Holistic Instincts

I recently started making beans on a regular basis for my family and I remember now how much of a comfort dish this is.  Best of all, it is one of the easiest dishes to make at home. Beans are a legume prized and eaten all over Mexico and, along with maiz, is usually served on a daily basis.  According to experts, there are possibly 200+ types of edible beans grown in Mexico, with beans being cultivated close to 7 thousand years ago.  And they were so valuable, that the Aztecs asked for them as tribute payments. Legumes, like grains, are super easy on the family budget and they can provide quality nutrition when prepared properly.  Beans are generally high in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and iron, they also contain phytic acid - basically an anti-nutrient.  Phytic acid binds to minerals, like calcium and iron, and prevents the body from absorbing them.  Diets heavy in phytic acid can lead to developmental delays in children, tooth decay, brittle bones, malnutrition and

Happy New Year!  I am starting 2019 with this super simple recipe for elderberry syrup to get you and your family through winter. Berries from this plant have been historically used for wine, syrups, and desserts but it is also a powerful medicinal plant.  So much so, that ancient Greeks considered this plant the 'father of medicine', and for good reason.  It is known to contain properties that, when used within the first 48 hours of symptoms, naturally helps to improve colds and the flu (including H1N1 human flu and H5N1 avian flu  strains ). Elderberries are a great source of anthocyanidin, which is known to stimulate the immune system.  Elderberries are also anti-inflammatory and contain antioxidants, which are useful during sinus infections.  Research also shows promising results when lowering blood sugar . And while uncooked berries are considered toxic, the ripe and cooked berry is safe.  I get my berries from Mountain Rose Herbs to ensure a quality syrup at hom