A smoothie is one of the easiest things to make if you are trying to be a healthier person. Throw a bunch of ingredients into a blender, flip the switch, blend until smooth, and then enjoy. It takes all of five or so minutes for it to come together, especially if you are quick at prepping ingredients. Plus, you can load them with vegetables, fruits, nut butters, plant-based milks, and more in order to pack the smoothie with as many nutrients as possible. There is truly no better feeling than knowing you have a belly full of amzing nutritious ingredients!

This mango kale smoothie only contains four ingredients. Because it is packed with fiber, protein, omega-3s, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and complex carbs, it makes for a great breakfast. It is perfect whether you are raw vegan, Paleo, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, or literally any person with any diet. You cannot go wrong by drinking this smoothie! Just make sure that you remove the ribs from the kale before adding them to the blender. The ribs, or thick central stems, are very bitter and fibrous, so your smoothie will have an off-putting flavor if you include them. You also need to blend on high to ensure you don’t have any kale pieces floating around in your smoothie.

Now, if you are not a mango person, you can replace the mango with a banana. You can replace the kale with spinach if you do not enjoy kale. Consider adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or hemp seeds for a boost of protein and healthy fats. Those are all optional choices, as the smoothie is delicious as is. Whatever you do, just enjoy being healthy!

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During the summer months, melons are the freshest they will ever be, no matter if it is a watermelon, cantaloupe, or honeydew. The honeydew, and other melons, have a rich water content, aiding your hydration efforts during those hot summer days. Most melons are over 90% water and in the case of honeydew, it also offers iron, calcium, zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, fiber, vitamin A, lutein, folate, and beneficial fatty acids.

Honeydew isn’t the only hydrating ingredient in this smooth. Cucumber also brings with it a boatload of water and other integral nutrients that contribute to healthy bodily function. It provides vitamin K, vitamin C, and other antioxidant compounds. The chia seeds offer beneficial omega-3 fatty acids that work to enhance brain, gut, and heart health. We don’t just want to bore you with a long list of nutritional benefits, though. Ultimately, this smoothie is about the incredibly refreshing flavor!

Because this smoothie contains honeydew and banana, you probably do not need to add the maple syrup. That is entirely up to you, but consider omitting it first, taste the smoothie, and add the maple syrup if you really crave a sweeter flavor profile. The spinach is also optional, but adds more nutrients. You don’t have to worry about that leafy green ruining the flavor of the smoothie at all. You can’t even taste it! As long as you have a sweet and scrumptious honeydew, that’ll be the primary flavor you taste when you enjoy this smoothie.

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Peaches have a very short season, so we encourage you to get your hands on them right now. Squeeze as many peachy delights as you can into your diet during the summer months. Trust us when we say that you won’t regret it. This green smoothie is more like a creamy milkshake than it is a smoothie. It energizes the body and powers it with pure plant goodness. If you don’t have the time to make your own almond milk, feel free to use filtered water, although that will make it less milkshake-like. You can also use homemade cashew milk if you prefer the flavor.

This smoothie only has four ingredients: homemade almond milk, peaches, spinach, and orange. Spinach is a powerhouse of a leafy green, offering magnesium, iron, protein, fiber, folate, vitamin K, and antioxidants. The peach, which you should pit, cube, and freeze ahead of time, is the source of sweetness in this recipe. Peaches are rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as fiber, vitamins & C, potassium, niacin, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and some B vitamins. While peaches are highly impressive from a nutritional standpoint, they are purely delicious, especially during peak season.

The homemade almond milk is the ingredient that makes this smoothie taste more like a milkshake. Homemade is just better! It offers a subtle nuttiness that complements the peaches and spinach. Finally, the orange offers lots of vitamin C and a hint of sour, which is refreshing break from the sweet, succulent peaches. Make it and let us know if you like it so that we can post similar recipes!

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Long gone are the days of ketogenic enthusiasts only eating bacon, cheese, beef, chicken, fish, and fat-centric meals. Nowadays, people can incorporate low-carb vegetables and fruit into their keto diet and remain in ketosis. The goal is to prioritize keeping your body in a state of ketosis, during which it uses fat as the primary fuel source, not carbs. In order to reach this state, you have to limit your daily carb intake to 20 to 50 grams (g) per day. 

Due to this low-carb allotment, you have to be very picky about which fruits and vegetables you consume. There are a number of vegetables that contain a lot of carbs, but that isn’t the case for all of them. Many vegetables are keto-friendly and contain beneficial vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that the body needs to thrive. 

Before you embark on the keto diet, make sure to consult your doctor or a registered dietitian if you have underlying healthy issues. You want to make sure that the diet is right for your body. Once you decide to go keto, you can add some or all of the following vegetables to your diet. 

Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a popular vegetable to enjoy on the keto diet because it is low in carbs and high in vitamins and phytochemicals. Enjoy cauliflower rice or add chopped cauliflower to salads or vegetable medleys. One cup of cauliflower contains a total of 5.3 g of total carbs, 3.2 g of net carbs, 0.3 g of fat, and 2.1 g of protein. It also comes with 320 milligrams (mg) of potassium, making it a great veggie for heart health. 

Bell Peppers

You can choose red, orange or yellow bell peppers, to add much-needed vitamin C (191 mg per cup) to your keto diet. They also satisfy a great crunch without the added carbs of most packaged snack foods, such as potato chips, pretzels, and cookies. You can use slices of bell pepper to scoop up high-fat guacamole or pesto. One cup of red bell pepper contains 9 g of total carbs, 5.6 g of net carbs, 0.5 g of fat, and 1.5 g of protein. 

Arugula

Arugula is a peppery green that will not push you over your daily carb count. You can use it on its own or mix it with other salad greens, such as kale, or pair it with eggs. In one cup of raw arugula, there are 0.7 g of total carbs, 0.4 g of net carbs, 0.1 g of fat, and 0.5 g of protein. Research shows that regular consumption of cruciferous vegetables, such as arugula, can reduce the rate of colorectal and lung cancers.

Mushrooms

Research shows that 30% of the carbs in mushrooms come from fiber. Mushrooms are also one of the only natural food sources of vitamin D, with maitake and shiitake varieties being the greatest sources. One cup of mushrooms contains 2.3 g of total carbs, 1.6 g of net carbs, 0.7 g of fiber, 0.2 g of fat, and 2.2 g of protein. That same cup also provides 223 mg of potassium. 

Zucchini

If you are a keto enthusiast, then you probably know how great zucchini noodles are as a pasta substitute. The key is to not cook them too much, as that helps them retain a little crunch. Zucchini is very versatile, so you can roast it, grill it, fry it, eat it raw, or steam it. One cup of zucchini contains 3.9 g of total carbs, 2.7 g of net carbs, 0.4 g of fat, and 1.5 g of protein. That same serving offers 22 mg of vitamin C and other antioxidant compounds. 

Broccoli

Broccoli can be used interchangeably with cauliflower, as it is essentially the green version. It is easy to steam, but you can also add it to stir-fry dishes, grill it, bake it, or grill it. One cup of broccoli provides a substantial amount of vitamin C (81.2 g), which satisfies 90% of the recommended daily intake (RDI). It also happens to be a great source of vitamin K and folate. One cup of broccoli contains 6 g of total carbs, 3.6 g of net carbs, 0.3 g of fat, and 2.5 g of protein. 

Green Beans

Green beans make for a tasty and nutritious side for many dishes. You can also incorporate them into stir-fry dishes or add them to cauliflower fried rice. Similar to broccoli, green beans are naturally rich in vitamin C and vitamin K. One cup offers 7 g of total carbs, 4.3 of net carbs, 0.2 g of fat, and 1.8g of protein. Try roasting them with some nutritional yeast or parmesan cheese to give a salty, nutty flavor without extra carbs.

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It’s never a bad idea to eat your vegetables, especially if they are of the cruciferous variety. This large family of nutrient-dense vegetables is known for their crunchy, slightly bitter nature. Broccoli is probably the most famous cruciferous family member, but the rest of the veggies in the family are well-regarded for their health benefits. 

What Are Cruciferous Vegetables?

Belonging to the genus Brassica, cruciferous vegetables get their name from their four-petaled flowers, which resemble a crucifix, or cross. Their rich colors indicate that they are chock-full of nutrients. Researchers note that the deeper the color of a fruit or vegetable, the more nutrient-dense it is. For example, spinach has a richer nutritional profile than iceberg lettuce. The list of notable cruciferous vegetables includes:

• Broccoli
• Kale
• Turnips
• Cauliflower
• Arugula
• Brussels sprouts
• Chard
• Cabbage
• Bok choy
• Watercress
• Collard greens
• Horseradish 
• Kohlrabi
• Mustard greens

Health Benefits

Thanks to their unique combination of essential nutrients and unique plant compounds, cruciferous vegetables offer a range of health benefits. Most of them contain sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol (I3C), both of which have been extensively studied for their health properties. For example, those compounds may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and support cellular health, among other benefits. Continue reading to learn how cruciferous vegetables benefit your overall health. 

They Provide Lots Of Folate

Vitamin B9, or folate, is an essential nutrient required for the formation of red blood cells and DNA. It is especially important for pregnant people, as it can help reduce the risk of birth defects. That is why you commonly see its synthetic form (folic acid) in prenatal vitamins. Because folate moves through your system at a quick rate, health experts encourage you to consume it regularly. Ideally, adults and children over the age of four should consume 400 micrograms (mcg) of folate per day. Broccoli, turnip greens, and Brussels sprouts are especially rich in this nutrient. 

They May Benefit Gut Health

Research shows that only 9% of women and 5% of men consume the recommended daily intake (RDI) of fiber. Incorporating more cruciferous vegetables into your diet may help you meet your daily needs. Cruciferous veggies contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, both of which feed the beneficial bacteria that inhabit the gut. In doing so, you increase diversity in the gut microbiome, which may enhance digestive function and immune function. 

They May Reduce Cancer Risk

Sulforaphane is a compound that benefits the body in numerous ways, one of which is playing a role in cancer protection. How does it do that? Well, it works to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. I3C is another compound found in cruciferous vegetables that has been shown to activate tumor suppressor genes, which may help prevent tumor growth. Additionally, a number of studies suggest that the glucosinolates in cruciferous vegetables may reduce the risk of breast, pancreatic, lung, bladder, colon, and prostate cancers. These veggies may also help to counteract cancer-causing nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are found in barbecued, charred, or cured fish or meats. 

They May Boost Brain Health

Pass the broccoli, the Brussels, the cabbage, kale, and more if you want to stay mentally sharp as you age. Research shows that cruciferous vegetables contain valuable compounds including I3C and diindolylmethane, which offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may protect the brain. Most cruciferous vegetables also contain vitamin E, vitamin K, and beta-carotene, all of which fight free radicals and oxidative stress, which may contribute to cognitive decline. Vitamin E safeguards your cells, including brain cells, which may help delay brain aging. Vitamin K has been shown to boost memory, while beta-carotene may slow cognitive decline. 

They May Improve Heart Health

According to several studies, eating more cruciferous vegetables may lower your risk of death from heart disease. Researchers note that the heart-protective effects may come from the isothiocyanate compounds that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. The sulforaphane in cruciferous vegetables has demonstrated an ability to reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol. A small study that included nine participants found that supplementing with sulforaphane led to a 12% reduction in LDL cholesterol after just six weeks, and a 24% reduction after 12 weeks.

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Here we go again with the creativity! This isn’t a plane Jane pesto, people. We have to change it up and keep you on your toes so that your taste buds remain interested in raw vegan foods. Varying your ingredients and straying from the well-traveled path is a great way to enjoy new flavors and reap the benefits of different plant compounds. Because we live in a society that regularly wastes edible parts of fruits and vegetables, we wanted to provide a unique way to use celery leaves, which most people discard without hesitation.

Next time you have a bunch of celery with beautiful leaves, turn those leaves into a pesto. While you can incorporate them into salads, it is much easier and quicker to transform them into a pesto sauce. From a nutritional standpoint, celery leaves are rich in the following vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Fiber
• Beta-carotene

Celery leaves may help enhance immune function due to the presence of vitamins A and C. Both of these vitamins work to protect the body against infections, while simultaneously enhancing skin health. The calcium and magnesium in celery leaves are essential for maintaining strong bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Because celery leaves contain antioxidants and chlorophyll, they aids the body’s natural detoxification processes. In fact, they may aid the body with toxin elimination.

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People usually occupy one of two camps regarding cranberry sauce: they either love it or hate it. There isn’t a middle ground about this classic holiday condiment. An argument could be made that the people who do not like cranberry sauce have a distaste for the jelly stuff that comes in a can. Maybe they just have not tasted a condiment as delectable as this homemade cranberry sauce, which utilizes fresh cranberries.

As with anything homemade, you get to choose the ingredients. Because it is made with fresh ingredients, it has a much shorter shelf life than canned cranberry sauce. This sauce will keep fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for at least one week. You can also freeze it for up to three months. This paleo cranberry sauce is the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and tartness. Some people want to know if they should enjoy this sauce warm or cold. You want to know the best way to enjoy it? The way you like it is the best way for you to enjoy this condiment. That rule applies to most culinary creations, if we’re being honest.

The great thing about fresh cranberries is that they contain a lot of insoluble fiber, which passes through your nearly intact. Cranberries also offer soluble fiber, lots of vitamin C, manganese, vitamin E, copper, and vitamin K1. They also happen to be rich in bioactive plant compounds, specifically flavonol polyphenols. Some of these compounds include quercetin, peonidin, ursolic acid, myricetin, and A-type proanthocyanidins. You can learn more about the health benefits of cranberries by clicking here. For now, let’s enjoy some cranberry sauce!

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The sun is shining bright and there is a general sense of warmth, laziness, and relaxation in the air. Summer is here, and what better way to celebrate the start of the season than refreshing the palate with a delightfully light bowl of heirloom tomato gazpacho?

Some argue that heirloom tomatoes are the crown jewel of the summer harvest. We aren’t arguing against them, either! Think of heirloom tomatoes as nature’s candy, bursting with lovely sweetness and a touch of acidity in every bite. Don’t let their looks scare you away, either! They may appear strange and come in a variety of colors, but they are some of the best tasting tomatoes you’ll ever enjoy. When you blend together the different colors to make this gazpacho, you get to fully appreciate their inherent flavor. Let’s take a look at some of their benefits below.

• Powered by vitamins: These tomatoes are rich sources of vitamins A and C, potassium, and lycopene, an antioxidant that works to reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Plus, organically-grown heirloom tomatoes tend to be higher in lycopene, which may help protect against breast, colorectal, lung, prostate, bladder, and skin cancers.
• Precious seeds: Much like your grandmother’s china, heirloom seeds are viewed as precious treasures. For an heirloom tomato to meet heirloom status, it needs to have been around for at least 50 years. Newer genetic variations of heirloom tomatoes are simply hybrids.
• Vitamin K for the win: Studies suggest that heirloom tomatoes are great sources of vitamin K, which is necessary for healthy, strong bones. Researchers note that vitamin K consumption can help prevent osteoporosis.

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

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

Eggplant

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

Shallots

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

Basil

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

Garlic

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

Kale And Other Summer Greens

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

Tomatoes

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

Cucumbers

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

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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.

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