• Lets talk about Iron

    An outstanding amount of women suffer from low Iron. This is because women are more prone to Iron deficiency due to the heavy blood loss during menstruation. Each day, I come in to contact with friends,family and colleagues that don't understand what's causing their anemia (Iron deficiency) nor what natural tools they can apply to bring their body back into balance.  Iron deficiency is also the most susceptible deficiency, when you are deficient of Iron you become susceptible to a host of diseases. This is why maintaining the proper Iron levels in your body are so important!

    While there are many Iron-rich foods, there are also many other influencing factors to consider. Many things may be inhibiting your ability to absorb Iron and other nutrients. Also, many people that are Iron deficient resort to pharmaceutical versions of Iron/supplements which are unnatural. Those are sources that our bodies will not recognize, will not absorb and will not utilize. When you take pharmaceutical Iron/supplements, they stay in the blood stream there for your iron levels will ‘seem’ high when you get tested. However, in reality the body “Does not recognize it, absorb it nor utilize it” - Quoted from Dr. Bobby Price – Holistic health probationer.

    What can be causing low Iron?

    Iron is an essential mineral needed to make hemoglobin which transports oxygen in red blood cells from the lungs to the rest of the body. Iron also plays a vital role in the immediate immune system response to fight off bacteria in our bodies before it gets to a severe stage. Did you know Iron is also electric!? The same way iron outside of the body would conduct electricity, iron inside of the body does as well. This is why some call iron the “Spark plug” to the body and the reason low Iron can make us feel tired, weak and experience shortness of breath. This is why eating electric foods aka alkaline foods are important. My next blog post will dive deep into alkaline foods for the body.

    In order to optimize the iron in our bodies we have to consume more plant-based forms of Iron (Iron-phosphate). Such as leafy greens like kale, spinach and Swiss-chard. Other foods including dates, raisins, sesame seeds, lentils, black beans, avocado and beets, just to name a few. The herb with the most powerful content of Iron is Sarsaparilla. Other Iron rich herbs include Dandelion root, Burdock and Yellow-dock. It is also important to consume a high amount of Vitamin-C rich foods for the absorption of Iron. Having gut issues can also prevent Iron absorption. See my previous blog post entitled “The essential parasite cleanse” for cleaning out the gut. Lastly, eating a lot of empty calories such as processed and junk foods, refined grains, synthetic ingredients, sodas and anything with excess sugar can contribute to Iron deficiency.

    Unfortunately today, the majority of conventional plants eaten are deficient in Iron because the soil is deficient. As a result, Iron is chemically added (fortified) to many of our foods. This type of Iron also isn’t recognized by the body. This is why it is important to consume herbs and organic plant-based foods. The best way to ensure your plants are organic are to grow them yourself or find a trusted local farmer!

    I hope you find this helpful and remember “It is oxygen that heals, nothing else but oxygen.” – Dr. Sebi and without Iron we cannot have proper oxygen flow!


  • Benefits of Sea Moss

    Sea moss is a seaweed and a superfood that contains 92 of the 102 vitamins and minerals our bodies need and are essential to our health. It is so powerful that it can even bind radio activity. Some might say sea moss is the earths version of chemotherapy. It contains important minerals such as potassium iodide, potassium phosphate, potassium bromides, and a very large percentage of zinc, magnesium and calcium. Sea moss alkalizes the body, boost our immune system and helps to remove mucus. As Dr. Sebi quoted, when you eliminate all mucus, you eliminate all disease. 

    Here are some effects the vitamins & minerals found in sea moss have on our body: 

    1. The magnesium and potassium in sea moss helps to improve emotional health and brain function as they are natural mood boosters. The vitamin B content of sea moss helps to support our nervous system by reducing anxiety, moodiness an depression. 

    2. The citulline-argine found in sea moss releases amino acids that produce collagen and nourish our skin. Sea moss taken internally, naturally improves our skin. Sea moss can be used externally as well, try using it as a face mask or body scrub. 

    3. ENERGY - Vitamin B2 and B9 are super abundant in this moss, breaking down proteins, carbs and fats helping the body to produce natural energy. 

    4. Our metabolism is determined by three primary functions. Our bodies ability to convert food into energy, convert food into building, recovery elements for cells, and discard waste once the previous conversion processes have been completed. The high iodine content in sea moss helps to boost the bodies metabolism by maintaining proper thyroid functionality ensuring this process is regulated. 

    5. Sea moss extracts toxins, and its gel like texture soothes pain from inflammation in the mucus membranes of our intestine’s. Relief and detoxification makes sea moss an effective medicine for digestive issues. This helps to rid of bad bacteria in the gut, resulting in a healthy digestive tract. The high fiber content in sea moss also has a laxative effect that regulates bowel movement. 

    6. Full of antioxidants and vitamin C, sea moss is a powerful immune booster. These nutrients have antiviral and antibacterial properties that fight infections and during the era of Covid-19, I find sea moss as a necessity!

    7. The potassium chloride in sea moss helps with respiratory problems by liquifying the phelgm which eases clogged airways, because of this sea moss is great for smokers.

    8. Dense with minerals and nutrients, sea moss relieves sore muscles and helps us to recover from intense exercise. Since our body uses the nutrients we consume for energy during exercise, the nutrient-dense sea moss can replace the nutrients we lose, allowing us to exercise longer and stronger.

    9. SEX - Yes, I saved the best for last. The high levels of zinc and other minerals that support reproductive functions increase sex drive! Its anti-inflammatory properties promote efficient blood circulation throughout the entire body including (Below our waist).

     

    With sea moss being such a powerful superfood, unfortunately there are many fake versions. Be sure to buy the real deal by following these tips: 

    • Sea moss naturally has salt , however it is barely noticeable as it is the size of salt grains. If your sea moss is packaged with grains of salt that look more like rock salt, or table salt, chances are it’s fake.

    • Lack of “sea dirt” - You should be able to see other random bits mixed into your sea moss. If it looks too perfect, it might be fake. 

    • Authentic sea moss may have some color variations, or slight differences in tones. If you’ve got a batch of sea moss that is all the same color, it may be fake, or worse, bleached. 

     

    Check out my instagram story 'VeryRareVegan' for my favorite authentic brand of sea moss and how I transformed it into gel. Once sea moss has gelled, it is great to add to smoothies and raw foods! Try making a sea moss drink by adding it to hemp milk, vanilla extract and cinnamon.


  • Farmacy > Pharmacy

    The most forgotten ingredients when making smoothies/juices are also the most important ingredients! Herbs and spices. With the power of nature always being on our side, herbal remedies can address a constellation of diseases such as Allergies, Inflammation, Asthma, Eczema, Premenstrual Syndrome, Rheumatoid Rrthritis, Fibromyalgia, Migraines, Menopausal Symptoms, Chronic Fatigue, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and even Cancer. This blog will explore some of the powerful plants that I add to my smoothies and its benefits, but first lets touch base on a little history.

     

    Our ancestors did not survive everything that nearly ended them, for us to shrink ourselves by making someone else comfortable (Pharma). Building relationships with their sacred and medicinal plants is one way of honoring them and yourself. Many parts of the world still rely on traditional medicine and folk remedies to treat illness every day. Only recently have we lost this connection to the natural world. Colonialism built a medical industrial complex through often violent means of cultural suppression, erasure, and exploitation. The rise of the patriarchy also authorized only white male physicians to practice and define medicine for the world. Plant science was driven underground and it goes back farther than any textbook cares to mention. For example, enslaved women working on plantations discovered that cotton root bark was beneficial for reproductive control but slave codes restricted these black healing ways. We can also see how herbal medicine was erased by viewing how schools teach medicinal history. For example, many of the modern medical accomplishments of Ancient Greeks and other European men happened by “discovering” the knowledge of others. Hippocrates, who is still quoted as the Father of Medicine, studied the writings of the Egyptian physician Imhotep. That alone, is for another blog. 

     

    Herbal medicine has the power to prevent disease, treat disease and to create whole health. They also pull heavy metals and toxins from our bodies. Please note that I am not a medical professional. The information gathered is based on extensive research over the years via books, documentaries, articles and scriptures. I am simply sharing my own study experience hoping to inspire you to do your own research as well. When studying, never forgot to check your sources, and your sources, sources!

     

    A few of my favorite powerful herbs and spices :

     

    Cinnamon: Not only can you add cinnamon to smoothies and juices, it is also great for baking! In ancient Egypt, cinnamon was so valuable that it was regarded as a gift fit for kings. Cinnamon may have beneficial effects on Neurodegenerative Diseases, may protect against Cancer, helps fight bacterial and fungal infections as well as the HIV Virus.

     

    Tumeric: Known to be one of the most powerful spices with an active ingredient called Curcumin that fights Cancer. Full of vitamin C, Calcium, Flavonoids, Fiber, Iron, Niacin, Potassium, Zinc and so much more. Tumeric has anti-inflammatory properties, a powerful antioxidant, increases brain function, and can prevent / treat Brain Disease, Heart Disease, Alzheimers, Arthritis and depression. 

     

    Oregano: This powerful antioxidant and and anti-inflammatory is full of Vitamin B6, Potassium, Copper, Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Folate, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium and Manganese. Oregano is a natural antibiotic, helps to improve gut health, has Cancer fighting properties, has the capacity to relieve pain, and can even help with yeast infections.

     

    Parsley: Labeled as one of the most powerful disease fighting plants, parsley contains important nutrients such as Protein, Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate and Potassium. Parsley supports bone health, has cancer fighting properties, and can improve eye and heart health. 

     

    Ginger: Not only is ginger one of the most healthiest spices on the planet, its one of the most delicious and great for giving smoothies a kick of flavor. Full of Vitamin B3, B6, Iron, Potassium, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc and Folate. It is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain. Ginger is great for nausea, fighting infections, lowers blood sugar and risk of heart disease, helps with menstrual pain, lowers cholesterol and contains a substance called 6-gingerol that may help prevent Cancer. 

     

    Basil: Known as the “Queen of herbs” Basil is full of Vitamin A, C, Calcium, Zinc, Iron and Chlorophyll. Basil can delay the effects of skin aging, reduces stress and anxiety, and has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and analgesic (a painkiller) properties. 

     

    With so many amazing herbs and spices in this world, I only touched based on a few of my favorites. Stay tuned for another blog pertaining to herbs and spices that are specific here in Bermuda for all of my locals!

     

    What herb or spice will you add to your smoothie next?


  • The essential parasite cleanse

    The overt truth is, if you eat meat, undercooked fish or dairy you most likely have parasites at some point. A parasite is an organism that lives in another organism, called the host, and depends on their host (us) for survival. Unfortunately, many parasite cases show no symptoms. However, some symptoms are constipation, skin bumps and rashes, increased appetite, and feeling very tired even after you’ve had enough sleep. The most negative effect a parasite can on have on the body is Sepsis. Sepsis is the body’s often deadly response to infection. 

     

    Eliminating parasites from our body plays an important role by eliminating cravings. Making a healthy lifestyle much easier when you aren’t feening for sugar. Parasites thrive on sugar, and our cells need sugar (Which come in many forms) including all carbohydrates explaining our love for comfort foods such as pastas and breads. Parasites get to the sugar before your cells, allowing them to multiply and causes our cells to be deprived of sugar. Our cells are then crying out for sugar which explains constant craving. When you eliminate parasites, you will eliminate these cravings and easily take full control over what you consume. Just imagine a life where you actually enjoy veggies and arent craving junk?

     

    Taking a parasite cleanse was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Eating clean became extremely easy, both mentally and physically. Parasite cleanses can last anywhere from 1-2 weeks and usually consist of taking herbs that fight them off. My favorite brand is from www.healthyself360.com run by Kimberly Flowers. She combines the herbs into veggie capsules, they are homemade, organic and extremely powerful. You are limited to a specific , starch free food list that is provided by healthyself360 to make life easy. 

     

    Stay tuned to learn more about my parasite journey and recipes you can make while on the cleanse. We must recharge our selves, just as much as we recharge our phones!


  • The transition

    If you read my first blog post entitled “Meet the influencer” you would have learned what triggered my initial change into a plant based lifestyle. This post is to understand exactly how I made that change and inspire those who wish to do the same.  My previous post also mentioned that I am not here to dictate how one should eat. I am here to help you understand your body and become the best version of yourselves. Life is all about balance, and incorporating more natural foods into your diet is one of the best decisions you can make! Here’s how…

     

    A plant based diet is the only diet that has been shown to reverse some of the most chronic diseases such as early stages of cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This lifestyle is appropriate for all stages of the life, including pregnancy, infants, childhood, adolescence, elderly, and all athletes. My change into this lifestyle was gradual and slow. Going cold turkey from day one is never a good idea. When I returned to Bermuda from Costa Rica after my “Meat experience” I decided to eliminate red meat first. It took me an entire year to extract it from my diet. I started by eating it only once a week, then only a few times a month. I eventually reached the point where I would eat it once every few months until I completey stopped. 

     

    Once I eliminated red meat, I was ready to tackle white meat. This too, also took me an entire year. I followed the same procedure while paying close attention to my body. I started to feel extra sluggish, tired, drained and had severe brain fog. At first I didn’t understand why, I thought I was doing the right thing for my body. However, I was eating a lot of soy based meat alternatives and carbohydrates with limited plant based food. 

     

    I was in the midst of traveling and ended up in Ecuador on a surfing trip for 2 weeks. I was a part of a surf camp that provides majority plant based foods. Every day I ate tropical fruits, smoothies, and veggie filled dinners. I instantly noticed a huge change in my body , my energy was back and brain fog was gone. At that point I realized the obvious, my body felt drained because it was adjusting to the new change and I wasn’t replenishing it with the nutrients it needed. 

     

    I knew I needed to eat more fruits and vegetables but I was hooked on comfort foods. It is one thing to have knowledge, and another to apply it.  Sometimes we just need that extra push towards the right direction. Since I’ve eaten mainly plant based foods I have been full of energy, my skin became clearer (I used to suffer from severe acne) , I feel smarter and every day feels like a natural high. Everything we need comes from the earth with plants being our medicine, and our protein. Yes, I said protein for those who wonder “Where do you get your protein from!?” The simplest explanation goes as follows. The animals we eat, eat plants to get protein, then humans eat animals to get protein after it has been digested and broken down. I always wondered why should we get protein from the secondary source (Animals) when we can get it from the primary source (Plants) ? This way we can intake all of the benefits. A head of broccoli has more protein than a slab of steak and 1 cup of black beans have more protein than a drumstick, to say the least. 

     

    If you reach the point of giving up meat completely, a cleanse is extremely important and helpful for the transition. I highly recommend a parasite cleanse as it helps to reduce cravings. Read my next blog entitled “The essential parasite cleanse” for the gross truth about these pest. 

     

    Lastly, have fun and get creative with recipes. Connect with like minded people, even if its via social media. Read books and watch documentaries to keep the momentum going. If you aren’t skilled in the kitchen or don’t have much time in your day to day life, there are hundreds of quick and easy recipes for you to try. I will be sharing as many of my recipes as I can, both intricate and simple. Keep in mind that any transition takes time. Much of this is about trial and error, finding out what works for you and what doesn't. So be gentle with yourself as you find your rhythm to incorporate more plant based foods.

     

     


  • Meet the influencer & her goals for you - Jasmine Furbert

    Growing up in a meat lovers family, I never understood how someone could NOT eat meat. In fact, I loved meat so much I would eat 1/2 a pack of bacon as a mere snack. In 2011, I joined an expedition in Costa Rica and Nicaragua where I lived with a host family. Once a month their village would kill a cow and share it with all of the families nearby. The cow had been naturally raised from birth, bathed, fed organically, adored  by children and genuinely loved by all. Now, meat doesn't get any fresher than this! The hamburger was prepared almost exactly how I would prepare it myself back at home. However, when I took my first bite, I absolutely hated the taste. It had tasted nothing like what I was used to. Then I started to think , if I don’t like meat in its most natural form, then what I am eating back at home? What is it injected with? What are they feeding it?

     

    That experience alone triggered extensive research. The more I learned, the more I was turned off by meat. It wasn’t just the fact that animals today are being tortured in slaughter houses, injected with chemicals to look thick and juicy, or have their arms and legs ripped off piece by piece. It wasn't just because they are jammed packed in a cage like sardines with no room to stretch a muscle for months, even years. It was the fact that this torture and pain, builds a huge amount of negative energy that remains in that same animal after it is slaughtered, cooked and presented on your plate.

     

    This unconsciously causes so many of us to suffer from depression, anxiety and behavioral issues. We are then told to lean toward pharmaceuticals for help (an unhealthy bandaid). Pharmaceuticals block our biochemistry to reduce symptoms and plants restore our biochemistry to create health. Everything we need for a vibrant, healthy and energetic life comes from mother nature. If you eat living foods such as fruits, vegetables and herbs you will naturally feel alive. If you eat dead foods such as meat , dairy and processed foods you will naturally, feel dead. 

     

    It took me a very long time to give up dairy and fish. Although I hadn’t eaten meat for years , dairy and fish were still present in my diet on occasion. I also had a love for unhealthy carbohydrates. I thought it was hard, nearly impossible to give up these items when you live on a beautiful island surrounded by fresh local fish and especially when your favorite food is macaroni. I had to train my mind to realize nothing is hard or impossible by simply understanding that I have control over all of my thoughts. I started replacing the thought “This is hard” with “This is easy”  until it literally became easy. 

     

    Very Rare Vegan is not here to tell you what or how to eat. I am here to make you aware of the positive effects a plant based diet has on your body and the earth. I am here to show you how to listen and understand your body, eat according to what your body is telling you and how your body feels. Life is about balance, and no matter how you eat, it is important to incorporate as many plant based foods into your diet as possible.

     

    So welcome, I hope you find what you never knew you were looking for :) .



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