Vegan pesto panini

Vegan (with vegan cheese and vegan pesto)
Gluten-free (with gf bread)
Makes about 4 paninis (reduce if desired)

Ingredients
3 bell peppers (I use 2 red, 1 orange)
1 onion
8 oz. mushrooms, sliced
Asparagus
Shredded mozzarella
Feta
Pesto (try homemade!)
Italian bread (2 slices per sandwich)
Olive oil
Kosher salt

Directions
Preheat oven to 425.
Cut pepper and onion into strips, and asparagus in half.
On a baking sheet, toss veggies with olive oil and kosher salt.
Roast for about 25-30 minutes.
On a skillet over medium heat, place a slice of bread. Sprinkle mozzarella and feta.
Add a generous layer of vegetables. Spread pesto on a second slice of bread and place on top, lightly pressing down.
Heat about 5-8 minutes on each side or until warmed through and cheese is melted.

Chinese Biological Clock: Discover Which One of Your Organs Doesn’t Work As It Should!

A doctor of Chinese medicine will ask his/her patient firstly in which time of day his/her body disorders appear.

According to that, the doctor will know which part of the body has a health problem. 

The Chinese biological clock shows intervals by which energy circulates through parts of our body and every two hours in one day, it is the strongest in a certain part. Then, the functions in that part of the body are the best and if there is a problem, the symptoms will be the most expressed in that period.

A doctor of Chinese medicine will ask his/her patient firstly in which time of day his/her body disorders appear.

According to that, the doctor will know which part of the body has a health problem e.g. if the energy circulates with difficulties or there is too much energy, which also isn’t very good.

It’s not bad to follow your biological clock and write down in which part of the day the difficulties appear, for example fatigue, pain etc. Also, it’s good to write down the time in which the energy is at its highest level and when a person wakes up during the night and it points to a problem with a certain part of the body.

 

Time of maximum functions (12 hours after that, the function is the smallest):

 

5 to 7 o’clock – colon

7 to 9 o’clock – stomach

11 to 13 o’clock – heart

13 to 15 o’clock – small intestine

15 to 17 o’clock – urinary bladder sati

17 to 19 o’clock – kidneys

19 to 21 o’clock – heart covering

21 to 23 o’clock – triple heater (thermoregulation)

23 to 1 o’clock – gall bladder

1 to 3 o’clock – liver

3 to 5 o’clock – lungs

When one of the organs is at its top of the energy and the one on the opposite side of the biological clock (with 12 hours of difference) is at its lowest energetic level.

For example, our liver reaches its top between 1 and 3 o’clock and the small intestine is at its lowest energetic level. That’s why if we eat late at night food doesn’t absorb well in the small intestine.

So, we should avoid some of the activities in the time when the energy of a particular organ included in that activity is the lowest.

Copyright © 2015. Be Extra Healthy Now

9 Herbs to Treat Many Thyroid Conditions Naturally and Effectively

The thyroid gland has many essential functions in our body and that is why we have to keep it safe and healthy.

Many people are suffering from underactive or overactive thyroid conditions. It means that their thyroid gland is not functioning properly and has an effect on the entire system.

In order the thyroid gland works properly, there are certain things that you can do every day.

Improve the thyroid condition and its function with herbs

Here is the list of few herbs that can help you with the thyroid gland. Certain body functions are regulated with the thyroid gland, including:

– Strengthening and healing bones

– Stabilize cardiac and muscle activity

– Cellular protein synthesis

– Producing vitamin A through conversion of beta-carotene

– Transportation of electrolytes

– Regulation of mental processes

Many herbs can be used for this condition. It can be consumed orally in the form of tea or pills. The intake of the proper dose is important in order to get the desired effects.

1. Flaxseed

Many researches have proved the positive effects of flaxseed on digestive health. But the flaxseed can also help with the thyroid.

If you are suffering from underactive thyroid, taking this herb on a daily basis will help you increase thyroid hormone. You will notice the difference if only taking a tablespoon a day. Moreover, you can use it mixed with some liquid or added in your food.

2. Bladderwrack

It can help you if dealing with underactive thyroid. Bladderwrack is rich in iodine, which is vital for the health of thyroid gland. It can replace iodine and improve the underactive thyroid function.

3. Ginger

Since ancient times, ginger has been used as a cure for upset stomach, nausea and vomiting, but not many people know it is also good for the thyroid health as well. It includes potassium, zinc and magnesium.

The thyroid needs these nutrients so it keeps its health.

 

Use fresh ginger and feel the benefits. You can prepare a ginger tea or just eat the herb fresh. Adding some raw honey in the ginger tea will enrich its taste and effects.

4. Echinacea

This herb is most commonly used for improving the immune system, but it is also good for the thyroid health. It helps people with overactive thyroid, and the best way to feel the benefits it using the herb with its root. It can be used to make a tea.

5. Nettle

Nettle is great for both overactive and underactive thyroid sufferers. It is also known as a thyroid tonic because is iodine rich and can fight the lack of this substance. You can drink the herb in the form of tea.

6. Licorice

This herb can help you if dealing with underactive thyroid gland. It can help proper thyroid hormone regulation and boosts the overall energy levels. Licorice has glycyrrhetinic acid, which inhibits the growth of various forms of thyroid cancer cells.

7. Evening Primrose Oil

The herb is most often used by women because it improves women’s health, but it can help people with thyroid problems too. It is most helpful for people with underactive thyroid and helps with dealing the symptoms and sighs of this condition, such as hair loss and heavy menstrual bleeding.

Drinking evening primrose as a tea will help you feel its positive effects.

8. Ashwagandha

Besides helping people with thyroid problems, this exotic herb can help the entire system. It can improve the immune system, but also it is perfect for people who feel under stress. The herb includes powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Also, you can use it in combination with bladderwrack.

9. Siberian ginseng

Siberian ginseng can be found in stores for natural food. It advances the condition in patients that suffer from underactive thyroid. Fatigue is often related to this health problem and it can be removed with this herb. It is a natural energy booster. Between 100 and 200 mg twice a day is the ideal dose for thyroid sufferers. Use the herb before breakfast and before lunch.

You may deal with many different health issues in case your thyroid gland is not working properly. We have listed so many herbs you can choose and create a list of those herbs you find interesting.

Then, consult your physician about your chosen herbs, so he will help you select the best for you.

Source : http://www.myilifestyle.com/author/ivahr1yahoo-com/

3 Ingredients That Cure Clogged Arteries, Fat In The Blood And Infections (Old German Recipe)

If you are looking for something which will treat many issues that your body experiences, such as an infection, a cold or even cardiovascular disease, and you’d like to keep yourself healthy at the same time, you should make yourself a combination of these 3 amazing ingredients included in our drink recipe, which will solve all your problems.

It is important to keep in mind that while combining some super foods together you enjoy the extra benefits that the combination provides you, compared to ingesting them alone.

Our recipe is an old German recipe which will improve your overall health and it requires only 3 simple ingredients from your kitchen: garlic, lemon and ginger. Here is some information of how powerful these foods are: Garlic– It is one of the major antiseptic, antiviral and antibacterial foods and maybe also one of the world’s healthiest foods. It is the compound allicin in garlic which makes garlic so beneficial. Garlic also contains: manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, selenium and fiber. Ginger- The major antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that ginger contains are the following: gingerols, beta-carotene, capsaicin, caffeic acid, curcumin and salicylate. Therefore it is noted that it helps with digestive issues, pain, inflammation and nausea.

Lemon- We all know that whenever we need a high amount of vitamin C, the perfect supplier is lemon. It alkalizes our body, boosts our immune system, balances our pH and protects our body from disease. 

Dosage of the ingredients to prepare the recipe:

2 liters/ 67.6 oz of filtered water

4 unpeeled lemons

4 large garlic bulbs

4 cm/1.5 inches long ginger root

Preparation:

First, wash the lemons and cut them into slices. After that, clean the garlic cloves and peel the ginger root.

Put all the ingredients together in a blender and mix until you get a homogenous content.

Put the content in a pot on a heated hot plate, and add the water. Stir it constantly until it boils and let it cool off afterwards.

Use a strainer and keep the liquid that you’ll get, in glass bottles.

Keep the drink refrigerated.

Directions:

You should drink a glass of the remedy every morning on an empty stomach before you drink or eat anything. You can also drink it 2 hours before you go to sleep, also on an empty stomach.

If you feel averse to the garlic and its smell, be sure that you will not even get the taste of it, because of the cooking process and also because of the strong taste that the lemon and ginger give.

Before you drink, shake the bottle to mix all the ingredients, because the ginger may stay on the bottom of the bottle and by shaking it before drinking you’ll get the most of our recipe. Enjoy!

Source:/http://www.healthfoodsolution.com/

FAKE Olive Oil is Literally Everywhere! How To Know Whether It Is Fake Or Original Olive Oil?

What are the health benefits of olive oil?

Olive oil is a part of the Mediterranean diet, and it has been used thousand years ago by Hippocrates, the father of medicine, thanks to its many health benefits. Monosaturated fatty acids are an important substance which offers great benefits to the heart and to various other parts of the body when eaten on daily basis.

A research verified that having regular Mediterranean diet plan rich in olive oil minimizes the risk of establishing type 2 diabetes issues compared to having other low fat diet regimens. Olive oil is also good for bone health and wellness, weight-loss and brain health. It also soothes irregular bowel movements and minimizes oxidative anxiety.

What is good about its composition?

Olive oil is rich in mono saturated fatty acids which give less fatty tissue load to the body. It is also abundant in phenolics, the acidic constituent which provides the oil its acidic and bitter taste. It has ZERO CARBOHYDRATES as well as ZERO PROTEIN with just traces of hydrogenated fat in it. It likewise has vitamin E and vitamin K which are good for the skin. The phenolic acids are very good for the heart too.

What is extra virgin olive oil? Is there anything really extra virgin about it?

The term ‘virgin olive oil’ does not explain its quality, and virgin olive oil doesn’t mean it is added pure. The distinction is in the process of manufacturing. There are 4 grades of virgin olive oil. The lowest quality of virgin olive oil is used in soap making, and is not fit for consumption. The additional virgin olive oil has the highest grade of olive oil which is cold pressed, and is superior in taste and fragrance. This is not warmed for more than 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

A bunch of fake oil is being sold on the market, especially when it comes to extra virgin olive oil. The University of California carried out tests amongst many brand names in the United States that have a tag of extra virgin olive oil to them. The study came up with this devastating fact: 69 % of extra virgin olive oil offered in the United States markets is FAKE!!!

Next time you see the tag ‘extra virgin olive oil’, you should be very careful!

So, exactly how do you know if it is a fake olive oil or original olive oil when you are buying it? The tastes of the fake and original oil are comparable, so you will need to find another way to differentiate between the original and fake olive oil.

What is FAKE olive oil and how prevalent is its circulation?

Fake olive oil can be just a combination of two oils, a topmost part of sunflower oil included in a portion of pure olive oil, as well as can be identified as extra virgin olive oil. It can be a substandard, a mixture of numerous olive oils from different countries. It can be non-Italian oil, just a combination of soybean oil and also sunflower oil with the additives of chlorophyll, and also beta carotene, identified lastly as extra virgin olive oil. Beware when you see the tags of extra pure and extra virgin.

The circulation of fake olive oil is so usual that you discover numerous famous brands advertizing themselves to provide THE HEALTHIEST OLIVE OIL, but actually it is a FAKE one. A research stated that lots of renowned brands consisting of Bertolli, Filippo Berio, Mazzola, Mezzetta, Newman’s own, Star, Safe way, Colavita, and also Whole meals are selling fake olive oil.

How to know if it is a FAKE olive oil? What are the tests to help you differentiate fake olive oil from original olive oil?

Yes, after all this conversation, we have pertained to the most important question: How to tell if it is a FAKE olive oil? Is it worth taking it if it isn’t original? For the first concern we’ll try to help you with some tips. When it comes to the 2nd, comprise your thoughts on your own!

An easy examination that can be done at home is to cool the extra virgin olive oil. When it strengthens, it implies it has more mono saturated fats in it, however this still does not eliminate the presence of other oils like safflower oil or canola oil or any other adulterations in it. On the other hand, if it does not strengthen, then it implies it is not extra virgin olive oil at all!

Extra virgin olive oil is expected to keep the oil lamp flammable. Again, it is not a really precise examination. If the oil doesn’t light the oil lamp for a long time, it certainly is not extra virgin olive oil.

Taste, refrigerator test or lamp test are not extremely dependable methods to find out the truth concerning your olive oil. The very best option is to purchase olive oil from neighborhood farmers. You ought to understand that the olive oil from Italy is considered standard compared to the olive oil from other countries.

The brand names that fell short to fulfill the extra virgin olive oil standards are: Pompeian, Whole Foods, Bertolli, Colavita, Carapelli, Star. Eat Local Grown likewise states: Filippo Berio, Mazzola, Mezzetta, Newman’s Own, Safeway, and Whole foods in this listing; the information could be from the earlier 2010 research study when a lot more brands were examined.

The real deal: Lucini, Lucero (Ascolano), California Olive Ranch, Kirkland Organic, McEvoy Ranch Organic, Cobram Estate are additionally noted by Eat Local Grown

Look for Certification

Your best assurance that you are really purchasing a first class olive oil is to try to find 3rd party qualification. The California Olive Oil Council as well as the Australian Olive Association both have stringent accreditation programs that make their seals trustworthy.

When acquiring olive oil made or packaged in Italy, search for PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) or PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) seals.

Finally, the ‘TAKE HOME’ message we give you is to be very careful and picky the next time you are buying olive oil, specifically the extra virgin one!

Sourcet: www.dietoflife.com

5-Ingredients zucchini fritters

5-INGREDIENT ZUCCHINI FRITTERS

INGREDIENTS:

4 cups shredded zucchini

2/3 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/3 cup sliced scallions (green and white parts)

Vegetable oil

Sour cream, for serving (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

Place the shredded zucchini in a colander set over a bowl and sprinkle the zucchini lightly with salt. Allow the zucchini to stand for 10 minutes. Using your hands, squeeze out as much liquid from the zucchini as possible. Transfer the zucchini to a large bowl.

Add the flour, eggs, sliced scallions, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper to the bowl, stirring until the mixture is combined. Line a plate with paper towels.

Liberally coat the bottom of a large sauté pan with vegetable oil and place it over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, scoop 3-tablespoon mounds of the zucchini mixture into the pan, pressing them lightly into rounds and spacing them at least 2 inches apart. Cook the zucchini fritters for 2 to 3 minutes, then flip them once and cook an additional 2 minutes until golden brown and cooked throughout. Transfer the zucchini fritters to the paper towel-lined plate and immediately sprinkle them with salt. Repeat the scooping and cooking process with the remaining zucchini mixture.

Serve the zucchini fritters topped with sour cream (optional) 

This delicious recipe brought to you by Just a Taste 

http://www.justataste.com/5-ingredient-zucchini-fritters-recipe/

7 Signs You Should Be Taking Probiotics

Have you taken an antibiotic over the past year?

Well, if you are like most people these days, you have.

Did you know that antibiotics completely destroy your healthy gut bacteria?

Even if you took one 7 years ago – if you have not replenished the good guys within your gut, chances are really high that you are struggling with imbalance, maybe unknowingly.

But antibiotics are not the only thing hindering your health.

Do you struggle with:

Irregular mood

Skin issues

Erratic sleep patterns

Crazy cravings for sugar and other unhealthy food

Bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea or cramping after meals

Healthy weight management

If you answered yes to any of these, you should know that these are just some of the symptoms of an imbalanced gut.

You’ve heard me say it before, but it’s important that you realize the impact your gut health has on every single part of your body – physical and mental.

Remember, 70-80% of your immune system is in your gut.

And 95% of your serotonin is made in your gut – that’s your “happy” hormone.

Just these 2 factors alone are enough to show that when your gut is out of whack, so are you… on some level anyway.

You’ve likely heard the term PROBIOTICS thrown around and maybe you already use them, which is great!

But maybe you’re like many others still confused about WHY they matter when it comes to your health.

I want to make that really clear for you.

Probiotics are the beneficial bacteria within our gut.

They are the guys that:

Keep harmful bacteria and microorganisms in check

Aid in digestion and nutrient absorption

Make sure your body receives the vitamins, minerals, fats and amino acids from the foods that you are consuming – totally necessary!

Are needed for the generation of certain B vitamins, vitamin K, folate, and some short-chain fatty acids

Contribute to proper immune function

They crowd out bad bacteria, preventing the bacteria’s ability to host in the body, which inhibits infection, inflammation and disease.

Proven by researchers at UCLA, the correction of healthy bacteria in the gut can optimize neurotransmitter function, leading to improved mental health and may even improve learning and sharpen focus and memory.

So yea, they are kind of  big deal.

Probiotics are abundant in fermented foods, but most often their probiotic concentration is not enough to be used therapeutically when the gut flora has been drastically depleted.

Therefore, use fermented probiotic-rich foods as an ongoing part of the diet to keep your levels up as a form of prevention. Then choose a high-quality probiotic, as a form of nutrition therapy.

So how do you know if you’re deficient?

Well, according to the research I have done on the subject, most of us are!

We live in a toxic environment, my friend.

There are chemicals and pesticides in:

our food

in the air we breathe

the water we drink

Despite our best efforts, toxin exposure is inevitable in our modern society.

But we can help minimize the effects and I have a solution to do just that.

But first, here are 7 signs that YOU need to MORE probiotics in your life…

1. Antibiotics

Antibiotic literally means “anti-life” –  that’s pretty powerful.

They are designed to kill and they don’t discriminate between the good and bad bacteria, unfortunately.

TIP: Double dose your probiotics for the length of time you were on an antibiotic post-treatment to ensure you are repopulating the good guys! (example: if you were on an antibiotic for 14 days, double dose for 14 days afterwards to help repopulate and get your system back on track.)

2. Food Poisoning

Bad bacteria is lurking in your gut when this happens and it’s important to fight the bad guys.

Probiotics help replenish the good guys and get your digestion moving as it should.

TIP: Taking probiotics regularly gives the body a better defense against any foreign invaders you may come into contact with.

3. Digestive Disturbances

 

Be sure you are consuming a healthy diet first.

Eliminate hard-to-digest foods such as processed, packaged and fried foods, dairy, gluten, sugar and soy and aim to eat more REAL foods as nature intended.

Probiotics will further support your efforts to bring balance to your gut.

TIP: Ginger is great if you are experiencing any type of digestive distress. I love using extra ginger is most of my green juices, but it’s also great as a tea or as a delicious addition to your meals.

4. Skin Conditions

Our external environment is a direct reflection of our internal environment. That includes rashes, acne, rosacea, eczema, etc.

If your skin does not clear from diet and probiotics alone, you may consider using digestive aids such as apple cider vinegar to promote stomach acid production and enzymes.

Other agents to heal the intestinal lining include l-glutamine and aloe vera.

TIP: Be sure to have your hormones checked too to rule out any imbalances so often associated with acne.

5. Mood Disorders

The health of our gut is so closely tied to the health of our brain.

That’s why improving the integrity of your gut has such an effect on the function of your neurotransmitters.

TIP: Further supporting your body with B vitamins and paying attention to the health of your kidneys are also key factors to a balanced mood.

6. Weak Immunity

Healthy bacteria can train your immune system to distinguish between “foreign” microbes and those originating in your body, making probiotics the best front line against infection.

When your gut is balanced, your risk for illness diminishes significantly.

TIP: Focus on supporting your entire body with healthy foods, daily movement, positive mindset and supplementation where necessary.

7. Yeast Overgrowth 

When people hear “yeast,” they often think yeast infections.

The truth is, yeast overgrowth shows up in many different ways.

It might be belly bloat, foggy thinking, sugar and carb cravings, skin problems, gas, low mood, irregular sleep…

There are so many things to consider when it comes to this very common problem and it doesn’t affect  just women and it’s not only relative to yeast infections.

Chronic yeast overgrowth is opportunistic, meaning, given the opportunity to FEED, it will! And the results are those which I mentioned above. The best way to clear the root cause of your symptoms when dealing with yeast overgrowth is to cut off it’s food source and repopulate!

So where do you start?

Cut out the culprits that FEED this guy, such as:

refined sugar

(reduce) natural sugars (even from fruit)

get rid of sugary carbs

alcohol

caffeineYeast overgrowth LOVES these things. Now is not the time to be generous and giving to this sneaky bugger. 

TIP: Taking a probiotic helps to bring the good guys back in the picture and rebalance the ratio of good to bad guys, knocking out the overgrowth of this nasty critter and helping you eliminate the root cause of those annoying symptoms.

To support the health of your gut, I’ve got a delicious juice recipe for you.

G-Health Juice Recipe

Ingredients

1 cucumber: a natural diuretic, reduces inflammation, relieves stomach acid and provides soothing cleansing effect.

2 celery stalks: aid in bowel movements, promote healthy kidney function and detoxes the body.

1 lime: stimulates digestion, eliminates toxins and purifies the liver and other organs.

1 inch piece ginger: a digestive superfood great for stimulating healthy digestion. It soothes the stomach and helps the body digest everything properly.

1 small handful fresh mint or cilantro leaves: kills microorganisms that are associated with digestive issues, stops cramping, soothes digestion, great for detoxification.

1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar: contains valuable minerals, live enzymes, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, helps normalize pH and promotes the growth of friendly bacteria. It’s also great for detoxification.

Instructions

Juice all ingredients except the ACV, you’ll mix that in at the end.

Enjoy!

You can also get additional probiotics with supplementation try this Biotic Balance Probiotics

 

Article originally published in FitLife.tv