When the chips and salsas are out, it’s hard to leave them alone. You can call this intuition or an immense desire to enjoy a salty snack. Salsa tends to reign supreme in the dip category, but only if it tastes great. Terrible salsa is not only an insult to your palate, but also your overall health. A jar of salsa doesn’t offer any nutritional value and can be overly sweet or salty, depending on the variety. That’s why it is always better to make your own, especially since it is very easy.

Some people do not label a dip as a salsa unless it is blended or smooth. For example, a salsa verde or roja is a true salsa, whereas pico de gallo may not be viewed that way to some salsa purists. We are not here to judge or change your opinion on what a salsa is, but this recipe, be it a salsa or not, is an insanely tasty dip. It is sweet, spicy, zesty, refreshing, and highly addictive. Additionally, the salsa offers a wide range of nutrients, given that it contains a mix of colorful fruits and vegetables. If you need antioxidants and vitamin C, this is the salsa for you!

This salsa offers two sweet components: strawberries and mangos. Don’t think that this is just an overwhelming bowl of sweetness, though. The red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice create a balanced flavor profile that makes each bite more enjoyable than the last. As a final note, don’t worry if the mango isn’t the sweetest, most tropical mango you’ve ever tasted. It is perfectly fine if the mangos are slightly underripe.

SHARE:

The post Strawberry Mango Salsa appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Are our produce losing nutrients? Transported produce may be losing nutrients because of the exposure of light, heat, and air. While they may lose nutrients, it’s still important to have a high intake of fruit and vegetables. They help you to reduce obesity and maintain a healthy weight.

SHARE:

The post Do Current Produce Have Less Nutrients? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Collard greens often have a negative reputation because they aren’t always prepared in the healthiest way. A lot of preparations involve bacon, ham hocks, turkey legs, and a lot of salt, and the greens are cooked down to a point where they have a lot less nutritional value. In truth, collard greens are very healthy, incredibly versatile, and exhibit some seriously impressive health benefits. 

What Are Collard Greens?

Kids may not be the biggest fans of collard greens, but these nutritious leafy greens should be on your grocery list. Collards belong to the cruciferous vegetable family, which includes broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and bok choy. Just like other cruciferous vegetables, collards contain sulforaphane, which is a compound that helps to fight inflammation, balance hormones, and fight free radicals. Continue reading to learn more about the health benefits of collard greens. 

They Contain A Lot Of Nutrients

Collards are nutrient-dense greens that contain a lot of vitamin A, with one cup providing over 300% of the recommended daily intake (RDI). They also provide B vitamins (particularly folate) and vitamin C, with one cup providing 50% of the RDI. Folate is the naturally occurring form of folic acid, and a cup of collards provides about 44% of the RDI of folate. Just like kale or Swiss chard, collard greens are an excellent source of vitamin K1, providing an impressive 1,045% of the RDI in one cup. Collards also offer other nutrients, including manganese, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. 

They Exhibit Anti-Cancer Activity

As previously mentioned, collards provide a lot of vitamin A and vitamin C, both of which encourage a healthy immune system. Optimal immune response is essential for protecting the body foreign invaders and cancer. Research shows that collard greens contain glucosinolates and sulforaphane, both of which are subjects of cancer research. Scientists say that glucosinolates are converted into isothiocyanate (ITC), which protects cells from damage that can lead to cancer, particularly colon, oral, breast, and skin cancers. By increasing your consumption of leafy greens, you may help reduce your risk of cancer. 

They Support Gut Health

Collards, just like other leafy greens, contain fiber, which works to optimize digestive health by promoting a healthy microbiome. Researchers note that fiber contributes to regularity, which helps you avoid constipation. Additionally, some studies have identified a unique sugar in leafy green vegetables (sulfoquinovose), which works to feed the good bacteria in your gut. That ultimately supports the digestive process. 

They Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties

According to research, some of the compounds in collard greens may exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. For that reason, incorporating collards into your diet may help reduce the risk of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Collard greens also contain lutein, carotenoids, zeaxanthin, and other antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress. Lowering the amount of oxidative stress in the body may help reduce inflammation, which may decrease the risk of certain health conditions. 

They May Help People With Diabetes

As mentioned earlier, collards are rich in fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements and satiates you after a meal. Increasing your fiber intake has been associated with a lower risk of stroke and type 2 diabetes. The belief is that fiber reduces inflammation and levels of glucose in people with type 1 diabetes. Other research shows that fiber works to maintain healthy insulin and blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. More research is necessary to see how the fiber in collards directly benefits diabetic patients. 

They May Improve Bone Health

The impressive amount of vitamin K1 in collard greens, in addition to the vitamin K2 in animal foods, is critical for healthy bones. The body requires vitamin K for calcium absorption, which reduces the risk of fractures. Because collard greens contain both calcium and vitamin K, adding them to your diet can help keep your bones healthy. For reference, the average vitamin K recommendation for adult males is 120 micrograms (mcg) per day and 90 mcg per day for adult women.

SHARE:

The post The Impressive Health Benefits Of Collard Greens appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Did you ever think to combine cauliflower and broccoli to make a unique salad? Nobody wants to eat large florets of raw cauliflower or broccoli, which is why this salad is as far from that as possible. Think of this salad as more of a raw rice bowl because it calls for riced cauliflower and broccoli. Simply pulse together the raw cauliflower and broccoli florets in a food processor to rice them up! After that, you can begin making this powerhouse salad.

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower contain sulforaphane, an antioxidant compound that may reduce the ability of cancerous cells to multiply. In doing so, sulforaphane may help slow the growth of tumors, or at least reduce their ability to spread. Because sulforaphane is extremely bioavailable, you do not need to combine other nutrients with it for optimal absorption. Simply eat cruciferous vegetables to provide your body with this antioxidant compound.

Besides the impressive nutritional profile, this salad provides lots of life and color. Although we only have a certain number of ingredients in this salad, you can add more if you want to. Great additional ingredients include red cabbage, carrots, collard leaves, and radishes. The ingredients we’ve chosen work well with an Asian-inspired dressing, so we hope you enjoy it. Let us know if you like it, or if you made it your own, in the comments below.

SHARE:

The post Cauliflower Powerhouse Salad appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Are you looking for a breakfast option that is as easy to make as it is delicious? You clicked on the right recipe! This banana blueberry overnight oats recipe combines the tartness of blueberries, sweetness of bananas, and creaminess of overnight oats. It’s so good that it will have you jumping out of bed in teh morning! The best part is that you can set it and forget it. Make it at night, refrigerate the jar, and it’ll be ready to consume in the morning.

All you have to do is mix together rolled oats, almond milk, chia seeds, mashed bananas, and a handful of fresh blueberries. Pop it in the fridge and allow it thicken overnight. When you wake up, your healthy, filling breakfast is ready to go. That means you have one less thing to worry about doing in the morning. Get yourself together and then take a spoon to that jar of overnight oats!

Blueberry banana overnight oats can help you start the day the healthy way. They not only keep you full until your next meal, but also provide lots of essential nutrients. Blueberries burst with antioxidants and bananas offer lots of potassium and complex carbohydrates. That makes this breakfast as good for your taste buds as it is for your body.

SHARE:

The post Banana Blueberry Overnight Oats appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

It is easy to feel defeated if you’ve been hitting the gym five days a week with a consistent program and you don’t see muscle growth. Is something wrong with your plan? You are working hard to build your biceps, calves, lats, glutes, and pectorals, but you don’t see a difference. This begs the question, “What are you eating?”

Certain foods can help build muscle, but some foods actually hinder muscle growth. Sculpting your physique requires drive, sweat, and, of course, the right food. You may be getting your daily pump in, but if you are pumping your body full of the following foods, you may be depriving your muscles of the nutrients they need to grow.

A Six-Pack Of Beer

You won’t achieve your six-pack if you drink six-packs. Not only does alcohol mess with your body’s ability to process protein, but it may also prevent muscle recovery. All the extra carbohydrates from beer make it more difficult for muscle growth. If you are after a six-pack, put the bottles down and focus on fueling your body with whole grains, asparagus, almonds, Greek yogurt, and green tea. Additionally, stay away from hydrogenated oils and ultra-processed foods.

Diet Soda

The zero-calorie aspect of diet soda attracts a lot of people who want to lose weight and build muscle. Although diet soda doesn’t have calories, sugar, or fat, it has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes in several studies. The empty calories from diet soda add up in other ways, according to recent research. When people consume artificial sweeteners, they end up eating more calories throughout the day. That excess caloric intake can lead to weight gain, and that gain doesn’t show up in your biceps or lats. 

Doughnuts

Any food or beverage that is high in fat and low in protein is a problem if your aim is to build muscle. The reason for this is because you are eating way too many calories with very little protein. Say goodbye to the doughnuts and other sweets or fried treats because they don’t contain the nutrients that your growing muscles crave. Instead, feed your sweet tooth with protein-rich plain Greek yogurt topped with fresh fruit and a little drizzle of raw organic honey.

High-Sugar Breakfast Cereals

If you are running low on time in the morning and need to eat something in a pinch, cereal is a popular choice. Pour cereal in a bowl, add milk of choice, and enjoy. The problem with cereal is that some appear healthy, but in reality contain much more sugar than you realize. If you find sugar (or another name for sugar) in the top three ingredients on the nutritional label, skip it. If there are more than five grams of sugar per serving, toss it out. There are healthier cereal options, but you have to do your research. Choose options with at least three grams of fiber per serving and fewer than five grams of sugar per serving. Alternatively, start eating overnight oats or chia pudding because they are more nutrient-dense breakfast options.

Bagels

Did you know that your average store bought bagel contains about 400 calories? Add cream cheese to your bagel and you are consuming a breakfast full of refined carbohydrates and saturated fat. Neither the bagel nor the cream cheese aids your muscle gains. It is better to skip the bagel and opt for a slice of whole grain bread topped with all-natural peanut butter or almond butter. 

Sausages

Seemingly harmless and undeniably tasty, sausages are brimming with saturated fat, excess calories, and sodium. Additionally, sausages contain nitrites, which are preservatives that help prevent bacterial growth and maintain the appealing red colors in meat. Nitrites can lead to the formation of nitrosamines, which are chemicals that have been linked to cancer. It is healthier, and better for your muscle growth, to choose lean cuts of meat whenever you can. If you have a craving for sausage, choose nitrite-free options.

SHARE:

The post The 6 Worst Foods For Building Muscle appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Following a healthy eating routine is what everyone should do to maintain proper intake of nutrients. When you are pregnant, the body requires more of certain nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, potassium, folate, protein, iron, choline, and iodine. Making smarter food choices can ensure a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby. In this article, we aim to give you some quick dietary tips to help you eat healthy while pregnant. 

Before we get started, the basic principles of healthy eating remain whether you are pregnant or not. Make sure that you consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. A few nutrients during pregnancy deserve special attention, though. To maintain a healthy pregnancy, the following components come into play:

• A balanced diet
• Regular exercise
• Appropriate and timely vitamin/mineral supplementation
• Appropriate weight gain

Get The Right Amount Of Calories

The amount of calories you need will change during the course of your pregnancy. Generally speaking, most pregnancies require the following caloric needs:

• First trimester (first 12 weeks): no extra calories
• Second trimester (13 to 26 weeks): about 340 extra calories per day
• Third trimester (after 26 weeks): about 450 extra calories per day

Weight gain is completely natural during pregnancy, but that doesn’t mean you have to eat everything in sight. How much weight you’ll need to gain, in addition to the number of calories, will depend on a few things. Ask your doctor or midwife how many calories you need and how much weight is necessary for you to have a healthy pregnancy. 

Follow A Healthy Eating Routine

Ideally, you want to consume a wide range of healthy foods while pregnant. Choose a mix from the following food groups to enjoy daily:

• Whole fruits: berries, apples, mango, bananas, and more
• Whole grains: such as brown rice, bulgur wheat, millet, oats, and multi-grain bread
• Vegetables: sweet potatoes, okra, beets, spinach, bell peppers, jicama, broccoli, and more
• Healthy oils: olive oil, avocado oil, and virgin coconut oil
• Lean protein: eggs, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, seeds, tofu, salmon, lamb, and skinless chicken
• Low-fat or fat-free dairy: yogurt, lactose-free dairy, cheese, soy yogurt, or fortified soy beverages

Should You Take A Prenatal Supplement?

Most health care providers or midwives will prescribe a prenatal supplement either before conception or shortly thereafter. This is to ensure that you meet all of your nutritional needs. Please note that a prenatal supplement does not replace a healthy diet. Whether or not you decide to take a prenatal supplement is up to you. Just make sure that you get enough of the following nutrients: 

• Iron: Many women do not get enough iron during pregnancy. Iron helps your baby develop, so consult your healthcare provider to see if you need a prenatal supplement with iron, or a separate iron supplement. 
• Choline: An important nutrient for the developing baby’s brain. Foods that contain choline include lean meats, seafood, beans, lentils, eggs, and fat-free dairy. Most prenatal supplements do not have choline, so if you don’t think that you are consuming enough, consult your healthcare professional.
• Folic acid: Keep in mind that folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, which exists in many dark leafy vegetables, beans, peas, and nuts. You can also obtain folate from oranges, lemons, strawberries, melons, and bananas. If you take a prenatal supplement, make sure that it contains 400 to 800 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid. 
• Iodine: Another nutrient that is integral for the baby’s brain. If you use salt to season your food, make sure it is iodized salt. Prenatal supplements typically do not have iodine, so ask your doctor whether you need an iodine supplement or not. 

Avoid Certain Foods

During your pregnancy, please note that you should stay away from certain foods. The following foods may contain bacteria that can harm the baby:

• Lunch or deli meats, smoked seafood, and hot dogs
• Raw (uncooked) or rare (undercooked) meats, poultry, or eggs
• Raw sprouts, including clover, radish, alfalfa, and mung bean sprouts
• Unpasteurized juice, cheese, or milk. Make sure you see “pasteurized” on the label.
• Raw or rare fish or shellfish, such as sushi or raw oysters. (You can eat fish because it contains healthy fats, but some seafood is high in mercury. Generally speaking, you can eat eight to 12 ounces of seafood per week, so long as it is low in mercury and high in healthy fats).
• Refrigerated pate and meat spreads

SHARE:

The post Quick Tips For Eating Healthy During Pregnancy appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If you are trying to lose weight, you don’t have to shy away from fruit. In fact, you don’t have to shy away from a lot of food groups, despite what people say or don’t say. Nowadays, fruit is either your best friend or the enemy if you are informing yourself about weight loss foods. In fact, there is no shortage of claims about how you should eat fruit. “Experts” tell you what time of day to eat fruit and which fruits to avoid to support weight loss. 

What is true and what is false? Well, each person processes fruit, and food, differently, so the way one person metabolizes fruit may be different to the way another person does. Not only that, exercise habits also play a role in how much fruit you can eat while you are trying to lose weight. What we can say is this: below, we have outlined the top myths about fruit and weight loss, along with what you should believe. 

Myth 1: Fruit Makes You Gain Weight Because It Is High In Carbs

Fruit contains carbohydrates, but they are complex carbs that primarily come from dietary fiber. Dietitians note that dietary fiber supports gut microbiome and keeps people full for longer, in addition to supporting regular bowel movements. Fiber also helps stabilize blood sugar and the more you have in your diet, the better it is for your weight loss efforts. You don’t have to cut out fruit because they have carbs; rather, keep your serving sizes in check. Some fruits may count as two servings of fruit, but you can safely consume between 1.5 to two cups of fruit per day.

Myth 2: Blending Fruit Destroys Fiber And Reduces Nutrients

Do you enjoy sipping smoothies instead of chomping on apples, bananas, and kale? Don’t let the Internet lead you astray because blending fruit does not take away from the nutritional profile, nor does it destroy the fiber. Blending fruit exposes it to oxidation, and too much oxygen exposure for too long can reduce nutrients. If you blend and sip immediately after, there’s no need to worry. Blending fruits into a smoothie is a great way to get more servings of fruit into your daily diet. Just make sure that you incorporate vegetables into your smoothies, so as not to only consume fruit in one sitting. You can also increase the fiber, protein, and healthy fat content by adding nut or seed butters to the smoothie.

Myth 3: You Shouldn’t Eat Fruit Because Of The Sugar

A big misconception about fruit is that it contains a ton of sugar because of the inherent sweetness, so that means it is unhealthy. There is a difference between the natural sugar in fruit (fructose) and added sugars in foods. In large amounts, fructose can be harmful, but it is very difficult to consume in excess in its natural form. Different fruits provide an assortment of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. They are also rich in water, which helps you meet your daily hydration needs. Even if fruit contains natural sugars, it provides other health benefits from the myriad nutrients it offers. Eating some fruit is better than eating a candy bar!

Myth 4: Avocados Are Fattening

A lot of people eliminate avocados from their diet when trying to lose weight because they are relatively high in fat. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to eliminate fat from your diet to meet your weight loss goals. Avocados contain healthy fats, which can help you manage appetite and keep you fuller for longer. That means you will be less likely to snack and you will probably eat less overall. Cutting out fats can cause some people to feel unsatisfied after meals, which may cause them to eat processed foods or other foods that are rich in sodium. If you want to feel full, combine your avocados with some whole grains, vegetables, and lean protein to make a nutrient-dense, filling meal.

Myth 5: You Shouldn’t Eat Fruit On An Empty Stomach

The myth is that eating fruit on an empty stomach allows it to rot in the gut, which slows down the digestion of other foods. The theory is that that “rotting” contributes to gas, bloating, and other digestive issues. That “rotting” in the stomach is complete fiction because the stomach naturally prevents overgrowth due to its acidity. In fact, most microorganisms don’t stand a chance in there! The fiber in fruit can actually help you feel full and inhibit blood sugar spikes after eating meals. If you want to eat fruit first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, it will not just sit and rot inside the stomach. Pair fruits with protein sources such as almond butter, peanut butter, or Greek yogurt because these foods help further stabilize blood sugar.

SHARE:

The post Common Fruit Myths That May Prevent You From Losing Weight 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.

Citrus fruits are some of the most popular fruits used in the culinary world. The powerful acidity is what people crave. It often rounds out the flavor of sauces, salsas, marinades, juices, and more. The reason people fall in love with citrus fruits is because they hit three of the primary flavor profiles: bitter, sweet, and sour. 

People love citrus fruits for their flavor, but they should love them for their incredible nutritional profiles. The diverse flavonoid and antioxidant compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immune-boosting properties. Additionally, the vitamin C in citrus fruits works to neutralize free radicals in the body, lowering the threat of oxidative damage. They are also rich in potassium, a mineral that the body needs for carbohydrate metabolism, heart contraction, and nerve function. 

There are too many citrus fruits to count, and that’s why we’ve decided to bring you the zest of the best. Keep reading to find out which citrus varieties rose to the top. Well, they topped our list, anyway!

Meyer Lemon

These may be the best lemons on the planet, primarily because they are slightly sour with wonderfully sweet undertones. If you want to make homemade lemonade, the Meyer lemon should be your first choice. It is a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange, and it rose to popularity in the culinary world because of Martha Stewart, Alice Waters, and other chefs of that caliber. 

Pomelo

This citrus fruit has too many names to count, so we’ll just stick with pomelo. It’s one of the only three original citrus species left; all of the other varieties have been hybridized. The white pomelo has a thick pith and a sweet pink/white flesh. They are very popular in Asia during the Mooncake festival. 

Sumo Tangerine

These enormous tangerines are enormously delicious. It’s not the most attractive citrus fruit, but ugly foods are often the most delicious. It’s like an easy-to-peel mandarin, but supersized and more flavorful. Sumo tangerines are new to the United States, and people are loving them. The flavor is bold, with sweet and tart flavors that keep you coming back for more. They do cost more than the average citrus fruit, but they come from Japan, so the price makes sense. 

Blood Orange

The striking red/orange flesh of the fruit looks like a wheel of tie-dye art. The blood orange is mildly tart and beautifully sweet, and the rich pigment comes from the powerful polyphenols known as anthocyanins. You can’t always get your hands on these citrus gems, so make sure to snatch them up when you see them.

Key Lime

Almost everyone has heard of key lime pie, but these small limes are not solely reserved for baking. Many people prefer key limes to regular limes because they have a stronger alkalizing effect on the body. Key limes have a subtly sweet flavor and the juice is more floral and aromatic than that of regular lime juice. 

Kumquat

These little citrus fruits are entirely edible. That’s right, folks; you can eat pop the whole thing in your mouth and enjoy the beautiful combination of the sweet skin and tart flesh. You won’t always find them in stores, but they can pop up at local farmer’s markets. Kumquat trees are also popular in many neighborhoods, so keep your eyes peeled, especially from November to March when they’re in season.

Finger Lime

The finger lime is different from most other citrus fruits, and it gets the name because it is long, just like a finger. The flesh also differs from other citrus fruit. It looks like little gelatin balls, vesicles as they are called. You can think of it like lime caviar that you can turn into a rich marmalade or add to pickling jars. You can also zest the peel for strong notes of citrus in your culinary creations.

Buddha’s Hand

This abnormal, alien-looking fruit belongs to the citrus family, but it’s definitely in a league of its own. The “fingers” open up as the fruit ripens, but you can’t really enjoy the fruit. The only usable part of this fruit is the zest because there is no flesh. Buddha’s hand has a wonderful fragrance and it is often placed as a prayer offering at pagodas or altars in Asian countries. 

Tangelo

This funky little citrus hybrid is a cross between a grapefruit and a tangerine, so the flavor is both tart and sweet. Sink your teeth into this fruit and you get hit with an immediate burst of sweetness, and the tart flavor hits you on the back nine. They are easy to peel and make great substitutes for oranges. 

Calamansi

Calamansi is a classic citrus fruit in both Malaysian and Filipino cuisine. The peel is green and the flesh is a bright orange, but don’t let it fool you into thinking that it is sweet. It’s only a touch sweeter than a regular lime, but it does impart unique flavor into your food. If you want to make a homemade sorbet, fresh calamansi juice is an excellent juice to use. 

SHARE:

The post The Zest Of The Best: A Complete Guide To Citrus appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.