There is something to be said about a simple salad recipe. You don’t need a lot of ingredients and complex flavors to make something shine. That’s why this salad only has one main ingredient: cucumber, which is refreshing, crunchy, and the perfect vessel for almost any dressing. Coat it in a vibrant vinaigrette or creamy tahini dressing inspired by Mediterranean flavors. For this recipe, we took inspiration from a classic Chinese appetizer or side and tweaked it to fit the raw vegan criteria.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) cucumber is a cleansing ingredient, helping detoxify the body and reduce high blood pressure. Because of its inherent “cooling” element, TCM thought it to ease the body’s internal heat. Cucumbers also have a rich water content (about 95%), so you can enhance your hydration efforts by eating them. They contain essential vitamins like K and C, and their antioxidant content, especially the flavonoids, fights against oxidative stress. Additionally, the fiber and potassium help support heart health and healthy blood pressure.

The key to this salad’s success lies in the smashing of the cucumbers. Ideally, use a heavy cleaver or rolling pin to smash the cucumber. This technique creates lots of jagged edges and crevices for the dressing to penetrate. Once you wash and dry the cucumbers, place them on a cutting board and lay your large knife flat against one at a time. Smash it lightly with your other hand and the cucumber should open and smash into sections. Repeat across the cucumber and then cut it into bite-size pieces.

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There is something about freshly squeezed lemonade that epitomizes summer. Perhaps your mom made big batches of lemonade for you as a child, or maybe you made some yourself to sell to the neighborhood for 25 cents per cup. With inflation, that 25-cent cup could cost three dollars today! Let’s disregard the price of lemonade for a second and get back to what matters: delicious flavors, because that is what we aim to achieve with this refreshing kiwi lemonade.

We feel that people underutilize kiwis, reserving them for occasional fruit salads or smoothies. Kiwi is a vitamin C super fruit, with one kiwi delivering more this nutrient than two oranges. Vitamin C encourages collagen production, helps the body absorb iron, and aids immune function. Because kiwi contains vitamins C and E, it is a great source of antioxidants, which aim to fight free radicals. Eating antioxidant-rich foods like kiwi can help reduce the risk of certain illnesses. It also happens to be a great source of potassium, with one kiwi delivering 215 milligrams of potassium. Getting enough potassium in your diet can help lower the risk of cardiovascular conditions, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and kidney stones.

Although kiwi has natural sugars, it can be tart, especially when you combine it with freshly squeezed lemon juice. That is why we included raw agave nectar, but if you like your lemonade more tart then you can start with less agave and add more as you taste. Remember that you can always add more, but you cannot take it out. Add less agave to start if you are worried about the kiwi lemonade being too sweet.

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Dishes made with sweet potatoes tend to enhance their inherent sweetness using maple syrup, agave, or other spices. That is not the case for this recipe. We are going in the complete opposite direction and presenting you with a lovely, spiced soup. Because sweet potatoes are, well, sweet, they lend themselves to aromatic, Moroccan spices, such as coriander, cumin, cinnamon, caraway, turmeric, and paprika. So a spiced soup like this one is what we made!

Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, making them filling options for people who do not eat meat. They are also rich sources of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body. Sweet potatoes also contain good amounts of vitamin C, potassium, B-vitamins, and several minerals. They are not, however, rich in protein, which is why we included chickpeas in this recipe. Not only are chickpeas rich in protein, but they also contain a lot of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Due to their neutral flavor, chickpeas take on a variety of flavors and don’t impose their own mild flavor on anything.

If you want to cook this soup, your spice cabinet needs to be ready. Make sure to clearly check the ingredient list because, like most Moroccan recipes, this one contains a long list of spices. They all come together to create incredible depth of flavor, and the burst of lemon that you add at the very end livens up everything. Garnish with fresh parsley, sea salt and pepper, and even some crispy chickpeas if you want to go the extra mile.

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Everyone loves a good snack, especially chips. In fact, it is pretty difficult to no reach your hand in an open bag of chips and grab a handful. If the bag is not open, the temptation to open it is potentially the most powerful force in the universe. While that may or may not be true, one thing is for certain: chips are highly addictive, but they typically contain problematic ingredients. We always want our cleansers to have access to various entrees, desserts, and snacks, especially, to help them power through their cleanses. Enter the dehydrator!

Why should you dehydrate instead of fry? Well, dehydrating preserves a food’s natural integrity, while simultaneously enhancing its shelf life without introducing harmful byproducts. That ultimately makes a dehydrated snack a cleaner, healthier preparation method than frying. Dehydrating at low temperatures gently removes a food’s water content, helping it retain as many vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and fiber as possible. In contrast, frying (especially at high heat) can kill nutrients and create harmful compounds like trans fats and oxidized oils.

So what makes these dehydrated carrot chips so special? Well, carrots are a vibrant, nutrient-dense root vegetable that can help support eye health, as it is rich in beta-carotene. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A, which helps promote clearre vision, more radiant skin, and a stronger immune system. Additionally, their high fiber content aids digestive function, supporting gut health and helping the body eliminate waste efficiently. The natural compounds in carrots may help balance blood sugar levels and support heart health by contributing lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol levels.

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Root vegetables have been enjoyed by many cultures for hundreds, even thousands, of years. These vegetables are defined as edible plants that grow underground. Popular root vegetables include turnips, beets, potatoes, carrots, and ginger, among many others. Each vegetable comes with a distinct set of nutrients and health benefits, some of which we’ll explore in this article. Continue reading to learn about some healthy root vegetables to enjoy this fall and winter. 

Radishes

Radishes have a peppery flavor, which comes from the sulfur-containing compounds, isothiocyanates. These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in the body. Radishes are also rich in vitamin C, which encourages optimal immune function and aids collagen synthesis. Additionally, radishes provide coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), anthocyanins, and phenolic acids, all of which aim to protect the cells in the body. 

Ginger

Ginger is a flowering plant from China and is closely related to turmeric, another root vegetable. It contains gingerol, the primary antioxidant to which researchers attribute many of ginger’s health benefits. One study involved 1,278 pregnant women, and study authors noted that ginger was effective at reducing morning sickness and nausea. Other studies have found ginger to be effective at reducing pain and inflammation. 

Beets

Beets may be one of the most nutritious root vegetables available. They are naturally rich in folate, fiber, manganese, and nitrates, which help dilate blood vessels, potentially lowering blood pressure levels. According to research, consuming beets may help improve exercise performance and increase blood flow to the brain. Take advantage of these benefits by roasting, steaming, juicing, pickling, or boiling these blood red vegetables. 

Rutabaga

This root vegetable is not in your average grocery store. It isn’t the most attractive vegetable, but it does offer lots of fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and several B vitamins, including thiamin and niacin. These B vitamins are necessary for energy metabolism, cellular function, and growth. One cup of mashed rutabaga, which can serve as a potato substitute, satisfies nearly 50% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C. 

Carrots

Carrots are packed with provitamin A carotenoids, including beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body. Beta-carotene colors carrots and is largely responsible for their many health benefits. Carrots also contain vitamin K, vitamin B6, and potassium, which is a mineral necessary for blood pressure regulation. Because of the impressive amount of antioxidants, carrot intake has been linked to numerous health benefits, the primary of which is a reduced risk of multiple cancers, including pancreatic, leukemia, breast, and prostate. 

Onions

It would be hard for many recipes delicious without the addition of onion. They provide integral flavor and offer an impressive nutritional profile to boot. Onions are particularly rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. Research shows that including onions in you daily diet may significantly reduce blood sugar levels, specifically in people with diabetes. Other research indicates that onions offer potent anticancer properties. Some observational studies note that a higher intake of onions may reduce the risk of common types of cancer.

Purple Potatoes

Unlike yams, which are naturally rich in beta-carotene, purple potatoes contain anthocyanins, which are plant pigments that give the potatoes their signature color and health benefits. Anthocyanins exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. According to researchers, a diet rich in anthocyanin-rich foods, such as purple potatoes and blueberries, is especially beneficial for heart health. One study found that consuming 200 grams of cooked purple potato per day for two weeks improved arterial stiffness. Arterial stiffness increases the risk of heart attack and dementia. Purple potatoes may help enhance arterial health with their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Celeriac

This root vegetable may be the ugliest one on this list, but don’t let the appearance steer you away. Celeriac belongs to the same plant family as parsley and celery and even tastes like celery. It provides lots of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. Because of its low carbohydrate content, celeriac makes a great lower-carb swap for other potatoes and root vegetables. Additionally, this unique root vegetable offers a variety of antioxidants, including flavonoids like apigenin and luteolin, which exhibit cellular-protective properties.

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We love a good energy ball recipe, primarily because they are great snacks to enjoy while cleansing. Unlike other energy ball recipes, this one does not contain any nuts or nut butters. It’s all about the seeds! Containing ground flaxseed, sesame seeds, hemp hearts, and raw sunflower seed butter, these energy balls are brimming with omega-3 fatty acids, complete protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, they are free of refined sugars, preservatives, syrups, and so many other ingredients commonly found in power or protein bars.

The great thing about food these days is that so many things are accessible to everyone. For example, you can enjoy raw sunflower seed butter, not just peanut butter or almond butter. Sunflower seed butter is naturally rich in protein, giving peanut butter a run for its money. It also boasts vitamin E, which is a valuable antioxidant that helps balance cholesterol, keeping both good and bad levels in check. Vitamin E may also reduce free radical damage to help naturally slow aging within the body and reduce cell damage.

Hemp hearts bring more omega-3s and all essential amino acids to the party. The healthy fats they provide are ideal for cardiovascular health, and they also offer arginine, an amino acid that helps lower blood pressure by producing nitric oxide. Additionally, they contain both insoluble and soluble fiber, aiding digestion and providing nutrients for optimal gut health.

All of these nutritional benefits should be reason enough to enjoy these energy balls. They wouldn’t be anything if they didn’t taste incredible, though. These energy balls hit all the right flavor notes, keeping your taste buds interested bite after bite. We hope you love them!

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If you have the time and ability, skip the store bought version and make your own hemp milk. Not only is it free of emulsifiers, added sugars, and thickening agents, but it also tastes more delicious than store bought varieties. Hemp seed milk is a great plant-based milk to make, exhibiting a creamy texture and pleasant flavor. It goes great in smoothies, chia pudding, or with granola. Plus, hemp milk is a great option for people with nut allergies. It also happens to be less allergenic than cow’s milk.

Think of hemp seeds as tiny, tasty powerhouses. Hemp seeds are one of the six best seeds that you can eat, according to researchers. They are crunchy, slightly sweet and nutty, and despite their name, they are technically nuts, just not tree nuts. If you have a peanut allergy, then you are safe to eat hemp seeds. Hemp seeds also offer an impressive nutritional profile, with three tablespoons offering:

• 166 calories
• 2.5 grams (g) of carbohydrates
• 14.5 g of fat
• 0 milligrams (mg) of cholesterol
• 9.5 g of protein
• 1 g of fiber
• 5 mg of sodium

They also happen to be rich in the following vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamin E
• Iron
• Zinc
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Phosphorus
• Omega-3 fatty acids

Hemp seeds offer high amounts of omega-3s and antioxidants, both of which may help to lower blood pressure and protect against free radicals. The fatty acids in hemp seeds may also reduce the effects of prolactin, a hormone that contributes to PMS symptoms and breast tenderness. Most importantly, hemp seeds contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Most Americans do not consume enough fiber in their daily diet, so adding hemp seeds and hemp milk to your diet could help you meet your daily fiber needs.

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Fiber is the nutrient everyone knows they need, and yet most people manage to not meet the recommended daily intake (RDI). Today’s Western diet lacks a lot of fiber, and the average American consumes less than 50% of the RDI of fiber each day. That is a big deal when you consider that high-fiber foods support heart and digestive health, guarding against conditions like diverticulitis, heart disease, obesity, and so much more. 

There are certain diets that prioritize fibrous foods, but you don’t have to adhere to a specific diet to eat more fiber. You can eat a balanced diet and add more high-fiber foods to your meals. Which foods are rich in fiber, and how can you be sure that you are getting enough? The general recommendation is to consume 25 to 28 grams of fiber per day for women, and 31 to 38 grams for men. 

The more consistent you are with your fiber intake, the likelier you are to stay at a healthy weight. Additionally, following a high-fiber diet can help maintain healthy blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Continue reading to learn about great high-fiber foods you can easily add to your diet. 

Black Beans

Black beans provide 15 grams of fiber per cup of cooked, mature black beans. They also provide a lot of protein and a diverse mix of flavonoids and antioxidant compounds that help to fight free radicals. Black beans also offer magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, folate, and thiamine. 

Chia Seeds

They may be small, but their nutritional profile is mighty! Chia seeds are high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential nutrients that help support energy, healthy digestion, and brain function. Offering nine grams of fiber per ounce, chia seeds are excellent high-fiber superstars to include in your diet. They also offer calcium, phosphorus, protein, omega-3s, and manganese. Some people are sensitive to chia seeds, the same way they are to legumes, so increase water intake to help minimize bloating and other related symptoms when you eat them. 

Oats

Oats actually contain a special type of fiber called beta-glucan, which may help lower harmful LDL cholesterol to prevent plaque buildup in the arteries. They are also rich in protein, iron, manganese, thiamine, selenium, magnesium, and zinc. Just one cup of oats provides 8.2 grams of fiber. Ideally, you should opt for steel-cut or rolled oats that are free of added sweeteners and flavors. That means no flavored oatmeal packets!

Chickpeas

Chickpeas happen to be one of the best sources of dietary fiber, offering 12.5 grams of fiber per cup of cooked chickpeas. They offer a diverse mix of essential nutrients, especially manganese (satisfying 84% of the RDI). Chickpeas also contain omega-3s, omega-6s, folate, copper, protein, and folate. 

Artichokes

These low-calorie vegetables happen to be rich in fiber and other essential nutrients. One medium artichoke supplies nearly 50% of the RDI of fiber for women and a third for men. Notable nutrients include vitamins A, C, E, B, and K, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. You can steam, bake, or boil artichokes and season them with lemon juice, olive oil, herbs, spices, and red onion. Spinach artichoke dip is not a healthy way to eat artichokes, in case you were wondering. 

Acorn Squash

Winter squash varieties, such as acorn squash, butternut squash, and pumpkins, are excellent sources of beta-carotene, among other nutrients. Their signature orange flesh is rich in soluble fiber, which slows the rate at which the body digests food, allowing for maximum nutrient absorption. In addition to offering nine grams of fiber per cup, acorn squash also offers vitamins A, B6, and C, magnesium, folate, potassium, thiamine, and manganese. 

Durian

This is not the most popular fruit in America. It is very strange looking and you either love it or hate it, as both the smell and flavor can be very off-putting to many people. That said, it is very nutrient-dense, offering an impressive amount of healthy fats. Because of that, it is higher in calories than most other fruits. It is similar to avocados in that way. Durian offers 9.2 grams of fiber per cup, and also contains vitamin C, potassium, manganese, and some B vitamins. 

Coconut

With a low-glycemic index, coconut is great to incorporate into your diet if you are watching your blood glucose levels. Coconut flour contains four to six times the amount of fiber as oat bran, and coconut meat itself offers 7.2 grams of fiber per cup. Coconut meat is also rich in selenium, folate, manganese, and omega-6s. Make sure to buy desiccated coconut instead of sweetened coconut flakes, as the latter version is very unhealthy and comes with no nutritional benefits. 

Almonds

Nuts, like almonds, are great sources of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Almonds are lower in calories and fats compared to most other nuts, though. They do offer 11.5 grams of fiber per cup, though. They also offer impressive amounts of magnesium, protein, riboflavin, manganese, and vitamin E. You can enjoy them as a snack or blend them into sauces or energy bal recipes. 

Raspberries

Raspberries contain a lot of manganese, which helps support healthy bones, skin, and blood sugar. Because they are so easy to eat, as they are slightly tangy and sweet, they rank high on the list of high-fiber foods for children and adults. They offer eight grams of fiber per cup, in addition to other nutrients like vitamins C and K and manganese.

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The skin can take a beating during the winter, and many people experience excessive dryness as a result. Crisp wind, dry and cold air, and heat from furnaces create an unfriendly environment for the skin. You may notice flakier, drier skin that’s prone to itchiness as the temperatures drop. And it seems that all the lotion in the world can’t get rid of the dryness!

Just like any other system or organ in the body, the skin requires nutrients that help it grow and repair on a cellular level. When you eat the right foods or focus on the right nutrients, you can help rebuild the skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF). This is a protective barrier that seals in moisture and protects the skin from environmental damage. It’s also beneficial to focus on water-rich foods that help hydrate the skin from within. 

We aren’t saying that your skin care routine is ineffective or outdated; rather, it may simply need a little enhancement. For example, using a moisturizer may prevent transepidermal water loss, but this won’t matter if the skin’s moisture barrier is weak. Attack the problem from all angles and your skin will be hydrated, moisturized, and supple before you know it. Continue reading to learn about the nutrients that will help hydrate the skin during the winter. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Many dermatologists recommend people to eat avocado, chia seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish if they want glowing skin. The reason for this is because these foods contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help to improve the skin’s hydration. Omega-3s are an integral component of the skin’s lipid content, and they work to improve the barrier function. If the barrier is working properly, the skin retains more moisture and helps to keep irritants out. Additionally, omega-3s may support the skin by way of hydration and antioxidant photoprotection. 

Vitamin A

During the fall and winter months, it’s very easy to get your daily dose of vitamin A. Many seasonal produce items are naturally rich in this nutrient. Winter squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, or even collard greens and kale are excellent sources of vitamin A. Not only does vitamin A help to maintain skin elasticity, but it also works to fight inflammation, which can contribute to dry skin during the winter. 

Antioxidants

You can include vitamins A, C, E, and other phytonutrients in this category. Antioxidants work to combat free radicals, which can impair the skin’s barrier function and increase the risk of transepidermal water loss. Eating a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables can provide you with enough antioxidants to keep the skin hydrated. Astaxanthin, a unique phytonutrient, helps to improve skin elasticity and moisture levels. It may also protect the skin’s collagen layer. Other antioxidants may work to protect the skin from UVB rays and make positive changes to skin microbiome. 

Water-Rich Foods

In addition to drinking water every day, it can help to consume foods with high water content. Roughly 20% of the body’s water intake comes from diet, specifically fruits and vegetables. These foods also offer beneficial antioxidants and nutrients that help protect the skin barrier. Water helps to transport nutrients to your cells, while simultaneously getting rid of toxins. Keeping cells plump and healthy also discourages dry or dehydrated skin. Watermelon, cantaloupe, celery, lettuce, cucumber, radishes, and tomatoes are excellent water-rich produce items. 

Vitamin D

According to dermatologists, it’s easy for the skin to dry out if you are deficient in vitamin D, which is a fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin D actually triggers receptors that help promote the formation of the skin barrier. Food items provide a low amount of vitamin D, so a supplement may be necessary. Consult with your doctor to determine the correct dosage for your body. As a general note, it’s often better to take a smaller dose every day, as opposed to a larger dose once a week. 

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Raw vegan cheese recipes typically cashews or almonds, but not this one. This raw substitute for parmesan cheese is made with raw sunflower seeds, nutritional yeast and sea salt. Nutritional yeast is a constant in most vegan or raw vegan cheese recipes because it provides that classic cheesy flavor. As a product, nutritional yeast comes in the form of flakes, granules, or a powder. Most nutritional yeast that you find in grocery stores is fortified with high levels of many vitamins, including vitamin B6, riboflavin, thiamin, folate, and vitamin B12. So not only does it impart a cheesy flavor, but it also supplies you with valuable nutrients that can be difficult to obtain on a raw vegan diet.

To be fair, this raw vegan parmesan recipe does not taste like regular parmesan cheese. It does enhance the flavors of dishes that would normally benefit from parmesan cheese, though. Consider adding it on raw zucchini noodle recipes, in homemade raw pesto recipes, or even as a salad topper. How you use this parmesan is entirely up to you, but it is highly versatile and easy to make in a food processor or high-speed blender. Just make sure that you do not over-blend the sunflower seeds until they become a puree. You want this parmesan cheese to have some texture.

A few tips for blending: have your food processor or blender on pulse setting. Pulse for a few seconds at a time or else you will end up with some savory sunflower seed butter if you don’t. To prevent this, stop blending and give it a mix as soon as you see the mixture start to clump. Once it reaches a nice finely ground consistency, you are finished and can pour it into a jar for storage.

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