5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Carrots!

1. Ancient Greeks called the carrot a philtron, which translates to "love charm."

2. Eating carrot seeds have been thought to prevent pregnancy.

3. Carrots were originally purple, red, white, and yellow. The orange carrot was invented by the Dutch by crossbreeding red and yellow carrots in honor of the Dutch royal family.

4. One cup of raw carrots contains only about 50 calories.

5. The longest carrot on record was nearly 17 feet long!

                                                                    

5 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Cherries!

1. Cherries are a natural pain reliever. They contain two pigments that block an enzyme believed to cause pain.

2. Cherries may help you sleep better. Tart cherries one of the few known food sources of melatonin, an antioxidant that helps regulate our circadian rhythms and natural sleep patterns.

3. Cherry pie filling is the number one pie filling sold in the United States. It takes about 250 cherries to make a cherry pie.

4. Cherries are one of the top antioxidant containing foods by serving size. Antioxidants can help to prevent diseases and slow aging.

5. Michigan is the nation's leading cherry producer.


                                                                       

Spice It Up! Here Are 3 Spices That Are Great For Your Health!

1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has the ability to moderate blood sugar. According to C. Leigh Broadhurst, Ph.D., author of Prevent Treat and Reverse Diabetes (Natural Health Guide), phytochemicals in cinnamon called chalcone polymers can increase glucose metabolism in cells twentyfold or more. This is great news, given the growing epidemic of diabetes. Cinnamon has other great health benefits as well. It is anti-inflammatory and may be helpful for those suffering from muscle pain, stiffness, or menstrual discomfort. Cinnamon is also great for the digestive system and may help to relieve abdominal discomfort and nausea.

2. Garlic
Garlic is one of the oldest medicinal foods in the world, and not without good reason. It's health benefits are many! It can help to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It can reduce plaque, lowering the risk for heart attacks and strokes. There is also evidence that garlic may help to prevent cancer. The antibacterial properties of garlic can help to prevent colds and other illnesses. Garlic has also been linked to lower blood pressure and the prevention of weight gain. It's worth noting that many of the benefits of garlic lie in a compound called allicin that is released when garlic cloves are crushed, so it's likely that the more finely garlic is chopped the better it is for you. If you're looking for some new ways to include more garlic in your diet, check out the book below for hundreds of great recipes!
                                                               
3. Ginger
Most people are already aware of ginger's ability to soothe an upset stomach, but the health benefits don't stop there! Ginger is also a rich source of antioxidants which help to destroy free radicals in the body which lead to disease and accelerated aging. It also has blood thinning qualities and may help to improve circulation. Ginger is also thought to be helpful in strengthening the immune system.


                                                                       

3 Good Reasons To Eat More Eat Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for good health, but since our bodies can't make them, we need to get them through food. Some foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids include nuts, fish, and other seafood. Here are just 3 of the reasons why increasing the amount of omega-3 in your diet can benefit you.


1. Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory
Inflammation is a contributing factor of so many diseases that it's been dubbed "The Silent Killer." That is why eating a diet high in anti-inflammatory foods is so important. Reducing inflammation may help lower risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and Altzheimer's. Reducing inflammation can also increase immune system efficiency.

2. Omega-3s can make you happier
Omega-3s play an important role in helping cells better communicate with each other. As a result feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine can move between cells more easily which leads to an overall better mood. In fact, research has shown that eating foods with high levels of omega-3s may lower your chance of depression.


3. Omega-3s can help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke
They lower triglycerides which are fats in the blood that can clog your arteries. They can also help to lower blood pressure.