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Dr. Ginger’s Takes on Oral Care During National Dental Health Month

Your toothpaste and mouthwash can do all that? Dr. Ginger’s is an improved holistic oral health care routine that also purifies your whole body! This Fluoride Free, Triclosan Free, Alcohol-Free formula for both toothpaste and mouthwash utilizes coconut oil, which is known for its natural ability to maintain a healthy mouth and gums. If you have tried the Ayurvedic practice of oil pulling, you are familiar with its oral care benefits, but the taste truly leaves much to be desired! Leading Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Ginger, came up with a much more refreshing and palatable way to cleanse the mouth, freshen breath, and achieve healthier teeth and gums.

I have tried oil pulling in the past, and loved the benefits (whiter teeth, fresh breath) but not the taste! The thickness of the oil also can be hard to take after the recommended 20 minutes of swishing! Plus, the coating on your teeth afterwards just feels odd, and it is recommended that you brush your teeth. With Dr. Ginger’s Coconut mouthwash, one only needs to swish the mouthwash for 2 minutes, and the combination of coconut and a light mint flavor is truly sublime! I can’t recall a time when my mouth felt this fresh after rinsing with mouthwash! Usually after rinsing with mouthwash my mouth just feels extremely antiseptic, like I rinsed with bleach!
 Dr Ginger Toothpaste

Coconut Toothpaste

This all-natural, delicious coconut-mint flavored toothpaste is made specifically to deliver the myriad of oral and overall health benefits of coconut oil. We love that it contains no fluoride! Dr. Ginger recommends using it either instead of or alongside your regular toothpaste to boost gum health, freshness, whitening, etc.

Dr Ginger Mouthwash

Coconut Mouthwash

We cannot get enough of this pleasant-tasting, all-natural coconut-mint flavored mouthwash formulated to deliver the same amazing health benefits as “oil pulling.” It is recommended that you use the mouthwash 2-3 times daily after brushing with Dr. Ginger’s Coconut Oil Toothpaste for fresher breath, improved gum health, and protection from toxins and bacteria.

*Company generously provided samples and images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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Tiny Green Mom’s Cold & Flu Season Must-Haves for Little Ones

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As we are in the midst of cold and flu season, caring for little ones is a parent’s top priority! Be prepared and stock your medicine cabinet with these natural remedies & items to soothe, comfort and care for the youngest members of your family!

Exergen-Temporal-thermometer

Exergen Smart Glow TemporalScanner™

Fevers always seem to happen in the middle of the night! Take the stress out of caring for your little ones with the Exergen Smart Glow TemporalScanner™, ideal for parents who are caring for a sick child. Made in the United States, the Exergen Smart Glow TemporalScanner™ is the number one preferred thermometer by both nurses and pediatricians, and is backed by more than 50 clinical studies proving its accuracy. “Mom” loves how non-invasive this thermometer is when taking a little one’s temperature!

The TemporalScanner™ comes with four ways to make it even easier to take a temperature:

· A softly illuminated display for easy reading in any light – perfect for checking the temperature of a sleeping infant in a darkened room

· Beeping sound indicating scanning can be turned off or on to avoid waking a sleeping child

· Automatically retains the last eight temperature readings for instant recall to check on fever progression

· Ability to switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius modes

Made in the United States, the Exergen Smart Glow TemporalScanner™ is the number one preferred thermometer by both nurses and pediatricians, and is backed by more than 50 clinical studies proving its accuracy. Visit www.exergensmartglowthermometer.com.

Boogie Wipes

Boogie Wipes

As the temperature drops, so does the moisture our skin so desperately needs. Cold temperatures, low humidity and hot showers are all a recipe for dry, itchy skin, and the harsh conditions also take a toll on the face, which is sometimes the hardest to treat. Red, dry, chapped noses are caused by the lack of moisture and constant friction with dry tissues. nstead of tissues, help keep little noses healthy and intact during the season with Boogie Wipes! Boogie Wipes are saline infused moist wipes made with aloe, chamomile and vitamin E to add moisture while keeping noses smooth and clean after every wipe. Keep individual packs handy by your child’s bedside or tucked in your purse or diaper bag during cold & flu season to help soothe chapped and irritated little noses! “Mom” loves the unscented variety for use in her home. Visit http://www.boogiewipes.com/.

Rainbow Light Fiber Garden Gummies

Rainbow Light’s Fiber Garden Gummies™

If your little ones are having trouble going to the bathroom, don’t worry, they’re not alone – reports show that at least 30% of children suffer from acute constipation. Childhood Constipation can be caused by a variety of factors including a change in diet, not drinking enough fluids, not taking the time to make bowel movements, and changes in daily routine. With the holidays behind us and cold/flu season upon us, it’s especially important for parents to recognize normal patterns in bowel movements, as well as to take preventative measures in keeping children as balanced as possible.

Rainbow Light’s Fiber Garden Gummies™ are the perfect option during the winter, when the freshest seasonal fruits and veggies aren’t always available and outdoor activity isn’t possible at times due to inclement weather.

Benefits of Rainbow Light’s Fiber Garden Gummies™ include:

· Provide 4 g of fiber plus the ORAC (antioxidant) equivalent to 2 servings of fruits and vegetables
· Digestion enhanced with NutraFlora (FOS), a prebiotic fiber that supports immunity and digestion
· Xylitol is also included to support oral health
· Single-serve packets preserve freshness and purity and are perfect for nutrition on-the-go
· 100% natural and free of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives or additives
· Free of the most common allergens such as gluten, lactose, nuts and yeast, and thus perfect for sensitive tummies

Rainbow Light’s Fiber Garden Gummies™ retail for 19.99/30-ct box. Learn more at http://www.rainbowlight.com/.

Mommy's Bliss Probiotic Drops

Mommy’s Bliss Baby Probiotic Drops

Mommy’s Bliss has just launched an amazing new product for little ones – Mommy’s Bliss Baby Probiotic Drops! This product is pediatrician-recommended, 100% vegan and vegetarian, and quickly becoming a favorite amongst health-conscious parents. Mommy’s Bliss© Probiotic Drops promote digestive health & support immune function. “Mom” loves that these drops are formulated for the youngest members of her household.

Probiotics are living microorganisms that scientific research has shown to benefit human health. In some cases they are similar to, or the same as, the microbes already found in a healthy digestive tract. It may also help with occasional gas, diarrhea & constipation. Formulated with non-GMO Corn Oil and the live culture Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG, this new product may safely and effectively ease baby’s digestion.

Mommy’s Bliss® Probiotic Drops does NOT contain any of the following: gluten, starch, dairy, wheat, yeast, dill, chamomile, alcohol, parabens, artificial colors, artificial flavors, sucrose (table sugar), or petroleum-based by-products. 100% vegetarian & vegan. Learn more at http://mommysbliss.com/.

*Companies generously provided samples and images for this article.*

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Protein Gingersnaps

These protein-rich cookies made with Naked Nutrition Protein Powder and a bevy of other whole, healthy ingredients will fuel you for your upcoming workout as you head back to the gym after the holidays!

Protein Gingersnaps

Ingredients

½ cup all-purpose flour (“Mom” prefers organic, unbleached flour)
½ cup Naked Nutrition protein powder
⅓ sugar (“Mom” prefers organic)
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
½ tablespoon ground ginger
½ of a whole egg (“Mom” prefers organic, cage-free eggs)
2 tablespoons molasses
5 tablespoons butter, softened (“Mom” prefers organic)
¼ tsp pure vanilla extract (“Mom” prefers Nielsen-Massey Organic Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract)

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine flour, protein powder, sugar, baking soda, spices, and salt and mix until thoroughly combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, molasses, butter and vanilla. Combine the wet and dry mixtures until a batter forms. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the batter into 12-14 balls and place them on the sheet. Bake for 8 minutes.

Allow the cookies to cool before serving.

*Recipe and image courtesy of Naked Nutrition.*

ABOUT NAKED NUTRITION

Naked Nutrition strips away all of the marketing and gimmicks that many companies use today. We sell products with only the purest ingredients. We strive to help you meet your nutrition and fitness goals by being transparent about what we sell. That way you know exactly what’s going into your body, and what more important than that? Take your nutrition to the next level with Naked Nutrition. From Grass-Fed Whey Protein to Pea Protein Powder to Organic Brown Rice Protein Powder, Naked Nutrition provides the purest supplements. Our proteins are loaded with essential amino acids and no artificial sweeteners or colors. Our commitment to offering the best protein powders and supplements extends to all our products including Powdered Peanut Butter, Casein Protein, Creatine Monohydrate and more. No additives means your body gets more of what it needs and not what big agribusinesses use to pad their bottom line. Take your nutrition to the next level with Naked Nutrition.

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Five Tips to Beat the Blues, Feel Better & Stay Healthy in 2016

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Credit card bills, short days, plummeting temperatures and maybe even a few extra pounds from all those holiday celebrations and libations. According to a recent article on psychcentral.com, “studies show as many as 25 percent of Americans suffer from low-grade to full-blown depression after the holidays.”[1]. And then there is Blue Monday – the third Monday in January, believed to be the most depressing day of the year.

Oy!

The fact is: the sun is out a bit longer each day and people are starting to think about spring, warm weather and bathing suit season. January is the month to actually take advantage and get ready for a new year.

Crispy Green Apple

It’s also “National Staying Healthy Month,” so here are five simple things everyone can do to feel healthier and spring into 2016:

1. Walk, don’t run.

2. Baby steps – take the stairs.

3. Eat fruit – consider freeze-dried fruit snacks when fresh fruit is not available.

4. Stay hydrated – water is best, but try some of the new natural beverages.

5. Sit less – pace, stand, get a walking desk. Just don’t sit.

*Article and image courtesy of Crispy Green. Exercising image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net  and nenetus.*

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Snack Healthier in the New Year!

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As 2015 draws to a close, head into the New Year prepared to snack smarter and healthier! Why wait to make changes to your diet when the following nutritious snacks are easy to keep on hand to combat cravings!

Pure VanillaPure Vanilla Almond Bars

Simple, wholesome, and organic, the new Vanilla Almond bars from Pure are the perfect go-to snack when cravings strike! As with all Pure products, these delicious bars are certified organic, gluten-free, non-GMO verified, vegan and kosher, and will satisfy your sweet tooth, while providing balanced nutrition for your body. “Mom” loves tucking these in her purse for a great sourse of energy while on-the-move with little ones in tow!

Pure Vanilla Almond is the newest flavor to be added to the popular Ancient Grains line. Pure’s crispy ancient grain blend, made with quinoa, amaranth, flax seeds, and hemp, is now enriched with Sacha Inchi, an exotic seed that is a source of complete vegan protein. Combining mouth-watering vanilla with whole grains and almonds, the Pure Vanilla Almond bar has only 150 calories and 6g of sugar, and has fiber and antioxidants as well as 4g of protein. Learn more at www.thepurebar.com.

pure_clusterscp_chocolatepeanutPure Crispy Clusters

“Mom” is loving these little handfuls of goodness and flavor that are decadent and delicious! These healthy alternatives to sugary and salty snacks are a win-win for taste buds and health! A perfect blend of crunchy and nutty, Pure’s new Crispy Clusters are a light and healthy snack that are great at any time of day. Made from healthy whole grains, Crispy Clusters have only 110 calories, less than 5 grams of sugar and provide 3 grams of fiber per serving. They also contain complete protein, from ancient grains like quinoa and amaranth, making them an ideal snack suitable to people with dietary restrictions. To top it off, all three flavors are low in sodium, containing 140mg or less per serving. Learn more at www.thepurebar.com.

SuperSeedz Maple SugarSuperSeedz

Who knew pumpkin seeds could be seasoned so perfectly! “Mom‘ discovered these nutritious and absolutely delicious gourmet pumpkin seeds that are perfect to keep on hand for a quick yet healthy snack! SuperSeedz boast up to 9g of plant-based protein per serving, and are peanut-free, tree nut-free, egg-free, dairy-free, fish-free, shellfish-free, soy-free and made with gluten-free ingredients. Plus, they are Non-GMO Project Verified! The newest flavor, Maple Sugar & Sea Salt, joins the brand’s eight other existing flavors which includes Really Naked, Sea Salt, Cinnamon & Sugar, Coco Joe, Tomato Italiano, Curious Curry, Somewhat Spicy and Super Spicy, and can be enjoyed as a standalone snack, or as a welcome addition to cereal, yogurt and more! Keep SuperSeedz within reach when temptation strikes as we head into the New Year! Learn more at www.superseedz.com.

Endangered Species Chocolate - Dark Chocolate & Sea SaltEndangered Species Chocolate

Eat chocolate and do good? Yes – it is possible! Endangered Species milk and dark chocolate bars and bites are made with ethically traded, shade grown cacao and natural ingredients. 10% of net profits from your purchase are donated to support conservation efforts! You can learn about at-risk species by reading the inside of each 3oz. bar wrapper, and know that each bite you enjoy is doing good, too! Choose from a variety of flavors to tantalize your taste buds and learn more at www.chocolatebar.com.

*Companies generously provided samples and images for this piece.*

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MegaFood’s Vitamin C Blaster Smoothie

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Blast through the holidays with ease by recharging yourself with this delicious smoothie packed with goodness, including fresh organic strawberries, oranges and coconut milk!

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MegaFood’s Vitamin C Blaster Smoothie

Ingredients

10 oz. water
10 oz. coconut milk
1 large or 2 small oranges, with pith
1/2 pint or organic strawberries
2 scoops of MegaFood Daily C-Protect Nutrient Booster Powder
Handful of Ice

Preparation

Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. “Mom” uses frozen organic strawberries so the smoothie is extra icy and cold. Enjoy!

*Recipe courtesy of MegaFood.*

*Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net by satit_srihin.*

FDA DISCLAIMER: *This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.*
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Tiny Green Mom’s Winter Wellness Must-Haves

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Yes, it is Thanksgiving tomorrow, but with cold and flu season in full swing, and the added stress of the holidays (good and bad!), “Mom” has compiled her top wellness must-haves for staying healthy all season long!

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Herbal ZAP

This is Ayurveda made easy! Simple to add into your daily wellness routine this winter, Herbal ZAP makes instantly dissolving Ayurvedic herbal beverages that support healthy digestion, which is the key to overall good health. Herbal ZAP formulas work by harnessing the power of ancient herbal formulas that have been transformed into instantly dissolving crystals infused with powerful herbal extracts. Containing 14 potent Ayurvedic herbs, Herbal Zap works according to the principles of Ayurveda, restoring balance to the vital energies, doshas, increasing Agni, “inner-fire”, and promoting a positive state of health. The product is sustainably and ethically produced and they are proud to be non-GMO Verified as well as Kosher, Vegan and Gluten-Free. Herbal ZAP is available at select Whole Foods Markets, Sprouts Farmers Market, EarthFare, SuperSupplements, Central Market, and online at http://www.herbalzap.com/.

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Fit Radio

Rev up your winter workout to ease stress and combat the typical holiday weight gain in advance! With Fit Radio, manually putting together upbeat playlists for the gym this winter is now a thing of the past. Simply choose your favorite genre, push play and go! Designed to amp up your workout and stop you from spending time flipping through songs to find a high-energy track, FIT Radio provides users with mixes that maintain the same rhythm and BPM (beats per minute) throughout an entire set to keep you motivated and focused. FIT Radio is powered by real, professional nightclub DJs from around the world – available to you at the press of a button. DJs upload new mixes daily to FIT Radio, which helps to keep your workout fresh. “Mom” loves that you can try this app for one month to see how you are enjoying the tracks during your regular routine. http://www.fitradio.com/

Hawaiian Essential Pack 1

Hawaiian Essential Travel Gift Set

This line of travel-ready essential oils means that you can breathe more deeply and relax more thoroughly, even if for just a brief minute during the day, knowing that you are tapping into the earth’s most powerful natural remedies. The gift set is an extraordinary selection of the brand’s most-loved essential oil blends, with remedies for common ailments including insomnia, headache, insect bites, and hay fever. Each lovingly hand-crafted batch is tested and proven to be safe and highly effective. Tuck the Hawaiian Essential Travel Gift Set into a purse, laptop bag or backpack for on-the-go, too! $45.95. http://hawaiianessential.com/

Tea Drops Box With Cup

Tea Drops

A warm cup of tea is the perfect remedy after a long day! Tea Drops are pressed tea made with genuine tea leaves that dissolve in hot water. Each Tea Drop is handcrafted and infused with the finest organic teas, spices and earth-derived sweeteners. Simply pour boiling water in a cup, add a Tea Drop, stir and enjoy. Choose from caffeinated, caffeine-free and natural wellness Tea Drops. Flavors include citrus ginger, vanilla white, rose earl grey, turmeric, cardamom spice, matcha green tea, sweet peppermint and pumpkin spice for fall. “Mom” loves that Tea Drops come packaged in a paulownia wood box that is eco-friendly, sustainable and biodegradable. Sold online at www.myteadrop.com; $12 for an 8 pack.

Peppermint New Design

Ice Chips

To soothe a queasy tummy naturally, ginger and peppermint are always a top choice in “Mom’s” arsenal of home remedies. When you are so nauseous even drinking tea is making you grimace, Ice Chips® offers a delicious, all-natural and sugar-free candy in both Ginger and Peppermint flavors that may help! Place a tin in your purse, backpack, or purse for refreshment and to quell the queasies. Made with xylitol and safe for the expectant mom, Ice Chips® are available in 20 tantalizing flavors, such as Ginger, Peppermint, Wintergreen, Cinnamon, Strawberry Daiquiri, and more! www.icechipscandy.com

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GoGargle!

With soothing ingredients like honey, chamomile, aloe & mint, GoGargle! is a simple, surprisingly tasty way to soothe a sore throat. GoGargle! comes in the form of an effervescent tablet that you simply drop in a glass of warm water to dissolve. Not only are GoGargle! tablets simple to use and perfect for on-the-go, GoGargle! tablets dissolve quickly, so you can start gargling sooner! GoGargle! can be used by the whole family. Available at CVS stores nationwide. $6.99. http://www.gogargle.com

Boogie Wipes

Boogie Wipes

Tuck these handy little wipes into a backpack, purse, pocket or diaper bag to help clean little noses wherever you are this season! Boogie Wipes are saline infused wipes that clean runny noses and get rid of congestion for instant relief. The moist wipes can be used by the entire family, and since they’re made with aloe, chamomile, and vitamin E, Boogie Wipes will prevent chapped noses which are caused by friction with the common tissue. “Mom” loves that they come in convenient packages just like tissues! You can download a Boogie Wipes coupon for extra savings here, as well. http://www.boogiewipes.com/

DripDrop

Staying hydrated is essential when working out in any climate. DripDrop is a powder electrolyte solution that you add to water to treat dehydration. Invented by Dr. Eduardo Dolhun, a Mayo-clinic trained physician, as an alternative to sports drinks (i.e. Gatorade) and pediatric solutions (i.e. Pedialyte) – DripDrop REALLY WORKS! It has been clinically proven to hydrate 150% better than plain water and 43% better than sports drinks and contains 3x the electrolytes and 1/2 the sugar of most sports drinks. DripDrop comes in powder packets that can be added to a water bottle and it’s easy to carry in your purse, backpack, laptop bag, or pocket. http://dripdrop.com/

*Companies provided images and information for this article.*

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Ease Your Child’s Upset Stomach Or Stuffy Nose With These Gentle Remedies

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Soothe Baby Naturally PicIt’s not something any new parent wants to anticipate, but the reality is, infants and toddlers sometimes don’t feel well. Upset stomachs from gas and runny noses are common among youngsters and can happen at any time of the year. When children are not at their best, there are several easy, tried-and-true remedies that are safe for parents to learn to help kids start feeling better quickly.

Upset Tummies

Burping is best: Gently burping your infant or toddler is the easiest way to relieve discomfort from gas during and after feedings and meals. If your little one does not burp immediately, this is normal—just lay him or her down on his or her back for a few minutes before trying again.

Keep on moving: An active infant or toddler is a less gassy one! Supervised tummy time and keeping your little one’s legs and arms moving is another simple technique to keep the flow of oxygen steady to prevent discomfort from gas.

Experiment with food: Certain foods your infant or toddler enjoys eating, such as broccoli, beans and cauliflower, may cause extra gas. Because of this, products such as Little Remedies® Gas Relief Drops and Little Remedies® Gripe Water are ideal for liberating pains from excess gas. Little Remedies® believes “less is more” and strives to make sure that each of its products contains just what is needed for fast, safe relief—nothing more. With no artificial colors, flavors, alcohol, saccharin or preservatives, these remedies provide a comforting relief to upset stomachs due to gas.

Stuffy Noses

Fluids, fluids and more fluids: Plenty of fluids, especially water, are a little one’s best friend when it comes to stuffy nose symptoms. For older children, warm broths, soups and other drinks can also work wonders.

Just add moisture: A little moisture goes a long way! Room humidifiers and saline nose drops such as Little Remedies® Saline Spray/Drops moisten the nasal passage and flush out unwanted mucus from little noses. This non-medicated product can be used as often as needed without the worry of any harmful side effects or drug interactions. Its specially buffered formula is alcohol free, will not sting or burn delicate nasal membranes, and has a baby-size applicator tip.

For more information on Little Remedies® and the full line of products, visit www.LittleRemedies.com, or join them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/LittleRemedies and @LittleRemedies on Twitter for updates.

*Image and article courtesy of NAPS.*

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A ‘Berry’ Healthy Way To Help Your Heart

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Berry healthy articleMay is National Strawberry Month, and this little heart-shaped fruit can be a big help to your heart. According to research, strawberries may play an important role in helping to reduce the risk of heart disease.

“Strawberries are at the top of the list of foods I recommend for packing the most nutrition into everyday meals, especially when considering cardiovascular health,” said Sylvia Klinger, MS, RD, LDN. “It’s an easy sell with their versatility and naturally sweet taste.”

Here are 12 more reasons to enjoy California strawberries:

1. High in vitamin C (more per serving than an orange) and may boost immunity.

2. Considered a superfruit with loads of antioxidants and anthocyanins.

3. Versatile and can be added to both savory and sweet dishes.

4. Low in sugar, naturally sweet with only 45 calories per cup.

5. A source of potassium to support healthy blood pressure.

6. A good source of dietary fiber.

7. Available year-round and easy to freeze.

8. Grown by caring strawberry farmers who use sustainable farming practices.

9. Loved by kids and ideal for snacks and lunches.

10. Ideal for adding appeal to summertime dishes and special occasions.

11. Grown to perfection in ideal growing conditions along California’s coast.

12. Globally loved and voted America’s favorite fruit.

 

Try this recipe for a tasty way to enjoy strawberries:

Grilled Salmon with Strawberry Ginger Salsa
Serves: 6

Ingredients

Salsa:

Prepare at least one hour ahead.

1 English or seedless cucumber, finely chopped

1 green onion, thinly sliced

1 Tbsp. cilantro, cut into strips

1 tsp. fresh ginger, freshly grated

1 yellow pepper, diced small

3-4 Tbsp. seasoned rice wine vinegar

2 cups fresh California strawberries, hulled and diced small

Sauce:

1 stick unsalted butter

1 clove garlic

1 Tbsp. honey

2 Tbsp. soy sauce

1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

6 salmon fillets (or fish of choice), skinless

Preparation

Mix cucumbers, green onion, cilantro, ginger, yellow pepper and vinegar. Cover and chill at least one hour. Just before serving, add strawberries. In a small saucepan, melt butter with garlic over low heat. Stir in honey, soy sauce and lemon juice and cook 2 minutes; set aside. Prepare a charcoal grill; when ready, brush sauce on salmon pieces and place on a well-oiled fish-grilling rack. Place rack over coals about 4 inches from fire and grill approximately 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Brush with the sauce again after turning and again when done. Transfer to warm platter and top with salsa.

For more information and healthful recipes, follow @castrawberries on Facebook, or visit www.californiastrawberries.com.

*Article and image courtesy of NAPS.net.*

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Add Fiber to Your Diet – For Good Health

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It may not be the first thing most people think about when it comes to looking fit and living healthfully, but dietary fiber can be good for just about every, well, fiber of your being. These facts may provide you with some food for thought on adding more fiber to your diet.

How To Add Fiber To Your Diet

It’s wise to get fiber from the food you eat. To do so, pick foods that are naturally high in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and products that have been fortified with added fiber. Read the labels of the foods you buy and try to find those that provide 10 percent or more of the Daily Value for fiber. Eat a variety of different types of dietary fibers to get all of the benefits dietary fibers have to offer.

Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to find foods that are high in fiber. Lately, the food industry has begun adding dietary fibers to a myriad of foods and beverages that people enjoy every day. Added dietary fibers can now be found in yogurt, cereals, breads, fruit juices, milk, tortillas, baked goods, and nutrition supplement bars and beverages.

However, it’s important to remember that people should try to eat a variety of different types of dietary fibers to get all the benefits that dietary fibers have to offer.

Why To Add Fiber To Your Diet

The health benefits of dietary fiber include:

• Weight management: Scientific studies consistently show that the more fiber in your diet, the lower your risk of obesity.

• Improved digestion: Some dietary fibers can help regulate your digestion and help your intestines defend you from germs.

• Lower cholesterol: Certain dietary fibers reduce the risk of heart disease by helping to lower blood cholesterol.

• Reduced glycemic response: Some dietary fibers can slow down the absorption of glucose and lower the glycemic effect of food.

• Healthy microflora: Some dietary fibers can give a boost to the beneficial bacteria in the intestine (and defeat the bad ones) to help them fight inflammation and possibly even cancer.

• Increased mineral absorption: Certain dietary fibers help the body to better absorb minerals, especially calcium.

• Increased insulin sensitivity: Some dietary fibers have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity.

• Increased satiety: Research suggests that some fibers can encourage the body to produce hormones that leave you feeling fuller, longer.

No single fiber or food provides all of these necessary health benefits. So you need to eat a wide variety of fiber-containing foods to improve your well-being.

Where To Learn More

For further information on fiber, visit www.fiberfacts.org.

*Article courtesy of NAPS. Image provided by FreeDigitalPhotos.*

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