Ashwagandha the “Go To” Ayurvedic Herb – Ashwagandha, a plant native to India and Asia, is an adaptogenic herb that supports the body’s ability to maintain physical effort and adapt to various types of stress. Also known as an aphrodisiac, (the name Ashwagandha means “Smell of the horse”, implying stallion like virility) Ashwagandha can increase fertility or enhance sexual function. It contains properties that help increase the body’s ability to resist and recover from stress, boost energy, and providing an enhanced feeling of overall well-being.

Overturning the “Monsanto Protection Act” from Nation of Change and Food Democracy Now — We’ve seen similar scenarios in the past, events in which the massive financial power of multi-national corporations is able to buy out legislators who were elected to ‘represent’ voters. But now, Monsanto has set the bar even higher. Instead of just getting a few kickbacks or avoiding USDA regulation, Monsanto lobbyists have gone as far as to generate legislative inclusions into a new bill that puts Monsanto above the federal government.

Major Stores say “NO” to GMO Salmon from the Vital Choice Newsletter. Yesterday, a coalition of 30 consumer, health, food safety, and fishing groups launched the “Campaign for Genetically Engineered (GE)-Free Seafood”. At the same time, they announced that several major grocers — representing more than 2,000 stores — have committed not to sell GE seafood.

Monsanto’s Death Grip On Your Food by Fritz Kreiss at www.nationofchange.org It increasingly appears that Monsanto is patenting death, perhaps even more so than life. Monsanto’s near-monopoly gives the company the right to control access to a staple food item that is found in a wide range of consumer products.

Five Food Habits That Age You from www.care2.com Bad Habit No. 1 – A weakness for fast food Big Offender: Trans fat (a vegetable-oil concoction infused with hydrogen atoms) How It Ages You: Trans fat is an aging bonanza: The gory details of its negative impacts could fill a book, but let’s start with the most deleterious result – inflammation.

Ayurvedic Nutrition by Deepak Chopra , from www.allthingshealing.com In Maharishi Ayurveda (Sanskrit—Ayus “life,” and Veda “knowledge” or “science,” hence “the science of life” or “the knowledge of life span”), a balanced diet does not revolve around fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Nor are calories, vitamins, and minerals given direct attention.

11 Grain Free Vegan Foods by Becky Striepe at www.care2.com With more and more people watching their carbs, even as they turn toward a vegan or vegetarian diet, the need for low-carbohydrate healthy choices has become greater. Read below for some great suggestions…

“Minding My Mitochondria” How I overcame secondary progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and got out of my wheelchair — a video presentation by Terry L. Wahls, MD. Originally filmed for www.ted.com in 2011, this short video is making the rounds again now that there is renewed interest in drug-free alternatives to treating this, and other diseases.

7 Foods for Winter Blues by Kate Webb at www.vine.com Winter’s gray days and long nights can leave you feeling tired and unmotivated. Whether you struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder or you’re just a little down, head to your pantry for a pick-me-up. These seven natural and organic foods can help you boost your mood and eat away the winter blues.