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If you are looking to add more variety to your breakfasts, look no further than this amaranth porridge. It’s a great, more nutritious alternative to oatmeal and happens to be absolutely delicious. Amaranth is not an actual grain but a pseudograin, which means that it’s gluten-free and very rich in protein, much like quinoa and buckwheat. It also carries a wealth of minerals like calcium, magnesium and zinc, as well as a myriad of vitamins, being the only grain/pseudograin to contain vitamin C. Amaranth has a quick cooking time, which makes it a convenient option for busy mornings.
This creamy porridge is as comforting as it gets, with flavors of ginger and various winter spices laced throughout. The velvety, stewed apples make for a great topping, adding to the coziness of the dish with their natural sweetness and aroma. Although preparing stewed apples is a surprisingly easy process, they can also be made ahead of time and reheated together with the porridge for quicker assembly.
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1) Yogurt Parfait
Create a delicious yogurt parfait by alternating layers of Greek yogurt with layers of dried mulberries and other fresh berries. Use clear glasses so that you can see the gorgeous layers inside. Sprinkle the top with crunchy granola and extra mulberries. Yogurt parfait is a wonderful breakfast treat and also makes an energizing snack.
2) Smoothies
Give your smoothie a healthy makeover by adding a small handful of dried mulberries to the mix. Start with a basic smoothie recipe, toss in the mulberries, and let the nutrient magic take place in your blender. The dried mulberries will blend nicely with the rest of your ingredients. For a double antioxidant punch, we think you’ll enjoy this Matcha green tea smoothie recipe, which incorporates both 100% Matcha green tea powder and dried mulberries.
3) Oatmeal or Cereal
Dried mulberries can be reconstituted in liquid to become plump and chewy. That’s why we love adding them over a bowl of cereal because they absorb the milk and lend a nice texture. Similarly, you can toss them over the top of your morning oatmeal for a delightfully healthy crunch. Dried mulberries make a wonderful topping in combination with nuts or dried fruit like shredded coconut. Try this nourishing and delicious moringa oatmeal recipe for breakfast this week!
4) Granola
For more mulberry madness during snack time, add dried mulberries to homemade granola bars. One option is to grind them up and mix the powder with the rolled oats and other ingredients. We like to simply add the whole dried mulberries right into the granola mix without tampering with them at all so that you get crunchy mulberries in every bite. For a tried-and-true recipe with dried mulberries, make these homemade granola bars.
5) Energy Bites
Have you ever made energy bites or bars from scratch? Dried mulberries are a perfect addition to energy bites made from pitted jumbo Medjool dates. Use the mulberries just as you would other nuts, dried fruits, or superfoods in your recipe. They’ll come together nicely in your food processor. Check out our healthy vegan chocolate truffles recipe to get started, and try swapping out the flaxseed meal for dried mulberries.
How do you use dried mulberries?
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]]>1) Chia seeds
With the ability to absorb up to 10 times their weight in water, chia seeds are often touted as a runner’s food because they prolong hydration. They do more than provide fuel for athletes, however. Chia seeds have 11 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein per serving, which makes them a healthy addition to any diet. Most notably, they’re the richest plant-based source of omega-3s, the essential fatty acids that protect your heart and brain. They also provide nearly 20 percent of the daily intake for calcium and 14 percent of that for iron. Try these super seeds in a chia jam or simple chia pudding for breakfast.
2) Spirulina
Everyone needs to consume high-quality protein sources as part of a healthy diet. This includes vegans and vegetarians who may find them hard to come by. Spirulina to the rescue! This green superfood algae is a complete protein because it provides all nine essential amino acids that must be obtained through our diets every day. It’s also chock-full of antioxidants, vitamins, iron, and potassium. Our favorite ways to enjoy spirulina are in a delicious fruit smoothie or guacamole dip. You can also sprinkle spirulina over salads, or mix it right into the dressing.
3) Chlorella
Chlorella is another green superfood powder that will make you do a double take. It gets its name from the high amount of chlorophyll it naturally contains. Chlorophyll is a nutrient that cleanses the body by removing heavy metals, synthetic chemicals and other toxins. Also a complete protein, chlorella boasts all nine essential amino acids, as well as high levels of vitamins and minerals. Try it in smoothies, salad dressing, or mixing it into your favorite pesto sauce. Chlorella is already green so it won’t affect the color!
4) Cacao Nibs
You never thought that chocolate could be good for you, but these raw organic cacao nibs sure are! These delicious bits of real cacao are simply chocolate before the cream, sugar and unhealthy ingredients have been added. Cacao nibs are packed with antioxidants that support a healthy brain and heart. They are also one of the best food source of magnesium, which is involved with over 300 chemical reactions in the body. Another great thing about cacao nibs is that they’re so easy to incorporate into your diet. Mix them in trail mix, smoothies and baked goods, or scoop a few spoonfuls over your oatmeal for delicious chocolate flavor.
A superfood that outshines what we think of as traditional healthy foods is moringa powder. Per ounce, moringa powder contains more vitamin C than oranges, more beta-carotene than carrots, more iron than spinach, and more calcium than milk. It even has more potassium than bananas and more fiber than oats. How’s that for a superfood? Preliminary research suggests that moringa powder may also help control blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. This nourishing powder adds a major health boost to smoothies, salads, and other foods that you sprinkle it over.
6) Goji Berries
These slightly sweet and crunchy red berries are known as the world’s most powerful superfood, and rightfully so. They are one of the most antioxidant-rich foods you’ll ever encounter. Antioxidants are the protective compounds that fight cell damage associated with disease. Goji berries are also an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which boost the immune system, support eye health, and give your skin a youthful glow. Packed with amino acids, goji berries have unusually high levels of protein for a fruit. Enjoy these superfood berries as a snack, in baked goods, or reconstituted in hot tea or water.
Which superfoods will you start incorporating into your diet?
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]]>Dried Fruit
1) Freeze-Dried Blueberries – These sweet and crunchy superfoods are loaded with antioxidants that may ward off age-related memory loss. Studies also indicate that blueberries are heart-healthy fruits that may reduce the risk of heart disease.
2) Goji Berries – Tangy and sweet, these red super-berries are often referred to as the world’s most powerful anti-aging food. They contain all of the essential amino acids, and have even more vitamin C than oranges. Snack on dried goji berries in trail mix, or add them to cereal or yogurt.
3) Dried Pomegranates – These delicious infused super fruits are loaded with heart-protective antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Dried pomegranates are also an excellent source of dietary fiber to support the digestive system. Enjoy these tart, sweet pomegranate arils right out of the bag.
Nuts
4) Almonds – Over 60 percent of the fat found in almonds is heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. This “good” fat may help lower LDL cholesterol levels. Almonds are also rich in protein, fiber, calcium, iron, and antioxidants for a satisfying snack that is extremely nutritious. Almonds are easy to munch on and bring anywhere.
5) Walnuts – These nuts are an excellent plant source of essential omega-3 fatty acids, which help control excessive inflammation in the body. Studies show that adding raw walnuts to your diet can reduce the risk of heart disease. Enjoy walnuts as a snack or toss them over salads and soups for a delicious nutty crunch.
6) Sacha Inchi Peanuts – This superfood is a complete protein that contains all of the essential amino acids. Just a small serving of these Inca peanuts provides 9 full grams of protein. Although technically a seed, they have a flavor that is similar to a dark roasted peanut.
Other Snacks
7) Vegan “Cheese” Kale Chips – These crunchy gluten-free, raw kale chips are an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K to boost the immune system. They are also rich in minerals such as calcium and iron. Air-dried and never baked, our kale chips are a completely raw and healthy snack with a great cheesy flavor.
8) Organic Chia Energy Squares – Chia seeds are known to help with weight loss, diabetes, and high blood pressure, and now you can enjoy these super seeds in a portable snack. Organic chia energy squares are bite-sized and packed with wholesome nuts, seeds and dried fruit. These energy bites are a kid-friendly treat.
9) Organic Red Quinoa Puffs – This delicious puffed cereal is made only from organic red quinoa and boasts all of the same nutritional benefits. It is a complete protein loaded with iron, fiber, and antioxidants. Toss these red quinoa puffs with milk for a healthy breakfast, or snack on them throughout the day.
What superfoods do you eat on a regular basis?
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]]>1) Kaniwa
Kaniwa is an up and coming gluten-free super grain related to quinoa. Although it’s a new addition to our product line, this tiny grain has been around for thousands of years. Don’t get it confused with quinoa, though. Kaniwa has many defining characteristics that make it unique; in fact, it contains even more protein, antioxidants, and iron than quinoa. That’s pretty impressive for a grain that’s about half the size of quinoa. It also has a delightful nutty crunch when cooked, which provides a unique texture compared to fluffy quinoa.
2) Freekeh
This ancient Middle Eastern cracked cereal is similar in taste and texture to rice, but has a nutrient profile similar to super grains like quinoa and farro. That makes freekeh a great alternative to rice or couscous because it contains an excellent source of dietary fiber and protein. Another thing we love about freekeh is that it’s incredible easy to cook and very difficult to mess-up, so whether you’re an expert chef or just learning your way around the kitchen, freekeh is perfect for everyone!
3) Farro
Packed with fiber, iron, and B-complex vitamins, our whole-grain organic farro is even more nutritious than the pearled version. Unlike many whole-wheat grains, farro is unique in that it is light and elegant in taste and texture. It is sometimes compared to a lighter version of brown rice and has an interesting nutty flavor. Use it for risotto dishes; you’ll love that it retains its texture even after sitting out a while. Farro is delicious in soups or as a salad with fresh veggies.
4) Peeled Wheat
Commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine, peeled wheat is an excellent source of nutrition for your diet. Peeled wheat is simply wheat berries with the hulls removed, so it lends a smooth chewy texture and delicious nutty taste to your dishes. Enjoy peeled wheat in place of other grains, and feel free to dress it with vegetables, beans, and other ingredients. You can even have it for breakfast by cooking it a little longer until it becomes like a porridge. Experiment with peeled wheat to find the consistency that works best for you.
5) Quinoa
Perhaps the most popular ancient grain, organic quinoa is a light and fluffy seed which is naturally gluten-free. It has a grain-like texture which makes it a perfect alternative to rice or pasta during mealtime. As a complete protein boasting all 9 essential amino acids, quinoa is a nutritious meal in itself. Like our other super grains, quinoa is also a rich source of dietary fiber and minerals. It’s extremely versatile and can be used for stir-fries, casseroles, and more. Our organic quinoa is pre-rinsed so that it’s ready to cook right when you open it!
6) Amaranth
Last but certainly not least, organic amaranth is another gluten-free super grain that doesn’t fail to impress. Compared to other gluten-free grains, it has the highest fiber content, and it contains 30 percent more protein than most other grains. One of the other fantastic things about amaranth is that it’s so versatile! You can cook it like rice for a hearty side dish, pop it like popcorn for a tasty snack, or use it in baked goods for a nutty flavor. Amaranth is literally out of this world; astronauts enjoyed amaranth cookies on US Space Shuttle Atlantis’ maiden voyage in 1985.
Have you tried any of these ancient grains? What are your favorite ones?
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]]>1) Spirulina
This incredible blue-green algae really stands up to its status as a superfood. As a source of all nine essential amino acids, spirulina is considered a complete protein. Just one ounce of spirulina delivers a mighty 16 grams of protein. Spirulina’s impressive nutritional attributes don’t stop there; ounce-for-ounce, spirulina boasts over four times the antioxidant concentration of blueberries and over 26 times the calcium of milk. Spirulina is also a plentiful source of minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc. The smoky seaweed taste blends seamlessly in liquids, smoothies, and salad dressings, or sprinkled over food.
2) Chlorella
Cleanse your body with a revitalizing boost of chlorella! This emerald-tinted superfood serves as a natural detoxifying agent because it’s chock-full of healthy chlorophyll. This nutrient cleanses the body by binding to heavy metals and other toxins to help expel them from the body. It also promotes digestive health by supporting the body’s natural balance of beneficial bacteria. Along with its detoxifying powers, chlorophyll provides a generous dose of vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium and potassium. Add a few teaspoons of chlorella powder to your next smoothie or juice to experience its cleansing wonders!
Wheatgrass powder is a highly concentrated nutritional supplement of the leafy green plant it comes from. Ground from the sprouted shoot of wheat, this powder boasts a rich source of beta-carotene, calcium, fiber, iron and vitamin K. Wheatgrass powder is also packed with chlorophyll, which binds to heavy metals and other toxins to rid them from your system. It’s a highly alkaline food that helps balance pH levels in the body; this makes wheatgrass an excellent addition to Western diets which are too often overly acidic from processed foods. Wheatgrass powder has a slightly sweet taste that goes well with many foods, or just mixed with water for a juice.
Considered one of nature’s most nutritious superfoods, moringa powder is a more concentrated source of nutrients than many common fruits and vegetables. Ounce-per-ounce, moringa powder has more vitamin C than oranges, more iron than spinach, and more dietary fiber than oats. Just like spirulina, moringa powder is also a protein powerhouse containing all nine essential amino acids. It’s an excellent source of beta-carotene and antioxidants, which support healthy cells by fighting oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Rich in plant-based compounds called cytokinins, moringa powder may have protective anti-aging effects. You’ll love moringa’s nutty flavor in beverages, yogurt, dips, and other foods.
5) Acai Powder
Our acai powder brings the nutritional richness of fresh Amazonian berries straight to you! Acai powder is one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits around. As a rich source of omega fatty acids (omega 3, 6, and 9), acai powder helps regulate metabolism and protect the cardiovascular system. Omega-3 and omega-9 are the same highly sought-after fatty acids found in salmon and olive oil, but this versatile powder ensures that you don’t have to go to great lengths to obtain them. Acai powder is rich in dietary fiber to aid digestive health and keep you feeling full for longer. With a deliciously tart and tropical taste, acai powder is a favorite for mixing in yogurt and smoothies, or sprinkling over oatmeal and cereal.
What are your go-to superfood powders, and which ones would you like to try?
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]]>Overcome winter weight gain with chia seeds: tiny and versatile appetite-suppressing superfoods. Chia seeds absorb 10 times their weight in water, which reduces food cravings and keeps you feeling full longer. They also regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. As the richest plant source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids, chia seeds can help reduce excessive inflammation in the body. Another advantage of chia seeds is that they act as a gel that slowly releases water to keep you hydrated throughout all your favorite spring and summertime activities!
If you’re counting carbs, and looking for a low-glycemic baking alternative to white flour, our almond flour is just the thing! Our almond flour is certified gluten-free and nutrient-dense, making it a top choice for low-carb, paleo, and gluten-free diets. Loaded with dietary fiber, protein, and monounsaturated fat (aka “the good fat”), almond flour is a healthy addition to any diet. It’s also incredibly easy to bake with because almond flour can be used as a direct one-to-one substitution for regular flour, so you can easily use it in your favorite baked good recipes. As a low-glycemic food, almond flour won’t cause the spikes in blood sugar associated with white flours.
Smoothies and juices are refreshing and delicious in warm weather, and adding a few teaspoons of spirulina can really kick up the nutrient levels. Spirulina is a great complement to your workouts because it’s a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. Its protein content is over 80 percent digestible, which is greater than that of red meat or soy. Beyond being a protein powerhouse, spirulina is extremely plentiful in vitamins and minerals. It’s an excellent source of vitamins A through E, iron, potassium and calcium. Spirulina contains even more antioxidants than blueberries: four times as much! Its natural seaweed flavor blends seamlessly into beverages, soups, salad dressings, guacamole, and more.
Considered the world’s most powerful anti-aging food, goji berries are loaded with antioxidants to protect cells against the damaging effects of free radicals. Excessive exposure to the sun and other environmental toxins exacerbate the build-up of free radicals during the spring and summer months. This makes it an especially important time to get enough antioxidants, and goji berries are the perfect superfood for the job. One ounce of goji berries packs a daily serving of vitamin A, and even more vitamin C than oranges. These sweet and crunchy berries can be added to yogurt and cereal, or enjoyed as a chewy treat in tea or soup.
What are your favorite superfoods for healthy eating?
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]]>1) Chia Seeds
Have you decided to eat less and make healthier choices for the new year? Chia seeds are a wonderful weight loss companion because they reduce food cravings and help you feel full faster. These little seeds can even help control blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Chia seeds are also the richest plant source of Omega-3, the same essential fatty acid found in salmon. Most American diets don’t include enough Omega-3s, and this deficiency can increase the risk for chronic conditions associated with excess inflammation in the body. Enjoy this superfood in a chia seed pudding, cereals, drinks, or simply raw!
2) Almond Flour
If you have a fondness for delectable cakes, cookies, and muffins, then going cold turkey on baked goods can be pretty hard. That’s why so many of our customers love using nutrient-dense almond flour in their baking. Certified gluten-free and loaded with dietary fiber and protein, our almond flour is a top choice for low-carb diets and for those with a gluten sensitivity. The best part is that almond flour can be used as a direct one-to-one substitution for regular flour, so you can easily incorporate it in your recipes. It’s also a low glycemic food so you won’t experience a spike in blood sugar as you would with white flours.
3) Spirulina
Did you pledge to include more leafy green vegetables in your diet this year? Adding a teaspoon of spirulina to a salad dressing or smoothie can help you out with a major nutrient boost. Boasting all nine essential amino acids, spirulina is considered a complete source of protein. Spirulina’s protein content is over 80 percent digestible, which is greater than even red meat or soy. Beyond that, spirulina is plentiful in vitamins and minerals; it’s an excellent source of vitamins A through E, iron, potassium and calcium. As an added bonus, spirulina contains four times the antioxidant concentration of blueberries! It’s certainly not hard to see how spirulina gets its superfood status. Try the green superfood in this spirulina ice cream recipe for a sweet and creamy treat.
4) Quinoa
If you’re hitting the gym more during the new year, make sure you stock up on foods like organic quinoa, for an ideal balance of protein, fiber, carbohydrates and nutrients. To help you maintain lean body mass, quinoa is a high-quality protein that contains all 9 essential amino acids. Quinoa also provides over 25% of the recommended daily value for iron to keep you energized throughout the day. Our organic quinoa is already pre-rinsed, so you can be well on your way to eating healthy! Try our quinoa veggie wrap recipe for an easy and delicious way to enjoy the naturally gluten-free grain for lunch or dinner. You can also prepare quinoa salads by mixing cooked quinoa with your favorite nuts, fruits or vegetables.
5) Goji Berries
Another member of the superfood kingdom, goji berries are a natural treat for anyone that wants to maintain a strong immune system throughout the year. Just one ounce of these super berries packs a daily serving of vitamin A, a critical element for stimulating your body’s natural defense system and promoting good vision and eye health. Goji berries contain even more vitamin C per ounce than oranges, an immunity-boosting nutrient that also supports the cardiovascular system. Goji berries are considered the world’s most powerful anti-aging food because of their incredibly high antioxidant levels. Enjoy goji berries in tea or soup for a sweet and chewy treat, or add them to cereal and yogurt for a nice crunch.
Which superfoods are you eating to keep your New Year’s resolutions?
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