Citrus fruits are some of the most popular fruits used in the culinary world. The powerful acidity is what people crave. It often rounds out the flavor of sauces, salsas, marinades, juices, and more. The reason people fall in love with citrus fruits is because they hit three of the primary flavor profiles: bitter, sweet, and sour. 

People love citrus fruits for their flavor, but they should love them for their incredible nutritional profiles. The diverse flavonoid and antioxidant compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immune-boosting properties. Additionally, the vitamin C in citrus fruits works to neutralize free radicals in the body, lowering the threat of oxidative damage. They are also rich in potassium, a mineral that the body needs for carbohydrate metabolism, heart contraction, and nerve function. 

There are too many citrus fruits to count, and that’s why we’ve decided to bring you the zest of the best. Keep reading to find out which citrus varieties rose to the top. Well, they topped our list, anyway!

Meyer Lemon

These may be the best lemons on the planet, primarily because they are slightly sour with wonderfully sweet undertones. If you want to make homemade lemonade, the Meyer lemon should be your first choice. It is a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange, and it rose to popularity in the culinary world because of Martha Stewart, Alice Waters, and other chefs of that caliber. 

Pomelo

This citrus fruit has too many names to count, so we’ll just stick with pomelo. It’s one of the only three original citrus species left; all of the other varieties have been hybridized. The white pomelo has a thick pith and a sweet pink/white flesh. They are very popular in Asia during the Mooncake festival. 

Sumo Tangerine

These enormous tangerines are enormously delicious. It’s not the most attractive citrus fruit, but ugly foods are often the most delicious. It’s like an easy-to-peel mandarin, but supersized and more flavorful. Sumo tangerines are new to the United States, and people are loving them. The flavor is bold, with sweet and tart flavors that keep you coming back for more. They do cost more than the average citrus fruit, but they come from Japan, so the price makes sense. 

Blood Orange

The striking red/orange flesh of the fruit looks like a wheel of tie-dye art. The blood orange is mildly tart and beautifully sweet, and the rich pigment comes from the powerful polyphenols known as anthocyanins. You can’t always get your hands on these citrus gems, so make sure to snatch them up when you see them.

Key Lime

Almost everyone has heard of key lime pie, but these small limes are not solely reserved for baking. Many people prefer key limes to regular limes because they have a stronger alkalizing effect on the body. Key limes have a subtly sweet flavor and the juice is more floral and aromatic than that of regular lime juice. 

Kumquat

These little citrus fruits are entirely edible. That’s right, folks; you can eat pop the whole thing in your mouth and enjoy the beautiful combination of the sweet skin and tart flesh. You won’t always find them in stores, but they can pop up at local farmer’s markets. Kumquat trees are also popular in many neighborhoods, so keep your eyes peeled, especially from November to March when they’re in season.

Finger Lime

The finger lime is different from most other citrus fruits, and it gets the name because it is long, just like a finger. The flesh also differs from other citrus fruit. It looks like little gelatin balls, vesicles as they are called. You can think of it like lime caviar that you can turn into a rich marmalade or add to pickling jars. You can also zest the peel for strong notes of citrus in your culinary creations.

Buddha’s Hand

This abnormal, alien-looking fruit belongs to the citrus family, but it’s definitely in a league of its own. The “fingers” open up as the fruit ripens, but you can’t really enjoy the fruit. The only usable part of this fruit is the zest because there is no flesh. Buddha’s hand has a wonderful fragrance and it is often placed as a prayer offering at pagodas or altars in Asian countries. 

Tangelo

This funky little citrus hybrid is a cross between a grapefruit and a tangerine, so the flavor is both tart and sweet. Sink your teeth into this fruit and you get hit with an immediate burst of sweetness, and the tart flavor hits you on the back nine. They are easy to peel and make great substitutes for oranges. 

Calamansi

Calamansi is a classic citrus fruit in both Malaysian and Filipino cuisine. The peel is green and the flesh is a bright orange, but don’t let it fool you into thinking that it is sweet. It’s only a touch sweeter than a regular lime, but it does impart unique flavor into your food. If you want to make a homemade sorbet, fresh calamansi juice is an excellent juice to use. 

SHARE:

The post The Zest Of The Best: A Complete Guide To Citrus appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

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.

SHARE:

The post Can An Alkaline Diet Reduce Your Risk Of Cancer? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Natural remedies for acid reflux may be a lot closer to you than you realize. Look to your kitchen to find apple cider vinegar, lavender tea, ginger, turmeric, fruits, vegetables, and more. Many of these easily accessible foods may provide relief from acid reflux symptoms, but their health benefits are enhanced when paired with healthy diet and lifestyle changes. This article aims to expose acid reflux and the natural remedies that can quell the burning sensation that occurs in the chest.

What Is Acid Reflux?

There is a valve at the entrance to the stomach and this ring of muscle is the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). In a normal, healthy body, the LES closes as soon as food passes through it. If the LES doesn’t close all the way, or it opens too often, acid that the stomach produces can enter the esophagus. That can cause an uncomfortable burning sensation in the chest, also known as heartburn. If acid reflux symptoms occur more than twice a week, you may have acid reflux disease, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

A common cause of acid reflux is a hiatal hernia, which is a stomach abnormality. This happens when the upper part of the stomach and the LES move above the diaphragm, which separates the chest from the stomach. The diaphragm helps keep acid in the stomach, but a hiatal hernia can cause acid to move into the esophagus, causing acid reflux symptoms. Read on to learn about how the following home remedies can provide relief from acid reflux symptoms. 

Chamomile Tea

In addition to reducing stress and calming the mind, chamomile happens to be one of the best herbs for treating digestive disorders. According to health experts, drinking chamomile tea three to four times a day between meals can help relieve inflamed mucous membranes in the digestive tract. That works to normalize digestion, which may relieve symptoms of acid reflux. 

Eat Ripe Bananas

Bananas are naturally rich in potassium, making them fairly alkaline. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, alkaline foods may help prevent the stomach acid from irritating your esophagus. Unripe bananas, however, are less alkaline and heavy on the starch, which may trigger acid reflux in certain people. Make sure that bananas are ripe if you suffer from acid reflux. Additionally, focus on eating alkaline foods, including cauliflower, fruits, fennel, and nuts, all of which may offset heartburn.

Deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) Licorice Root

Licorice is a strong demulcent that has proven to be an effective treatment for peptic ulcers. Researchers note that licorice may protect the esophagus from damage by increasing mucus production. Make sure that you purchase the DGL licorice root because glycyrrhizinated licorice can cause some dangerous side effects.

Opt For Cooked Onions Instead Of Raw Ones

Raw onions commonly trigger acid reflux and heartburn. One study in people with acid reflux found that eating a meal with raw onion significantly increased burping, acid reflux, and heartburn. Frequent burping may indicate a higher production of gas, which researchers attribute to the fermentable fiber in onions. Additionally, raw onions are harder to digest and may irritate the esophageal lining, which can worsen heartburn. 

Baking Soda

As we mentioned earlier, alkaline foods are optimal for people who frequently experience acid reflux. Baking soda is naturally alkaline and can help neutralize acid. Because baking soda contains sodium, consult your doctor if you are on a low-sodium diet. Dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water and drink it whenever you experience symptoms.

Aloe Juice For

A quick note about purchasing aloe vera juice is that you need to purchase 100% aloe vera juice. Many varieties can contain excess sugar, artificial flavors, and other processed ingredients. Those varieties will not alleviate symptoms of acid reflux. Aloe vera juice works to soothe the irritation caused by acid reflux, while simultaneously encouraging healthy digestion. If you regularly experience heartburn, drink an ounce of aloe juice before the meal to soothe the esophagus and stomach.

SHARE:

The post Acid Reflux Home Remedies That Provide Relief appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Don’t citrus and cilantro belong in salsa or taco recipes? Well, yes and no, because both of those ingredient go great in smoothies. In fact, some say that a refreshing citrus smoothie with cilantro can make you feel like you’re lounging on a beach drinking limeade on vacation. Not only is this smoothie very refreshing, but it also contain many health benefits from the superfood ingredients. What makes this smoothie healthy, though? Continue reading to find out.

Cilantro is one of those ingredients that people either love or hate. If you’re on the hate side of the fence, then this smoothie probably isn’t for you. If you love cilantro, then you know how refreshing it can be. It’s a leafy green that aids with the detoxification of heavy metals, but it also provides a lot of vitamin K, which is necessary for circulation and blood clotting. Cilantro also pairs beautifully with lime, one of the featured ingredients in this smoothie. Consuming citrus provides the body with vitamin C, but it also helps promote alkalinity within, as limes have an alkalizing effect after consumption. Ginger, much like cilantro, complements the tart lime flavor. Ginger can settle upset stomach and soothe a sore throat because it offers anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. That’s good news for your immune system!

Don’t worry because this smoothie doesn’t solely consist of lime, cilantro, and ginger. It also contains spinach and banana. The banana provides the sweet balance that the smoothie desperately needs, while the spinach enhances the magnesium, protein, and iron content. Spinach also adds body to the smoothie without altering the flavor. You can think of this smoothie like a thicker limeade that fills you up. If you like this unique creation then let us know in the comments below.

SHARE:

The post Citrus Cilantro Smoothie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

During your raw vegan journey, it’s essential to find healthy replacements for foods you enjoy. Cheese is a “necessity” for many people, but it contains unhealthy fats and can cause excess mucus and inflammation. Although this raw vegan almond parmesan is dairy-free, it does provide the saltiness you crave from traditional parmesan cheese. And instead of being acidic, this parmesan has an alkalizing effect on the body.

Almonds are rich in healthy fats, protein, fiber, potassium, and vitamin E. Nine almonds contain the recommended daily amount of vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant that encourages healthy skin, hair, cholesterol, and hormone levels. The body needs vitamin E for enzymatic activities, neurological processes, and for healthy organ function.

It’s very important that you use raw almonds for this recipe. Firstly, you cannot eat roasted and seasoned almonds during your cleansing experience. Most importantly, though, raw almonds won’t alter the flavor of the parmesan. You can typically find raw almonds at most grocery stores, but you can also find them from online retailers. The most important ingredient, besides the raw almonds, is the nutritional yeast. This is the ingredient that brings the “cheesy” flavor you crave. It also supplies the body with an array of nutrients, including vitamin B12. The garlic powder and salt add more layers of flavor. There’s no time to waste. Let’s get to blending!

SHARE:

The post Raw Vegan Almond Parmesan appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

After a long holiday season, during which many people deprive their bodies of nutrients, a detoxifying meal or two is necessary. In general, winter tends to deprive the body of vitamin D and exercise, two integral aspects to optimal overall health. Although freshly made juices and smoothies are essential during a detox, soups make great detox meals as well. They are easy on the digestive system and help restore good bacteria in the gut. The pre-digested nature of a blended soup also makes it easier for the body to absorb nutrients from the ingredients.

The best part about this green detox soup is that it also promotes alkalinity. Most of the ingredients are alkaline in nature, helping reduce acidity in the body. Acid is often a precursor to water retention and inflammation, so alkalizing the body works counteract the negatives of acidity. When the body is in a more alkaline state, your cells, organs, and systems in the body benefit. Plus, the green nature of this soup means that it is naturally rich in chlorophyll, which helps nourish cells with an abundance of vitamins, phytonutrients, and enzymes. This helps to naturally energize, restore, and rejuvenate the body all at the same time!

You can typically make a detox soup with a variety of seasonal ingredients. A trip to the farmer’s market is often a great option during winter because of the amazing seasonal produce that’s available. You can buy in large quantities so that you can make large batches of this detox soup. It’s great to freeze soup to keep it fresh. You can also freeze ingredients and use them later if you feel that they are going to go bad.

This soup will help you feel restored because it has an incredible nutritional profile. Whether you had a hard weekend of eating or want to start the New Year on a healthy note, this soup does the job and more. It is naturally rich in calcium, protein, antioxidants, minerals, healthy fats, and vitamins. Let us know if you add any extra ingredients to your recipe!

SHARE:

The post Alkalizing Green Detox Soup appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

There are many creams, oils, and DIY concoctions, which you apply topically, that promise to get rid of cellulite. Some of them work and some of them are completely ineffective. The fact of the matter is that you can eat certain foods to help smooth away cellulite and accelerate metabolism. Additionally, consuming the wrong foods can lead to toxic build-up that can result in cellulite.

Cellulite is a combination of excess fat and toxins that exists beneath the skin’s surface. Cellulite is always the result of poor lifestyle factors, including unhealthy eating habits, high stress levels, hormonal imbalances, or exposure to pollutants. Ultimately, cellulite is a pollution problem that you can fix. You don’t need expensive creams or invasive treatments to get rid of cellulite. It’s best to avoid greasy, highly processed foods, refined sugars, acidic foods, and fried foods.

The goal is to alkalize the body if you want to get rid of cellulite, and that’s exactly what this juice does. Not only does the flavor of this juice awaken your taste buds, but it also helps to promote alkalinity within the body. Even though the citrus fruits contain citric acid, they have an alkalizing effect inside the body. This juice is perfect to drink in the morning when you start your day.

SHARE:

The post Reduce Cellulite With This Juice appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Healthy salads like this are so good that you could eat them every single day. Don’t think that you can eat a salad every day? Well, you just haven’t had the right dressing. A salad with the wrong dressing can make you dislike the salad very quickly. When you have a dressing that is as addictive as the one in this recipe, you tend to find yourself drinking it all up after you finish the salad.

This colorful romaine salad is all about the crunch. While romaine is a crunchy leafy green, this recipe invites other crunchy superstars to the party. We are talking about bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and purple cabbage. These ingredients add wonderful texture, color, and refreshing flavors. Let us know how you like the salad in the comments below.

SHARE:

The post Crunchy Romaine Salad With An Almond Lime Dressing appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Pucker up, folks, because these lemon bars are wonderfully tart and ultra creamy. Lemon bars typically contain a lot of sugar, flour, and fats, but not this recipe. Well, let’s clear one thing up and attest to the fact that they do contain natural sugars and beneficial fats that support heart and brain health.

If you’re familiar with Dherbs, you know that we love lemons. Even though they contain citric acid, they have an alkalizing effect on the body, which helps to balance the body’s pH. Not only are lemons rich in vitamin C, but they also help to stimulate healthy digestion and liver detoxification.

SHARE:

The post Raw Vegan Lemon Bars appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Green smoothies work to alkalize the body, establish healthy gut flora, and work to increase energy levels. Now, this green smoothie contains lime juice, which has been known to promote healthier skin, fight infections, aid with weight loss, and improve overall digestion. Drink it to believe it!

SHARE:

The post It Ain’t A Crime To Love This Lime Sublime Smoothie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.