PantryPic #960: Ashwagandha

-Organic Ashwagandha (aka Indian Ginseng).  -Available in liquid, powder, leaf, essential oil, and capsule form.  -A powerful adaptogenic herb, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress (rather than working on one specific physiological function). -Helps the adrenal glands to regulate the cortisol reponse, lowering our ‘fight-or-flight’ (sympathetic) nervous system. -Beneficial for improving our stress … Read more

PantryPic #891: Chlorella

-Chlorella. -A single-celled fresh water algae available in powdered or small tablet form. -Must use ‘Cracked/Broken Cell Wall’ form for absorption. -Highest Chlorophyll content of any plant. -A natural chelator that can bind to toxins and remove them from the body. -Research shows Chlorella can benefit insulin regulation, brain & liver function, digestion, inflammation, healing, … Read more

PantryPic #925: Krill Oil

-Krill Oil is far superior to Fish Oil. -Bound to phospholipids so it can cross the cell-membrane for optimal utilization. -Contains astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant. -Helps to reach Omega-3 EPA/DHA needs from animal-based sources (as opposed to Omega-3 ALA from plant-based sources). -A high-quality Krill Oil should not leave a ‘fishy’ aftertaste. -Should be certified … Read more

PantryPic #616: Ginger

-Ginger (Root or Ground). -Ginger Root is best for both flavor and nutrition, but Organic Ground Ginger is a great alternative (and can last up to 1 year if refrigerated). -Ginger Root should be firm, smooth, and mold-free (can store up to 6 months in freezer). -Potent anti-inflammatory that helps reduce pain, settles digestion, boosts … Read more

PantryPic #618: Black Pepper

-Organic Black Pepper. -Ground Black Pepper will maintain its freshness for about 3 months. -Using a hand-held mill for grinding your own peppercorns will ensure the freshest pepper (and these have an incredibly long shelf life). -One teaspoon contains 6% of our daily Manganese needs (along with Zinc, Potassium, Magnesium, and Iron). -It helps to … Read more

PantryPic #617: Turmeric

-Organic Turmeric. -Can also purchase fresh Turmeric Root (firm, and looks like ginger). -Its benefits outweigh conventional medicine for anti-inflammatory, cholesterol, diabetes, arthritis, skin health, and more! -Active ingredient of Curcumin has strong healing and anti-cancer benefits. -Turmeric Root or Powder is best, but also available in pill form (seek out CO2 extracted form of … Read more

PantryPic #163: Brussels Sprouts

-Brussels Sprouts. -Sprouts pieces should be tightly packed, uniform in color, without dark spots or wilting. -Loaded with Vitamin C to boost your immune system and Vitamin K to help protect your bones. -The glucosinolates help the body to detoxify, helping to avoid cancer and other diseases. – An excellent anti-inflammatory vegetable related to cabbage, … Read more

PantryPic #290: Blueberries

-Organic Blueberries. -A healthier fruit option since berries elicit a smaller insulin spike than most fruits. -Incredible anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and heart-healthy properties (one of the antioxidants, resveratrol, is what gives wine and dark chocolate its ‘health’ properties). -Blueberries contain flavonoids (a group of phytonutrients) that can boost brain function, lower risk of Alzheimer’s, decrease risk … Read more

PantryPic #153: Spinach

-Organic Spinach. (seek Organic since it’s a top offender on the Dirty Dozen). -Ideally, purchase fresh Spinach (that is vibrant deep green color and not wilted), but it can also be found frozen or canned. -Anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-cancer, and more! -Several flavonoids in Spinach act as antioxidants to keep cholesterol from oxidizing and protect your … Read more