Ginger is that deformed-potato-looking-thing in the produce aisle. It is actually the root of the ginger plant that you’re seeing. Historically, ginger has been used around the world for a wide variety of ailments. Interestingly enough, recent research is proving what nutritionists, herbologists, wisemen, and grandmas have known for centuries… food makes the best medicine!
A new study from UCLA, published in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association, reports that drinking at least three cups of black or green tea a day can decrease your chances of a stroke by 21 percent. Credit the antioxidants in the tea, reserachers say.
Green Tea is a super food. It’s been around for centuries and is a staple of some Asian peoples. But more and more reports continue to emerge from studies on green tea’s benefits, from cancer fighting activity to immune boosting. As of late, scientists have shown that green tea reduces risk factors for heart disease, as it rapidly improves the function of (endothelial) cells lining the circulatory system; endothelial dysfunction is a key event in the progression of atherosclerosis
In the historical literature, it is “la fée verte” (the Green Fairy). It is said that one sees green fairies everywhere under the influence of this strong (and some contend, dangerous) anise and herbal drink. Originated in the canto of Neuchatel in Switzerland, absinthe gained green popularity in the 1840s, when it was given to the French troops as a malaria treatment. The Bohemians (luminaries like Baudelaire, van Gogh, Oscar Wilde include) quickly embraced the drink, which ironically required almost dandy-esque preparation (Absinthiana). It is preparing by pouring ice water over a sugar cube placed atop of a specially designed slotted spoon patched on a glass of absinthe. [Above absinthe, below 'green' tea]
Do a little damage the night before? Need a little wake-me-up? Try a cup of the delicious and smooth Kopi Luwak coffee. With a rich, heavy flavor hinted with chocolate and caramel, a cup of this heaven-on-earth will tempt your body out of that funk.
Kopi Luwak coffee comes from the Indonesian island of Sumatra, and area well-known for its excellent coffee. Only 500 pounds of the beans are produced annually, making this coffee a bit outrageous in price.