We truly love fall and winter! It is a magical time of year when stress levels are high because of family gatherings, end-of-the-year projects, and the inevitable gift-buying craze. Well, that’s not really why we love this time of year, although, we do believe that you can easily work through these things with the right mindset. The reason we love this time of year is because of the impressive seasonal produce items that arrive in grocery stores. We’re talking about blood oranges, cranberries, butternut squash, leeks, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and more!

This salad has quite the long list of nutrients, let alone flavors. It is colorful, textural, and highly addictive. Because of the use of kale, broccoli, and radicchio, it can last a lot longer than another salad that uses romaine or green leaf lettuce. The ingredients we mentioned are sturdier and hold up when dressed. This salad is especially rich in vitamin C, which gives your immune system a helping hand during cold and flu season.

You can enjoy oranges year round, but blood oranges are a special seasonal treat. They are visually stunning and offer a unique flavor that differs from your standard orange. Their subtle acidity pairs beautifully with the refreshing cherry tomatoes and sweet mandarins. The various fruits balance the more bitter kale, peppery radicchio, and broccoli. Speaking of broccoli, you don’t have to include big florets in your salad. You can chop it up so that eating it raw is easier and less crunchy.

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Get ready to meet your new favorite condiment! Meet the delightfully spicy and incredibly creamy jalapeño cashew cream sauce. Drizzle it over salads as a dressing or replace it with ranch as a dip for carrot and celery sticks. When you finish cleansing, you can pour it over quinoa bowls, smear it on rice cakes, or serve with tacos and chips. You can even use it as a dairy-free substitute for mayonnaise.

This raw vegan jalapeño cream sauce has five core ingredients that create a luscious condiment that is more decadent than you could ever imagine. Don’t worry about the subtle kick from the jalapeño because it won’t overwhelm your palate. The nuttiness and creaminess of the cashews help mellow the heat, as does the bright lemon juice. If you do not have fresh lemons, you can use limes if you have them in the kitchen. Garlic gives an added boost of flavor, just like the onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Season to taste, but try to go easy on the salt. The lemon juice brings a little acidity to the party as well.

If you want to have a little fun with this sauce, feel free to add a few extra ingredients to adapt this sauce for unique flavors. You can omit the jalapeño, or keep it and add any of the following:

• Parsley
• Cilantro
• Curry powder
• Fresh ginger
• Turmeric powder (would go great with ginger)
• Tahini

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Homemade salad dressings are just the best! This vinaigrette, in particular, is vibrant in flavor and lightyears beyond any store bought variety. It is simple to make and provides a sweet and tangy flavor. You can use it in both sweet and savory applications. For example, you may pour it over a bowl of mixed greens and assorted veggies or a fresh bowl of fruit. It’s so flavorful, that you may just want to take a swig of it!

Poppy seeds do not typically make an appearance in our recipes. Some people only ever see these little seeds in lemon poppy muffins or almond poppy muffins. What purpose do they serve, though? First of all, they offer a subtle, crunchy texture and tiny pop in every bite. That makes for a pleasant contrast in every bite. Poppy seeds don’t have a strong flavor, but they do impart a subtle nuttiness, which complements the acidity of the orange and apple cider vinegar. Consuming poppy seeds, even in small amounts, can help increase your intake of iron, fiber, healthy fats, magnesium, and calcium.

Besides being visually stunning, this poppy seed vinaigrette is full of flavor. The brightness pairs beautifully with spinach, arugula, or mixed greens. You can also add mandarin oranges, strawberries, avocado, or peaches to the salad, as the dressing complements them. You can also use this dressing as a marinade, or you can drizzle it over roasted vegetables, just as long as you aren’t cleansing. We hope you like it!

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A lime vinaigrette goes great on a lot of Mexican-themed salads or bowls. Whether the base of your entree is a bed of leafy greens or quinoa and black beans, this dressing will wake up the ingredients. By that, we mean that the acidity of the lime juice and pungent nuttiness of the cumin make your bowl or salad come alive. Plus, you can easily whip up a batch of this dressing in a pinch; you just need the ingredients and a jar.

Unfortunately, you cannot rely on your blender to do the majority of the work for you when making this dressing. Well, you can if you want, but the dressing will turn a vibrant green. We prefer the different textures that this lime vinaigrette has, especially when you get some finely diced jalapeño and chopped cilantro in your salad bite. Don’t worry, though, this vinaigrette is far from the spiciest thing you’ll eat. Although there is some spice, the lime juice and maple syrup do a great job to cut the heat. After all, this dressing calls for the juice of three to four limes, so the flavor is quite zesty.

Once you prepare all of the ingredients, add all of them to a jar, seal the lid, and shake well to combine. Make sure to refrigerate for about 15 minutes before using for optimum flavor. Allowing the jalapeño and garlic to sit in the lime concoction helps to cut the spice of the jalapeño and the allium flavor of raw garlic. Just make sure to give the dressing a good shake before you dress your salads or bowls.

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Before delving into the juicy topic of alkalinity and reduced cancer risk, please understand that no single food or food group is known to prevent cancer. Some test-tube, animal, and even human studies indicate that certain foods exhibit cancer fighting properties, but they don’t singlehandedly get rid of cancer. Researchers note that maintaining a nutritious diet, keeping stress levels down, and exercising regularly may potentially reduce the risk of cancer. 

Proper nutrition is very effective as a cancer deterrent, but only when you pair that with a healthy lifestyle. That means avoiding foods, things, or habits that harm the body, such as tobacco and alcohol. Maintaining a healthy body weight also plays a role in cancer risk. Lately, the alkaline diet has been generating a lot of interest surrounding its ability to reduce the risk of cancer. In this article, we aim to discuss whether an alkaline diet helps prevent cancer. 

A Quick Lesson In Chemistry

Scientists report that the blood’s normal pH range rests between 7.35 and 7.45, making it slightly alkaline. Thanks to the body, blood pH is tightly regulated via several respiratory and metabolic systems. Blood pH that is too alkaline can be very fatal and calls for immediate treatment to return blood pH back to normal range. 

What Is The Alkaline Diet?

This diet is based on the theory that certain foods can change the body’s acid levels, or pH levels. The goal of the alkaline diet is to reduce the level of acidity within the body. Based on the information above, no food can alter the pH level of your blood. You can, however, experience changes in both the pH of your urine or saliva because those are waste products. You could never eat enough alkaline foods to impact your blood. The alkaline diet, though, involves consuming different foods and beverages that are categorically alkaline, meaning they have a pH between 7 and 14. Some popular alkaline foods include:

• Leafy green vegetables (kale, arugula, chard, collard greens)
• Citrus fruits
• Cauliflower
• Broccoli
• Onions, garlic, and ginger
• Nuts (raw and unsalted)
• Root vegetables
• Some seasonal fruits

On the other end of the spectrum, you have acidic foods. Eating too much of these foods can lead to a series of health complications, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Some popular acidic foods include:

• Red meat
• Poultry
• Dairy products
• Eggs
• Processed foods
• Fish
• Refined grains and sugars

Do Cancer Cells Thrive In An Acidic Environment?

Some research indicates that tumor cells may thrive in an acidic environment. Oxygen-starved cancer cells become highly acidic, causing them to become dormant. That occurs when acidic conditions in the body shut down the production of proteins in those cells. By disrupting their metabolic activity and circadian clocks, you essentially force the cells into dormancy. The unfortunate reality is that cellular dormancy can lead to drug resistance and cancer recurrence, so it is problematic. 

Some researchers believe that you can reverse this dormancy by counteracting acidity and resulting effects on cancer cells. That has actually led some people to wonder if the alkaline diet or baking soda can help prevent, or even treat, cancer. Based on the available information and research studies surrounding pH levels and cancer, it is unlikely for a couple primary reasons. 

To date, studies involved cancer cells in a lab and didn’t account for the complex or unpredictable behavior of tumors in the human body. Secondly, as stated earlier in the article, you cannot eat enough alkaline foods or beverages to alter the pH level of the blood. That is because the kidneys and other organs work round the clock to keep blood pH levels in a specific range. 

Do Acidic Foods Cause Cancer?

There is some research that shows that cancer cells are more likely to grow in acidic environments. Unfortunately, no evidence-based research indicates a link between the alkaline diet and reduced cancer risk. That said, what you eat is integral to optimal health and cancer prevention. There are plant-based superfoods that offer antioxidants and other nutrients that may enhance overall health and reduce the risk of cancer. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, and lean proteins for better overall health. 

The scientific community supports eating alkaline foods for a separate reason: to improve digestive health. Less acidic foods are easier on the stomach and better tolerated if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If you experience acid reflux on a regular basis, consider eliminating acidic foods and focus on consuming alkaline foods. 

In conclusion, the alkaline diet does not specifically alter your blood’s pH level, so it cannot prevent or treat cancer. Focusing on fresh foods, including alkaline foods, can help improve other aspects of your health, which may enhance the body’s ability to fight cancer.

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Do you love to clean? No, nobody loves to clean, but cleaning is a necessary part of life. Cleaning helps get rid of germs, keeping you and anyone else who lives in your house safe. That said, many people clean with chemical cleaning products that contain toxic ingredients, many of which can damage endocrine function. 

Instead of polluting the home with chemicals while you clean, use a homemade, vinegar-based cleaner that is 100% safe. Vinegar is frequently recommended as a household cleaner and can be very effective on certain surfaces. We are, of course, referring to distilled white vinegar, not apple cider vinegar or wine vinegar. It is important to note that vinegar is a cleaner and not a disinfectant like bleach or commercial cleaners. Because of that, it is not as effective at killing certain germs when compared to disinfectant sprays. 

Why Should You Clean With Vinegar?

Vinegar is about 5% acetic acid, which works to break down the structure of some oils, dirt, films, bacteria, and stains. That same acetic acid can also harm certain surfaces, which is why vinegar cleaners aren’t meant to clean every inch of your home. Do not use vinegar on natural stone, cast iron, aluminum, or waxed wood. The “set time,” or the time a cleaner has to set on a surface in order to work, varies with a vinegar cleaner. Experts suggest that the set time for vinegar can be up to 30 minutes, especially if you use it to clean stained pots and pans. 

How Does Vinegar Work?

The acidity, as mentioned previously, makes vinegar a great cleaning agent. It can help dissolve soap scum, brines left behind by hard water, and even the glue from stickers. If you want to clean your windows or mirrors, mix vinegar with water and wipe with newspaper (not a paper towel) to avoid streaks. You can also use vinegar to get rid of stubborn stains, for example, from sweaty armpits or grass. Most of these types of stains are slightly acidic, meaning they will dissolve away in the presence of another acid, like vinegar. A paste made with vinegar and baking soda can help dissolve red wine stains. You can even use vinegar to get dog or cat urine out of carpets or clothes!

When To Not Use Vinegar

Because vinegar is highly concentrated, it can stain delicate fabrics and harm other surfaces. It will scratch natural stone like marble or granite. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vinegar is not approved to disinfect surfaces. Unfortunately, there is no supporting evidence that shows that vinegar can get rid of harmful pathogens, like salmonella, that lurk on surfaces. Additionally, using vinegar on hardwood floors can eat away at the finish and make it look dull over time. 

Orange Basil Vinegar Cleaner

Not only does this recipe help clean certain surfaces, but it also leaves your home smelling floral and zesty. Instead of tossing orange peels into the trash, use the peels to provide that citrus scent to your vinegar cleaner. The peels from four oranges and four to five sprigs of basil will do the job!

Ingredients:

• 1 (16-ounce) wide-mouthed mason jar
• Peels from 4 oranges
• 4-5 sprigs of basil
• Distilled white vinegar

Instructions:

• Add the orange peels and sprigs of basil to the wide-mouthed mason jar and fill it to the top with vinegar. Tighten the lid and let it set for a minimum of 10 days. 
• After this infusion time, prepare a spray bottle and fill it halfway with the vinegar mixture (only the liquid, not the peels or sprigs). Add water to the spray bottle to fill it up. Shake well and use when ready. 
• Once you finish this solution, you can use the rest of the vinegar to create more. You shouldn’t keep your vinegar solution longer than one month, as you don’t want it to spoil.

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There are countless products in existence that claim to protect and rejuvenate your skin. Some of these products enhance moisture, some cleanse or exfoliate, and others help get rid of wrinkles. All of these products have one common denominator, and that is that they act on the body’s outermost layer, the skin barrier. What exactly is the skin barrier, and what is its purpose? We aim to answer that question and inform you on how to protect it in this article.

What Is The Skin Barrier?

The skin is made up of different layers, each of which serves a unique purpose. The outermost layer, the stratum corneum, consists of tough skin cells that essentially make up your skin barrier. These skin cells, corneocytes, are bound together by mortar-like lipids. Keratin and natural moisturizers are within the corneocytes. The lipid layer contains fatty acids, cholesterol, and ceramides. 

This “brick wall” that is the skin barrier keeps you alive by protecting you from environmental toxins and pathogens. Without the skin barrier, these substances could easily penetrate the skin and cause adverse health effects. If you didn’t have a skin barrier, the water inside your body would escape, evaporate, and leave you in a dehydrated state. Just as your internal organs are necessary for optimal health, so is your skin because it helps the body function properly.

What Damages The Skin Barrier?

The skin plays defense every second of every day, protecting you from pathogens, bacteria, and other threats. Some of the internal and external factors that affect skin barrier function are:

• Allergens, irritants, and pollutants
• Exposure to harsh chemicals
• Excessively humid or dry environments
• Steroids 
• Alkaline detergents and soaps
• Genetic factors
• Over-exfoliation or over-washing
• Psychological distress

What Is The Acid Mantle?

The skin barrier has a slightly acidic pH level and this acidity (the acid mantle) creates a protective barrier. It essentially establishes a buffer that prevents the growth of viruses, bacteria, and fungi that can damage the skin and increase the risk of infections. You must protect the acid mantle around wounds. Because the skin’s acidity is necessary for functions that happen during the healing process. Sometimes, though, health conditions can change the skin’s acidity, which weakens that buffer. Diabetes or incontinence, for example, may require slightly more acidic skin care products to ensure the efficacy of the acid mantle.

How To Protect And Restore The Skin Barrier

There are many ways to help encourage a stronger skin barrier and acid mantle. What are some quick and easy tips to keep them both functional and healthy? Let’s take a look at a few strategies that can help.

Pay Attention To pH

The skin has a delicate pH balance that generally hovers around 4.7. The pH of certain products, however, can range from 3.7 to 8.2. According to researchers, you should cleanse with a product that ranges from a 4.0 to 5.0 pH level. If you keep your skin’s pH at a healthy level, you may be able to avoid conditions like dermatitis, acne, and ichthyosis. 

Look For Formulations That Include Ceramides

If you want your skin barrier to function properly, you need ceramides, which exist in high concentrations in the stratum corneum. Research from 2019 found that products containing pseudo-ceramides may relieve dryness, itchiness, and scaling that results from poor skin barrier function. Ceramide-rich moisturizers, for example, help strengthen the structural integrity of the skin barrier. Additionally, ceramide moisturizers may benefit those who are more prone to acne. Acne-prone people tend to have an impaired skin barrier, so strengthening it with ceramide-rich moisturizers may reduce the risk of blemishes. 

Experiment With Plant Oils

When you supply the skin with the right nutrients, you can help prevent the skin barrier from losing moisture. Research suggests that certain plant oils may supply the skin barrier with proper moisture and offer antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, too. Some of the best plant oils for the skin barrier are argan, coconut, almond, jojoba, primrose, black currant, and rosehip oils. You can incorporate these oils into DIY skin care products, such as lotions or creams, or simply use them directly on the skin.

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Pasta is one of those foods that you can easily devour. It seems that no matter how big and deep the bowl of pasta is, you can continue eating until you feel so bloated that you cannot move. We don’t necessarily condone this way of eating, but we understand that pasta is hard to resist, especially when the recipe is as tasty as this one.

This pasta puttanesca hits nearly every flavor note you want, except for sweet. The acidity of the capers and tomatoes blends with the spice of the red pepper flakes and briny kalamata olive flavor. The herbaceous parsley, which is an optional ingredient, offers a freshness that your palate craves. One key element that enhances the flavor of this pasta puttanesca is the pasta water. Adding pasta water to your sauce is a chef’s trick that enhances the flavor of most pasta dishes. It also helps to cut the acidity of the other ingredients in this sauce.

The great thing about this pasta dish is that the sauce does not take a very long time to cook. Because of that, you can cook the pasta while preparing the sauce. They cook simultaneously and then you can have dinner ready in under 20 minutes. Isn’t that a beautiful thing? If you prefer more spice, feel free to add more red pepper flakes to the sauce.

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Everyone is always on the lookout for a quick and flavorful dinner. Sure, there is something beautiful about spending hours and hours in the kitchen to create one magical dish. Unfortunately, time isn’t always on your side, especially if you have a family to feed. Nobody wants to start cooking at six only to eat close to ten-o’clock! That’s why we love this quick vegan chickpea and spinach curry.

Curry is a pretty loose term because colonizers used it to simplify what they saw in foreign countries. Today, people associate the word “curry” with a dish that has a spiced sauce and meat or vegetables. You typically eat it with flatbread like naan, or you accompany it with rice. Classic curry dishes that may ring a bell are tikka masala, masoor dal, vindaloo, butter chicken curry, etc. For this curry, you don’t need an entire spice cabinet, nor do you need a long list of meat and veggies.

This is a tomato-based curry, using canned crushed tomatoes to establish a luxurious creaminess and slightly acidic flavor. You tame the acidity of the tomatoes with the coconut milk, which you can always add more of if you need it. Because this curry contains green peas, chickpeas, and spinach, you don’t have to worry about being hungry after a bowl. It has incredible depth of flavor that we know you are going to love. In the picture, you’ll notice that rice is in the bowl, and you can either enjoy the curry with or without rice. Please make the rice according to the right measurements.

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Spicy, tangy, and wonderfully refreshing, this Thai salad is the perfect light lunch or dinner during summer. Normally, you slice cucumbers as you please for salads, but this recipe gives them a fun twist (literally) by transforming them into noodles. That’s right, folks, you have to bust out the spiralizer to create cucumber noodles.

Turning the cucumber into noodles almost makes it seem like you are eating a green papaya slaw, which is spicier than this recipe. If you don’t have a vegetable spiralizer, you can use a julienne peeler to make the cucumber noodles. Not only is this an easy and convenient way to create vegetable noodles, but it also works great on cucumbers. Because they are somewhat soft, you have to be gentle when creative cucumber noodles. If you have a spiralizer, though, feel free to get it out use it to make the cucumber noodles. Should they be called coodles, like zucchini noodles are called zoodles? Maybe that’s an unpopular opinion!

This recipe does call for a tablespoon of finely minced jalapeño, but you can increase or decrease that amount depending on your spice tolerance. You also have the option to spiralize a carrot if you want, but this salad doesn’t require it. It is, however, essential to include the tomato. The sweetness and subtle acidity from the tomato not only adds to the refreshing nature of the salad, but also creates relief from the powerful citrusy and spicy flavors in the salad.

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