If you are looking to incorporate lighter, fresher ingredients into your daily diet, this is a great recipe to have in your back pocket. The sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors exemplify springtime. It is a zesty combination of ingredients, one of which does not receive the credit it should. We are, of course, talking about the watermelon radish. It is the star of the show in this salad, providing a crisp and slightly sweet flavor with a beautifully striking pink color that contrasts the rest of the ingredients.

Unlike a traditional radish, which is also in this salad, the watermelon radish has a mildly sweet flavor, although it does have a slight peppery kick. Not only is watermelon radish visually stunning, but it is also a nutritional powerhouse. It contains significant amounts of vitamin A, as well as vitamin C, both of which act as antioxidants in the body. Watermelon radish is also a great source of potassium, a mineral that works to regulate blood pressure and support heart health. Surprisingly, this little pink radish is a rich source of fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements and aids digestives function. A diet rich in fiber can also help control blood sugar levels, support weight management, and lower LDL cholesterol levels.

With ingredients like watermelon radish in the mix, it would be a crime to refer to this recipe as a simple salad. That said, it is very easy to make. You don’t want to end up with large chunks of watermelon radish, as it can be quite laborious to chew. For this reason, use a mandoline slicer to create even, thin slices. You can also use the mandoline for the regular radish, but be careful not to cut your fingers.

SHARE:

The post Zesty Watermelon Radish Salad appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Flavonoids might not be the first thing you think about when it comes to blood sugar, but they play a powerful role in supporting overall health – especially for those managing diabetes. These natural plant compounds are packed with antioxidants that help reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and support healthy blood sugar levels. In simple terms: they help your body use glucose more efficiently and protect your cells from damage. You can find flavonoids in a variety of plant-based foods like berries, citrus fruits, apples, onions, kale, dark chocolate, and even green tea. The more colorful your plate, the more flavonoids you’re likely getting. Adding these foods into your daily routine isn’t just good for blood sugar – it also supports heart health, brain function, and overall wellness. Small changes in what you eat can lead to big changes in how you feel.

SHARE:

The post Eat More Flavonoids To Fight Diabetes! appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Chickpeas may be small, but they bring big benefits to the table. These versatile legumes are rich in plant-based protein and fiber, helping support digestion and keep you feeling fuller longer. Chickpeas also have a low glycemic index, meaning they release energy slowly and help support balanced blood sugar levels. This makes them a great choice for people looking to maintain steady energy throughout the day and support healthy eating habits. From hummus to salads, bowls, and plant-based meals, chickpeas are an easy and nutritious way to add more whole foods to your routine. At Dherbs, we believe simple, natural foods can play a powerful role in supporting overall wellness and healthier lifestyles.

SHARE:

The post Why Chickpeas Are One Of The Best Low-Glycemic Foods appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

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.

SHARE:

The post 10 High-Fiber Foods For Digestive And Heart Health appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Whether you know it or not, the things you do in the morning have a big impact on your blood sugar. Glucose, or blood sugar, levels rise when you wake up because of natural hormonal shifts in the body that help you feel alert. Certain habits, such as not moving, skipping fiber, or starting the day with sugary drinks, can cause blood sugar spikes. Dietitians claim that the very common mistakes in this article increase blood sugar levels. We also offer advice on how to correct those morning mistakes. 

Skipping Breakfast

People who adhere to intermittent fasting, which limits food intake to certain hours of the day, can benefit from skipping breakfast. According to research, though, extended fasting can increase cortisol secretion and alter its daily rhythm. Stress hormone levels may stay elevated for a longer time, which can increase blood sugar. Waiting to eat until you are overly hungry can cause overeating or increased cravings throughout the day. Some people with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, or those who notice energy crashes later in the day should be cautious about skipping breakfast. 

If you feel like skipping breakfast causes feelings of tiredness or increased cravings, try to eat no more than one to two hours after you wake up. If you are intermittent fasting, make sure that your first meal is nutrient-dense, containing fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

Not Planning Ahead

If you rush in the morning from the moment you wake up to the second you get to work, you are more likely to skip meals and grab an unhealthy, convenient option. Ideally, you should plan to have breakfast ready in the fridge, so it is ready when you wake up. That makes it much easier to prioritize fiber and protein. Set time aside in the evening to prepare simple meals, such as egg bites, overnight oats, or chia pudding. You can even prepare make ahead smoothie bags!

Being Sedentary

Smartphones, tablets, and laptops have made it incredibly convenient to remain in bed or sit down scrolling social media or checking emails. Research confirms that being sedentary in the morning can lead to higher glucose levels, especially if you eat a pastry at the same time. A sedentary morning means that your active muscles use glucose for energy. A short amount of activity, even a 10-15 minute walk, a yoga session, light stretching, or squats and push-ups, can significantly improve blood glucose levels. Try to incorporate light movement into your morning routine. Even 10 minutes of bodyweight exercises can set the tone for the rest of your day. 

Drinking Coffee Before You Eat Anything

There are people with cups, shirts, or signs that say things like “coffee first” or “don’t talk to me before coffee.” For some people, drinking coffee on an empty stomach only adds to the body’s natural morning rise in blood glucose. Cortisol, as we mentioned earlier, is a stress hormone that naturally increases in the morning to help the body wake up. It signals the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, but caffeine only intensifies that process. If you have insulin resistance and drink coffee before eating food, glucose can remain elevated for a lot longer than normal.

It is better to enjoy your coffee with protein-rich foods, such as Greek yogurt, nuts, oatmeal, or eggs. You can even enjoy a fruit and vegetable smoothie with protein powder, or mix a little protein powder into your coffee. Just be mindful that the flavor of your powder matters when mixing it into coffee. 

Eating Carbs Without Fat, Fiber, Or Protein

A muffin or plain toast is very convenient to eat in the morning, but the body digests those refined carbs very quickly. The body’s quick digestion of those refined carbs can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose and then an inevitable crash. That back and forth swing can trigger cravings, a cycle of inconsistent energy, and fatigue. Refined carbs are naturally low in fiber, which you can find in foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Fiber is one of the best nutrients you can eat to stabilize blood sugar. Protein and healthy fats also slow the rate at which the body digests carbs, which can help control spikes. 

Try your best to avoid refined carbs altogether and focus your efforts on protein-rich and fiber-dense meals. Try to consume oatmeal and chia pudding with berries or Greek yogurt with nuts and seeds. There are many other meal options that include healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Search the internet and find recipes that inspire you!

SHARE:

The post Are These Morning Mistakes Sabotaging Your Blood Sugar? appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy, and countless other glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications are intended to help lower blood sugar levels. They work to trigger insulin release from the pancreas. Insulin lowers the amount of glucose in the blood, and insufficient insulin levels can cause blood sugar to increase and increase the risk of diabetes. That is not really why GLP-1 medications are so popular these days, though. People use these drugs to promote weight loss and control obesity. 

Glucagon is a hormone that the body uses to elevate blood sugar levels when necessary. GLP-1 actually prevents glucose from entering the bloodstream. It also slows stomach emptying, which ultimately releases less glucose from the food you eat into the bloodstream. GLP-1 medications also affect the area of the brain that processes hunger and satiety. You basically feel full quicker after eating a smaller amount. 

Given the popularity of these drugs, scientists question whether or not there is a natural way to tap into those same hunger- and fullness-pathways without drugs. A new review pulled emerging evidence on foods and plant compounds that may help support the body’s own GLP-1 activity. Just to be clear, though, these natural options are not replacements for medications. Early science does suggest that they may play a meaningful role in supporting appetite regulation and blood sugar balance. 

The Science Behind Natural GLP-1 Modulation

The review was recently published in Toxicology Reports and included decades of data on how foods, herbs, and bioactive compounds influence GLP-1, the hormone that GLP-1 drugs are designed to mimic. The gut produces GLP-1 and it has several jobs, such as:

• Stimulating insulin release
• Slowing digestion so you can stay fuller for longer
• Signaling fullness to the brain
• Reducing blood sugar after meals

GLP-1 medications work so well, so is it even possible for natural substances to gently support similar pathways? In order to figure this out, researchers looked at the combined research of studies on spices, teas, plant polyphenols, and fermented foods to see which compounds consistently influenced GLP-1 release or activity. As of now, nothing works as powerfully as prescribed medications; however, some ingredients triggered increases in GLP-1 release, or at least improved the body’s sensitivity to it. 

What The Researchers Found

According to the studies that researchers examined, the most natural GLP-1 supporters are as follows:

• Cinnamon extract
• Curcumin (from turmeric)
• Berberine
• Green tea and post-fermented tea compounds
• Wheat protein
• Ginger and gingerol
• Quercetin-rich plant foods (including apples, berries, cherries, onions, leafy greens, and grapes)

Researchers note that these natural GLP-1 modulators are not replacing existing medications. Instead, they want people to know that natural options exist. That helps because GLP-1 medications are not affordable or available to everyone. Some people also cannot tolerate the medications and experience intense side effects. Lastly, many people prefer nutrition-forward approaches to things. If you are looking to naturally support metabolic pathways, consider the ingredients we detailed. When paired with balanced nutrition and regular exercise, they may do wonders for your body.

SHARE:

The post Can You Naturally Boost GLP-1 Production?  appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Halloween has either been canceled, restricted, or modified in recent years as a result of COVID-19. Parties, events, and the classic trick-or-treating are now back in full swing, and people can’t wait to get their spooky on. Whether you visit pumpkin patches or walk home with a giant bucket of candy after trick-or-treating with the kids, you can easily veer off the healthy path. 

Chances are, you aren’t getting apple slices with almond butter in place of chocolate bars and sour candies. And most people just buy candy to have in the house or the office now, so these treats are more accessible than ever. The Halloween aisle at grocery stores is almost too tempting, and it can be hard to resist if you or your child has a sweet tooth. Now, candy shouldn’t be off limits; rather, it should be a treat that you enjoy in a mindful way. Sit down, put the sweet on the plate, and take your time to eat and enjoy it. When you stuff your face with candy, you overload the body with sugar and you don’t really enjoy the eating process. The following tips, however, can help you make this trick-or-treating season a little healthier. 

Not All Sugars Are Created Equal

Added sugars are much different from natural sugars that exist in whole foods. Food manufacturers will add sugars to foods, even the ones that are not particularly sweet. Added sugars help to satisfy your taste buds and keep you coming back for more. Honey, brown or white sugar, and high fructose corn syrup are examples of unnatural sugars in processed foods. Natural sugars occur in whole foods like fruit, and they are beneficial for your health. If you don’t have pre-existing health conditions like diabetes, you don’t have to worry about natural sugars in whole foods. As for added sugars, you should limit your intake to less than 10% of your daily calories. That is the American Heart Association’s recommendation for maintaining a healthy body.

Take A Break From The Sauce

Although trick-or-treating may not be a thing for adults, the Halloween fun doesn’t stop when you reach adolescence. Many adults live for Halloween and the many festivities that are spooky-themed. For many adults, though, Halloween events and parties typically involve a lot of alcoholic beverages. Oftentimes, there is a cauldron of alcoholic punch or Halloween-inspired cocktails that entice you based on looks alone. Excessive drinking can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes, which can cause dehydration and fatigue. Alcohol is also a source of empty calories, so all that drinking contributes to weight gain. Plus, most Halloween-themed cocktails are high in sugar, which can wreck your gut and make hangovers worse. Take a break from the sauce or limit your consumption, making water or sparkling waters your replacement beverages. 

Get Creative With Scary-Themed Healthy Foods

You can gain a lot of inspiration for art projects and recipes on Pinterest, especially for Halloween decor and recipes. There are many snacks and treats that are both spooky and healthy because they are made from whole foods with natural sugars. You can always transform healthy fruits and vegetables in a way that satisfies your sweet tooth. Take some time to whip up your own festive foods for Halloween parties by clicking here. 

Beware Of Overeating Sugar

It’s one of the easiest things to do, especially for children after coming home with a large amount of candy on Halloween. In the interest of health, limit yourself and your children from gorging on candy after trick-or-treating. Beware of getting tricked into a sugar rush! When you eat too many high-sugar foods, you increase the risk of obesity and weight gain, both of which are precursors to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Even if a sugar rush isn’t part of your daily life, one day of unusually high sugar intake can cause a short-term spike in blood sugar and insulin levels. This can lead to increased cravings, mood swings, dips in energy, and acute inflammation. If you or your children struggle with pacing your sugar intake, opt for treats that take longer to eat, for example, lollipops. 

Protect Your Teeth By Avoiding Certain Candies

Sugary snacks are loaded with preservatives, added sugars, and artificial colors and flavors that can ruin your blood sugar levels and your teeth. Eating a lot of candy in one sitting can make your next trip to the dentist more like a horror flick than a regular checkup. Sour candy is one of the major culprits when it comes to tooth decay. The highly acidic nature of these candies makes it easy for them to erode tooth enamel. Try to limit your consumption of gummy candies and sour candies because these can cause serious tooth problems. Plus, they can be very difficult to get out of your teeth, even if you floss and brush thoroughly.

SHARE:

The post Treat-Related Tricks For A Healthier Halloween appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Given the season, you might be craving all things pumpkin. Allow us to steal your focus away from the mighty pumpkin and direct it toward butternut squash. Much like pumpkin, butternut squash has an orange flesh that is celebrated for not only its flavor, but also its nutritional benefits. 

Butternut Squash Nutrition

Even though butternut squash is typically available year round, it tends to be most abundant during fall. A lot of people consider it to be a vegetable, but it is technically a fruit, although it lends itself to both sweet and savory applications. It exhibits a slightly nutty and decadent flavor that beautifully absorbs warming spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric. The following nutrients are present in 100 grams (g) of raw butternut squash:

• Calories: 48
• Protein: 1.15 g
• Carbohydrates: 10.5 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Folate (vitamin B9): 55 micrograms (mcg)
• Magnesium: 15 milligrams (mg)
• Vitamin C: 7.6 mg
• Potassium: 329 mg
• Iron: 0.21 mg
• Manganese: 0.075 mg
• Calcium: 22 mg

Butternut squash is also a rich source of carotenoids, including beta-carotene, which are plant pigments that give it the vibrant orange color. Those compounds are provitamin A carotenoids, which the body converts to retinal and retinoic acid (the active forms of vitamin A). Vitamin A is necessary for cell growth, eye health, bone health, and optimal immune function. Continue reading to discover why you should add more butternut squash to your diet. 

May Lower The Risk Of Heart Disease

A 2016 study in 2,445 people demonstrated that the risk of heart disease lowered 23% for every additional serving of yellow or orange vegetables. Butternut squash contains antioxidants that have a positive impact on the heart. Although more research is necessary to better understand the relationship of butternut squash on heart health, the existing research is promising. Butternut squash also contains potassium, which helps lower blood pressure, enhance muscle strength, and aid overall heart function.

Helps You See Better

Thanks to the carotenoid content, butternut squash is one of the best foods for eye health. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A in the body, which works to promote healthier vision. Butternut squash also contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which are other carotenoid compounds. A review of several studies found that those carotenoids help minimize the damage from ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun and blue light exposure. Butternut squash also contains vitamin C, which works in conjunction with vitamin A to help prevent age-related vision issues, such as macular degeneration and cataracts. 

Supports Healthy Digestion

One cup of butternut squash provides nearly 10% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of fiber. The squash provides both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber moves slowly through the digestive system and forms a gel-like substance that helps feed healthy bacteria in the gut. Insoluble fiber helps the body process waste, improve overall gut health, and prevent constipation. Since fiber helps to fill you up, eating butternut squash may help stave off hunger cravings and aid weight loss efforts. Foods that are rich in fiber also help lower total cholesterol levels, improve blood sugar, and reduce the risk of heart disease. 

Benefits Immune Function

In case it isn’t evident by now, butternut squash is rich in beta-carotene, but that isn’t the only antioxidant it contains. Butternut squash is also rich in vitamins C and E, both of which lend a helping hand to the immune system. Researchers note that all of the antioxidants in butternut squash help fight free radical damage, support immune function, and encourage optimal cellular health. During cold and flu season, which tends to coincide with fall, you should eat more vitamin C-rich foods, such as butternut squash. 

May Benefit Diabetes Treatment And Prevention

The body converts the food you eat into energy as carbs that are broken down into sugar (glucose). Most people don’t typically monitor blood sugar levels on a regular basis. That isn’t the case for people with diabetes, and the CDC estimates that one in 10 Americans has type 2 diabetes. You can prevent the disease or eradicate the need for medication by making smarter, healthier lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet. Butternut squash offers some anti-diabetic properties, according to some research. Although it contains carbohydrates, which get a bad rap, the other nutrients are of greater importance.

SHARE:

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

It’s true that pumpkin may be the first ingredient you associate with fall, but we all know that fall is all about apples. Not only are apples a fall staple, but they are also highly versatile. Add them to salads, smoothies, desserts, entrees, sauces, spreads, jams, and more. They can be the featured ingredient or play a more subtle role. However you decide to enjoy them, even as a healthy snack, we encourage you to embrace all the apple varieties that you can. 

Nutritional Benefits Of Apples

Apples are some of the world’s most popular fruits. They are naturally sweet and juicy and offer a lot of fiber, vitamin C, and several beneficial antioxidant compounds. Despite their low calorie count, apples are very filling, due to their fiber content. Here are the nutrition facts for one raw, unpeeled, medium-sized apple:

• Calories: 94.6
• Water: 156 grams (g)
• Fiber: 4.37 g
• Carbohydrates: 25.1 g
• Protein: 0.473 g
• Sugar: 18.9 g
• Fat: 0.3 g

One apple provides approximately 16% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of fiber. Some of the fiber comes in the form of pectin, a soluble fiber. Soluble fiber has demonstrated an ability to help control blood sugar and manage cholesterol levels. The peel of the apple also contains insoluble fiber. 

Apples are predominantly composed of water and carbs. They contain a lot of simple sugars, including fructose, sucrose, and glucose. Because of that, they have a glycemic index that ranges from 42 to 44. A fruit’s glycemic index indicates how it affects the rise in blood sugar after consumption. Lower scores tend to have better health benefits, but a food’s glycemic load is often of more importance. The glycemic load accounts for all of the other health benefits a fruit offers, such as antioxidants, fiber, polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, and more. 

Apple Pie Chia Pudding

With the arrival of fall comes a lot of special seasonal dishes. If you love apple pie, then you are going to love this chia pudding! You get to have your pie (sort of) and eat it too!

Click here to make the recipe.

Apple & Brussels Sprouts Slaw

Brussels sprouts and apples are two of fall’s best produce items. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate fall slaw that’s nutty, sweet, and savory.

Click here to make the recipe.

Cucumber Apple Smoothie

This green smoothie is a combination of crisp cucumber, crunchy and tart apple, zesty lime, herbaceous mint, and hearty kale. It goes down smooth 100% of the time!

Click here to make the recipe.

Cabbage Apple Salad

Get ready for a new fall classic! This colorful cabbage apple salad is a great combination of textures and sweet and savory flavors.

Click here to make the recipe.

Avocado, Apple, And Walnut Endive Cups

You have to get creative on a raw vegan diet, and these avocado, apple, and walnut endive cups with a rustic dressing are truly to die for. The natural sweetness of the apple helps balance the more assertive, somewhat bitter endive flavor.

Click here to make the recipe.

SHARE:

The post 5 Great Apple Recipes To Make This Fall appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Amla berry, or Indian gooseberry, is an ancient food that has a special place in Ayurvedic medicine. Exhibiting nearly twice the antioxidant power of acai berry and 17 times that of the pomegranate, amla berry contributes to better immune, heart, skin, liver, and kidney function. It also acts as a diuretic agent, which helps to balance stomach acids, fortify the liver, and enhance food absorption. 

What Is Amla Berry?

According to Indian folklore, this berry came from “…the first tree to appear on earth.” Manifested from the tears of Brahma during meditation, the amla berry has been revered by ancient health practitioners. It’s an extremely sour berry that grows on a tree native to India, the Middle East, and parts of Southeast Asia. It exhibits powerful antioxidant properties, which is why many people consume it to boost the health of the skin, hair, and immune system. Amla berry has a fibrous texture and people in India eat it with salt and chili powder. It is also available in powder, tea, pickled, and dried form. 

Amla Berry Nutrition

One cup of amla berries contains one gram of protein, seven grams of fiber, 15 grams of carbs, and less than one gram of fat. Amla berry also contains copper, vitamins B5 & B6, manganese, potassium, and lots of vitamin C. In fact, one cup of amla berries offers 46% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C. Continue reading to learn how amla berry can benefit your overall health.

Supports Healthy Digestion

Some research indicates that amla berry may support a healthy digestive system. One study monitored 68 people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who took two 500-milligram tablets of amla extract twice daily for four weeks. The results found that the participants experienced significant reductions in frequency of heartburn and regurgitation. Older animal studies found that amla extract may work to heal or even prevent stomach ulcers. Researchers believe that this is due to the antioxidant content. Amla berry also stimulates the secretion of gastric and digestive juices, helping the body digest food easily while absorbing nutrients optimally.

May Control Blood Sugar

Amla berry contains chromium, which has therapeutic effects for people with diabetes. Chromium works to stimulate the isolated group of cells that secrete insulin, which may reduce blood sugar in people with diabetes. By reducing blood sugar, cells can use glucose as functional energy, which prevents the plunges and spikes of blood sugar. Additionally, a 2011 study found that amla fruit exhibited anti-hyperglycemic and lipid-lowering effects on type 2 diabetics. 

Promotes Heart Health

Many studies suggest that consuming the juice of amla berries can positively impact heart health. One study found that supplementing with amla extract for 12 weeks helped reduce several risk factors of heart disease in overweight or obese adults. This study also found that cholesterol levels and inflammatory markers reduced after amla extract consumption. In a separate study, people consumed 500-milligrams of amla extract twice daily for 12 weeks. The participants, who had abnormal blood lipid levels, were able to reduce total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol. Additionally, the participants who consumed amla extract had a 39% reduction in atherogenic index of plasma. Atherogenic index is used to evaluate the risk of excess cholesterol build-up in the arteries. 

May Boost Immunity

The vitamin C, vitamin A, alkaloids, flavonoids (like quercetin and kampferol), and polyphenols in amla berry all contribute to optimal immune function. One study found that amla berry exhibited potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. According to Ayurvedic medicine, amla berry works to increase white blood cell production, helping the body defend itself against foreign invaders. A review of studies determined that vitamin C may help prevent certain infections and shorten the duration of the common cold, provided people consume it regularly.

May Increase Hair Growth

There are several studies surrounding amla berry’s ability to prevent hair loss or contribute to hair growth. One study found that amla berry was able to block a specific enzyme that is involved with hair loss. A separate test-tube study found that amla extract may stimulate hair growth by promoting the growth of specific cells in hair follicles. Amla powder is a common addition to many hair tonics because it helps enrich hair pigmentation and growth. Applying amla oil to the roots may strengthen roots and help hair maintain color. Researchers attribute this ability to the carotene content of amla.

You can consume amla fruit fresh, as a fruit juice, or in dried powder form. It’s typically safe to consume, but consult a medical expert if you want to use it for medicinal reasons. Certain cautions may be advised, depending on the state of your health. Amla fruit is in both our Vitamin C formula and Anti-V formula, both of which are in the Immune Booster Kit. Snag your kit now to help optimize immune function for a healthier fall season.

SHARE:

The post All About Amla Berry: An Immune-Boosting Superfood appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.