Are you familiar with the legendary date shake? Well, if you have ever visited Palm Springs, CA, then you understand their importance. A date shake is a milkshake made with dates and it is a signature recipe of the Coachella Valley, which is where 95% of the countries dates grow. The only thing wrong with a date shake is that it is not raw vegan. Fear not, friends, because we did our best to recreate the classic, while putting our own spin on it. This recipe is just as indulgent, sweet, and filling as a date shake, only it is much healthier for you.

This date smoothie is the perfect combination of creamy banana, rich almond butter, sweet dates, aromatic cinnamon, and chia and flaxseed perfection. One thing you can count on, besides a nutty and sweet flavor profile, is that you will get a good amount of fiber by drinking this smoothie. This smoothie has multiple sources of fiber, including the banana, dates, flaxseed, chia seeds, and almond butter. All of these ingredients provide a mixture of soluble and insoluble fiber, both of which are necessary for optimal digestive function. When the digestive system is running smoothly, the body can eliminate toxins more effectively.

You remember that delicious almond butter we mentioned? Well, make sure that it is raw! The almond butter provides healthy fats and protein, two nutrients that help you feel full. Speaking of healthy fats, let us not forget about the flaxseed and chia seeds, both of which provide valuable omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s help encourage optimal brain and heart function! Basically, this smoothie is a flavor and health bomb, so get to drinking! There’s no time to delay!

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Are you ready to dance? A better question is: Are your taste buds ready for a flavor party? This raw vegan kale pesto with pumpkin seeds is a blissful bowl of green goodness! This delightful twist on a classic pesto is not only a beautiful sight to behold, but also a powerhouse of flavor and nutrients that goes great on zoodles or as a dip for raw veggie sticks. You may find that you prefer this pesto to an unhealthy, processed jarred pesto sauce! And that jarred sauce belongs in one place: the garbage!

Kale is a super green that offers an earthy, robust flavor and an assortment of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, & K, an abundance of fiber, magnesium, iron, and calcium. It harmonizes with the creamy nuttiness of raw pumpkin seeds, or pepitas. Pumpkin seeds contain heart-healthy fats, protein, and good amount of magnesium. Those little green seeds add great texture to this pesto, in addition to helping you feel full and happy.

One of the traditional ingredients in pesto is parmesan cheese, which you cannot enjoy on a raw vegan diet. That’s why you use nutritional yeast to help achieve that signature cheesy flavor from classic pesto recipes. Nutritional yeast, in addition to offering a cheesy flavor, is packed with necessary vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, which can be difficult to get on a vegan or raw vegan diet.

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Although the famous saying is, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” many people take apples for granted. They are available year round, so why are they so special during fall? Depending on the variety, of which there are more than 2,500, apple season ranges from late July through early November. Gala, McIntosh, and Macoun varieties are ready in September, while other varieties like Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji are ripe in October. 

Nutrition Facts

On average, a medium apple contains 72 calories, three grams of fiber, and 11% of your recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C. Apples are also rich in a variety of flavonoids, including quercetin and phloridzin. Through various studies, researchers identified that these plant compounds help fight against heart disease and certain types of cancer. Apples are also rich in beta-carotene, which is a powerful antioxidant that is primarily concentrated in apple peels. Finally, apples contain phytochemicals that give them their anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering properties. That makes these fall fruits an excellent on-the-go snack or addition to recipes. 

Nothing beats a crisp apple that bursts with juicy flavor, especially if you can pick it fresh from an apple orchard during fall. But apples are so much more than just a healthy snack! Use them in the following eight recipes and let us know how you like them in the comments below. 

Cranberry Apple Pecan Smoothie

Another delicious smoothie that you should try this fall! This cranberry apple pecan smoothie embraces the sweet and spicy flavors of the season.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Carrot Mango Apple Smoothie
With Chia Seeds

Get your daily dose of vitamins A & C, fiber, omega-3s, and more when you drink this carrot mango apple smoothie with chia seeds.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Apple Pie Energy Balls

You can have your snack and enjoy it guilt-free now that you have these apple pie energy balls. It’s like dessert in healthy snack form!

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.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Kale Blueberry Apple Salad

This kale blueberry apple salad with pistachios is crunchy, slightly tangy, and comes together in about 10 or 15 minutes.

Click here to make the recipe.

Granny Smith Raw Vegan Applesauce

This healthy, raw vegan applesauce is made from Granny Smith apples and comes together in minutes in a food processor. It’s a great snack!

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. 

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!

Click here to make the recipe. 

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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.

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If you are new to cashew milk, you are in for a serious treat. A lot of people enjoy almond milk or oat milk because they are readily available in stores. Making your own nut or seed milk is a very easy process. You just need a blender, a cheesecloth or nut milk bag, and something to store the liquid in. While a nut or seed milk is just two ingredients (the seed/nut and water), sometimes it is nice to add a little more flavor. You can do this by adding certain spices, agave nectar, or dates. In the case of this cinnamon date cashew milk, you get hints of spice from cinnamon and a richer, sweeter flavor from the dates. It’s perfect for your smoothie or to just enjoy as is. You can even put it in your coffee once you finish cleansing!

Cashew milk can be a little expensive in the stores, but you can save a little money when you make your own. Plus, making your own cashew milk means that you get to avoid thickeners, emulsifying agents, added sugars, and processed ingredients. It is better than any store bought cashew milk you will ever buy! With a whole cup of cashews in this recipe, you will incorporate some healthy fats and fiber into the nut milk. Using raw cashews not only makes this nut raw vegan, but it also helps you control the salt and flavor. If you do not have a strong blender, soak your cashews in water for a couple hours before blending. Just make sure to discard the soaking liquid before blending the cashews with the rest of the ingredients.

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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.

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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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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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Ah yes, an alien-looking green treat. Doesn’t that excite your inner child? This pistachio pudding is a creamy creation that exhibits robust flavor that is not overpowering in sweetness. In fact, the nuttiness of the pistachios helps to tame the sweetness of the maple syrup. The real hero of the recipe is the avocado, which not only contributes to the beautifully green color, but also enhances the creaminess of the pudding. Don’t worry, it will not taste like guacamole!

You can enjoy this pistachio pudding for breakfast, dessert, or even as an afternoon snack. If you want to go full dessert status, consider, popping a jar in the freezer and you can enjoy the pudding as a frozen treat. It makes two servings, so you can enjoy one serving as a pudding and one as an ice cream. You can also double or quadruple the recipe if you want to make more. Just keep in mind that it will only last for a few days in the fridge before it goes bad. It does, however, last longer in the freezer. Once it thaws, though, you have about a day or two to enjoy the pistachio pudding.

If you are digging the pistachio vibes and can’t seem to enjoy enough of them, feel free to add some chopped pistachios atop the pudding. This extra step adds a textural element to your pudding, but it’s an optional step. No matter how you garnish your pudding, one thing is for certain: this pudding supplies you with lots of protein, fiber, healthy fats, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and much much more. We hope you love it!

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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!

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