RECIPE > Easy Papaya Salad with Dressing!

Want to try a light and easy summery salad?  As mentioned in previous posts, papaya or pawpaw is one of our favorite superfoods and combining it with other healthy ingredients makes for a perfect salad.  Whether it’s a starter or a main course, this easy papaya salad with dressing will certainly tantalize your taste buds.  So let’s get right to it!
 

The Papaya Salad Recipe!

 
Please share with your friends and family!
 

Servings: 2 servings
Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes

The Papaya Salad Ingredients

½ – 1/3 papaya (try to find a non-GMO, fresh and organic papaya)

2-3 carrots (organic and peeled)

1 cucumber (organic, peeled and sliced)

1-2 Roma tomatoes (organic and sliced)

¼ cup roasted peanuts* (unsalted, organic and crushed)

¼ cup cilantro (fresh and organic)

* You can substitute the roasted peanuts with your favorite nuts
 

Preparing the Papaya Salad Step-by-Step

Step 1: Peel, de-seed and slice the papaya into long thin strips

Step 2: Peel and sliced the carrots into thin strips

Step 3: Peel and slice the cucumber into thin strips

Step 4: Slice the Roma tomatoes into thin strips or chunks (your preference)

Step 5: Roast (if not already roasted) and crush the peanuts (or equivalent nut)

Step 6: Combine all the ingredients into a large bowl and mix

The Papaya Salad Dressing Ingredients

½ lime (freshly squeezed juice from organic lime)

½ clove garlic (organic and fresh)

½ red chilli* (de-seeded organic hot chilli)

1 tsp cumin (ground and organic)

1 tsp agave syrup (or equivalent)

2-3 tbsp sesame oil (or fish sauce)

Preparing the Dressing Step-by-Step

Step 7: Squeeze half of a fresh organic lime

Step 8: Add garlic and de-seeded hot chilli into a mortar and pestle

Step 9: Mash until it forms a paste

Step 10: Add all ingredients into a medium bowl and whisk together until mixed

 
Add the dressing onto the fresh papaya salad and combine before serving.  Enjoy and share with your friends!
 
This dish was inspired by a GOOP recipe.

Top 4 Foods for a Gentle and Safe Detox Program!

 
Did you know that a typical human is exposed to more than 2,000,000 toxins every day? Yes, read that again … that’s over 2 million toxins per day. From air pollution to plastics and from body care products to even the foods we eat, toxins are everywhere. Of course, many of these toxins don’t affect our daily routines, but over the course of days, weeks and years, these toxins will play a significant role in your health and well-being.
 
In order to get rid of these toxins, we need to detoxify our bodies. To many people, detox or detoxification is a scary process as many detox programs have bad side effects. Luckily, there are great foods and super foods that help us gently detoxify our bodies in a more natural way. Below are 4 foods for a gentle and safe detox.
 

 

Gentle Detox Food #1 > Detox with Wheatgrass!

 
Long considered a superfood (also check out our Just Add Good Stuff Wheatgrass infographic for nutritional info), wheatgrass is one of the best and safest detox foods in the world. This versatile detoxifier can be found at most grocery stores –OR- preferably, you can easily grow it yourself. You can purchase a wheatgrass growing kit from Amazon or from a local health food store. Add it to your cold pressed juice for optimal detox effects.
 

 

Safe Detox Food #2 > Detox with Cilantro!

 
Not many people know this, but cilantro is a great herb that also serves as a gentle detox super food. You can find many types of cilantro at the local grocery store (or you can grow it yourself in a herb garden). The versatility is unmatched as you can use cilantro by cooking it, juicing it or just eating it raw. Cilantro detoxifies the body by taking out mercury and other heavy metals, which is amazing. As well, cilantro also has many other antifungal and antibacterial properties that will fight infection and reduce inflammation in combination with detoxifying your body very quickly.
 

 

Gentle Detox Food #3 > Detox with Pectin Rich Foods!

 
This natural detox agent is found in many fruits that we already eat. From bananas and grapes to citrus fruits and apples, pectin is a perfect detox agent that is both safe and very gentle on your digestive system and body. Pectin itself aids in the removal of toxins and heavy metals much like cilantro. It’s best to incorporate pectin into your cold pressed juice or smoothie by adding natural and organic fruits versus pectin products which may be laced with other ingredients such as MSG.
 

 

Safe Detox Food #4 > Detox with Greens!

 
From chlorella to spirulina and from alfalfa sprouts to parsley, these types of greens detoxify your body and remove chelating heavy metals. Much like everything we promote at Just Add Good Stuff, adding greens into your diet is essential for a healthy lifestyle.
 
These are some of the best and safest foods to detox your body. Remember though, the key is also to limit the number of toxins that we drink and eat. So by eating well, we will reduce the amount of toxins that we need to get rid of in the first place!

RECIPE > Summer Oil-Free Vegan Pesto

 
Whether you are looking for a vegan pizza topping or a veggie dip, this new summery oil-free vegan pesto is one of the best we have encountered. Smooth, tasty and absolutely nutritious, this is a great recipe for any chef!

Quick and easy, this new summer oil-free vegan pesto incorporates some tantalizing ingredients that include organic sun dried tomatoes, walnuts, cashews and spinach as its base ingredients. The other flavorful ingredients include garlic, basil, lemon, arugula, cilantro and salt/pepper. The result is a marvellous take on a summer oil-free vegan pesto that can be eaten with just about anything!
 

 

Vegan Pesto Recipe > Sans Oil and Healthy!

Please share with your friends and family!

Servings: makes a jar, so 1-2 servings per batch
Preparation Time: 10 minutes

The Simple Ingredients for the Vegan Spinach Pesto Recipe

1 clove of garlic
2 tsp of ginger
2 handfuls of spinach (organic)
1 handful of arugula (organic)
2 handfuls of fresh basil (organic)
½ handful of cilantro (organic)
16 walnut halves (organic and unsalted)
8 cashews (organic and unsalted)
8 sun dried tomatoes (organic and medium sized)
6 tbsp of lemon juice (organic)
Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Vegan Pesto Directions

Step 1: Get your food processor out and plug it in
Step 2: Dump all ingredients except for lemon juice, salt and pepper into food processor
Step 3: Blend until it is semi-smooth
Step 4: Slowly add the lemon juice and blend some more
Step 5: Add salt and/or pepper as per your taste
Step 6: Enjoy and share with your friends/family!

You can store this in a jar or container and it should last at least 5 to 7 days!
 
This recipe is adapted from a wonderful pesto from Vegenista.

GINGER INFOGRAPHIC > Just Add Ginger! Here’s a look at Ginger Nutrition

Here’s our second infogram in our INFOGRAPHIC SERIES on Just Add Good Stuff. The infographics give you some introductory information about health benefits, recipes and interesting facts about various whole foods, vegetables and fruits. We hope you enjoy them!

PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

Just Add Ginger! A powerful, aromatic,  gentle and flavorful herb, ginger or ginger root has been used as a natural remedy for hundreds of ailments for centuries. The stunning health benefits are now being scientifically proven and they range from treating bacterial infections to digestion to cancer. Here is a Ginger Infographic that outlines the Top 10 health benefits of ginger, ginger nutrition information, ginger recipes and some interesting facts about ginger root. Here is the Just Add Good Stuff Ginger Infographic:

TOP 10 Health Benefits of Ginger as described on our Ginger Infographic:

1. treats and prevents multiple forms of cancer
2. prevents diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol
3. acts as a natural antibiotic to fight pathogenic bacteria
4. reduces pain & inflammation acting as a natural painkiller
5. treats nausea/motion sickness, heartburn & migraines
6. cures menstrual pain/cramps and morning sickness
7. prevents intestinal ulcers and gastric distress
8. fights fungal infections and toxicity in the body
9. important for heart health and fights gout & arthritis
10. boosts immune system to fight the cold and flu

Ginger Nutrition Facts as described on our Ginger Infographic

• Serving Size = 1 tsp
• Calories = 2
• Calories from Fat = 0
• Total Fat = 0.02 g
• Cholesterol = 0 mg
• Sodium = 0 mg
• Potassium = 8 mg
• Total Carbohydrate = 0.36 g
• Dietary Fiber = 0 g
• Sugars = 0.03 g
• Protein = 0.04 g
• Vitamin A = 0% RDI
• Vitamin C = 0% RDI
• Calcium = 0% RDI
• Iron = 0% RDI

Healthy Ginger Recipes as mentioned on our Ginger Infographic

1. Cacao Ginger dessert balls
2. Summer Peach Ginger smoothie
3. Miso Ginger Spring Salad dressing

* All of our recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan! Click here for more recipes!

Interesting Facts about Ginger on the Ginger Infographic

• Cultivation started in South Asia & has spread to East Africa and the Caribbean. Top producers are India, China & Indonesia.
• Although there are few negative side effects to consuming ginger, it can interact with some meds.
• Ginger root should be stored in a COOL & DRY place
• Ginger root is NOT actually a root, but a rhizome
• Choose robust / firm roots with a spicy fragrance and smooth skin
• Contains silicon for healthy skin, hair, teeth and nails
• Plant is 30 – 60 cm tall and is extremely rare to find in the wild
• One of the most important herbs in the world
• Ginger is also used to treat heartworm problems in doggies!

The ginger infogram (or ginger infographic) talks about high-level information regarding the ginger root. For more details about the health benefits and nutritional information about ginger and ginger root, please contact us and we will find out more from licensed dieticians and medical science professionals. It is our goal to provide the best information possible and to help inspire you to become more healthy through diet, nutrition and fitness. The ginger infographic will be updated whenever necessary, as studies and clinical research provides us with more insight into the health benefits of ginger root which would affect our Top 10 ginger health benefits on the Ginger Infographic. In addition, we constantly experiment with uses of ginger root in various dishes, so our ginger recipes will also reflect that. Lastly, if we find any more interesting facts and figures about blueberries in general, we will also update the ‘Did You Know?’ section of our Just Add Good Stuff Ginger Infographic.

The information on this infographic is for informational purposes only.
It is not intended to nor should it be a substitute for advice, consultation or visits to your health care provider.
‘Nutrition Facts’ provided by FatSecret.com and verified by Just Add Good Stuff.

RECIPE > Avocado Dill Dip Recipe

Spring is in the air! When spring comes along, we at Just Add Good Stuff just love the smell of dill and other herbs! In addition, it’s the perfect time for avocados … we mean really ripe and organic avocados from the local grocers.

Combining the two ingredients, organic dill and organic avocados, makes for a great Spring dip or spread. Whether you are hosting a lunch/dinner party or just relaxing outside with a book, try the avocado dill dip and spread for a healthy alternative to packaged dips. As you can see, ALL INGREDIENTS are completely RAW and ORGANIC. This easy-to-make and easy-to-follow AVOCADO DILL DIP RECIPE will only take you 10 minutes or less to prepare. And once you’ve tasted this avocado dill combination, you won’t want anything else!

Check out the avocado dill dip recipe below in addition to some top avocado health benefits and dill health benefits below for your perfect Spring snack that is both nutritional as well as filling!

Avocado Dill Dip Recipe

If you are looking for a quick and dirty recipe for an Avocado Dill Dip or Spread, here it is! This Avocado Dill recipe is enough for 2 to 4 people with organic crackers or gluten free bread. Can be used as a dip or a spread, whichever you like!

Please share with your friends and family!

Servings: 1 medium sized bowl
Preparation Time: 10 minutes (or less)

Here are the ingredients for the Avocado Dill Dip Recipe:

2 Avocados (overly ripe and organic if possible)
½ cup Lemon Juice (preferable freshly squeezed organic lemons)
¼ cup Dill (preferably fresh organic dill)
1 tsp Garlic (organic and minced)
1 tsp Agave (raw and organic … plus, this is optional!)
½ tsp Salt (unprocessed)

Here are the preparation directions for our favourite Avocado Dill Dip Recipe:

Step 1: Get your food processor out and plugged in
Step 2: Wash all of your ingredients
Step 3: Get the avocado meat out (see below section: The BEST WAY to Peel an Avocado > Avocado Preparation guide)
Step 4: Add the lemon juice into your food processor
Step 5: Add the dill (no need to chop it … but take the stems off)
Step 6: Add the finely minced garlic
Step 7: Add the agave syrup (if you want … no need to add agave)
Step 8: Add a pinch of salt
Step 9: Blend using your food processor for about 30 to 50 seconds
Step 10: Serve with crackers and/or bread
Step 11: Enjoy and share with your friends and family

The BEST WAY to Peel an Avocado > Avocado Preparation

It is vital that you learn how to prepare an Avocado via the best way to peel an avocado for your avocado dill dip recipe. A recent UCLA research team showed that in California organic avocados, the greatest concentration of beneficial carotenoids is in the dark green fruit of the avocado closest to the peel. Therefore, it is essential to learn how to prepare an Avocado the right way. To preserve the area with the greatest concentration of antioxidants, you basically want to peel the avocado with your hands, as you would a banana. The BEST WAY to Peel an Avocado in avocado preparation is as follows!

Step 1: First, cut the avocado length-wise, around the seed
Step 2: Holding each half, twist them in the opposite directions to separate them from the seed
Step 3: Remove the seed
Step 4: Cut each half, lengthwise
Step 5: Next, using your thumb and index finger, simply peel the skin off each piece

By following the above best way to peel an avocado, you can ensure the greatest concentration of antioxidant and nutrient levels in your avocado dill recipe.

Avocado Dill Health Benefits

Eating raw and organic avocados, dill and lemons have great health benefits and lots of nutritional value. The key here is that all ingredients are completely RAW and ORGANIC so that they retain all of their nutritional benefits and ultimately their health benefits. Here are some of the most notable benefits for each of the main ingredients in this avocado dill dip recipe.

Organic Dill Health Benefits

The health benefits of dill are well documented and tested. Here are our top 8 dill health benefits that you should be aware of: sleep aid, calming effect, bone health, anti-bacterial herb, fights free radicals and digestive benefits. In addition, other health benefits of dill include the treatment of headaches/migraines in addition to hiccups! Bet you didn’t know that!

Organic Avocado Health Benefits

The health benefits of avocados are also well documented and far reaching when it comes to personal health, nutrition and well being. Here are some of our favourite avocado health benefits in no particular order (there are many more, which we will write about in a separate article): lower cholesterol levels, assist in a healthy heart and circulatory system, control blood pressure (lowers stress) and features anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, the avocado health benefits also include promoting eye health, regulating blood sugar levels (important for diabetics), preventing birth defects and reducing the risk of strokes. Other great organic avocado health benefits include its use in skin care (treatment for psoriasis) in addition to increase in nutritional absorption during meals and a cure for bad breath! Bet you didn’t know this one either!

Organic Lemon Health Benefits

Just Add Good Stuff touched upon some health benefits of lemons in our blog post: WAKE UP AND DRINK THIS! Here are a few more health benefits of lemons that most people don’t know about: lemons can assist in abolishing acne, cure bad breath, help anxiety (lowers stress levels and decrease fatigue), treat canker sores and mouth sores. In addition, other organic lemon health benefits include treating fevers/migraines, treating the common cold or flu, treatment of eczema and healing hypertension. These are in addition to the lemon health benefit that we all know and hear about: balancing our body’s pH levels.

NutriBullet = The Superfood Nutrition Extractor | Our Recommendation

Ok, we’ve all seen the commercials for the NutriBullet, a new and improved MagicBullet, that apparently allows you to juice and blend just about everything.  I must admit… I’ve had my doubts about this machine since the get go, so I decided to purchase one in November 2012 to try it.

THE VERDICT > The NutriBullet Superfood Nutrition Extractor is simply UNBELIEVABLE.

BUY IT HERE!

The NutriBullethas literally changed my life.  It is an amazing and affordable appliance that allows anyone to EXTRACT the best of every food out there, without any waste.  The catch phrase for the NutriBullet is “Don’t Juice It. Don’t Blend It. Extract It!”

Unlike a juicer, The NutriBullet Superfood Nutrition Extractor actually blends and extracts EVERYTHING.  There is no separation of the liquid from the solids (pulp) and therefore, you can drink the best of both worlds.  You don’t waste anything and you retain all the nutrients of the food.

So how does the NutriBullet work?

The NutriBullet motor is very powerful.  The 600 watt motor rivals the best blenders and is significantly more powerful than the original MagicBullet (built for different purposes of course!).  Add to it the all-new NutriBullet Extractor Blade, and anyone can juice, blend and extract all types of vegetables, fruit, solid foods, nuts and liquids.  The NutriBullet also has a exclusive cyclonic action that is efficient and fast, allowing you to prepare a drink in less than 5 minutes!  The NutriBullet Superfood Nutrition Extractor busts open seeds, cracks through stems and even sheds tough skin, so preparing your ingredients is quick and easy.

Transform ordinary food into superfood and add years to your life!

And did you know?

The NutriBullet is very affordable and clocks in at less than $120 USD! In addition, you can get shipping for FREE! There is also a 30 day risk free money back guarantee. This is an amazing offer for a life changing machine!

You can find more information about The NutriBullet Superfood Nutrition Extractor online at: www.nutribullet.com

BUY IT HERE!