This week’s Blog is a continuation of last week’s post on boosting your immune system naturally with herbs, spices, and food. As with last week’s post, I will provide an immune-boosting recipe for you to try. In our Country, the medical practice consists of giving you a pill to address a medical problem. The medication basically alleviates the symptoms but rarely addresses the underlying problem. On top of that, all medications have side effects, so you have to take an additional pill to address those symptoms, oh and don’t forget those additional pills have side effects.

But what if you could use an herb, spice, or food to boost your immune system by fighting inflammation? After all its the inflammation that causes the dis-ease. I am going to share with you today, more anti-inflammatory foods, herbs, and spices to keep inflammation at bay.

Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, are loaded with health benefits. One serving of these veggies give you the recommended daily amount of vitamins C and K. The name cruciferous was given to vegetables whose four petals resemble a cross. These vegetables keep your immune system and blood pressure in check. They are high in folate and vitamin A, and in antioxidants, that provide anti-inflammatory properties. Arugula which most people consider a type of lettuce is a cruciferous vegetable. It is full of vitamin A, folate, fiber, calcium, and like its counterparts is an antioxidant.

Something you need to add daily to your arsenal of inflammation fighters is chives. Chives are high in antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antibiotic properties. I add them to salads, soups, or to make a prepared dish look special. Chives also keep your bowels regular as they are high in fiber.

Chickpeas, something for the majority of you is not in your current diet are full of health benefits. They are tasty with a somewhat nutty flavor, and hummus, is made from them. They also have an abundance of vitamins and minerals such as zinc, iron, fiber, protein, and antioxidants. All of these help to maintain a normal blood flow and assist in healthy digestion and anti-inflammatory responses.

My daily treat is a piece of dark chocolate with cocaoa. Cacoa is made from the seed of the Cacao tree. Unroasted it’s called cacao and roasted cocoa. Dark chocolate and cacoa powder are high in nutrients and minerals like iron, copper, manganese, and is high in soluble fiber. As well it is high in anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Be sure to buy a quality dark chocolate with cocoa and as little sugar as possible. I buy them from Aldi grocery. I place them in the freezer and enjoy a piece every day.

Parsley and its cousin cilantro are high in antioxidant properties and vitamin K, A, C. They have been known to be effective in treating high blood pressure, allergies, and other inflammatory disorders.

Basil originally discovered in Asia, and Africa is full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is super easy to grow basil, and it flourishes every year. You can use it fresh or dry it out and add it to soups, stews, and other dishes.

Cinnamon has been used for centuries for its therapeutic benefits. It is full of antioxidants that decrease inflammation.

To decrease inflammation in your body, which causes disease and to boost your immune system that keeps you healthy, I encourage you to add some of these foods, spices, and herbs to your diet. It is always better to prevent illness than treat it.

If you have not eaten hummus (ground chickpeas) before, this recipe would be a great place to start. Check it out!

CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY HAPPY BRAIN HUMMUS

TIMES AND SERVINGS
Prep time: 12 minutes
Total time: 12 minutes
Servings: 6
INGREDIENTS
½ cup chickpeas, cooked
3 teaspoons avocado oil
12 dry cranberries, soaked
1 tablespoon dry cranberry-soaked water
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup cacao powder
¼ cup dark chocolate chips
½ cup fresh raspberries
INSTRUCTIONS
Soak the cranberries in hot water for 10 minutes.
In a blender or in a food processor, combine all the
ingredients and purée for about 30-60 seconds until the
mixture is creamy and smooth.
Serve in a small bowl with chocolate chips and fresh raspberries.

Save in a clean glass jar and keep in the fridge for 5 days.

Until next time,

Peace, Love, and Blessings💖