Get ready to roll….up some ingredients to transform them into delectable collard wraps. Collard greens make for excellent wraps because they are sturdy and do not tear easily. Just make sure that you get rid of that stiff, fibrous stem as best you can, or else your taste buds will be in for a bitter, chewy surprise. Think of those big, leafy collards as nature’s tortillas, only they are sodium-free and pack a serious nutritional punch. Not only that, you get to pack them with a colorful mix of crunchy veggies, for example, some shredded carrots, bell peppers, alfalfa sprouts, avocado, and some deliciously sweet mango. Each bite is better than the last!

The excitement doesn’t just end with these wraps. In fact, you could argue that these wraps are nothing without the silky, slightly sweet and salty almond butter dipping sauce. It is absolutely to die for! Think of this sauce like a raw vegan alternative to a classic peanut sauce. It is nutty, creamy, and has just the write amount of sweetness to complement the ingredients inside the wraps. You can pour some sauce over the ingredients before you roll them up inside the collard leaves, or you can serve it on the side and dip as you go. You can also pour a little inside the wraps and dip after every bite. There need be no shame in your dipping sauce game! T

here is no right way to do this! We just hope that you enjoy these wraps as much as we do, as they are a great way to shake up the salads and smoothies on your raw vegan diet. If you enjoy it, be sure to drop a comment, so that we know whether to keep posting recipes like this one. We love your feedback!

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The fall and winter months invite colder temperatures, but you cannot enjoy a bowl of hot soup while cleansing. That is where this cold soup enters the equation. This isn’t your average bowl of gazpacho, though. This creamy raw vegan curry soup may only take five to 10 minutes to make, but it has the flavor of a soup that has been simmering for hours. It is quite filling and aromatic, making for a nice change from a standard salad or smoothie.

Besides having an addictively creamy texture and robust flavor, this raw soup is not green for a change. Made with freshly made carrot juice, tahini, homemade almond milk, tomato, lemon juice, avocado, and zucchini, this soup can be a light meal or side dish. What makes this soup creamy is the avocado, tahini, and homemade almond milk. Click here to make the almond milk, but consider omitting the dates, maple syrup, or vanilla extract that the recipe calls for. You don’t want those maple and vanilla flavors mixing with the other spices and ingredients in this soup.

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The mighty avocado is more than an ingredient that restaurants charge extra for. It is a tropical fruit that exhibits an impressive nutrition profile. It is naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats that help to keep the body healthy and strong. That probably isn’t news to you if you aren’t a stranger to guacamole, chocolate avocado pudding, or avocado toast. 

What you may not realize is that avocados benefit the skin, whether you eat them or apply them topically. Because they contain a lot of antioxidants and vitamin E, avocados are great for people with sensitive skin. In this article, we’ll detail a few skin benefits of avocados and why they are common ingredients in skin care products.

Avocado Oil And Avocado Extract In Skin Care

Avocado oil and avocado extract are not the same. Both are derived from the avocado fruit, but the oil is pressed from dried avocado pulp, which contains the fruit’s skin and pit. Avocado extract tends to be derived from the fruit and leaves of the avocado tree. The fruit’s extract is a concentrated liquid that has been the focus of many recent studies for its therapeutic benefits in medical settings. 

Although both avocado oil and avocado extract have their place in skin care products, avocado oil is used more commonly. It is naturally rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, including oleic acid, and vitamins A, C, and E. Due to the oil’s high fat content, it is very useful in skin care products intended for dry or chapped skin. Continue reading to learn more about the skin benefits of avocado oil and extract.

Rich In Antioxidants

According to several studies, the avocado fruit, the oil, and the extract contain a lot of antioxidants, especially polyphenols and carotenoids. These antioxidant compounds work to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which commonly form after exposure to UV rays, pollution, and environmental aggressors. The accumulation of free radicals on the skin can damage the DNA of skin cells, which contributes to premature signs of aging. Neutralizing these free radicals can protect the skin and keep it healthy. 

Avocado oil is commonly used in facial cleansers and eye serums for this reason. When combined with other ingredients, such as olive oil or sweet almond oil, it can help remove dirt, oil, and other impurities without stripping the skin of its natural barrier. Avocado oil also provides long-lasting moisture, which is especially beneficial for people with dry skin. 

A Powerful Moisturizer

As we were just saying, avocado oil is an excellent ingredient that keeps the skin moisturized. The oil contains about 62% lipids, most of which are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Studies confirm that avocado oil can easily penetrate the skin’s moisture barrier more effectively than other plant oils. That makes avocado oil great for people with dry or flaky skin. You may see avocado oil or extract in moisturizers or hydrating masks for this reason. These creams and masks may help minimize water loss, creating more supple, hydrated skin. These tend to be great for all skin types, but always do a patch test on your arm to see if you develop a reaction. 

Offers Soothing Benefits

If you have sensitive skin, inflammation may be a daily occurrence, whether you are aware of it or not. Inflammation is one of the skin’s responses to irritants, including pollution, extreme temperatures, or harsh ingredients. Eczema, for example, is an inflammatory skin condition. Avocado oil may help soothe the appearance of irritated skin. It offers moisturizing properties that may help soften parched or callused skin. Apply a generous amount of avocado oil to dry feet or hands before bed, and then wear socks and gloves. That will prevent the oil from staining sheets while locking in moisture for softer skin in the morning.

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If you are familiar with our recipes, you know that we love chocolate avocado pudding. It is a wonderfully healthy and filling dessert or snack that provides lots of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and more. With this recipe, we’ve basically taken our beloved chocolate avocado pudding and transformed it into decadent truffles. Should you feel so inclined, you can elevate these truffles by rolling them in pulsed raw pistachios. Alternatively, you can dust the truffles with raw cacao powder or desiccated coconut flakes. 

Unlike other energy balls or truffles, you’ll have to place the blended mixture in the freezer prior to forming the mixture into balls. The reason for this is because the avocados make it very creamy. It becomes difficult to form truffles easily if the mixture is room temperature. Once you form the truffles, place them in the freezer or fridge to harden a little more. Enjoying them cold is the only way! 

Although these chocolate avocado truffles may not have the sugar content of a gingerbread house, they offer pleasant sweetness. The texture is very similar to chocolate ganache, making them very creamy and dreamy. That is why we recommended rolling them in pulsed pistachios if you enjoy a little texture. Make no mistake about it, though, these truffles are delicious as is and we hope you like them as much as we do.

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Avocado oil, much like avocados, is a great source of healthy fats. Through various research studies, it has demonstrated an ability to protect and support heart health. It also provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, including vitamin E and carotenoids. Not only is avocado oil nutritious, but it is also safe for high-heat cooking. You can use it in various ways to incorporate more heart-healthy fats into your diet. Continue reading to learn about five impressive health benefits of this oil. 

A Great Source Of Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a great nutrient that helps protect cells against oxidative damage, which could potentially increase the risk of chronic diseases. It is involved with cellular communication, metabolic processes, and immune function. Vitamin E works to support heart health by improving blood flow and preventing blood clotting. It may also prevent oxidative changes to LDL cholesterol. If there are oxidative changes to LDL cholesterol, you may have an increased risk of atherosclerosis, or plaque build-up in the arteries. 

Although vitamin E is essential to your overall health, a large majority of the population in the United States doesn’t consume the recommended daily intake (RDI). In fact, studies suggest that 96% of women and 90% of men in the United States have insufficient vitamin E intake. Just two tablespoons of avocado oil can provide seven milligrams (mg) of vitamin E, which satisfies 47% of the RDI. Do your best to purchase unrefined, cold-pressed avocado oil, as that contains more vitamin E than refined versions.

May Support Heart Health

As previously mentioned, vitamin E may help improve blood flow and prevent oxidative changes to LDL cholesterol. Vitamin E is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and contains polyphenols, all of which help reduce the risk of heart disease. Using avocado oil in place of butter and other saturated fats may help reduce LDL cholesterol levels. A small study involving overweight participants monitored reactions when they replaced butter with avocado oil in a high-fat, high-carb meal. Post-meal levels of LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and inflammatory markers all reduced. More research and larger studies are necessary to determine avocado oil’s full effects on heart health.

Rich In Fatty Acids

Avocado oil is composed of 71% monounsaturated fatty acids, 13% polyunsaturated fatty acids, and 16% saturated fatty acids. According to researchers, diets rich in monounsaturated fatty acids can help protect against heart disease. One study found that people who consumed monounsaturated fatty acids from plant sources had a significantly lower risk of dying from cancer and heart disease. The study showed how replacing saturated fatty acids with monounsaturated fatty acids from plant sources reduced risk of mortality. One of the primary fatty acids in avocado oil, oleic acid, may support healthy body weight by regulating appetite. 

Contains Antioxidant Compounds

Some of avocado oil’s plant compounds include proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, and carotenoids. These compounds work to regulate inflammation and protect against oxidative damage. Studies confirm that diets rich in carotenoids and polyphenols can help protect against heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases. As stated earlier regarding vitamin E, the refining process of avocado oil can significantly reduce the antioxidant content. Be sure to purchase unrefined, cold-pressed avocado oil for this reason. 

May Benefit Eye Health

Avocado oil and avocado  are good sources of lutein, a carotenoid and antioxidant that is naturally found in the eyes. According to research, a diet rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, another carotenoid, is essential for optimal eye health. In fact, these two carotenoids may help reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, both of which are common age-related eye conditions. The body does not produce lutein on its own, so you have to obtain it through your diet. Enjoying avocado and avocado oil may help increase your lutein intake to support your eyes.

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Don’t let the look of this smoothie deter you! It looks like a chocolate berry milkshake, but it offers the incredible health benefits that you could never find anywhere near a milkshake. Meet the chocolate avocado berry smoothie, a deliciously creamy blend that packs a seriously nutritional punch! This smoothie combines the rich, nuttiness of homemade almond milk with the refreshing tartness of blackberries. Does this even have spinach? It does, but you cannot taste it, not even for a second. You cannot taste the avocado, either, but it helps make this smoothie creamier than ever, all while providing healthy fats.

Does the small scoop of raw cacao powder scare you? Don’t let the deep, chocolatey richness of cacao steer you away from this smoothie. You won’t taste the subtle bitterness because the banana and maple syrup provide enough natural sweetness. What you end up with is a delightful chocolate flavor that harmonizes perfectly with the buttery texture of ripe avocado. If you want to live dangerously, finish this smoothie with an extra drizzle of maple syrup and dash of raw cacao powder on top. Not only is it highly refreshing and filling, but it also tastes amazing. We hope you love this as much as we do!

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A happy life is a healthy life. Feeding your body foods that provide optimal nourishment to encourage the optimal function of all systems and organs is truly a gift. When you eat the right foods, you feel a whole lot better. That doesn’t mean you cannot cheat a little here and there and indulge in some unhealthy options. If you find that you have been eating a little unhealthier, though, switch it up and make yourself a refreshing raw salad like this kale cranberry almond salad. It contains fiber, protein, magnesium, vitamin C, antioxidants, and other beneficial vitamins and minerals.

Kale is a superfood, but it’s not the only ingredient that brings a super nutritional profile to this salad. As the other leafy green base, you have romaine lettuce, which is an excellent source of vitamin K, folate, beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium, and potassium. The avocado also provides magnesium and potassium, in addition to healthy fats, folate, fiber, and more. Along with their low sodium levels, avocados do not contain any cholesterol, making them great heart-healthy foods.

When you enjoy this kale salad, not only will you feel good about yourself, but you’ll also get to enjoy varying textures and flavors. Although the kale can be slightly bitter, you don’t taste it because the dried cranberries offer sweetness and almonds provide nuttiness. Avocados don’t offer specific flavor, but they do offer a textural difference from all the crunch in this salad. Finally, you get the zesty dressing that also provides some creaminess, thanks to the tahini.

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Get ready to dive right into this delightful watermelon salsa with avocado. Although it isn’t a dessert, it’s quite the refreshing summer treat that is not only visibly stunning, but also bursting with tons of flavor and nutrition. The small cubes of vibrant green avocados offer a stark contrast with the ruby red, juicy chunks of watermelon. Toss those beautiful ingredients together with zesty lime juice, freshly chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño, diced red onion, and a pinch of sea salt, and you have a delightful summer salsa. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy!

1. Hydration: Watermelon is composed of over 90% water, which makes it an incredibly refreshing and hydrating fruit. That’s why it is perfect for hot summer days!
2. Heart health: Both avocado and watermelon are great sources of potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure. Watermelon also contains citrulline, a plant compound that may improve blood flow.
3. Weight management: This salsa is low in calories yet high in fiber because of the watermelon avocado combo. That means that it can fill you up without weighing you down. Now, if you eat the whole bowl, you’ll rack up some calories, but keep your portions in check and it makes for an ideal snack or dip.
4. Nutrient-rich: The mixture of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants from each ingredient makes this salsa a nutritional powerhouse. From vitamin C to potassium, you’re giving your body a delicious boost!

This watermelon salsa is so versatile and ideal for raw vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores alike. You can scoop it up with chips (not while cleansing), use it as a topping for a Buddha bowl or wild caught fish, or simply enjoy it straight out of the bowl as a refreshing snack. Whip up this salsa for your next gathering and watch everyone fall in love with it.

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The great thing about making a salad for a meal is that it doesn’t require too much effort or time. As long as you have about 10 to 15 minutes to prep ingredients and toss them in a bowl, you can make a salad. It can serve as your main course or you can enjoy it as a side dish. The choice is yours, but a salad is always a quick and easy meal to enjoy while you are cleansing. The key is to use different ingredients and dressings, so that you keep your taste buds interested in raw foods.

This salad contains two different citrus fruits: orange and grapefruit. If you are opposed to grapefruit for whatever reason, you can omit it and just replace it with more orange or even blood orange, provided you can find that variety. You can also use tangerines or mandarins, depending on your preference. Similarly, you can use fresh lemon juice if you do not have limes on hand. With all of the citrus in the dressing, you don’t have to worry about the small amount of freshly diced jalapeño. Both the citrus and creamy avocado tame the spice, but you still get to enjoy that subtle kick.

Ideally, use fresh tarragon to get the best flavor. Tarragon is a leafy green herb that is very aromatic, and it goes great in salad dressings or marinades with fresh citrus. It exhibits a mild licorice flavor, but it is less intense than star anise. It is common in many French dishes because it can elevate a dish. In fact, some French chefs refer to it as “the king of herbs,” but just remember that a little goes a long way. That subtle licorice flavor also pairs nicely with the peppery arugula.

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How often do you hear the term “microbiome” in today’s day and age? A lot, most likely, and that is because gut health has become a major point of interest for researchers, scientists, and dietitians alike. The gut microbiome is the community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that inhabit the gut. Specific microbes in the gut can change in responses to diet and exercise. 

The gut directly communicates with the brain, and vice versa, via the gut-brain axis. That ultimately means that the brain can influence digestive activities, such as having nervous diarrhea. The gut can in turn influence mood, cognition, and mental health in a positive or negative way. If the gut is weak, bacteria and inflammatory substances can be absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream. That can trigger chronic inflammation, which is linked to myriad health conditions. 

For the above reasons and more, strive to feed your gut the best foods for optimal physical and mental health. Continue reading to learn about foods and food groups that optimize your microbiome and overall gut health. 

Probiotic Foods

There is no article about foods that encourage gut health without the mention of probiotics. These microorganisms can help reshape the makeup of your gut microbiome, helping to enhance immune function and improve multiple bowel diseases. Probiotics essentially change the gut environment in positive ways that decrease the ability for harmful bacteria to grow. They allow healthy bacteria to flourish, which can contribute to healthier immune function. 

A 2021 study monitored 36 healthy adults who were randomly assigned to 10-week diets that either included fermented foods or high-fiber non-fermented foods. Those who consumed fermented foods, which contain probiotics, experience positive changes in immune function. In fact, they were able to reduce levels of 19 different inflammatory markers. Increase your probiotic intake by eating more miso, fermented vegetables, kimchi, tempeh, kombucha, kefir, and sauerkraut. 

Prebiotic Foods

If you want to optimize probiotic bacteria in the gut, you have to feed them prebiotics. Prebiotic foods can also shift the intestinal pH, preventing harmful microbes from growing. These positive changes in the gut can help reduce overall gut inflammation. These changes may also contribute to the production of glucagon like peptide 2 (GLP2), a hormone that reinforces the strength of gut lining. Additionally, the fermentation of prebiotic fibers leads to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which can reduce hunger and improve the regulation of blood sugar and insulin after meals. You can increase your intake of prebiotics by eating more asparagus, chicory, garlic, Jerusalem artichokes, leeks, onions, barley, less-ripe bananas, and wheat bran. 

Pulses

Pulse is not just something you do to blend foods in a blender or food processor. Pulses contain a lot of plant protein, polyphenol antioxidants, and non-digestible carbohydrates (NDCs), such as soluble and insoluble fiber. These NDCs act as prebiotics, fermenting in the gut to form anti-inflammatory SCFAs. Some examples of pulses are beans, lentils, chickpeas, and dry peas (black-eyed peas and split peas). Pulses have an anti-inflammatory impact on gut health and work to improve digestive health by enhancing the strength of the barrier between the gut and bloodstream. A healthy gut barrier allows beneficial substances into the blood and prevents harmful substances from entering circulation. 

Avocados

Yes, avocados are deserving of their own mention in this article. Consuming avocados has been associated with beneficial health outcomes, including weight management and protection against heart disease. The healthy fats in avocados work to nourish the gut and keep you satiated. In one study, researchers assigned 163 overweight or obese adults to one of two groups for 12 weeks. Participants ate one meal per day (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) with or without avocado. The participants provided blood, urine, and fecal samples throughout the study. Researchers found that those who ate avocados developed a greater abundance of gut microbes that were more adept at breaking down fiber and producing SCFAs. 

Foods Rich In Polyphenols

Certain plants produce antioxidants called polyphenols. These are naturally-occurring compounds that protect plants from illness and damage as they grow. Consuming polyphenols can help protect the heart and brain, according to many studies. Research also shows that the gut microbiome converts polyphenols into bioactive compounds, which get reabsorbed into the bloodstream and benefit the body. The bloodstream absorbs about 5-10% of total polyphenols from the large intestine. The remaining 90-95% accumulate in the large intestine, where they offer prebiotic effects, helping to shift bad microbes into beneficial ones.

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