Cinnamon, Ceylon (Say-lon)

      We all know cinnamon tastes great, studies show it has a beneficial effect on blood sugar, antibacterial and antifungal properties, and may lower cholesterol. Cinnamon is also a great source of manganese, dietary fiber, iron, and calcium. Apparently just smelling it helps brain activity, now I'm up for that I love the smell of cinnamon! (Pregnant women should avoid excessive amounts of cinnamon and shouldn't take it as a supplement.)
      Most people just think what you see is what you get, well I suppose it's true. But a lot of us don't know there are different kinds of cinnamon. I have discovered Ceylon Cinnamon is actually better for you, some call it "true cinnamon".  It does taste a lot better and smells wonderful! I came across this video about different types of cinnamon and found out most of what we get isn't all that healthy, you can find Ceylon Cinnamon at a co-op, health foods store, or online.

Video about types of Cinnamon

How do identify Ceylon Cinnamon

More info on the benefits of Cinnamon

Are Raw Almonds Raw?

Well I was looking up ways to dehydrate soaked nuts and of course more eye opening news found it's way in my path again. I swear this always seems to happen to me, just minding my own business and then Bam here ya go something to be disappointed about.
              I just found out that if you purchase your "raw" almonds from the U.S. that they are no longer raw even though the package states they are. That's right, due to a couple salmonella outbreaks a few years ago from raw almonds that apparently didn't even come from the U.S. they have been pasteurizing almonds which of course removes all the healthy enzymes. They either have to be steamed or irradiated.
             I am very saddened by this and now feel like finding a healthier milk substitute. Maybe make my own hemp milk, I have found some good information on the health benefits of hemp and will keep you posted on that. I did find some pre-made hemp milk w/o carrageenan, however it is a little too expensive for my taste.

Click Here for only 1 of many articles on the subject if you want to read more.

Italian Pasta Salad (V)

This is a great summer salad and it feeds a lot of people, it's also very easy to make, you can use whatever pasta you like, my mom always used Wacky Mac veggie spirals for the colors, however I would suggest something else if you wanna go the healthier route.

Makes 1 huge bowl for a crowd:

1 12oz package of Wacky Mac or other pasta, spirals work best.

1 bundle of raw broccoli (about 3 cups)

1/2 head of raw cauliflower
2 large carrots or 2 cups baby carrots
1 5.75oz jar of green olives
1 can of black olives (optional)
2 bottles of zesty Italian dressing* 

*If you don't like the ingredients in store bought dressing Click Here for an oil substitution & italian dressing recipe. It works just the same! You can also use any favorite vinegar based dressing you like, I love Maple Grove Farms Fat Free Greek as well.



-Break apart broccoli and cauliflower in desired bite sized pieces, cut carrots in small strips about 2 inches long, baby carrots would be cut in 4 pieces, (cut in half and then in half again). Regular carrots depending on the thickness might need more cuts. As long as it's bite size your fine :)

- Cook your pasta in a large pot,(we like it al dente) and while it's cooking steam your veggies for only 2-3 mins, you want them to still be hard but not raw, or soft.

-Rinse veggies in cold water and put in a large bowl, when pasta is done also rinse in cold water and add to the same bowl.

-Add the rest of the ingredients and only 1 bottle of dressing to your bowl and mix gently, refrigerate until ready to serve. Keep the other bottle of dressing to add right before serving if it's not served right after making, it can get a little dry without oil.

Aluminum In Food

This video states there is more aluminum in this food than in vaccines and other products! It's shocking information! It is scientific research and proof, simply amazing what we don't know.

Click Here to see the video.

Click Here for some more info on aluminum.

Top 10

I found this website that has top 10 lists for fruits, veggies, and what foods contain which vitamins etc. It's very nice and a good resource! Check it out! :) Click Here

Can Folic Acid Be Harmful?

I'm always looking into nutrients, vitamins, the ingredients in supplements and which forms are the most health promoting and safe. Therefore I will start sharing with you things I've learned or come across. Here is a video I found to be helpful about Folic Acid and Folate:

Click Here

For those of you who would rather get Folic Acid from food Click Here for a list of foods, looks like an easy one to eat instead of supplementing.