Is it wrong to have such strong feelings for a cozy, fall-inspired soup? Call us crazy, but these steamy bowls are exactly are exactly what you want on a chilly autumn evening. Sweet potato and kale soup is a cozy, healthy, and hardy meal option that is 100% vegan and easy to make. Not only will it please your palate, but it will also keep your belly full without weighing you down.

This soup is packed with a healthy dose of nutrients, including carotenoids, fiber, protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. The onions, garlic, bell pepper, and celery provide the base flavor for the soup, but the real flavor comes from the fresh herbs and seasonings. Obviously you get the sweetness from the sweet potato and nuttiness from chickpeas. Don’t worry about the kale imparting a bitter flavor because it takes on the flavor of the broth once it softens.

There is one thing to note when you add the kale to the soup. Make sure that you don’t add the kale until the last five minutes of the cooking process. If you add it while the potatoes are still boiling, the kale will become overly soggy. Once you finish cooking the soup, ladle it into bowls and top with a healthy sprinkle or crack of black pepper. The soup is hardy enough to enjoy on its own, but a crisp slice of bread would be a lovely treat to accompany it. Think about it and let us know!

SHARE:

The post Sweet Potato Kale Soup appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If you recently ate yourself into a food coma, which is all too common during the holiday season, this is the soup for you. We praise this soup for the incredible fiber content. From the sweet potatoes and kale to the beans and carrots, you’re getting fiber from so many ingredients. At the same time, this detoxifying soup alo contains allium, antioxidants, and other vitamins and minerals.

The beautiful thing about this soup is that all of the ingredients are easy for the body to digest. Most holiday foods take a toll on the body, making the digestive system work harder than it should. This soup gives your body a break, providing it with nourishing and cleansing foods. On top of that, it helps move food through the digestive tract, encouraging healthy elimination. Make it all winter long!

SHARE:

The post Detox Vegetable Soup appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Bone broth has become one of the new “it” foods, but most people are not aware that the benefits from this broth are primarily attributed to the vegetables. Additionally, pre-packaged bone broth contains excess sodium and processed ingredients for extended shelf life. When it comes to a broth or stock that will actually make you feel the difference, you need to get back to basics, and by basics we mean herbs and vegetables.

Herbs are commonly used for seasoning meals, but many people forget that fresh herbs can contain antimicrobial, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and even antifungal properties. The herbs in your kitchen or garden can almost be thought of as a natural medicine cabinet, from which you can pull ingredients that can strengthen the immune system.

Bone Broth Vs. Vegetable Stock

Bone broth contains the collagen and amino acids from animal bones, cartilage, and skin. Drinking collagen, however, does not increase collagen levels in the body. In fact, it is the collagen boosting properties of herbs and vegetables, which are used to make and flavor bone broths, that are beneficial. Cut out the bone element and simply make a vegan-friendly broth to build immune strength. Some of the benefits from the key ingredients in the stock recipe in this article are listed below.

Garlic

The compound in garlic that gives it the potent smell is known as allicin, which has been proven to reduce the risk of getting sick by 63 percent. Allicin works to stimulate immune function, helping the body fight foreign invaders, including bacteria and viruses.

Onion

You know what they say, “You can’t have garlic without onion,” or maybe that’s just a saying we made up right now. Onions contain allicin and another compound known as quercetin, both of which are responsible for giving onions the expectorant, antispasmodic, and antimicrobial properties. While onions are especially useful for improving respiratory health, they also contain prebiotics that feed your gut to promote a healthier microbiome.

Rosemary

Rosemary has been used for thousands of years to strengthen the body’s ability to fight off respiratory infections and fevers. Rosemary is wonderful for any soup or stock, offering a beautiful aromatic flavor, but that’s not the only reason to use it. The antioxidants in rosemary also help to improve digestion and relieve muscle pain.

Oregano

Oregano has gained popularity in the natural health world lately, primarily because of its effectiveness as fighting the Staphylococcus strain bacteria. The diaphoretic properties of oregano help to reduce fever during the immune system’s response to an infection. The antibacterial properties of oregano also help to fight against salmonella and E. coli bacteria.

Ingredients For Stock:

• 2 medium brown onions, thinly sliced
• 1 head of garlic, peeled and minced
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 3 dried bay leaves
• handful of rosemary sprigs, rinsed
• handful of thyme sprigs, rinsed
• handful of sage leaves, rinsed,
• handful of oregano sprigs, rinsed
• 4 liters of water

Instructions For Stock:

• Add all of the ingredients to a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil and then immediately reduce to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The stock should reduce by about a quarter.
• Remove the pot from the stove and use a slotted spoon to remove the large solids from the pot. Strain the remaining liquid through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer into another pot to remove debris and solids.
• Divide the broth into one or two-cup capacity jars and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to one week, but you can store them in the freezer for up to three months.

SHARE:

The post Recipe: Boost Your Immune System With This Garden Herb Stock appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Soups and broths have been staple foods in various civilizations throughout history. One of the oldest books in Chinese Medicine, Dr. Yi Yins Soup Classic, documents the healing properties of soups, and historical records have proof that the Father of Western medicine, Hippocrates, encouraged his patients to drink barley soup, especially for digestive discomfort. Rather than eating a meal when a person was ill, it was much easier to sip a nourishing soup or broth.

The bone broth fad is one of the most popular health trends, with various blogs touting the health benefits. It has been marketed as a great source of collagen, and many companies push the fact that it is a high-protein meal for people with on-the-go lifestyles. The primary claim is that it has the ability to cure leaky gut, improve immune health, or reduce arthritis pain. Bone broth sales in the United States skyrocketed from $5.83 million in 2016 to $17.54 million in 2017. Brand ambassadors and celebrities alike endorse bone broth, but what’s the truth about this cure-all elixir?

What Is Bone Broth?

Bone broth is made by boiling down the roasted bones, skin, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons of animals, specifically chickens and cows, but bison, turkey, lamb, deer, and other animals are occasionally used. It takes a long time to cook bone broth, and the gelatin, calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals are drawn out of the ingredients into a broth.

Is Bone Broth Is A One-Stop Shop For All Your Nutrients?

The “unique” nutritional profile of bone broth receives a lot of attention, but research shows that broths, which are primarily comprised of vegetables, contain more nutrients. In 2017, the journal Food and Nutrition Research found that bone broth was low in calcium and magnesium. While bone broth claims to be a nutritional goldmine, it seems that the vegetables used in the cooking process are responsible for many of the nutrients. For instance, bone broth contains 19mg or less of calcium and between six to nine grams of protein. Compare that to the following plant-based sources:

• Collard greens (1 cup contains 150mg of calcium)
• Organic peanut butter (2 tablespoons contain 7 grams of protein)
• Navy beans (1 boiled cup contains 126mg of calcium)
• Kale (1 cup contains 177mg of calcium)
• Lentils (1 cooked cup contains 18 grams of protein)

Collagen? You Can Make Your Own

The human body cannot digest collagen whole. During the digestive process, the body absorbs nutrients from the food that has been consumed to build collagen. Let’s make something very clear: eating more collagen does not give the body more collagen, nor does it directly help the body in any way. A food scientist named Kantha Shelke has claimed that eating a diet that is filled with leafy green vegetables is ideal. Plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds are rich in the nutrients (vitamins A, C & E, glycine, proline, and sulfur) that are necessary for collagen production. For a list of foods that aid with collagen production, click here.

Is Bone Broth Good For Gut Health?

There are claims that that bone broth is beneficial for people with poor digestion or leaky gut syndrome. Supposedly, the gelatin in bone broth binds to the water in the digestive tract, working to protect the intestinal lining. Certain animal studies show that bone broth may have that potential, but no research has been done on humans. You know what isn’t a claim or theory? Fiber-rich plant foods, including fermented foods that improve the gut micriobiome, help support gut health. This is well documented and fiber-rich foods can be found by clicking here.

Homemade Vegetable Mineral Broth

A homemade vegetable broth can be a great sources of electrolytes, enzymes, ionic minerals, and more, all of which assist to maintain overall bodily health. We found a recipe that is free of the bones of animals, gluten-free, low in sugar, nut-free, and soy-free. Make it and let us know how you like it.

Ingredients:

• 2 (5-inch) strips of Kombu seaweed
• 6 carrots, chopped
• 1 leek, both white and green parts, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
• 5-inch piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
• ½ bunch parsley, chopped
• 6 dried shiitake mushrooms
• 2 medium brown onions, chopped
• 8 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 small pumpkin or squash, seeded and cut into chunks
• 4 cups kale, chopped

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to a large stockpot over high heat and fill the pot about two inches below the rim with water. Cover the pot and bring to a boil.
• Remove the lid once the stock is boiling and reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about two hours.
• You’ll notice that the water starts to evaporate as the stock simmers, so add more water if the vegetables are exposed.
• Remove from the heat and strain the stock into another large pot. Divide the stock into glass storage jars and place in the refrigerator.
• You can drink two to three cups between meals.

SHARE:

The post Bone Broth May Not Be As Good As You Think It Is appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Most people think that they have to get healthy by summer. If they don’t achieve their ideal beach bodies, people tend to abandon fitness goals and forget about diet and exercise. This mentality propels you towards an unhealthy fall and holiday season, which is when most people gain the majority of their weight. Instead of giving up on health, use this midway point in the year as a chance to turn over a new leaf and reset your health goals.

The first step towards a healthier diet involves cleaning out your cabinets and refrigerator. Sugary and salty snacks, canned vegetables or soups, and other packaged things with ridiculously long shelf lives commonly line the shelves of many cabinets and refrigerators in American homes. Eating foods with long shelf lives doesn’t mean you add years to your life. Finding new healthy alternatives can be challenging, but they are out there and more prevalent than you think. Here are a few suggestions to make your kitchen a healthier space.

Chips

Some people have no self-control when it comes to chips. One second they are opening the bag and five minutes later they are showering the crumbs into their mouths. Chips are filled with sodium (salt), dyes, processed ingredients, artificial flavors, and trans fats. All of these make it difficult for your body to function optimally.

Swap With Dehydrated Root Vegetables or Air-Popped Popcorn

Many stores sell dehydrated root vegetables, which don’t have all the processed ingredients that chips have. You can air-pop organic dried kernels in an air-popper yourself. It is an easy and healthy snack, provided you don’t drown the popcorn in butter and salt.

Canola Oil

Did you know that canola oil increases your risk of heart disease? It causes arterial build-up and can lead to improper kidney and liver function. Additionally, over 90% of canola oil is genetically modified.

Swap With Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This is the good stuff! It is rich in heart-healthy fats and contains a variety of antioxidants that are beneficial for fighting inflammation and cholesterol build-up. Unlike canola oil, olive oil is protective against heart disease. Remember, extra virgin olive oil is great for sautéing, but safflower oil may be better if you are cooking at higher temperatures.

Canned Vegetables

Many canned vegetables are laced with BPA, which is an industrial chemical in food or beverage containers. Canned vegetables can be pasteurized, precooked, preserved, and often contain excess sodium and sulfites.

Swap With Real Vegetables

The average American only consumes about 1/3 of the recommended daily vegetable intake. And canned vegetables don’t count! Try to focus on fresh vegetables because they contain high concentrations of vitamins and minerals. Once you cook the vegetables, the heat begins to kill the nutritional value.

Instant Oatmeal

Instant oatmeal is not real oatmeal! They contain so much sugar, corn syrup, trans fats, processed ingredients, and hydrogenated oils. All of these ingredients can increase your cholesterol levels, ultimately increasing your risk of stroke or heart attack. Instant oatmeal packets even contain ingredients that you can’t pronounce! If you can’t pronounce it, avoid it.

Swap With Steel Cut Oats

Regular, unflavored steel cut oats are a power food, being a great source for plant-based protein and fiber. Additionally, steel cut oats contain compounds that help reduce blood pressure. They have a low glycemic index, which makes them a beneficial food for diabetics. They can be made the night before to avoid the hassle of making breakfast in the morning, and you can add your own fruit for an added nutritional boost.

White Rice

Most white rice is devoid of nutrients because it is heavily processed. Since it isn’t a whole grain, a lot of the fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients are removed during processing. It isn’t the worst food for your body, but there are better options.

Swap With Organic Quinoa

It has twice as much fiber as other grains and it’s not even a grain…it’s a seed. A lot of people don’t like quinoa because it is flavorless. The key to enjoying quinoa is to add spices to the water during the cooking process. You can add curry powder, turmeric, pepper, sea salt, oregano, cumin, chili powder, paprika, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, or any other spices. It is rich in iron, magnesium, and is a great plant-based protein source.

Butter or Butter Spreads

Butter spreads typically contain hydrogenated oils and trans fats, and regular butter contains a lot of fat. Despite the current hype about butter due to the ketogenic diet, we suggest avoiding butter because of the saturated fats, which contribute to weight gain.

Swap With Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been trending in the health world for quite a while. It can help support weight loss, boost the metabolism, and it is beneficial for your skin. Try to opt for virgin, unrefined coconut oil, and if you cook with it, cook on medium heat because coconut oil cannot withstand high temperatures. It is also a 1 to 1 swap with butter, if you are following a recipe.

Bottled Smoothies/Juices

Most bottled juices and smoothies have turned healthy foods into sugar-laden, processed, unhealthy foods that trick you into thinking that they are healthy. These drinks are heavily processed and pasteurized to the point where the natural nutrients get removed and synthetic vitamins and minerals must be added. Additionally, these drinks have a high sugar content and are incredibly concentrated. It’s like you might as well be drinking a soda!

Swap With Homemade Smoothies/Juices

Drinking unheated, pure, natural, and cold pressed juices or smoothies is one of the best ways to heal and nourish your cells. Get some fresh fruit and vegetables, throw them in a blender, add ice, blend it up, and there you have a healthy smoothie. Similarly, put fresh fruits and vegetables in a juicer to make nutritious juices. We prefer smoothies because they contain fiber, whereas the fiber gets removed when you run ingredients through a juicer.

Cream-Based Soups

These soups are loaded with empty calories, processed dairy products, food dyes, corn syrup, excess sodium, and other chemical fillers that harm the body. We are referring to cream of mushroom, cream of broccoli, corn chowder, and clam chowder soups, among other cream-based varieties.

Swap With Vegetable Broth & Homemade Soup

Vegetable broth is a great base for homemade soups, so long as you purchase the organic broths without any added sodium. Quickly sauté your favorite vegetables, season the broth with spices, and let them simmer. Eating that is much healthier for your heart, and you get a lot of antioxidants and immune boosting nutrients.

Whey Protein Powder

Finding the right protein powder can be hard. Don’t resort to whey protein powder because whey protein can cause loss of appetite, gout, osteoporosis, kidney damage, fatigue, headaches, inflammation, or even cramps when taken for extended periods of time. It also has a lot of calories, sugars, and added fats, which contribute to weight gain.

Swap With Plant-Based Protein Powders

There are a lot of plant-based protein powders on the market now (and we are not talking about soy products). Plant-based protein powders are easily absorbed by the body, which makes it easier for the body to use protein more efficiently. Just remember that some of the biggest animals in the world only eat plants.

SHARE:

The post Foods You Need To Ditch To Stay Healthy appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

When the months get colder, specifically in the dead of winter, it’s necessary to enjoy warming meals. You want hardy food that fills you up without making you feel too heavy. Many classic winter meals are rich, heavy, and fattening, but this vegetarian shepherd ‘s pie is not. It’s comforting, easy to cook, and it doesn’t weigh you down.

Normally, shepherd’s pie recipes are not vegetarian. More often than not, shepherd’s pie contains small chunks of lamb meat, but as the dish spread across England, other meats were used instead. It’s very common to see beef cubes in this type of savory pie.

Fortunately, we found a vegetarian recipe! This is a great recipe if you finished cleansing and are looking for great transitional or maintenance dishes to keep you on the healthy path. The mushrooms are naturally meaty, so you won’t miss the chunks of beef. We hope you enjoy it!

SHARE:

The post Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Okay. Drop. Everything.

I just saw this picture from Pinch of yum and I absolutely want to make this Coconut Curry Soup. Like, I want to leave work and make it. Right meow. Unfortunately, I’m Cleansing, which means I can’t cook or heat everything, which, on day four, is becoming something of a drag. I wish for the warming goodness of autumn stews.

The thing about the 20 Day Full Body Cleanse, though, is it’s not supposed to be easy. If it was easy, we’d eat raw fruits and vegetables all the time and we’d all look 15 years younger. The Full Body Cleanse is hard because eating healthy is hard, especially these days with so many sodium-laden, saturated fat concoctions to tempt us. This recipe, need to tempt you. This recipe is pure mouthgasm.

After you cook it, take a slurp for me and for all of us in the Dherbs Nations who are Cleansing right now. Oh! And if you do make this recipe, be sure to share it on your instagram and tag us @dherbs.

SHARE:

The post Anything You Have Coconut Curry Soup from Pinch of Yum appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.