Cashews are loaded with vitamins and minerals.  A handful of cashews can meet the RDA per day of manganese, potassium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium.  They help prevent macular generation, dermatitis and coronary artery disease, reduce the risk of sideroblastic anemia and help protect from numerous cancers.  Cashews are good sources of vitamins B1, B5 and B6, and contain small amounts of zea-xanthin, an important pigment flavonoid antioxidant.  The lemon in this dip helps purify the blood, aids in digestion by strongly supporting liver and bowel function, strengthens blood vessels, clears skin, and helps prevent cancer with 22 anti-cancer compounds.  Lemons are rich in the B-vitamins, as well as vitamins A, C and D, retinol, folate and folic acid.  Minerals found in lemon juice include calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, copper, zinc, manganese and selenium.  Basil contains powerful antioxidants, and has properties that reduce swelling and inflammation.  It also helps prevent aging.  Basil is rich in vitamins A, C and K, magnesium, iron, potassium, and calcium.  Dill weed prevents bacteria overgrowth, helps keep bones healthy and can help neutralize certain carcinogens found in cigarette smoke, charcoal grill smoke and the smoke produced by trash incinerators.  It is composed of two healthy components: monoterpenes and flavinoids. Dill weed is also high in calcium, with small amounts of vitamin C and manganese.  Onion powder can assist in meeting the RDA of calcium, potassium and magnesium.  Garlic powder acts as a helpful blood thinner, will help lower cholesterol and strengthens the immune system.

The cashew tree is a tropical evergreen that produces the cashew nut. Cashews are chock full of copper, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, and zinc. They are great sources of monounsaturated fats, which lower LDL cholesterol and are protective against cardiovascular disease. Studies show that people who consume cashews and other nuts are more likely to manage their weight.

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.

The lemon is a small evergreen tree native to Asia. The juice, pulp, and skin of the fruit are all used in cooking around the world. Though lemons have an acidic, tart taste – they are one of the strongest alkaline-forming foods. Lemon juice is a great way to help balance pH. Lemons are very high in Vitamin C and have a strong antioxidant and antibiotic effect.

Green onions, also called scallions or spring onions, are one of various Allium species, all of which have hollow green leaves, but which lack a fully developed root bulb. Because more of the leafy greens are present with green onions – they provide higher levels of dietary fiber than the more mature onion bulb. Green onions contain allicin, which decreases blood vessel stiffness and reduces total blood pressure. They also contain copper, iron, manganese, calcium, folates, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, B Vitamins, and are one of the richest sources of Vitamin K, which protects the brain from neuronal damage associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Basil, Thai basil, or sweet basil, is a common name for the culinary herb Ocimum basilicum of the family Lamiaceae. Basil is a very good source of Vitamin K. It is also high in manganese and copper, and has ample amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, folate, and iron. Basil is DNA-protective, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and good for cardiovascular health.

Dill is an annual herb in the celery family Apiaceae. It is the sole species of the genus Anethum. Dill contains vitamin C and manganese. It has antioxidants and protects against cancer and it helps prevent bone loss. Dill also contains volatile oils that act as anti-bacterial agents.

Onion powder is a spice made from dried, ground onions. Onions belong to the allium genus, it is the enzyme alliinase that makes you cry when you cut them. They are high in Vitamin C, and also contain Vitamin A, the B-complex, calcium, magnesium, potassium and traces of other minerals. Onions also contain the antioxidants selenium, quercitin, and glutathione.

Garlic powder is a spice that adds garlic flavor made from ground, dried garlic. 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.

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.