Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A (beta-carotene). They are also a good source of vitamin C, manganese, copper, vitamin B6, potassium, fiber, niacin, vitamins B1, B2, and phosphorous.

I love baked sweet potatoes, sweet potato chips (make your own), and sweet potatoes fries.

Celery

Celery is high in potassium and calcium, celery helps to reduce fluid retention and prevent high blood pressure. Celery is good for weight loss due to its high water content.

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a small tree that grows in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Brazil, Vietnam, and Egypt.

Cinnamon is one of the oldest known spices. To prepare it, the bark of the cinnamon tree is dried and rolled into cinnamon sticks, also called quills. Cinnamon is also dried and ground into powder.

Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol.

When cinnamon is added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.

One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.

Are you aware that Cinnamon is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium?

Four Kinds of Cinnamon:

1. Korintje Cassia Cinnamon- sweet and mellow.

2. Ceylon Cinnamon- complex and fragrant, with a citrus overtone and rich buff color.

3. China Cassia Cinnamon-strong and spicier than Korintje, with a potent, sweet flavor

4. Vietnamese Cinnamon-extremely sweet and flavorful.

Grapes

Did you know that grapes are loaded with fiber? Grapes contain potassium, vitamin K, copper, vitamin B2, antioxidants, etc. Grapes have anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits. They're great as a snack. In the summer freeze them and they are very cooling! (Tip for Hotlanta).

Glorious Greens

Toss your salad with a variety of greens to elevate your fiber intake and antioxidant levels.  Arugula, chicory, dandelion greens, escarole, radicchio, and watercress offer numerous nutrients and health benefits.

• Beta-carotene – watercress, escarole, and especially chicory and dandelion greens, are excellent sources of this healing pigment, which may help to prevent acne, cancer, and vision loss.
• Folate – one cup of raw chicory provides half of the daily requirement for folate, which helps to protect against cardiovascular disease and birth defects. Arugula also supplies ample folate.
• Potassium – salad greens, particularly chicory, provide appreciable amounts of this cardioprotective mineral. One cup of chopped chicory provides 756mg of potassium.
• Vitamin C – chicory, dandelion greens, and watercress are very good sources of this antioxidant, which may benefit immunity and cardiovascular health.
• Vitamin E – chicory and dandelion greens contain appreciable amounts of vitamin E compounds, which may protect against cancer and vision loss.
  

Cranberry Orange Chia Pudding

Chia seeds are among the healthiest foods! They're good for your body and your brain!! They're loaded with fiber, protein, calcium, manganese, phosphorus, antioxidants and more. Great as a pudding, in your smoothies, cereal, the possibilities are many.

Bok Choy