Susan Patterson 
Do you enjoy a dollop of honey in your tea? Perhaps you have traded out refined sugar for local raw honey in your favorite muffin recipe. You might not know about honey because it contains many therapeutic properties that make it a fantastic natural substitute for sugar and a sweet elixir for great hair, skin, and overall health and well-being.
I discovered a stunningly beautiful plant about eight years ago that has far surpassed my expectations in so many ways. Passionflower looks like something that belongs only in the most tropical locations in the world. However, this eye-catching plant will grow in most regions of the world, even in cooler areas like zone 5, where the thought of a tropical-looking plant may seem out of the question.
No one needs to be convinced of the benefits of coffee. It jolts your brain into action in and is the main way that humanity functions during those early mornings (or late nights) spent working away. Caffeine is the lifeblood of culture, and the good news for coffee drinkers, it may actually help save your life too. Recent research explores the potential cancer-related benefits of coffee and gives us all just another reason to sip this liquid gold daily.
One recent study looked at “the anti‐proliferation and anti‐migration effects of six potentially active types of coffee compounds, including kahweol acetate, cafestol, caffeine, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and trigonelline hydrochloride…using human prostate cancer cells.” Essentially, the aim of this research was to determine the effectiveness of coffee against prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death for U.S. men. Though you may not think of it, there is a high possibility that you or someone you know could be affected by this rampant disease. Fortunately, this new research has produced promising results and could be the key to slowing down and even preventing the development of these cancer cells.
The study, published in The Prostate found that the synergistic combination of kahweol acetate and cafestol had an inhibiting effect on the proliferation and migration of prostate cancer cells. Plus, they also noticed that this combination had a unique ability to actually induce the death of cancer cells. As if you needed any more reasons to drink coffee, right?
Other benefits of coffee
Can improve energy levels
Anyone who has ever had a cup of coffee could attest to this fact. Even the smell has a singular ability to wake you up and get you going like nothing else. Science backs this up too, showing just how effective appropriate amounts of caffeine are for stimulating your mind and increasing energy levels.
Great source of antioxidants
Coffee can help eliminate free radicals in the body and may be the greatest source of antioxidants in the Western diet. Since many people don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, which are the most common source of antioxidants, coffee has taken the top place as the most frequently consumed antioxidant-rich substance.
Can protect your brain
Drinking coffee could help protect your brain from age-related mental diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. In fact, studies show that coffee drinkers have up to a 65% lower chance of developing Alzheimer’s.
Help fight depression
Coffee has been shown to be an effective deterrent for depression. This is a serious mental disorder that often requires treatment and medication; however, coffee could help counteract the effects of mild-to-moderate depression and act as a preventative tool.
You could live longer
Because coffee intake has been linked to a reduction in a number of conditions such as coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease, a daily dose of coffee could help extend your life and keep you healthy.
Warning
As we always say, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Too much caffeine can lead to an increase in anxiety, raised blood pressure, negative cardiovascular effects in compromised individuals, and insomnia when ingested too late in the day. Though standards vary, it is usually safe to drink between three and four cups of joe each day.
Remember, it is never a good idea to rely solely on caffeine to get you through the day. Make an effort to cultivate a healthy sleep schedule and bedtime routine where you’re getting at least eight hours of sleep. Drink plenty of water, exercise daily, and strive to live healthier wherever you can.
A note about quality:
Though it should be obvious by now, a sugar-laden caramel frappuccino from Starbucks isn’t the same thing as a cup of freshly brewed coffee with a splash of half and half or oat milk. The former is full of nasty processed ingredients, loaded with sugar, with barely any traces of actual coffee. The latter is loaded with heart-healthy antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients that wake up your mind and set you on the path of productivity. If you need a little extra sweetness, try adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
-Susan Patterson, Certified Health Coach, and Master Gardener
Cinnamon has a long history and is one of the oldest spices known to humanity. It received honorable mentions in the Bible and was used in ancient Egypt to flavor beverages, as medicine, and as an embalming agent. Some ancient Chinese botanical medicinal writings date its use as far back as 2700 BC.
Ah, rosemary. Almost everyone is familiar with the woodsy aroma of this native Mediterranean herb. Needlelike leaves and beautiful blue flowers adorn this evergreen plant with a rich history of culinary and medicinal use. Rosemary is a member of the Lamiaceae family of plants, including mint, oregano, lemon balm, and basil.
How do you like your coffee? Maybe a little cream, a little cinnamon, honey, or perhaps a few mushrooms? Maybe I had you at cream, cinnamon, and honey…but lost you at the mushrooms. Believe it or not, fans of mushroom coffee rave about benefits like increased energy, stress reduction, better sleep, and clear thinking. But does it work?
Mushrooms and herbs are known as adaptogens that help the body recover from short and long-term physical and mental stress. Research shows that adaptogens can boost immunity, combat fatigue, improve mental acuity, and reduce anxiety and depression.
What are super mushrooms?
Super mushrooms, or “magic,” non-trippy mushrooms, have been used for thousands of years in Eastern medicine to tackle many ailments and support the immune system. Today, mushrooms are one of the most scientifically studied superfoods. Researchers are finding out mushrooms have incredible health benefits for the brain, immune system, hormones, energy levels, mood, and cognitive function.
These powerful mushrooms are ground up and added to many things such as coffee and tea. Let’s take a closer look at the top adaptogenic mushrooms often included in coffee blends, along with their health benefits.
Reishi
Reishi is known as the drug-free option for Xanax. Also known as lingzhi, reishi mushrooms are known as the “mushroom of immortality” and have powerful adaptogenic impacts on the body and mind. Reishi is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. People have been drinking reishi tea for thousands of years to boost immunity and longevity. These immune-boosting fungi contain compounds that promote cells involved in immune system function. Because they have analgesic properties, reishi mushrooms help the body relax and wind down. Research also shows that reishi mushrooms can help you fall asleep faster and sleep better by promoting high-quality, deep, slow-wave sleep. Studies also show that reishi mushrooms can reduce blood sugar in persons with diabetes and reduce excess fat storage.
Chaga
Chaga mushrooms are best known for their inflammation-busting properties. Packed with antioxidants, these fungi go right to work, fighting inflammation and gobbling up free radicals. Like reishi, Chaga mushrooms help to fuel the immune system. Research shows that these mushrooms can be used to prevent aging of the heart, fight viral infections, and can even possibly be used to treat cancer.
Lions Mane
For brainpower, including memory, creativity, clarity, and concentration, lion’s mane mushrooms are a great choice. This fungus stimulates the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a vital bioprotein in the maintenance, health, and regeneration of brain neurons. Research shows the power of these mushrooms in the prevention of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s.
Cordyceps
Do you currently fuel up on pre-workout stimulants to help you get through your workout? Cordyceps is a natural pre-workout fuel that is not a stimulant but rather an adaptogen that supports the adrenal glass and helps your body stay energized all day long. Also, cordyceps increase cellular oxygen absorption, boost strength and stamina, improve performance during exercise, and hasten recovery from a hard workout. Like other mushrooms, cordyceps is rich in antioxidants and anti-aging properties.
Make mushroom powder
The good news is that you can make nutritious mushroom powder. After dehydrating mushrooms, place them in a food processor or blender. Process into fine powder and store in a clean jar with a lid. If you want extra fine powder, use a mesh strainer to separate any larger mushroom pieces. Place the larger pieces back into the blender or food processor. Add mushroom powder to your favorite soups, smoothies, broth, sauces, gravy, yogurt, and more for a nutritional boost.
Eat mushrooms whole
Adding more whole mushrooms to your diet is an excellent way to reap all of their tremendous benefits. Just be sure always to choose organic. Toss mushrooms into salads, pasta dishes or grill them with other veggies for a delicious summer side dish.
So, whether you enjoy them in a coffee or tea blend, superfood powder, or whole, mushrooms are a spectacular superfood loaded with vitamins and minerals and adaptogenic properties you don’t want to miss.
Here’s to eating more mushrooms,
-Susan Patterson, CBHC and Master Gardener
Do you have an apple tree in your yard? Perhaps you have access to loads of apples in the fall from your local farmers’ market or nearby orchards. Making applesauce is a great idea, but you can also take it a step further to get the most out of your apples.
The old saying, “You are what you eat,” is true and also accurate is the saying, “You are what you eat has eaten.” Let me break it down for you. If you consume fish, chicken, beef, or other meat, how that fish or meat was raised and what it has eaten during its lifetime has a direct impact on your health.
That’s right. Take beef, for example; cattle that are allowed to free-range on grass, move around under the sun, and live a stress-free life are much healthier than beef that comes from cows raised on industrial farms and fed things they should never eat. Let’s take a closer look.
The first thing that we need to do is set straight some terminology as it pertains to various types of beef.
The difference between grass-fed beef and grain-fed beef
Cows are naturally meant to graze on grass in wide-open pastures. However, with the increase in demand for meat, farmers began to feed cattle grain-based feed made from corn and soy.
The difference between grass-fed beef and grass-finished beef
Most of the cattle raised by responsible farmers graze in open pastures during the warm months, but that is not an option in the colder months when there is snow on the ground. During the winter, farmers feed their cattle feed containing corn and soy. However, since they graze for the majority of the year, they may be labeled grass-fed.
Beef that is from a cow raised entirely on grass will say “grass-finished” on the label. These animals will graze on grass during the summer and eat alfalfa in the winter. This term is not regulated by the USDA.
Is grass-fed beef also organic?
Organic and grass-fed or grass-finished beef are two completely different things. The USDA regulates the term “organic.” To be certified organic, farmers have to complete an onerous certification process that can take up to three years. Organic beef needs to be raised on a farm that does not use pesticides, genetic engineering, or sewer sludge.
In the case of beef, you can purchase organic, grain-fed beef. What this means is that cows from an organic farm were given organic feed, which includes organic corn or soy-based products. In addition, animals raised on an organic farm must live in a way that protects the welfare of the animals.
Choosing the best grass-fed beef
When shopping for grass-fed beef, look for meat that has the American Grassfed Association (AGA) stamp of approval. The AGA is a trustworthy group that guarantees that animals do not receive hormones, antibiotics, or grains.
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated.” By his standards, the commercial meat industry in the United States points to grim flaws in our national character. However, there is good news. More and more farmers and ranchers are choosing to graze their cows, bison, sheep, and goats on ranges, where they feed on pasture grasses…just as nature intended.
As mentioned, grass-fed animals are treated humanely and fed only natural grasses, and as a result, the meat and milk that comes from these animals has significant health benefits. Most animals commercially raised for meat and dairy products in the United States come from Confined Animal Feeding Operations, also known as CAFOs. Animals that are raised in CAFOs often have no space to walk or move around at all. The stress and abuse of these conditions are truly horrifying, and many meat-eating Americans choose not to think about it, which only perpetuates the cycle of mistreatment.
Health benefits of grass-fed beef
Known as a nutritional powerhouse, grass-fed beef has numerous health benefits that make it well worth the extra you might have to pay.
Grass-fed cows are happy and healthy cows
As stated earlier, cattle that are allowed to range freely on grass are generally happy cows that are not crammed into tight spaces where disease can run rampant. Almost 80% of antibiotics sold in the United States go to conventionally raised livestock like beef. Sadly, as the demand for meat skyrockets, farmers crowd animals into smaller and smaller spaces where they can get sick easily. Using antibiotics in meat causes antibiotic resistance in humans. Additionally, grain-fed cattle have acidic intestinal tracts that can cause issues like E. coli, which can be fatal in people who eat undercooked beef.
According to Consumer Reports research:
“One of the most significant findings of our research is that beef from conventionally raised cows was more likely to have bacteria overall, as well as bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, than beef from sustainably raised cows. We found a type of antibiotic-resistant S. aureus bacteria called MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus), which kills about 11,000 people in the U.S. every year, on three conventional samples (and none on sustainable samples). And 18 percent of conventional beef samples were contaminated with superbugs — the dangerous bacteria that are resistant to three or more classes of antibiotics — compared with just 9 percent of beef from samples that were sustainably produced. We know that sustainable methods are better for the environment and more humane to animals. But our tests also show that these methods can produce ground beef that poses fewer public health risks.”
Raising cows as they should be raised is good for the planet earth
Not only is grass-fed beef good for your health, but it is also good for the environment. Research shows that traditional grass-based beef production can help decrease greenhouse gas emissions, create a diverse ecosystem, and improve the quality of run-off water from pastures where cows graze. In short, raising cattle as they were meant to live creates a much smaller footprint, and unlike conventional cattle farming in tight quarters, it brings much good to the earth.
Keep in mind that moderate consumption of meat is recommended. A good rule of thumb is to treat meat like your side, not your main dish.
-Susan Patterson, Certified Health Coach, and Master Gardener
Water is life. Life for humans, animals, and life for plants. Water is also costly, and in many places, scarce. Because of this, collecting and using FREE rainwater is an excellent idea. The practice of rainwater catchment is an ancient practice that has proven effective for thousands of years.
On January 25th, 2021, Lucia DeClerck, the oldest resident in a nursing home in New Jersey, was looking forward to celebrating her 105th birthday. Instead, she contracted COVID-19. Not exactly the gift for which she hoped.
Gardening is a fantastic hobby and a way to provide fresh food for your family. Did you know that that it can also be lucrative? What if I told you that you could accelerate your savings by growing some popular cash crops? There are even some great options for people who have limited space in which to grow plants. Now that I have your attention let’s take a look at how your garden can keep you in the green (if you know what I mean).
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