It’s no secret that holiday side dishes and main courses are loaded with unhealthy fats, sodium, sugar, and calories. To put it in perspective, a single one-cup serving of traditional scalloped potatoes contains the following nutrition:

• Calories: 227
• Total fat: 10.5 grams (g)
• Saturated fat: 6.4 g
• Sodium: 835 milligrams (mg)
• Carbohydrates: 31.3 g
• Protein: 5.2 g

Needless to say, you will most likely eat more that a one-cup serving of scalloped potatoes because they are just that tasty. They are incredibly creamy, garlicky, and sensationally delicious, especially when made from scratch. Yes, from scratch! We don’t want to bother with that damn boxed stuff! Those are not real potatoes in that box and the contain too much sodium and preservatives. Instead, make this vegan scalloped potato dish, which will hook your taste buds after the first bite.

When it comes to choosing the type of potato for a scalloped potato dish, we recommend Russets or Yukon Golds. The starch content of these potatoes helps the cashew cream thicken during the cooking process, creating a wonderfully creamy sauce. Russet potatoes have the most starch, while Yukon Golds hold their shape a bit better during baking. Both are great choices, but whichever potato you decide to go with, make sure you use a mandolin slicer to cut them. This will make all the potato slices uniform in thickness, which creates an even texture during the cooking process. Please enjoy this vegan holiday recipe!

SHARE:

The post Vegan Scalloped Potatoes appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Who loves pesto but either has a nut allergy or cannot properly digest different nuts, such as cashews, pine nuts, or almonds? Almost all pesto recipes call for nuts, so we decided to create a unique raw vegan pesto recipe that uses sunflower seeds. They have a mild, nutty flavor and add a smooth and creamy texture to this pesto. We also added two tablespoons of hemp seeds for an added boost of healthy fats and proteins.

Although you can use a blender, it is better to use a food processor when making this pesto. It also works best to process all of the ingredients, except for the basil, until smooth and then add the basil at the very end. That will help keep basil from bruising as much. You can also drizzle in a little more olive oil while blending if the pesto is too thick for your liking. Just keep in mind that this pesto, unlike store bought pestos, will only stay fresh in the fridge for a few days. That means that you will want to eat it soon after making it. You can also freeze it, so consider making a double or triple batch so that you can enjoy some later.

For easy storage, put the pesto in silicone ice trays, freeze, and then pop out the pesto cubes to put in a freezer-safe plastic bag. You can defrost the ice cubes 24 hours before you want to enjoy it. The sunflower seed pesto works great as a dip for raw vegetables, or you can use it with raw zucchini noodles to make a filling raw entree.

SHARE:

The post Sunflower Seed Pesto appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Drinking a smoothie is one of the best ways to get a healthy dose of fruits and veggies in one fell swoop. The best thing about this smoothie is that it tastes like a milkshake. It’s as though you are not even drinking something healthy, but then you see the ingredients and realize that each one exhibits impressive health benefits. This smoothie is as chocolaty as it is healthy, offering lots of protein, healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Unlike most smoothies, this chocolate creation does not have a banana base; rather it uses avocado, which enhances the creaminess. Don’t worry, though, your smoothie will not taste like a large cup of guacamole. You will not even know that the avocado is in the smoothie because the raw cacao powder, fresh raspberries, grade A maple syrup, vanilla extract, and homemade almond milk mask the avocado’s mild flavor. To help enhance the level of creaminess, we suggest that you cube the avocado and freeze it overnight. Now, some stores sell frozen avocado, which you can have while cleansing, so long as there are no preservatives or added sweeteners.

The key with this smoothie is getting the right consistency. You can always add some ice if the smoothie is too thin, or a little extra almond milk if the smoothie is too thick. Feel like you need some extra fiber in your life? Consider adding a tablespoon or less of chia seeds of flax seeds. Need it to be sweeter, add a squeeze of maple syrup at a time and taste until it reaches your desired level of sweetness. You may not even need the sweetener, but that depends on your taste preferences. The main thing is that we hope you enjoy this delicious creation.

SHARE:

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

Yes, it is that time of the year when we get to welcome all things pumpkin. Although we don’t encourage flocking to coffee shops to indulge in overly sweet and fattening pumpkin spice lattes, we do welcome healthier pumpkin recipes. We prefer the pumpkin recipes, like this overnight oat one, that provide fiber, protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and a diverse mix of vitamins and minerals. And that is truly what we aim to provide you on this website, whether you are cleansing or trying to adopt healthier eating habits.

These pumpkin pie overnight oats contain pure pumpkin puree. Now, it is very important that you purchase that and not canned pumpkin pie mix. The former is 100% pure pumpkin, while the latter is calorically dense, rich in sodium, and high in sugar. Pure pumpkin puree contains fiber, protein, lots and lots of vitamin A, potassium, vitamin C, iron, and a small amount of calcium. Although the pumpkin puree helps flavor and color these overnight oats, let’s not forget about the oats. For vegans, oats are great sources of protein, fiber, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. They help keep you full and sustain energy until your next meal!

And because we love nutrition so much, we could not exclude chia seeds from the recipe. Chia seeds are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. They also contain vitamins B1 & B3, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, calcium, zinc, and several antioxidants, including quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid. These antioxidants can help protect your cells from damaging free radicals, which contribute to aging and several diseases, including cancer.

SHARE:

The post Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Ahhh, cholesterol…you’ve seen it on nutritional labels and your doctors tell you to keep it in check to reduce the risk of heart disease. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that the liver produces. You obtain it by eating dairy, eggs, meat, and other animal products. The liver produces less cholesterol if you consume a lot from food sources, so dietary cholesterol doesn’t usually have a huge impact on total cholesterol levels. 

If that is the case, why should you worry about cholesterol? Well, eating foods that contain high amounts of saturated fat, trans fat, and sugar can elevate cholesterol levels. Keep in mind, though, that there are different types of cholesterol. “Good” HDL cholesterol is beneficial, while “bad” LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. Oxidized LDL cholesterol is more likely to adhere to arterial walls and form plaques, which narrow the arteries. To learn some helpful tips to lower cholesterol with your diet, continue reading. 

Cook With Herbs And Spices

It is very common to season meals with salt and pepper. Excess salt intake can increase the risk of heart problems, but you can achieve intense flavor in your food using less salt and more herbs and spices. Garlic, turmeric, and ginger, for example, offer great flavor and have proven effective at lowering cholesterol when eaten regularly. Eating one clove of garlic per day for three months has proven to lower total cholesterol by 9%. Additionally, many herbs and spices contain antioxidants that help prevent LDL cholesterol from oxidizing, which reduces the formation of plaque. 

Avoid Artificial Trans Fats

Trans fats, which you should avoid in general, occur naturally in dairy products and red meats. Most people’s primary source, however, is artificial trans fat, which is common in processed foods and restaurants. Artificial trans fats are the result of hydrogenating, or adding hydrogen to, unsaturated fats like vegetable oils. That ultimately changes their structure to solidify them at room temperature. A lot of research indicates that artificial trans fats increase LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol. Watch out for words like “partially hydrogenated” on ingredient lists. The good news is that artificial trans fats were banned from use in restaurants in 2018, so they are easier to avoid now. 

Follow The Mediterranean Diet

Health experts agree that a Mediterranean-style diet is a great diet for longevity and improving heart health. The diet places a large emphasis on fruits, olive oil, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fish. It is very low in red meat and most dairy. This style of eating includes a lot of foods that help naturally lower cholesterol and avoids foods that elevate cholesterol levels. Research indicates that following a Mediterranean-style diet for three months can reduce LDL cholesterol by an average 8.9 mg per deciliter (dL). 

Eat A Lot Of Fruits And Vegetables

Studies have shown that adults who consume at least four servings of fruits and vegetables daily experience 6% lower LDL cholesterol levels than people who eat fewer servings. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and anti-inflammatory properties. All of these nutrients help prevent LDL cholesterol from oxidizing and forming plaques in the arteries. Additionally, researchers noted that people who consumed the most fruits and vegetables have a 17% lower risk of developing heart disease over 10 years compared to people who ate the least. 

Consume Soluble Fiber

Soluble fiber exists in beans, legumes, whole grains, flaxseed, apples, and citrus fruits. Humans do not possess the right enzymes to break down soluble fiber. It passes through the digestive tract and absorbs water to form a thick paste. Soluble fiber absorbs bile as it travels and both are eventually excreted in stool. Bile is made from cholesterol, so the liver pulls cholesterol out of the bloodstream when it needs to make more bile, which helps naturally lower cholesterol. Regularly consuming soluble fiber has been associated with a 5-10% reduction in total and LDL cholesterol levels in just one month. Consume at least five to 10 grams of soluble fiber daily for the best cholesterol-lowering effects.

SHARE:

The post Helpful Tips To Lower Cholesterol Via Your Diet appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

A new study suggests that the key to a longer life may be in the types of fats you eat. Specifically, dietary fat from plants, not animals, proves to be much healthier for the body. For the study, researchers observed more than 400,000 adults over the course of two decades. The study began when the participants were 61 years old on average. During the study period, about 185,000 people died, and 59,000 of those deaths were attributed to heart disease. 

Researchers observed that participants who consumed the highest intake of plant fats were 9% less likely to die during the study period compared to those who ate the least of those foods. Participants who ate the most plant fats were also 16% less likely to die from heart disease during the study. People who consumed the highest amount of animal fats were 16% more likely to die of all causes. They were 14% more likely to die of cardiovascular causes than people who ate the smallest amount of animal fats. 

Benefits Of Plant Fats

The study was not a controlled experiment designed to prove how specific fats could be harmful or beneficial. There are, however, several good reasons to consume plant fats, one of which being that you are less likely to die from premature death. A person who consumes a higher percentage of plant fats tends to consume more plant-based foods than animal foods. That aligns with the fact that whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes can benefit heart health. 

Additionally, plant-based fats are unsaturated fats. Consuming a higher ratio of unsaturated to saturated fats has been associated with improved lipid metabolism and better cholesterol levels. When researchers examined plant fats and animal fats, they found that plant fats helped increase longevity. Plant fats come from whole grains and certain vegetable oils, such as olive or avocado oils. 

Benefits Of Vegetable Oils And Grains

During the study, people who got most of their fats from grains were 8% less likely to die of all causes. They were also 14% less likely to die of cardiovascular-related problems, especially compared to people who consumed the smallest amount of plant fats. Similarly, people who got most of their fats from vegetable oils were 12% less likely to die of all causes, and 15% less likely to die of cardiovascular problems. 

Olive oil, peanut oil, and avocado oil, in addition to others, are common in plant-based diets. The important takeaway is not to just use those oils with animal fats; rather, it is to consume less animal-based fats overall. Certain animal fats stood out in the study, particularly because they had a stronger link to premature death. Participants who consumed the highest amount of dairy fat, for example, were 9% more likely to die of all causes. They were also 7% more likely to die of cardiovascular causes than participants who consumed the least amount of these fats. 

Some sources of animal fats, such as red meat, have been linked to a higher risk of premature death. People who want to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke should limit their intake of red meat and avoid egg yolks, according to dietitians. Egg whites are acceptable, as they do not contain the cholesterol that exists in yolks. 

How To Increase Your Intake Of Plant Fats

Looking to reduce your intake of animal fats and increase your intake of plant fats? It is best to start off slow, for example, adopting a meatless Monday habit. You will only eat plant-based foods on Mondays, and you can build on that as you get more familiar with plant-based foods. Red meat and processed meats are linked to a wide variety of chronic health conditions that can reduce your overall lifespan. 

What does that mean for your diet? Well, keep in mind that you can still be unhealthy and eat plant-based foods. Increase your consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and healthy plant oils. Use olive oil instead of corn oil. Replace ground beef with lentils. Put chickpeas in your salad in place of grilled chicken. Switching up your eating habits may just add years to your life!

SHARE:

The post Replacing Animal Fats With Plant Fats May Increase Longevity appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Will you transform into a superhero if you eat superfoods? That’s not for us to say, but eating foods with a high concentration of nutrients will benefit your overall health. Take these superfood energy balls, for instance. Although their color is due to spirulina, the spirulina isn’t the only nutrient-dense ingredient in this recipe. These energy balls contain almonds, pumpkin seeds, dates, desiccated coconut, and almond butter, all of which offer a combination of healthy fats, protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Spirulina is a type of algae that grows in fresh or salt water, but we don’t expect you to scavenge the coral reef for it. It is readily available in tablet or powder form and provides many antioxidant compounds that may help protect from various diseases. One review found that spirulina was able to significantly improve markers of total cholesterol and triglycerides in people with metabolic syndrome. Another review of five studies found that taking between one to eight grams of spirulina per day helped reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.

Don’t worry about these energy balls tasting like a freshly caught fish, though. The sweetness from the dates and nuttiness from the almond and pumpkin seeds. The pumpkin seeds also contribute to the signature greenish-blue color of these energy balls. They provide lots of zinc, fiber, unsaturated fats, and protein. You’ll be fueled up with just one or two of these balls of energy!

SHARE:

The post Superfood Spirulina Energy Balls appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Get out the ice cream maker that you bought that one time and haven’t used in 10 years. You know the one! It most likely has dust buildup and has not seen the light of day since the release of the iPhone 4. An ice cream maker is a fun kitchen appliance that doesn’t take up a lot of space and can help you create a classic dessert. Just make sure that you freeze the base for a couple days to ensure that it doesn’t melt when you turn it on to churn the ice cream.

Unlike store bought ice cream recipes, this one is actually healthy. Besides the addictive chocolatey flavor, it is wonderfully smooth and creamy. It doesn’t weight you down, either! Because the base is coconut milk, which has lots of healthy fats, you don’t mindlessly eat a huge amount. The fats actually help to fill you up and prevent you from overeating. If only every dessert was like that! You can the healthy fat and protein content of this ice cream by topping it with natural almond or peanut butter. Cacao nibs atop your ice cream also add antioxidants and a hint of bitterness that complements the sweeter, slightly nutty flavor.

Raw cacao powder can be a little intense if you have never had it before. There is, however, enough agave nectar in this chocolate ice cream and it brings enough sweetness to the party. Before you pour the blended mixture into the churner, taste and see if it is sweet enough for your liking. You can always add another squeeze of agave if necessary.

SHARE:

The post Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Between 2017 and 2020, 10% of American adults over age 20 had total cholesterol that exceeded 240 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Nearly 17% of those people had high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good”) cholesterol levels below 40 mg/dL. About half of the adults in the U.S. could benefit from lowering cholesterol levels. Additionally, 86 million adults over the age of 20 have total cholesterol levels above 200 mg/dL.

It’s a sad reality when the statistic is that most adults in the U.S. have blood cholesterol levels higher than they should be. Health experts explain that there are many steps that can aid cholesterol-lowering efforts. In fact, it may be as simple as making some dietary changes and exercising on a regular basis. 

Which Foods Can Lower Cholesterol?

There are various foods that can help keep your LDL cholesterol levels in check. Some of those same foods can help elevate HDL cholesterol levels, which are beneficial to your heart. The following foods that may benefit cholesterol levels in various ways are:

• Nuts
• Apples
• Grapes
• Fatty fish
• Eggplant
• Okra
• Oats
• Barley (and other whole grains)
• Strawberries

Not all foods that are high in cholesterol are necessarily bad for your health. For example, eggs are relatively high in cholesterol, but they don’t raise them as much as saturated fats or ultra-processed foods. 

What Foods Cause High Cholesterol?

If foods are rich in saturated fats or trans fats, you should steer clear of them because they can elevate cholesterol levels and cause weight gain. What are the absolute worst foods to eat if you have high cholesterol, though? Baked goods, red meat, fried foods, and others are notorious for raising LDL cholesterol. Avoid the following foods to help keep cholesterol levels in check. 

Processed Meats

Hot dogs, deli meat, bacon, sausage, and more all fall under the umbrella of processed meats. They tend to be high in saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Bacon or sausage made with turkey might seem healthier, and even though they are somewhat lower in cholesterol than red meat alternatives, they are not cholesterol-free. 

Baked Goods

Cookies, pies, and cakes, oh my! Yes, all of these things are highly addictive and easy to eat, but they usually contain large quantities of butter or shortening, making them high in cholesterol. You don’t have to give up your sweets altogether, because you can still bake with different substitutions. You can use applesauce or bananas in place of butter, or have low-fat Greek yogurt topped with berries for dessert.

Red Meat

Lamb, beef, and pork generally contain a lot of saturated fat, especially the fattier cuts. Hamburgers, ribs, pork chops, shanks, and roasts tend to have more fat than leaner cuts of meat. You can eat meat on occasion, so long as you opt for smaller portions of leaner cuts, such as sirloin, filet mignon, or pork loin. Alternatively, replace meat with proteins that are much lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, such as turkey breast, wild caught fish, beans, lentils, quinoa, and boneless skinless chicken breast.

Fried Foods

Any food that takes a dip in the deep fryer is not going to be great for your body. Common fried foods include mozzarella sticks, onion rings, French fries, chicken wings, or fried chicken. Frying increases the energy density (calorie count) of foods. If you enjoy the crispiness of fried food, use an air fryer and toss your food in a little olive or avocado oil. Alternatively, you can bake foods at higher temperatures to achieve that crispy, golden-brown crunch.

SHARE:

The post 4 Foods To Avoid If You Have High Cholesterol appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Let’s talk about the delicious taste of this chia pudding, which is like enjoying a slice of homemade pie, but in a jar. The difference is that, unlike traditional pecan pie, this chia pudding does not contain excess sugars and fats. It won’t leave you feeling bloated or terrible about yourself after finishing a serving. In fact, the chia seeds will help replenish your energy stores, aid your fiber intake efforts, and help regulate blood sugar levels. How about that?

The raw vegan pecan pie chia pudding we are talking about is a creamy, rich, and indulgent breakfast, dessert, or filling snack. Made with chia seeds soaked in homemade almond milk, this is a simple chia pudding topping with a candied pecan topping. The chia mixture thickens overnight in the fridge, thickening into a pudding-like texture. This happens because the chia seeds absorb the liquid and create a gel-like texture, which is very similar to tapioca.

When you take a bite of this pecan pie chia pudding, you’ll taste that signature sweet and nutty flavor of pecan pie. The maple syrup provides a hint of warmth and depth, but you get a little spicy kick from the cinnamon. The flavor is reminiscent of a traditional pecan pie, but without the added sugar and processed or refined ingredients. This raw vegan version is lighter, fresher, and more nutritious, making it an ideal dessert option if you want a healthier indulgence.

SHARE:

The post Raw Vegan Pecan Pie Chia Pudding appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.