Nature’s Medicine Cabinet

Nature’s Medicine Cabinet

 SPICES FOR PHYTONUTRIENTS 

People often tell me “everything in moderation.” But if someone has extreme Metabolic Syndrome, I feel that mantra is just as damaging as telling an alcoholic that same thing about having a glass of wine.

Animals have learned how to become fat and how to become thin. They do it in a tightly regulated way… Hibernating mammals will double their weight and fat in the fall in preparation for winter by consuming large amounts of fruits (bears eat a ton of berries). Animals develop all the features of metabolic syndrome that we do. They get fat. Their visceral fat goes up. They get fatty liver. Blood triglycerides go up. They get insulin-resistant. It’s a normal process.

NO FRUIT? How will I get nutrients? When I am asked if I eat fruits, I jokingly say of course! I eat avocado, olives, cucumber, coconut and tomatoes! But most people think I am a bit extreme when I limit most vegetable consumption for my clients too. To get keto adapted, even some low-starch vegetables may keep someone with a damaged metabolism out of ketosis. Which is why my Accelerated 30 day meal plans are so detailed with what low-starch vegetables, herbs and spices are allowed to get into ketosis fast while getting plenty of nutrients.

Fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, oregano and basil are the most nutrient rich plants you can consume. For example, everyone thinks spinach is the perfect food, but fresh oregano has eight times the amount of antioxidants! Sure, we don’t eat a cup of oregano like we would spinach, but it does show that a little bit provides a huge benefit. Instead of consuming fruits and starchy veggies that have fructose and raise blood sugar quickly, I suggest using herbs and spices more often in your cooking preparations.

Vanilla beans are high in phenolic compounds which are potent antioxidants (as well as anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory). Most people often use vanilla extracts rather than the bean because it is easy to find and affordable. But if you are side stepping using real vanilla beans, you are missing out on some awesome antioxidants.

Extracts are made from infusing the bean in alcohol for an extended period of time. The process of infusion does allow antioxidants to seep into the alcohol extract so you are losing out on a lot of phytonutrients when you skip using the actual vanilla bean.

Vanilla was traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, and is also reputed to help patients with erectile dysfunction and loss of libido. Because of its calming properties, it’s thought to help reduce inflammation due to fever, and because of its high antioxidant content, may also be effective at fighting off the free radicals that can lead to cancer.

Benefits to the Skin

The benefits of vanilla in skin care products go far beyond the amazing scent. It is also great for:

Healing wounds: Historically vanilla was used to help heal wounds, and we now know that it has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to soothe and calm inflamed areas on the skin.

Antioxidant: As you can see on the chart above, vanilla is a great source of antioxidants. A 2007 study that profiled the extract found that the antioxidants were significant, stating, “The present study points toward the potential use of vanilla extract compounds as antioxidants for food preservation and in health supplements as nutraceuticals.” These antioxidants can also help protect skin from environmental dangers that can accelerate aging.

Acne and Antibacterial: Vanilla can help reduce skin infections and can reduce the bacteria that cause acne.

B vitamins: There are a lot of b-vitamins in vanilla, including niacin, which is a key nutrient in the maintenance of healthy skin. Thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and pantothenic acid are also found in this tasty extract.

I keep a large pack in my fridge sealed tightly at all times for additions to desserts and even vegetables like my Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Vanilla-Pecan Butter.

Click HERE to find some on sale!

Other Herbs I love and recipes I use them in:

1. Basil: relieves gas and stomach pain.

Try my Shrimp with Lemon “Rice” and Crispy Basil

2. Black Pepper: relieves indigestion. Make sure to use quality pepper.

Try my keto Philly Cheesesteak.

3. Cayenne: known to stop a heart attack.

Try my keto Pad Thai.

4. Dill: Treat heartburn, colic and gas.

Try my Egg Salad Mini Sandwiches.

5. Rosemary: antioxidants, helps pull calcium into bone broth.

Try my “Healthified” Chicken Dumpling Soup.

6. Oregano: soothes stomach muscles.

Try my “Healthified” Pizza-Roni.

 

7. Cinnamon: lowers blood pressure, lowers blood sugar.

Try my Cinnamon Fry Bread.

8. Ginger: Anti-Nausea.

Try my Ginger Tea.

9. Garlic: Lowers Blood pressure, natural anti-septic.

Try my Skordalia (Greek “Potato” and Garlic Dip).

10. Fenugreek: Flushes out toxins.

11. Clove: antimicrobial.

Try my “Healthified” Pumpkin Donuts.

12. Sage: antibiotic and antiseptic.

Try my Brown Butter Mushrooms.

13. Thyme: relaxes respiratory muscles.

Try my Roasted Cauliflower.

14. Turmeric: anti-cancer.

Try my Curry “Rice” and Coconut Chicken.

15. Cilantro: detoxes body of heavy metal toxicity.

Try my Tender Cilantro Chicken.

16. Mint: helps relieve sore throats, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, indigestion and also is very anti-inflammatory.

Try my Sugar Free Mint Ice Cream.

 HERB TIP: Add to homemade salad dressings and appetizers!

Testimonies of the Day

30 Day Accelerated Testimony (Couple lost over 100 pounds together!): Hi Maria!! I would like to thank you for all you do! I have been following your plan for 3 1/2 months and have lost 42#! I have no more blood pressure meds, headaches or heartburn/acid reflux! People are always asking what I am doing and I tell them about you. They freak out that I don’t eat fruit but the results speak for themselves! Thank you again Maria you are the best!!” – Marci

If you too want to start your heal journey, click HERE for a consult. With the right diet and supplement plan, you can feel like a new person!

Phone client update from Linda this morning!: “Ok darling, Eating this way has COMPLETELY eliminated my cravings for ALL things sweet. In fact, i kind of get sick to my stomach if i think about chocolate. Or wine. Secondly, I do not have an appetite at all, and do not get hungry.

And I can only have two meals a day and IF naturally.

So bizarre, 6 weeks ago I would have laughed.

And I am in ketosis per my reader.

And I am down 2 pounds from Saturday.

And I have loads of energy.

And mental clarity.

And I am so very very very happy and thankful for u!!!!!!!!!

LOVE U!!!!” Linda

Caffeine Testimony from a Phone Client: “Morning! I just wanted to share quick about the coffee, thing! I’ve given it up for almost two weeks, and could it be possible that I would assist in my weight loss slump ending? Pounds have been rolling off again! I’m a happy camper!”

To get started on your path to health and healing, click HERE. 

Read more on Decaf Americano vs Decaf Coffee HERE.