Diabetes & Vitamin D

Studies have shown the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the general population to be around 36 percent. But the prevalence among diabetic subjects is so much higher — almost 200 percent higher — that a link between diabetes and vitamin D look likely.  Have you tried these dissolvable Vitamin D Dots-no pills to swallow :-)

Get Energized

B vitamins provide a natural energy boost. How? Vitamins of the B complex help breakdown foods into energy. This is where the energy boost comes from. Kapow! B vitamins are needed every day to keep you healthy, so replenish them often.

Replenish Electrolytes

People often know they need electrolytes in the heat of summer. But your body’s need for electrolytes doesn’t stop when fall begins. Electrolytes aid in rehydration, so get plenty of them all year.  Try Emergen-C ElectroMIX - it's the ideal addition to virtually any beverage, providing the electrolytes your body needs.

Revitalize on a scorching summer day with a spritz of this refreshing herbal spray. This one’s good for oily skin, which can feel especially overactive on a hot day.

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (total) of any of the following: nettle leaf, parsley leaf, peppermint, rose flowers and petals, rosemary leaf, sage leaf, yarrow

Boil water, then pour over 1 tablespoon of the herbs. Steep for 20 minutes, then strain. Combine with the vinegar and place in a spray bottle. Store in the refrigerator, to keep fresh and for extra vim!

Herbs on Ice - Summer Teas

For nourishing refreshment, nothing quenches better—or is easier to prepare—than herbal iced tea.  Make your own with the help of the sun. Use your favorite herbs alone or in combination. Drink them plain or sweetened, or mixed with juices, sparkling waters, or natural sodas.

Citrus Hibiscus - This colorful beverage brings a vacation on the beach to mind.
1 tsp. peppermint 2 cups water
1 tsp. rosehips 1 cup orange juice
1 tsp. orange peel 1 cup cold sparkling water
2 tsp. hibiscus 2 Tbsp. honey (or to taste)
2 tsp. lemongrass

Steep peppermint, rosehips, orange peel, hibiscus, and lemongrass in the two cups of water. Strain. Add orange juice and refrigerate. When ready to serve, pour over ice cubes and add a splash of sparkling water to each glass. Sweeten if desired.  Find ready to steep teas and use the natural steeping power of the sun
http://www.ediblenature.com/store/c/33644-Herbal-Tea.html

Grilling Good Times This 4th

Who doesn't love a good grilled burger while watching fireworks?  This Fourth of July why not mix-it up a bit and try some grilled pork chops to really wow your family and friends...

GRILLED CALYPSO PORK CHOPS


Ingredients
4  boneless pork loin chops, about 1/4 lb. each (organic preferably)
2/3 cup chicken stock
1/3 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon plus 1 tsp dark rum (optional)
1 tablespoon plus 1 tsp lime juice
1 tablespoon plus 1 tsp brown sugar
1  clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions-Prepare grill. Combine all ingredients in a heavy, sealable plastic bag. Seal bag and marinate in refrigerator 4 to 24 hours. Remove chops from marinade, discarding leftover marinade. Grill chops for 10-12 minutes over indirect heat on covered grill, turning once to brown both sides.