Asheville Blog Your Source for all things Asheville

Maybe you’ve suffered from stiff joints in the morning or wished you didn’t have knee pain when walking up and down stairs.  Well, it probably won’t surprise you that there are some foods that could be contributing to your aches, but can you name some that will actually reduce pain?  Below, I’ve listed several beneficial foods that have been shown to reduce arthritis pain.  But let’s not think of this as a diet.  If you know me, you know that I dislike the term; “diet” because I think it places an importance on temporary guidelines to achieving a short-term goal.  I also think diets tend to be in opposition of our typical lifestyles; as if we are punishing ourselves for the poor foods we have come to love.  Instead, I recommend you begin to learn as much about health and healthy food choices as you can, then start to add one or two vegetables/fruits/herbs to your typical routine (continue adding more healthy foods instead of focusing on cutting out unhealthy).  Introducing more whole foods will provide your body with many complex nutritional benefits that will be more easily absorbed and utilized by the body then would a supplement.  Vitamin and mineral supplements can help …

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Yesterday someone asked me the question:"What is your favorite beer?"How in the world does someone answer that question? I guess a lot of people have a go-to beer or a favorite style. For me it seemed like trying to pick a favorite child. I thought abo...

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There is one small problem with declaring The Best Beer in Asheville. It is that the next time you have something as delicious you feel as though you are cheating on the other beer.I didn't mean to, Heresy Brown. It just happened. I'm sorry. Last summe...

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Grains have been a staple in the American Diets for centuries.  In fact, one of the most commonly consumed foods involved in every meal is bread. But if we have been eating it for so long, the question is, why should we stop?  Well, the fact of the matter is, we really haven’t been eating grains for all that long in history.  Even though grain residue has been found on the teeth of our ancestors thousands of years ago (which is notably marked with a decrease in dental health), industrialization of grains is a relatively new concept.  Our ancestors use to soak, sprout, and ferment these grains and seeds before consumption (which activates enzymes to break down toxins – more on this below).  Nowadays, we have machines that separate and refine the grains, stripping important nutrients out and leaving us with individualized pieces of the grain anatomy (bran, endosperm, germ).  The bran and germ contain the highest levels of nutrients and fiber in the grain. This is where it gets tricky, which is better for us whole grain or whole wheat? Well, whole grain (entire grain) has more nutrients (B vitamins and fiber) and has a less dramatic “sugar spike” …

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You enjoy them! Tar and Rosin has an energy like I haven’t seen in a band for awhile. These folks have wisdom and cadence in their playing that makes you want to get rowdy! With a fiddle, banjo, gee-tar, and wash board, along with collaborations, Tar and Rosin will get your body moving as you order another local brew. Based out of Des Moines, IA at the moment, this mutlicultural band loves Asheville so much, they’re thinking about moving here! If you love a fast string sound, with the passion of a unionist from the 30’s, check out Tar and Rosin. The name of their CD says You Can’t Get There From Here, but if you’re listening while drinking whiskey, you will get there, and you’ll enjoy every minute. They played at a variety of venues around town, including the Westville pub and Highland Brewing Company, while they were here. The band is in Eastern North Carolina right now. They’re headed on up the east coast, but I’ll put money on them coming back here as soon as they can. Just some words of warning: Don’t invite them back to stay the night at your place, and DO NOT call …

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