One of the best things about summer celebrations is the food. People get to show off their culinary skills, usually in the form of dips, snacks, and appetizers. Finger food is exactly what you want at a potluck, picnic, barbecue,  or cookout. Although you can use slow cookers, Instant Pots, or grills to make main dishes, they don’t have anything on snacks and apps! That’s why this article is all about dippin’ and chippin’.

The truth is that people will eat almost any dip at a party or gathering, so long as it is tasty. We don’t mess around with flavor here at Dherbs! Every dish you make needs to impress your taste buds, but that doesn’t mean each dip requires a long list of ingredients. As with most recipes, the quality of the ingredients is what makes the dish. If you make vegan bruschetta, for example, opt for heirloom tomatoes in place of Roma tomatoes. Quality ingredients elevate an average dish to something spectacular!

Why make your own dips when there are so many dip options in grocery stores? This is a valid question, and the simplest answer is that almost every store bought dip contains processed ingredients and preservatives. Do you want to worry about high sodium levels when you are dipping on Labor Day? We didn’t think so. With the following dips, you can both enjoy their flavors and feel good about eating them. If you make some of the dips, drop a comment to let us know if you enjoy them!

Chile De Arbol Salsa

Chile de Arbol salsa is fresh and easy to make. With a tomato base, this roasted salsa is incredibly tasty with just a little kick.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Raw Vegan Pineapple Salsa

Juicy, refreshing, and the perfect combination of spicy & sweet, this raw vegan pineapple salsa is one that you’ll save in your recipe book!

Click here to make the recipe. 

The Best Guacamole Ever

When you make food in an authentic way, it tends to taste beyond delicious. That’s why this dip is the best guacamole ever.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Vegan Pumpkin Seed Hummus

Get out your favorite post-cleanse crackers because this pumpkin seed hummus is exactly what you’ve been craving.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip

Make this roasted garlic white bean dip with five simple ingredients in just five minutes of hands-on prep work. You’re going to love it!

Click here to make the recipe. 

Watermelon Mango Salsa

Refresh your palate and indulge in this sweet, zesty, and slightly spicy watermelon mango salsa that embodies the flavors of summer.

Click here to make the recipe.

Cowboy Caviar

Looking for the perfect dip or taco topper? This black bean corn salsa is filled with classic, bold flavors that delight the palate.

Click here to make the recipe.

SHARE:

The post 7 Great Dips To Make For Labor Day Festivities appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The unofficial start of summer is nearly here! Memorial Day is the first long weekend just before the summer solstice and people are ready to gather and celebrate. There’s no better weekend to socialize outside and make delicious food than Memorial Day Weekend. That’s why this article brings you seven amazing, healthy recipes that will surprise your taste buds with bold flavors. 

The sad reality is that most people will abandon their diets and wolf down all sorts of unhealthy foods over the weekend. According to statistics, there are roughly 800 hotdogs eaten every second on Memorial Day. That means that about 72 million hotdogs are eaten on this day alone. Perhaps this is because roughly 57% of people engage in barbecuing, but maybe it’s because Americans are inherently unhealthy. 

If you are looking to stay on track with your health goals, however, there are tasty recipes you can make that won’t cause a caloric overload. Make the following recipes this coming holiday weekend and let us know how you like them. 

Cowboy Caviar

The name most likely comes from the fact that cowboys live in Texas and this is a common side dish/dip in the state. The black beans represent the “caviar” in this dish. We apologize that there isn’t a better explanation.

Click here to make the recipe.

Watermelon Mango Salsa

Indulge in this sweet, zesty, and slightly spicy watermelon mango salsa that embodies the flavors of summer. Don’t be afraid to add more diced jalapeño if you crave the spice!

Click here to make the recipe. 

Grilled Marinated Eggplant

You cannot have a Memorial Day Weekend without a proper grilled dish. Eggplants are often underutilized, but this recipe brings them into the spotlight. Just make sure that you marinate them long enough to absorb the flavors.

Click here to make the recipe.

Chile Lime Grilled Corn On The Cob

Here’s another great recipe for all you grill fanatics out there. Crank up the heat with this grilled chili lime corn. It is a delectable side that is perfect for a picnic or Memorial Day celebration.

Click here to make the recipe.

Crispy Air Fryer Kale Chips

Skip the hydrogenated oils and chemicals in processed potato chips and churn out a batch of crispy, kale chips in a matter of minutes! They are simply seasoned and a great alternative to unhealthy chips.

Click here to make the recipe.

Melon Ball Salad With A Minty Lime Dressing

Refresh your palate and hydrate the body when you enjoy this Instagram-worthy melon ball salad that has a zesty, minty dressing.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Lovely Lavender Lemonade

It’s not quite summer, but this lemonade may put you in that summer state of mind. Adding a sweet and lovely flavor to a classic lemonade, lavender may help to reduce stress levels, headaches, and decrease anxiety symptoms.

Click here to make the recipe. 

SHARE:

The post The 7 Best Healthy Memorial Day Recipes appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The word “holiday” is essentially synonymous with food. People get together and celebrate with unlimited drinking and eating. More often than not, the food and drinks are of the less-than-healthy varieties, especially during Labor Day celebrations. 

People often refer to Labor Day as the last hurrah of summer. People bid adieu to the summer fun in the sun and prepare for cooler days. BBQs, football, shopping, potlucks, and beach parties go hand in hand with Labor Day. In fact, an average of 160 million Americans enjoy a cookout at some point during the holiday weekend.

When you come face to face with so many temptations, it’s hard to resist them or maintain discipline. Because most people fall into the trap of indulging more than they should during Labor Day weekend, we have detailed many helpful tips to stay healthy. Avoid diet pitfalls and stay on track. We believe in your willpower!

Don’t Skip Meals

For most holidays, including Labor Day weekend, the common thought is to skip meals to save room for the big feast. This is the worst approach you can have because skipping meals often leads to overeating. It’s better to have several nutritious snacks or smaller meals throughout the day before the potluck, party, or festivity. A handful of nuts, plate of fruit, fruit and vegetable smoothie, or even a small salad are excellent options to help you feel full and keep you from overindulging. 

Consider Which Parties To Attend

There are parties that have every unhealthy food under the sun, and then there are parties with a more health-conscious theme. Everyone has friends who want to lose weight or put their health first. If you receive an invite from one of those friends, consider attending that Labor Day event versus the unhealthy one that is essentially a ticket to high blood pressure and weight gain. When you spend time with like-minded people who have more of a focus on health, you will benefit. 

Grill Healthy

Hotdogs, burger patties, slabs of steak, and ribs aren’t the only things you can cook on the grill over the holiday weekend. You can shift your focus from meat to vegetables. Slice a head of cauliflower into thick steaks or grill portobello mushroom caps. Marinate veggie kabobs and then grill them for maximum flavor and a little char. There are many healthy ways to grill, so look up some recipes online and get creative with your food. 

Survey The Spread Before You Load Up

When you go to a table of food without a plan in place, you will most likely grab a little bit of everything, and then some. Don’t just wander the food table and grab anything that looks appetizing. Scan the table and take a closer look at what you can eat. Come up with a plan for what to grab and then go in. Additionally, it’s beneficial to pinpoint the foods you really want. You don’t have to eat everything just because it’s there. Make an effort to control portion sizes and try to make at least 50% of your plate consist of vegetables. 

Avoid Alcohol

Some people don’t count liquid calories, but knocking back a few alcohol beverages can quickly ramp up your caloric intake. It’s very common for people to drink alcohol at Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas celebrations. If you are trying to eat mindfully, though, it’s best to avoid alcohol. Not only does alcohol lead to excess food consumption, but it also impairs your ability to resist temptations. After a few drinks, the desserts you are trying to avoid may quickly find their way onto your plate. 

Just Say No

The power of the word “no” is very real. You don’t always have to say yes to every food item in sight. For instance, if someone wants to offer you something that you know you should avoid, you can politely decline by saying, “It looks so tasty, but I’m too full right now. Thanks for asking, though.” 

SHARE:

The post 6 Tips To Have A Healthy Labor Day Weekend appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Everyone has a weekend of eating that they regret. There’s no reason to view yourself as a failure, but it’s very easy to view yourself in that negative life. You may even wake up feeling guilty about everything you ate and drank. Don’t beat yourself up for succumbing to the temptation of unhealthy foods because there are easy ways to get your health back on track. 

Weekends, especially holiday weekends, are notorious for relaxing diets. Whether it’s a potluck party, backyard barbecue, Saturday night drinks, or Sunday brunch, the calories tally up quickly. Not to mention, it’s difficult to stick to your diet in these circumstances, so you abandon ship and join in the consumption. This excess comes in the form of unhealthy carbs, salt, sugars, and fats. This leaves you feeling tired, guilty, hungry, and bloated. 

So how do you find your balance again? If the weekend threw you for a spin and you let yourself go, use the following tips to help you recover. You’ll be feeling like your best self in no time!

Let It Go

After falling off your diet, the first rule of thumb is to leave it in the past. You cannot change the past, but hopefully you learned your lesson. How did all of that binge eating make you feel? Not good, right? That’s perfectly acceptable, but just acknowledge your mistakes and get back on the horse. 

Don’t Skip Breakfast

While it may seem like a good idea to skip breakfast after an unhealthy weekend, it’s actually a horrible dietary mistake. Dietitians advise against skipping the first meal of the day because skipping a meal can slow the metabolism. This leaves you feeling bloated and unhealthy, and you may retain fat or fluid as a result. Instead, opt for a lighter breakfast like a fruit and vegetable smoothie, oatmeal, or chia pudding to start your day. Good fuel is better than no fuel.

Drink That Water

When your diet gets away from you, so do your healthy hydration habits. Additionally, most people forget to drink enough water in unhealthy situations because they are focused on consuming or drinking other things. After an indulgent weekend, drink a tall glass of water as soon as you wake up. The body needs water to move waste through the digestive tract, and it also helps to improve alkalinity and immune function. If you want to enhance the hydration and detox efforts, add a little lemon juice and apple cider vinegar to the water. 

Add Some Fiber

There’s no need to go out and purchase a fiber supplement or anything like that. The goal should be to consume whole foods that are naturally rich in fiber. Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates from foods like sweet potatoes and quinoa. These foods help to move food through the digestive tract, which you desperately need after binge eating. Plus, fiber keeps you satiated between meals, helping you avoid unhealthy and unnecessary snacking.

Get Moving

One workout isn’t going to undo the damage of a bottle of wine, four slices of pizza, a bowl of buttery popcorn, and a burger. That’s just a fact, but it’s important to get your body moving again. When you slide right back into your regular workout routine, you’ll be able to find that rhythm again. Regular exercise is what helps you stick to your goals and burn off excess calories. Consider engaging in a high intensity interval training session to burn more calories on the first day back after the weekend. You’ll be tired in the best way possible!

Get Plenty Of Sleep

People think that they’ll get more sleep on the weekend, but this may not always be the case. If it’s a social weekend and you go out and indulge with food and drink, you may only sleep for a few hours. Additionally, the quality of sleep may not be that great because alcohol can easily disrupt sleep. One sleep study found that people who only got five hours of sleep ate more the following day. People who slept for seven to nine hours ate less. People who sleep well have better food restraint, which helps to decrease overall caloric intake. 

Don’t Get On The Scale

The scale is not your friend after a weekend of unhealthy eating. It will most likely display a higher number than you are used to, but this is most likely because there is extra food sitting in the digestive tract. There’s no reason to start your day with defeat. Instead, try to weigh yourself after you get back on track for a couple days. This will most likely result in the number you’re used to seeing.

SHARE:

The post How To Recover After A Weekend Of Unhealthy Eating appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Generally speaking, every dad knows what to expect on Father’s Day. Socks, ties, coffee mugs, funny cards, and a homemade dinner are generally in store for dads on their special day. While gifts from the family are priceless and honor fatherhood, it’s important for fathers to take charge of their health. They play a large role in shaping their children’s future, so they should be around to see them grow up.

June is Men’s Health Month, making Father’s Day the perfect time to emphasize men’s health. Fathers devote a lot of attention to their children during their lifetime. Statistically, fathers, and men in general, tend to neglect their own health. Looking after personal health is just as important as monitoring the health of children. Several studies confirmed that fathers with poor physical and mental health have a negative impact on their children’s overall well being. 

For Father’s Day, we have five health tips for dads that will help them live happier, healthier lives. Stick around for more Father’s Days when you maintain overall health!

Schedule An Annual Physical

Statistically, men are 24% less likely than women to visit a doctor for yearly physicals. One of the best ways to stay on top of your health is by taking preventative measures. Several surveys concluded that men are 32% more likely than women to end up in a hospital for long-term diabetic complications. And men are 28% more likely than women to be hospitalized for congestive heart failure. Don’t let dad put off doctor visits!

Seek Help For Depression

This tip applies to men who grapple with depression or severe anxiety. It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression in order to seek help when necessary. For both men and women, depression is one of the leading causes of disease and injury worldwide. Signs and symptoms of depression include feelings of hopelessness, reduced energy levels, thoughts of suicide, and persistent sadness. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should seek help immediately. Many hotlines, support groups, and alternative treatments can benefit mental health. 

Find Ways To Manage Stress

Many health practitioners explain that stress is one of the primary risks of developing depression, heart disease, and chronic inflammation. Excess stress hormones in the body can negatively impact overall health. Fathers and mothers can hold a lot of stress, and certain things their children do only add to it. While there are many ways to naturally reduce stress, each person will have to find their own outlet that invites zen into their life. If you need help getting rid of stress, click here to read about ways to address your stress. 

Consider A Colonoscopy

This is not a fun topic to discuss with dads, but it is a necessary one if they are nearing 50 years old. In the United States, colon cancer happens to be the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The Standard American Diet increases waste accumulation in the colon and digestive tract, and this can lead to numerous intestinal disorders, as well as colon cancer. A colonoscopy is an excellent way to screen for colon cancer. Men who are 50 years old or older should consider a colonoscopy, especially if there is family history of colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. 

Focus On Cardiovascular Health

If you want dad to keep up with chasing you at the park, make sure he is in great cardiovascular shape. Improving and maintaining heart health requires constant work. From eating the right foods to regularly exercising, keeping the heart healthy is a full-time job. Health experts suggest to engage in 150 minutes of moderately intense cardiovascular exercise per week. Additionally, it’s ideal to eat a healthy diet that consists of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Try to limit the consumption of alcohol, meat, processed foods, saturated fats, refined starches, and dairy products. All of those foods negatively impact heart health. 

SHARE:

The post Top 5 Health Tips For Dad This Father’s Day appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Memorial Day is just around the corner and it’s going to be a little different this year. Since social distancing orders are in place, there won’t be picnicking or large gatherings in the park or beach day celebrations with volleyball or football games. That doesn’t mean you and your family can’t have fun, though. You just have to get creative.

One of the best human traits is adaptability. We adjust our plans and roll with the punches, and we often emerge stronger and better as a result. While a giant backyard barbecue with lots of friends is out of the question, you can still recognize the holiday at home.

What Is Memorial Day All About?

Many people look forward to Memorial Day because it is a three-day weekend and an excuse to eat unhealthy foods and get drunk. It is similar to July 4^th in that regard. Memorial Day honors those who died in active military service. It takes place annually on the last Monday in May. Now that you know what it’s about, let’s give you some suggestions for a fun-filled weekend.

Have Lunch/Dinner Outside

The weather is warm (hopefully), so kick off the unofficial start of summer with a casual outdoor meal. You don’t have to get crazy with decorations; rather, keep things simple by placing some flowers in a vase to create a beautiful centerpiece. Serve up dishes that showcase seasonal flavors: greens, asparagus, and berries are in season right now! The backyard is truly the place to be this Memorial Day weekend.

Watch A Movie Outside

Nothing screams summer like an outdoor movie. Gather the family in the backyard, set up blankets and chairs, and screen a movie outside. Simple projectors are pretty affordable nowadays, and all you need is a blank wall. You can even stretch a sheet between two poles, but make sure that it is taught to avoid a wavering screen.

Play Yard Games

From corn hole and horseshoes to ring toss and water gun fights, fun yard games incorporate activity into your celebrations. There’s nothing like a little friendly competition on a day with the family. Just make sure that you keep it light and fun; there’s no need to get angry over a game of horseshoes.

Go Camping In The Yard

Camping is a Memorial Day tradition for many families. Even though campgrounds are closed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, you don’t have to sacrifice tradition this year. Get the tents out and set them up in the backyard. Sleep under the stars, tell stories, read books with a flashlight, and enjoy the company of family. If you have a fire pit, get a fire going!

Fire Up The Grill

Light that grill because grilling is one of the best activities during warm weather. You can still enjoy grill-tastic dishes even though you can’t have a bunch of friends over (you can thank Rona for that one). Use technology to your advantage and have a Zoom meeting or use FaceTime to grill with friends via a screen. Additionally, keep in mind that there are meat shortages in many parts of the country, but you don’t need meat to make delicious grilled recipes. You can find our favorite grilled recipes below. We hope you like them!

Grilled Portobello Mushrooms

Marinated in a tart, herbaceous balsamic marinade, these grilled portobellos make for a light and meaty entree or perfect side dish.

Click here to make the recipe.

Grilled Sweet Potato Fries

If you love sweet potato fries, you need to stop what you’re doing and make this recipe right now. This will be your new favorite summer side!

Click here to make the recipe.

Vegetable Kebabs With A Balsamic Glaze

The balsamic glaze is going to elevate your vegetable kebabs to another level. Fire up the grill and get to cooking!

Click here to make the recipe.

Grilled Pineapple With A Cinnamon Honey Drizzle

Whether you need the perfect side dish or unique dessert, this grilled pineapple is the perfect balance of semi-sweetness and subtle char.

Click here to make the recipe.

SHARE:

The post Fun Ideas And Recipes For A Memorable Stay At Home Memorial Day appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Between politics and the evolving coronavirus pandemic, it’s hard to be uplifted by the news these days. Not to bring thunder to a rainy day, but today honors National Endangered Species Day. Celebrated annually on the third Friday in May, National Endangered Species Day is a day to recognize and support national efforts that protect endangered species and their habitats.

The History Of Endangered Species Day

In 1973, President Richard Nixon signed the Federal Endangered Species Act into law. By passing this law, the United States took action to care for species in danger of extinction, in addition to protecting and restoring habitats. Both the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United States Fish And Wildlife Service (FWS) oversee the Endangered Species Act. The goal of National Endangered Species Day has always been to join efforts with others to protect these species as long as possible.

The Most Endangered Species In The World

Time on Earth is limited for a certain number of species. Human beings have proven to be the biggest threat to the survival of endangered species. Due to poaching, habitat destruction, and global climate change, some endangered species are nearing extinction. With our help and conservation, however, it is possible to save them. The top 10 species that need our help most include:

1. Sea Turtle: 90% of the Hawksbill turtle population is gone and 80% of Leatherback turtles have been lost within the past 10 years
2. Gorilla: both cross river gorillas and mountain gorillas have been classified as critically endangered since 1996
3. Sumatran Elephant: roughly 70% of the Sumatran elephant’s habitat has been destroyed within the past 25 years
4. Orangutan: the Sumatran orangutan has been on the critically endangered list since the year 2000, with roughly 80% of the population lost due to deforestation
5. Snow Leopard: found in 12 countries in Central Asia, the snow leopard population is threatened by poachers and herders, who kill them for preying on livestock
6. Tiger: the Sumatran Tiger and South China Tiger are classified as critically endangered, and most of them were killed for their fur
7. Irrwaddy Dolphin: 2020 reports suggest that there may only be 100 left in the wild, making a sighting extremely rare and special
8. Rhinos: the black rhino, the Javan rhino, and the Sumatran rhino are among the most endangered species in the world
9. Vaquita: considered the rarest marine animal in the world, it is thought that less than 10 of these sea porpoises exist in the wild
10. Atlantic Bluefin Tuna: overfishing is the primary cause of the massive decline of Bluefin tuna numbers over the last 40 years, a 72% decrease in eastern Atlantic and 82% decrease in western Atlantic species

How You Can Help From Home

If you are looking to celebrate National Endangered Species Day, you can help by becoming a member of the National Wildlife Federation. This organization works to support wildlife conservation efforts. You can also donate to the World Wildlife Fund, which has been a leading conservation organizer in over 100 countries for 60 years.

The future of endangered species is dependent on the decisions we make today. Let’s preserve these species so that they don’t become extinct.

SHARE:

The post Celebrate National Endangered Species Day At Home appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Orange juice is a classic beverage. Kids never tire of it and adults love to enjoy a glass (possibly with champagne) with brunch on the weekends. Not all orange juices are created equal, and we feel responsible to point this out to you. National Orange Juice Day is annually observed on May 4^th, and we need to drop some pearls of wisdom about this seemingly innocent and healthy juice.

Florida’s Natural, Tropicana, Simply Orange, Minute Maid, and other brands all have different flavor profiles, and not one tastes like freshly squeezed orange juice. Even “not from concentrate” orange juice doesn’t taste like the fresh stuff. You just can’t beat the flavor profile and nutritional value of fresh OJ. Do you know why this is?

Here’s The Juice On OJ

Once oranges are squeezed to extract the juice, it easily spoils. Anyone who has ever made fresh orange juice knows that it doesn’t last for more than a few days. Orange juice companies need time to bottle, ship, and sell it before the juice goes bad, so they remove oxygen to preserve the juice. This step can make a carton of OJ good for up to one year, but it also removes all the flavor. In order to make orange juice flavorful, companies hire fragrance companies (yes, the same people who develop perfumes) to create flavor packs that have the essence and oil of orange.

The Dirty Little Secret About Store Bought OJ

If artificial flavors are used, they should be on the ingredient list, right? The companies found a loophole because the flavors are derived from oranges, meaning companies don’t need to disclose all the ingredients in the carton. This is why you will often see “natural flavors” on the ingredient list. What this means is that 100% pure orange juice is not as pure as you think it is.

How The Juice Industry Titans Get Away With It

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t require companies to list flavor packs on labels of pasteurized orange juice because they are derived from oranges. This means that companies can call 100% pure orange juice exactly that. In fact, Tropicana used to have a jingle, “squeeze me a glass,” for a commercial in the mid-1980s, despite the fact that nothing was freshly squeezed about the juice. This move to “not from concentrate” stepped away from the previous “ready to serve” frozen juice varieties, even though both varieties were neither pure nor fresh.

In 2009, Alissa Hamilton wrote a book entitled Squeezed: What You Don’t Know About Orange Juice. Hamilton aimed to disrupt the “all natural” labeling tactics and expose store bought orange juice for what it was. Several years after Hamilton’s book was published, many people filed lawsuits against PepsiCo, which owns Tropicana, for false advertising and excluding chemicals from labels.

Truthfully, store bought orange juice contains a lot of sugar and processed ingredients, both of which contribute to obesity and diabetes. A tall glass of store bought orange juice may have similar sugar content to a 12-ounce can of Coca Cola. The sad reality is that orange juice is low on the FDA’s list of priorities. All of this is to say that you should not blindly trust every label because the truth isn’t there. If you are going to enjoy a glass of orange juice, make some freshly squeezed orange juice from real oranges. That’s the best way to celebrate National Orange Juice Day.

SHARE:

The post The Truth About Store Bought Orange Juice appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Celebrated since 1996 in the United States, National Pecan Day, which occurs annually on April 14^th, was initiated by the National Pecan Shellers Association (NPSA). The goal was to encourage people to snack on, cook with, bake with, and enjoy the flavor of the almighty pecan. Pecans have a buttery-sweet taste that work well in desserts, salads, appetizers, snack mixes, or entrees.

People, especially Americans, love to snack. The demand for healthier snacks has increased, due to climbing rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Common snacks are often unhealthy and filled with processed ingredients, chemicals, artificial flavors, and refined sugars, all of which are difficult for the body to process. Try to snack on a handful of pecans, instead! They are actually pretty nutritious. In fact, one ounce of pecans amounts to 200 calories and contains three grams of fiber, 20 grams of unsaturated fats, three grams of protein, 0.2 milligrams of thiamin (vitamin B1), and many other antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. 

Pecan Fact: The name “Pecan” literally translates to “a nut requiring a stone to crack.” They were pretty literal with naming things back in the day, since you have to crack the shell in order to eat the pecan.

Important For Immune Health

As previously mentioned, pecans contain many vitamins and minerals, but they also contain powerful phytonutrients. Pecans are also great sources of zinc, which is a necessary mineral for optimal immune cell function and development. Statistically, people who maintain regular zinc intake have a reduced risk of a variety of health conditions, specifically those that are related to age and lifestyle.

A Boost For Your Brain

Chew on this for a second, people: pecans are some of the best dietary sources of vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that comes in eight isoforms. Alpha-tocopherol is the preferred form of vitamin E that is used by the human body, and there are 0.4 milligrams of alpha-tocopherol in a one-ounce serving of pecans. Regular vitamin E intake has been associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Vitamin E works to reduce oxidative stress that is caused by inflammation, which is believed to increase one’s risk of cognitive decline.

Minerals For Growth And Metabolism

People are typically focused on maintaining sufficient vitamin and antioxidant intake, but too often do they neglect the importance of minerals. Pecans are excellent sources of minerals, including manganese and copper, both of which contain enzyme components that the body needs to execute physiological reactions in cells. These minerals contribute to healthy growth and they work to regulate metabolism.

We could present precise pecan facts all day, but we think it’s time to prepare pleasant pecan meals. You are welcome for the alliteration.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Cranberries & Pecans

Making Brussels sprouts taste good can be a challenge, but this recipe will have you craving them every day.

Click here to make the recipe.

Mixed Green Deli Style Salad With A Mustard Vinaigrette

You can’t beat a tasty salad that is filled with beautiful flavor combinations and varying textures. Keep your palate interested with this unique deli-style salad.

Click here to make the recipe.

Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash

Even though this dish is filled with the spices and ingredients of fall, these stuffed acorn squash are perfect for any time of year. And it is an incredibly filling dish!

Click here to make the recipe.   

SHARE:

The post Think Outside The Pie: Recipes For National Pecan Day appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

April 4^th celebrates National Vitamin C Day, but we think that this essential nutrient deserves to be celebrated every single day. What’s our reasoning behind this? Well, since you asked kindly, vitamin C is responsible for protecting the skin from oxidative damage, reducing blood pressure, enhancing immune response, and reducing the risk of gout. If that wasn’t enough to convince you of vitamin C’s importance, consider that it helps to prevent cellular damage that is caused by constant exposure to environmental pollutants and toxins!

The History Of Vitamin C

In the 19^th century, Sir Thomas Barlow, a British physician, was one of the first people to describe scurvy and how it could be prevented with adequate vitamin C intake. Scurvy existed for more than a century before his discovery, and it killed many sailors that embarked on long sea voyages. Thanks to Sir Thomas Barlow, sailors were sent to sea with large amounts of citrus fruits to maintain optimal vitamin C intake and avoid scurvy.

What Is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C, also known as L-ascrobic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that exists in various fruits and vegetables and is available in the form of dietary supplements. It has been heavily studied for its antioxidant activity, and for the effects it has on collagen synthesis, immune function, bone health, and more. Because the human body cannot synthesize vitamin C on its own, it is each person’s responsibility to obtain this essential nutrient from dietary sources. While many foods contain vitamin C, our top five recommendations are detailed below.

Guavas

The guava is a tropical fruit that is native to both South America and Mexico. One little guava contains 126 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C, which translates to 140% of the recommended daily intake (RDI). A six-week study, which involved 45 healthy young people, found that consuming 400 grams of peeled guava per day (around seven pieces of this fruit) significantly lowered cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Kakadu Plums

This is an Australian superfood that contains 100 times more vitamin C than oranges. It actually has one of the highest known concentrations of vitamin C, amounting to 5,300mg per 100 grams. A single kakadu plum contains 481mg of vitamin C, which is 530% of the RDI for vitamin C. These plums also contain vitamin E, potassium, and lutein, which is an antioxidant that supports eye health.

Blackcurrants

American farmers used to refer to blackcurrants as “the forbidden fruit,” solely for the fact that they thought these tart berries spread fungus that killed pine trees. The United States banned blackcurrants for a long time and many Americans missed out on the benefits because of that. One-half cup of blackcurrants contains 101mg of vitamin C, or 112% of the RDI. Blackcurrants also contain anthocyanins, which may help reduce oxidative damage that is associated with chronic illnesses and neurodegenerative diseases.

Mustard Spinach

This variety of spinach packs 195mg of vitamin C per cup, or 217% of the RDI. The best way to absorb the vitamin C from mustard spinach is by eating it raw because the heat can lower the vitamin C content, and that applies to all foods. That being said, one cup of cooked mustard spinach still offers 117mg of vitamin C, or 130% of the RDI.

Papayas

Not only do papayas contain bromelain, a digestive enzyme that breaks down protein chains, but they are also rich in vitamin C. One cup of fresh papaya contains 87mg of vitamin C, or 97% of the RDI. One study monitored 20 people with mild Alzheimer’s disease and gave them concentrated papaya extract for six months. The results revealed a 40% reduction in oxidative stress and decreased inflammation levels.

Vitamin C is readily available in many fruits and vegetables, but the ones highlighted in this article have some of the highest vitamin C content. Other sources of vitamin C include:

• Citrus fruits (lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruit)
• Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
• Rose hips
• Persimmons
• Lychees
• Brussels Sprouts
• Broccoli
• Parsley
• Thyme
• Bell pepper
• Chili peppers
• Kale
• Kiwis
• Mangos

SHARE:

The post The Best Vitamin C Sources For National Vitamin C Day appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.