The Freestyle Project

Magical Medicinal Mushrooms

No I am not talking about Psilocybe cubensis, heheheh, which is another story altogether. I am referring to Lentinula Edodes –better known in the states as Shiitake- but also goes by the anglo names of black forest mushroom and oakwood mushroom, to name a few. So why so magical, medicinal? Well, these edible fungi have been cultivated for thousands of years, and have a long history of medicinal use throughout China, Korea, and Japan. Today’s research shows that this mushroom possesses antibacterial and antiviral properties, and contains compounds that directly enhance immune function. As well, the Shiitake is a source of a multitude of valuable nutrients.

basic nutritional breakdown:

Excellent source of B vitamins including B3, B5, B6 & B2

Very good source of manganese, phosphorus, selenium, copper, & zinc

Good source of protein, potassium, magnesium, fiber & vitamin D

photo: Linda Van Hagen

Nectar of The Gods

Forget that artificially-flavored high-fructose corn syrup masquerading as coconut syrup… real coconut syrup is a nutritious sweetener made from the nutrient rich nectar of coconut tree flower blossoms. This natural sap contains a wide range of minerals and B vitamins, as well as 17 essential amino acids and Vitamin C…and its mild flavor is heavenly.

photo: coconutsyrupphilippines.com

5 GREAT REASONS TO EAT ARTICHOKES

1. ANTIOXIDANT KING

The artichoke can be classified as a superfood due to the high levels of antioxidants it contains, most notably cynarin. Besides this powerful chemical constituent, it also contains silymarin, quercertin, rutin, luteolin, and various anthocyanins.

2. GASTRIC BENEFITS

One large artichoke contains approximately 120 grams of fiber, which is three times the recommended daily intake of fiber for adults. Additionally, certain bioactive agents contained within the pulpy flesh of artichoke leaves have been shown to enhance the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, as well as assist in the increase of HDL (good cholesterol) and the decrease of LDL (bad cholesterol).

3. CANCER PREVENTATIVE

Scientific studies show that the flavanoids in artichokes reduce cell proliferation of many types of cancers including prostate, ovarian, breast and leukemia.

4. YOUR LIVER’S BEST FRIEND

Historically artichoke has been used in traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of liver conditions. Recent scientific studies show that artichokes are highly beneficial to the liver because they contain high levels of cynarin and silymarin,  elements that help to increase bile flow, and may even contribute to the regeneration of damaged liver tissue.

5. SAY GOODBYE TO THAT HANGOVER?

With regards to artichokes being a cure for a hangover, scientific studies have been inconclusive. However, many people swear that eating artichokes after of a night of excessive drinking definitely remedies the discomfort.

THE BLACK & WHITE OF IT

A breakdown of Oreo’s ingredients

SUGAR

From genetically modified organisms*

ENRICHED FLOUR

Due to high processing contains the known carcinogen dioxin –Delicious!

CANOLA, PALM &/OR SOYBEAN OIL

From genetically modified organisms* Processed with harsh chemical solvents such as toxic hexane -Delectable! 

COCOA (PROCESSED WITH ALKALI)

HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP

From genetically modified organisms* HFCS has been linked to obesity and cardiovascular disease in kids – yay! Studies show HFCS contains alarming levels of mercury, a neurotoxin -Yum!

CORNSTARCH

From genetically modified organisms*

LEAVENING

SALT

SOY LECITHIN (AN EMULSIFIER)

A byproduct extracted during the commercial processing of GMO* soybean oil. First water is added to the oil and put in a centrifuge to separate the lecithin from the oil (errr- sounds like hydrogenation?). The lecithin is then bleached with hydrogen peroxide, dried, and sometimes further refined with acetone. -Mouthwatering!

VANILLIN - AN ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR

A synthetic by-product of the paper industry that is chemically treated to mimic the flavor of vanilla; contains dimethyl sulfate; labeled as “harmful if swallowed,  irritating to eyes, may be harmful if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.”              -Scrumptious!

CHOCOLATE

The last ingredient in chocolate Oreos …hmmmmmm

Take a bite outta’ that cookie!

*GMO = genetically modified organisms = one big human experiment

10 Awesome Vegan Popcorn Toppings

Earth’s Best Buttery Spread

Nutritional Yeast

Smoked Sea Salt

Ancho Powder

Cajun Seasoning

Cayenne Pepper

Cinnamon

Agave Nectar

Coconut Nectar Sugar

Sea Seasonings 

No Really - I’m Pretty Sure You Don’t Want To Eat This

Listen, I’m not gonna get into all the cancerous substances from the PFOA being vaporized straight into your popcorn while it’s popping in that handy microwave bag. If you are so lazy that you will not put in the extra 3 minutes to make the popcorn the old-fashioned way, then maybe infertility and agonizing liver cancer is the route to take. That being said, just in case you are interested in avoiding being slowly poisoned, here is the recipe for stove-top popcorn. More details to come…

How To Make Stove-Top Popcorn:

1. heat pan with oil & corn kernels

2. pop corn, shake pan a little

3. eat

photo: Howard Chen 

KILLIN’ EM SLOWLY AT THE SCHOOL CAFETERIA

We all know that the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that tomato paste is a vegetable, so we can all give a big sigh of relief and go back to watching our regularly scheduled programming. Phew! I was worried pizza wasn’t going to make the cut. But no one at the USDA mentioned anything about Phthalates leaking into Tuesday’s school lunch from those institutional-sized tomato paste cans. Ahy - what’s a little Bisphenol-A to developing minds? I’m sure a little extra neurological difficulty or endocrine disruption never hurt anyone. Errr – I’ll take my tomato paste in a bottle, thanks. And Bionaturae is the best – rich, fruity, organic - with no teratogenic substances and no weird tinny aftertaste.

Where can you get it? At your local natural foods store or HERE

Salt of The Earth 

Treasured by gourmands and healers across the world, Himalayan Crystal Salt is often called white gold. This flavorful rock salt, found high in the Himalayas, contains the same 84 natural minerals and elements found in the human body, and is said to be free of any toxins or impurities. This salt has a delicate, almost sweet flavor, and is great for making tooth powder as well for cooking in the kitchen.

Toxic Toothpaste?

Many brands of toothpaste contain slow moving poisons that accumulate in your body, eventually leading to toxic overload. Fluoride, which is categorized by the FDA as a toxic drug, is one such cumulative poison. But there may be other offenders…

Is your mouth getting a daily dose of any of the following?:

Aspartame

Ethylparaben

 FD & C Blue No. 1

 Flouride

 Methylparaben

PEG-12

Saccharin

Sodium Lauryl Sarcosinate

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Sorbitol

Tetrasosodium Pyrophosphate

Titanium dioxide

The Solution?

If your teeth are healthy, your diet is balanced, and you are an avid brusher / flosser, you can opt for making your own tooth powder. For those who still need the tube, check your local health food store for some natural options, and make sure you read the label!

Vegan Beauty: Invigorating Tooth powder

I love this simple recipe. I always have the ingredients on hand and I never have to take a second trip back to Whole Foods because I forgot to buy toothpaste. 

What You Need

3 Tbsp baking soda

 1 tsp sea salt

 4 drops peppermint pure essential oil

 2 drops thyme or clove essential oil 

How To Do It

Combine ingredients and store in a container with a shake-top (does anyone have a better name for this?). Sprinkle onto your toothbrush and scrub those pearly whites!

photo: Bea Johnson, thezerowastehome.com

Contemplate, Concentrate, Ruminate & Meditate…

as you brush.

Izola 803 Reflections toothbrush handles are made from renewable bamboo, while the bristles are made from nylon. Each brush in the set of four is engraved with a different thought-provoking word; perfect for pondering how you are going to change the world - all while you stand at the bathroom sink.

THE POWER OF POMEGRANATE

Nutritional profile

High in vitamin C 

Great source of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)

Good source of potassium

Good source of polyphenols, such as tannins and flavanoids

The edible seeds supply fiber, as well as poly-unsaturated oils and micronutrients

Health Benefits

May be effective in reducing heart disease risk factors, including LDL oxidation and macrophage oxidative status

The juice has been found to have antibacterial effects against dental plaque, and may also inhibit viral infections.

As a Medicine

For thousands of years, India’s ancient system of traditional medicine, Ayurveda, has used pomegranate for a variety of remedies. The astringent qualities of the flower juice, rind, and tree bark are considered valuable for a variety of purposes, including as an antidote for dysentery and intestinal parasites. The Ayurvedic system of medicine differentiates between pomegranate varieties, and employs particular types for specific remedies. Some varieties are used to produce a tonic for heart or throat, while others are used to treat eyes or teeth.

photo: Rebecca Call