There’s something to be said about a home that has an enchanting smell. You walk in the door and a pleasant aroma greets your nostrils. All of a sudden, you feel a little pep in your step. Perhaps the aroma livens your senses, boosts your mood, or reminds you of a happy memory. This is the power of essential oils!

The fall season invites many pleasant aromas, from warm delectable pies to floral teas and falling leaves. Many scents like cinnamon, allspice, pumpkin, orange blossom, clove, and cypress come in essential oil form. Adding one or a blend of these oils to a diffuser can make your home smell like fall. Some of these oils exhibit powerful health benefits that may reduce headaches, relieve stress, and even boost mood. It’s also possible for some oils to help promote clearer breathing and decongestion.

Use A Cold Air Diffuser

If you have a diffuser that you enjoy, you don’t have to rush out and purchase a cold air diffuser. The reason that cold air diffusers are beneficial is that they don’t heat the oils. Because of this, essential oils remain intact and can still offer therapeutic benefits, which diminish after heating. Using a cold air diffuser, then, can allow you to reap the potential antiviral, antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties from various oils. Use the following diffuser blends to make your home smell like fall. 

Apple Pie

We don’t encourage the consumption of unhealthy baked goods during the holidays, but there’s nothing wrong with smelling them. Warm apple pie may be one of the best scents on the planet! Since there is no apple pie essential oil, you have use essential oils that offer warming scents. After inhaling this aroma blend, you’ll feel warm and fuzzy. 

Diffuser Blend: 

• 2 drops clove essential oil
• 1 drop nutmeg essential oil
• 2 drops ginger essential oil
• 2 drops cinnamon essential oil

Into The Woods

The brisk autumn weather and shorter days makes the indoors more appealing. Fall isn’t just about drinking hot chocolate or pumpkin spice lattes, though. It’s wonderful to take a walk in nature, admiring the changing leaves that paint the landscape beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows. Some of the best essential oils that are reminiscent of the outdoors include sandalwood, white fir, and cypress. These refreshing oils may even help to clear your sinuses!

Diffuser Blend:

• 4 drops cypress essential oil
• 2 drops white fir essential oil
• 2 drops sandalwood essential oil

Mulled Cider

Do you want to feel like you are bathing in a warm cup of mulled cider? If yes, this is the perfect diffuser blend for you! Break out this blend of oils for chilly days because the aroma is very warming and toasty. The combination of orange, cinnamon, and clove essential oils create a harmonious marriage of enchanting scents. If you aren’t a cider fan, then this blend is not for you. 

Diffuser Blend:

• 2 drops cinnamon essential oil
• 2 drops orange essential oil
• 1 drop clove essential oil

Cold Relief

Autumn is synonymous with cold and flu season, and more people spend time inside because of the colder weather. If one person amongst the crowd is sick or carrying a virus, it’s easy for them to spread it indoors. If you feel congested or need relief from a cold or flu, this blend can help you breathe easy. It contains powerful essential oils that have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. 

Diffuser Blend:

• 1 drop each eucalyptus, clove, cinnamon, and orange essential oils

Pumpkin Pie

Can fall exist without pumpkin pie? The answer is “no” in case you were unaware. You may not like to eat pumpkin pie, but you may enjoy the aroma. If that describes how you feel about pumpkin pie, this diffuser blend is for you. Let your home smell like a bakery when you add cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg essential oils to your diffuser. 

Diffuser Blend:

• 5 drops cinnamon essential oil
• 1 drop clove essential oil
• 1 drop nutmeg essential oil

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If there is a seasonal squash you should try during the fall, it is the kabocha squash. It looks like a squatty green pumpkin that has a bright orange flesh. Kabocha squash has a sweeter flavor, similar to butternut squash, and can absorb a variety of flavors. It goes great in soups and stews, but it is classically fried in tempura batter and served with a vegetable medley in Japanese cuisine. That’s not all it can do, though, as this recipe shows how you can transform the squash into crispy, spiced dehydrated chips. The chips deliver in the crispy category and have a robust flavor that keeps you coming back for more. And unlike packaged chips you buy in the store, you can eat these guilt-free.

Kabocha squash, much like sweet potatoes, is a great source of beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. A 2/3 cup serving of kabocha squash provides the following nutrient content:

• Calories: 30
• Fat: 0 grams (g)
• Fiber: 1.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 8.2 g
• Protein: 1.1 g
• Vitamin C: 9 milligrams (mg)
• Beta-carotene: 1,782 micrograms (mcg)

In order to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and promote optimal vision, the body needs vitamin A. Vitamin C may also help slow the progression of AMD, and people who consume a lot of vitamin C have a lower risk of cataracts. Some research indicates that beta-carotene, which is present in kabocha squash, may help prevent some cancers when consumed through food and not as a supplement. More studies are necessary in humans to confirm kabocha squash’s cancer-preventative properties. For now, enjoy the chips and you may benefit you eye health, immune function, and more.

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How do you ring in the season of pumpkin spice and Halloween candy? Do you head to pumpkin patches, go apple picking, or get in the fall spirit by decorating your home? However you enjoy the fall season, one thing is for certain: your mental health deserves attention as the weather changes. In the blink of an eye, the holidays will be here and stress levels will skyrocket. Making a point to devote time for self-care in the fall can greatly benefit you towards the end of the year. 

Why Do You Need Self-Care?

Stress is a natural part of life for everyone. Sometimes, stress is that little extra nudge you need to complete a project on time. There are a lot of negative stressors in your life, though, and you can’t avoid all of them. Self-care helps to counteract the negative effects of stress! Without self-care practices, stress can build up in your system, boiling over and wreaking havoc on your body. Stress goes beyond anxiety and mental exhaustion; rather, it can make you eat unhealthy or physically ill. 

Self-care is all the steps and actions you take to nourish you physical, mental, and emotional health. Exercise, talking with a friend, cleaning your house, soaking in a bath, getting a massage, or making a meal count as self-care practices. As the seasons change, it is nice to adapt your self-care practices. You don’t have to make extravagant changes, but it can be nice to embrace certain aspects of fall and incorporate them into your life. Read on to learn about some helpful self-care practices for fall. 

Embrace The Sunshine

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) impacts about one in every 20 American adults. The change of season, no matter if the weather transitions from warm to cold or cold to warm, triggers the condition. For those who suffer from this condition annually, it can be beneficial to embrace the sunshine whenever you get the chance. If you notice that your mood dips as the days get shorter and weather gets colder, go outside if the weather permits. You can also speak with your doctor about taking the right steps to treat SAD with light therapy. Many people find that this therapy greatly improves their mood and SAD symptoms. 

Savor A Warm Drink

Half the fun of colder weather is enjoying an amazingly soothing warm beverage. While we don’t encourage you to consume sugar-laden pumpkin spice lattes on the regular, and occasional one may bring you joy. Tea, coffee, cider, or cocoa are the classic hot beverages that seem to warm the soul. Maximize this self-care practice by taking the time to enjoy the beverage. Don’t simply gulp it down in the car while commuting; rather, take the time to sit, relax, and enjoy your drink. Listen to a podcast, read a book, or watch an episode of your favorite show with your hot drink. 

Spruce Up Your Space

A change of seasons is a great opportunity to give your space a thorough deep cleaning. Getting rid of unnecessary things can be difficult, but also very relieving in regards to stress. Put away the summery things and get out the fall and winter items you’ll use until the spring. Leaving your summer things in your house along with the fall things can create clutter, which can induce stress. Make sure to place your seasonal decorations in bins that you clearly label. Store them in a garage or shed, if that is a viable option, so that they aren’t cluttering up the inside of your home. 

Layer Up And Walk Outside

Before the temperatures become frigid, depending on where you live of course, enjoy the outdoors. You don’t have to venture into nature, although that is never discouraged, because a neighborhood stroll is enough to recharge the batteries. According to research, being outside while the sun is shining may help decrease symptoms of depression and boost levels of happiness. If the temperatures are chillier in the fall, dress yourself in some warmer layers that you can shed as your body warms up during the walk. Try to go on a 30-minute walk whenever you feel overwhelmed, and increase the benefits of this walk by talking to a loved one on the phone. 

Get Out Your Favorite Fall Clothes

Sweater weather is a thing, folks, and bundling up in a cozy sweater is like giving yourself a giant hug. Not only that, bundling up when it gets colder can feel quite soothing, almost as if you are receiving a giant hug. There is also value in wearing clothing that makes you feel good about yourself. Researchers say that wearing something you love triggers the release of dopamine, a hormone that ignites the reward center of your brain. There is even a #DopamineDressing trend with hundreds of thousands of posts on Instagram!

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Persimmons are the national fruit of Japan and are typically available between September and December. They are great sources of phosphorus, potassium, and vitamin C, which everyone could use more of during the fall and winter months. In this article, we’ll detail a few health benefits of persimmons and how to incorporate them into different recipes. 

There are two types of persimmon: Asian and American. Native Americans have harvested the American persimmon for centuries, eating them dried or baked into bread. American persimmons grow wild and are not cultivated like Japanese persimmons are. There are two types of Japanese persimmon: Hachiya and Fuyu. The former is acorn-shaped and astringent because of the high tannin content, while the latter is more tomato-shaped and non-astringent, so they can eat when underripe or ripe. 

Health Benefits

The persimmon exhibits an impressive nutritional profile, with high concentrations of beta-cryptoxanthin (an antioxidant compound) and potassium. Persimmons are also great sources of vitamin A, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, and more. Because of their vitamin A and antioxidant content, persimmons may benefit eye health by supporting functions that enable normal vision. Vitamin A also helps people see better in the dark and contributes to better immune function. 

The antioxidant content activity is extremely high in astringent persimmon varieties. That makes them a great addition to anyone’s diet, especially since antioxidants help fight oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Although the body produces its own antioxidants, obtaining more via dietary sources can help counteract the negative effects of free radicals. Additionally, researchers found that persimmons exhibited anti-inflammatory properties in various animal studies. Their antioxidant properties were able to reduce inflammation and tissue damage, but more human research is necessary. 

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information for a raw Japanese persimmon per 100 grams (g) is as follows:

• Calories: 70
• Protein: 0.58 g
• Fat: 0.19 g
• Carbohydrates: 18.59 g
• Fiber: 3.6 g
• Vitamin C: 7.5 milligrams (mg) 
• Vitamin A: 81 micrograms (mcg) of retinol activity equivalents (RAE)
• Phosphorus: 17 mg
• Calcium: 8 mg
• Beta-carotene: 253 mcg
• Iron: 150 mcg
• Beta-cryptoxanthin: 1447 mcg

As a quick note, the nutritional value for an American persimmon is very similar to that of the Japanese persimmon. There may be some variations, but they are more or less the same. Below, you’ll find eight different persimmon recipes, all of which are raw vegan, just in case you happen to be cleansing.

Persimmon Pomegranate Salsa

How do you make the most of persimmon season? You get creative, like incorporating them into this refreshing fall-inspired salsa!

Click here to make the recipe.

Spiced Persimmon Smoothie

The perfect fall smoothie has arrived! Embrace seasonal persimmons and spice them up with bananas, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.

Click here to make the recipe.

Dehydrated Persimmons

Enjoy an incredibly healthy snack with one of our favorite fall fruits: the mighty persimmon. They exhibit such a unique and delicious flavor!

Click here to make the recipe. 

Raw Vegan Persimmon Sorbet

Persimmon sorbet is easy to make and naturally sweet with a velvety texture. Not only does it look and taste good, but it’s also good for you.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Cranberry Persimmon Pomegranate Smoothie

Embrace some of fall’s most nutritionally diverse ingredients when you enjoy this refreshing cranberry persimmon pomegranate smoothie.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Perfect Persimmon Pudding

This raw vegan persimmon pudding is the perfect cinnamon-infused dessert or healthy snack to enjoy during the fall season.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Persimmon Pomegranate Mixed Green Salad

Let some of our favorite fall flavors entice your taste buds. You’ll fall in love with this seasonal persimmon pomegranate salad

Click here to make the recipe. 

Orange Carrot Persimmon Smoothie

Embrace some of the best fall flavors by sipping on this persimmon smoothie. It’s full of immune-boosting vitamins and minerals.

Click here to make the recipe.

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Autumn seems to arrive before summer is over. It’s almost as if people cannot wait to decorate with fall foliage and cinnamon-scented pine cones. Pumpkin-spiced everything appears and people are in full fall mode, dressing in beanies and scarves even if the weather is perfect for beach days. 

As most people learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, caring for overall health and optimizing immune function is of the utmost importance. With schools back in session, it’s more important than ever to maintain immune health. When the immune system operates at peak efficiency, it’s able to combat germs, viruses, or bacteria before they actually wreak havoc on the body. This can ultimately reduce the duration of illness or even fend off harsh symptoms.

For many people, it’s second nature to reach for vitamin C tablets, electrolyte powders, or other synthetics to enhance immune function. The average person doesn’t reach for fruits, vegetables, and herbs to keep the immune system in tip-top shape. Fall offers many beneficial produce items that improve immunity, and you can learn about them below. 

Pomegranates

One of fall’s best and most flavorful produce items, the pomegranate exhibits numerous health benefits. The Ancient Egyptians used pomegranates to treat infections, and incorporated them into other healing practices. According to several studies, the antioxidants in pomegranates help the body fight back against numerous viruses. Pomegranates are also rich sources of vitamin C, which boosts antibody production in immunity development.

Sweet Potatoes

The sweet potato, or yam, is a classic fall favorite that is a rich source of vitamins A & C. Sweet potatoes happen to be one of the best natural sources of beta-carotene, which is a plant-based compound that the body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A is an essential component of a healthy immune system. It helps to maintain mucous membranes in the gut, where the body is exposed to potential disease-causing pathogens. By promoting optimal gut health, vitamin A contributes to a healthier immune system.

Garlic

It’s hard to think of garlic as a seasonal produce item because it’s available throughout the year. Garlic happens to be one of the most common ingredients in global cuisine. Several studies found that raw garlic may significantly reduce blood pressure. Raw garlic also exhibits antibiotic and anti-fungal properties that may help combat viruses and bacteria. Processing destroys all of garlic’s health benefits, so using garlic powder or pre-minced garlic won’t benefit the body.

Grapes

Fresh grapes contain over 1,600 natural plant compounds, including a mixture of polyphenols and antioxidants. Both of these groups have proven their ability to protect cells from harmful pathogens. Grapes are also rich in resveratrol, which is a polyphenol that positively influences the immune system. One cup of raw grapes also satisfies 25% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, and supplies the body with 2.5 ounces of water. 

Pumpkins

Just like sweet potatoes, pumpkins are excellent sources of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Several studies found that vitamin A strengthens the immune system to help combat infections. Researchers found that people who have low levels of vitamin A or vitamin A deficiency tend to have weaker immune systems. Additionally, pumpkins contain a high amount of vitamin C, which works to increase white blood cell production. More white blood cells encourage immune cells to work more efficiently, healing wounds faster. 

Apples

There are so many apple varieties that arrive during fall. From Honeycrisp and Pink Lady to Jonagold and Granny Smith varieties, there’s no shortage of apples during fall. According to a 2015 stud y, people who consumed one apple daily used fewer prescription medications. Regularly consumption of apples supplies the body with lots of fiber, which can help reduce inflammation that’s common during infections. Additionally, apples contain khellin, which is a flavonoid that helps to open up airways and reduce respiratory symptoms, especially in asthma patients. 

There are other beneficial produce items to explore during fall, especially right before winter arrives. Keep your eyes out for the arrival of citrus fruits, which offer lots of vitamin C. Tangerines, blood oranges, lemons, key limes, grapefruit, and many other orange varieties are excellent immune-boosting fruits. Still need a little immunity boost? Consider the Dherbs Immune Booster Kit to help boost immune function.

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The days are getting shorter and the warmer clothes are emerging from the closet. Football games are on Sundays and pumpkin spice lattes are back. Fall is here, ladies and gentlemen, and so are some impressive seasonal produce items. Purchasing seasonal produce items is not only more affordable, but also much tastier and more nutritious. 

Why Buy Seasonally?

Purchasing seasonal produce is one of the freshest ways to eat. Some items are available year round, but the best time to eat them is when they are in season. If you can connect with local growers and farmers at farmer’s markets, that’s an even better way to get your produce. Plus, you may learn a bit more about the produce you purchase from them! Buying locally and seasonally means that your produce doesn’t have to travel far from where it was picked. Unlike out of season produce, seasonal produce does not require early picking for long travel and distribution. Seasonal produce has more time to ripen on the vine, which actually increases the nutritional content. 

Pears

Pears are available throughout the year, but the fall season yields a wider range of varieties and flavors. It’s important to pick pears while they are still firm and allow them to ripen on counter. Pears are what you call a hydrophilic food, meaning that they’re water-loving and fill you up quickly. According to nutritionists, the complex carbohydrate called pectin acts as a natural detoxifier. 

Green Beans

Many people enjoy green bean casserole as a classic fall dish, but you can create much healthier recipes using fresh green beans. They are great sources vitamin K and a significant amount of silicon, which is a mineral that supports healthy connective tissues and bones. The fiber content helps to smooth out the digestive process, while the phytonutrients help to fight free radicals in the body. 

Beets

Beets are edible from their bitter leafy tops down to the vibrantly crimson bulbous root. People either love or hate them, as they offer an earthy flavor. Red beets are the most popular varieties, but some stores and farmer’s markets carry other interesting varieties, including candy cane or golden beets. Beets are excellent sources of nitrates and may support healthy blood pressure levels. They also contain phytonutrients called betalains, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. 

Grapes

Grapes are available throughout the year, but the best and freshest flavors are available during the fall. Champagne grapes, concords, and other holiday varieties are abound! Grapes contain resveratrol, which is an anti-inflammatory compound that keeps the skin looking young. They also offer various antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Avoid wilted stems or wrinkled grapes in a bunch because the rest will soon follow suit. 

Brussels Sprouts

Some people might say that Brussels sprouts are misunderstood, while others understand them perfectly. Belonging to the cruciferous vegetable family, Brussels sprouts are excellent sources of vitamin K and organosulfur compounds, which have antioxidant properties that protect cells. During fall, you can often find Brussels sprouts on the stalk, and they are the freshest in that form. 

Persimmons

The persimmon is a delicacy from East Asia, but they have grown popular in recent years. These orange fruits look like smaller, yellowish tomatoes and they offer protective compounds like lycopene and beta-carotene. It’s important to only eat them when they are ripe, otherwise they have an unpleasantly tart flavor. Hachiya and Fuyu persimmons are the two varieties that grow in the U.S., and you can only buy them during fall. 

Cranberries

Fresh cranberries, not cranberry sauce or other sugary canned varieties, are only available for a limited time during the fall. Once they are gone, you don’t see them again until next fall. This holiday staple exhibits powerful phytonutrients, manganese, dietary fiber, and lots of vitamin C. According to several studies, they help to improve skin, eyesight, and may even lower bad cholesterol levels. Look for brightly colored berries and skip the bags that have shriveled or discolored berries. 

Okra

People think that okra only belongs in a deep fryer, but there are so many other ways to prepare it. Chefs worldwide use okra for its thickening properties. From gumbo and other stews to traditional Indian curries, okra is an amazing vegetable with an impressive nutritional profile. Okra pods contain vitamins C & K, lots of fiber, and folate. When shopping for okra, look for pods that are bright green, firm, and no longer than four inches. 

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As summer reaches its peak, gardens and markets overflow with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. These produce items are in their prime, and eating seasonally means that you are tasting the freshest items with the most nutrients. Not to mention, these produce items are often at the best prices. 

August is a great time to find fruits and vegetables that may not be in season for much longer. Get your hands on them while the gettin’s good for the final month of summer. You can enjoy crisp vegetables, juicy melons, and a variety of stone fruit. Incorporating seasonal produce items into your diet can not only enhance your meals, but also boost your health. What’s in season during August? Continue reading to learn about a variety of August’s best fruits and vegetables. 

August Fruits That Are In Season

Peaches

Nothing quite like a juicy, refreshing peach on a hot summer day. You can always differentiate a peach from a nectarine because the skin is slightly fuzzy. They come in yellow and white varieties and boast high amounts of vitamins A & C, fiber, antioxidants, and other plant compounds that support digestion and boost immune function. Eat them raw or add them to salads, smoothies, desserts, and more. 

Berries

Blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries are low-carb fruits that burst with intense flavor and nutrients. All berries are naturally rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, but they also offer vitamin K and fiber. Many research studies confirm that berries contain plant compounds that support brain health and aid inflammation reduction. Enjoy berries in their raw form, or add them to salads, jams, sauces, dressings, or yogurt. 

Mango

Take a trip to the tropics when you indulge in mangos this summer. Packed with lots of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins A & C, mangos may help support eye health and immune function. Mango is a great fruit to enjoy on its own, but spice things up by seasoning it with some chili powder and lime juice. You can also add mango to smoothies, salads, salsas, chutneys, and desserts. 

Kiwi

Coming in golden and green varieties, kiwis are small fruits that exhibit a slightly sweet and tart flavor. The green kiwis are a bit more sour than the golden ones. They exhibit an impressive vitamin C content, but also offer fiber, antioxidants, vitamin E, and other nutrients that work to enhance immune and digestive function. Slice and enjoy raw, or add to fruit salads, smoothies, and desserts. 

Papaya

With a sweet flavor and soft orange flesh, papaya is a beautiful fruit to enjoy this summer. If you can, get your hands on a Hawaiian papaya, as that type is much sweeter and more flavorful than the larger ones from Mexico. Papayas are naturally rich in vitamins A & C, in addition to papain, a powerful enzyme that benefits gut health. Eat papaya raw with a spoon (just remove the seeds), or add to desserts, puddings, smoothies, salads, and more. 

August Vegetables That Are In Season

Bell Peppers

Did you know that bell peppers contain more vitamin C than oranges? These green, yellow, orange, and red peppers are sweet summer veggies that offer impressive antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins A & C. Studies confirm that they help sustain eye health and enhance immune function. Enjoy them in salads, in stir-fry dishes, on sandwiches, roasted, or grilled. 

Green Beans

Tender, crisp, and highly refreshing with a subtly sweet flavor, green beans provide a lot of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Green beans have been known to boost eye health and enhance the digestive process. You can add them to salads, enjoy them as a snack, or steam, sauté, air-fry, or grill these nutritious summer veggies. 

Okra

One of the things that people dislike about okra is the slimy texture. That is also why people bread and fry this vegetable, which unfortunately makes it unhealthy. Make okra healthier by grilling it or sautéing it with a little olive oil, onion, and garlic. It is naturally rich in vitamins C & K, antioxidants, fiber, and other plant compounds that aid heart function. 

Spinach

Spinach is one of the most easily accessible leafy greens. Although you can typically find it in grocery stores year round, it is a summer vegetable. It has a mild, subtly sweet flavor and is rich in iron, magnesium, folate, vitamins A, C, & K, and valuable antioxidants. Some studies indicate that spinach offers anti-inflammatory properties and may protect eye health. Consume it raw in salads or smoothies, or sauté or steam spinach. You can even add it to soups or casseroles. 

Tomatoes

Although technically a fruit, tomatoes are typically associated with and used like vegetables. They come in various sizes, colors, and shapes, especially if you get heirloom varieties, which offer the best flavor. Tomatoes are naturally rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that benefits heart health and may reduce the risk of certain cancers. Enjoy tomatoes on sandwiches, in salads, soups, sauces, and roasted dishes, or snack on cherry tomatoes.

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With just four ingredients, this seasonal cherry smoothie is about to be your new summer favorite. It is creamy, raw vegan, and filled with more flavor than you can imagine. It is easy to prepare and what is most impressive about it is that it strikes a balance between the right amount of sweetness and texture. Rich in a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other micros and macros, this smoothie is a new favorite.

Depending on where you live and which stores you have access to, cherries may be available throughout the year, or during a few seasons. For the most part, summer is the season of cherries, in addition to other stone fruit, such as nectarines, apricots, peaches, and plums. Cherries exhibit a high antioxidant content, which is beneficial for fighting oxidative stress, which can increase the risk of chronic illnesses. Cherries are especially rich in polyphenols, a group of plant compounds that reduce inflammation, fight cellular damage, and promote overall health. One study found that a diet rich in polyphenols can protect against diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and cognitive decline.

Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, cherries may also improve symptoms of gout and arthritis. A systematic review from 2019 found that cherries may decrease uric acid levels in the body, making them useful for fighting gout flare-ups. A separate controlled study from 2023 found that a supplement of tart cherry taken for 12 weeks was able to lower inflammation in patients with gout. Due to their ability to reduce oxidative stress, cherries may suppress inflammatory proteins, which may reduce arthritic symptoms.

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Quick, easy, delectable, and perfect for summer, this sweet peach dressing is going to blow your taste buds away. With only five ingredients (olive oil, lemon juice, fresh peach, agave nectar, and sea salt), it is essentially summery goodness in a jar. We give it a rave review, but your palate will ultimately be the deciding judge. Can this dressing make it to the top of your summer dressings list? You’ll just have to make it and find out, but hurry before peaches are out of season!

Making a summer salad? This is the dressing you’ve been looking for. It also differs from other dressings, in that most do not blend fresh seasonal fruit into them. Because it contains fresh peach, the lifespan is not nearly as long as a store bought dressing. In fact, you have to use this dressing within three days of making it, and that’s even when you store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Because the dressing has fresh lemon juice, you want to use a peach that is ripe. Riper peaches offer a sweeter flavor, which balances the acidic nature of the lemon.

Once you prepare the ingredients, add all of them to a blender and blend until smooth. Ideally, peel the peach, as this will make for a more pleasant eating experience. You don’t have to peel the peach if that is too much work. Instead, you can blend the unpeeled peach cubes with the rest of the ingredients and strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve. That will get rid of any red peel flakes in the dressing.

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Cue the music because summer’s here and the time is right for juicing with some beets. Anyone? Sometimes, you run out of recipe ideas for homemade juices. What do you do in these situations? Perhaps you look up some recipes, searching for juices with ingredients you already have at home. When we need inspiration, we will try to make juices that focus on ingredients that are all the same color.

In the case of this recipe, we wanted to highlight red ingredients, many of which are in season. If you are familiar with our website, you know how much we emphasize using seasonal produce items. This recipe works because it contains simple ingredients that are nutrient-dense and perfectly balanced. It contains a nice blend of fruits and vegetables (well…fruits and vegetable), so the sweetness of the fruits balance the earthiness of the beet. This juice is hydrating, filling, and you can adjust the amount of beet you use if you are new to the world of beets.

Although you can use any mix of berries, we encourage you to use the red ones, such as strawberries, red currants, and raspberries. Just be mindful that currants can be quite sour, and so can the cherries if you pick them incorrectly. Any type of cherry works, but just remember to remove the pits and stems prior to juicing them. Can’t find cherries or they are too costly? Use a little more berries and watermelon!

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