Upon recently learning that grains can me made alkaline by simply cooking them with a thumb-sized piece of kombu, I was THRILLED! EXCITED! EXHILARATED! ENTHRALLED! So much so, I thought I would share these two quick, fun, super easy tips with you, Happies.
I’ve already written about the benefits of an alkalizing diet, but if you haven’t had a chance to catch up on that post yet, here’s the Cheat Notes:
– Health-wise, it’s a clever thing to do. Your gut will thank you.
– Highly acidic foods (AKA pretty much everything in the MWD (Modern Western Diet)) tend to create an environment where yeast, bacteria and viruses flourish. The result? Candida, sickness and disease.
– Your energy levels will bounce back up to happy levels, and you’ll look amazing as a result. True story.
So, now I’ve sold you on the whole alkaline argument, allow me to share these two super ingredients that will change your life forever.
1. KOMBU
This clever little sea vegetable has the ability to infuse food with its alkalizing minerals, iodine, and iron. Simply add a thumb-sized piece of dried kombu to your grains, soups, sauces and legumes during cooking, and hooray, no more acidity in your system. Awesome.
Another note-worthy point to make is that kombu also breaks down the gaseous properties in legumes. So, if you find that eating beans and lentils sends you tooting all the way to the loo, save the embarrassment by adding the sea vegetable. It’s SO WORTH IT!
2. BURDOCK
Root vegetables are great for when you’re feeling completely ungrounded. They’re ‘grounding’ vegetables as they literally dig into the ground as they grow. They’re also known to provide high levels of vitamin A, beta-carotene, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Or, in general speak protect your cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, enhance the functioning of your immune system, AND help your reproductive system work efficiently. To name a few.
Old mate Burdock does all of the above, as well as cleanse your blood and strengthen your intestines. Highly alkalizing, this vege is great in everything from stews, to roasting with coconut oil, herbs, and spices, or braised Japanese style with sesame seeds, mirin, soy, and carrot. It’s also a brilliant way to reduce sugar cravings. Seriously.
Stay Happy,
Yaz xx
The Happiness Cocktail 
Yaz- you have the best stuff!!
I’m trying to be a good alkalizer!! Need this Kombu magic.
I’ve never ever been face to face with a burdock vegetable (I thought burdock was a leaf – like burdock leaves on nettles!)
have you seen burdock in another form to add to diet (ie powder, dried?? )
Thanks so much! Burdock can be found at most good Asian grocers, but you can also get it in a powdered form and have it as a tea. If you find it can you share the love on the suppliers in Aus? Yxx
Ill be hunting down Kombu at the weekend- so will report back on the burdock situation!!