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The Amazing Benefits of Pomegranates

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For this week’s food medicine, we are looking at pomegranate. This fruit is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Its high level of antioxidants protects cells from damage and reduces inflammation. This fruit is indicated for those with infectious diarrhea caused by colitis. Surprising results have been achieved in chronic cases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease eating pomegranate. The citric acid in pomegranate has a beneficial effect on the intestines as it contributes to the restoration of the intestinal bacterial flora. The rind or inner part of the fruit is excellent for eliminating intestinal parasites, in particular tapeworm. Studies have shown that pomegranates can protect the heart by lowering blood pressure and reducing blood sugar levels. This is because pomegranates contain potassium, magnesium, and polyphenol compounds called ellagitannins. These compounds help prevent the artery walls from thickening and it lowers the buildup of ...

From Blueberries to Eternity: The Ultimate Anti-aging Strategy From The Inside Out

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  Blueberries have earned their reputation as a superfood, and for good reason. Packed with antioxidants, they help fight inflammation, support brain health, and even slow the aging process. If living longer and healthier is the goal, blueberries are a delicious step in the right direction. But they’re not alone. Science shows that longevity is linked to what we eat and how we live . Other powerhouse foods for a long, vibrant life include: Leafy greens – Rich in vitamins that reduce cognitive decline. Fatty fish – Omega-3s support heart and brain function. Nuts & seeds – Packed with healthy fats that promote longevity. Olive oil – A staple in the Mediterranean diet, linked to long life. Legumes – Fiber-rich and beneficial for gut and heart health. Yet, food alone isn’t the answer. The longest-living populations (like those in “Blue Zones”) also emphasize: Movement – Staying active daily, not just in the gym. Strong relationships – Social connections reduce stress and pro...

The Anti-Aging Benefits of Berries

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Aging is a natural and inevitable process we will all go through if we live long enough. However, it is possible to slow down the effects of aging by eating foods high in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants that help fight cellular damage and premature aging. Let’s review the amazing anti-aging effects of berries on the human body.  Blueberries : Multiple studies have shown that blueberries slow age-related damage to brain cells and protect regions of the brain associated with memory from oxidative and inflammatory damage. What makes these effects possible is because blueberries contain specific flavonoid molecules that fight DNA damage and slow age-related damage to brain cells. Blueberries also has an anti-aging effect on the skin by improving the overall appearance and restoration of skin thickness, smoothness, radiance, and firmness;  reducing wrinkles, thinning, roughness, and sagging. Blueberries are considered one of the best berries for anti-aging because they are high...

Standing Firm in a World of Compromise

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In Daniel 1:12, we see a young man who refused to compromise his convictions, even when it would have been easy to do so. Daniel and his friends were taken from their homeland and placed in the king’s court, where they were offered luxurious food and wine. Yet, Daniel chose to remain faithful to God’s standards, requesting a diet of simple food and water. His decision was not based on rebellion, but on a deep desire to honor God above all else. Like Daniel, we live in a world that constantly pressures us to compromise—whether in our choices, values, or faith. Culture may tell us that success and status are worth any sacrifice, but Daniel’s story reminds us that true strength comes from unwavering faith. He knew that a life dedicated to God was far more valuable than the finest privileges the world could offer. Daniel’s faithfulness was rewarded. After ten days, he and his friends appeared healthier and stronger than those who indulged in the king’s food. More importantly, God granted t...

Lemons & Limes: The Unsung Fruit Heroes

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Lemons and limes are nutritious fruits that provide many health benefits. To start, lemons and limes support the immune system because they are a great source of vitamin C, which contributes to immune system defense and helps the body fight infection. They also help prevent scurvy. Did you know that one lemon offers about half of the recommended daily value of vitamin C? Another wonderful benefit from lemons and limes is that they act as an antiseptic, meaning they help prevent infections and putrefaction. They are also a wonderful stimulant to the liver; and they act as a solvent for uric acid and other toxins. Lemons and limes contain certain compounds in them that help to build not only a healthy body, but to also keep it healthy. For example, lemon and lime have a compound in it called limonene . This compound acts as an antioxidant in the body, absorbing and removing damaging free radicals before they can injure cells. It also helps lower the risk of certain cancers and signs of a...

Justice and Mercy: Can they be partners?

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  The Tension Between Justice and Mercy Picture this: a crime drama unfolds, and the villain is caught at last. You lean in, eager for justice to be served. But then comes the unexpected—leniency, or even a pardon. How does that sit with you? Does it feel satisfying, or does it stir frustration? Justice seems so clear when it’s someone else on trial. But what about when the tables turn, and you’re the one standing before the judge? Our justice system mirrors this tension. Pardons and commutations exist to temper justice with mercy. A pardon wipes the slate clean; a commutation lessens the penalty while leaving the record intact. These acts of grace provoke debate: Are they fair? Are they necessary? And more personally, when you’re the one in the spotlight, what would you want? Justice or mercy? Are Justice and Mercy Opposites? It’s a tough question because justice and mercy often feel like polar opposites. Justice demands fairness and accountability. Mercy offers forgiveness and co...

The Power of a Healthy 'Why': It's Your Choice

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  The Power of Daily Choices Each day, we’re presented with countless choices: what to eat, whether to exercise, how much sleep to get. These decisions might seem small, but they carry profound significance. Consider the story of Ester van den Hoven, a vibrant 93-year-old who commits to a 60-minute exercise class three times a week. Her secret? A mindset rooted in optimism, laughter, and a steadfast belief that her body is a temple of God’s Spirit. Now, picture a young professional, Alex, who also embraces this truth. Between the demands of work, social commitments, and daily life, Alex prioritizes fitness, nourishing meals, and rest—not just to stay healthy, but to honor the Creator. Both Ester and Alex exemplify a deeper “why” behind health: recognizing the sacredness of their bodies as vessels of the Holy Spirit. A New Perspective on Health When we see our bodies as gifts from God, our perspective shifts. It’s no longer just about losing weight, hitting a fitness goal, or fittin...