Let’s set the record straight regarding coconuts and coconut oil: They are, indeed, nourishing superfoods. If you are concerned about the fat content in them, guess what? The human body needs good fat, and this is one of the good guys you want. Don’t be deceived by the word “fat”; certain good fats are amazing assets for nutrition and optimal health. The fat in coconuts is used as an energy source as well as a cushion for organs and a conductor of electricity. That’s just a few things on the list of good fat deeds. Coconuts for life, son! Read More…
Used since ancient times both for culinary and medicinal purposes, sesame seeds are indeed an HFood that deserve a special place in our kitchens and daily nutrition. Hippocrates, known as the “Father of Medicine”, said: “Sesame is a food that can improve mankind’s energy and vitality”. Loaded with essential minerals and a creamy acquired taste, sesame seeds are an important component not just for a plant-based diet, but for the overall health maintenance of the ultimate human machine. Read More…
Blueberries by HLife Photography
You know the saying, “great things come in small packages”? Well, we believe they were definitely referring to the health bonanza that we know as the blueberry. Blueberries, you had us at ‘brain food’. Not only are these fruits beautiful in form and color but, as small as they look, they are loaded with health benefits and bursting with nutrients and flavor. Read More…
Quinoa by HLife Photography
Growing up in Lima, Peru, quinoa was no stranger to our home. In fact, it was a staple. Whether in soup or as an entree, this “gold of the Incas” was (and still is) for us the golden ticket to endless delicious meals, superb both in taste and nutrition. This is a perfect grain choice for vegans or anyone transitioning into a plant-based diet and worried about protein intake because, if there is one thing that everyone is getting to know about quinoa as it gains popularity in the United States is that this food is a complete protein. Read More…
Radish Sprouts by HLife Photography
The health benefits of sprouts, both medicinally and nutritionally, have been studied for centuries and it is time we made them a household name and a permanent special place in our kitchen adventures. From prevention to treatment of life-threatening diseases, the chemical/molecular composition of sprouts is so impressive, it’s been said by the medical community that sprouts are better for you then the actual full grown produce (veggie/legume/grain/etc..) This is due to people usually discarding the leaf and stem of a veggie, and just eating the flower/floret/produce (end result). In sprouts you will be benefiting from all three – the stem, the flower and the leaf – which equals a packed house full of nutrient density. It is quite possible that, with sprouts, chlorella and bee pollen, we can end world hunger. Read More…
Bee Pollen by HLife Photography
There are so many different ways of verbally glorifying bee pollen because its just that holistically amazing. It’s a complete food famous since ancient times due to its nutritional properties and medicinal benefits. Throughout centuries, bee pollen has been referred to via a variety of names, among these “the semen of the plant kingdom,” “the original treasure house of nutrition and medicine,” “the ultimate superfood,” and “the proactive life force of the plant world.” My family and I like to refer to bee pollen as “the real gold nuggets.” In Spanish we called them “las pepitas de oro” (seeds of gold). Read More…
Red Kale by HLife Photography
If you appreciate beauty inside and out, behold…The Kale. Personally, I find it so sexy and graceful-looking. I’ve often though about doing photo-shot wearing kale as a gown. Its external beauty is just the tip of the iceberg, though. It’s a superstar vegetable because, on the inside, its a definite nutritional powerhouse. Read More…
Ahh, the famous apple. From bringing down the Garden of Eden to keeping the doctor away…pretty powerful little fruit, wouldn’t you say? Today, let’s explore the apple’s micro-universe to see why it is so great for our own micro-universe. From reducing risks of some cancers, cardiovascular disease, asthma and diabetes overall to lowering risk of heart attack by 32% by eating one a day, studies find apples’s benefits are plentiful. Personally, with a particular apple derivative, I’m like the dad in the movie Big Fat Greek Wedding: Apple cider vinegar (and aloe vera) is my “Windex” – I apply it to all kinds of things and, let me tell you, it works. Read More…
Chlorella, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Seriously… totally in love, with this green algae. Chlorella is a truly amazing natural superfood – whole, pure, and complete. I have to say it again and shout out to the world: I AM IN LOVE, IN LOVE, IN LOVE…”Chlorella, you had me at richest-source-of-chlorophyll-of-any-other-plant-on-the-planet-and-available-for-human-consumption.” Read More…
Image by Jesse Wight
We’ve noticed that cashews have kind of a bad rep (”too much fat”,) but it is only because no one knows its components and the great benefits these can provide. We also had a misconception about them until we researched and learned about their health benefits. In vegan and raw cuisine, cashews are a must. They gives food a dairy-like texture, and sometimes taste, when mixed with the right ingredients. When we make vegan cheese, the best one is made out of cashews. OK, so we all know they taste great, but lets learn more about this cream kidney-shaped nut.
History: The cashew tree is native to the coastal areas of Northeastern Brazil. From South America, cashews were brought to India by the Portuguese in the late 16th century. From there, they were introduced to Asia, Africa, and later to Australia. The Tupi name acaju became caju in Portuguese and cashew in English. Commercial cashew plantations in tropical America didn’t start until the 20th century. Read More…
