Do you suffer from crow’s feet, dark circles, or puffy bags under the eyes? Even if you hydrate throughout the day, those pesky bags show up the morning after. Sometimes, you just don’t get the sleep you need and you wake up looking like a zombie. Whatever the reason, puffy eyes and dark circles are not welcome and we have a great cooling face mask to help get rid of them. 

Don’t you just love getting food on your face? Sorry, let’s rephrase that. Don’t you love putting food on your face because it has healing properties that can improve the health of your skin? You don’t need a lot of food; rather, a cucumber, coconut oil, and some aloe vera will do the trick! If you want to get fancy and take things up a notch, add a few drops of carrot seed essential oil to help regenerate and renew the skin under your eyes. 

Unlike other face masks that we’ve posted in the past, this face mask is not a concoction that you lather on your face. After blending the ingredients together to form a smooth cream, you transfer the mixture to an ice tray and freeze. When your eyes are puffy, pop out a cube, apply all around the eye area, leave on for 10-15 minutes, and then rinse away. It’s so refreshing and cooling!

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains small- and medium-chain fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and enhance circulation. Both of those abilities make coconut oil an excellent ingredient for under-eye care, because the skin under the eyes is prone to puffiness and dark circles. The skin under the eyes becomes thinner as you age, making the blood vessels more visible, which explains the darkness that you see. Coconut oil works to strengthen the skin barrier, making those blood vessels less prominent. Additionally, coconut oil may help accelerate cell regeneration, leading to a quicker replacement of damaged skin cells with new, healthy ones.

Cucumber

One study found that cucumbers work to soothe the skin and reduce the appearance of swelling. Due to their water content, cucumbers help to replenish dry skin. Some research indicates that cooled cucumbers can help reduce inflammation and offer vasoconstriction to vessels in the eye area. Vasoconstriction helps to drive fluid away from the eye area, which helps reduce the appearance of puffiness and bags.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is highly beneficial for the skin, and is often used around the eyes to help relieve swelling, moisturize dry skin, and relieve redness. It may also help to repair damaged skin and treat sunburned skin. According to research, aloe vera contains nutrients (zinc, magnesium, potassium, and selenium), which offer antioxidant benefits. Antioxidants help repair damaged cells, which works to strengthen the skin and repair damage. Aloe vera also contains enzymes and fatty acids that help reduce inflammation. The amino acids may help reduce puffiness or general redness. Finally, aloe vera offers moisturizing properties that may help reduce irritation and inflammation. 

DIY Cooling Cucumber Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil
• 1/4 cup aloe vera gel
• 8 drops carrot seed essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. 
• Transfer the mixture to an ice cube tray (preferably made of silicone for easy removal) and place in the freezer until frozen. 
• When ready, pop out one cube, apply to the eye area, and leave on for 10-15 minutes. If you added carrot seed essential oil to the face mask, make sure not to get it in your eyes, otherwise they will burn.
• Rinse with lukewarm water and pat your face gently to dry.

SHARE:

The post DIY Cooling Cucumber Face Mask appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

No dairy, no problem. Say hello to your new favorite raw vegan condiment for salads, zoodle dishes, soups, and whatever else you can think of. Raw vegan hemp seed parmesan cheese is made by pulsing raw hemp seeds, nutritional yeast, and other of herbs and spices together in a food processor. This non-dairy cheese alternative exhibits that signature cheesy, nutty flavor that real parmesan offers. That makes this an extremely popular choice among vegans and raw vegans alike. It’s a great source of protein, healthy fats, and essential minerals, too!

Hemp seeds, or hemp hearts, contain a lot of health fats, specifically omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These healthy fats play a role in improving brain function, heart health, and inflammation reduction. In fact, studies show that hemp seeds contain dietary fiber, which aids healthy digestion and weight management. Fiber works to regulate blood sugar levels, bowel movements, and aids in promoting feelings of fullness. Hemp seeds are also excellent sources of protein, providing all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own.

The good news about this recipe is that it is very difficult to mess up. You don’t need to remember too many things, except for the fact that you don’t want to over-blend the ingredients. Everything should break down and come together in about 15 pulses. If you over-blend the ingredients, you will end up with flavored hemp seed butter, which is not the outcome you want. If you try the raw vegan parmesan and want to add more seasonings, go for it!

SHARE:

The post Nut-Free Raw Vegan Parmesan Cheese appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Sweet and savory, creamy and filled with nutrients, this golden turmeric salad dressing is about to be a staple in your dressing rotation. What sets this dressing apart from the rest is the use of the entire lemon fruit. You aren’t just juicing half a lemon and adding it to the blender. Once you remove the seeds and skin, you blend the fruit with the rest of the dressing ingredients. It’s truly a game changer for dressings and brings the zesty citrus flavor to forefront.

Turmeric is an amazing spice that you typically see in wellness shots or curries. Not only is it an amazing spice that exhibits wonderful color, but it also offers many health properties. The primary compound responsible for turmeric’s health properties is curcumin. Researchers note that curcumin offers anti-inflammatory properties that may improve brain, lung, immune, and immune function. Not to mention, several studies indicate that curcumin may even help fight cancer!

The ingredient you may be surprised to see in this dressing is hemp seeds. These nutritional superstars are complete protein sources, meaning they have all 20 amino acids, nine essential and two semi-essential amino acids. Hemp seeds have the highest amount of Edestin protein in the world. The body cannot produce these amino acids on its own, so you have to obtain them via food sources. Additionally, hemp seeds are naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. That makes this dressing a nutritional powerhouse!

SHARE:

The post Golden Turmeric Salad Dressing appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Tikka masala is a dish that typically contains roasted marinated chicken cubes in an aromatic and highly flavorful sauce. The complexity of the sauce seems almost impossible to attain in your own kitchen, but all you need are a few key ingredients. This sauce is usually cream and orange in color and Indian cooks who moved to England popularized the dish. Now, it is a staple on most Indian restaurant menus, but there are about 48 variations for the sauce.

Although sauce recipes may vary, they usually contain tomatoes, coconut milk, garlic, onions, and a masala spice mix. The color turns orange when you include ingredients like turmeric, paprika, and tomato paste. While the sauce deserves high praise, the featured protein in this recipe is no slouch in the nutritional department. Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, have been grown and eaten in Middle Eastern countries for thousands of years. They are rich in fiber, protein, magnesium, phosphorus, healthy fats, folate, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, and manganese.

Chickpeas do a great job at making you feel full because the protein and fiber work to slow digestion. This process promotes feelings of fullness and may increase levels of appetite-reducing hormones in the body. Protein is also essential for weight management, bone health, and muscle strength. Some studies even found that the quality of protein in chickpeas is superior to the protein from other legumes. That is because chickpeas contain all of the essential amino acids, except methionine.

SHARE:

The post The Best Chickpea Masala appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Cellulite can affect everyone, but it disproportionately affects women. According to health surveys, a whopping 90% of women and a mere 10% of men, mostly in industrial nations, experience cellulite. The reason that more women develop cellulite is because estrogens starts to decrease as they enter menopause. Estrogen has an impact on blood vessels and as it declines, you lose receptors in blood vessels and thighs. The decreased circulation means that these areas receive less oxygen and nutrition, explaining the signature dimpled skin look of cellulite. 

What Is Cellulite?

You know when you have cellulite because your skin looks like the moon’s surface. It most commonly occurs in the thigh region and forms when fatty tissues deep in the skin push up against connective tissues. Cellulite tends to develop on the thighs because they have more fatty tissues than other areas of the body. Other factors that increase the chances of developing cellulite include tissue inflammation, loss of collagen, poor lymphatic drainage, age, poor circulation, and thinning epidermis. It also seems that diet, hormones, lifestyle, and genetics factor into whether or not you’ll develop cellulite. 

Below, there are several natural remedies that may help get rid of cellulite. Experts agree that these natural remedies aid with balancing the connective tissue and fat in the body. Quick fixes can seem like attractive solutions to the problem, but things like liposuction are not effective treatments for cellulite or saggy or loose skin. Consider experimenting with the following remedies to help address the problem. 

Eat More Collagen

The connective tissue, including layers of the skin, consists of collagen. In fact, collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and the skin needs it for optimal elasticity. Keeping your skin strong helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite and maintain a more youthful complexion. One of the best ways to get more collagen in your diet is to consume organic bone broth, which contains amino acids called glycine and proline. Both of these amino acids make up collagen, antioxidants, and other trace minerals. A 2015 study found that people who took 2.5 grams of bioactive collagen peptides (BCP) experienced a significant decrease in the degree of cellulite. Researchers monitored participants over a six-month period and found that BCP improved the appearance of skin in women suffering from minor cellulite. 

Myofascial Massage

A common theory for cellulite is that it forms in superficial fascia, which is the layer of connective tissues below the skin. It contains fat cells and tends to be fibrous, and experts say that inactivity, improper exercise, and injuries in this facia contribute to the rippled look of cellulite. As superficial fascia becomes thicker and more fibrous, it can adhere to underlying structures that affect the skin’s appearance. Various massage therapists can perform myofascial massage or myofascial release, but you don’t have to see a specialist for this. You can use a foam roller or a handheld percussive massager on the affected areas to smooth out the connective layer of tissues and balance the fascia. 

Dry Brushing

There may not be any scientific evidence that supports this home remedy, but there is a lot of anecdotal support. Dry brushing works to stimulate blood and lymphatic flow throughout the body. It helps to open the pores on the skin, which is something you should do on a daily basis. When it comes to dry brushing, the most important thing to remember is to always brush towards the heart, making long gentle sweeps. The bristles of the brush should be natural, somewhat stiff, and the handle should be long so you can reach various areas of the body. Learn more about dry brushing by clicking here. 

Use Coffee Scrubs

Coffee scrubs have become very popular in the DIY skin care world. They work to exfoliate the skin, which helps to stimulate blood and lymphatic flow to the areas of focus. Additionally, caffeine from the coffee has a tightening effect on the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Similarly, people use coffee under eye creams to tighten the skin and reduce puffiness. It’s best to use a coffee scrub on a weekly basis to stimulate collagen production and circulation. Click here if you want to make an effective coffee scrub for cellulite.

SHARE:

The post Home Remedies To Help Get Rid Of Cellulite appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

We live in the day and age of endless supplements. Are you taking turmeric with black pepper? Does your friend supplement with lion’s mane mushroom to boost brain health? Did you purchase vitamin D because you heard it improves immune function? There are so many vitamins and minerals, causing people to focus on nutrition through a micro lens. Before focusing on the micros, though, there are three macronutrients that the body needs to survive. 

What Are Macronutrients?

By definition, macronutrients are chemicals that provide energy. The body requires macronutrients, or macros, in larger amounts to carry out everyday bodily functions. The three macronutrients are proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. In fact, many people classify foods based on what macronutrient they belong to. For example, people refer to potatoes or rice as “carbs” and meat and fish as “proteins.” 

The body requires complex carbs, healthy fats, and protein to survive. They influence growth and development, circulation, and even cognitive function. According to nutritional research, the proportion of macronutrients in your diet can increase or decrease the risk of certain health conditions. Balance is everything, especially when it comes to nutrients that bring you energy. 

Macronutrients vs. Micronutrients

When you think of macronutrients, you think of the big picture, i.e. carbs, fats, and proteins. Micronutrients refer to vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and all of the other smaller components in trace amounts of food. The body needs both macros and micronutrients to function optimally, as they both supply the body with energy. Micronutrients help more with hormonal balance, tissue maintenance, and organ health. Macros and micronutrients work together to produce enzymes that aid with growth, repair, and development.

For the sake of this article, let’s focus on the large scale. Macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbs) play distinct roles in the body, especially when it comes to immune function, weight management, development, and hormonal balance. Continue reading to learn about the importance of all three macronutrients. 

Healthy Fats

Some people try to avoid fat completely, while others focus their efforts on fat consumption. Dietary fat is a necessary source of energy in times of caloric deprivation or starvation. Fats get a bad reputation because of the association with heart disease and weight gain. Nutritionists suggest that 20-35% of the body’s daily energy requirement should come from consuming fats and oils. Dietary fats come in the form of saturated fat, unsaturated fat, and trans fat. Ideally, you should replace trans and saturated fats with unsaturated fats, as they have demonstrated an ability to reduce the risk of heart disease. Doctors encourage people to supply the body with fatty acids, such as omega-3s, because the body cannot make them. Additionally, fats assist with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, & K and carotenoids. 

Protein

Protein provides the body with the building blocks (amino acids) for muscles and other structures like the brain, nervous system, hair, blood, and skin. There are nine amino acids that nutritionists refer to as “essential,” meaning the body cannot make them. For this reason, it’s up to each person to obtain them via diet. Protein also helps to transport oxygen and other nutrients throughout the body. The body can reverse-process protein to use for energy if there is an absence of carbohydrates or glucose. Daily protein requirements will vary depending on age, weight, sex, and level of physical activity. A protein deficiency can cause weakness, mood changes, muscle wasting, or weight loss/weight gain. It’s best to focus on complete proteins that provide all of the amino acids that the body needs. The best sources include quinoa, edamame, wild caught seafood, chia seeds, and more. 

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates, similar to fats, are either loved or hated. People on the ketogenic diet, for example, try their very best to avoid carbs to enter the body in a state of ketosis, in which it burns fat for energy. The body converts carbohydrates, be they simple or complex, into glucose, which the body stores and uses for energy. Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred source of energy, but they aren’t the only macronutrient that provides energy to cells. People equate carbohydrates to refined grains, processed foods, fries, breads, and similar foods. These foods release glucose into the bloodstream quickly, leading to blood sugar highs and lows, cravings and overeating. It’s best to eat complex carbs, or slow carbs, to provide a slower release of glucose and better energy supply for the body’s cells. 

SHARE:

The post Macronutrients 101: The Big 3 You Can’t Live Without appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Vegans have struggled with the collagen supplement fad because they are made with animal products. Given that these supplements may improve skin elasticity or skin and nail health, vegans can feel “left out,” so to speak, from the beauty revolution. There’s no need to feel left out any longer, because this article aims to explore collagen and how you can boost levels with plant-based foods.

What Is Collagen?

As the most abundant amino acid in the body, it’s no wonder that collagen is such a big deal. Collagen protein makes up about one-third of the protein that exists in the body. It exists in muscles, skin, tendons, joints, bones, blood vessels, and even the digestive system. It works to provide skin with elasticity, strength, and assists with replacing dead skin cells. Even though the body produces several types of collagen, most people focus on collagen in the dermis, the skin’s middle layer. Forming a fibrous mesh shield called a fibroblast, collagen helps to maintain strength and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. 

Why Is Collagen Important?

The body starts to produce less collagen during the aging process. As a result, you can see visible signs like saggy skin, wrinkles, or fine lines. An unhealthy diet that consists of excess sugar, caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, cigarettes, and highly acidic foods contributes to the decline of collagen. It is possible to make a change and encourage collagen production by eliminating those foods and eating healthier options. For vegans or vegetarians, eating animal products or collagen powders isn’t an option. Fortunately, it’s possible to increase collagen levels with plant-based foods.

Despite what you may or may not have heard, you don’t need to apply or eat collagen from other beings to have healthy collagen levels. There are many plant-based foods and food groups that promote healthy collagen production. The following foods can aid your quest to achieve glowing skin while on a vegan diet. 

Lysine-Rich Foods

Lysine is a building block for protein. It’s an essential amino acid, meaning the body doesn’t produce it, so you must consume it through food. Lysine plays a role in collagen production, muscle turnover, and normal growth. Additionally, lysine is necessary for faster wound healing. In fact, the body cannot properly heal wounds without sufficient lysine levels. Foods that are rich in lysine include black beans, quinoa, lentils, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, navy beans, and kidney beans. 

Citrus Fruit

If you want to increase collagen levels, you have to focus on fruits that are naturally rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that the skin needs in order to synthesize collagen. Squeeze lemon into your, add oranges to smoothies, or make salad dressings with lime juice. You can also click here to learn about other foods that enhance vitamin C levels. Vitamin C also stabilizes the existing collagen in your skin, helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. 

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

A 2010 study monitored participants that followed a vegan diet for three-and-a-half months. The other group consumed ordinary foods without worrying about vegan restrictions. This study, which was published in Journal of the American Dietetic Association, found that people experienced a reduction in both swelling and stiffness in joints. The researchers documented that the vegan diet included rich sources of anti-inflammatory properties. The standout foods in the study included cruciferous vegetables, legumes, nuts, avocados, olive oil, and low-starch foods. Those foods worked to reduce inflammation and promote collagen production. Finally, the group that consumed an ordinary diet did not experience a reduction in joint stiffness.

Proline-Rich Foods

Just like lysine, proline is an integral amino acid that plays a role in collagen production. One of its major functions is that it helps to repair damaged skin, including burns, incisions, and wounds. Several studies found that proline stimulates cellular migration, which encourages new, healthy tissue development. It also supports collagen synthesis, or the new formation of collagen. Some studies found that collagen supplements that contained proline improved the skin barrier function. You can find proline in foods like asparagus, cabbage, mushrooms

SHARE:

The post How To Increase Collagen Production With Plant-Based Foods appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Where there is a negative symptom, there is a supplement to address it. Vitamins, minerals, and other supplements are more popular than ever. They can affect mood, performance, focus, and even stress levels. In fact, there are supplements that help to naturally reduce stress, and it helps to know what they are and how they affect the body.

Most people don’t go a single day without experiencing some level of stress, no matter how minute it may be. Juggling a child’s schedule with your own, planning projects at work, or dealing with the arrival of family members can elevate stress levels. In the case of the world in which we live, the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19 can increase stress. When stress levels are too high, though, it can be harmful to the body. 

Chronic stress or high stress levels can impair immune function and increase the risk of high blood pressure, inflammation, stroke, and heart attack. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, chronic stress negatively affects all aspects of a person’s health. People need to address stress and not simply sweep it under the rug. “Shrugging it off” isn’t the mindset people should have about stress. 

How Can Supplements Help?

While a healthy diet, regular exercise, proper sleep, and healthy communication can regulate stress levels, they aren’t always enough. Either that, or people simply cannot adhere to the type of regimen that naturally reduces stress. This is where supplements enter the equation. Both vitamins and minerals help the body perform optimally, but it’s important to get the dosage right. You may have to discuss what supplements to take and how much of them you need with a nutritionist or doctor before you start taking them freely. The following supplements may improve stress or help the body cope with it. 

L-theanine

L-theanine is an amino acid that naturally exists in green tea. Despite being in a caffeinated tea, L-theanine has anti-stress and relaxing effects on the body. A 2019 study in the Nutrients journal monitored adults who consumed 200 milligrams (mg) of L-theanine or a placebo every night for one month. The results indicated that the L-theanine group saw an improvement in sleep, depression, stress, and anxiety. 

Valerian Root

Although this is a common herbal remedy for insomnia and anxiety, valerian root also helps to reduce stress. Valerian root contains a number of beneficial plant compounds, including isovaleric acid and valerenic acid. According to research studies, valerian interacts with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is a chemical messenger in the brain and nervous system that aids with nerve signal regulation. Valerenic acid inhibits the breakdown of GABA, which increases feelings of calm or relaxation. You can consume valerian root tea or take it as a supplement.

Lemon Balm

Many healers incorporated this lemon-scented herb in various herbal remedies during the Middle Ages. Now, it regularly grows around the world and has been used as a mild sedative or calming agent. A 2019 study followed 80 people who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery. Half the group received 500 mg of lemon balm three times daily, while the other group received a placebo. At the end of the study, the lemon balm group improved sleep quality by 54% and reduced anxiety by 49%. Lemon balm is commonly made into a tea, but supplements are also available. 

Magnesium

Some nutritionists refer to magnesium as the forgotten mineral because many people fail to consume enough via their diet. The body uses magnesium in various processes, including muscle and nerve function and protein synthesis. Several research studies indicated that magnesium helps to relieve mild anxiety. A 2017 review of 18 studies found that magnesium not only lowered stress levels, but also aided with anxiety reduction. More research is still necessary to determine how effective it is at lowering stress levels. You can readily find magnesium in nuts, seeds, leafy greens, whole grains, and legumes.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb, meaning it enhances the body’s resilience to physical and mental stress. It’s native to India, where it was popularly used in Ayurveda. One study monitored 60 patients with mild stress. Half the group took 240 mg of ashwagandha and the other half took a placebo daily for 60 days. The results found that people experienced lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. A review of five studies determined that ashwagandha was beneficial for people who needed help managing stress, anxiety, and fatigue. 

SHARE:

The post The Best Supplements For Reducing Stress appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease. Although numbers have declined in recent years, heart disease continues to be a problem for millions of people. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, and heart attacks are preventable if people take the right dietary precautions.

Nutritionists outline numerous foods that have a positive impact on overall heart health. Roughly six million American adults currently live with heart failure, and about 50% of those people may pass away within five years after diagnosis. Most cases result from consuming excess saturated fats, cholesterol, or sodium-rich foods. By avoiding these foods and directing your focus to the foods in this article, it’s possible to improve heart function and reduce the risk of heart disease. 

7 Foods For Optimal Heart Health

Citrus Fruits

Do you enjoy oranges, mandarins, lemons, limes, grapefruit, tangelos, or tangerines? If you like eating at least one of those fruits, start enjoying it more often. According to several studies, the flavonoids in oranges and grapefruits may help to lower the risk of ischemic stroke (caused by blood clot) by 19%. Another study linked higher consumption of vitamin C to a lower risk of heart disease. Stick with citrus, but avoid processed citrus juices that contain preservatives. 

Nuts

You’re nuts if you have a form of heart disease and you aren’t eating nuts, unless of course you have nut allergies. Nutritionists say that unsalted, raw nuts like pistachios, pecans, walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts have beneficial heart-healthy fats. Additionally, they contain minerals, fiber, antioxidants, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids that help to reduce inflammation and enhance circulation.

Asparagus

Homocysteine is a common amino acid that exists in the blood. The majority of people have excess homocysteine levels because of excess meat consumption. Asparagus is naturally rich in folate, which works to prevent excess homocysteine accumulation in the body. Since high homocysteine levels increase the risk of heart-related diseases, eat more asparagus and other folate-rich foods for optimal heart health.

Beets

An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but a beet helps the heart beat. These nutrient-dense root veggies contain a lot of nitrites, which occur naturally in air, soil, water, and certain foods. Nitrites may help the body reduce blood pressure, ultimately reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack. 

Avocados

Avocados contain fat, but they contain the right fats that benefit your heart. The two fats in avocados are mono and polyunsaturated fats and they are the fats you need in your diet, unlike trans and saturated fats that can worsen heart health. It’s possible for mono and polyunsaturated fats to reduce the risk of heart disease by aiding cholesterol reduction. These fats help the body absorb nutrients without raising LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the body. That’s great news, considering LDL causes plaque build-up and blockages in the arteries. 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Just like avocados, extra virgin olive oil contains a lot of beneficial monounsaturated fats, which work to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Extra virgin olive oil is one of the primary components in the Mediterranean Diet, which is one of the healthiest diets in existence. In fact, people that inhabit several blue zones subscribe to this diet. One landmark study found that the Mediterranean diet worked to reduce the risk of heart attacks by 30%. These people also consumed nuts, seeds, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables along with olive oil. 

Pomegranates

These refreshing fruits are packed with antioxidants and polyphenols that benefit the heart. Some of the primary flavonoids are anthocyanins, which offer powerful antioxidant effects. They give pomegranates and other red/blue foods their rich pigments. For many years, herbal medicine incorporated anthocyanin-rich foods in various treatments to optimize blood vessel health. One study monitored heart disease patients who drank fresh pomegranate juice daily for three months. The results indicated that pomegranate juice improved blood flow to the heart. The anthocyanins also helped to reduce oxidative stress.

SHARE:

The post Work These 7 Foods Into Your Diet For Optimal Heart Health appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

What are the most common foods that come to mind when you think of protein? Meat, eggs, protein powder (it’s in the name!), seafood, and more are the typical go-to protein sources. If you exclusively rely on these foods for your protein needs, your overall health may suffer. While these food sources contain protein, they may not be high quality or rich with beneficial nutrients. As it turns out, there are many protein sources that people often overlook.

There are many surprising foods that pack a powerful protein punch. Most of these foods are plant-based, which is good news for anyone who follows a vegan or vegetarian diet. Not to mention, these overlooked protein sources are often easier for the body to absorb. When the body can easily process foods, it can absorb the nutrients a lot quicker. For example, your body can absorb the protein from hemp seeds more easily than the protein from red meat. 

How Much Protein Do You Need?

No matter what diet you subscribe to, it’s always best to give your body the healthiest foods. The recommended daily allowance for protein is about seven grams per 20 pounds of body weight. If a person weighs 140 pounds, they would need 50 grams of protein each day. That said, someone who ways 300 pounds may not need to follow that rule, because too much protein can harm the body. People who eat too much protein, especially if it comes from red meat or foods with saturated fats, can increase their risk of kidney stones, colon cancer, and heart disease. Focusing on plant-based protein options may not carry these same risks, though.

Unique Protein Sources

Artichoke Hearts

Originating in the Mediterranean, artichoke hearts exhibit offer four grams of protein per cup. In addition to their protein content, they also offer vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. While fresh artichokes are the best options, it takes several whole artichokes to yield one cup of artichoke hearts. There are many jarred varieties that you can purchase in stores. 

Lentils

Lentils are legendary legumes that come in several varieties. The most common lentils are green or red, and you can treat them both the same when it comes to cooking. Additionally, almost all lentil varieties offer similar nutritional values. They typically contain 115 calories, 8 grams of fiber, and 9 grams of protein per one-half cup of cooked lentils. Add them to a stew, soup, or transform them into a filling side dish.

Seaweed

Surprisingly, seaweed is one of the best plant-based sources of protein, offering up nine grams per cup. While the protein amount varies between seaweed varieties, they generally offer similar amounts. There are many ways way to consume seaweed, including seaweed salads, in poke bowls, in regular salads, or in the form of nori sheets. Keep in mind that you’ll have to eat a lot of nori sheets to get one serving of protein. For all the cooks out there, consider blending nori sheets in dips, pestos, or dressings as a salt substitute. 

Green Peas

Throughout the year, green peas are readily available in their frozen form. One cup of green peas offers up to eight grams of protein. The great thing about green peas is that you can add them to soups, stews, pastas, salads, or fried rice dishes. Keep in mind that these are not snow peas or sugar snap peas; these are green peas.

Spinach

Everyone can benefit from adding more leafy greens to their diet. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, collard greens, or chard are key components to healthy diets, as they offer vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein. One cup of cooked spinach offers about five grams of protein. The best part about leafy greens like spinach is that they are low in calories!

Quinoa

Many people think quinoa is a grain because it’s advertised as an alternative to rice, pasta, and more. Quinoa is actually a seed that contains all the nine essential amino acids that the body needs. The body doesn’t make essential amino acids, so you need to obtain them from food sources. One cup of cooked quinoa contains eight grams of protein and five grams of fiber. 

SHARE:

The post Unique Protein Sources That People Often Overlook appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.