Island Salad

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Aloha friends. Today we are sharing a very special recipe. Island Salad is one of my favorite meals. It can be severed over a bed of spinach as a main dish or it can be a side dish to grilled chicken or fish. Island Salad is full of antioxidants, fiber and protein. The flavors in this healthy dish will dance on your taste buds and bring the islands to your dinner table.

Island Salad

What You’ll Need:
Salad
1 can (15 ounce) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 red onion, chopped
4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 can (15 ounce) kernel corn, drained and rinsed
½ bunch of cilantro, chopped
2 avocados, peeled and diced
1 mango, peeled and diced
4 cups of fresh spinach

Dressing
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 lime, juiced
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

What You’ll Do:
Combine the first 8 ingredients in a large bowl. Place all dressing ingredients in a separate bowl and whisk. Pour dressing over the salad mixture and stir thoroughly. Serve on top of a bed of fresh spinach.

Health Benefits Of Mangos:
Mangos are one of many sweet treats the islands provide for us. The health benefits of mangos are numerous. This delicious fruit is high in antioxidantswhich have been proven to ward of dis-ease. Rich in vitamin C they boost our immune system, the vitamin A content promotes healthy vision and the vitamin B6 aides in hormone production and brain function. Mangos contain probiotic fiber and improves digestion and elimination. Mangos promote clear skin while alkalizing the whole body.  Heat stroke is a real threat as we play in the sun each day. Mangos are remedy for heat stroke because they help cool down the body.

What Is Reflexology

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Reflexology is a healing modality which is used around the world. Today it is classified as alternative medicine. Many cultures consider this ancient practice a natural healing art. The premise of reflexology is the application of appropriate pressure to specific points along the meridian of the feet, hands or ears. These points correlate with the organs and systems of the body. By applying pressure to these points, there is a benefit to the specific organ being targeted as well as promoting general health. Reflexology stimulates the immune system, promotes circulation, reduces stress and increases energy. No medical claims can be made in regard to reflexology, to do so would be illegal; it is not intended to treat cure or mitigate any medical condition. However, many people report positive results with this treatment. Try reflexology for yourself; it feels amazing and you may just reap some health benefits.

Types of Reflexology:

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What is a GMO?

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GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism.

There is a lot of debate surrounding GMO‘s and the largest producer of them is Monsanto. This company is changing our food supply without knowing the long term effects to the planet or our DNA. Monsanto is the company which produced products such as aspartame, Roundup herbicide, rBGH in dairy and the famous poison, agent orange.

With some very serious health risks associated with GMO‘s many are calling for these products to be labeled. Monsanto is lobbying heavily against the legislation that would assist you in being an informed consumer. Food for thought…If GMO‘s are so amazing and Monsanto is so proud of their invention why do they have a problem with people knowing what products contain GMO‘s?

There is so much to cover on this topic that I would like to suggest a couple of resources on the topic. A good book to read is Seed’s of Deception by Jeffrey Smith. A great app available on your phone is the Non-GMO Shopping Guide. A good movie found on Netflix is: The Future of Food.

Now Monsanto says that they are working to increase food supplies for the ever growing population however the increase of herbicides and pesticides that are being sprayed on our food is detrimental to our health. GMO seeds are “terminator seeds” meaning the seeds can only be used once where natural seeds can be harvested and used by farmers year after year. Terminator seeds can only sprout if sprayed with Roundup ready herbicide which the farmer must buy from Monsanto. There are currently thousands of lawsuits filed by farmers against Monsanto due to cross contamination of crops.

Food sensitivities and allergies are on the rise due to the increase of GMO foods found on grocery store shelves. Soy allergies are up 50% because GM soy contains an unexpected allergen-type protein not found in natural soy. GMO seeds do produce larger yields however they do have draw backs to take into serious consideration.

Implementation: Take initiative to learn about the companies who produce and manufacture the foods you purchase. Call two companies and voice your concerns with their practices or call and encourage those who do business with integrity.

Affirmation: My life is a joy filled with love, fun and friendship all I need do is stop all criticism, forgive, relax and be open.

Importance of Iodine

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The importance of iodine in our diet is often overlooked. Iodine is an unappreciated essential nutrient, yet over 90% of Americans are deficient in iodine. In addition, this deficiency is a major factor in many common diseases of the thyroid gland, reproductive system, immune system, and many common forms of cancer. “Iodine deficiency is also a major factor in troublesome conditions such as depression, fatigue, obesity, mental retardation, infertility, ADD/ADHD, non- healing wounds, and infant/child mortality” says Dr. Brownstein of the Lee Clinic. The importance of iodine in our diet is immense.

Importance of Iodine

Benefits of Iodine include: forming thyroid hormones, eliminates heavy metals, it is essential during pregnancy, lowers the risk of diabetes, helps control weight, lowers blood pressure, assists in detoxification and protects from radiation.

Unfortunately, many people believe they are getting enough iodine through the intake of salt in their diets. If you are not using Himalayan sea salt your probably not getting a fraction of iodine your body requires.

As always, nutritional needs should be met through whole food sources not through products that have been doctored-up. Some preferred sources of iodine are seaweeds such as kelp and spirulina. Other foods that contain this important nutrient are Swiss chard, fennel, spinach, broccoli, asparagus and oysters.

importance of iodine

Implementation: Pick a couple iodine rich foods from the list above and add them to your diet this week.  If you are feeling bold, grab some spirulina and add a teaspoon to your morning smoothie.

Now that you understand the importance of iodine share what you have learned with a friend.