Garlic helps prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia, protects against cell damage and aging, has been shown to protect against organ damage from heavy metal toxicity, aids in digestion and elimination of wastes from the body, purifies the bloodstream and remedies stomach inflammation.  It is one of the richest sources of potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and selenium.  Nutritional yeast helps balance symptoms of PMS, mood changes and irritability, and minimizes depression, insomnia and trembling. It’s an amazing source of complete protein.  The B vitamins can also improve skin, nails and hair, and memory.  It’s rich in the B-complex vitamins, zinc, magnesium, manganese and copper.  Raw apple cider vinegar is a wonder tonic with numerous benefits.  It’s full of pectin, which can help relieve spasms inside the intestines, and the acetic acid can potentially lower cholesterol.  It prevents indigestion, increases metabolism, acts as an antidote to lactic acid buildup and gets rid of nighttime leg cramps, along with countless other health-improving benefits.

Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from cider or apple must. Apple cider vinegar’s main ingredient is acetic acid, which has strong anti-microbial effects. Studies show that Apple cider vinegar helps with weight loss, blood sugar management, and heart health. Eating apple cider vinegar with protein-containing meals can aide in the digestion of protein.

Water is a transparent fluid which forms the world’s streams, lakes, oceans and rain, and is the major constituent of the fluids of living things. Water is essential for human health, but the proper source and amount varies from person to person and within a person over time. All human cells and systems require water, so it’s essential to keep hydrated.

Tamari sauce is a type of soy sauce made from a fermented paste of boiled soybeans, roasted grain, brine, and Aspergillus oryzae or Aspergillus sojae molds. Since tamari is a fermented soy food is has medicinal and nutritional properties while avoiding the problems associated with unfermented soy foods. Scientists note the high concentration of “brown pigment” in tamari, because of its strong antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Tamari aids in the digestion of grains and vegetables while being rich in minerals. It is also often wheat and gluten free.

Yeasts are eukaryotic microorganisms classified in the kingdom Fungi, with 1,500 species currently described. Yeast has many uses in cooking and baking, especially in leavening. Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast, often a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is sold commercially as a food product. Yeast is a great source of B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12 – yeast is one of the only vegetarian sources of vitamin B12. Nutritional yeast is a great way for vegetarians and vegans to up their mineral and B vitamin content.

Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Garlic is a powerful anti-fungal agent and has been used traditionally to ward off sickness and infection. Studies show that garlic reduces cholesterol production, reduces blood pressure, and is preventive against stomach cancer.

Virgin olive oil is olive oil that hasn’t been processed. Olive oil is a fat obtained from the olive, a traditional tree crop of the Mediterranean Basin. Olive oil is an excellent source of monounsaturated fatty acids, essential to heart and nerve health. Olive oil is rich in vitamin E. Olive oil, especially extra virgin, contains tyrosol phenolic compounds such as oleuropein and oleocanthal. These compounds are responsible for its bitter, and pungent taste. Oleocanthal, oleurpein, and its derivative hydroxytyrosol are powerful antioxidants. They play a vital role fighting against cancer, inflammation, coronary artery disease, degenerative nerve diseases, diabetes and more.

Sea salt is a mineral substance composed primarily of sodium chloride, derived from seawater. Salt provides sodium, which is absolutely essential for cell function and human life itself. The average American diet contains far too much salt, making this ingredient a good one to avoid if you are uncertain how much you are getting in your food. Over-intake of sodium is a cause of many health problems, including cardiovascular disease. Sea salt contains other crucial trace minerals and is a healthy food consumed in moderation.

The Dr. Weil Umami Sauce is great to keep around for just about anything. Drizzle over steamed veggies, fish, rice, salads or even spread on a sandwich in place of mayo. It’s loaded with manganese, and has wonderful blood cleansing effects with the heavy garlic presence. The Dr. Weil Umami Sauce won’t clog your arteries like mayo and isn’t laden with salt and eggs, unlike mayo. It’s a cinch to make in the Vitamix or Blendtec — just throw everything in and blend. Dr. Weil’s Umami Sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, though it probably won’t be around to last that long. Best of all, it’s very inexpensive to make at under $5 for an entire batch!