Superfoods Blog
The Superfoods Blog lists our recent page updates, recipes and DIY's.
Bladder Infection Home Remedies
A bladder infection, also called cystitis, is a type of urinary tract infection that affects the lower urinary system where the bladder is located. While antibiotics are typically prescribed to get rid of a lower urinary tract infection, if taken repeatedly over a 6-month period immune response can weaken and the bacteria involved (commonly E. coli) can increase resistance, leaving one vulnerable to future episodes. That's where some bladder infection home remedies might also come in handy to have in your arsenal of choices. Here is our list of superfoods in the form of foods, drinks, herbs and vitamins that you may wish to supplement with as a preventative as well as during the healing process.
The Power of Neem Leaves
It doesn't take much reading of ancient or modern Ayurvedic texts to discover that neem has been and continues to this day to be a very powerful species. According to Hindi mythology, the neem tree Azadirachta indica is of "divine origin", born as drops of amrita nectar (the elixir of immortality) directly to earth from the Devas. Also called "margosa" or "nimba", a term derived from Sanskrit to mean "to bestow health". There are some overlapping compounds in the leaf and oil, but neem leaves are far more suitable for internal use. They are full of active phytochemicals that make them one of the most potent leafy herbs on the planet with very strong therapeutic potentials for humans.
Ways to Use Chickpeas
The nutritional benefits of chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans), like other beans, come from fiber but mainly their high PROTEIN content. Offering versatility across a wide spectrum of international cuisines, they are often a well-loved protein option for plant-based vegan and vegetarian diets. The use of chickpea flour is also on the rise, although it’s been a long-time staple on the Indian subcontinent. We'll share how to cook garbanzo beans as well as give you a couple of secrets to preparing them for maximum digestibility and nutritional value, two elements that we feel go side by side. Here are our personal top favorite ways to use chickpeas that can also simultaneously boost nutrient uptake.
Top 9 Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a long slender root from the Withania somnifera species utilized as one of the top herbs in Ayurveda for well over 3,000 years. The root has a whitish center and is traditionally dried and used as a bulk powder or taken as capsules or tablets. Whole roots or pieces can also be ground or used in teas and other herbal preparations. It is likewise common these days to find it as a concentrated liquid or encapsulated supplement extract. Here are the intertwining benefits of ashwagandha and reasons you may wish to consider adding this top ayurvedic herb to your arsenal of plant-based allies.
Tart Cherry Juice, Sweet Vs Sour
What are the nutritional benefits of cherries and the difference between tart vs sweet? Each type has its own list of healthful properties. Sweet dark red cherries are usually the ones most people are familiar with as a raw fresh fruit, but sour tart cherries are also a long-time cooking favorite in some cultures. In recent times, however, cultivars from this tart species Prunus cerasus or "sour cherry" have made their way onto the worldwide health scene.
Top 4 Nutritional Benefits of Macadamia Nuts
Out of other nuts and seeds, macadamias are one of the highest in fat content, even next to other tree nuts like pine nuts and walnuts. This aspect gives them their savory buttery-rich texture that can be hard to stop eating. One ounce of macadamia averages about 16.5g of monounsaturated fat, 3.4g of saturated fat and 0.4g of polyunsaturated fat. Comprised mostly of the MONOUNSATURATED FATS, oleic acid and palmitoleic acid, macadamia nut consumption has been shown in research to reduce total LDL cholesterol and support cardiovascular health.
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Manuka Honey Benefits
Manuka honey is made by honeybees that source their nectar from the manuka tree flowers native to New Zealand and southeastern Australia. The manuka species, Leptospermum scoparium, is a bush-like tree with prickly leaves and large seed capsules. It is one of the first plants to grow on wild land that has been cleared. However, just because honey is labeled "manuka honey" does not mean it is the real deal. New Zealand is the main producer of mānuka honey with strict guidelines on all exported manuka honey products.
What is Moringa Good For?
Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a powerful tree species in today's day and age. Firstly, because of its tenacious fast-growing nature and adaptability to different terrains. Secondly, because of its multiple uses and extraordinary nutritional benefits to humans. While all parts of the Moringa tree are useful, it is the small oval-shaped leaves that are especially utilized for their very high nutrient value. They are one of those special green superfoods that exemplify the healing potential of chlorophyll-rich plants. In India, it's known as "shobhanjana" which means "very favorable tree", making reference to these respected qualities.
Chamomile Tea 101
Chamomile tea is probably one of the most common herbal teas known around the world for its calming qualities and tasty flavor. Utilized in ancient Egypt and extensively in England and other parts of Europe throughout the Middle Ages, chamomile was listed in some of the first botanical pharmacopeia in Western Herbalism and is a classic herb garden tradition. There are several chamomile types but the main two species used for herbal teas are Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla).
8 Things About Teff
What is Teff? Eragrostis tef is an annual lovegrass species that is grown for its edible seeds called "teff" which are cooked whole or used as a flour. Native to the Horn of Africa, it's the smallest type of grain used by humans measuring about 1/100th the size of a kernel of wheat. The name in fact comes from the Amharic word "teffa" (ጠፍፋ) meaning "loss", probably making reference to the teeny tiny seeds that can tend to get lost during the harvesting process. Teff's poppy seed-like size enables the whole grain to cook rather quickly, usually taking only 15-20 minutes on a stovetop.
Superfoods for Detox Support
These are our favorite superfoods for detox options to consider adding to the diet on a periodic basis when cleansing protocols might be in order. Since we are all exposed to some form of toxins on a day-to-day basis, it is good to have a handy list of herbs, supplements and drinks that help clean them out on occasion to assist the body's own natural detoxification processes.
Benefits of Hemp Milk
Hemp milk is made from hemp seeds, one of the superfoods from the hemp plant known for its many uses as a food, fiber, fuel and supplement source. Some manufacturers have coined the term "hemp hearts", which are the tiny cream-colored seeds with some green husks but the outer shells removed. These seeds are also utilized to make hemp seed oil, hemp seed butter, hemp seed flour and hemp protein powder. Hemp seeds are used to make a great tasting milk alternative with a creamy consistency close to that of cow's milk.
Home Remedies for Brittle Nails
Have you ever wondered "why do my fingernails break so frequently?" This could be nails that tend to split, crack, tear or chip easily. Other nail signs of health problems may include vertical ridges on nails or thin nails that take a long time to grow. Nutritional deficiencies are a common cause of nail weakness, so it's good to know what superfoods, vitamins, herbs and supplements you can take if supporting strong thick nail growth is a health objective. Here are 5 home remedies for brittle nails plus the top list of nail-nourishing vitamins and minerals.
Benefits of Citrus Fruit
Citrus trees are quite amazing in that they can produce large bright-colored juicy sweet fruits in the peak of winter. Citrus types like oranges can likewise be a reviving treat in these colder months when many people crave their immune-nourishing nutrients. Of course, one of the most famous nutritional benefits of citrus fruit is that all are very high in VITAMIN C, but there are other amazing aspects about citrus you may be less familiar with.
What is Paprika Made Of?
What is paprika made of exactly and is it from a particular spice plant species? Paprika can technically come from any kind of Capsicum annuum red pepper. Although is it commonly made from less pungent red chili pepper varieties, the spice doesn’t originate from one particular type. Most paprika is made from the pericarp or fruit flesh of the pepper and contains little to no seeds, giving the powder its iconic bright red color. Depending on where paprika is from, it can be sourced from a number of Capsicum annuum varietals or cultivars that are indeed created for paprika production.
Natural Sleep Aids
This is our list of natural sleep aid including foods, herbs, vitamins and supplements to select from if you're someone who has short-term or chronic insomnia. It is estimated that between 1 and 3 people worldwide have occasional short-term insomnia and 1 in 10 people have chronic insomnia or nightly sleeplessness that lasts over several weeks. There are of course certain dietary adjuncts that can also influence better sleep.
Health Benefits of Kale
What are the health benefits of kale? Kale is a winter leafy green vegetable known for its highly nutritious large leaves. One of the most common kale types is curly kale but others like lacinato, also called cavolo nero or dinosaur kale, are also popular for their bumpy rounded leaves. Why are the many varieties of kale often called superfoods? Here are 7 reasons why you might want to eat more, plus when kale is best avoided.
What is the Mediterranean Diet?
The Mediterranean diet is a melting pot of shared lifestyle and food traditions developed over a period of centuries in locations around the Mediterranean Sea. The term "Mediterranean" diet is really in fact a misnomer as it implies that all people of the Mediterranean region eat the same, which is simply not the case. Generally, however, there are similar food, drink and diet patterns between the cultures of this environment. Unlike other popular diets, like the Keto diet, the Mediterranean diet is not strict about keeping track of daily calories, carbohydrates or protein and fat ratios.
Albizia Julibrissin Benefits
Albizia julibrissin also called "silk tree", is known for its unique fuchsia pink-tipped silky thread-like flowers that burst like fireworks when in bloom. You may also recognize albizia as a variety of mimosa, frequently viewed as a favored landscape ornamental as well as invasive seed spreading species. It's not just called the "tree of happiness" because of its cheery-looking pom pom-like flowers that can make one smile. One of the things you may not be familiar with when it comes to Albizia julibrissin is its long history as an herbal species.
Kiwano Melon
Kiwano melon (Cucumis metuliferus) is an unusual looking melon variety that you may have noticed in the tropical fruit section of your local market next to dragon fruit, jackfruit or star fruit. It is frequently called African horned cucumber which simultaneously identifies its place of origin. Likewise, it is jokingly referred to as "cuke-a-saurus" because of its cross resemblance to a lemon cucumber and a type of back-spiked dinosaur. Kiwano fruit, like other melons, is a vine-growing plant. The size averages about 6 inches (15 cm) long and 4 inches (10 cm) wide.
Red Banana Nutrition
The red banana is not a wild species but is actually cultivated and from the same AAA group as common yellow bananas, like the Cavendish. Both are considered "dessert bananas" rather than "cooking bananas". The most popular cultivar in North and Central America is the Red Dacca, but there are many others depending on the region grown. Red banana is usually short, straight and plump whereas the yellow banana is long, curved and slender. The unpeeled red banana can also have a more flattened look compared to yellow.
Boiled Bay Leaves
While the burning bay leaf manifestation trend is quite fascinating as a way to increase success, especially in the prosperity department which we will later discuss, there are other amazing yet unusual uses of bay leaves when prepared as a tea. This is thanks to several unique compounds and their health properties. There are different types of bay species growing worldwide, all from either the laurel or myrtle family. Being from the Western U.S., we are very familiar with the wild California Bay Umbellularia californica. However, Laurus nobilis or "bay laurel" is the one most utilized commercially and a common staple found in many kitchen spice racks.
Constipation Home Remedies
Triphala powder is a specific Ayurvedic formulation composed of three dried fruits: amalaki, haritaki and bibhitaki. It is one of India's most valued and commonly utilized household herbs and supplements for constipated conditions. Used on a daily basis to improve bowel regularity, triphala powder (also called triphala churna) is viewed as a tridoshic herbal formula, considered good for many different body constitutions
Wild Manzanita Berries and Leaves
We wouldn't be doing our wild foods list a favor if we didn't mention one of our local California favorites, the manzanita species. Many of you who happen to live in Western North America may be familiar with the thick dense grey-green leaves and beautiful smooth sometimes shedding bark of this magical shrub. Manzanita is a popular food source for bears, coyotes and various ground animals. Here, we will discuss the several folk uses of manzanita berries and leaves for humans and how to prepare them.
Benefits of Chia Seeds Vs Flax Seeds
Flax and chia are two fairly well-known superfoods that support body weight management. However, when it comes to weight loss diets, flax is the star of the show. Yes, chia is still good, but flax is even better. That's because golden and brown flax seeds are higher in soluble fiber, a mucilage or gel-like substance that occurs when the seeds are soaked in water. While chia is actually higher in total fiber compared to flax, chia seeds only contain about half as much soluble fiber.
5 Sea Lettuce Facts
Can You Eat Sea Lettuce? Yes, sea lettuce is an edible seaweed! A commonplace staple in many coastal regions of the globe, it is prevalent worldwide along rocky marine shorelines in both colder and tropical ocean waters. Sea lettuce is used in its raw state, either fresh or dried, as well as added to cooked foods to nutritionally fortify the diet. It is available as a dried whole leaf seaweed or as flakes.
Herbs and Foods for Healthy Skin
This is our list of foods for healthy skin. By "foods" we mean everything from everyday staples to herbs, superfoods and drinks. These are our top 12 favorites; we hope you enjoy. 1) SCHIZANDRA - Schizandra berry is one of the famous "beauty tonics" highly revered throughout East Asian history, especially by women. It is still traditionally used as an important botanical in many skin-rejuvenating formulas and is often associated with the Taoist goddess Magu, a deity representing eternal beauty.
Top 2 Health Benefits of Turmeric
The amazing health benefits of turmeric root (Curcuma longa) come from its bright yellow-orange phenolic antioxidant known as CURCUMIN. This is the main component known to provide for turmeric's impressive array of useful properties. Here are the top two most profound science-based ways that adding turmeric spice and/or a turmeric curcumin supplement to the diet can be a medicinal helper on your healing journey. We'll also discuss how to take turmeric and the best ways to use it for optimal results.
Himalayan Salt Vs Sea Salt
The first difference between Himalayan salt vs sea salt is that Himalayan is considered a type of rock salt. Different than sea salt, it has to be mined from the earth rather than collected along the sea shore. Both forms occur from the evaporation of saltwater or saline lakes. However, sea salts by comparison are newly formed salt deposits that collect on the earth's surface. Himalayan salt is an ancient salt that's been compressed over millions of years. It's believed to be one of the purest unpolluted forms of salt for this reason.
Is Stevia Healthy?
Yes, stevia sweetener is considered a healthier option, but not all stevia is created equal. We will further discuss the best stevia to use, plus why it was banned, any potential side effects and if stevia will break ketosis when following a keto diet. But first, why is stevia healthy? Stevia (pronounced stee-vee-ah) comes from the green leaves of the plant Stevia rebaudiana. Highly marketed as a "zero-calorie" sweetener, stevia is considered a good choice for those looking for a natural sugar substitute, replacing artificial sweeteners as well as other high-calorie sugars.
The Power of Clove Tea
What is the power of clove tea? It's been used for many things both internally and topically throughout the ages. Often valued for its most aromatic and potent antioxidant compound known as EUGENOL, this is one of the secrets to clove that give it exceptional qualities above others. Many herbs and spices, like nutmeg and allspice, also contain eugenol in smaller amounts, but cloves or the Syzygium aromaticum species is by far the #1 source. Clove tea is a traditional herbal anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, respiratory and immune supporting ally. However, the external application of clove tea and clove oil for hair growth is probably one of its most famous uses.
Nutritional Yeast
Is nutritional yeast vegan? Yes, it's an inactive dried yeast that has a unique flavor similar to Parmesan cheese but doesn't contain dairy. It is, therefore, most well-known among those adhering to a vegan or vegetarian diet, especially as a food topping. It's also a source of naturally occurring glutamic acid, which provides benefits as a taste enhancer, giving it a mouth-watering umami flavor that can make it hard to stop eating. Wondering how to make nutritional yeast?
Cleansing with Lemon Water
What detox drink is incredibly inexpensive to make yet comes with loads of benefits? It's plain and simple lemon water! While long-time health enthusiasts have been drinking it for decades, lemon water is now a popular way to encourage one of the fundamental basics of health... the release of accumulated wastes and toxins. We give instructions on exactly how to make lemon water below for best results, but first, let’s discuss what makes lemon juice especially beneficial when added to water from a detoxification standpoint.
Kudzu Root, Is It Arrowroot?
Kudzu root (Pueraria lobata) comes from one of the fastest growing vines on the planet. Introduced to control soil erosion, it is now considered an invasive legume species in many subtropical regions of the Southern United States. Known to completely take over and kill other neighboring plants, it is especially aggressive along country roadsides or developed suburban locations. One good thing that you can achieve by pulling up its roots, aside from stopping its growth, is to use it as an edible wild food. The starchy oblong root tuber beneath the ground has in fact been utilized as both a vegetable as well as a healthful herbal ally for many centuries.
Mustard Seed and Prepared Mustard
When using the term "mustard", frequently the smooth yellow paste-like condiment comes to mind. "Mustard" however can also refer to the seeds that it is made from. Mustard seed is a type of spice, used whole or as a ground powder. The three types of seeds identified by their color are yellow, brown and black. Yellow mustard seed, sometimes called white mustard, is the one most popular for use as a type of culinary seasoning. Interestingly, however, all mustard seed is yellow on the inside, despite the exterior pigmentation. When mustard seeds are soaked in liquid, they become slightly mucilaginous and the perfect consistency for making what is commonly called "prepared" mustard.
What is Sorghum?
Sorghum is a common multipurpose crop grown for its use as a fodder plant, grain and sweetener. The Sorghum bicolor species is the main one used as a minor cereal in the same grass family as sugarcane, corn, wheat and rice. Growing tall with corn-like leaves and large seed clusters, the grain has been a long-time staple in countries like Africa and India. While it is fifth on the list of grains consumed worldwide, it interestingly remains relatively unknown in many parts of the globe.
Cheap Superfoods List Part Two
This is our Cheap Superfoods List Part Two created again, like our "Part One" list, with similar goals in mind. The first is to focus on the most affordable dietary essentials for those looking to offset inflation and the rising cost of living. The second is to select the most nutritive bulk food provisions to have in your emergency backstock during these seemingly unstable times. Preparing in advance when supplies are still relatively abundant can be key. As the "global collective" appears to be going through some transitions, these are decisions that can provide some peace of mind knowing you have the basics for you and your family.
Olive Leaf Extract
Olive leaf extract is an herbal preparation made from the leaves of the olive tree. The green oblong leaf is essentially considered a type of "herb" in Western herbalism and has been used in many folk traditions throughout the ages, especially in olive tree conducive climate zones like the Mediterranean and the Middle East. While making a cup of olive leaf tea from the leaves or powder was consumed for its healthful properties, today concentrated olive leaf extracts are more widely utilized for phytotherapeutic purposes.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds have the highest amount of Vitamin E out of all the nut and seed types. A one-ounce serving (about 3T of raw seeds) can offer an average of 47% of the daily recommended intake. There is so much VITAMIN E in sunflower seeds that many vitamin E supplements are in fact sourced from sunflower oil, mostly in the form of α-tocopherol. Vitamin E is well-known for its skin healing benefits and is a supportive nutrient to the eyes, brain and nerve functions.
Celery Juice Revisited
Celery juice became a worldwide trend in 2018 and since this time many people are witness to its healing potential. Over the years, however, the idea of drinking the juice of this seemingly simple vegetable has met its share of skepticism. While we have discussed the many benefits of celery juice on other pages, here we review some of the common myths we have come across regarding this still popular mono juicing variety.
Benefits of Avocado
Avocado is one of those foods often deemed a "superfood". Among the well-known benefits of avocado to give it such a title is that it is a concentrated source of monounsaturated good fats, making it a healthy addition to many dietary regimes. They are in fact the fattiest natural food growing on planet Earth. This is a major feature that makes them one of the #1 foods to eat on a high-fat keto diet. Here are four other top reasons to consume avocados when "keto".
Secret Uses of Fenugreek
There are really so many things to say about the uses of fenugreek and its many forms commonly utilized. It is essentially a one-stop shop for use as seed spice, a sprout variety as well as an aromatic leafy green known as methi, widely used in Indian cuisine. Golden fenugreek seeds are used extensively in various parts of the Mediterranean and Middle East for their flavor-enhancing attributes as a seasoning added to numerous cultural dishes. While their bitter-sweet taste is considered therapeutic as a digestive aid, there are other secret uses of this long-valued herb.
Cheap Superfoods List Part One
This is our Cheap Superfoods List Part One designed with two goals in mind. The first is to save money for those on a tight budget, and the second, is to select the best emergency food provisions to have in your pantry backstock. In these unstable times, when supply chain issues, as well as inflation, appear to be more and more common worldwide, it can be a good idea to create a stash of dietary essentials. These are our top picks divided into specific categories covering some of the basic foods, herbs, condiments and supplement sources. (Not listed in order of importance.)
What is Chipotle Chili Powder?
Question #1 - Is Jalapeño the Same as Chipotle? Yes and No. Yes, chipotle chili peppers and spice powder come from the jalapeño Capsicum annum species, but they are very different than the green jalapeños most are familiar with. Here are the list of differences, plus Morita vs Meco and other frequently asked things about this popular smoky-sweet-spicy household spice.
Wheatgrass Juice Powder Vs Wheatgrass Powder
Wheatgrass was one of the original "green foods" that became popular in the 1970s as a type of juicing microgreen used for its nutritive benefits when juiced. Containing almost all minerals, many vitamins and amino acids, the juice is not only a nourishing drink it also supports the body's cleansing processes. For modern-day lifestyles, wheatgrass is conveniently available as a green superfood powder for making an instant wheatgrass shot. Here we will discuss the main differences between wheatgrass powder vs wheatgrass juice powder and our opinion about which form we believe to be the most nutritious.
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Benefits of Eating Lentils
Lentils have been utilized as a food source by many diverse cultures ever since their domestication in the Fertile Crescent and Middle East region thousands of years ago. Still today they are a staple part of the diet in a number of countries around the world such as India, Africa, Morocco and Turkey. Valued for their high amount of PROTEIN content, the benefits of eating lentils are making a comeback in recent times as the trend for consuming plant-based protein sources continues to rise. Learn more about the top reasons to include more of them in your diet.
Cold Brew Coffee Vs Regular Coffee
Coffee is the second most popular drink next to water that many people drink every day all over the planet. The question of whether it is good or bad is not always an easy one to answer. Yes, traditionally prepared hot coffee is a source of antioxidants but for some, it can be too overstimulating to the nervous system and cause unwanted side effects over long-term use. Being one of the top caffeine sources, it can also be quite addictive. Since the cold brew coffee trend in recent years, avid coffee drinkers often ask us, "Is it better than regular coffee?" This is our research on the pluses and minuses of each as well as a bit of personal experimentation to compare the two.
Propolis Benefits
Propolis (Resina propoli) is a resinous material made by honeybees (Apis mellifera) and some stingless bees to seal and protect the beehive from the elements, pests and harmful microbes. It has been highly valued by healers and herbalists alike for its many profound properties to humans when consumed or used topically. On the list with other prized bee superfoods like bee pollen, royal jelly and honey, it has been utilized in the folk tradition of apitherapy for a very long time and for several main uses we will discuss.
List of Star Anise Uses
Star anise, recognizable by its unique star shape and very robust aromatic fragrance, comes from the fruit of the tree species Illicium verum. It is not actually related to anise seed (Pimpinella anisum) but does contain one major overlapping compound and that is ANETHOLE. This is one of the main flavorings in anise seed as well as licorice root and fennel seed, known for its distinctly sweet taste. Star anise is from the Schisandraceae family more closely related to schizandra than anise seed.