It may come as a shock to you, but different fruits contain protein. They are great sources of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, natural sugars, a bit of fat, and even some protein. An apple, for example, does not offer the same amount of protein as a piece of salmon, but it comes with a diverse mix of micro and macronutrients. 

Protein is having a moment, to say the least. This is partially due to the popularity of the carnivore, Paleo, keto, and other high-protein diets. We aren’t here to talk about those diets, though, as many of them discourage the consumption of fruit. That’s because fruits contain carbs and less sugar than animal-based foods. An egg, for example, has about six grams of protein, whereas fruit may only offer a couple grams per cup. 

If you are trying to up your protein intake and diversify your fruit consumption, the fruits in this article may come to your aid. Whole fruits offer key nutrients that support other aspects of total bodily health, so don’t neglect them. They are relatively low in calories and high in water and fiber, two things that benefit gastrointestinal health. So if you are looking to snack healthily and get a little protein in the process, consider the fruits listed below.

Passion Fruit

Passion fruit is a lovely tropical fruit that grows on a vine. The fiber content in one cup of passion fruit is very high, exhibiting a whopping 24.5 grams, which is nearly 88% of the daily value (DV). Fiber works to regulate digestion and promote healthy cholesterol levels. The same cup of passion fruit provides five grams of protein.

Blackberries

One of the great things about blackberries is that they are very high in antioxidant compounds. They also happen to be the berry with the highest amount of protein, exhibiting about two grams per cup. Blackberries are low in calories, rich in fiber, and high in anthocyanin, a phytonutrient that has demonstrated abilities to influence immune function and improve gut microbiome. 

Avocado

Although avocado seems like a vegetable, it is actually a fruit of the savory variety. Avocados offer three grams of protein per cup, in addition to lots of healthy fats that help you feel full. You can enjoy avocado with a spoon and some sea salt, transform it into guacamole, or add it on toast. Just keep in mind that avocados have more calories than other fruits, with one cup of avocado containing 234 calories. 

Kiwi

Didn’t think a kiwi would have protein did you? Well, one cup of kiwi has nearly two grams of protein, which is not bad! Kiwi is also naturally rich in vitamin C, offering about 167 milligrams per cup. That amount is nearly double the DV of vitamin C! Several studies also found that kiwis work to improve digestion and promote bowel regularity, which researchers attribute to their fiber content. 

Guava

Yet another vitamin C superstar, guava is a tropical fruit that offers a lot of protein, especially for its size. One cup of guava has a little over four grams of protein and nine grams of fiber, which is about one-third of the DV. Research continues to find that increasing your fiber intake can reduce blood pressure and promote healthy cholesterol levels, especially in people with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome. 

Apricot

Unlike other fruits, apricots are not typically available year-round, but you can find them in dried form at all times. They typically show up in grocery stores or at farmer’s markets in late spring and summer. Each half-cup of dried apricot halves contains a little over two grams of protein. Dried apricots do not have water, so they are more calorically dense than fresh versions. That same half-cup, then, has about 157 calories, so just keep that in mind when snacking on dried apricots. 

Jackfruit

We are rounding out this article with the largest fruit on the list, the mighty jackfruit. Exhibiting a stringy texture, jackfruit is a common meat substitute for plant-based eaters. If you are swapping jackfruit for chicken, though, keep in mind that one cup of jackfruit offers three grams of protein compared to the 35 grams you’d get from chicken. Because it is not very sweet, it takes on whichever seasonings or flavors you cook with it, but you can enjoy it raw if you like.

SHARE:

The post These Fruits Can Help Boost Your Protein Intake appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Don’t let the look of this smoothie deter you! It looks like a chocolate berry milkshake, but it offers the incredible health benefits that you could never find anywhere near a milkshake. Meet the chocolate avocado berry smoothie, a deliciously creamy blend that packs a seriously nutritional punch! This smoothie combines the rich, nuttiness of homemade almond milk with the refreshing tartness of blackberries. Does this even have spinach? It does, but you cannot taste it, not even for a second. You cannot taste the avocado, either, but it helps make this smoothie creamier than ever, all while providing healthy fats.

Does the small scoop of raw cacao powder scare you? Don’t let the deep, chocolatey richness of cacao steer you away from this smoothie. You won’t taste the subtle bitterness because the banana and maple syrup provide enough natural sweetness. What you end up with is a delightful chocolate flavor that harmonizes perfectly with the buttery texture of ripe avocado. If you want to live dangerously, finish this smoothie with an extra drizzle of maple syrup and dash of raw cacao powder on top. Not only is it highly refreshing and filling, but it also tastes amazing. We hope you love this as much as we do!

SHARE:

The post Chocolate Avocado Berry Smoothie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Ahhhh, the raw vegan moment you’ve been waiting for: jam that doesn’t require cooking and is free of added sugars. You just need a mixture of fresh berries, a jar for mashing, chia seeds, and grade A maple syrup. The chia seeds bloom in the mashed berries and maple syrup, thickening the creation to yield a spreadable jam. Much like chia pudding, this jam takes some time to fully set. Ideally, prepare it in the evening and refrigerate overnight so that it is ready in the morning.

This jam contains three types of berries: raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. No strawberries are involved in the creation of this jam because, quite frankly, strawberries get enough love. That’s not why, people! We love strawberries just as much as the next person, but sometimes you need to showcase other berries. Blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are all excellent sources of vitamin and other antioxidants. These berries are also low in sugar, making them great to enjoy if you follow the ketogenic diet.

Although you wouldn’t have a flavorful jam without the berries, the jam wouldn’t be jammy without the chia seeds. You need these seeds, which bloom in the presence of liquid to create a thick consistency that is similar to jarred jams you know and love. Plus, chia seeds are excellent sources of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, magnesium, and other impressive vitamins and minerals. Use this mixed berry jam as a condiment on raw ice cream or serve it with fresh fruit. After you finish cleansing, spread it on toast!

SHARE:

The post Raw Vegan Mixed Berry Jam appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If you follow a low-carbohydrate diet or try to keep sugar intake to a minimum, you may be wary of fruit. Some people are of the mind that fruit is the enemy because of sugar content, while others believe that the natural sugars in fruit are perfectly fine. Although the sugars in fruit are natural, they can still affect blood sugar. This really depends on what you eat these fruits with and whether or not you have diabetes. 

Do you count carbs or do you simply pay closer attention to the glycemic load or glycemic index of the foods you eat? When you know which fruits are lower in sugar, however, you can help make choices that fit your dietary needs. Certain fruits are categorized as “low-sugar” because you can enjoy a larger portion for a smaller amount of carbohydrates and sugar. Most fruits also contain beneficial antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, but if you are monitoring your sugar intake, focus on the following seven low-sugar fruits. 

Lemons

We know that most people are not biting into lemons to snack on, but lemons are great low-sugar fruits. One lemon contains about 2.1 grams (g) of sugar and 2.4 g of fiber. You can squeeze the juice from a lemon into water or into an herbal tea. You can also mix fresh lemon juice with olive oil to make a zesty salad dressing. 

Cranberries

You don’t really have access to fresh cranberries until the fall, and even during the fall you have a limited window to purchase them. With just 4 g of sugar per cup, cranberries are an excellent low-sugar fruit to enjoy. Not to mention, cranberries are excellent sources of antioxidants and phytonutrients, both of which help limit the damage caused by free radicals. According to several studies, cranberries may decrease the risk of urinary tract infections by about one-third in people at increased risk for infection. 

Berries

There are several berries to choose from, but the main low-sugar options are strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. In a one cup serving, raspberries contain 5 g of sugar, blackberries contain 7 g of sugar, and strawberries 7 g of sugar. Blueberries have a higher sugar content, exhibiting 15 g of sugar per cup. That said, eating a moderate amount of blueberries can be beneficial, as they are rich in antioxidants and brain-boosting chemicals. All berries are rich in vitamins, polyphenols, and fiber, and they have a low glycemic index. In fact, berries have proven to significantly lower A1C levels in people with type 2 diabetes. 

Watermelon

Watermelon is both sweet and delicious, but it is surprisingly low in sugar. One cup of watermelon contains 45 calories and 9 g of sugar. Although watermelon has a high glycemic index rating, it contains few carbs and is 92% water, which gives it a low glycemic load. Glycemic load essentially considers the glycemic index of a certain food and the amount of carbs per serving. This gives you a more accurate picture of the food’s impact on blood sugar than glycemic index alone. 

Kiwis

Containing 7 g of sugar per fruit, kiwi ranks relatively low on the glycemic index scale. Not only is a kiwi a great source of fiber, but one fruit also provides 62% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C. A single kiwi contains about 48 calories and 2.3 g of fiber. Eat kiwis fresh, in smoothies, or in salads. If you want to keep them from spoiling, store them in the fridge. 

Apricots

If you want to snack on some low-sugar fruits, opt for apricots because two small fruits contain a total of 6 g of sugar. This pair of apricots will deliver 34 calories and 1.4 g of fiber. They are readily available during summer, which is when you can get the freshest varieties. Apricots are naturally rich in antioxidants called flavonoids, especially quercetin, catechins, and chlorogenic acids. These compounds help combat oxidative stress and can reduce inflammatory markers.

Avocados

Yes, avocados fall under the fruit umbrella. Not only are they rich in heart-healthy fats, but they also provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. A single avocado provides 9 g of fiber and less than a half a gram of sugar. A recent study monitored participants who consumed avocado daily for a total of 12 weeks. At the end of the study, the participants showed improved blood sugar control, cardiometabolic risk factors, and insulin resistance. Avocados may even help improve heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels.

SHARE:

The post 7 Different Fruits That Are Low In Sugar appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Water is the beverage of life. It keeps you alive and is necessary for many bodily functions. While drinking half your bodyweight in ounces of water per day is a great way to stay hydrated, you can consume other beverages that promote hydration. Besides enhancing your hydration efforts, this blackberry & lime chia fresca delivers an assortment of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

As a quick note, it is much easier to drink water throughout the day than to drink a large amount at once. Have your own reusable bottle and sip, sip, sip all day long. This is also a great way to keep track of how many ounces of water you drink all day. When you consume water throughout the day, you will help flush out any toxins and fire up your metabolism. As you move into the hotter months of the year, drinking water becomes more of a necessity, as it prevents dehydration and lubricates the joints.

You can get fancy with your water, for example, by adding different fruits, vegetables, or herb to it. Those popular detox waters are all the rage on Instagram and TikTok, and we fully support them. This recipe is slightly different, but equally as beneficial for your health. It is a great drink to experiment with, delivering omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals. Blackberries have a wonderful tartness that pairs beautifully with the fresh lime juice, so we cannot wait for you to try this drink. Let us know how you like it in the comments below.

SHARE:

The post Blackberry & Lime Chia Fresca appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other dietary plants are rich in various chemical compounds and antioxidants. Researchers continue to find evidence that focusing on these types of foods is the best way to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. Plant antioxidants may be the most beneficial nutrients for your health, but people don’t seem to get enough of them. 

What Are Antioxidants?

Have you ever thought, “What makes a tomato red?” Well, the natural pigments that give fruits and vegetables their unique colors act as antioxidants. These are compounds that help to encourage cell health and inhibit oxidation, a process that results from excess free radical accumulation. Free radicals can damage the cells in the body and antioxidants counteract this damage by stabilizing cells. By eating foods that are rich in antioxidants, you help protect the body from conditions like heart disease, eye diseases, and even cancer. 

As a general point, antioxidants work to slow damage to cells in the body. Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of antioxidants, but there are antioxidant supplements. Health experts agree that the antioxidants in fresh produce are better because they have not been synthesized in a lab. Although there are many antioxidant-rich foods in the world, the following eight foods are some of the best reliable sources.

Blackberries

The phenolic compounds, gallic acid and ellagic acid, in blackberries exhibit potent antioxidant activity. Blackberries are also rich sources of proanthocyanidins, catechins, luteolin, and anthocyanins, according to a 2012 study. That study analyzed three types of berries: blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries. While blackberries had less antioxidant capacity than blueberries, they did have more than strawberries. 

Spinach

Spinach is a low calorie leafy green vegetables that packs a powerful nutritional punch. The lutein in spinach, which is a potent carotenoid that makes carrots orange, may help promote eye health. Several reports found that lutein may help reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. Lutein functions as an antioxidant as well, meaning spinach may help improve heart health, according to a 2018 study. 

Granny Smith Apples

These tart green apples are freshest during autumn, but you can enjoy them year round. They contain phenolic compounds, including quercetin, catechin, and epicatechin. Per an August 2015 study, one Granny Smith apple contains 3% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of manganese and 4.7 grams of fiber. Granny Smiths are common in fall dessert recipes, but enjoy them fresh to enjoy their full nutritional profile. 

Potatoes

Potatoes may not be at the top of your antioxidant list because people associate them with carbs. Although there are unhealthy variations of the potato, including chips and french fries, they actually exhibit a wide variety of antioxidants. To get the most antioxidants, it’s best to choose colorful potatoes, including yams or purple and red potatoes. A 2016 study found that antioxidants in potatoes may help to reduce the risk of heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases. 

Broccoli

Similar to other leafy green vegetables, broccoli has a diverse nutritional profile. Broccoli is rich in protein, fiber, calcium, and phenolic compounds, which are chemicals that plants produce. Phenolic compounds help to fight against oxidative stress because they are high in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. A 2014 study found that broccoli’s phenolic compounds may fight back against inflammation, allergies, and other diseases. 

Cranberries

According to the USDA, cranberries are one of the top fruit sources of antioxidants. The antioxidant capacity per cup is 8,983, coming in just shy of the antioxidant capacity of blueberries. Cranberries contain numerous polyphenols, including the flavonoids catechin and anthocyanin. Catechin is currently under review for its potential ability to prevent or reduce the risk of cancer. 

Red Kidney Beans

In general, beans are rich sources of antioxidants. Red kidney beans happen to contain anthocyanins and other polyphenol antioxidants, according to an October 2016 study. Flavonoids can affect cell signaling and exhibit anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective properties in in-vitro studies. In addition to the antioxidant content, red kidney beans are also rich in fiber, protein, and manganese.

Blueberries

You cannot have an article about antioxidants and exclude blueberries. They are some of the best sources of antioxidants, but they also have nutrients that maintain a healthy brain, heart, and bones. A 2019 study found that eating one cup of blueberries per day for six months reduced the risk of heart disease by 12-15%. A previous 2015 study found a diet rich in blueberries reduces the risk of cancer cell growth, diabetes, and heart disease. 

SHARE:

The post 8 Foods That Are High In Antioxidants appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

So you want to make a dessert for the holidays, but you don’t want to be overly sweet or completely unhealthy. You also want it to taste amazing. It’s a good thing we found this recipe because it checks off that entire list. Plus, you are getting the vibrant spice of fresh ginger, which helps you maintain a healthy digestive system. It’s a win/win for you taste buds and your body!

SHARE:

The post Vegan Blackberry, Apple, And Gingerbread Crumble appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

As you may know by now, green smoothies are the easiest ways to obtain a plethora of essential nutrients in one go. You can also sneak more green vegetables into your diet via green smoothies. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, however, drinking too many cold beverages, especially during cold weather, can disrupt the natural energy in the body (known as chi).

Chi translates to life force or energy, and dampening this energy can adversely affect the way the body functions. Traditional Chinese Medicine attributes cold water to chilling the digestive fire. By that hypothesis, drinking a smoothie that contains frozen fruit may have a similar effect, causing bloating, stomach pain, or other digestive complications.

The body has the natural ability to generate heat, but this ability may be impaired if you continuously cool down your energy or chi. This doesn’t mean that you should stop drinking smoothies; rather, there are a few simple tricks that can help you avoid digestive troubles. If you want to improve digestion and are the type of person who gets cold easily, especially during the colder months, try employing the following tweaks to your smoothies during winter.

Think About The Energetics Of Food

A fun fact is that foods that take longer to grow (e.g. winter squash or collard greens) are more warming than foods, which grow quickly. Lettuce and summer squash, for example, grow quickly and may have a cooling effect on the body.

Pass On Tropical Fruits

The allure and bright flavors of tropical fruits makes it difficult to omit them from your smoothies. According to Ayurveda, tropical fruits like mangos and bananas are more cooling than fruits like apples and pears, which are grown in temperate zones.

Add Healthy Fats To Smoothies

There are great fats to use that help to fill you up and warm the body up at the same time. Great healthy fats to use include hemp seeds, pea protein, nuts, avocado, almond butter, and coconut oil.

Add Warming Ingredients

We don’t mean that you should heat up your produce in the microwave before making your smoothies. Just as Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that certain foods have cooling properties, other foods have warming properties. We’ve compiled a list of warming ingredients, which you can add to your winter smoothies, below.

• Blackberries
• Cinnamon
• Coconut
• Ginger
• Turmeric
• Hemp Seeds
• Sweet Potato
• Pumpkin
• Walnuts
• Citrus Peel
• Cashews
• Dates
• Cardamom
• Basil
• Blackstrap Molasses
• Nutmeg
• Pear
• Kale
• Collard Greens

A Warming Winter Green Smoothie

• 1 cup raw collard greens
• ½ cup fresh cherries
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups organic unsweetened almond milk
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• ¼ cup raw almond butter
• 20 grams chocolate pea protein powder (optional)

Add all of the ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth.

Pumpkin Spice Green Smoothie

• ½ cup homemade pumpkin puree (click here for recipe)
• 1 cup kale leaves, thick stems removed
• 1 teaspoon blackstrap molasses
• 1 pear, cored
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 cups organic unsweetened almond milk
• 20 grams organic vanilla pea protein powder (optional)
• pinch of nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil

Add all of the ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth.

SHARE:

The post 4 Secrets For Warming Winter Smoothies That May Improve Digestion appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

This juice is a nutrient powerhouse. You’ll be getting healthy doses of vitamins B6, C, & K, potassium, and magnesium. All of these are integral to keeping the body strong and healthy. Blackberries have a crisp bite with a subtle sweetness that meshes well with tartness of the green apple.

SHARE:

The post Anti-Aging Juice With Blackberries & Apples appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

These cakes aren’t what you think of when you think of cake, but we must say that these are pretty darn delicious. If you are looking for a vegetarian entree that will really knock your socks off, this is it. The blackberry salsa on top of the cakes is the perfect icing, shall we say.

SHARE:

The post Sweet Potato Quinoa Cakes with Blackberry Salsa appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.