet recipes that are healthy, easy to follow and quick to prepare (as usual). Great tips and recommendations are also made throughout the book and you can easily purchase it on Amazon (hard copy or Kindle) as of mid May. In essence, My Beef with Meat: The Healthiest Argument for Eating a Plant-Strong Diet by Rip Esselstyn is a follow up to his The Engine 2 Diet book. The first book was mainly recipe based, while Rip’s second book, My Beef with Meat: The Healthiest Argument for Eating a Plant-Strong Diet is more about education and dispelling many myths surrounding health and nutrition. Rip argues that many of today’s worst diseases are diet related and therefore, can easily be reversed with the implementation of a plant strong diet, as explained in My Beef with Meat: The Healthiest Argument for Eating a Plant-Strong Diet by Rip Esselstyn. Here is the background information about My Beef with Meat on Amazon:
For the millions who are following a plant-based diet, as well as those meat-eaters who are considering it, MY BEEF WITH MEAT is the definitive guide to convincing all that it’s truly the best way to eat! New York Times Bestelling author of The Engine 2 Diet and nutrition lecturer Rip Esselstyn, is back and ready to arm readers with the knowledge they need to win any argument with those who doubt the health benefits of a plant-based diet–and convince curious carnivores to change their diets once and for all. Rip Esselstyn reveals information on the foods that most people believe are healthy, yet that scientific research shows are not. Some foods, in fact, he deems so destructive they deserve a warning label. Want to prevent heart attacks, stroke, cancer and Alzheimer’s? Then learn the facts and gain the knowledge to convince those skeptics that they are misinformed about plant-base diets, for instance:
You don’t need meat and dairy to have strong bones or get enough protein
You get enough calcium and iron in plants
The myth of the Mediterranean diet
There is a serious problem with the Paleo diet
If you eat plants, you lose weight and feel great
My Beef with Meat by Rip Esselstyn proves the Engine 2 way of eating can optimize health and ultimately save lives and includes more than 145 delicious recipes to help readers reach that goal.
Here are some of his other teachings:
Eating a plant-strong diet is the best way to fight the dangerous fires raging inside us—fires that create all the chronic Western ailments including heart attack, stroke, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes.
The fat and cholesterol in animal products clogs up arteries and can cause impotence, which research shows may be an early sign of heart disease. But men, you can treat this without Viagra. Instead, eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans.
Some people ask: is Rip Esselstyn gay? Because Rip is so secretive with his personal life, many people have asked that question at least once: Rip Esselstyn gay? Most indications is that Rip Esselstyn is NOT gay. However, many journalists looking for the latest scoop on Rip Esselstyn’s sexuality have always brought this topic up to garner more followers (which to us is disgusting). For gay men, Rip Esselstyn gay would be unreal. To them, a gay Rip Esselstyn will break down all barriers in terms of sexuality and masculinity. So when you ask is Rip Esselstyn gay, who really cares? He is a role model for EVERYONE … a handsome firefighter dedicated to bringing awareness to health, diet, nutrition and fitness. He is also a dedicated spokesperson for clean eating whole foods plant based diets. Yes he’s handsome, well spoken and a great role model … and because of his secretive personal life, this doesn’t mean that Rip Esselstyn is gay at all. What is means is that there are certainly lots of people who want a gay Rip Esselstyn … and it’s certainly just their dream.
The only nutrient that plant-based foods lack is vitamin B12. But you can get a daily supply by downing a glass of fortified soy milk or a bowl of fortified cereal.
Some trendy diets claim that all carbohydrates are bad guys, yet of the three macro-nutrients that provide calories in our diet (carbs, protein, and fat), carbohydrates are the body’s primary fuel source. They’re responsible for managing your heart rate, digestion, breathing, exercising, walking, and thinking.
Spring is in the air! When spring comes along, we at Just Add Good Stuff just love the smell of dill and other herbs! In addition, it’s the perfect time for avocados … we mean really ripe and organic avocados from the local grocers.
Combining the two ingredients, organic dill and organic avocados, makes for a great Spring dip or spread. Whether you are hosting a lunch/dinner party or just relaxing outside with a book, try the avocado dill dip and spread for a healthy alternative to packaged dips. As you can see, ALL INGREDIENTS are completely RAW and ORGANIC. This easy-to-make and easy-to-follow AVOCADO DILL DIP RECIPE will only take you 10 minutes or less to prepare. And once you’ve tasted this avocado dill combination, you won’t want anything else!
Check out the avocado dill dip recipe below in addition to some top avocado health benefits and dill health benefits below for your perfect Spring snack that is both nutritional as well as filling!
Avocado Dill Dip Recipe
If you are looking for a quick and dirty recipe for an Avocado Dill Dip or Spread, here it is! This Avocado Dill recipe is enough for 2 to 4 people with organic crackers or gluten free bread. Can be used as a dip or a spread, whichever you like!
Here are the ingredients for the Avocado Dill Dip Recipe:
2Avocados (overly ripe and organic if possible) ½ cupLemon Juice (preferable freshly squeezed organic lemons) ¼ cupDill (preferably fresh organic dill) 1 tspGarlic (organic and minced) 1 tspAgave (raw and organic … plus, this is optional!) ½ tspSalt (unprocessed)
Here are the preparation directions for our favourite Avocado Dill Dip Recipe:
Step 1: Get your food processor out and plugged in Step 2: Wash all of your ingredients Step 3: Get the avocado meat out (see below section: The BEST WAY to Peel an Avocado > Avocado Preparation guide) Step 4: Add the lemon juice into your food processor Step 5: Add the dill (no need to chop it … but take the stems off) Step 6: Add the finely minced garlic Step 7: Add the agave syrup (if you want … no need to add agave) Step 8: Add a pinch of salt Step 9: Blend using your food processor for about 30 to 50 seconds Step 10: Serve with crackers and/or bread Step 11: Enjoyand share with your friends and family
The BEST WAY to Peel an Avocado > Avocado Preparation
It is vital that you learn how to prepare an Avocado via the best way to peel an avocado for your avocado dill dip recipe. A recent UCLA research team showed that in California organic avocados, the greatest concentration of beneficial carotenoids is in the dark green fruit of the avocado closest to the peel. Therefore, it is essential to learn how to prepare an Avocado the right way. To preserve the area with the greatest concentration of antioxidants, you basically want to peel the avocado with your hands, as you would a banana. The BEST WAY to Peel an Avocado in avocado preparation is as follows!
Step 1: First, cut the avocado length-wise, around the seed Step 2: Holding each half, twist them in the opposite directions to separate them from the seed Step 3: Remove the seed Step 4: Cut each half, lengthwise Step 5: Next, using your thumb and index finger, simply peel the skin off each piece
By following the above best way to peel an avocado, you can ensure the greatest concentration of antioxidant and nutrient levels in your avocado dill recipe.
Avocado Dill Health Benefits
Eating raw and organic avocados, dill and lemons have great health benefits and lots of nutritional value. The key here is that all ingredients are completely RAW and ORGANIC so that they retain all of their nutritional benefits and ultimately their health benefits. Here are some of the most notable benefits for each of the main ingredients in this avocado dill dip recipe.
Organic Dill Health Benefits
The health benefits of dill are well documented and tested. Here are our top 8 dill health benefits that you should be aware of: sleep aid, calming effect, bone health, anti-bacterial herb, fights free radicals and digestive benefits. In addition, other health benefits of dill include the treatment of headaches/migraines in addition to hiccups! Bet you didn’t know that!
Organic Avocado Health Benefits
The health benefits of avocados are also well documented and far reaching when it comes to personal health, nutrition and well being. Here are some of our favourite avocado health benefits in no particular order (there are many more, which we will write about in a separate article): lower cholesterol levels, assist in a healthy heart and circulatory system, control blood pressure (lowers stress) and features anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, the avocado health benefits also include promoting eye health, regulating blood sugar levels (important for diabetics), preventing birth defects and reducing the risk of strokes. Other great organic avocado health benefits include its use in skin care (treatment for psoriasis) in addition to increase in nutritional absorption during meals and a cure for bad breath! Bet you didn’t know this one either!
Organic Lemon Health Benefits
Just Add Good Stuff touched upon some health benefits of lemons in our blog post: WAKE UP AND DRINK THIS! Here are a few more health benefits of lemons that most people don’t know about: lemons can assist in abolishing acne, cure bad breath, help anxiety (lowers stress levels and decrease fatigue), treat canker sores and mouth sores. In addition, other organic lemon health benefits include treating fevers/migraines, treating the common cold or flu, treatment of eczema and healing hypertension. These are in addition to the lemon health benefit that we all know and hear about: balancing our body’s pH levels.
Ever wonder how you can balance or even lower your blood pressure through fresh produce?
According to this health infogram, these are the 8 FRESH PRODUCE picks for BETTER BLOOD PRESSURE.
Beets, leafy greens, and other vegetables high in nitrates may help lower blood pressure naturally. And how is this done? Vegetables that are high in nitrates relax our blood vessels and improve circulation. The result: a more balanced blood pressure.
So if you are looking to lower your blood pressure, try eating more of these nitrate rich heart-healthy picks. Wherever possible, try to eat these vegetables in its organic raw state or as ‘raw as possible’.
1. BEETS are well known for their blood pressure benefits
A new study published in the American Heart Association’s Hypertension journal concludes that drinking a small amount of fresh, raw beet juice not only lowers high blood pressure quickly and effectively but could also be a natural approach to reducing future cardiovascular problems. The research was conducted by scientists at London’s Queen Mary University on red beets, called beetroot in Britain. Beets have drawn attention from nutritional scientists in recent years because of their health benefits. Specifically, beets have been found to be rich in betaine, a nutrient which reduces the blood concentration of homocycsteine, an amino acid linked to heart disease and stroke.
2. SPINACH will lower your blood pressure quickly
A green leafy delight, spinach is low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with heart-healthy nutrients like potassium, folate, and magnesium — key ingredients for lowering and maintaining blood pressure levels. An easy way to eat more of this great green? Try mixing fresh spinach leaves into salads or adding them to sandwiches.
3. CELERY is a surprising blood pressure balancer too!
Three active ingredients in celery promote healthy blood pressure: 3-n-butylphthalide, or NBP; apigenin, a plant-based antioxidant; and omega-6 fatty acids, an essential fatty acid. In his book “How to Prevent and Treat Diabetes with Natural Medicine,” Dr. Michael Murray, a naturopathic doctor, writes that NBP behaves like a calcium channel blocker, dilating arteries and relaxing blood vessels. Apigenin protects your body against cellular damage, decreases inflammation in your arteries and prevents blood clots. Omega-6 fatty acids, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, may help protect your body against hypertension, or high blood pressure.
4. SWISS CHARD … what, never heard of it!
Eating foods with plenty of vitamin E, such as Swiss Chard (which has one of the highest concentrations of Vitamin E in any vegetable) might also reduce the chances of developing coronary artery disease, which can lead to a heart attack or heart failure. Other heart-healthy perks found in chard include vitamin B6 and potassium — which may reduce the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, respectively. Keeping your cholesterol low by eating good sources of fiber such as chard may lower heart-disease risk even more.
5. RADISH is more than just a salad topping!
High in nitrites and many other trace minerals, radishes are beginning to get more notice when it comes to balancing our blood pressure and lowering cholesterol. Many studies are now underway as to additional benefits of radishes when it comes to our circulatory system. In other words, keep eating them!
6. KALE helps balance our blood pressure
The high fiber content of kale lowers our cholesterol by binding with bile acids that the liver produces from cholesterol for digesting fat. Because many of these bile acids are coupled with fiber, the liver is charged with producing more bile acid to digest fat, and therefore requires more cholesterol to so, ultimately lowering the amount of cholesterol within our bodies. This in turn helps regulate our blood pressure and in some cases, even lower it.
7. LETTUCE helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol
Eating vegetables daily with a high dietary nitrate content, such as green leafy vegetables (all type of lettuce), will help in lowering cholesterol and high blood pressure by as much as 10%.
8. ARUGULA and blood pressure benefitsd
Arugula has a perfect amount of Vitamin K which has many benefits including bone health and healthy blood clotting. Research has also shown that getting more Vitamin K may reduce the risk of heart disease. It’s also a good source of calcium, magnesium, and potassium to help control blood pressure and preserve bone health. Plus, it’s a decent source of iron to build healthy red blood cells.
This awesome everyday HEALTH INFOGRAM is from our friends at the Journal of Science of Food and Agriculture(Nathan Bryan Ph.D).
, an eye opening food documentary about health, diet and nutrition.
, which was also featured on 
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