Total Health Breakthroughs: Free Natural Health Newsletter and Alternative Health Articles

Watermelon rind is especially high in an amino acid known as citrulline. Our bodies use citrulline to make another amino acid, arginine, which helps cells to divide, wounds to heal, and ammonia to be removed from the body.¹ Use the white inner rind, not the outer green part of the rind. This relish goes deliciously well with summer marinated and grilled foods — especially fish and pork.

Time to Table: 1 hour

Yield: 3 1/2cups (serving size 4 Tbsp.)

Recent published research found that rhubarb extract significantly reduced the frequency and severity of hot flashes in peri-menopausal women — with none of the harmful side effects of estrogen therapy.¹ By using the natural sweetener, erythritol, you can enjoy the authentic sweet-tart flavor of this traditional summertime recipe without all the unwanted sugar.

Time to Table: 1 hour

Serves: 8

Sometimes the simplest things can bring beauty and enjoyment to your life. Take the lemon, for example. Lemons are natural refreshers in the hot summer months and there are many ways to take advantage of their native properties.

California and Arizona are the largest producers of lemons in the U.S., according to Sunkist.com — producing around 95% of America’s crop. The two major varieties of lemons are Lisbon and Eureka, but they’re so similar that even the experts have a hard time telling them apart. The Meyer Lemon, discovered by Frank N. Meyer in 1908 is thought to be a cross between a lemon and an orange or mandarin.¹

It’s hard to believe these berry beauties have less than 100 calories and only 4 grams of sugar. But the benefits don’t stop there. They’re also rich in a powerful antioxidant called ellagic acid that has been found to slow the growth of some tumors and help cancer cells self-destruct.¹

Time To Table: 30 minutes

Serves: 6

This refreshing salad is bursting with the flavor of fresh mint and packed with age-defying vitamin C. Along with guarding against free radical damage, vitamin C is also essential for the synthesis of collagen. A 2007 study found that higher vitamin C intakes were associated with reduced risk of wrinkles.1

Time To Table: 45 minutes

Serves 4

The flavor of juicy, fresh strawberries peaks with just a drizzle of high-quality balsamic vinegar.

Cool off with this bubbly beverage. Pomegranates are a rich source of anthocyanins–red-blue nutrients that help to keep the arteries clear and stabilize blood sugar.

Lately it seems I can’t pick up a health magazine without reading about the benefits of coconut.