If you want to pack a lot of fruits and vegetables into one meal, make a smoothie. If you want to fill up on an assortment of valuable nutrients, make a smoothie. In case the point isn’t clear, we love smoothies, especially one that is as nutrient-dense and delicious as this recipe. This smoothie is packed with protein, fiber, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, antioxidants, and numerous vitamins and minerals. It is smooth, rich, and creamy just like a milkshake!

Most smoothies use banana as the base with the intension of creating a creamy texture with natural sweetness. This smoothie includes a frozen banana, but it also incorporates avocado, which contributes to the creaminess. Ideally, freeze both the banana and avocado overnight. Make sure to peel and slice the banana and avocado prior to freezing. If you freeze both of these ingredients with the peels on, you will regret it. If you already have some frozen banana or frozen avocado on hand, feel free to include that in the smoothie. You may already have packaged frozen avocado or banana, which you can use as long as there are no added ingredients.

If you are all about the chocolate life, you may want to consider making your own raw vegan chocolate almond milk or cashew milk. The way to do this is very similar to a traditional nut milk recipe, only you whisk in raw cacao powder until smooth. Because raw cacao powder has a bitter taste, you may need to add some extra grade A maple syrup or raw agave nectar to your homemade chocolate milk. If that sounds like a few too many steps, feel free to just add raw cacao powder to the smoothie with the homemade almond milk. Don’t have the energy to make almond milk? Use water instead!

SHARE:

The post Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie With Avocado appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If you have hypertension, or high blood pressure, you have likely been told to make several lifestyle adjustments by a number of healthcare professionals. Dietary changes, regular exercise, stress reduction, and more can help naturally lower blood pressure, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Your diet, however, is one of the best places to start, as natural nutrients pack more beneficial compounds that benefit cardiovascular health. 

Avoid Processed Foods

Generally speaking, you should avoid all processed foods, especially ultra-processed foods, when you have high blood pressure. Those foods include refined carbs and sugars, packaged sweets, sodas, energy drinks, deli meats, bottled sauces, and more. Instead, it’s better to focus on consuming fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and lean protein, such as wild caught fish and organic chicken. 

When you get nutrients through whole foods, instead of supplements, the body can use them more efficiently. Various studies indicate that separating a single nutrient, such as vitamin C or omega-3 fatty acids, and concentrating it into pill form is not as effective as it is when in natural food form. 

What Is High Blood Pressure?

Often referred to as the “silent killer,” high blood pressure affects nearly 50% of the U.S. adult population. The American Heart Association (AHA) states that the criteria for high blood pressure are:

• Normal blood pressure: less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mmHg)
• Elevated blood pressure: systolic between 120 and 129 mmHg and diastolic between 80 and 89 mmHg
• Stage 1: systolic between 130 and 139 mmHg or diastolic between 80 and 89 mmHg
• Stage 2: systolic at least 140 mmHg or diastolic at least 90 mmHg
• Hypertensive crisis: systolic over 180 mmHg or diastolic over 120 mmHg, with people requiring prompt changes in medication if there are no other health issues

If you are worried about blood pressure, the first step is to have your pressure checked by a healthcare professional. After determining the status of your blood pressure, you can take appropriate actions and start eating more of the following foods, especially if your pressure is on the higher side. 

Salt-Free Seasonings

Salt is hidden in many seasoning blends, such as Old Bay, steak seasoning, rotisserie seasoning, and most other blends. Cut down on the amount of salt you use by utilizing different herbs and spices. We are referring to seasonings like basil, parsley, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, white pepper, curry powder, chili powder, marjoram, etc. You understand the point, right? Dried herbs and spices can help reduce salt intake because they do not contain added sodium that regular seasoning blends have. Onion salt or garlic salt, for example, should be avoided. Instead, opt for onion powder or garlic powder. 

Oat Bran

Oatmeal can be a great breakfast choice, so long as you do not eat the flavored oatmeal packets. Those are highly problematic because they are seemingly healthy, but rich in sugar, sodium, and processed ingredients. Instead of oatmeal packets, choose oat bran, which is a great source of fiber, a nutrient that may help lower blood pressure and improve digestive health. Oat bran also contains soluble fiber, which has demonstrated an ability to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. You can also choose old-fashioned oats or steel cut oats, which are the least processed of other oat varieties. 

Enjoy Bananas

Health experts recommend that people with high blood pressure consume bananas because they are particularly rich in potassium. Various studies indicate that people with hypertension have an increased need for potassium, which some people tend to lack in their daily diets. A lack of potassium can impact heart rate and muscle function. Additionally, bananas are rich in fiber, which may help lower blood pressure as well. 

Eat Flaxseed

Flaxseed, which comes from the flax plant, is rich in flaxseed oil, which is thought to reduce high blood pressure. Researchers attribute this to the impressive omega-3 fatty acid content. When you crush flax seeds into flaxseed meal (ground flaxseed), the body has an easier time absorbing the omega-3s. That’s why we recommend people to use this version.

Eat Lima Beans

Most beans, lima beans included, are great sources of fiber and protein. Lima beans happen to be a great food choice for people who want to naturally lower blood pressure. They are higher in potassium than most other beans, and potassium can help reduce sodium levels in the body. The best way to enjoy lima beans is to buy the uncooked versions and boil them in water until tender. Canned varieties can be questionable, due to the fact that many canned beans contain lots of salt. If you find a can with “no salt added” on the label, feel free to enjoy it!

The Humble Potato

Before we get to the good stuff, this isn’t your hall pass to enjoy fries all day long. A regular Idaho potato is a great source of potassium, which works to lower blood pressure. Potatoes are also great sources of fiber, in addition to being cholesterol- and fat-free. You can enjoy a baked potato, just make sure that you don’t dump dollops of sour cream all over it. Additionally, try not to load it up with cheese and bacon because that will detract from the health benefits.

SHARE:

The post The Best Foods To Eat For People With High Blood Pressure appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Bananas are some of the most readily available and relatively inexpensive fruits. You can commonly see them hanging from the top of a kitchen fruit basket in most homes. Bananas happen to be an excellent choice if you want to include more potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium, and various antioxidants and polyphenols. This article aims to cover some of the many health benefits of bananas. 

Nutritional Profile

Bananas offer a fair amount of fiber, water, antioxidants, and complex carbohydrates, but they are low in protein and fat. One medium banana offers the following nutrients:

• Calories: 112
• Protein: 1 gram (g)
• Fat: 0.4 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Carbs: 29 g
• Riboflavin: 7% of the daily value (DV)
• Niacin: 5% of the DV
• Vitamin C: 12% of the DV
• Potassium: 10% of the DV
• Folate: 6% of the DV
• Magnesium: 8% of the DV
• Copper: 11% of the DV

May Support Heart Health

Because one banana offers 10% of the DV of potassium, enjoying a banana day may help regulate blood pressure levels. Potassium is a vital nutrient for blood pressure management. In fact, a potassium-rich diet can help lower the risk of hypertension. A 2021 study found that people who consumed more than 3,000 milligrams (mg) of potassium per day had a 25% lower risk of cardiovascular disease than those who did not consume potassium. Bananas also contain magnesium, which is a mineral involved with heart health management. 

May Improve Kidney Health

Although potassium is vital for blood pressure regulation, it also plays a role in kidney function. A study from 2019 included more than 5,000 people with early stage chronic kidney disease. Study authors linked the consumption of potassium to lower blood pressure and a slower progression of kidney disease. That said, some people who have late-stage kidney disease or those on dialysis need to restrict their potassium intake. If you fall into either of those categories, consult your healthcare professional before you increase your potassium intake. 

Rich In Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for normal brain development and keeping the nervous and immune systems healthy. The vitamin B6 from bananas is easily absorbed by the body and can help with:

• The production of red blood cells
• Metabolizing amino acids
• The removal of unwanted chemicals from the liver and kidneys
• Metabolizing carbohydrates and fats for energy
• Maintaining healthy nervous system function 
• Benefitting fetal development in the womb (for pregnant women)

May Improve Blood Sugar Levels

Bananas contain soluble fiber, which dissolves into a liquid to form a gel during the digestive process. Unripe, or green, bananas also contain resistant starch, a type of fiber that the body does not digest. Together, resistant starch and soluble fiber can help regulate blood sugar levels after meals. Additionally, they may help regulate your appetite by slowing the rate at which the stomach empties. Even though bananas have a higher carb count, they may not cause blood sugar spikes in people with diabetes. A 2021 study noted that the glycemic index of bananas is 47 (low) and the glycemic load is 7 (low). 

Respectable Source Of Vitamin C

It’s not common to associate bananas with vitamin C, but a medium-sized banana provides 10% of the DV. Just keep in mind that a banana doesn’t offer the same amount of vitamin C as a kiwi, guava, or bell pepper, all of which offer an impressive amount. Vitamin C can help with:

• Better absorption of iron
• Protecting the body against cell and tissue damage
• Collagen production, which is an essential protein necessary for optimal skin and bone health
• Supporting serotonin production, which has an affect on sleep cycle, overall mood, and the ability to deal with stress and pain

SHARE:

The post The Top 5 Health Benefits Of Bananas appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Five ingredients…that is all you need to make your next favorite smoothie. It’s beautiful when a recipe such as this comes together and tastes better and better with every sip. Adding nut butter to your smoothie can be a real game changer, especially if you are cleansing. Not only does it add healthy fat and protein, but it also adds a nutty flavor that gives your palate a break from fruits and vegetables. It’s that new guest at the party that is a hit with everyone!

The banana is a classic smoothie ingredient, but we feel that it gets used without much thought. It’s as though people add bananas to smoothies just because. It’s an easy ingredient to incorporate into a smoothie, with the added benefit of making a smoothie creamier and naturally sweet. Bananas happen to be great sources of vitamin B6, vitamin C, fiber, manganese, potassium, and magnesium. The vitamin B6 is easily absorbed by the body, and one banana can provide nearly 25% of your recommended daily intake. Vitamin B6 help the body metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids, and helps maintain a healthy nervous system.

That means that the banana can help your body metabolize the fats and protein from almond butter and use them for energy efficiently. Additionally, the dietary fiber in both banana and almond butter can help keep you full for longer. That’s why we encourage you to make this smoothie for breakfast. You may just avoid unnecessary snacking before you eat lunch! 

SHARE:

The post Spinach, Almond Butter, And Banana Smoothie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Most of you know how integral fruits and vegetables are to your overall health. The compounds in fruits and vegetables work to enhance immune function, improve heart health, decrease inflammation, etc. As readily available as this information is, people choose to purchase and eat unhealthier food options in an attempt to save money. 

In reality, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to boost your fruit and vegetable intake. Eating healthy foods does not have to break the bank. Rather than harming your health with convenient fast food that you think will save you money, you can do your body a favor and nourish it with higher-quality foods. Learn how to do that on a budget in this article. 

Shop At Your Local Market Or Farmer’s Market

Depending on your location, a farmer’s market may not be the most convenient place to shop. Additionally, it can be expensive if you live in a city San Francisco, New York City, or Los Angeles. Most local farmer’s markets, though, sell seasonal produce at more affordable prices than regular grocery stores. When you shop directly from the farmers, you skip the middleman, tending to result in lower prices. Lastly, you get access to the freshest in-season produce, which is usually more flavorful. 

Shop Seasonally

Speaking of in-season produce, buy the fruits and vegetables that are in season, which can translate to significantly lower costs. For example, purchase melons and berries in the summer, apples and parsnips in the fall, squash in the winter, and asparagus in the spring. Knowing which produce items are in season will help you save on your grocery bill. You can always research a growing calendar in your area, or consider asking your local grocery store staff to understand which produce items are in season. 

Don’t Be Afraid Of Frozen Fruits And Vegetables

Frozen fruits and vegetables are valuable, especially if you are trying to eat healthy on a budget. Not only can they be just as nutritious as fresh fruits and vegetables, but they can also be equally as nutritious. Since they are typically cut or prepared in a specific way, they are convenient and easy to handle. Plus, you can store them in your freezer until you need them. Just make sure that you avoid added ingredients when buying frozen fruits and vegetables. You should not see salt, sugar, or sauces on the ingredients list because those ingredients detract from the health benefits. They also indicate extra additives. Frozen peas, spinach, broccoli, mixed vegetables, berries, and other fruit are excellent options that are quite versatile. 

Plan Your Meals And Create A List

There is nothing worse for your budget than heading into a grocery store without a list. You just buy what you think you need, as opposed to stocking up on what you actually need, and what is actually healthy for you. By planning your meals ahead of time, you can make a shopping list that includes every ingredient you will need to make those meals. That reduces the likelihood of food waste and impulse buying. A list of necessary items will help you avoid the unnecessary things that will typically spoil in the fridge. 

Properly Store Your Fruits And Vegetables

If you store your produce properly, you can maximize the shelf life and minimize food waste. Some produce needs to be stored on the countertop, while other produce requires refrigeration. Herbs, for example, should be stored in a jar of water with stems in the fridge to encourage a longer shelf life. Don’t store apples near bananas because the gases they emit can quicken the ripening process of both fruits. Buying in bulk? Consider freezing excess produce to extend the shelf life, but make sure to use airtight bags or containers to prevent moisture buildup.

SHARE:

The post How To Eat More Fruits And Vegetables On A Budget appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The body requires magnesium to carry out hundreds of functions, yet nearly 50% of American adults do not consume enough on a daily basis. Failure to consume the recommended daily intake (RDI) of magnesium can increase the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. Magnesium primarily exists in your bones, muscles, and non-muscular soft tissue. It’s involved in:

• Regulating blood pressure
• Energy production
• Bone density
• Muscle and nerve function
• Synthesizing protein
• Repairing DNA
• Controlling blood sugar

According to dietitians, your daily magnesium needs depend on age and gender. Typically, adult males need 400-420 milligrams (mg) of magnesium per day, while adult females require 310-400 mg per day. Signs of magnesium deficiency vary from minor to severe, but severe magnesium deficiency is quite rare. Common signs include loss of appetite, fatigue, vomiting, and weakness.

Although there are many food sources of magnesium, this article highlights magnesium-rich fruits. Eating these fruits on a regular basis can help you boost magnesium levels. 

Durian

Now, this is a fruit that you’ll either love or hate; there is no straddling the line with this one. The reason for this is because it emits a smell reminiscent of rotten onions and sulfur. Lovely, we know, but it does have health benefits despite the foul aroma. Native to Southeast Asia, durian is a large spiky fruit with a creamy center. Durian is naturally rich in potassium, vitamin C, B vitamins, and magnesium, with one cup offering 17% of the RDI. 

Avocado

Unlike a lot of the other fruits on this list, avocado is relatively low in carbohydrates, which is why many keto enthusiasts enjoy them. They are rich in healthy fats, potassium, fiber, and magnesium, with one cup offering 10.35% of the RDI. Due to their high-fiber content, avocados may help control blood sugar by slowing the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream. The omega-3s also work to promote healthy heart and brain function. 

Prickly Pear

The prickly pear is the fruit that is produced by the Opuntia, commonly referred to as the prickly pear cactus. The oval-shaped fruits have a sweet flavor that is similar to berries. They are naturally rich in vitamin C and potent antioxidant compounds. For reference, one cup of prickly pear provides 23% of the RDI for vitamin C, which supports immune function. Additionally, these fruits are some of the richest fruit sources of magnesium, with one cup offering 30% of the RDI. 

Jackfruit 

This is potentially the largest fruit that you’ll ever see, but you usually have to visit specialty markets to see it in its raw form. Canned jackfruit is available, but it doesn’t compare to the fresh version. Native to India, jackfruit is the largest edible fruit in the world and can weigh up to 110 pounds. One cup of raw jackfruit, which has a subtly sweet taste, contains 11% of the RDI of magnesium. The same serving also provides 16% of the RDI of potassium, which aids blood pressure regulation. 

Bananas

Similar to avocados and jackfruit, bananas offer both magnesium and potassium. One cup of sliced banana offers 9.6% of the RDI of magnesium. Bananas also offer a much-needed vitamin for metabolism, immune function, and neurotransmitter production: vitamin B6. This B vitamin is necessary for encouraging healthy brain development and keeping the nervous and immune systems functioning optimally. 

Papaya

Papain isn’t the only great thing about papaya! As a quick note, papain is a proteolytic enzyme in papaya that helps break down proteins in the digestive system. The papaya is a tropical fruit that also contains carotenoid antioxidants, vitamin C, and folate. Their rich orange color and many of their heart-protective properties are attributed to lycopene, a carotenoid pigment. Now, papaya wouldn’t be on this list without offering up some magnesium. One cup of papaya offers 8.2% of the RDI of magnesium. 

Passion Fruit

This tropical fruit blooms on a vine native to South America. The flower on the vine is one of the most stunning purple and white flowers you’ll ever see! If unripe, the fruit is highly sour, but it is incredibly sweet and highly addictive when perfectly ripe. Some people are averse to the seeds for textural reasons, but they are edible. One cup of passion fruit offers a diverse mix of nutrients, including 16.2% of the RDI of magnesium. It also offers vitamin A, which is necessary for healthy immune function, reproductive health, vision, and normal growth and development. 

Dried Figs

To round out the list of the top eight magnesium-rich fruits, we have dried figs. One cup provides 24% of the RDI of magnesium, in addition to 50% of the RDI of fiber. Dried figs also provide vitamin B6, calcium, and an assortment of polyphenol antioxidants, which offer protections against cellular damage.

SHARE:

The post The Top 8 Magnesium-Rich Fruits appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Get ready for a breakfast smoothie that gives you energy and aids digestive function. Bananas help provide you with healthy carbs, while the ginger and cinnamon encourage optimal immune function. Some studies have found that both cinnamon and ginger work to boost metabolism as well. Even though ginger and cinnamon are intense spices, the sweet banana and creamy homemade almond milk help to mellow those flavors. The key ingredients for the smoothie are as detailed below:

Banana: According to several studies, consuming bananas may help improve digestion. Researchers attribute this to the resistant starch, the type of fiber in unripe bananas. It is a prebiotic, which escapes digestion and ends up in the large intestine. Once they are in the large intestine, they become healthy bacteria that feed the probiotics in your gut. Additionally, the pectin in bananas may help you avoid constipation and soften stools.

Ginger: Including ginger in your diet may help reduce fermentation, constipation, and other causes of intestinal gas and bloating. Various studies confirm that ginger helps relieve nausea by encouraging stomach emptying. Both fresh ginger and ginger powder offer the same health benefits. That said, fresh ginger does not have as long a shelf life, so you must refrigerate or freeze it to help preserve it.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon is probably one of the best fall seasonings. It exhibits impressive antioxidant activity and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Plus, helps to add a warm aromatic flavor to the smoothie.

If you feel like you want to jazz up the smoothie a little more, feel free to add a pinch of turmeric, some raw cacao powder, and one or two dates to enhance sweetness.

SHARE:

The post Banana And Ginger Smoothie appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Picture this: it is a hot sunny day and you want a little sweet treat to help you cool off. Your taste buds yearn for something refreshing and delightful, and there is no better way to respond than with these homemade strawberry banana popsicles.

These vibrant, fruity frozen treats are not only visibly stunning, but they also taste great and exhibit impressive health benefits. Think of these homemade pops like fruit smoothies on sticks. You start with a ripe banana, which is where the majority of your sweetness comes from in this recipe. Peel it, slice it up, and freeze it the night before you want to make these popsicles. Next, you have some juicy strawberries, which provide some sweetness with a subtle tartness. To round out the recipe, you have freshly squeezed orange juice. Make sure this is not that store bought sugary bottled stuff! Squeeze a couple oranges to yield a half-cup. Toss everything in a blender and blend until y achieve a smooth mixture that packs a flavor punch.

Now, let’s talk about some benefits! Strawberries exhibit impressive antioxidant activity and contain a lot of vitamin and fiber. Some studies show that they help to boost immune function and keep the skin glowing. Bananas are rich in potassium, which is necessary for muscle function and heart health. Increasing your potassium intake may your efforts to lower blood pressure levels.

Do you want to know the best part? You can whip up a batch of these strawberry banana popsicles in under 10 minutes. Freeze them overnight and you’ll have guilt-free frozen treats you can enjoy this summer!

SHARE:

The post 3-Ingredient Strawberry Banana Popsicles appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

A smoothie without a banana? Believe it or not, you don’t have to include banana in every smoothie you make. Yes, bananas offer sweetness and can help your smoothie achieve a smoother, creamier texture, but they aren’t always necessary. That is especially true if you are trying to watch your sugar intake. You can usually achieve the same creamy consistency by using avocado instead of bananas. This smoothie doesn’t have either of those creamy ingredients, but it does fulfill 273% of your recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C, 62% of calcium, and 273% of vitamin A.

This green smoothie tastes of kale, but not overwhelmingly to the point where it tastes like lawn clippings. The sweetness of the apple and bright lemon juice work well to tone it down. Without the banana, the flavor of the apple really comes through. Plus, the addition of the almond butter adds a nutty, fatty component that takes your focus off the slightly bitter kale flavor. Just make sure that you remove the thick kale stems, or you’ll be enjoying a kale apple smoothie that really tastes like bitter kale.

To make this smoothie, simply add all of the ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth. The homemade almond milk will do a great job at creating a creamier consistency. It also builds on the nuttiness of the almond butter and does a better job than water at distracting from the kale flavor. We hope you love it!

SHARE:

The post Kale Apple Smoothie Without Banana appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

When we tell you about that this chocolate banana chia pudding is like a little cup of happiness, you have to believe us. Imagine diving into a creamy breakfast, snack, or dessert that is both totally delicious and packed with health benefits. Who doesn’t want to indulge in a sweet treat and be healthy at the same time? If only everything on the planet was like that, right?

To get started, let’s talk about those small but mighty chia seeds. Chia seeds are great sources of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein, among a few other vitamins and minerals. They work to keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer, which can help reduce snacking and weight gain. Did we mention they chia seeds are antioxidant superstars? Well, they are! Add in that ripe banana, to the mix and the benefits go up a notch.

Not only does the banana bring natural sweetness, but it’s also packed with potassium, which may help regulate blood pressure and keep those muscles happy. Plus, bananas have mood-boosting properties that may naturally elevate serotonin levels. And let’s not forget about that raw cacao powder, which offers an impressive antioxidant profile, which is integral to keeping your cells healthy and safe from free radical damage. Mix all of these ingredients, plus a few others, together and you have a creamy breakfast, snack, or dessert that you can enjoy guilt-free.

SHARE:

The post Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.