Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients


Roasted Vegetables

* 2 lbs organic Roma tomatoes, cut in half and seeded
* 7 cloves garlic, peeled
* 2 medium yellow onion, cut into thick slices
* 3 Tbsps vegetable broth, preferably homemade, no salt added
* ¼ tsp salt (optional)
* ¼ tsp ground black pepper (optional)

Soup

* 28 ounces organic San Marzano tomatoes, BPA-free can, whole peeled
* 1 cup vegetable broth, preferably homemade, no salt added
* ½ cup plant-based milk, plain, unsweetened
* ½ cup basil, fresh
* 2 tsps oregano, dried
* ½ tsp salt (optional)
* ½ tsp ground black pepper (optional)
* ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

* Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
* In a large bowl, mix Roma tomatoes, onion and garlic with 3 Tbsp vegetable broth, salt, and pepper.
* Place tomatoes, garlic, and onion mixture on a large parchment-paper-lined baking sheet and spread out evenly.
* Bake for 40 minutes.
* While vegetables are cooking, add canned tomatoes, veggie broth, basil, oregano, and plant-based milk to a food processor.
* Blend for 1–2 minutes or until completely smooth.
* Once smooth, add this mixture to a large soup pot.
* When vegetables are done roasting, add them to the food processor and blend until smooth (about 2–4 minutes).
* Add the roasted veggie mixture to the soup pot, stirring it into the other tomato mixture.
* Bring the soup to a boil then simmer for 10–15 minutes.
* Add red pepper and more salt and pepper to taste, if using.


Chef’s Notes


Substitutions
While Roma tomatoes taste delicious in this soup, feel free to experiment with others that are available to you!

Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside the Citrus Salad in a Jar or the Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Onion & Tomato Pizza.

Layer it up
Top with cilantro or more basil.

Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Add whole roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower to the blended soup.

Sprinkle with dukkah seasoning.

Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nichole Dandrea-Russert, MS, RDN

🍄🌱 Meaty Mushroom Breakfast Patties (Oil-Free)

Makes: ~8 small patties
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

🧄 Ingredients
Protein & Texture Base:

1 cup cooked lentils (green or brown, not mushy)

¾ cup cooked short-grain brown rice or quinoa

½ cup rolled oats

1 cup finely chopped or shredded mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, or cremini)

Umami & Binding:

2 tablespoons chia seeds or ground flaxseed + 5 tablespoons water (let sit 10 min)

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

1 tablespoon miso paste (gluten-free chickpea or brown rice miso)

2 teaspoons tamari or coconut aminos

1 – 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Seasoning:

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

½ teaspoon sage or poultry seasoning

Salt to taste (miso + tamari add some salt already)

🧑‍🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare Flax/Chia Egg:

In a small bowl, mix chia seeds or ground flaxseed with water. Let sit for 10 minutes until thick and gelled.

2. Sauté the Mushrooms:

In a dry skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped mushrooms (no oil) for 5–7 minutes until they release all their moisture and begin to brown. Optional: Add a splash of tamari in the last minute for extra umami. Let cool slightly.

3. Process the Mixture:

In a food processor, combine:

Cooked lentils

Cooked rice or quinoa

Rolled oats

Sautéed mushrooms

Flax/chia mixture

Nutritional yeast

Miso paste, tamari, tomato paste, vinegar

All seasonings

Pulse until well combined but still textured. Do not over-process — you want it cohesive, not a paste.

4. Form Patties:

With damp hands, shape the mixture into small patties (~2–3 inches wide, ½-inch thick). You should get about 8.

5. Bake or Air-Fry (Oil-Free):

To Bake:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Place patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake for 12–15 minutes per side, flipping halfway, until firm and lightly browned.

To Air-Fry:

Preheat air fryer to 370°F (190°C).

Air-fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp on the outside and hot in the center.

🌟 Optional Enhancements:

1 tablespoon psyllium husk powder — for a firmer, chewier texture

1 teaspoon beet powder — for subtle color and sweetness

1–2 teaspoons mushroom powder — for deeper umami

🧊 Storage

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 4–5 days

Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (separate patties with parchment paper)

🥣 Serving Suggestions

On a gluten-free English muffin with avocado & tomato

Crumbled into a savory breakfast bowl or scramble

Alongside sautéed greens, roasted veggies, or hash browns.

RIC: Your Body’s Undiscovered Reset Button

How Remote Ischemic Conditioning Activates Healing, Burns Fat, and Protects Your Brain in 45 Minutes

Sept 27, 2025

Remote Ischemic Conditioning (RIC) is a simple yet powerful technique involving cycles of blood flow restriction to a limb that triggers systemic healing responses across the body. Backed by decades of research, this low-cost, non-invasive practice offers benefits rivaling those of intense exercise, supplements, and pharmaceuticals—improving cardiovascular health, cognitive performance, fat metabolism, and cellular resilience in just 45 minutes.

🔬 What Is Remote Ischemic Conditioning (RIC)?
Involves inflating a blood pressure cuff on one arm for 5 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of rest, repeated five times (5x5x5 protocol).

Temporarily restricts blood flow to induce beneficial stress (hormesis) and biochemical signaling throughout the body.

Originally used in hospitals for heart and brain protection during surgery—now being adapted for general health optimization.

⚙️ How RIC Works: The Science Behind It
Triggers cellular survival pathways (e.g. PI3K-Akt, MAPK) and mitochondrial efficiency (mitochondrial hormesis).

Enhances antioxidant defenses (e.g. superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase).

Increases release of nitric oxide, exosomes, microRNAs, and protective proteins into circulation.

Improves endothelial function, capillary density, and reduces systemic inflammation.

Alters gene expression to favor stress resistance and tissue repair.

🧠 Benefits to Brain and Cognitive Function
Boosts BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor)—supports neurogenesis and brain plasticity.

Improves executive function, memory, focus, and processing speed.

Protects against cognitive decline, stroke damage, and small vessel disease.

Increases cerebral blood flow and protects blood-brain barrier integrity.

❤️ Cardiovascular and Metabolic Benefits
Reduces heart damage during cardiac events by up to 30%.

Improves VO₂ max, endothelial health, and arterial flexibility.

Enhances insulin sensitivity, fat burning, and metabolic flexibility.

Promotes fat loss without exercise or dietary changes (e.g., 0.8% body fat loss in 2 weeks reported by one user).

🏋️‍♂️ Performance and Recovery Enhancement
Boosts endurance, power output, and recovery in athletes.

Reduces soreness and improves muscle resilience post-exercise.

Used by elite athletes and sports teams for legal performance enhancement.

🛠️ How to Do It: The RIC Protocol
Use a cuff inflated to ~200 mmHg (or 50 mmHg above systolic BP).

5 cycles: 5 minutes inflated, 5 minutes deflated (total time ~45 minutes).

Can be done while sitting, working, or watching TV.

Avoid if you have: peripheral vascular disease, blood clots, uncontrolled hypertension.

🌍 Accessibility and Real-World Impact
Effective for those who can’t exercise due to age, injury, or illness.

Elderly users show improved cognition and physical health after 6-month use.

Potential to democratize health—requires only a $20 cuff and consistency.

Zero recurring costs, minimal risk, and high compliance compared to exercise or medication.

💡 Why RIC Remains Underused
No profit motive—no drugs, no patented devices, no subscriptions.

Largely hidden in academic journals and elite circles.

Lack of marketing or medical promotion due to its simplicity and low cost.

✅ Conclusion: A Low-Tech Revolution in Health
RIC activates the body’s built-in pharmacy for healing and resilience.

Offers benefits across heart, brain, metabolism, and cellular health.

Safe, evidence-backed, and available to virtually anyone.

Represents a grassroots health revolution based on simplicity and self-empowerment.

Call to Action:
Try it with your doctor’s approval. Track it. Share it. RIC may be the most accessible and effective health optimization strategy you’ve never heard of.

You may sign up for a free subscription to Lies are Unbekoming. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription.


© 2025 Unbekoming
Sydney, Australia
Unsubscribe


*******
Key References on Remote Ischemic Conditioning

“Remote ischemic conditioning to protect against ischemia‑reperfusion injury: a systematic review and meta‑analysis”
— Analyzes randomized trials in cardiac surgery, percutaneous interventions, and vascular surgery to assess mortality, myocardial infarction, and biomarker outcomes.
PubMed

“Remote ischemic conditioning and cardioprotection: Mechanisms and clinical evidences”
— Reviews mechanisms (humoral, neural) and summarizes clinical trial results in cardiovascular settings.
PubMed

“Remote ischemic conditioning and cardioprotection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials”
— Pooled data showing reductions in troponin levels, major adverse events, and myocardial infarction incidence.
PubMed

“Remote Ischemic Conditioning: Its Benefits and Limitations”
— Editorial that discusses both positive findings and failures in translating results to certain patient populations (e.g. in cardiac surgery).
PubMed

“Remote ischemic conditioning enhances heart and brain antioxidant defense”
— Animal (rat) study showing that RIC transiently increases antioxidant enzyme levels in brain and heart tissue.
PMC

“Remote ischemic conditioning for stroke: A critical systematic review”
— Evaluates RIC application in cerebrovascular disease, including its promise, caveats, and need for better clinical trials.
PubMed

“Remote Ischemic Conditioning May Improve Disability and Cognition After Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial”
— Early human trial in stroke patients assessing safety, feasibility, and cognitive/functional outcomes.
PubMed

“Two weeks of remote ischemic conditioning improves brachial artery flow mediated dilation in chronic stroke survivors”
— Demonstrates that RIC improved endothelial function (FMD) in stroke survivors over a 2‑week protocol.
Physiology Journals

“Remote Ischemic Conditioning and Stroke Recovery”
— Review article on how RIC may contribute to neural repair and recovery post-stroke.
SAGE Journals

“Remote Ischemic Conditioning: Feasible and Potentially Beneficial for Ischemic Stroke” (Editorial, JAMA)
— A commentary on the feasibility and emerging promise of RIC in stroke care.
JAMA Network

“Remote ischemic conditioning reduces adverse events in patients with acute ischemic stroke complicating acute myocardial infarction: a randomized controlled trial”
— Clinical trial showing that RIC reduced complications in patients suffering both stroke and heart attack.
BioMed Central

REFERENCE URLs that you may  copy & paste in browser:

“Remote ischemic conditioning to protect against ischemia‑reperfusion injury: a systematic review and meta‑analysis”
PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22860077/
PubMed

Free full text (PMC): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3409156/
PMC

“Remote ischemic conditioning and cardioprotection: a systematic review and meta‑analysis of randomized clinical trials”
PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25653117/
PubMed

“Remote ischemic conditioning for stroke: A critical systematic review”
SAGE / PubMed (full text access via SAGE): https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/17474930231191082
SAGE Journals
+1

PubMed listing: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37466245/
PubMed

“Remote Ischemic Conditioning May Improve Disability and Cognition After Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial”
PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34526950/
PubMed

Full text via PMC / Frontiers: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8435589/
PMC

Frontiers version: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2021.663400/full
Frontiers

Sept 26, 2025 of Low-SOS Vegan Plan

(This blog began 3/15/2015)

MEDITATION:
* Nothing But Bible podcast

EXERCISE:
* Jog outdoors 5k
* PT APP workout
–lower body stretch/ strengthening

WATER:
(2) × (32) = 64 oz (+)

EATS:
* rolled oats, grapenuts, peach, blueberries, walnuts & splash of almond milk
* Meati brand breakfast patty on 9 grain sourdough toast w/ boysenberry jam
* Mongolian bbq veggies on whole wheat organic spaghetti noodles
* red grapes, air-popcorn & few jr mints

… SUN HAS SET …

* airfried corn tortilla strips w/ pico salsa

Cmmt: XL indicates uncommonly excessive food, and wautéed means water-sautéed

Vitamin B3 linked to lower skin cancer risk in new research findings

Comment:

Niacinamide is the same compound as nicotinamide, which is one of the two main active forms of vitamin B3 (the other being niacin, also called nicotinic acid). So if you buy a supplement labeled niacinamide or nicotinamide, you’re getting the same thing.

There are vegan sources:

🟢 Natural Vegan Sources of Vitamin B3 (Niacin/Nicotinamide):
Here’s a list of good plant-based sources of vitamin B3:

🌾 Whole Grains (especially enriched/fortified)
Brown rice

Whole wheat bread

Oats

Fortified breakfast cereals (check labels — many are enriched with B3)

🥜 Legumes and Nuts
Peanuts (very high in niacin)

Lentils

Chickpeas

Black beans

Soybeans and tofu

🌰 Seeds
Sunflower seeds

Chia seeds

Pumpkin seeds

🥦 Vegetables
Mushrooms (especially portobello and shiitake)

Sweet potatoes

Potatoes

Green peas

Avocados

Broccoli

🍌 Fruits (modest amounts)
Bananas

Dates

Mangoes

Tomatoes

🔁 Bonus: Tryptophan → Niacin Conversion
Your body can convert the amino acid tryptophan into niacin — but not very efficiently (about 60 mg of tryptophan makes 1 mg of niacin).

Good vegan sources of tryptophan:

Soy products (tofu, tempeh)

Pumpkin seeds

Oats

Chia seeds

Bananas

So, a high-protein vegan diet can help support niacin levels this way too.

https://www.foxnews.com/health/common-vitamin-shown-slash-skin-cancer-risk-some-groups-study-suggests

Sept 25, 2025 of Low-SOS Vegan Plan

(This blog began 3/15/2015)

MEDITATION:
* Nothing But Bible podcast

EXERCISE:
* PT APP workout
–lower body stretch/ strengthening
* Walk 20 minutes about campus, up/down stairs
* Standing lecture 2.5 hours

WATER:
(2) × (32) = 64 oz (+)

EATS:
* gfo smoothie (greens, fruit, oats)
* grilled plate (bell peppers, squash, mushrooms, onion) black beans, Mexican brown rice, non-gmo corn, whole wheat pita bread
* 3-2-1 Confetti Salad w/ sauerkraut
* red grapes
* Farmer Boy veggie burger w/o sauce, but add avocado & mustard, lettuce, tomato (patty made from sweet potatoes, carrots, zucchini, onions, celery, spinach &  sunflower seeds)

… SUN HAS SET …

* fresh peach

Cmmt: XL indicates uncommonly excessive food, and wautéed means water-sautéed

Tylenol faces fresh backlash as historic tweet advising pregnant women not to take drug is discovered – after Trump links it to autism

Tylenol has come under fresh scrutiny after a 2017 post resurfaced in which the brand appeared to warn pregnant women against using its products.

The tweet, now being widely shared, stated: ‘We actually don’t recommend taking any of our products while pregnant.’

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-15132597/tweet-2017-Tylenol-warning-pregnant-women-Trump-autism.html

Easy Vegan Veggie Pizza with No Knead Crust

Ingredients

No Knead Crust:
▢1 tsp active yeast
▢1/2 cup warm water
▢1 tbsp flour
▢1 1/4 cup flour, unbleached white or a combination of white and whole wheat
▢1/3 tsp salt
▢1 tsp olive oil
▢1/2 tsp dried oregano , or other herbs
▢1/4 tsp garlic powder, optional
Pizza toppings
▢Red Pizza sauce of choice
▢Sliced bell pepper
▢Sliced red onion
▢thinly sliced white mushrooms
▢sliced zucchini or other sliced veggies of choice
▢sliced kalamata olives
▢2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
▢1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
▢fresh basil
▢vegan parmesan
▢Or use any of my other homemade cheeses like cheddar, feta etc
▢pepper flakes

Instructions

In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast and 1 tbsp flour. Let it sit for a few minutes to activate.

Add 1 cup flour, salt, herbs and garlic and olive oil and mix in. Add another 3 tbsp flour and mix in.

Get your hands in there to mix and knead for a few seconds into a soft slightly sticky dough.. Add another tbsp flour if needed.

Gather the dough into a ball and let it sit for 15 minutes in a warm place.

Add a 1/2 tsp oil over the dough and spread with your hands. Gather the dough into a ball and place on parchment lined sheet.

Use a bit of flour to spread the dough into a 13 to 14 inch size oval. Spread it depending on on how thick or thin you want the crust to be. Keep the edges thicker than the center (see video). Let it sit for a few minutes.

Preheat the oven to 435 degrees F / 220ºc.

Spread the pizza sauce on the crust. Distribute the sliced veggies, mushrooms and olives evenly.

Mix chopped garlic with 1/2 tsp of [seasoned liquid, instead of oil] and a pinch of salt and oregano. Sprinkle over the pizza.
Sprinkle salt over the veggies.

Sprinkle meltable vegan cheese on the veggies if using at this point.

Bake the pizza for 17 to 18 minutes or until golden on the edges.

Sprinkle vegan parm of choice, chopped fresh basil, and pepper flakes.

Slice and serve!

vegan roasted vegetable pizza (aka – my take on my favorite amy’s pizza!)

Description
made an at-home version of my favorite amy’s roasted vegetable pizza. coming together in just about 30 minutes, it’s a perfect dairy-free, meatless dinner option for busy weeknights!

Ingredients


For the Sweet Onion Sauce:

2 large onions, roughly chopped
2 tablespoon olive oil [don’t sauté…wauté!]
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Salt & pepper
2/3 cup water


For the Pizza:

1 lb fresh whole wheat pizza dough (store-bought works, or see below for a homemade recipe!)
1 jar of marinated artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
1 jar of roasted red peppers, roughly chopped
3.2 oz container of shiitake mushrooms, sliced thin
1–2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoon olive oil
Fresh herbs (such as basil), minced
1–2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

For the Whole Wheat Pizza Crust (for the bread machine):

2 cup white whole wheat flour
1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2/3 cup warm water


Instructions


Preheat oven to 400 degrees F


While the oven preheats, make the sweet onion sauce. 

Place a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add olive oil, allowing it to heat for 1 minute, then adding onions, brown sugar and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. 

Cook on medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, (stirring occasionally for even caramelization), then add water to the pan to deglaze, cooking another 10-12 minutes or until all the water has evaporated. 

Remove mixture from the pan and transfer to a food processor, processing until mostly smooth.


In the same pan you cooked the onions, add a teaspoon or two more of olive oil and sauté the garlic over medium-low heat until just fragrant (30 seconds – 1 minute) then add the mushrooms, sautéing until just tender (~2-3 minutes).


Roll out the pizza dough to desired thickness then add to a lightly greased pizza pan (a baking sheet also works, it doesn’t have to be round!).


Top pizza dough with sweet onion sauce followed by mushrooms, roughly chopped roasted red peppers, and roughly chopped artichoke hearts (note that you may not use all the vegetables – add as much or as little as you prefer).


Bake for ~20 minutes or until crust is golden brown


Remove from the oven, drizzle with balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of fresh herbs and serve!


Whole Wheat Pizza Crust (for the bread machine):

Add ingredients in order listed and place bread machine on “pizza dough” cycle.  Remove, roll out and top

https://caitsplate.com/vegan-roasted-vegetable-pizza/