Dandelions - A Great Detoxer and See What Else...

We think of dandelions as those nasty weeds that upset our beautiful lawns, but what we don't know, or perhaps forgot, is that they are highly nutritious, and we need them more than ever in early spring for CLEANSING SEASON!

In fact, dandelion roots and greens are used in culinary dishes and have been used medicinally all over the world. Some say that the most therapeutic form is as juice. Here are some of the proclaimed benefits of dandelion greens:

A natural diuretic, which enables the body to urinate excess fluids we held on to during the winter months.

Promotes liver detoxification

Great for losing weight

Supports the liver and kidneys, which are burdened by the breakdown of cells as the warmer weather thinks our blood and mucus.

High concentration of calcium, potassium, iron, Vitamin A (in the form of antioxidant carotenoid), Vitamin C, folate and other nutrients.

A great digestive aide and loaded with enzymes

An antiviral that may be useful in the treatment of AIDS and herpes

May also be useful in treating jaundice, cirrhosis, edema due to high blood pressure, gout, eczema and acne

Used to treat and prevent breast and lung tumors and premenstrual bloating

Contains the antioxidant lutein, which is important for healthy vision.

Spring is the Best Time to do a Cleanse and Shed the Winter Weight

Spring brings change, which can cause EXHAUSTION and STRESS!

At the same time, intuitively you should be desiring lighter and more cleansing foods.

While it's always a good time to cleanse, the transition from winter to spring is the best.

Winter is the time when we hibernate. We eat heavier, more fatty food to protect us from the cold. We may even gain a few extra pounds.

Spring is our wet season. It's the time we should avoid mucousy type foods like dairy and follow a cleansing diet high in detoxifying vegetables like celery, chard, dandelion greens and kale. This enables us to lighten up and shed the weight we gained during the winter.

If you really want to feel more uplifted and vibrant, shed off those extra pounds and kick start a healthy eating regimen, I strongly recommend that you do our JOOS Cleanse!

Xylitol may Help to Prevent Gum Disease and Tooth Decay

Xylitol is a natural occurring alcohol found in many plants, including fruits, vegetables and mushrooms. It is used as a sweetener and is acceptable for diabetic diets in some countries. Unlike sugar, it is not converted in the mouth into acids. It also supposedly diminishes decay causing bacteria in saliva and fights against other bacteria that causes ear infections.

JOOSuppers No. 12 This one is absolutely delicious, easy and nutritious!

We made a delicious supper tonight of Quorn meatballs, quinoa spaghetti, Trader Joe's organic tomato sauce with melted shredded mozzarella goat cheese mixed in and sprinkled with Himalayan pink crystal salt.

One word on cheese, as I've mentioned in other posts, cheese from goats and sheep are more similar to human milk in molecular structure and, therefore, more healthy for you than cow milk.

The problem is that many of us do not like the taste of cow and goat cheese. A lot of the reason is that we simply haven't grown up with these cheeses so they're foreign to our taste buds.

I found a shredded goat mozzarella cheese at Trader Joe's (referenced above) that tastes very similar to cows milk. I've been substituting it in grilled cheese sandwiches and the kids haven't tasted much of a difference. It also tastes delicious on salads.