Dietary

44 posts

Turmeric + Ginger + Cranberry: A Powerful Fusion

Food calories equate to more than energy, some contain powerful healing properties. Here we highlight three such foods: 1. Turmeric Turmeric contains curcumin, which is notable for its ability to reduce joint and muscle pain. It works much the same as an over the counter anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen. Turmeric also shows positive results in preventing health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Although curcumin demonstrates promising results in treating numerous ailments, its therapeutic efficacy is limited due to poor absorption. To reap the most therapeutic benefit of turmeric, combine it with foods (see below) that boost curcumin’s bioavailability. [1,2] 2. Ginger […]

turkey flock

Turkey Talk and Thanking a Vegetarian this Thanksgiving

When Wild Turkey numbers dwindled in the twentieth century from hunting and habitat loss, various states, such as California, adopted programs to reintroduce them. These programs have saved them from extinction. Today, wild turkey populations have recovered throughout the United States. Here in Northern California, wild turkeys are a daily occurrence. You’ll find them roaming free in suburban front yards and public parks. Drivers routinely stop for a pack of turkeys to cross a busy street. The gang will stroll across the street without concern, fanning their tail feathers and pecking at bits of leaves while crossing. Although most people […]

Why Ginger is an Important Spice for Wilderness Travel

Ginger is a pungent rhizome (the underground part of the stem) of the tropical herbaceous plant Zingiber officinale, which is botanically related to turmeric. Like turmeric, ginger is rich in many active and beneficial compounds. While it is best known for soothing an upset stomach, ginger also acts as a mild stimulant that promotes circulation and alleviates pain. Additionally, ginger has blood-thinning properties, which can help prevent internal blood clots. Whether you consume ginger fresh or powdered as a spice, it offers numerous healing benefits. It’s no wonder that ginger is such a powerful food. Ginger Health Benefits Pain Relief The […]

Eliminate Leg Cramps while Hiking

Backpacking involves a long and steady aerobic workout with fitness benefits that rival other more intense, higher impact activities. Although backpacking is a non-competitive recreational activity with a low chance of burn-out, the constant climbing and descending can lead to cramping and injury. Besides the overuse of the muscles, leg cramping is exacerbated by inadequate eccentric contraction strength, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance from sweating, and insufficient carbohydrate intake. Common Causes of Leg Cramps When Hiking When you are backpacking, the muscles in your leg contract while in motion and stretch out when the motion is completed, or another muscle moves it […]