Best Herbs and Spices, Part One of Two

Garlic – For heart health and blood pressure, helps with digestion.

Ginger – Helps with arthritis pain, digestion, relieves nausea, may relieve inflammation that provokes migraines. Cornell University found ginger to prevent blood clots similar to aspirin.

Cilantro – Source of iron and magnesium, helps digestions, reduces inflammation, may rid body of mercury similar to chelation treatments.

Turmeric – Helps with arthritis, liver detoxification and several cancers, aids in fat metabolism. Used as a natural painkiller and antidepressant.

Sage – Used to control excess perspiration, improves memory, relieves PMS symptoms, good for digestion.

Cinnamon – Controls blood sugar.

Fennel – Helps liver detoxification, an appetite suppressant.

Basil – An antibacterial, protects at a cellular level.

Oregano – Antioxidant, antibacterial, used for menstrual, urinary, lung and digestion problems.

Clove – Good for digestion and metabolism, helps lungs (a natural expectorant).

Cumin – Helps digestions, aids in cancer prevention.

Rosemary – Improves memory, stimulations the circulatory and nervous systems, may combat hair loss.

Thyme – Used for chest and respiratory ailments.

Second Best Vegetables

ARTICHOKE – Contains fiber, potassium, calcium, iron. Helps liver and gall bladder functions.

CAULIFLOWER – cancer-prevention, helps liver fight toxins

RED CABBAGE – Has phytonutrients, is rich in iron. Helps lungs, stomach and colon.

ARUGULA – Contains calcium, vitamins A, C and K.

MUSHROOMS – Contains copper. Helps fight cancer and diabetes.

CORN – Helps with kidney problems, lowers cholesterol

CELERY – Vitamins B and C. Helps with arthritis.

CARROTS – Contains vitamin A for eye health.

CUCUMBERS – Helps kidney, liver, pancreas and skin. Functions as a diuretic.

RADISH – Helps with stomach. Has diuretic and laxative properties.

BROCCOLI RABE – Contains phytochemicals. May help prevent risk of stroke.

PEAS, SUGAR SNAP PEAS, PEA PODS – Contain Vitamin A. Pureed peas help with ulcers (uses up stomach acid).

Vegetables I won’t eat but should really be on this list: brussels sprouts, kale, eggplant.

Best Vegetables

BROCCOLI – Number one in health benefits. Contains vitamin C, calcium, fiber and more. Eat broccoli with tomatoes to increase benefits. This combo shrank prostate tumors in rats (University of Illinois).

SPINACH – Packed with Vitamin K, Vitamin A, manganese and folate, antioxidants.

ROMAINE LETTUCE – Best vegetable for heart and bone health. Contains A and B vitamins.

POTATO (choose russet, sweet) – Contains vitamin C, phytochemicals. Lowers blood pressure, helps heart health.

TOMATOES – Contains lycopene, an antioxidant and cancer-preventer. Tomato sauce has more lycopene than fresh tomatoes.

PUMPKIN – Contains betacarotene (antioxidant which helps immune function, reduces risk of cancer and heart disease). One serving has 3 grams of fiber.

ONIONS (choose red) AND LEEKS – Helps hearth, stomach, lowers glucose levels and cholesterol, protects against cancer. Contains chromium which helps cells respond to insulin.

BELL PEPPER – Contains vitamins C and A, antioxidants. For lung and cardiovascular health. Red bell peppers have lycopene. Team green bell peppers with beans for added benefits.

BEANS (all types) – Contains fiber, folic acid, iron. Helps lower cholesterol. Green beans have viamin K (good for bones)

Best Easy Drink Recipes

Cold Coffee
Fat-Free Half & Half or Milk
Sugar-Free Flavored Syrup

Mix together unfiltered apple juice, All-Natural Cranberry juice (good for teeth after meals), and sparkling water

Mix together: CRANBERRY JUICE, ORANGE JUICE, LEMON JUICE with CINNAMON, GINGER, & NUTMEG

Try mixing any juice in the blender with crushed ice to cut calories and make it like a slurpee.

Diet Ginger Ale
Maraschino Cherry Juice
Orange Juice

ORANGE SHAKE
1/3 C ORANGE JUICE
¼ C VANILLA YOGURT
¼ TSP SUGAR
½ C ICE
BLENDER IT