Cancer cells are in everyone's body. What some people don't know is how their fast-paced lives and not taking care of their body are contributing to those cells evolving into actual cancer or are putting you at a higher risk of cancer.

The saying, "Stress kills," is not funny or false. We all have stress in our life but for health reasons, you should eliminate or lower the amount. It's not always easy, but it can be life-changing.

I'm not going to talk about how to eliminate stress in this article because I've already written one which you can read here Stress and the Affects it has on your Body and Life.

In this article, I'm going to take you through my top 5 cancer-fighting foods with studies and well know sites to back the information given.

What is Cancer?

Here is one definition that is given by WebMD:

"Cancer, also called malignancy, is an abnormal growth of cells. There are more than 100 types of cancer, including breast cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma. Symptoms vary depending on the type. Cancer treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery."

I would also like to include in the treatments, eating healthy and natural herbals which the Cancer Treatments of America use and recommend.

How Do I Prevent Cancer?

Besides eating healthy, which we will talk about in a minute, avoiding certain foods, exercising and keeping toxins out of your body are the very best of ways.

Genetics are sometimes involved with cancer, but keeping your body healthy can help prevent or delay even those genes.

What Feeds or Helps Cancer?

Inflammation, pore health, and eating habits. Studies say 30% to 40% of all cancers can be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle which includes your diet! That is a huge percent. There are other studies claiming this number can be as high as 75%.

Here are some cancer-causing foods you may not realize are in your daily diet.

1. Sugar

It could take all day to explain why and how bad sugar is for you. It actually feeds and helps cancer cells grow while doing nothing for your body. This includes high fructose corn syrup. There are studies after studies showing the extreme results when people overuse or add extra sugar to their diet.

2. Fried or Burnt Foods

When starchy foods are cooked above 250 degrees a toxin/chemical called acrylamide can be present. Here is a snippet from Wikipedia explaining:

"Acrylamide (or acrylic amide) is a chemical compound with the chemical formula C3H5NO. Its IUPAC name is prop-2-enamide. It is a white odorless crystalline solid, soluble in water, ethanol, ether, and chloroform. Acrylamide decomposes in the presence of acids, bases, oxidizing agents, iron, and iron salts. It decomposes non-thermally to form ammonia, and thermal decomposition produces carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and oxides of nitrogen.

The discovery of acrylamide in some cooked starchy foods in 2002 prompted concerns about its toxic effects in humans. According to the EFSA, the main toxicity risks of acrylamide are "Neurotoxicity, adverse effects on male reproduction, developmental toxicity, and carcinogenicity"

3. Processed Foods

Whenever you buy something from the store, including meat, that's been processed, you really have no idea what's in it. For one there are fillers, additives, nitrates, and other ingredients that come from sprays, petroleum products, and unhealthy dyes.

To avoid these products, find out where your food comes from. Buy from farmers markets, local health food stores and for meat find someone who will sell you half a beef, pig and buy poultry that's organic and free range.

Other options include reading labels, raising your own meat, growing your own garden, and making more homemade meals.

This topic is widely discussed and somewhat controversial.

Many people have a different opinion about herbal remedies vs. modern medicine and what the best course of action is. Everything from going all natural, somewhere in between or using strictly modern medicines.

In this article, I will present facts along with personal stories and in the end, you can make your own mind up as a reader of what you believe.

This is not to push you one direction or another, it's merely a way to explain the holistic point of view and compare health benefits.

I love natural approaches to health and learning the benefits your body gets from using plants, fruits, spices, and vegetables.  For thousands of years, families used and knew the benefits of herbal remedies and simple tinctures which nature provided.

They knew about them by experimenting and using what was all around them. I read an article once that described how nature grew the type of plant where it might be needed. For instance, an herb that helps will broken bones and bruising is found on hillsides where one might fall and have such an injury as a broken bone.

If you research this, it is amazingly true for a large number of your herbs that grow in the wild. Ever heard of willow bark tea? It is the original form of aspirin which I have personally made and used by peeling the willow bark off my tree and making a poultice.

These are just two examples of how our creator is a mastermind and knew we would need medicine, so provided it. Not only did He provide it, but He placed the plants where we would need it. In a way, it was a kind of idiot proof way of helping mankind first find out how to use plants as herbal remedies/medicine.

 Although original medicine came from plants, and other natural origins, we took shortcuts and added fillers and synthesized the natural compounds to keep up with the quantity of medicine that was needed.  I feel that's when we also got rid of the quality.

Today, so many medications are given without the doctor knowing what's wrong. Steroids are a perfect example. They try something which then produces side effects upon side effects, changing your bodies chemistry and that something might not even be what you need.

I have personally experienced this when my son had a problem breathing. After taking him to the doctor they prescribed for him a steroid inhaler. I specifically asked if this would help and the reply was, "I'm not sure but let's give it a try." That answer did not leave me feeling confident or comfortable.

Because I was not going to give my son something that MIGHT help him but might also make the problem worse because of the side effects of the medicine, I decided to take a different approach.

Side effects are not something a person should overlook. Changing your bodies chemistry is a big deal and not something you should ignore.

To finish the story about my son, I ended up using an oil diffuser when he was having a hard time breathing. This worked extremely well, and I was so thankful I could help him naturally and not give him steroids every day.

Now, you may think I'm not a fan of modern medicine, but that's not exactly true.  I know some modern medicines have had great effects on healing people. Outbreaks of diseases are one.

Treating each individual patient and their health should be the goal of every doctor, whether they are practicing modern medicine or are a holistic doctor. A lot of medications prescribed would not be needed if this was more of the standard.

Doctors are busy and only allow so much time to see a patient. This has caused prescriptions to be given without the proper amount of time to decide what is actually wrong. Not all cases are this way but there are a lot.

Another thing our health care system could improve upon is telling and giving people information about nutrition an...

Clutter can cause more than just a dirty house.

It is mentally exhausting to look around and see a house of stuff that has nowhere to live.  You feel stressed, anxious, tense and now can't focus on things around you that really matter.

What's more important, things or your relationships?

Although my house is clean, I still feel there's a lot of extra clutter that can go.

Bedrooms are the worst. With dressers and nightstands, a person seems to collect things that have no home or leave it there because it's convenient. Neither is ideal.

If you are like me and clutter drives you crazy or you've decided enough is enough then keep reading for my top tips on how to declutter your house in one day.

To start, get a huge box, multiple bags or both. Clean and purge one room at a time and use the list below to help you. NOW BEGIN!

What To Purge:

If it doesn't have a home, it doesn't need to stay.

Get rid of multiples.

If it doesn't fit or you haven't worn it in a year.

Broken, chipped, torn or unfinished projects.

Nick knack items you never dust, have no value and you're tired of looking at.

Paperwork or magazines you no longer need or read.

Separate clothing items you may want to resell from the other items you are purging.

When To Purge:

The best time to purge is when you're coming back from a vacation/trip. Since you haven't been home you are less attached to the items in your house or you see them from a different perspective.

When you have an urge like I have now :).

Once every season no matter what.

Why Purge:

People like to come and visit a place where they feel comfortable and welcome. A dirty house says or gives the impression of neither of these. For this reason, keeping a tidy house is important even when it's not our strong suit or we don't feel like it.

Relatives don't want to go through your things when you're gone. By going through your clutter/items, you have the chance to give to relatives what you don't use anymore, but would like them to have or just give it away in general.

Removing clutter removes stress and gives us more time to do what we enjoy. If everything has a place, then you can spend more time doing other things instead of shuffling piles around your house.

When downsizing from a house to an apartment you will need to get rid of things unless you plan on renting a storage unit. Unless you are storing priceless antiques or things that have been handed down through generations, I would not suggest the storage unit.

Storage units can be traps allowing you to fill an extra place or space you just don't need. You will waste money and still not solve the problem of keeping extra things you just don't need.

As a consumer society, we have a billion-dollar industry revolved around storing junk. Renting a unit when you can have a garage sale or donate your things will solve more than money issues, it will release A LOT OF STRESS!

For farm families, be careful not to use old grain bins. I made this mistake after seeing a friend do this. "I'll just put Christmas decorations out there" was my initial thought. Well, that turned out to be a place to store and not sort through items, something I'm having to do now.

Paperwork is different than other types of clutter because we need to use more brain power and make sure we're not throwing away anything we'll need in the future. For this reason, I will give you a different way to tackle it.

Gather all your loose paperwork around your house and put it in a container or box.

Take it to a place where you can sort it. Office, table, desk or floor.

Sort items according to categories such as Active, Long Term, Memories, or Current.

Do you have a busy schedule?

Most of us, especially when Spring and Summer roll around, seem to have little time to cook or plan meals.

Winter is a little more low-key because we tend to stay closer to home. At least people in the North like I do and therefore have healthy snacks much more frequently.

In this article, we are going to change all of that. After you've read my top 5 healthy snacks, you will be well on your way to creating a menu of quick and easy snacks to keep you and your family's health on track no matter which season it is.

Tuna Cucumber Cups

Prep time 10min. The number of servings depends on the size of your cucumber.

ingredients:

English cucumber or fresh cucumber from your garden, 1 cut into 1'' pieces.

Black pepper, 1 tsp. (optional)

Solid white albacore tuna, 5oz can in water drained.

Mayonnaise, 1/3 cup

Fresh dill for flavor or as a garnish, 1 small sprig.

directions:

Using a small spoon or melon baller, scoop out the inside of each 1'' piece of cucumber, being sure to leave a bottom in them. Once you have made little cups, drain the extra cucumber juice from the cucumber you've scooped out and then chop the remaining cucumber into little pieces.

In a glass mixing bowl, put your chopped cucumber, mayonnaise, tuna, black pepper, and mix. Add additional pepper and mayonnaise after you've tasted the mix if you feel it's necessary.

Using a paper towel, dab the inside of the cucumber if you feel it's too runny. Put tuna mixture into cups, add your sprig of dill on top, and they are ready!

Peanut Butter and Celery

Prep time, 5 min.  Serving size depends on the amount of celery used.

ingredients:

Celery, 1 stock.

Peanut butter of choice. Smooth, natural or chunky.

directions:

Take your stock of celery and wash it in fresh, clean water.

Cut your celery into the desired length. I cut mine into 2'' or 3'' pieces.

Using a knife, spread your favorite peanut butter in the middle of the celery and serve.

There are variations where you can add raisins on top or mix your peanut butter with yogurt and cinnamon. Ultimately let your imagination and taste buds be your guide.

Fruit Kabobs

Prep time, 15min.  Serving size depends on the amount of fruit used.

ingredients:

Kabob sticks, 1 pack.

Fruit of choice, an equal amount.

directions:

Have a platter of some kind ready.

Open your kabob sticks and set them next to your platter.

Wash all your fruit in fresh, cool water and strain.

Depending on what fruit you've chosen cut in half, leave whole or cut into cubes.

With all your fruit in a bowl or separate bowls, place your fruit on your kabob in a colorful manner.

Stack on your platter when you're finished, and they are ready to enjoy!

These are great to eat outside where you don't have to worry about a mess. Just set a bag of baby wipes or a damp washcloth handy where your family can easily clean up their sticky hands afterward :).

Apple Wedges with Cheese

Prep time, 15min.  Serving size depends on the number of apples used.

ingredients:

Apples, desired number, cored and sliced into wedges.

Cheese of choice, 1 slice per apple wedge.

directions:

Wash and core your apples.

Slice into wedges.

Take your cheese of choice and cut it into thin slices

Place cheese on apple wedge and eat.

For a bonus make a yogurt and cinnamon dip that you can spread on your apple before topp...

The Power of Fresh and Dried Herbs. Tea recipe included at the bottom.

All about fresh and dried herbs is what this article is about. Here I will teach you how to take care of your herbs, when to harvest, drying and storing and finally using your herbs.

To start off we will go through when it's best to use fresh and dried herbs.

Dried herbs will never equal fresh in providing nutritive value. That doesn't mean dried herbs have no place in the organic world. The opposite is actually true. The need for dried herbs equals that of fresh because of time, living and availability.

When to Use of Dried Herbs:

When Winter covers the ground for half of the year.

Living in an urban setting with concrete walls and no yard to have a garden.

Wanting to keep your healthy diet or routine while on vacation.

Convenience.

Dried herbs work perfectly in these instances where fresh herbs might not be possible or available.

When to Use Fresh Herbs:

There is no bad time to use fresh herbs. Fresh will give you the highest quality of medicinal, aromatic, and flavor in your herbs.

Knowing Your Herbs:

Any experienced herbalist will tell you that getting to know your herbs is the first step to growing an herb garden. This will ensure you know what you're doing when it comes to making your own tea, poultices or tinctures.

Tammi Hartung, an herbalist from Colorado says this, "It's better to know many uses for one herb than one use for many herbs." Herbs are versatile and starting with just a few a person, through imagination and experimenting, can start creating incredible tasting beverages.

Once you're more familiar with multiple herbs, that's when you can start making medicinal formulas. Until then I would suggest sticking to the basics.

Helpful Tips to Create an Herbal Tea:

When starting to make herbal teas, here are some things to consider.

Get to know how your herbs grow, smell and taste.

Which ones will blend well, and which ones won't?

Have a plan or goal - for instance, you may want to make a tea that helps with headaches. Or, you might want to make a refreshing tea to enjoy on a hot Summer day or cold Winter night.

As a base, use the stronger more dominant flavors and then add a secondary but not so powerful herb. This will help create an interesting aroma and flavor.

Write down your blends in a journal so you don't forget when you've created a tea masterpiece.

Finding the Perfect Blend:

Here is a list of herbs and spices to mix and match so you can, create basic blends.

Getting the Herbs:

Most of these herbs can be grown in your garden and would be the best way since you will get the freshest herbs.

Your local market or health food store.

Remember to look for the best quality herbs that are grown organically. The quality of your tea will depend on it.

Gathering or Harvesting the Herbs:

The best time of day to gather herbs from your garden is in the morning when the dew has evaporated. If you're planning to dry your herbs, make sure they are not wet on the plant. If you're using them fresh it doesn't matter.

While harvesting, be sure to groom any dried leaves off or cut the tips when they start to flower. This will keep your plants healthy and vibrant.

You can use a basket to gather your herbs or another container that allows ventilation. Also, use a pair of scissors making sure you get a clean cut. Be sure to leave a couple sets of leaves on each stem so your herbs can continue to produce.

If you are using herbs for their aromatic properties, the best time to cut them is right before they flower. At this point,

What is Natural or Organic Living?

The dictionary describes these meanings as:

Natural: Existing in or derived from nature.

Organic: 1. relating to or derived from living matter.

2. (of food or farming methods) produced or involving production without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or other artificial chemicals.

Living: the pursuit of a lifestyle of the specified type.

"the benefits of country living"

synonyms: Way of life, lifestyle, manner of living, way of living, mode of living, life.

Combined the three words give us the foundation to accurately talk about natural and organic living.

Not long ago the word organic held the same meaning as natural living. It wasn't a hype word or one that put an extra price tag on an item. It was just a way of life.

People wanted items or food where they knew what was in them. This led to growing your own produce, making your food such as butter and cheeses from scratch, to sewing your own clothes and making your soaps, sunscreens and so on.

Some of this came from the financial burden the depression or lack of resources caused, but mostly living natural and organic was done because it was and is the best way in which a family can live and did for generations.

I grew up this way as did many reading this article. My husband and I also choose now to raise our kids the same way. Why?

Health benefits

Quality of life

Affordable living

Quality food and products

Maintaining forgotten skills

These are my top five reasons for Natural and Organic Living and ones I'm not willing to give up for the sake of convenience.

Convenient and natural or organic living do not fit in the same sentence. At least when we're talking about quality.

If you're referring to the convenience of having food in your garden instead of going to the store or grabbing a tincture instead of heading to the doctor, then yes, it is convenient that way. Remember though it took a lot of work to get your garden to produce and time to make the tinctures.

People now, often trade convenience for quality and health.

Something worth having takes hard work the same as something that's quality takes time. Organic and Natural take both time and hard work. Skills that are essential and somewhat forgotten or not used.

Quality versus Convenience

Q. Homegrown food and meals.

C. Buying everything from the store and popping in a microwave dinner.

Q. Homemade tinctures that take 2-4 weeks.

C. Buying over the counter medicine or going to the doctor and getting a prescription.

Q. Canning and preserving your own food.

C. Filling your cart at the grocery store in a matter of minutes.

Q. Sewing

C. Purchasing linens or clothes at a store.

Do you see the difference?

I understand everyone's situation and lifestyles are different. Some could care less about living a natural and organic life while others are either living it or trying to start.

Where ever you're at on this scale I'm not criticizing you. This article is merely to point out the benefits of natural and organic living. Maybe it will even help some of you understand why that's important to people like me.

In a world of cancer and autoimmune diseases, I feel it's, now more than ever, important to live a healthy and natural/organic life.

Why? Because a lot of diseases can be prevented with natural herbals and healthy living.

How? Eating healthy, being consistent, and giving up convenient for the sake of quality.

In the end, it all comes down to you as an individual and what you choose to put into your body and or how you choose to treat your body in terms of being active.

Sustainable living is not just a crazy person waiting for the end of the world.  It is a way of life for some of us.  We are simply trying to live as our ancestors did, providing food and shelter for our children that are not full of sprays, toxins hormones or other harmful things in them.  The only difference between us and our ancestors is that people then didn't think this was extraordinary nor out of the ordinary.

There are so many benefits to living a sustainable lifestyle.  For the children they learn to appreciate hard work, their food, having responsibilities, caring for something other than themselves and at the end of the day a feeling of accomplishment.

For adults the benefits are a lot the same adding the fact that you know your children are eating pure foods, you are adding greatly to their character and your own and the bottom line knowing you can provide for your family without the local grocery store.

When you live a sustainable lifestyle you are free from certain burdens and stress that come along with relying on something or someone else.  Being able to provide for you and your family is one of the biggest stress issues we face.  That stress trickles down to your children whether you realize it or not.  They listen and observe everything we say and do.

There are lots of different resources you can use to have a sustainable lifestyle solar being one of them.  There is a definite benefit to using our greatest heat source which is the sun.  Having solar for your farm or house can reduce or limit how much you rely on electricity.  I use solar even to fence in the cows, but that's just me.

The big guy upstairs designed the earth to ensure we have everything we need to live and survive.  Those of us who are living a sustainable lifestyle is merely taking care of what was given and are happy doing it.  We take from the earth and give it back, our family is healthy, wealthy in ways that matter and wise.

"There are two spiritual dangers in not owning a farm.  One is the danger of supposing that breakfast comes from the grocery, and the other that heat comes from the furnace.  To avoid the first danger, one should plant a garden, preferably where there is no grocer to confuse the issue.  To avoid the second he should lay a split of good oak on the irons, preferably where there is no furnace, and let it warm his shins while a February blizzard tosses the trees outside."  -Aldo Leopold

I love this because it takes us back to using what we were given in the beginning.  Use the Sun wood, peat or coal to warm your house.  Use the ground and trees to feed your family and use the work of doing it all to feed the soul.  Sustainable living is not people being crazy it is people tending and respecting where they came from.

-Heather Earles

Mint is a wonderful herb. Not only because of the pleasing scent but because of the benefits it has internally and externally for your body.

The plant itself is easy to grow and thrives even in harsh and cold climates. With a pleasing aroma to humans, it is surprising that you can use it as a deterrent to keep animals out of your garden or away from your flowers.

Mint has a multitude of varieties and because of this, you'll be able to pick the one that best suits your senses and needs.

Along with using the fresh petals, you can also make use of the stem, dried leaves, and oil produced by the herb, mint.

USING MINT IN OIL FORM

In oil form, mint, and its varieties can be diffused to create a fresh scent which will heighten your senses and fill your home.

If you suffer from headaches, then simply take a drop or two of oil and rub it on your temples. Be careful not to use more than 2 drops as the oil will cause your eyes to water. Wash your hands with soap afterward.

Do you have sore muscles? Peppermint oil can be rubbed on them to give you a little relief. You can apply it directly or mix it with a carrier oil, like olive or coconut, which will make it a little easier to apply.

HOW TO USE FRESH AND DRIED MINT IN CULINARY DISHES AND COOKING

With its flavorful leaves, people have used mint in culinary cooking for years. Whether you pluck fresh leaves from the plant or buy them from your local market/store, mint will add a unique and pleasing flavor to your dish.

What about the stem? Glad you asked. The stem can also be used for cooking as I will explain below.

In Leaf, form infuse blended or individual mints (peppermint or spearmint) to make a tea.

Flavor soups, stews, and sauces with fresh or dried leaves and or the stem.

Finely chop and add into dips like guacamole or salsa

Sprinkle into main courses

Infuse the stems in vinegar or oil and let it sit for a few days.

Add mint stems to your vegetables when grilling letting their flavor sink into the food.

Make a mint sauce and use with chocolate in a dessert.

MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

By Christina Lane

YIELDS 1 DOZEN

Chocolate chip cookies made with real fresh mint!

1 hr, 20 Prep Time

11 min Cook Time

1 hr, 31 Total Time

 Ingredients:

Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup (1 stick)

Firmly packed fresh mint, roughly chopped, 1/2 cup

Firmly packed dark brown sugar, 1/2 cup

Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup

1 egg, at room temperature

Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon

All-Purpose unbleached flour, 1 1/2 cups

Baking soda, 1 teaspoon

Fine sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon

Semisweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup

Directions:

Place the butter and mint in a small saucepan over medium heat. Melt the butter, swirling occasionally. After about 2-3 minutes, when you can smell the mint, turn the heat off and let the butter continue to steep for 30 minutes.

Strain the butter, pressing the leaves to extract all of the butter from the leaves.

Meanwhile, line two baking sheets with parchment paper, and set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the butter and sugars. Beat until light and creamy, 3-5 minutes.

Next, add the egg and vanilla and beat for an additional minute.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the mixer while running, stopping to scrape the bowl as necessary.

Finally, add the chocolate chips and mix just until combined.

Remove the cookie dough from the bowl, wrap in plastic wrap,

I wrote an article on Apple Cider Vinegar earlier last year about the wonderful benefits Vinegar can have on your health. However, After I ran across this great article on Apple Cider Vinegar for Hair Loss by Hair Loss Revolution, I decided to write an updated and more in-depth piece about Apple Cider Vinegar and how it can help with Hair Loss and also Detoxify your entire body.

ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) for Hair Loss

Here is a snippet from the article by Hair Loss Revolution I mentioned earlier:

"It Removes Buildup from the Scalp

Scalp buildup is a common occurrence, and it occurs as a result of daily living.

Buildup consists of sebum, dirt, dead skin, hair products, pollution, and even harmful chemicals (such as DHT). This buildup can clog the hair follicles, and this makes it difficult for hair growth to continue.

It Improves Blood Circulation to Hair Follicles

Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), also known as Male-Pattern Baldness (MPB), is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. To understand why this is, it’s important to know how AGA works."

Okay, so I'm not going to go into how AGA works because Hair Loss Revolution has already done that. I do however recommend that you take time and click on their link above.

Knowing what causes an issue or problem is half the battle in correcting or fixing it. When dealing with hair loss we know that Dandruff, Scratching, Bacteria, and Yeast are a few of the problems. So, how do we correct or fix these? Believe it or not, ACV, when used as a cleanser or shampoo, can combat all of these mentioned issues above because of the properties found in the product, one of which is Malic Acid.

With its antiseptic abilities, Malic Acid will aid in the relief of scratching, bacteria and yeast growth. Being sure to buy ACV with the mother in it and using it on a regular basis are two of the most important things to remember. Without the right kind and consistency, you will not get the benefits or relief previously discussed.

 

"Make Homemade ACV Shampoo

Ingredients:

Apple Cider Vinegar (1 cup)

Water (1 cup)

Rosemary (1 bunch)

Jojoba Oil (1/4 cup)

Peppermint Essential Oil (10 drops)

Directions:

Steep the rosemary in boiling water, remove from heat and allow to steep until room temperature. Discard the rosemary, and pour the rosemary tea into a shampoo container. Combine the rest of the ingredients, and stir well.

Lather the mixture into wet hair, and massage the shampoo into your scalp for at least 3 minutes. Allow to absorb for another three minutes, and then rinse thoroughly."

-Recipe from Hair Loss Revolution

Detoxifying Your Body

Everyone has garbage in their systems. Over time, bad eating habits, especially too many processed foods lead to a buildup of toxins in your body. Detoxifying your body using natural products is the best and most effective way to get rid of the garbage and build up. Also, by using natural products, you will benefit in more ways than one. Unlike prescriptions and over the counter medicines, natural products have multiple vitamins, minerals, and acids that help your body function properly.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is one of these natural products and because of its properties will detoxify and clean out your body, keeping it functioning at the top of the charts. By detoxifying, you are also aiding in skin health and hair growth. Inside and out this product is golden.

Having a spoonful or two of ACV in a glass with warm water and honey is a great way to keep your insides clean on a daily basis. This is a quick and simple way to cleanse your body. Below is one of my favorite recipes and go to drinks to keep my body detoxed and cleansed....

Who doesn't love a smoothie?  This is one of those articles that will make you crave something in the end.  By something, I mean a smoothie.  We are going to use all kinds of fruits, herbs, and vegetables to make some amazing recipes you'll use for life.  I'll also put a link in to show you what kind of machine I use if you are a beginner smoothie maker who wants to get off to a great start.

 WHY SMOOTHIES?

I say why not, but that's not exactly helpful.  Smoothies are an incredibly healthy snack that can also replace a meal.  They're easy and quick to make, plus they have the bonus of tasting really, really good!

HEALTH BENEFITS

The health benefits differ depending on what you're putting in your smoothie.  In a general sense if we are using fruits, herbs and veggies then you will be getting antioxidants, about every vitamin possible, just at different times as we use different recipes, protein, and probiotics.

TYPE OF MACHINE I USE

In the past I have used a regular blender with a single blade you can purchase at any store.  However, since I make a smoothie on average once a day this machine quickly wore out and the plastic cracked. Knowing I would need an upgrade I did a little research and chose this machine.  With the double blade system, it has worked amazing and also chops through my frozen fruits and ice in half the time. I highly recommend it if you are in need of a new one or even want to gift it to a friend who is excited to start their journey in smoothie making.

SMOOTHIE RECIPES

With everything else covered it is now time to start making some taste heightening smoothies.  This first smoothie is my go-to smoothie that's quick and one where I always have the ingredients on hand.

STRAWBERRY BANANA WITH PEANUT BUTTER POWDER AND TURMERIC

 Ingredients:

Bananas, 2

Turmeric, 1 Tsp

Fresh or Frozen strawberries, 2 to 3 cups

 Peanut Butter Powder, 2 Tsp.  For those of you not familiar with peanut butter powder it's merely three ingredients of peanuts, kosher salt, and coconut palm sugar.  It adds a bit of flavor but also gives a boost of protein to your smoothies.

Milk, 3 + cups. I use raw organic from my cow but any kind you prefer will work.

Directions:

Add your fresh or frozen strawberries with enough milk to cover and blend.  I prefer frozen because I like a thicker smoothie.  If you have fresh and want a thicker consistency but don't have time to freeze them, add a cup of ice and blend with the milk.

Once your strawberries are smooth you can add your bananas and a touch more milk if needed and blend again.

Last, add your turmeric and peanut butter powder being sure to sprinkle them on the top instead of dumping them in globs.

Blend once again and finished by adding enough milk to make a blender full.

Simple Variations:

Using the same directions above, you can add little variations to your basic smoothie.  Take out a banana if you need the room and add a handful of spinach, or kale.

MANGO AND PEPPERMINT SMOOTHIE

Ingredients:

Mangos, 2 cups

Milk of choice, 3 + cups

Fresh sprigs of peppermint, 2

Bananas, 2

Vanilla, 1 Tsp

Directions:

Add your fresh or frozen mangos with enough milk to cover and blend.  I prefer frozen because I like a thicker smoothie.  If you have fresh and want a thicker consistency but don't have time to freeze them, add a cup of ice and blend with the milk.

Once your mangos are smooth you can add your bananas and a touch more milk if needed and blend again.

Last, add your vanilla and fresh sprigs of peppermint.

Blend once again and finished by adding enough milk to make a blender full.

HAWAIIN PUNCH

Ingredients:

Pineapples, 1 cup

Strawberries, 1 cup

Banana, 1