What is a Vegan, anyway?

I’ll always remember the day that I decided to go vegan. This is a major life choice for anyone, but it was even more drastic for me. I grew up in a family of hunters in West Virginia and, I’m ashamed to admit, steak was one of my favorite dinners. I had never heard of a vegan until I opened up one of my mom’s magazines to an article about them. This was not a reputable magazine. It was a women’s magazine that had a new fad diet in it every week. The article about vegans was, of course, targeted at the weight loss benefits of a plant based diet. It exclaimed, “All of the women in Britain are doing it! And you know they’re all skinny!” As obnoxious as it was, I’m thankful for that article. I immediately logged onto the computer and started searching for more information. I soon found that there is a whole lot more to being vegan than losing some weight.

There are as many types of vegans as there are reasons for being one. At the core, a vegan is defined as a strict vegetarian who consumes no animal food or dairy products. Some types of vegans go beyond this and do not use leather, wool, fur, or silk. Many people come to veganism for health reasons. Either they have been diagnosed with a chronic disease such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease or they are obese and want to lose weight. Some people find that they simply feel better as a vegan. Then there are the ethical vegans. Ethical vegans abstain from animal products because they feel that it is wrong to use them or because they feel that animals are being exploited by the current food system. Environmental vegans are a relatively new type who have decided to be vegan based on the environmental impact of raising animals for food.
There are many vegans, such as myself, who fall into multiple categories. As I researched on the internet, I ran into undercover videos of animals being abused in slaughter houses. These videos pushed me to my decision to become a vegan. Around the same time, I had become fatigued and gained 40 pounds on my normally thin frame. I discovered that I had hypothyroid disease. Through being vegan, taking thyroid hormones, and adding in exercise I lost the weight plus more. I also felt better than I had in my entire life. I not only cared for the animals but I also enjoyed the health benefits of veganism. A couple years later, I learned about the environmental hazards of factory farming and raising animals for food. I now consider myself an ethical/health/environmental vegan.

If any of these issues ring true with you, consider giving veganism a try. For you, for the animals, for the earth.

The Importance of Alkaline Water

Water is a natural energy source. Since our body consists mostly of water, many of our bodily processes at a cellular level require water. However, we are not sure if the water we drink is pure and helpful to the body. Our sources of water, as a bi-product of industrialization, are undeniably polluted. Thus, we are faced by a dilemma: where do we get healthy drinking water?

To answer this question, hundreds or even thousands of companies sell purified drinking water, water purifiers, and water filtration systems among many others. But do these water machines follow the right process of getting the exact molecular structure which makes water healthy?

Purifying water is not just about transforming impure water to its original H2O state. Purifying water is not just about taking off the impurities that contaminate it.

As Dr. Robert Young – author of the book pH Miracle said, “If someone were to ask me: What is the one thing I can do to have better health? The answer would be very simple, ‘Start drinking alkalized water’.

Alkalized water?  ‘I only hear the word alkaline in batteries and that sounds like toxic to me?’ This is a common reaction for us who fail our chemistry class. But it is true. Water must be alkaline.

Alkaline substances don’t allow bacteria, viruses and germs to live in it and most of the latter are found in acidic substances. This explains, why we need to pick the right food and water we put into our body. Our body is naturally alkaline and will get weak when its acidity level increases. We have to make sure that the water we drink will aid in the formation of alkaline compounds during digestion. Thus, water must be at its alkaline state to prevent microbial particles from living in it. How? We alkalize it.

So how do we make water alkaline-forming? Well, we have to make water an electrolytic. This can only be done of course through electrolysis or more technically known as the ionization of water. Through this process, the molecules of water will be negatively charged and will be ready to be ion-bonded by other chemicals in our body to neutralize the acids.

The more alkaline water and alkaline food we put into our diet, the stronger the body can fight positively charged free radicals that make our body more vulnerable to diseases. Having an alkaline diet is like putting on a heavy metal armor to prevent external destroyers from ruining our health.

So now that you have learned all about alkalinity and its benefits, how can we make water in our tap alkaline? Of course, we can install an alkaline water machine in our plumbing to give us healthy water from our tap. But what if we don’t have the budget and time to do all that considering our on-the-go lifestyle?

Well, the AlkaMate Water Alkalizer Ionizer is most highly recommended alkaline water partner for you! The AlkaMate can make your water alkaline in just 15 minutes. This cup enjoys the great successes of nanotechnology through its coating of tourmaline and other alkaline minerals. At the bottom and lid of every AlkaMate is a high-technology filter made from Far Infrared Energy stones such as Maifanshi stone, Muyu Jade, Tourmaline, Nano Silver and Kaolin Earth. These energy stones are rich in Magnesium, Sodium, Iron, Potassium and Calcium, which raises pH levels and activates water into its alkaline state.

Get the Your Portable Water Alkaline Ionizer now, for a more refreshing and energy-giving water you can bring with you to the gym, outdoor activities or while playing with the kids and simply relaxing at home!

10 Tips to Enhance your Detox!

1. Drink ample amounts of water, 12 cups of water or more per day. Try a little fresh lemon in the water for a refreshing flavor. The lemon also aids in digestion and detoxification.
2. Get plenty of sleep. Sleep helps to heal the body, especially while you are detoxifying.
3. Take a good vitamin and mineral supplement. We must replenish our bodies with them as we detox. Since we are pulling out the bad, it is very important to replace it with something good for our bodies.
4. Take an acidophilus supplement (on empty stomach) Acidophilus helps to keep “friendly bacteria” in our colon, as traces of vitamins and minerals are lost as we detox.
5. Eat lots of vegetables and fresh fruits. (Organic if possible) Keep away from fast foods, deep fried foods and processed foods. Starting out your day with “lifeless” foods promotes an unhealthy gut and unhealthy brain chemistry.
6. Get plenty of exercise, this helps to keep all systems moving.
7. Add Chlorophyll to your water. Chlorophyll helps speed the cleansing of the blood stream.
8. Upon rising in the morning drink 12-16ozs of hot water and watch the magic.
9. Drink Herbal teas as they can be very comforting and relaxing.
10. Take some time for yourself. Performing yoga can be very beneficial in helping the detox process. It can also help with increasing flexibility, lubrication of the joints, ligaments and tendons. It all helps to massage ALL organs of the Body, and excellent way to tone muscles.

Craniosacral Therapy for a Healing and Calming Touch

Craniosacral Therapy is a light touch body therapy that works on the central nervous system.  It is primarily used to relieve pain and dysfunction in the body.  Discovered and developed by Dr. John Upledger , a doctor of osteopathy in the 1950’s , craniosacral therapy has become world renowned for its healing benefits .  It is based on the premise that energy flow in the body is derived from the cerebrospinal fluid that is contained by the dural tube which is enclosed within the spinal column.

As the therapist works on a client, who is laying flat on his or her back , the energy flow within the body can be felt moving both side to side of the body and from head to foot very slowly and gently .  The trained therapist can feel whether the flow is in  synchronized  movement or out of sync.  An out of sync flow would indicate an unbalance in the body and would then begin to right the wrongs. 

Most of the time clients will come in to a clinic complaining of pain and is hoping for help to relieve the pain to some degree or have it gone completely.  However, craniosacral therapy is much more than a pain reliever.  It is used for a myriad of reasons.

Many times,  a client will say they have a more balanced feeling after a treatment.   This feeling comes from literally having their energy flow changed to be flowing properly .  Other times the client will stand up and say the said pain is gone or somewhat relieved.  What I always hear is , “I feel so relaxed “. 

Since the treatment is on the central nervous system, the client almost always goes into a deep sleep and sleeps well throughout the usual hour long session.  Frequently,  when posed to the client , “What did you feel as I was working on you ?”  The client will respond with “Nothing in particular”.   Opposingly, the therapist will feel muscle, tendon, ligament , bone and energy all moving within the clients body and it is moving into place where it belongs.  When a treatment is concluded , the client leaves but will continue to receive the benefits of the session for up to 48 hours .  During this time, the client may or may not feel a small bit of discomfort in some areas.  This is because things are still moving into place.  If a person does feel this discomfort it’s a good thing as it is a confirmation that the treatment is working for them.  By the end of the 48 hours the discomfort will already have stopped.   If the client doesn’t feel discomfort it doesn’t mean nothing happened. They can simply judge for themselves as to how they feel presently .  They will surley know how their body is newly feeling.   

Sometimes it is necessary for the client to have more than one craniosacral treatment for a particular problem.  There is an indirect equation as to how long a person has had a problem to how long it will take to remedy the problem.  I’ve had people enter my shop with problems that range from autism to knee replacements and sinus problems to aching backs.  The majority of the time, it’s always the same, “I feel better”!!

Craniosacral Therapy never ceases to amaze me   There are times when I’ve thought it wouldn’t help something in particular as the client is looking at me pleadingly, and at their wits end for help.  I tell them we will give it a try and lo and behold they call me up within a day or two to let me know the treatment worked for them.

Why not give Craniosacral Therapy a try to help relieve your symptomatic problems.  For a list of things that Craniosacral Therapy may help with, please go to my website at www.tranquileffects.com

Shelley Guyitt, Holistic Therapist
Tranquil Effects

The Benefits of Chemical Free Hot Tubs

Discover the health benefits of chemical free hot tubs. Choosing to use a product that is completely natural. A safe alternative to traditional spa and hot tub care products out there today. A healthy decision to make when thinking of the health of your entire family.

These products are now available on the market, and offer ingredients such as, plant extracts, minerals, and natural enzymes, without the use of harsh chemicals.

For our family, chemical free hot tubs has allowed us to begin to enjoy our spa experience once again. After almost tow years in storage, we can now look forward to a healthy spa experience for our whole family.

With my sensitives to chemicals, there was no way I could use harsh chemicals such as bromine and chlorine in our tub. So when I was told about this amazing product I contacted the company right away. Spa Marvel is offering a natural alternative to hot tubing, so we welcomed this product with open arms. And the customer service with this company was second to none. Offering a 100% money back guarantee on all their products and free shipping to all their clients.

With chemical free hot tubs, the hassle to play around and add chemicals on a daily basis is totally eliminated. Gone are the days of adjusting the PH and Alkalinity constantly. Gone are the strong chemical odours associated with bromine and chlorine. Resulting in fresh, healthy, clear spa water for your tub.

I know our family is thrilled with the switch we’ve made to chemical free hot tubs, making our whole spa experience more enjoyable and much healthier for our growing family for years to come.

Please look for my other article about Spa Marvel and it’s wonderful health benefits, plus a brief question and answer section for your to learn more.

Cashews are they really good for you?

You’ve pat yourself on that back for choosing cashews over the chocolate bar. You are trying to lose weight and it makes sense, you hear it over and over that nuts are better for you. Although this is true, you may be shocked to find out that the chocolate may have been an over all healthier choice after all! How? Depends on whether or not you read the flip-side.  Did you read the ingredient list posted on the back of the package? If you did not you may be in for a shock!

Would it not be wonderful to live in a world where what you see is what you get? We don’t and you need to take responsibility to get the whole story; that means not only reading the ingredient list, but understanding what the ingredients mean.

I was faced with this dilemma recently in an airport. I forgot my snacks and had to get something for the 4 hour long ride. I found a wall with packages of nuts and grabbed the cashews because they are healthier than the peanuts and would keep me satiated longer than a chocolate bar due to it rich essential fatty acids-what a shocker; I almost fell for it!

This particular package of cashews had questionable ingredients, and if you have a peanut allergy this product may have caused some serious issues including death!

Cottonseed oil, soybean oil, peanut oil and salt. Sounds OK right? Read on.  Often partially or fully hydrogenated cottonseed oil is extracted from the seeds of the cotton plant after harvest of the lint. The oil is then refined to remove gossypol, a naturally occurring toxin that protects the cotton plant from insect damage. Cottonseed oil was the first oil to be hydrogenated and was originally intended for candle production but was found useful for nonfood products such as cosmetics, explosives, insecticides, rubber and soap. The first introduction as a food product was Crisco shortening.

Since cotton crops are under less chemical regulation than other crops used specifically for food, many pesticides and/or chemicals can be used on cotton crops that are illegal for use on food crops.  Because it is the seed of the plant that is being manufactured into oil, legal loopholes in the regulation of food and chemicals by the FDA are permitted. Pesticides and/or chemicals could resist processing and find their way into the food allowing for unacceptable levels of pesticide and chemical residues.

Soybean oil is produced from the cracked soybean, adjusted for moisture content, rolled into flakes and then the oil is extracted with hexane. Hexane is a colorless flammable liquid alkane derived from petroleum used to extract edible oils from seeds and vegetables.

Hexane is also used as a special-use solvent, and as a cleaning agent. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:
“Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure of humans to high levels of hexane causes mild central nervous system (CNS) effects, including dizziness, giddiness, slight nausea, and headache.  Chronic (long-term) exposure to hexane in air is associated with polyneuropathy in humans, with numbness in the extremities, muscular weakness, blurred vision, headache, and fatigue observed.  Neurotoxic effects have also been exhibited in rats.  No information is available on the carcinogenic effects of hexane in humans or animals. “

Although soybean oil has some health benefits, what the manufacturing industry has done to it outweighs the benefits. Most soybean grown in North America are genetically modified, and scientific data are beginning to surface about the potential of GMO’d soybeans having the ability to alter our intestinal  flora, which is responsible for keeping our immune system healthy. Genetically modified plants requires extra pesticides/herbicides and chemicals to keep super bugs, which have become genetically modified from attacking the plants. This allows for contamination into and on the plant during growth and harvest.

Soybeans are an important global crop, used for farm animals and the food industry. This is of concern because research and documents are revealing that soy consumption has been linked to numerous disorders, including infertility, increased cancer and infantile leukemia, Type1 diabetes, and precocious puberty in children fed soy formula. Hundreds of epidemiological, clinical and laboratory studies link soy to malnutrition, digestive distress, thyroid dysfunction, cognitive decline, reproductive disorders, cognitive, immune system breakdown, and even heart disease and cancer.

Peanut oil has beneficial properties of oleic acid and omega-6 linoleic acid, however high amounts of Omega-6 cause inflammation in our body. Inflammation is responsible for most disease, ailments and conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The bigger concern is peanuts become contaminated with Aspergillus flavus, a mold fungus that releases aflatoxin which can cause a deadly reaction for some people. If you suffer from inflammatory type conditions such as gout, arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease you need to steer clear of all peanut and peanut oil products.

There are acceptable products out there, and easy to find, but it requires a little detective work on your part. Disregard the marketing language on the package and flip the product over and read the truth. If there are questionable ingredients or you cannot pronounce them, or know what they are; put the package down and walk away!

Look for nuts that are raw.

Raw nuts contain all of their beneficial health properties. If you cannot find raw look for dry roasted. Dry roasted means the nut has not been fired in questionable cheap oil. Sea salt is a better choice over salt or sodium. If you cannot find nuts with sea salt purchase nuts with our added salt. Avoid all nuts that contain the oils mentioned above including canola oil. Canola oil is another controversial plant this genetically modified. And has caused a lot of grief for farmers, you can read more here. http://aspartame.ca/page_oho3.htm  or  http://www.percyschmeiser.com/conflict.htm
Steer clear of additives and preservatives such as sulphites, nitrates, and nitrates. They are for the most part poorly tested and may cause allergies and sensitivities and are carcinogenic.

Don’t give up on choosing healthy snacks, arm yourself with knowledge, flip to the backside and make a healthy conscious decision. The more we say no to products with questionable unhealthy ingredients the more we send the message to the manufactures   that we want healthier options. Companies spend thousands of dollars trying to market to our tastes and they are finally listening. The trend for 2012 according to Food Processing magazines is that consumers are getting back to the basics. They want natural foods with little to no ingredients. The more you keep their products on the shelf that we don’t want, the quicker the manufacture will make the shift to healthier products-trust me it will be in the blink of an eye. Now is the time to take a stand!

Watch a great video that goes with this article:

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article has not been approved by the FDA or Health Canada and is not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician. This article is not recommending changing any treatment or medication you are taking without consulting with your personal physician or qualified health care practitioner. Before implementing any suggestions seen here please consult with your physician or qualified health care practitioner

About Karen Langston:

“© 2012 Karen Langston is a Certified Nutritionist specializing in Crohn’s disease. She is also a speaker and Host of The Wellness Beat. Sign up for a free weekly subscription to Karen’s Healthy Bites EZine for great tips, videos, recipes, interviews and exclusive articles, prizes and more. KarenLangston.com”

Do you suffer from chronic pain?

Does your pain affect your daily routines or the activities you enjoy
participating in? If your answer is yes, you’re not alone. Nearly 45
million North Americans suffer from arthritis or other chronic pain.
Yet many of those who suffer tend to believe they are too young to
be affected or simply learn to live with their pain. Although there is
no cure to relieve people of arthritis, there is an effective way to
prevent pain by managing and maintaining healthy muscles, bones
and joints.

Many people who do suffer from chronic pain take pain medication
to help cope with the pain. This is not always acceptable. The
solution for many who seek relief is simple -TENS.

What is TENS?

TENS is the acronym for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve
Stimulator. TENS pads deliver small electrical pulses to the body
via electrodes placed on the skin. The various pulses employed by
TENS can block pain signals normally sent to the brain through
nerve fibers, thereby interrupting the brain’s awareness of pain. The
mild electrical current generates heat that serves to relieve
stiffness, improve mobility, and relieve chronic pain. The TENS
activate the release of endorphins which act as our body’s natural
healers or natural pain killers. The use of TENS usually improves
pain symptoms significantly and can reduce the need for pain
medication.

How Do I Use TENS?

The user need only apply the TENS patches contained in the 3 in 1

FIT Premium Detox System to the area requiring treatment. A mild
electric current running from the 3 in 1 FIT Premium Detox System travels
through the patches to help treat, relieve and help the body release
endorphins, which reduce the pain.

Many of the users of the 3 in 1FIT Premium Detox System benefit for
days after a short treatment, while others may need to use their unit
for longer periods.

Can The TENS Treatment Be Used By

Everyone?

TENS machines are used to reduce pain from problems in muscles,
joints and nerves. Unlike most medications, there are virtually no
side-effects when using a TENS pad. However, people with the
following should NOT use TENS:

• Pregnancy (unless specifically medically advised)
• People with pacemakers as the electrical current from the TENS pads may interfere with their pacemaker
• People who suffer from epilepsy or certain types of heart disease

How Can I Benefit From The Use of TENS?

Simply call Healthier Living 4 You and inquire about their one of a
kind 3 in 1 FIT Ionic Detox foot bath.

Self Care – A Key to Healthier Living

Self care is a topic not usual for conversation. However, is an important aspect so much overlooked in our busy lives and can lead to healthier living.
Most of us, working hard, running here, running there, pressures of day to day life… building. People are so busy, generally, focusing on those around them, working to meet the needs of others, whether it is the bills, taking care of the children, spouse, parents, extended family. Often losing sight of them self in all of this.
Self care looks differently from one person to another.  What helps to uplift and energize you? What brings you the joy and the peace to move you through your life?  For me it is music, dancing, walks in nature.
This can be a difficult thing to do for many people, conditioned to believe time for yourself as selfish or self-centred. Here is a different perspective of self-centred.  Self (you), centred (grounded)…. In order to deal with the stressors in life…we all need to be grounded.  This, I have learned is not selfish. When you take time to love and nurture yourself… you have more energy in the day to take care of all else.
I encourage you to take time out of your busy schedule even if only for a few moments each and every day for you! You are worth it! What will your self care look like? Go on and do it; notice how your outlook on life changes and starts to pave the way for healthier living.

Chronic Hives and how I relieved my body from them for good!

I am here to share my battle with chronic hives, and tell you how I was able to beat them, and so can you. It’s really not that complicated, making lifestyle changes can make this possible for you to!

I to like you, would spend sleepiness hours, and found myself in front of my computer looking for answers to what my body was going through. I became a “Google master” and prior to this rarely used the computer for anything other then emails and occasional recipe searching. But it became my “bible”. I was determined to find some answers to the horrible changes my body was going through.

I stumbled upon a few sites that interested me, approaches that made a little more sense then the common solutions to allergies. I had spent an awful long time being medicated and had no desire to keep going this route.

Food seemed to be a connection for sure for me. So I started a food journal and found some foods that certainly triggered my episodes more then others. But still it wasn’t enough, I found myself back to the bendryl and predizone on a weekly, sometimes daily basic. It was very frustrating. But in order to function with my chronic hives I had to resort to drugs.

It was not what I wanted!

So a client of mine introduced me to a live blood specialist. And he began a process of detoxing my body. He helped me out alot. My body began to have renewed energy that is was lacking all this time.

Time passed and I felt I needed more answers as my symptoms were still coming and going. So a friend put me in touch with a naturopathic doctor and he also began a detoxing program, and sent my hair away for a hair analyst. And ago the process began. It was soon discovered that my acid reflux program I had suffered from severely for quite sometime was also connected to my diet and the damage all these chemicals and toxins had done to my body. This time a complete change is diet was underway. He suggested I eliminate gluten from my diet as my symptoms for chronic hives and swelling were leading towards this allergy as well. With that came the absentee of meat products, dairy products, and all additives and preservatives. And trust me, when you start reading labels it’s in everything. So a complete over haul of our refrigerator and cupboards began, and soon we were eating clean. We did notice HUGE changes in my health almost immediately, it was amazing. Also my chronic acid reflux symptoms had disappeared I no longer was on medication for this problem and before I honestly couldn’t leave the house without it.

Something as simple as eating more raw foods, avoiding anything processed that may have additives and chemicals in it, and meat products loaded with antibiotics and toxins.

It may sound difficult, but as soon as you get the swing of it, whipping up a salad dressing can be quite easy, cause as you will see when you read a commercial salad dressing, the product is loaded with chemicals, chemicals and more chemicals. By taking some olive oil, fresh lemons and a bit of garlic you are able to quickly blend together your own organic dressing. Be creative and add fresh herbs, vinegars, and other veggies and there you have it, more interesting dressing to drizzle on your fresh greens.

When you begin to eat this way your body begins to respond fairly quickly. You have tons more energy and sleep much better. Your spirits lift and your health gets renewed.

There are other changes you must make in order to live chemical free as well, like the cleaning products you use in your home, the linens you sleep in, and even the toothpaste you brush your teeth with. But trust me these changes are why I am here typing this story to you today. I totally through trial and error and advise from some pretty knowledgeable people have been able to heal my body of chronic hives and swelling. And no longer take any medications, or have any symptoms to speak of. If I can do it so can you. Remove all the toxins around you that perhaps are making you ill, and start today to feel energized and vibrant!

Asparagus is another spring time gift from Mother Nature

Asparagus is a nutrient-dense food that contains no fat, no cholesterol and is low in Sodium; perfect for spring detoxification and weight loss except for those who suffer from gout.

Asparagus, a member of the lily family is a spring time delicacy. The name asparagus comes from the Greek language meaning to “sprout” or “shoot”

Asparagus is a nutrient-dense food which is high in Folic Acid and is a good source of potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamins A and C, and thiamin contains no fat, no cholesterol and is low in Sodium; perfect for all health regimes except for those who suffer from gout.  Asparagus is one of the richest sources of rutin, a compound which strengthens capillary walls and contains glutathione GSH which aids in liver detoxification; perfect for spring.

Asparagus is a perfect spring vegetable for its high fibrous content that can easily pull unhealthy toxins from our body. It’s high folic acid content aids in the synthesis of protein metabolism and healthy red blood cells that keeps our energy reserves in optimum shape and our immune systems healthy. Potassium allows proper water balance in the body and promotes an acid-alkaline balance which prevents illness. Potassium also aids in protein and carbohydrate metabolism thus keeping us slim and fit. Asparagus comes in three colours, white, green and purple.

Have you noticed that after eating asparagus your urine has a pungent odour? Some have reported their urine smelling like rotting cabbage, ammonia or rotten eggs. Completely harmless and not to worry, for some people this naturally occurs. A sulfur compound in asparagus called mercaptan the same compound that gives skunks their offensive odor is the reason and believe-it-or-not, can only be detected by 50% of the population. There is no one theory for the foul smelling pee, however one theory is that only half the population has the gene that enables the body to break down mercaptan. Another theory involves asparagine a non-essential amino acid which was first isolated from asparagus in 1932. The smell noted in the urine after eating asparagus is attributed to the breakdown of asparagine.  Asparagine is important to the nervous system to maintain balance and to transform amino acids.

The best time to purchase asparagus is in the spring. They usually make an appearance early March and depending on weather conditions can be purchased up until early June. When purchasing asparagus look for stalks that are firm, crisp, with tightly closed tops that are not discolored or slimy, and the bottom of the stalks should look crisp and well hydrated. Avoid stalks that are split and woody. The best way to purchase asparagus are ones that are stored standing in a small amount of water.

Fresh asparagus will only last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator, if at all possible place asparagus in a small container of water and stand up right in your refrigerator. If they were not stored in water, cut off a 5 mm (1/4 inch) of the bottom of the stalks and place in water.

Asparagus can be steamed, sautéed, roasted and grilled on the barbeque

*The information provided in this article has not been approved by the FDA or Health Canada and is not intended as a substitute for consulting with your physician. This article is not recommending changing any treatment or medication you are taking without consulting with your personal physician or qualified health care practitioner. Before implementing any suggestions seen here please consult with your physician or qualified health care practitioner