Although there are myriad cleaning products that are a bit more natural than traditional chemical-laden classics, they don’t compare to DIY non-toxic cleaners. You know exactly what goes into the products that you make yourself. There are no hidden fragrances or hard-to-pronounce names on products that you make yourself. And one the easiest household products to clean with is vinegar, which is probably in your pantry as you read this.

Distilled white vinegar, which is available in organic versions, is a powerhouse in the natural cleaning world. You don’t want the house to smell like pickles, though, so you have to include other ingredients, like citrus or essential oils, to mask the scent.

How To Clean With Vinegar

There are many surfaces that are acceptable to clean with vinegar. There are also a few things that vinegar can damage because of the low pH that can dissolve certain substances. Although vinegar is technically viewed as a weak acid, it is powerful enough to damage certain surfaces. Avoid cleaning the following surfaces with vinegar:

• Mold: Yes, vinegar does kill mold and you can use it for that; however, it may only scratch the surface of a larger problem. We will explain this in more detail a little later in the article. 
• Finished wood: Adding a little vinegar to a mop bucket may be acceptable on hardwood floors, but using too much, or using it on certain types of wood, can damage the finish. The same rule applies to furniture. 
• Tile grout: It is occasionally acceptable to use a diluted vinegar solution to keep sealed grout clean, but using too much vinegar too often can erode the grout. 
• Dishwashers and washing machines: This is controversial because a lot of people use vinegar to clean these appliances. Adding too much vinegar to these, or using it too often, can damage the rubber components over time. 
• Stone countertops: Vinegar can very easily damage marble, granite, and natural stone countertops. 

Window And Mirror Cleaner

If you want some spot-free shine on your windows and mirrors, vinegar is a highly effective ingredient. Forget the glass cleaner spray and mix one part vinegar with three parts water in a spray bottle. Add one or two drops of essential oil, such as lemongrass, and an optional 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap. Shake it up and use it to clean your windows, mirrors, and shower doors. 

Mold Remover

As previously mentioned, vinegar can be used to treat mold in certain situations. If you notice mold in your house, though, that may just be the tip of the iceberg, indicating a potentially serious issue. If you want to use vinegar to help get rid of mold, mix one part borax with four parts white vinegar together in a spray bottle. Spray onto non-porous surfaces, wait about an hour, and wipe away. The mold should wipe right off in areas where mold is miniscule. 

Toilet Cleaner

Vinegar is a great ingredient for breaking down minerals on hard surfaces. It is particularly effective when mixed with baking soda. Pour a little baking soda into the toilet and add one cup of vinegar, watch it bubble, scrub, and then admire the shine. 

Cabinet Cleaner

If you have oil buildup, food spots, or minor stains on your cabinets, vinegar can effectively remove them. Mix one part vinegar with three parts water and scrub the dirty cabinet with a rage or sponge. The vinegar helps cut through any grease, which leaves your cabinets shiny and clean. 

Hardwood Floor Cleaner

If you have hardwood floors in your house, you know that mopping and sweeping are par for the course. People have robot vacuums and such, but those aren’t as effective as a good old fashioned sweep and mop. It can be beneficial to mix 1/3 or 2/3 cup of white vinegar in one gallon of warm water to clean hardwood floors. Just be careful because vinegar can damage certain wood finishes, so check with the manufacturer before dumping vinegar on your floor.

All-Purpose Vinegar Spray

If you want an all-natural, all-purpose cleaning spray with vinegar, here is how to make it: 

• Add one part white vinegar and four parts water to a spray bottle. 
• Add about 10 to 20 drops of essential oil of your choice (citrus oils are great), and one teaspoon of natural dish soap. 
• Shake it up and use when ready. 
• This spray is great on high chair trays, baseboards, appliances, floors, walls, countertops (provided the surface), and sinks.

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Peaches have a very short season, so we encourage you to get your hands on them right now. Squeeze as many peachy delights as you can into your diet during the summer months. Trust us when we say that you won’t regret it. This green smoothie is more like a creamy milkshake than it is a smoothie. It energizes the body and powers it with pure plant goodness. If you don’t have the time to make your own almond milk, feel free to use filtered water, although that will make it less milkshake-like. You can also use homemade cashew milk if you prefer the flavor.

This smoothie only has four ingredients: homemade almond milk, peaches, spinach, and orange. Spinach is a powerhouse of a leafy green, offering magnesium, iron, protein, fiber, folate, vitamin K, and antioxidants. The peach, which you should pit, cube, and freeze ahead of time, is the source of sweetness in this recipe. Peaches are rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as fiber, vitamins & C, potassium, niacin, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and some B vitamins. While peaches are highly impressive from a nutritional standpoint, they are purely delicious, especially during peak season.

The homemade almond milk is the ingredient that makes this smoothie taste more like a milkshake. Homemade is just better! It offers a subtle nuttiness that complements the peaches and spinach. Finally, the orange offers lots of vitamin C and a hint of sour, which is refreshing break from the sweet, succulent peaches. Make it and let us know if you like it so that we can post similar recipes!

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Vegan Brazilian limeade is the refreshing, dairy-free twist on the traditional Brazilian classic “Limonada.” Unlike traditional limeade that is only made with lime juice, sweetener, and water, Limonada is a vibrant drink that utilizes the entire lime fruit (even the peel), sugar, and condensed milk. In this recipe, we leave the granulated sugar and condensed milk behind and use incredibly creamy coconut milk, which creates a delightful balance of sweet and tropical flavors. It is the perfect vegan drink for warm weather. Sip it at a backyard BBQ or with a friend by the pool!

To prepare this vegan take on Brazilian limeade, you will need two limes. Make sure to clean them well because you will be using the entire fruit. If you do not feel comfortable using the peel, you can remove it. Blending the limes with coconut milk adds a smooth, slightly sweet, and nutty undertone to the drink. For the sweetener, we listed pure maple syrup, but you can use agave syrup if you prefer that flavor. You can also start with less sweetener, taste, and add more until you find the right balance. There should be a little zesty flare, though, so don’t let the sweetness overpower the limes.

This beverage not only offers a unique flavor profile but also provides nutritional benefits. Coconut milk is rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making the drink both delicious and nourishing. Whether you serve this drink at tropical-themed parties, summer barbecues, or simply as a cooling refreshment for you and you alone, this vegan Brazilian limeade is a flavorful drink that captures the essence of summer.

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Is this dandelion pesto nature’s green powerhouse in sauce form? We’ll leave that for you to decide. What we can tell you is that this highly addictive sauces is crafted from dandelion greens, which bring a wild, bitter-green twist to a classic sauce. Forget the basil and cheese, because they aren’t needed here. It still contains pine nuts, lemon juice, olive oil, and other seasonings, but the dandelions require other ingredients to tame the subtle bitterness.

Often dismissed as pesky weeds, dandelions are rich in antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and K, and other minerals like calcium and iron. That makes this pesto a superfood sauce in disguise! Blended with heart-healthy olive oil, crunchy pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, turmeric, nutritional yeast, and sea salt, this pesto strikes a great balance between bold, rustic flavors and bright citrusy tones. It’s a great sauce, whether you decide to pour it over zucchini noodles, use it as a dip, or pile it onto a tray of roasted veggies. It truly awakens the palate!

Best of all, it does not contain preservatives, dairy, and artificial additives, which are common ingredients in most store bought pesto sauces. This sauce is pure plant-powered goodness straight from the garden to your plate. Now, that does not mean you have to go foraging for dandelions, but they are a common weed that people discard. Just forage for flavor! Play it safe and buy dandelion greens from the grocery store, a move that will also ensure you have enough greens free of pests for the pesto.

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We’ve never posted a recipe for a granita before, but there’s a first time for everything. A granita is a semi-frozen dessert typically made with water, sugar, and different flavors. It originated in Sicily, but it is available in may regions throughout Italy. Think of a granita as a hybrid between sorbet and Italian ice.

Now, we are not providing a recipe that consists of sugar, water and flavors. What we are providing you is a wonderfully refreshing iced creation that you can either enjoy as a dessert or refreshing drink in the sun. Not only is it a non-alcoholic concoction that enhances your hydration efforts, but it is also highly delicious, perfectly citrusy, and loaded with an assortment of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Take ginger, for example, which exhibits preventative, healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-nausea benefits. Gingerols, which are the antibacterial compounds found in ginger root, can even prevent oral bacteria from growing.

Given that mint is in this drink, it can feel like a mojito mocktail, and who doesn’t love that? Mint can help boost immunity and get rid of bad breath. If you suffer from acid reflux, be careful to not consume too much of this drink because ginger can sometimes have adverse effects. We do recommend that you enjoy this refreshing beverage because the weather is getting warm!

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For anyone looking to take their breakfast game to healthier heights, look no further than overnight oats. This is a simple, nourishing dish that is great for busy professionals, health enthusiasts, and families alike. An overnight oats recipe typically contains lots of fiber, protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and other vitamins and minerals, making it a great dish to begin the day. Not to mention, you do all the prep work at night so that your breakfast is ready to go whenever you need it in the morning. Because it is in a jar or bowl, you can take it to go if you are in a rush.

This recipe combines the indulgent, slightly bitter flavor of raw cacao powder with a handful of other nutrient-dense ingredients, including almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and optional toppings. Creating this overnight oats recipe is a fairly straightforward process. Before you prep any of the ingredients, though, make sure that you have a mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a whisk or mixing utensil, and mason jars or airtight containers for storage. Once you have your kitchen essentials, you can prepare the overnight oats.

Begin with rolled oats and whisk in your unsweetened almond milk. The liquid works to hydrate the oats and create a creamy consistency. Incorporate the cacao powder, which is crucial for the chocolatey flavor. It also gives the overnight oats a generous boost of antioxidants. Chia seeds work to thicken the oats, while adding valuable omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. Finally, the vanilla extract adds another dimension of flavor, complementing the natural sugars in the maple syrup.

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It may come as a shock to you, but different fruits contain protein. They are great sources of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, natural sugars, a bit of fat, and even some protein. An apple, for example, does not offer the same amount of protein as a piece of salmon, but it comes with a diverse mix of micro and macronutrients. 

Protein is having a moment, to say the least. This is partially due to the popularity of the carnivore, Paleo, keto, and other high-protein diets. We aren’t here to talk about those diets, though, as many of them discourage the consumption of fruit. That’s because fruits contain carbs and less sugar than animal-based foods. An egg, for example, has about six grams of protein, whereas fruit may only offer a couple grams per cup. 

If you are trying to up your protein intake and diversify your fruit consumption, the fruits in this article may come to your aid. Whole fruits offer key nutrients that support other aspects of total bodily health, so don’t neglect them. They are relatively low in calories and high in water and fiber, two things that benefit gastrointestinal health. So if you are looking to snack healthily and get a little protein in the process, consider the fruits listed below.

Passion Fruit

Passion fruit is a lovely tropical fruit that grows on a vine. The fiber content in one cup of passion fruit is very high, exhibiting a whopping 24.5 grams, which is nearly 88% of the daily value (DV). Fiber works to regulate digestion and promote healthy cholesterol levels. The same cup of passion fruit provides five grams of protein.

Blackberries

One of the great things about blackberries is that they are very high in antioxidant compounds. They also happen to be the berry with the highest amount of protein, exhibiting about two grams per cup. Blackberries are low in calories, rich in fiber, and high in anthocyanin, a phytonutrient that has demonstrated abilities to influence immune function and improve gut microbiome. 

Avocado

Although avocado seems like a vegetable, it is actually a fruit of the savory variety. Avocados offer three grams of protein per cup, in addition to lots of healthy fats that help you feel full. You can enjoy avocado with a spoon and some sea salt, transform it into guacamole, or add it on toast. Just keep in mind that avocados have more calories than other fruits, with one cup of avocado containing 234 calories. 

Kiwi

Didn’t think a kiwi would have protein did you? Well, one cup of kiwi has nearly two grams of protein, which is not bad! Kiwi is also naturally rich in vitamin C, offering about 167 milligrams per cup. That amount is nearly double the DV of vitamin C! Several studies also found that kiwis work to improve digestion and promote bowel regularity, which researchers attribute to their fiber content. 

Guava

Yet another vitamin C superstar, guava is a tropical fruit that offers a lot of protein, especially for its size. One cup of guava has a little over four grams of protein and nine grams of fiber, which is about one-third of the DV. Research continues to find that increasing your fiber intake can reduce blood pressure and promote healthy cholesterol levels, especially in people with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome. 

Apricot

Unlike other fruits, apricots are not typically available year-round, but you can find them in dried form at all times. They typically show up in grocery stores or at farmer’s markets in late spring and summer. Each half-cup of dried apricot halves contains a little over two grams of protein. Dried apricots do not have water, so they are more calorically dense than fresh versions. That same half-cup, then, has about 157 calories, so just keep that in mind when snacking on dried apricots. 

Jackfruit

We are rounding out this article with the largest fruit on the list, the mighty jackfruit. Exhibiting a stringy texture, jackfruit is a common meat substitute for plant-based eaters. If you are swapping jackfruit for chicken, though, keep in mind that one cup of jackfruit offers three grams of protein compared to the 35 grams you’d get from chicken. Because it is not very sweet, it takes on whichever seasonings or flavors you cook with it, but you can enjoy it raw if you like.

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You don’t have to go out and buy an ice cream machine or churner in order to enjoy homemade ice cream. As long as you have a blender or food processor and a freezer-safe container, you can enjoy a guilt-free dessert such as this recipe. Sure, peanut butter and chocolate ice cream is highly popular, but not everyone is a fan. Some people are also allergic to peanuts, so having an almond butter ice cream is the next best (and safest) option, provided there are no additional nut allergies.

A nut butter ice cream is such a simple concept, but packs a lot of flavor. Nut butters are naturally creamy and thick, so they help make the raw vegan ice cream a little creamier, acting similarly to frozen bananas. The dates in this recipe also help thicken the ice cream, but make sure that you soak them for one to two hours prior to blending them with the rest of the ingredients. The soaking process helps soften them, making the job a little easier on your blender. If you plan to use a food processor or have a VitaMix, you don’t have to soak your dates for longer than 15-30 minutes.

The almond butter primarily flavors this ice cream, and the flavor may change depending on the almond butter you use. Your choices are limited for almond butter since you have to use raw almond butter while cleansing. That said, different brands typically taste different. No matter which raw almond butter you use, one thing is for certain: this raw ice cream is absolutely delicious and creamy. We hope you love it as much as we do. How could you not? It’s a great source of healthy fats, protein, omega-3s, magnesium, and other vitamins and minerals.

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Here we go again with the creativity! This isn’t a plane Jane pesto, people. We have to change it up and keep you on your toes so that your taste buds remain interested in raw vegan foods. Varying your ingredients and straying from the well-traveled path is a great way to enjoy new flavors and reap the benefits of different plant compounds. Because we live in a society that regularly wastes edible parts of fruits and vegetables, we wanted to provide a unique way to use celery leaves, which most people discard without hesitation.

Next time you have a bunch of celery with beautiful leaves, turn those leaves into a pesto. While you can incorporate them into salads, it is much easier and quicker to transform them into a pesto sauce. From a nutritional standpoint, celery leaves are rich in the following vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Fiber
• Beta-carotene

Celery leaves may help enhance immune function due to the presence of vitamins A and C. Both of these vitamins work to protect the body against infections, while simultaneously enhancing skin health. The calcium and magnesium in celery leaves are essential for maintaining strong bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Because celery leaves contain antioxidants and chlorophyll, they aids the body’s natural detoxification processes. In fact, they may aid the body with toxin elimination.

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It seems that you cannot wander down the bottled water aisle at a supermarket or grocery store without encountering several forms of alkaline water. Not to mention, there are various types of spring water, mineral water, sparkling water, distilled water, and classic filtered water. You may even find some volcanic water, but that isn’t at your average store. One thing is for certain, though, and it is that alkaline water and filtered water are different prices. Is there truly a difference between alkaline water and regular H2O, though? 

What Is Alkaline?

Let’s remove water from the equation for one moment to get a better understanding of alkalinity. Scientists use the pH scale, which goes from 0 – 14 to measure alkaline and acid substances. If something has a pH lower than 7, it is acidic. If something has a pH higher than 7, it is alkaline, or basic. Most tap water has a pH of about 7.5, whereas bottled water is typically closer to 7.0. 

Alkaline water usually ranges between 8.0 and 9.0, but it can be higher. There are beneficial nutrients you can reap if you drink alkaline water, but dietitians are a bit skeptical of the alkaline water trend. Is alkaline water truly worth it? 

Nutrition Facts

To give you a better idea of the nutrients in alkaline water, here is the general nutritional information for an eight-ounce bottle of alkaline water:

• Calories: 0
• Total fat: 0
• Trans fat: 0
• Protein: 0
• Cholesterol: 0
• Carbohydrates: 0
• Fiber: 0
• Sodium: 4.8 milligrams (mg)
• Total sugars: 0
• Added sugars: 0
• Magnesium: 4.8 mg
• Calcium: 24 mg
• Copper: 0.017 mg

Natural alkaline water, or spring water, that runs over rocks will pick up minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and calcium carbonate. Those minerals raise the water’s pH, creating alkaline water. Those minerals are necessary for many bodily functions, including those related to your heart, brain, muscles, and bones. 

Experts state that there are two types of alkaline water: natural from springs and chemically processed. Most bottled alkaline water that you can buy in stores is typically the former. The natural alkaline water is collected and then bottled, but the processed version goes through an ionizer, which uses electricity to add hydrogen to the water in order to yield a higher pH. Continue reading to learn about some of the potential health benefits of drinking alkaline water. 

May Prevent Bone Loss

The older you get, the more you have to worry about bone less, considering that osteoporosis affects about one in five women, and one in 20 men, over the age of 50. Osteoporosis can make bones brittle and more prone to fracture, especially in postmenopausal women. The body needs to maintain a blood pH between 7.35 and 7.45, and one way it does this is by releasing calcium into the bloodstream. That leaves less calcium for your bones. One way to replenish this calcium is by consuming calcium-rich foods, including alkaline water. In a study of 100 postmenopausal women who drank alkaline water daily for three months while taking calcium supplements. Researchers observed that, when combined with calcium supplementation, alkaline water provided some improvements in bone loss. 

May Aid Hydration Efforts

Drinking any kind of water is beneficial for everyone, regardless of athletic ability. Water is necessary to live! Athletes who fail to hydrate properly can experience muscle cramps, reduced coordination, and decreased athletic performance. In one small study, 12 male university students drank natural alkaline water for three days before intense physical activity. The results indicated that they were better hydrated than those who drank tap water. Some people consume more water if it is alkaline, and there is nothing wrong with drinking more water. Researchers agree that people should drink alkaline water if it increases your water intake. More research is necessary to determine if it hydrates more effectively than regular filtered water, though. 

May Offer Cancer Protection

Make sure to take this claim with the tiniest grain of salt. According to some studies, cancer cannot grow in alkaline environments. That has begged the question of whether or not an alkaline diet, which includes alkaline water, can make the body an uninhabitable environment for cancer. Unfortunately, the biggest problem with this theory is that alkaline water alone cannot change your blood’s pH. Drinking alkaline water, while a great way to hydrate, is unlikely to affect cancer cells. For this reason, more research is necessary to support this claim. Currently, research and medical professionals concur that food and water cannot change the body’s pH levels because it is a highly regulated system.

May Combat Acid Reflux

Alkaline substances can neutralize acid, so drinking alkaline water may combat symptoms of high acidity in the stomach, but not for long. Research shows that the contents of the stomach are very acidic. Consuming a product that helps reduce that acidity may provide temporary relief. In fact, it will only last for a short while, for example, a few minutes at best. Alkaline water may be dangerous when consumed with certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). For this reason, consult your healthcare professional before you combine alkaline water with any medications. 

Alkaline water has grown in popularity, but it is not a cure for various health conditions. More research is still necessary to prove that alkaline water exhibits the potential health benefits listed in this article. Just remember to stay hydrated, with alkaline or filtered water, if you want to keep the body as healthy as possible.

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