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Roasted rosemary almonds — for a little crave

 

A sudden desire for sweets or chips? Try somehting else and satisfy this crave with some healthy, tasty almonds!

Almonds are known for their high nutrient and vitamin contents. They deliver important unsaturated fats and mineral salts like magnesium and calcium as well as a large amount of vitamin B and E.

 

By eating only 60g per day you can already provide diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and a high level of cholesterol. This recipe combines almonds with healthy garlic and rosemary, which has a memory improving effect.

 

 Bon appetit!

 

10 g butter*

 

200 g almonds

 

2 big cloves of garlic (crushed)

 

1 handful of rosemary leaves

 

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

 

1 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. smoked paprika

1/2 tbsp. Brown sugar

2 tsp. Seasalt flakes

1 tbsp. native olive oil

Melt the butter in a cast-iron or stainless steel skillet, add the almonds and stir until they're heated through and starting to brown. Take off the heat and add the condiments, stirring through. The residual heat of the pan should cook the garlic just enough to take off the edge without burning it (which results in a bitter taste).

Instead of the brown sugar you can also take some honey, which gives a beautiful color and a delicious taste!

* I used to prefer the taste of olive oil for this purpose, but I do not like to heat vegetable oils in order to avoid transfats, so I have got used to using butter or ghee for this recipe.  

Recipe found at The passionate cook

 

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Raw caramel-nut-bars with chocolate and fresh fruits

My first intention was to do raw food blueberry muffins. I saw the recipe and it sounded great. Unfortunately the dough became sticky and it was impossible to form little muffins out of it. So I decided to add more nuts and raisins, some honey as well as one caramel and chocolate layer. For the freshness and some more vitamines I added fresh fruits. The result: Some delicous caramel nut bars with chocolate and fresh fruits!

 

The recipe:

 

First you need all nuts you like (I took one cup of each walnuts, cashews, and peanuts)

 

You put the half of it in a blender and mix it until it becomes a sticky mixture. Then you add the other half with a spoon and mix it (manually) so that the sticky dough becomes a great nut dough.

 

Now you can add dried fruits which you have to chop up first. I took dates and raisins. Then you add a little pinch of himalayan salt, some honey and cinnamon (as you like). Before eating everything you should quickly press the crust into a plate and put it in the refridgerator.

 

For the Caramel I took some salted butter, which I melt together with sugar in a little pot. When the sugar gets the typical caramel color and there are no pieces left you can take the pot from the stove and put it over one side of the nuts mixture. Put it again in the fridge.

 

Last and very important thing: the chocolate. You can melt it eather in a bain-marie (you need some patience) or just for a minute into the microwave to melten it.

 

When the caramel-nut bars dried, you can turn them onto the caramel side, so that you can put the chocolate on the other side. If you like to add fruits too, you should slice them before putting the chocolate on it. When the chocolate is still liquid, you can put the fruits on. Now you just have to put it in the fridge and wait for the chocolate to cool and voilà! Easy recipe for delicious, healthy home-made nutbars!

 

 

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Top cleansing and detox books of 2014!

Top cleansing and detox books of 2014 to start the new year

By relaxnews

After days of engaging in wanton gluttony, holiday revelers are slowly emerging from their food comas, eager to purge their bodies of that last chocolate bonbon and that second and unnecessary helping of turkey.

To help you along, here are a few of the best book releases from 2014 meant to offer readers tips on how to eat clean, nourish the body and begin the new year with a fresh start.

cleanslate.mstewart-kocoon

Clean Slate: A Cookbook and Guide by editors of Martha Stewart Living
Over 160 pages, the editors of the Martha Stewart Living empire offer a variety of recipes that are meant to do everything from replenish, restore, reenergize and relax. Mostly a plant-based cookbook, recipes include roasted mushroom tartines with avocado; spinach and white bean dip; as well as wild salmon, asparagus and Shiitakes in parchment. Recipes emphasize clean eating, whole, unprocessed foods. The book includes a menu plan for a 3 to 21-day cleanse.
Retail price $26 USD

10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse: Lose Up to 15 Pounds in 10 Days! by JJ Smith
It’s the bestselling book in Amazon’s Detox and Cleansing category and was also a New York Times bestseller in 2014. Designed to ‘jumpstart’ weight loss, the book provides step-by-step instructions on how to undergo a 10-day juice fast packed with leafy greens and fruits. The book includes a shopping list, recipes and detailed instructions on how to follow the diet.
Retail price $15.99

Zero Belly Diet: Lost up to 16 lbs in 14 days, by David Zinczenko
Release date: December 30, 2014
In his latest book, Zinczenko, author of the New York Times bestselling series ‘Eat This, Not That!’ takes a genetic approach to dieting in his latest book and explains how some foods actually ‘turn on’ our fat genes, causing weight gain. The book identifies nine power foods that can help turn off the switch and offers tips on how to lose excess belly fat, which increases the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
Retail price $26

The Blood Sugar Solution 10-Day Detox Diet: Activate Your Body’s Natural Ability to Burn Fat and Lose Weight Fast by Mark Hyman
Also a New York Times bestseller this year, Dr. Hyman’s approach to weight loss is to keep the body's insulin levels low. The book claims to teach readers how to ‘reprogram’ their metabolism, shut off fat-storing genes, and control appetite. Meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists are included, as is advice on supplements and exercise.
Retail price $28

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The Health Benefits Of Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is more than just another pretty plant.

The ancient succulent is just one of 450 different types of aloe that dates back to 2100 BCE. Originating in Africa, the dessert plant is now grown around the world for various reasons. According to the Global Diabetes Community,aloe vera juice can decrease blood lipids and swelling, both of which are common in diabetics. Aloe vera juice can also be used as a laxative, but be careful not to consume too much because it can also cause stomach cramps, kidney problems and heart disturbances, warn experts at The Mayo Clinic.

In the infographic below by Natural Healers, a website for students of natural medicine, we learn more about this medicinal plant, including how to grow it in your own home. 

This infographic explain the story of the aloe vera, his composition and the benefits for your body.

 Source: The Health Benefits Of Aloe Vera

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How to find relief from migraines

By Yvette C. Terrie for U.S. News
 Everyone gets a headache now and then, but migraine headaches are characterized by recurring attacks of moderate to severe headache pain. Often called migraines, these headaches are a common neurologic condition that can negatively affect an individual’s quality of life. If you suffer from migraines, you are not alone. According to the National Headache Foundation and the American Migraine Study, more than 37 million individuals in the United States are affected by migraines, making them the second-most common type of headache. Migraines are most common among individuals ages 25 to 50, and migraines are three times more common in females than in males. Migraines typically start in childhood and may get better or worse as an affected individual ages. Research from the National Headache Foundation suggests that migraines tend to run in some families and that 70 to 80 percent of migraine sufferers have a family history of migraines. If you are like the 37 million individuals in the United States who are affected by migraines : We have a product suitable for you at Kocoon Spa : Head & Scalp Guasha at Kocoon Spa Our Anti Migraine Head & Scalp Guasha is espe­cially rec­om­mended for headaches and migraine attacks, low energy and com­mon cold. Otherwise we also have workshop and private sessions at Kocoon Spa created to learn thai massage moves for headaches :

Signs and Symptoms :

Migraines may last four to 72 hours and can disrupt your life. Some individuals who get migraines experience warning symptoms, known as an aura, before the onset of the migraine. An aura involves a group of symptoms including vision changes. The most common symptom associated with migraines is a throbbing pain on one side of the head. The signs and symptoms vary among individuals and may include:
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Blurred vision and/or a temporary blind spot
  • A zigzagging or flashing light
  • Sensitivity to light, smell and sound
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Cause and Common Triggers
While the exact cause of migraines is not known, genetics and environmental factors have been identified as possible causes. Several triggers include:
  • Stress
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety
  • Caffeine withdrawal
  • Changes in weather, altitude and/or air pressure
  • Hormonal changes, like those that occur during a menstrual cycle or pregnancy
  • Environmental factors, such as noise, bright lights or certain odors
  • Consumption of vasoactive substances in certain foods, such as nitrates, tyramine (i.e. in aged cheese) red wine and monosodium glutamate
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Use of certain pharmacologic agents, such as nitrates, oral contraceptives, nifedipine and postmenopausal hormones
  • Changes in sleep or eating patterns
  • Smoking
  • Diagnosis
There is no single test for diagnosing migraines. If you suspect you are having a migraine, your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms as well as conduct complete physical and neurologic exams. Other medical tests, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, may be ordered to rule out other medical conditions.

Treatment :

The medications used for managing migraines are typically classified as preventive or pain-relieving medications. Treatment is determined by the frequency and severity of your migraines, the cause of your migraines, your other medical conditions, and your allergy history. Your pharmacist will explain how to take your medication. Some medications are taken daily, while others are taken at the onset of a migraine. In addition, several OTC products are marketed for the treatment of mild to moderate migraines. These products contain analgesics such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin, as well as caffeine. It is important to note that self-treatment of migraines is only recommended after a diagnosis has been confirmed. To prevent drug interactions, contraindications or adverse reactions, it is important to discuss the use of these products with your doctor or pharmacist beforehand. Some patients with migraines may find relief by using alternative remedies such asbiofeedback, acupuncture, relaxation techniques and nutritional supplements.

Management and Prevention :

The best way to prevent migraines is to take your medication at the first sign of a migraine or before being exposed to a known trigger. Keeping a headache diary may help you identify possible triggers. Lifestyle modifications may reduce the frequency and severity of migraines; modifications include avoiding known triggers, exercising regularly, taking medication as directed and not skipping meals. You can ease the pain and discomfort associated with migraines by:
  • Getting sufficient sleep
  • Keeping a headache diary to determine your headache triggers
  • Resting and relaxing when possible, and reducing stress

Conclusion :

Migraine pain can be unbearable, so it is important for you to take your medication as directed and to seek immediate medical care if you do not obtain relief or if your migraine worsens. If you are taking any other medications, have other medical conditions, or are pregnant or breast-feeding, you should never take any medication until you have consulted your primary health care provider.

 

Source : huffingtonpost

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