Just a quick mention

Dane county farmers market - Madison Wisconsin

Last Summer I had the opportunity to visit Madison Wisconsin - Much to my surprise, I was very impressed with what is called Lake City Lake because Madison is stuck right dab in between two lakes.

While visiting Madison I also got to see their farmers market set up right in down town Madison by the capital building. This summer Madison's Dane County farmers market has been rated number 1 in the country By Eating Well Magazine. Congrats to Madison and all the farmers there working hard to provide fresh wholesome fruits vegetables and other home grown foods for all to enjoy.

I recommend Madison as a city to visit as it's quaint uniqueness took me back to a much simpler time.

A very overlooked plant

Milk thistle ( Silybum marianum ) has been used since Greco-Roman times as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, particularly liver problems. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries physicians in the United States used milk thistle seeds to relieve congestion of the liver, spleen, and kidneys.
Today, several scientific studies suggest that active substances in milk thistle (particularly silymarin) protect the liver from damage caused by viruses, toxins, alcohol, and certain drugs such as acetaminophen (a common over the counter medication used for headaches (hangovers) and pain; acetaminophen, also called paracetamol, can cause liver damage if taken in large quantities or by people who drink alcohol regularly.)

Many professional herbalists recommend milk thistle extract for the prevention and/or treatment of various liver disorders including viral hepatitis, fatty liver associated with long term alcohol use, and liver damage from drugs and industrial toxins such as carbon tetrachloride.
I don't think it would have any affect if you dried it out and smoked it like some other plant we know of.

You are what you eat or don't eat

With the latest truth coming out of China about poisons in the food we eat, I for one am being more careful about what I put in my stomach. Before anyone quotes the “you could get killed crossing the street” thing. That’s all well and good but just in case you don’t get run down by an eighteen wheeler you may want to start eating what’s best for your body.

This time of year there are lots of farmers markets selling plenty of locally grown fruits and veggies. I try to frequent these as much as possible to get the best peppers, cantalope, corn on the cob etc etc.

Here is a partial list of Rich’s healthy diet secrets just in case you feel like feeling good.

What not to eat / drink
Cows milk – maybe moderate if any – in coffee

Fatty cuts of meat such as prime rib and steak - moderation again maybe once a year

Excess sugar products

Imported seafood

White bread

Most processed foods - these contain high amounts of sodium

Excess alcohol

Soda

All fried foods

Excess baked goods

What’s good to eat
Plenty of fruits and veggies

Substitute meat with turkey products such as turkey bacon, burgers good source of protein without as much fat

Whole grain bread

Pasta – in moderation - couple times a week is good

Yogurts

Plenty of water - The flavored seltzer water is a great treat and thirst quencher without any additives.

Fiber One Cereal – This is a great way to start the day. It gives you 51% of your daily fiber intake with just one bowl.

And let's not forget the Maine lobster or "Lobsta" as we say it here in Boston - this is always great with red bliss potatoes and corn on the cob.