A popular vegetable in the south, okra is a hearty ingredient in autumn cuisine. Many people eat it for its deliciously distinct flavor, but it also provides essential protein, fiber, calcium, and many vitamins. Get a taste of this southern super-food with this zesty N'awlins Stew, featuring this super-food. It's packed with healthy ingredients and intense seasonings to keep you satisfied.

Ingredients:

1 1/4 lbs. tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1 1/4 lbs. okra, stem ends trimmed off
1 large purple onion, coarsely chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 large cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. cajun seasoning
1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. dried marjoram
1/4 tsp. fennel seeds, crushed in a mortar & pestle
1/2 tsp. salt (or to taste)
black pepper (to taste)
2 cups water
2 Tbs. cornstarch
2 Tbs. water

Directions:

1. Combine tomatoes, okra, onion, bell pepper, garlic, cajun seasoning, thyme, oregano, marjoram, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper in a large, deep skillet or wok.
2. Pour the water in and cook over high heat, stirring frequently for 7-10 minutes or until the okra feels tender when gently pierced with a fork.
3. Combine cornstarch and water in a small bowl or cup and stir thoroughly to make a smooth, runny paste. Add the paste to bubbling okra stew a little at a time, stirring constantly, until thickened to desired consistency.
4. Adjust seasonings if needed.

For this and other great veg recipes, visit www.VegParadise.com!

Fall starts this weekend, and you have no idea where to get high-quality, stylish boots that are cruelty-free? Check out Ragazzi Vegan Footwear with an extensive selection of boots, sandals, and faux suede shoes.  They boast affordable prices and fashionable ethics, proving that non-leather shoes are both comfortable and trendy! Their mission is to promote the “ethics of wearing” by providing footwear without animal ingredients and made by workers who are respected and treated fairly.

Ragazzi Vegan realizes that what you wear makes just as much of a statement as what you eat… that’s why many vegetarians and vegans also support cruelty-free clothing, shoes, cosmetics, cleaning products, and more. By choosing ethical work environments, Ragazzi Vegan's compassionate customers are happy to support them.

For more information about their footwear, visit www.RagazziVegan.com!

New research suggests that people who try to prevent heart disease by taking antioxidants in pill form may be throwing away their money. A study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that supplements containing vitamins C and E, and beta carotene, offer no heart benefit to women at risk of cardiovascular disease. Foods containing those antioxidants, on the other hand, have been found to reduce heart risk.

Antioxidants are substances found in plant foods that help our bodies ward off long-term deterioration and disease. They prevent free radicals, which place stress on healthy cells. Free radicals contribute to a variety of conditions including heart disease, cancer, and cognitive impairment resulting in Alzheimer's.

The study examined more than 8,000 women above the age of 40 who were at high risk of heart disease. Divided into groups, some received vitamins C and E and beta carotene in regular doses, and others took placebo substitutes for at least one of those supplements. The women were then followed for nine years, and the heart results for all groups were the same. But less than a year ago, the Journal of Nutrition found that people who ate fruits and vegetables containing the same antioxidants had decreased their risk of heart disease.

To read the full article, click here!

Margaret Morin has never been able to turn her back on injustice. After learning about the shocking reality of factory farming fifteen years ago, she made the decision to no longer contribute to such cruelty. She immediately went vegetarian and shortly thereafter, she adopted a vegan lifestyle.

Since then, Margaret has been increasing awareness about the animal abuse in our society. In early 2007, she formed the Vegetarian Network of Dallas, an animal advocacy organization working to educate the public about animal abuse, such as factory farming, and eliminate it wherever and whenever possible. By working with other like-minded individuals, Margaret plans to expand the group to provide a more powerful voice for the animals. They work with the motto, “Stronger Together!”

The Vegetarian Network of Dallas will be participating in World Farm Animals Day in October to speak out on behalf of the 50 billion animals worldwide who die each year for food.

To learn more about the Vegetarian Network of Dallas, visit www.vegnod.com.
To join the Vegetarian Network of Dallas e-list, click here!

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