It’s not quite summer, but the warmer weather is here. Although you may not be able to turn on vacation mode, you can enjoy a healthy, tropical vegan recipe. This pineapple coconut chia pudding will take you to that sandy beach on that secluded island in the Pacific. Instead of an unhealthy, sugary cocktail that delivers empty calories, this chia pudding provides lots of fiber, protein, healthy fats, and many vitamins and minerals.

As a quick note, this recipe is not raw vegan because it contains canned coconut milk. Now, you can make this recipe raw vegan and cleanse-approved if you make the coconut milk from scratch? Yes, this is actually possible, but requires a lot of effort. Click here to learn how to make your own raw vegan coconut milk. Plus, if you decide to make your own coconut milk, you know that it has no added sugars in it. The coconut milk provides a lot of creaminess and healthy fat, giving this chia pudding a more pudding-like texture. Plus, is there a more classic combination than coconut and pineapple? This is the piña colada of healthy breakfasts, people!

This chia pudding is a great way to start your day because it helps to energize the body and keep you full until lunch. You get a lot of omega-3s from the coconut milk and the chia seeds, and you get healthy digestive enzymes from the pineapple. The pineapple also offers lots of vitamin C, with just one cup satisfying 88% of your recommended daily intake. It also provides vitamin B6, potassium, folate, magnesium, riboflavin, copper, thiamine, manganese, and more!

SHARE:

The post Pineapple Coconut Chia Pudding appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

When you find something that you like, especially a smoothie, it can be hard not to stick to it. That’s how we feel about green smoothies, anyway. Most people struggle to find a green smoothie that they actually enjoy. A green smoothie that is too bitter or tastes like fresh cut grass doesn’t entice your taste buds to return to that flavor. Mix the right fruits with the right greens, though, and you’ll set yourself up for success.

The great thing about this detox smoothie is that it contains many beneficial ingredients that support the body in myriad ways. So as not to bore you, we are going to focus on two standout ingredients that aid the body’s natural detoxification processes: grapefruit and pineapple. Both of these ingredients aid the body in the following ways:

Grapefruit: This citrus fruit exhibits antiseptic properties and acts as a digestive tonic. Many studies have found grapefruit to be highly beneficial for the lymphatic system, as it boosts lymph gland activity. That can help remove lymphatic waste and prevent circulatory issues, allergies, fluid retention, breakouts, and even cellulite.

Pineapple: Pineapple is a great ingredient for your detox smoothie, particularly because it aids digestion and is full of nutrients. One cup of pineapple contains almost 75% of your recommended daily intake of manganese. Pineapples are naturally rich in carotenes, flavonoids, and polyphenols, all of which work to neutralize free radicals and aid the removal of toxins from the liver and bloodstream.

SHARE:

The post Pineapple Grapefruit Detox Smoothie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Can you refer to these raw chocolate hazelnut truffles as energy bites? If you want to, then yes. We classify this recipe as more of a dessert than a snack, though. That said, they are rich in healthy fats and protein, making them great for satiating you between meals. One or two will do the trick because they are calorically dense because of the raw hazelnuts. Just one ounce of hazelnuts contains 176 calories, so just be mindful of that when enjoying this raw vegan dessert.

We often talk about the health benefits of almonds, walnuts, cashews, raw cacao powder, and other nuts and seeds. Because we don’t typically feature hazelnuts, we wanted to highlight how they benefit your health. Forget about Nutella for a second, because that doesn’t do your body any favors, despite how delicious it is. Although we don’t have a raw vegan version of Nutella, we do have this chocolate spread recipe (click here).

Hazelnuts are naturally rich in vitamin E, magnesium, copper, thiamin, manganese, folate, phosphorus, and vitamin B6. Health experts note that the antioxidants (phenolic compounds) in hazelnuts proved to lower blood cholesterol and inflammation. They may also help protect the heart and were able to significantly reduce oxidative stress. Additionally, the high concentration of antioxidants, specifically the proanthocyanidins, may offer anti-cancer properties. In fact, some test-tube and animal studies showed that proanthocyanidins may may help protect against certain cancers. Lastly, the manganese also aids the reduction of oxidative stress, which may further reduce the risk of cancer.

SHARE:

The post Raw Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

It’s no secret that bananas are some of the most popular fruits in existence. People love to incorporate them into smoothies, add them to yogurt, or enjoy them raw. They provide key nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, manganese, fiber, and magnesium. Bananas can be a great pre-workout snack to boost energy levels, but the same applies if you need to get over an afternoon slump.

When it comes down to choosing the right bananas for the dehydrated banana chips, you should consider purchasing ones that are slightly yellow. The banana peel should have some green in it, so as to avoid mushiness. You can also purchase bananas when they are mostly green, but revealing a little yellow. Make sure they are plump and firm so that you can slice them easily. Avoid bananas that are too soft and brown because that will make it hard to slice them evenly for the chips. 

In order to successfully execute your banana chips, slice them and then spread them evenly across your dehydrator sheets. Make sure that the bananas are evenly spaced out on the sheets so that there is no overlap. The last thing you want is uneven dehydration. Ideally, cut your bananas into eighth-inch thick slices. You can use a mandolin slicer or a stainless steel wire butter slicer to ensure equal cuts. After dehydrating them, you’ll be left with your new favorite snack!

SHARE:

The post Dehydrated Banana Chips appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

A sweet blend of ingredients, this cinnamon persimmon smoothie is not only fun to say, but also enjoyable to drink. We recommend that you start your day with this smoothie, as it provides the nutrients you need to satiate you until your your next meal. You may also experience a boost in energy and an immunity boost. Plus, the fragrant nature of persimmons makes this smoothie just as heavenly to smell as it is to drink.

The persimmon is a classic fall fruit that is replete with a diverse mix of nutrients, including fiber, vitamins A, C, E, K, and B6, copper, potassium, and manganese. Persimmons also contain a wide variety of plant compounds, such as flavonoids, tannins, and carotenoids, all of which contribute to better overall health. Although this recipe does not call for persimmon leaves, the leaves are excellent sources of vitamin C, tannins, and fiber. In fact, persimmon leaves are very common in therapeutic teas.

Working with ingredients that are in season is a beautiful thing. Persimmons arrive in early to late fall and stick around until the New Year. You should buy Fuyu persimmons when incorporating them into smoothies because they have a sweeter flavor profile. They are a little sweet when unripe and grow even sweeter as they ripen. Hachiya persimmons, on the other hand, are astringent when unripe and intensely sweet when ripe. Because of that difference, Fuyu persimmons are a safer bet for your palate!

SHARE:

The post Cinnamon Persimmon Banana Smoothie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

It’s that time of year when winter squash varieties appear at farmers’ markets or on grocery store shelves. Squash fall into two categories: winter and summer. The category they fall into depends on whether they’re harvested and consumed when they are immature or fully developed. Winter squash varieties include butternut, acorn, kabocha, and Delicata, to name a few. 

When mature, winter squash have a hard exterior (rind) that protects them from the elements, such as frost, snow, wind, and rain. That is why they are ideal for long-term storage. The squash you acquire will dictate the type of dish you can make with it. Some squash varieties, such as spaghetti squash, can be the star of the show, while others work for appetizers or sides. Continue reading to learn about some excellent winter squash that exhibit impressive health properties. 

Spaghetti Squash

Trying to avoid pasta? Spaghetti squash is a great alternative that offers much more nutrients than packaged pasta. When you cook spaghetti squash, the flesh takes on a stringy texture, which resembles noodles. It is much lower in carbs than other squash in this list, providing just 29.9 grams of carbs per cup. Additionally, spaghetti squash offers B vitamins, vitamin C, manganese, and fiber, but is lower in nutrients when compared to butternut or acorn squash varieties. 

Kabocha Squash

The kabocha squash, or Japanese pumpkin, has a dark green exterior and bright orange flesh that is surprisingly sweet. You can roast, steam, or boil kabocha squash and add it to stews, soups, baked goods, and even salads. Because of its inherent sweetness, kabocha squash is a common ingredient in sweet dishes like pies and cakes. Nothing beats a savory kabocha squash winter soup, though! Kabocha squash exhibits impressive antioxidant activity, being high in vitamins A and C. It is also a great source of potassium, calcium, beta-carotene, and fiber.

Blue Hubbard Squash

Quite an interesting name for a squash, don’t you think? This unique winter squash has a beautiful bluish-green rind and sweet, yellow flesh that is rich in fiber, potassium, vitamins A and C, and other nutrients. One cup of this squash provides 10 grams of fiber, which satisfies 35% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of fiber. Eating more fiber helps promote digestive health, regulating bowel movements and fueling the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. 

Acorn Squash

The acorn squash belongs to the same plant family as zucchini, pumpkins, and butternut squash. Shaped like an acorn, this squash can vary in color, with the exterior ranging from white to dark green. The flesh is yellow-orange and offers a slightly sweet yet nutty flavor, making it great for fall and winter dishes. Acorn squash is a great source of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, including alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and zeaxanthin, all of which work to fight oxidative stress. Finally, acorn squash is rich in vitamins A and C, some B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium. 

Delicata Squash

The Delicata squash isn’t quite as popular as acorn or butternut squash, but it does have a naturally sweet flavor. The flavor is very similar to that of the pie pumpkin, but it has a thin, tender skin, making it easy to peel. It is low in calories and rich in potassium, making it a great food for people who aim to control blood pressure. One cup of Delicata squash provides 13% of the RDI of potassium. Delicata squash is also highly versatile and a great source of complex carbohydrates. 

Butternut Squash

Butternut squash is one of the most popular types of winter squash, exhibiting a sweet, nutty flavor. Packed with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protective plant compounds, butternut squash needs to be on your fall and winter grocery list. One cup of cooked butternut squash provides 100% of the RDI of vitamin A, and over 30% of the RDI of vitamin C. Both of these vitamins act as antioxidants, working to neutralize free radicals in the body. That process helps protect cells against damage that may potentially cause disease. In addition to the vitamins A and C, butternut squash contains potassium, manganese, magnesium, and plant pigments. 

Red Kuri Squash

This type of Hubbard winter squash is quite striking and has an interesting tear-drop shape with a vibrant reddish-orange exterior. The flesh is highly sweet and packs a serious nutritional punch, offering lots of vitamins A and C, and minerals like potassium. The skin becomes very tender and edible when you thoroughly cook this squash, making it very easy to handle. It is a common ornamental squash for common decor, but don’t forget that you can eat it too!

SHARE:

The post 7 Types Of Winter Squash And Their Health Benefits appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

When you eat seasonally, you actually contribute to a more sustainable environment and support local farmers. On top of that, studies show that eating seasonally can help increase your nutrient intake. That means that growing and buying summer vegetables from local growers at farmers markets can improve your health and contribute to your community. 

What are the best vegetables to enjoy during these warmer, summer months? Some of those vegetables include leafy greens like kale, bell peppers, squash, garlic, shallots, and herbs like basil. Continue reading to learn what’s in season during summer and the health benefits that these produce items offer. 

Eggplant

Belonging to the nightshade family, eggplant holds some highly unique plant compounds within their dark purple skins. The same polyphenols, such as anthocyanins, that are in blueberries and red wine exist in eggplant skin. That’s why the skin is purple! Eggplant may help fight free radical damage and provide the body with manganese and folate, both of which support bone and metabolic health. 

Shallots

Shallots are members of the allium plant family, which includes onions, garlic, and leeks. Researchers found that the organosulfur compounds in allium vegetables exhibit antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. That means that they help support immune defenses, and some studies show that shallots may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They even have compounds that may help the body battle certain cancers, but more studies are necessary to confirm the efficacy. 

Basil

Basil is one of the world’s most popular herbs, making its way into everything from sauces and dressings to broths and salads. Manufacturers extract basil essential oil from the plant because the herb is rich in protective compounds. Some of those compounds include linalool, citronellol, and eugenol, all of which work to fight inflammation. Studies show that the antioxidants and antibacterial properties in basil work to boost digestive function, promote detoxification, and maintain healthy skin. 

Garlic

As another member of the allium family, garlic contains a compound called allicin, which works to protect against infections and fight pathogens. However, allicin is an unstable compound and it is only briefly present after you cut or crush garlic cloves. The sulfur compounds from garlic enter the body from the digestive tract, from which they travel throughout the body and have biological effects. 

Kale And Other Summer Greens

Kale is a popular superfood for good reason. As one of the healthiest greens available, kale is rich in antioxidants, including isothiocyanate. Kale also contains a good amount of potassium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and vitamins A, C, and K. Some studies show that certain substances in kale bind to bile acids in the digestive tract, preventing them from reabsorption into the body. That helps reduce the total amount of cholesterol in the body. Other heat-tolerant greens to enjoy in the summer include mizuna and Manoa lettuce, which yield new greens every three to five weeks. 

Tomatoes

Tomatoes, especially heirloom varieties, are bountiful in the summer months. They are the juiciest and go great in summer salads, so we encourage you to eat them raw. Tomatoes happen to be great sources of vitamins A & C and disease-fighting antioxidants like lycopene. Each tomato has its own unique taste and nutritional profile, so get your hands on grape, Roma, heirloom, and beefsteak varieties this summer. 

Cucumbers

The summer months are quite hot, so you need all the hydration help you can get. Cucumbers are more than 90% water and can help you reach your daily hydration goals. The high water content also helps your body break down food and absorb nutrients more efficiently. Cucumbers are naturally rich in vitamin K, which is a big bonus for bone health. Sufficient vitamin K levels reduce your risk of bone fractures and encourage healthy bone mass.

SHARE:

The post The Best Summer Vegetables To Eat And Their Benefits appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Everyone can always use more vegetable in their life. If you eat your greens, we applaud your efforts and you are doing your body a great service. That said, it’s paramount to include vegetables of all different colors. And one of the most nutrient-dense veggies you can easily add to smoothies is the mighty beet. It is rich in antioxidant compounds that help encourage detoxification, and you can easily mellow the subtle, earthy flavor by incorporating it into smoothies.

The great thing about beets is that they boast an impressive nutritional profile, but they are very low in calories. In fact, they contain almost all of the vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Beets contain fiber, folate, copper, potassium, manganese, vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium, iron, and other antioxidants. Copper is an integral mineral that the body needs for energy production and the synthesis of certain neurotransmitters. Folate plays a key role in growth, development, and heart health, while manganese is necessary fo nutrient metabolism, brain function, and bone formation.

While beets are impressive on the nutritional front, we cannot ignore the little nutrient powerhouses that are blueberries. They are rich in anthocyanin, a compound that gives them their blueish hue and optimizes skin, bone, and heart health. Plus, blueberries are naturally rich in vitamin C, which can help boost immune function and improve collagen’s ability to smooth out wrinkles. So, you get all of these benefits and more when you enjoy this smoothie!

SHARE:

The post Blueberry Beet Smoothie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Crunchy, nutritious, and incredibly filling, nuts are excellent foods to have on hand. You can always incorporate them into a sauce, salad, dessert, entree, or trail mix. A handful between meals is an excellent way to remain satiated, so that you avoid other unhealthy snacks. What’s more, research shows that eating more nuts may help you maintain body weight, improve heart health, and reduce the risk of certain health conditions. 

More and more research continues to show the nutritional benefits of incorporating nuts into your diet. They may promote longevity and aid with weight management, providing the body with an array of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats, and protein. The only thing to keep in mind about nuts is that they are rich in calories, which is why dietitians suggest not eating an entire bag in one sitting. Another thing to remember is that the roasting or seasoning of nuts can cancel out their health benefits. For example, salted or seasoned varieties contain excess sodium, preservatives, and artificial flavors. 

When you do consume nuts, it’s better to eat them raw and unsalted. Some roasted varieties are fine to eat, but make sure that they are not salted. Remember, you can always season them yourself!

Almonds

Best for skin health, almonds are rich in some key micronutrients, including magnesium and calcium. Registered dietitians encourage people with skin ailments, traumas, or uneven pigmentation to start snacking on almonds. Almonds are naturally rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects skin cells from the damaging effects of free radicals caused by pollution, UV rays, and other factors. A 16-week study in 2019 found that wrinkle severity reduced when participants consumed 20% of their daily calories from almonds. 

Pistachios

Pistachios have been eaten since 6,000 B.C.E., and rightly so! These nuts contain lots of nutrients and are lower in calories and fats than most other nuts. Pistachios are rich in carotenoids like zeaxanthin and lutein, anthocyanins, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and other plant compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. A four-month study followed 100 overweight people. One group ate 1.5 ounces of pistachios per day and followed a group-based behavioral weight loss program, while the other group only participated in the weight loss program. The groups lost similar amounts of weight, but the pistachio group experienced reductions in blood pressure and an increase in blood antioxidant levels. Some researchers believe that the vitamin B6, which aids nutrient metabolism, in pistachios was a contributing factor. 

Cashews

It’s very difficult to dislike cashews. You can enjoy them as a simple snack or incorporate them into a variety of sweet and savory dishes. They are rich in several key nutrients that are essential for bone health, including vitamin K, magnesium, manganese, and protein. Several studies examined whether or not diets rich in cashews improved symptoms of metabolic syndrome. The results indicated that diets higher in cashews improved blood pressure, blood fat levels, blood sugar, and belly fat in people with metabolic syndrome. Additionally, a review of studies found that eating cashews led to a reduction in triglyceride levels and blood pressure. 

Walnuts

Walnuts offer a diverse nutritional profile, but they are exceptional sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for brain and heart health. Other nuts contain small amounts of omega-3s, but they don’t come close to the levels in walnuts. Many studies confirmed that omega-3s help reduce inflammation. Based on the available research, walnuts have the greatest amount of polyphenols, which are plant compounds that may play a role in preventing certain health outcomes. Walnuts also contain prebiotics, which feed the healthy bacteria in the gut, promoting an optimal microbiome. 

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts grow on trees in the Amazonian rain forest and they are nutritional powerhouses. They may not be as popular as walnuts, almonds, or cashews, but they are delicate in both taste and texture. Although Brazil nuts are excellent sources of antioxidants, their primary nutrient is selenium, offering 68-91 milligrams per nut. That exceeds the recommended daily allowance for adults, so you really should only consume one to two Brazil nuts per day. It’s very important that you don’t overeat Brazil nuts!

Macadamia Nuts

With a buttery texture and slight crunch, macadamia nuts are truly wonderful to enjoy as a snack or in meals. According to several studies, including more macadamia nuts in your diet may help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood sugar levels. They are rich in fiber, manganese, healthy fats, and vitamin B1 (thiamine), which boosts energy production and helps prevent complications of the nervous system, brain, muscles, heart, and stomach.

SHARE:

The post The 6 Best Nuts To Eat For Better Health appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

What is the first thing you do after peeling a banana? You throw away the peel because you have no need for the yellow skin, or so you thought. Bananas provide you with potassium, magnesium, fiber, vitamin B6, manganese, and vitamin C, but as it turns out, the peels exhibit impressive health benefits. In fact, you can use the peels to help whiten teeth, clear up acne, boost hair health, and much more. Learn about the best banana peel uses in this article!

The banana peel is the outer shell of the banana fruit. Every banana peel has some nutritional value, but the nutritional profile may differ depending on the variety and maturity of the fruit. Generally speaking, the peel contains protein, fiber, amino acids, antioxidants, iron, and calcium. Additionally, the nutritional value and health benefits of the peel will vary depending on the fruit’s maturity. Peels also contain phytochemicals and antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, which benefit the teeth, skin, hair, and more. Read on to see how banana peels can benefit your health.

Banana Peels May Whiten Your Teeth

A 2015 study found that banana peels demonstrated antibacterial activity against bacteria that cause periodontal diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis. The bacteria that banana peels were effective against were P. gingivalis  and A. actinomycetemcomitans. This study, and other studies for that matter, haven’t focused on directly applying banana peels to teeth. That said, practitioners of natural healing claim that rubbing the inside of a banana peel on your teeth is great for teeth and gum health. 

Banana Peels Soothe Your Skin

The anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties in banana peels may help soothe the skin. According to research, the banana peel may relieve symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Banana peels may also relieve bug bites, skin irritations, and sunburns. Other studies indicate that the antimicrobial activity of banana peel may inhibit the growth of infection-causing bacteria. 

Banana Peels Polish Your Shoes

Forget about messy shoe polish that may stain your towels, clothes, and skin. Banana peels are the all-natural shoe polish to keep your leather or faux leather shoes shiny and looking good. All you have to do is rub the inside of the peel on the shoes and watch the scuffs disappear. Buff and wipe any banana peel residue off your shoes with a soft cloth and your shoes will be ready for date night!

Banana Peels Enhance Compost

If you are going to discard banana peels, don’t simply toss them in the trash. Adding them to a compost bin, or simply chopping them and burying them in the dirt, can help enhance your garden. If you don’t want to bury them in the dirt, you can soak the banana peel in water for a day, and then pour that water into the soil. The banana peel water almost acts as natural fertilizer because the nutrients infuse into the water. 

Banana Peels Reduce Under Eye Puffiness

A lot of beauty and skin care products contain banana or banana peel, or a tincture made from banana. The peels work to brighten and soften the skin because they contain vitamin E, which may help fade dark spots and scars. The potent antioxidants in the peels also work to protect against oxidative damage, which can accelerate aging. Cut the banana peels into smaller pieces and place them under your eyes for 15-30 minutes. Rinse with an everyday cleanser and you’ll notice the difference in your eye appearance. 

Banana Peels May Purify Water

This sounds crazy, but it may be useful if you are ever in a survival situation, have a banana peel, and need clean water. Researchers noted that minced banana peels were able to remove lead and copper from river water. For that reason, researchers deemed banana peels a low-cost tool for purification, but more research is necessary.

Banana Peels May Remove Warts

As mentioned earlier, banana peels may relieve inflammation and irritation from inflammatory skin issues. Some people claim that banana peels may help get rid of warts. The reason for this is because the peel’s enzymes penetrate the root of the wart, while the moisture from the peel softens the wart. Tape a small piece of banana peel inside-down over the wart and leave it on overnight. Continue to do this and the wart should be history in three weeks.

SHARE:

The post Don’t Throw Out Your Banana Peel! Here Are 7 Ways To Use It appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.