Health

Introduction to the Healthy Gut

My name is Lauren, and I work with Mother Earth Products. I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), multiple food sensitivities, food intolerances (gluten and lactose), and arthritis in my knees. I’ve had trouble over the years with inflammation, constipation, and weight retention.

Recently, I started working with a functional nutritionist to help heal my gut, bloating, food reactions, and to get some traction on feeling better, as well as balancing out my hormones. First, she put me on a Gut Friendly Diet, which removes the most common inflammatory foods from my lifestyle, so the body has a better opportunity to fully heal. I am still doing this diet, and it’s become rare that I am constipated and bloated. But, since it is quite a long list, I’ll give you my personal top 5.

Over the course of the next few months, I’d like to share one new thing each month that I cut out of my diet for gut, brain, and energy health.

Wheat (or more appropriately, gluten):

What is gluten? Celiac.org defines gluten as a protein found in wheat (wheatberries, drum, emmer, semolina, spelt, farina, farro, graham, einkhorn, etc.), barley, and rye. Traces of gluten have also been found in oats. Many people cannot digest foods with gluten, and they all seem to have similar and alarming symptoms: bloating (gas or abdominal pain), diarrhea or constipation, nausea, headaches or migraines, brain fog (this is a big one for a lot of people diagnosed with celiac or gluten intolerance), joint pain, numbness in the limbs, and fatigue.

Personally, every day, before I went to work or class (this was a over 11 years ago), I’d eat Cheerios. Immediately, after eating them, I’d get a headache that I couldn’t shake. I remember posting about my headaches on Myspace. Our local paper ran an article about being Celiac, and the symptoms were listed. I had all of them, except diarrhea. To this day, if I ingest gluten, I get brain fog and joint pain.

If you have any of these symptoms, you should consult your PCP to give you a reference to a gastroenterologist, and stop eating any gluten you’d normally eat throughout the day. If you don’t feel better in a week, give yourself some time. Studies have shown that it can take up to 3 months for gluten to withdraw from your system completely. For a fascinating article on this, read: “The Boy With a Thorn In His Joints” by Susannah Meadows.

There are many alternative flours to use in baking, bread-making, and other pastries – almond, cassava, coconut, arrowroot, quinoa, chickpea, brown rice, etc. I even saw an apple powder for baking at our local Walmart It’s easy to pull some bread recipes off the Internet to meet your needs. I’m not a professional cook, but since I’ve been on the Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle, I’ve had to learn to cook more at home. I enjoy it now.

There are easy recipes for nearly everything you want. Zucchini Bread (we carry the zucchini at our shop). Paleo Donuts (we have the sliced strawberries to use as garnish). French Toast Casserole (we have delicious raspberries to add into your batter) or Blueberry Pancakes (we have the blueberries at our shop). Plain Sandwich Bread (it’s all there!). Just because you’re not eating the food with flour, wheat, or gluten in it doesn’t mean you can’t have it in an alternative way.

Want some ideas? I can recommend some social media influencers who dedicate their career to creating and sharing easy, healthy, and gluten free recipes. I can also point you to a lot of Mother Earth Products food that will enable you to cook easily without having to worry about spoilage or quality, and even add in some snacks to take the craving away for those baked goods.

Don’t let this one intimidate you! Many people across the world, internet, and even in journalism espouse the benefits of giving up any type of gluten. The brain fog goes away, the joint pain fades, and your digestion will start to work correctly again.

I’m already looking forward to next month’s article about sharing the second food group I gave up and why. Remember, it’s possible! Take it day by day. Try something new to cook, and think positive.

“Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back, everything is different”? – C.S. Lewis

“Let thy food be thy medicine.” - Hippocrates

References:

https://celiac.org/gluten-free-living/what-is-gluten/

https://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/03/magazine/the-boy-with-a-thorn-in-his-joints.html

9 Winter Fruits and Vegetables to Boost Your Immune System

It's beginning to look a lot like... winter. The temps are finally down, the cozy blankets are out, and the smell of hot cocoa is everywhere. Even though winter is the season to be jolly, it's also the season to get the sniffles. Luckily, loading up on cold-fighting nutrients is a surefire way to kick any bug.
Before all of you modern-age nose-blowers reach for the medicine cabinet, remember there's a world of winter fruits and vegetables out there waiting to ward off those pesky colds with just a few bites. If you are ready to swap all those pills with actual foods, add these nine winter fruits and vegetables to your MEP shopping cart and enjoy the season the way you should - sniffle-free.

Fruits

Citrus Fruits

Not to sound biased, but citrus fruits are winter's superstars. From orange's orange color to lemon's bright yellow, these juicy fruits can turn any gloomy day into a good one. Of course, their color pop is only the beginning.
Oranges, grapefruits, mandarins, limes, and the rest of the clan are rich in antioxidants⁽¹⁾- vitamin C, in particular- preventing you from getting sick during the cold days of winter. Studies also show that vitamin C⁽²⁾ can reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms in both adults and children. Pouring a glass of real OJ in the morning could be the thing to keep you healthy throughout winter.

Pomegranates

While they started popping up on our Insta feeds only recently, pomegranates are one of the world's oldest fruits. This ruby-red fruit has been around since the Greco-Roman times (or perhaps way before that), but their seasonal nature allows us to feast on them mainly during the winter.
From a nutritional point of view, they're packed with antioxidants – buh-bye, common cold! Their benefits don't end there. Pomegranates are rich in dietary fiber,⁽³⁾ which boosts our immunity through specific metabolic pathways. The bottom line? Add these sweet and tart pods to your winter salad (or weekly meal plan), and you won't regret it!

Kiwis

Even though its popping color and exotic looks conjure up images of tropical smoothies and sandy beaches, kiwi is winter's "child." The emerald green fruit is in season from October through May⁽⁴⁾, but if you want our opinion, kiwi crops harvested in December and January taste the best. Much like other citrus fruits, kiwis are rich in vitamin C, boosting your immunity and sparing you from getting sick.

Vegetables

Cabbage

A close cousin to veggies like cauliflower, the almighty broccoli, and collard greens, cabbage loves cold weather. The winter vegetable is in season during the colder months of the year and hides a wealth of disease-fighting nutrients, like vitamin C⁽⁵⁾, antioxidants,⁽⁶⁾ and fiber. The best part about cabbage is that you can eat it raw as part of a nutritious salad or cooked in the form of hearty stews and crunchy rolls. We recommend you opt for the dehydrated version. It’s easy to add to anything: from stews to salads to casseroles.

Brussel Sprouts

Chances are you've heard all about brussel sprouts and how “yucky” they taste. Over the years, the bite-sized green orbs have endured their fair share of bad press, but it's high time we change all that. Between their high content in antioxidants⁽⁷⁾ and their ability to pair with any vegetable and cheese type out there, brussel sprouts are one of the healthiest and most versatile foods to hit your plate during the colder months. Ready to say no to those sniffles in the tastiest way possible?

Leeks

Most of your immunity defenses⁽⁸⁾ lie along the mucosal lining of your gut. That means that eating the right foods helps you boost your immunity and bring down those flu germs without you even noticing. Here’s where leeks step in.
The winter vegetable is packed with a variety of gut-friendly nutrients, including inulin,⁽⁹⁾a potent prebiotic. Once inside your digestive system, the fiber improves your gut health and reduces your risk of coming down with the flu.
Make sure you keep a batch of dehydrated leeks around and add them to your dishes every chance you get. Your morning frittatas and your supper soup got the healthy makeover they needed.

Kale

Often dubbed as spinach's better half, kale is a healthy eater's dream come true. The cruciferous vegetable is home to nutrients, some of which are known to prevent the common cold (antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber). Unlike other leafy greens, kale⁽¹⁰⁾ is high in carotenoids,⁽¹¹⁾ known for their antioxidant potential.
If you're looking for an easy way to get through flu season without getting sick, this winter vegetable is all you need. PS: At 33 calories per cup,⁽¹²⁾ kale is the perfect low-calorie substitute for anyone looking to lose a few pounds before (or after) the holidays.

Onions

If you think onions are a year-round veggie, we've got some surprising news for you. Onions come in many variations, but experts suggest the best of them are grown during winter. The pungent bulb is high in vitamin C and anthocyanin⁽¹³⁾ - potent antioxidants that help you keep the flu at bay.
Friendly tip: If you think chopping up an onion isn't worth it (after all, the bulb is known for turning on the waterworks), stock your pantry with this dehydrated version, which is just as nutritious and tasty as the real deal. It’s already chopped. No prep work. Who's laughing crying now?

Carrots

This winter vegetable is a nutritional powerhouse. Harvested from October through January, carrots⁽¹⁴⁾ are an excellent source of antioxidants: vitamin C, lutein, beta-carotene, and cyanidins. Beta-carotene converts into vitamin A,⁽¹⁵⁾ a nutrient linked to a strong immune system.
Thanks to their slightly sweet taste, carrots are a great addition to both savory and sweet dishes. You can add it to smoothies along with other fruits and veggies. To avoid all the prep work, stock up on dehydrated carrots and get your antioxidant!
So, which of these winter fruits and vegetables will you eat to prevent colds and the flu? Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

References:

Cocoa Butter Versus Shea Butter

Owing to the popularity of both shea butter and cocoa butter, you may wonder which the best option for your skin. Both shea and cocoa butter have immense skin benefits, and for those reasons, many skin care lotions and creams contain either one of them.
To put a rest on the cocoa butter versus shea butter debate, this article will explore different properties of the world renowned skin moisturizers. You can use the following comparisons points to determine which product best suits your needs. Let’s find out more.

Origin

Other than being a naturally occurring substance, cocoa butter is an extract of cocoa beans, seeds of the cacao tree. It is native to South and Central America, but is als also cultivated in West Africa.¹
On the other hand, shea butter is extracted from the nuts of the shea tree and is known as karite butter. The shea tree, also known as karite, only grows in Africa, mainly in Central and West Africa.² In Africa, shea butter is also referred to as “women’s gold,” due to its positive impact in terms of job creation for women.¹

Appearance and Aroma

While unrefined cocoa butter has a strong chocolate scent, unrefined shea butter has a slightly nutty scent.²Refined cocoa butter has a minimal scent as compared to unrefined cocoa butter, which makes it possible to incorporate it with other ingredients without worrying about changing the final product. Unrefined cocoa butter has a darker color with a brown tint to it, while shea butter has a light shade of ivory.³ Raw or unrefined shea butter may show a range of colors from cream, gray, and yellow.
Pure Shea butter has most of its natural ingredients intact, but due to high levels of solvents used in refining shea butter, refined shea butter is white and has less nutritional value. Some cosmetics stores actually sell refined shea butter at inflated prices by labeling it as raw shea butter.

Shelf Life

Cocoa butter has a shelf life of about five years. It is expensive due to its extended long shelf. At room temperature or during the colder season, the cocoa butter will form into a solid and melt slowly as the temperature rises.²Shea butter has a lifespan of about one to two years. It loses its effectiveness with time in comparison to cocoa butter; however, storing shea butter in the fridge is unnecessary.
The loss of its effectiveness is due to the breakdown of its natural ingredients, but this does not mean you cannot use shea butter as a skin moisturizer. Store shea butter in an airtight and sealed container to increase its longevity and keep insects away.²

Skin Benefits

There is significant difference when you compare moisturizing properties of both cocoa and shea butter. They both have fatty acids that improve skin elasticity and moisture retention.³
The natural scent coming from cocoa butter is used in aromatherapy because it’s pleasant.
Cocoa butter contains cocoa mass polyphenol (CMP), which plays a major role in easing dermatitis and rashes. In some cases, the CMP may reduce the growth of tumors and cancerous cells. Continuous use of cocoa butter will lighten stretch marks and may even prevent their formation.¹
On the other hand, shea butter is rich with vitamins A and E and is beneficial for skin repair. Some studies indicate that using shea butter for skin adds cinnamic acid, which reduces skin inflammation and keeps tumors away.⁴ Shea butter also acts as a natural sunscreen, protecting you from the strong ultraviolet radiations and potential skin damage. You can also get rid of skin discoloration, rashes, and dark spots using shea butter.²

Skin Protection and Healing Benefits

Shea butter can relieve many skin issues ranging from dry skin to other dermatological problems, such as eczema. Shea butter can reduce diaper rash, blemishes, itching, wrinkles, and dryness. It can also be used as a shaving cream to reduce razor burns and maintain your skin’s even tone.
Essential vitamins that are needed by the skin, such as vitamins A, E and K, and shea butter helps to maintain a healthy and clear skin. Omega 3 fatty acid, also present in shea butter, is a skin protector and rejuvenator, which also helps to smooth rough or charred skin.⁴
Cocoa butter has high levels of antioxidants that neutralize free radicals formed as a result of cell metabolism. The high presence of radicals on the skin is the reason why you have damaged skin cells and more wrinkles.¹For issues like scars, acne, and stretch marks, shea butter seems to be the better choice, since cocoa butter tends to clog your skin pores. In addition, shea butter does not stick on the skin and may help reduce acne and appearance of stretch marks.³
People with dry skin problems can use unrefined cocoa butter because of the ease of absorption into the skin, and it quickly improves the appearance of the skin.

When Making That Decision

Shea butter definitely has more benefits as compared to cocoa butter; however, making the decision between cocoa butter versus shea butter should be approached with caution. In some cases, any of these products may have some ingredients that trigger an allergic reaction; therefore, when buying, get to know what each ingredient on the package will help solve your skin problems.
However, don’t rely on referrals to decide on cocoa butter or shea butter and assume that it will solve all your skin and hair problems. If you are treating a serious skin condition, consult your dermatologist, who can help you choose the best option to treat your skin with confidence.
If you have been searching for a source for shea butter you’re are at the right place. We offer unrefined and organic shea butter that will give you full benefits that you have been looking for. Your search for quality products ends here at Mother Earth Products.

References

6 Reasons Why Cauliflower is a Superfood for the Weekly Menu

Picture a sad platter of florets every time the word “cauliflower” is mentioned? Broccoli's distant cousin is slowly turning into the next superfood. Despite its humble looks, the cruciferous vegetable is packed with nutrients, including boosting brain power. Imagine what it can do for the rest of the body. Curious to find out why it's is all the rage these days? These 6 benefits will convince you and explain why cauliflower is a superfood.

Reduces Inflammation

One key factors behind chronic disease is inflammation⁽¹⁾. This sneaky condition is a natural response of the body to protect your organs against multiple harmful substances. As helpful as this may sound, our bodies interact with toxins on a regular basis, which means inflammation grows stronger daily.
One way to avoid inflammation is to eat as many anti-inflammatory foods as possible. Cauliflower⁽²⁾ is anti-inflammatory, and antioxidants play a huge role in that. Some antioxidants found in the cauliflower includes vitamin C⁽³⁾, quercetin⁽⁴⁾, cinnamic acid⁽⁵⁾, and ferulic acid⁽⁶⁾.

Fights Certain Types of Cancer

It's no secret that cancer and toxins⁽⁷⁾ go hand in hand. These harmful substances alter the way our genes work, which affects the function and proliferation of our cells. Antioxidants are one of the best ways to keep toxins from building up inside your body, and cauliflower plays a part. The delicious vegetable is rich in toxin-busting nutrients. Not only that, but cauliflower is also a great source of glucosinolates⁽⁸⁾, sulfur-containing elements that help prevent cancer by preventing cell mutation.
The vegetable also contains phytoestrogens⁽⁹⁾ which keep our hormones in check. That said, cauliflower is linked to a reduced risk of hormone-driven cancers: breast, uterine, and cervical cancers.

Improves Digestion

Cauliflower is full of fiber, and according to experts, one cup contains 2.5 grams of fiber,⁽¹⁰⁾ which covers about 10% of the daily recommended intake. What does this mean for your body? Dietary fiber⁽¹¹⁾ is a non-digestible carb that comes in two forms: soluble and insoluble. Even though these two types work in different ways once they reach the stomach, they both add bulk to the mix, making waste not just heavier but also softer. As a result, they force the food to move rather quickly through the intestines, making digestion easier.

Supports Weight Loss

Fiber’s work continues: fiber is linked to satiety⁽¹²⁾ which means that fiber-rich foods (including cauliflower) make us feel fuller longer. As a result, we end up eating less throughout the day, which slims down the waistline.
Experts suggest that 92% of the cauliflower’s weight is made up of water. Foods that contain a lot of water are usually low in calories. No matter how much of them we eat, there's little chance we’ll pile on the pounds. If that's not a recipe for sustainable weight loss, then we don't know what is.

Boosts Brain Power

After years and years of thinking our wits come from our genes, research proves that there are a bunch of nutrients that can give our brains a boost. Choline is one of these brain-boosting nutrients, and even though the human liver produces some of it, it receives a little help from cauliflower⁽¹³⁾.
This cruciferous veggie contains large amounts of the nutrient that helps boost our brain power⁽¹⁴⁾ in various way: from enhancing memory to improving communication between cells. Choline is also necessary for producing acetylcholine⁽¹⁵⁾ - a neurotransmitter involved in several functions of the nervous system (heartbeat regulation and muscle contraction).

Versatile

From pizza and burgers to brownies, smoothies, and puddings, cauliflower can do it all. Thanks to its thick consistency, the multitasking vegetable can readily substitute for flour in many recipes, both savory and sweet. Also, note that it's low in carbs, which makes it a perfect choice for anyone on a low-carb diet such as Keto.

The Takeaway

There's 6 reasons cauliflower is all the rage these days. From helping us lose weight to supporting our brain health, the yummy vegetable is indeed a superfood, and it's high time we included it in our day-to-day menu. Remember, cauliflower is a cool season crop - available during fall and winter. If you want to enjoy its health benefits all year long, we recommend stocking up on these freeze dried cauliflower pearls and add them to meals whenever the mood strikes. Now, that's smart cooking!

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Quench Your Thirst with Fruit Infused Water and Get a Health Boost this Summer

Water is life, a fact we know too well. It is a vital element required to supplement your nutrition and energy levels. The benefits of water are infinite. However, most people don’t drink enough water and the main reason they give is the dislike for the plain taste. Is that your reason as well? Well, there is a way out of it.
Hello infused water! You can infuse plain water with vegetables, fresh fruits or herbs. Flavored water is healthier than the usual thirst remedies, such as sodas and lemonades. If you love the taste of fruits, your water should have more fruits, and fewer fruits if you prefer a higher concentration of water.
Here are some of our flavored water recipes that will help maintain your water intake in the scorching summer heat.

Apple infused Water

Chop an apple (or use our apple slices!) and let it soak for at least an hour before use. Adding a few drops of cinnamon can help improve your metabolism and keep burning more calories. Apple water also helps regulate blood sugar and increase the fiber content in your body.¹

Blueberry infused Water

The easiest way to get blueberry infused water is to add fresh berries into your glass of water, and that is it. You can also use freeze dried berries. Soak them up in water and wait for them to rehydrate. Then add them to your water to cool your thirst. Another quick way to let the blueberry juice “leak” into your water is to cut them in half.²

Strawberry Infused Water

If you like your water flavored with a delicious taste on a hot summer day, then strawberry is something you should consider. You can sip strawberry water throughout the day, improving your heart health and regulating blood sugar. Strawberries contain high levels of antioxidants, polyphenols, and vitamin C, which have an anti-cancer effect.³

Cucumber Infused Water

The hot summer can leave your skin dry. Drinking plenty of cucumber infused water will help soothe your skin, leaving it glowing by flushing out toxins. Cucumber water is high in Vitamin B5, which is a vital ingredient in the treatment of acne.⁴

Lemon Infused Water

To reap the benefits of lemon water, you have to drink it consistently. You can choose to take it warm or cold. You do not need to have too much of it; just a small slice is enough to trigger your taste buds. Lemons like any other citrus fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, which is an excellent antioxidant that is needed to protect your cells from oxidation.⁵
When your schedule does not allow you to make a fruit juice or a smoothie, go ahead and make infused water.

More tricks

Always soak your fruit of choice for at least two hours in water before pouring in your container.
Refill your infused water container only when half full to keep sipping throughout the day.
Use filtered water when preparing infused water.

Mixing water with fruits, vegetables, and herbs helps you drink more water without worrying about gobbling too many calories and sugars found in artificial flavors.
Do you wish to try out these recipes? At Mother Earth Products we have a variety of fruits and vegetables that you can use to infuse your water. Purchase our crunchy and convenient freeze dried fruits and beat the hot summer with refreshing infused water. You’re a click away from good health.

References

The Surprising Truth About Dehydrated Fruits and Sugar

Let's set the scene: You are in a mood for a healthy snack, and you instinctively think of the fruits you bought last week. So, you head to the kitchen only to find out that the bananas are bruised and the peaches are mushy. At this point, reaching for a handful of dehydrated fruits seems like the best alternative.
But, wait a sec! Don't experts agree that dehydrated fruits are sugar bombs in disguise? Well, yes, but the truth goes way beyond a sugar laden nutrition label. If you want to know what's up with this misunderstood food, here's what research has to say.

A New (Sugary) Perspective

When it comes to sugar, dehydrated fruits are nothing like their fresh counterparts – at least, that's what we hear. The only problem with this claim? We've been approaching the matter from a short-sighted perspective all along.
You see, one cup of raisins(1) contains about 100 grams of sugar while the same amount of fresh grapes(2) clocks in just 23.4 grams of the sweet stuff. But, even though the numbers are self-explanatory, comparing dehydrated and fresh fruits based on volume alone is flat-out wrong. Why? Simply because the dried version is smaller in size.
So, to avoid confusion and making false accusations, we should instead compare the two kinds using a subjective and accurate unit of measurement, a.k.a. analyzing them piece by piece. This method actually shows that the calories and sugar in fresh and dehydrated fruits are, more or less, the same, proving that both versions are equally healthy.

Small Size, Big Appetite

As the name suggests, dehydrated fruits contain zero water. So, as they get stripped off of their juices, they end up shrinking in size, sometimes even up to 75%. Take figs, for example. These plump, juicy fruits shrivel to the point of no return when they are placed in a dehydrator or left out in the sun.
Unfortunately, by turning into the bite-sized snacks, we know and love, dehydrated fruits are very easy to overeat. So, more often than not, we end up eating more than we should in one sitting. That means that the calories pile up and our sugar intake reaches new heights.

Added Sugar Is The Enemy

Unfortunately, natural sugar is not the only type of sugar that's present in store bought dried fruits. Most brands tend to include lots of added sugar to the mix (see: artificial sweeteners, fruit juices, etc.) in an attempt to sweeten the deal and make the products more appetizing. That occurs because certain fruits, such as cranberries, are actually kind of bitter and tart once dehydrated.
However, adding sugar to these fruits turns them into A-list calorie bombs, which is why many people think dried fruits should be avoided at all costs. But, keeping these snackable treats away from your pantry is not the solution. Instead, you should look out for a brand that steers clear of sugary additives and preservatives with Mother Earth Products being a bright example.

Antioxidant, Fiber and Micronutrients to The Rescue

Another reason to keep dehydrated fruits in your weekly (if not daily) menu is the abundant nutrients. You see, despite their unique size-to-sugar ratio, dried fruits don't spike sugar levels as much as other go-to snacks (think, candy or chips). That instantly makes them a healthier snacking option.
But, besides that, research(3) proves that these treats contain significant amounts of antioxidants, helping your body deal with oxidative stress and a variety of metabolic diseases. They are also packed with other nutrients(4) including fiber, calcium, and vitamin A, C and K. FYI, all of these nutrients play a huge role in healthy weight management, helping you shed the extra pounds and keep fat buildup at bay.

Long Shelf Life

Unlike their fresh counterparts, dried fruits come with a long shelf life, serving as an excellent choice οn occasions where fresh produce is not an option. So, whether you are a regular hiker or a weekend camper, these all-weather snacks are the best way to provide your body with enough energy to complete your tasks.

Final Thoughts

In terms of risk and reward, dehydrated fruits can be readily described as the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of snacking. While they come with some major benefits including weight management, portability, and long shelf life, they may also cause quite a mess to your health through the added sugar and overeating.
To avoid such scenarios, make sure you consume just enough to keep your sweet tooth satisfied and always trust brands that support the no-added-sugar philosophy. PS: If you don't know where to start, Mother Earth Products is the way to go. Thanks to our no additive attitude and family friendly approach, we can provide you with high quality dehydrated fruits all year round. #BuildingHealthyHabits

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