Last week, over half a million bottles of prazosin hydrochloride, a blood pressure medication, were recalled by drug manufacturer Teva. The reason for the recall was because testing revealed higher-than-acceptable levels of impurities known as N-nitrosamines. All of this information was released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) via an enforcement report.

The enforcement report detailed a Class 2 event, indicating that the affected medications, “…may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.” The recall is for 1, 2, and 5 milligram (mg) doses of prazosin hydrochloride. This medication is an alpha-blocker that is FDA-approved to help treat high blood pressure. Some people also use prazosin hydrochloride to treat benign enlarged prostate, nightmares related to PTSD, and temporary discoloration in the extremities due to cold exposure. 

You can check the lot number on your prescription to see if it was included in the FDA’s list. The FDA and Teva did not indicate whether consumers should throw out prazosin included in this recall. For the Class 2 recalls, however, the FDA states that people can typically keep taking the recalled medications unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. That is entirely your decision to make, as stopping medication in certain instances may be more harmful. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions regarding your medication. 

What Are N-Nitrosamines?

These chemicals commonly exist in water and foods, including cured and grilled meats, dairy, and vegetables. Most people are exposed to some amount of nitrosamines, but that depends on diet and other factors. 

The N-nitrosamine impurities can form during the manufacturing or storing processes of a drug. According to the FDA, the N-nitrosamine impurities may increase the risk of cancer if people are exposed to them above acceptable levels and over long periods of time. If you happened to take a medication with nitrosamine levels at or below accepted levels, every day for 70 years, you wouldn’t be expected to have a higher cancer risk. As that is an estimation, you may not want to take that chance. 

At Dherbs, we are not medical professionals, so we cannot legally advise how you should proceed with this current recall. If you do take this specific blood pressure medication, though, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have not received any information from the manufacturer. We are always here to help you improve your health and we encourage you all to do your research regarding not only our products, but anything that you decide to put in your body.

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Whether you use fresh or canned pumpkin, incorporating pumpkin into your meals is never a bad idea. That is especially true when pumpkins are plentiful during fall. Even the seeds, which you should not throw away after scooping out the stringy flesh, offer beneficial nutrients. The actual pumpkin flesh, though, is one of the richest sources of beta-carotene and contains other nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, carotenoids, copper, potassium, iron, and more. 

What Is Pumpkin?

The pumpkin is considered one of  the oldest domesticated plants. Historians suspect that tribes native to North America grew them since at least 5,000 BCE. Pumpkin is technically a fruit, but people commonly think of it as a vegetable. Fruits are edible, seed-bearing, flowering plants, which makes all squash fruits. The pumpkin is technically a winter squash that comes from the Cucurbita pepo or Cucurbita maxima plants. It is related to watermelon, zucchini, and cucumber, among other fruits and vegetables. The entire pumpkin, minus the string flesh and skin, is edible.

Pumpkin flesh and seeds are rich in a wide variety of nutrients. They contain everything from zinc and vitamin A to healthy fats and fiber. We hope that you don’t reserve pumpkins just for carving this year and that you enjoy them for all their health benefits. If you choose to use canned pumpkin, make sure it is 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. The former is real pumpkin, while the latter is rich in processed ingredients, added sugars, and unhealthy oils. Continue reading to learn why you should eat more pumpkin. 

May Help Regulate Blood Pressure

A one-cup serving of cooked pumpkin provides more than 12% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of potassium. Potassium is an electrolyte found in bananas, avocados, squash, potatoes, and other fruits and vegetables. Most adults lack sufficient potassium in their diets, which is a shame since potassium may help regulate blood pressure. It works to counteract the effects of sodium, which most Americans consume in excess regularly. Additionally, the fiber in pumpkin may help promote healthy cholesterol levels, which lowers the risk of heart disease. 

Provides Manganese And Copper

These two minerals may not receive as much attention as other nutrients, but they are integral to overall health. Manganese helps protect against bone density loss and fractures. The anti-inflammatory properties of manganese may also help encourage optimal metabolic, joint, and brain health. Copper, on the other hand, helps promote the formation of hemoglobin and collagen. It also aids with the synthesis of enzymes and proteins involved with respiration, energy metabolism, and DNA synthesis. 

Helps Maintain Healthy Vision

Pumpkin’s vibrant orange color is attributed to the impressive beta-carotene content. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A and essential for maintaining healthy vision as you age. Several studies indicate that beta-carotene may help lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, two common age-related causes of vision loss. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two other carotenoids in pumpkins and they work to protect the eyes from oxidative stress and UV light. 

Supports Healthy Skin

Pumpkins contain vitamins A, C, and E, in addition to zinc, all of which contribute to healthier skin. Vitamin C works to enhance collagen production and improve skin elasticity, which helps reduce the signs of aging. Zinc aids inflammation reduction and may help people with acne-prone skin. Lastly, research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition claimed that beta-carotene works to protect the skin from UV rays.

Lots Of Vitamins C & E

A one-cup serving of cooked pumpkin contains 13% of the RDI of both vitamin C and vitamin E. Vitamin C, as we mentioned previously, supports collagen synthesis and helps protect cells from tissue damage. It is also an integral antioxidant for optimal immune function and neurological health. Vitamin E also offers antioxidant effects, and a diet rich in vitamin E has been linked to a reduced risk of PMS symptoms, Alzheimer’s disease, acne, wrinkles, and hormonal problems. Vitamin E also works to prevent free radical damage, which may help to decrease the risk of several cancers, including colorectal and prostate cancer.

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Found throughout the entire body, primarily in bones, muscles, and non-muscular soft tissue, magnesium is an essential mineral with many roles in the body. Even though it helps carry out many bodily functions, roughly 50% of people in the United States do not consume enough of it daily. Failure to consume enough in your daily diet can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease. 

Benefits Of Magnesium

Magnesium is part of a group of helper nutrients, including fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. These nutrients help protect blood vessels and work to improve insulin resistance. Magnesium also helps the body convert vitamin D into an active form that the body can use. It helps the kidneys and liver metabolize vitamin D. Being deficient in magnesium actually reduces the body’s ability to use vitamin D, which ultimately impacts calcium absorption. Magnesium also assists with:

• Energy production
• Muscle and nerve function
• Bone density
• DNA repair
• Protein synthesis
• Blood sugar control
• Blood pressure regulation

Although almonds contain a good amount of magnesium, among other minerals, there are other foods that offer more magnesium. Continue reading to learn more about them. 

Legumes And Pulses

Legumes and pulses include chickpeas, lentils, peas, beans, soybeans, peanuts, green peans, and snap peas. Most legumes and pulses have less magnesium per serving than almonds, but others provide more than double. As a quick note, the body absorbs about 30% to 40% of magnesium from food. Some foods, such as legumes and pulses, have molecules that make it harder for the body to absorb magnesium. Soak your legumes to increase magnesium absorption. Consider the following amounts from different legumes and pulses:

• Soybeans: 148 milligrams (mg) per cooked cup
• Lima beans: 126 mg per cooked cup
• Black beans: 120 mg per cooked cup
• Adzuki beans: 120 mg per cooked cup
• Edamame: 99.2 mg per cooked cup
• Navy beans: 96.5 mg per cooked cup

Chickpeas: 78.7 mg per cooked cup

Whole Grains

Providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals like magnesium, whole grains can be great additions to your diet. Whole grains, unlike refined grains, contain all three parts of the grain (bran, germ, and endosperm), which are removed from refined grains during processing. Milling reduces the magnesium content, which explains why white rice has about 20% of the magnesium that exists in brown rice. The following whole grains offer the most magnesium:

• Amaranth: 160 mg per cooked cup
• Teff: 126 mg per cooked cup
• Quinoa: 118 mg per cooked cup
• Brown rice: 85.8 mg per cooked cup
• Buckwheat groats: 85.7 mg per cooked cup

Leafy Greens And Vegetables

There are not too many vegetables that contain a lot of magnesium. Researchers agree that some leafy greens and select vegetables have more than almonds offer per serving. Green vegetables are highly versatile, as they can go into omelets, smoothies, salads, stir-fries, soups, or stews. Some great magnesium-rich vegetables include:

• Spinach: 157 mg per cooked cup
• Swiss chard: 150 mg per cooked cup
• Beet greens: 97.9 mg per cooked cup
• Acorn squash: 88.2 mg per cooked cup

Nuts And Seeds

Besides almonds, there are other nuts and seeds that offer good amounts of magnesium, in addition to zinc, selenium, and vitamin E. There are also nut butters and flours that contain magnesium. Use nut flours in place of standard all purpose flour to get more magnesium for your buck. And while most nuts and seeds contain some magnesium, the following ones provide more per serving than almonds do:

• Hemp seeds: 210 mg per one ounce
• Pumpkin seeds: 168 mg per one ounce
• Brazil nuts: 107 mg per one ounce
• Chia seeds: 95 mg per one ounce
• Pilinuts: 85.6 mg per one ounce
• Cashews: 82.8 mg per one ounce

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There is something so satisfying about replacing an item you buy in the store with an even better homemade version. French fries, a loaf of bread, and these root veggie chips are just some examples of things you can make better, and healthier, than the ones you find in stores. Not only does it feel good to make your own chips, but it also means that you get to enjoy more nutrients. Researchers note that root vegetables help to boost serotonin (the feel good hormone) levels. Top off that crunchy goodness with a satisfying and luxurious spiced tahini sauce and you are ready to snack.

The hardest thing about this recipe is making sure that the chips are evenly sliced. That is why we encourage you to use a mandolin slicer on the 1/16-inch setting. You just have to be careful when you start slicing, as the mandolin blade is very sharp. Some mandolins come with protective devices that shield your fingers. If you just have the simple one with that feature, just mind your fingertips when you get close to the end of the potatoes and beets.

Regarding the root vegetables, you can choose ones that you enjoy, if you do not like the yam, white sweet potato, and beets in this recipe. Other great options include Yukon Gold potatoes, rutabaga, turnips, radishes, parsnips, or celery root. As long as these root vegetables are sliced uniformly thin, they will cook evenly. Some root vegetables may have a higher water content then others, so feel free to pat them dry prior to baking them.

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Potatoes, turnips, beets, and other root vegetables have been staple foods in many cultures for thousands of years. Some records indicate that sweet potatoes, among other root vegetables, were integral in folk medicine over 5,000 years ago. Root vegetables have supported undernourished populations since ancient times. The reason for that is because starchy root vegetables provide vital vitamins and minerals, fiber, and they are easy to prepare. Plus, they are usually very inexpensive and easy to grow.

Root vegetables, also known as tubers, grow underground, with many of them ripening throughout fall and early winter. Technically speaking, not all root vegetables are tubers; rather, the term “tuber” is commonly used to describe a lot of root vegetables. Bulbs, corms, and rhizomes are also categories of root vegetables. Some of the most common types of root vegetables include:

• Beets
• Carrots
• Potatoes
• Fennel
• Jerusalem artichokes
• Sweet potatoes
• Turnips
• Radishes
• Celeriac 
• Yams
• Parsnips
• Jicama
• Horseradish

Russet Potatoes

White, Russet, or Idaho potatoes are the classic potatoes you know and love. They get a bad rap, but the truth is that they are the largest contributors of vegetable phenolics and antioxidants to the American Diet. The problem is usually with how you prepare them. Frying them and adding copious amounts of butter or dairy can negate the health benefits. White potatoes are rich sources of potassium, which is essential for supporting bone and heart health. They also contain manganese, an integral mineral for nerve and bone health. 

Parsnips

Belonging to the same family as carrots, parsley, and celery, parsnips offer similar nutrients to those foods. They are an excellent source of folate, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Researchers state that most of the fiber in parsnips is soluble, which is linked to a lower risk of diabetes and high cholesterol. One serving of parsnip provides a good amount of folate, which helps increase energy, enhance metabolism, and contributes to healthy nervous system function. Folate also aids with the synthesis of DNA and red blood cell formation.

Rutabaga

Have you ever seen those purple and white bulbs in the produce section? Rutabagas are a cross between cabbage and turnips, so they provide similar benefits, such as lots of fiber and vitamin C. They are high in zinc, which plays a role in immune health, brain function, metabolism, mood regulation, and protection for physiological stress. They taste similar to turnips and white potatoes, and they come out great when roasted and caramelized. 

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are some of the most popular root vegetables, and particularly tasty as well. They offer a lot of vitamin A (one of the best plant sources), potassium, vitamin B5, vitamin C, lots of fiber, and slow-absorbing starch. They also offer lots of beneficial antioxidant compounds, including chlorogenic acid and anthocyanins. Even though they have “sweet” in the name, they have a lower glycemic index than white potatoes, so they may help stabilize blood sugar levels. 

Carrots

Carrots are some of the most popular root vegetables in existence and can be enjoyed any number of ways. Shave them thinly into a salad, dip them into hummus, juice them, or roast or steam them. They are naturally rich in carotenoids, which help protect the eyes and skin. Carrots also contain the antioxidants lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene, in addition to vitamins C, D, E, & K, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. 

Beets

Scientists attribute the benefits of beets to their impressive antioxidant profile. They are naturally rich in betalain and have the highest oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values of 27 vegetables commonly consumed in the United States. Some preliminary evidence suggests that beets may enhance endurance during athletic performance. They also contain nitrates, which the body can use for muscle recovery, improved circulation, and inflammation reduction. 

Jerusalem Artichokes

Jerusalem artichokes, or sunchokes, are an excellent source of fiber and protein, but have very few calories. They are also rich in vitamin A, potassium, and iron. In fact, Jerusalem artichokes are one of the highest plant-based sources of iron. They may help combat iron deficiency and may help support nerve health, red blood cell formation, and healthy metabolism.

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Fall is one of the most gorgeous times of the year, especially if you live in an area where the leaves change color. The cooler temperatures and shorter days have us craving a comforting soup. Why not use some of fall’s best produce items? Many of these vegetables are root vegetables, which are often overlooked because people don’t know how to use them. This soup is not just about warming the soul; rather, it is about discovering the often overlooked flavors in ingredients like parsnip and rutabaga. Rutabaga and parsnip do not give this soup its signature orange color. This soup contains carrots and butternut squash, which provide beautiful sweetness to contrast the more assertive ingredients.

This soup is truly an appreciation of autumn’s quieter, deeper flavors. It is a reminder to step outside your comfort zone and utilize under-appreciated ingredients that offer rich flavors and comfort. Rutabaga belongs to the turnip family, but it has a sweeter flavor, so that classic bitter radish flavor will not surprise your taste buds. Parsnip is like a cross between a turnip and carrot, and if they ripened under a little cover of snow, they will be much sweeter. You can find that out if you purchase them from a local farmer’s market. In case the rutabaga and parsnip have a slightly bitter flavor, the butternut squash will help balance the soup with its natural sweetness.

Our hope is that this recipe helps you find joy in transforming humble vegetables into something that is both filling and satisfying. Perhaps you had a parent or grandparent that used to make magic with whatever was in the house. This soup may fill your home with the nostalgic aromas of the past and remind you of autumn with the family.

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The leaves change, the weather gets cooler, and the scent of pumpkin spice emanates from almost every coffee shop. If those things do not indicate fall, we don’t know what will. A lot of people also spend more time indoors, due to colder weather, and that just so happens to coincide with the arrival of cold and flu season. If you like to take a more proactive approach to health, which includes strengthening the immune system, that can only benefit you this fall.

Why Prioritize Immune Health Now?

The immune system works round the clock to protect the body from harmful pathogens. There is no magic pill that guarantees full immunity, but there are many practical, science-backed methods that can help you enhance immune defense. Getting a head start on immune support is integral to having a vibrant fall and winter. Build up your resilience before you come down with the common cold or flu. Consider the following strategies to fuel your immune system this fall. 

Get Creative When You Feel Too Tired To Exercise

Movement is better than no movement at all, as physical activity improves circulation, lowers stress, and helps immune cells travel throughout the body with ease. Physical activity can also boost energy levels, enhance digestive function, and improve brain health. Sometimes, you don’t want to go to the gym or spin class on colder fall days. That’s completely fine, but it’s important to get creative in order to fit some movement into your day. That can be as simple as a 15-minute walk through the neighborhood, following a 25-minute yoga video in the living room, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Consistency is key, and even short bursts of activity can help encourage better immune function. 

Stay Hydrated

When the weather is colder, it is more common for people to avoid water. The reason for this is because they don’t feel like they need to hydrate because of the summer heat. Water works to carry nutrients to cells and helps the body flush out toxins, two processes that are vital to optimal immune function. By drinking plenty of water throughout the day (more than you think you need), you can help keep up the body’s natural defenses. You can also enhance hydration by eating water-rich foods and drinking herbal teas. Just remember that caffeinated beverages and sugary drinks can dehydrate the body. 

Prioritize Quality Sleep

Sleep is not a luxury; rather, it is a necessity. That is true whether you are discussing immune function, mental health, stress, or digestion. During sleep, the body produces cytokines, which are protective proteins that are essential for fighting inflammation and infection. Sleep experts encourage people to get seven to nine hours of sleep per night. To maintain healthy sleep habits, establish a consistent sleep schedule, even on the weekends, and create a relaxing bedtime routine to ensure restful sleep. Lastly, make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet to facilitate healthy sleep. 

Keep Stress Levels Down

It’s common to experience stress every now and again. Maybe your in-laws are visiting or you have $20 riding on a football game. Problems arise when stress becomes chronic, as it can actually suppress the immune system and make you more susceptible to illness. Finding ways to manage stress can go a long way in keeping cortisol levels in check. Try spending time in nature, connecting with loved ones, meditation, yoga, or engaging in hobbies that take your mind off things. If stress becomes unmanageable and overwhelming, consider talking to your primary care provider or a mental health specialist. 

Don’t Forget Hand Hygiene

This is a simple act that offers a lot of protection, yet many people neglect proper hand hygiene. Perhaps their hands come in contact with many high-touch surfaces (shopping carts, doorknobs, etc.) and then they put their hands in the eyes, mouth, or nose. If those surfaces had germs on them, those germs could then enter the body and cause infection. If you touch something dirty, take 20 seconds to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. That is especially true after you cough, sneeze, or use the restroom.

Fuel The Body With Nutrition

What you eat impacts your overall health, including your immune system. Health experts suggest people focus on consuming an array of colorful fruits and vegetables as a way to diversify antioxidant intake. Whole fruits and vegetables also offer integral vitamins, minerals, and compounds that encourage healthy immune function. In addition to eating the rainbow, it is best to consume: 

• Whole grains: they provide sustained energy because of the fiber content. Fiber works to enhance gut health, which is closely linked to immune function. 
• Healthy fats: essential for reducing inflammation and enhancing nutrient absorption, you can find these in nuts, seeds, avocados, olive oil, and avocado oil.
• Probiotic foods: sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt, kombucha, kimchi, natto, and miso are all rich in probiotics, which support a healthy microbiome. A higher presence of healthy bacteria in the gut has been linked to better immune function.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends consuming at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. That is about two cups of fruits and two and a half cups of vegetables, but there is nothing wrong with consuming more than that. In fact, some studies suggest that consuming more than five servings of fruits and vegetables per day may provide additional health benefits. 

Smoothies can help you reach your five servings per day in no time, especially if you drink more than one during the day. The beautiful thing about smoothies is that you do not have to follow a specific formula to make them successfully. There are few rules as to what you should throw in a blender. For example, you can add spinach, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, peanut butter, almond milk, chia seeds, and more and it will likely taste incredible. Just remember that smoothies should be a diverse mix of fruits and vegetables, not just fruits, as that can increase your blood sugar. 

Immune Boosting Smoothies

When you are looking to support the immune system, you can add immune-boosting ingredients to your smoothies. Ideally, you want to include fruits and vegetables that contain vitamins A, C, E, D, and K, zinc, selenium, and B-vitamins. The following smoothies are designed to optimize immune function. Drink them when you feel a tickle in your throat or if you feel like your health needs a boost. You can also enjoy them whenever you like, even if you feel like a million bucks! 

As a quick note, if you feel a little run down and require some extra immune-boosting assistance, feel free to add some Dherbs products to your smoothies. You can empty the capsules of our Immune Formula, Vitamin C, or Anti-V supplement into the smoothie and blend it up. That is also a great way to consume our supplements if you have difficulty swallowing capsules. Enjoy our smoothies that support the immune system.

Vitamin C Smoothie

The best way to load up on vitamin C is by consuming foods that are rich in this antioxidant. This smoothie is full of vitamin C, which benefits the immune system, skin, and more. 

Click here to make the recipe. 

Persimmon Smoothie

Persimmons, ginger, mandarin oranges, homemade almond milk, and more come together for a tasty, autumnal immune-boosting smoothie. Plus, with fall in full swing, there has never been a more optimal time to enjoy persimmons!

Click here to make the recipe.

Citrus Smoothie

This smoothie looks more like a drink you’d order while lounging by the pool on vacation, as opposed to a healthy, immune boosting smoothie. Not only is this drink visually stunning, but it also provides a long list of nutrients that help support the immune system.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Kale Ginger Smoothie

A refreshing and filling kale, ginger, and mango smoothie that’s brimming with immune-boosting vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Citrus Carrot Smoothie

Don’t neglect your immune system! Keep up your body’s defenses against bacteria, fungi, and viruses by regularly drinking this smoothie. It is loaded with vitamins A and C.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Tropical Smoothie

Is this a piña colada or an immune-boosting smoothie? Feel like you’re in the tropics when you drink this refreshing smoothie that boosts energy levels, aids digestion, and enhances immune function with numerous vitamins and minerals. 

Click here to make the recipe. 

Fruit Smoothie

Trying to get over a cold and give your immune system a helping hand? Drink this smoothie for some awesome health benefits.

Click here to make the recipe.

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There is no doubt that you have seen or been to a smoothie establishment. There are healthy options, seemingly healthy options, and glorified milkshakes. Some of the recipes even state that they contain juice and ice cream. Those smoothies do not do anything for your overall health. In fact, they only make you crave unhealthy foods and increase your sugar intake. 

On the other hand, a smoothie can be an excellent source of easy-to-digest fuel for the entire body, especially your muscles. That should be of great interest if you are focusing on your gains in the gym. With the following ingredients, you can ensure your smoothies will be nutrient-dense, instead of detracting from your progress. 

Spirulina

It’s possible that this ingredient may not be a go-to selection for you, but it is one of the most nutrient-dense ingredients on this list. Familiarize yourself with spirulina, which is a blue-green algae that is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, B-vitamins, zinc, iron, beta-carotene, and so much more. Just remember that a little goes a long way and it can have a seaweed-like taste, so don’t treat this like protein powder. 

Beets

Yes, you can add beets to your smoothie and make it taste good! Beets exhibit anti-inflammatory activity and are rich in iron, folate, and several B-vitamins. A one-cup serving of beets also offers 442 milligrams (mg) of potassium, which may help lower blood pressure. The body can better absorb iron when you consume it with vitamin C, so pair beets with citrus fruits, apples, and carrots for better nutrient absorption.

Cinnamon

Fruits and vegetables get a lot of love and support as smoothie ingredients, but spices like cinnamon are typically neglected. Cinnamon is as versatile as it is aromatic and flavorful. According to several studies, cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar, making it an excellent choice for people with diabetes. It may also reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. It is also a warming spice that goes great with bananas, almond butter, maple syrup, chia seeds, pears, and more.

Bananas

Believe it or not, every smoothie does not have to contain bananas, but it is a useful ingredient, both nutritionally and texturally. Frozen or soft, bananas bring both a natural sweetness and creamy texture to your smoothies. They are also rich in potassium, fiber, complex carbs, and vitamin B6, which is integral for optimal brain and immune function. 

Almond Butter

If you have the option to purchase raw almond butter, please do so because other varieties can include added sugars and problematic oils. Almond butter is a great smoothie ingredient because it contains monounsaturated fat and doesn’t have nearly as much saturated fat as peanut butter. It is also rich in protein and fiber, two nutrients that help keep those hunger pangs at bay. 

Non-Dairy Milk

Although water is a perfectly acceptable liquid to use in a smoothie, non-dairy milks make smoothies more creamy and filling. One of the primary benefits of non-dairy milks is that they increase calcium absorption. Regarding protein content, soy milk is the best option, but soy can be inflammatory for many people. Both almond milk and cashew milk are great options for smoothies as well. Whichever non-dairy milk you select, make sure to buy unsweetened varieties, as many contain added sugars, stabilizers, and other processed ingredients. You can also make your own non-dairy milks, which is the best and most nutritious option.

Chia Seeds

These seeds may be small, but they are mighty, packing a lot of heart-healthy omega-3s and fiber per serving. Research suggests that chia seeds may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Don’t add too many chia seeds to a smoothie, or else the texture of the smoothie may feel closer to chia pudding. As a side note, chia pudding is a great pre- or post-workout snack to fuel your muscles. 

Spinach

Popeye was leading the charge about popularizing spinach! It is a great green to add to smoothies because it doesn’t really flavor your smoothies. Add bananas and some other fruits and you won’t even know the spinach is there, besides the color. Spinach is a great source of protein, magnesium, folate, iron, and more. It also contains lutein, which promotes healthy eyesight. Spinach is also a great source of vitamin K, with one serving providing nearly 200% of the daily value. 

Raspberries

To round out the list, we have raspberries, which are low in sugar (five grams per cup) and full of fiber (eight grams per cup). Raspberries are also rich in potassium, vitamin C, and a variety of antioxidants. Pair raspberries with a protein source and your smoothie will be great for muscle building and anti-aging.

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Making your own salad dressing can be intimidating. That’s especially true if you don’t know what ingredients to use. Do you just grab any oil off the grocery store shelf and use a vinegar at random? Do you even need oil and vinegar? The reality is that there is no blueprint for a salad dressing because they can be whatever you want them to be. For example, you can go the basic route and mix oil, vinegar, lemon juice, sea salt, and pepper and call it a day. Alternatively, you can blend together a bunch of herbs with water, lime, red pepper flakes, and other seasonings. Or, you can make this almond butter turmeric salad dressing that is reminiscent of a class Thai peanut sauce.

The great thing about making your own salad dressing is that you get to avoid high fructose corn syrup, disodium cuanylate, and other crazy ingredients in bottled dressings. Additionally, you get to avoid unhealthy saturated fats and sodium when you make your own dressing. In the case of this dressing, you have a lot of healthy fats and protein from the raw almond butter. That is the base, which provides a lovely nuttiness that complements the turmeric, ginger, garlic, and coconut aminos. If you want to add a little zest, feel free to squeeze half a lime into the dressing. We’ll leave that decision up to you, though. Lastly, you can use this dressing on salads, in raw vegan wraps, or as a dipping sauce for freshly cut vegetables.

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