Health Blog
Health Blog
Chia Fresca - natural energy drink that provides long-lasting energy
What natural alternatives are there to so-called energy drinks that truly provide long-lasting energy and do not affect blood sugar? Well, Chia Fresca or Iskiate. My first encounter with Iskiate was when I read the book "Born to Run" several years ago, and since then it has been a favorite, especially in the summer. It's easy to make; you only need chia seeds, lime, and sweetener to taste. I like stevia or honey, but other options work too. The good thing about stevia is that it does not affect blood sugar. Chia Fresca provides both plenty of energy and a feeling of being "uplifted." Chia seeds have an amazing ability to bind liquid, as you probably know. Chia can absorb up to 12 times its own weight in water, which helps us improve fluid balance. With chia, the body more easily maintains fluid and electrolyte balance, and nutrients are absorbed more effectively. This is a perfect drink to have before exercise, during the workday, as a snack, as a cooling drink on outings, etc. Recipe: Chia Fresca / Iskiate / Chia Water 2 tbsp chia seeds 2.5 dl water Juice from 1 lime 1 tbsp honey or another sweetener that suits you. Instructions: Mix everything in a glass jar and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, preferably longer.Then just enjoy it in a glass or take one in a bottle out into the sun. I think Chia Fresca fits perfectly in our glass bottles from Lifefactory because they have a wide opening.
Read moreNaturally colorful super powders for healthy cooking
One way to add beautiful color to your smoothie, ice cream, or cake is through colorful super powders. Colors in food indicate that it is rich in nutrients and especially antioxidants. Eating the "whole rainbow" every day is a health tip that also makes us happy in the kitchen; both when we cook and eat the food. Our extra vibrant powders are: Pink Pitaya A beautiful bright pink powder made from pitaya, also known as dragon fruit. It is rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, B vitamins, and minerals. Butterfly Pea powder Made from dried, beautiful blue pea flowers and rich in proanthocyanidins and antioxidants. Its fantastic color pigments can change from blue to purple when lime or lemon is added. Acai A deep purple superberry from the Amazon, rich in antioxidants. A favorite for both smoothies and ice cream. Blueberry These luxurious berries are rich in vitamins and minerals, but above all rich in antioxidants of the anthocyanin type. Activated Charcoal Activated charcoal is a food product that makes a fun addition to cooking for appreciated jet-black smoothies or pancakes, for example at Halloween. Colorful recipes These colorful and nutrient-rich powders are the best natural colorants and flavor enhancers available! You can create your own fantastic creations, such as colorful chia puddings, cakes, tarts, pancakes, smoothies, nice creams, etc. This is something that all ages, both children and adults, appreciate. Unicorn Nice Cream Ingredients 4 frozen bananas in pieces 1 can of coconut cream 2 tbsp maple syrup or coconut syrup 1 tsp vanilla powder 1 pinch sea salt or Himalayan salt Pink Pitaya and Butterfly Pea. Instructions 1. Blend everything except the powders in a food processor until smooth.2. Divide into 3 equal parts in 3 different bowls, and mix one powder into each bowl.3. Then gently fold the three different colors into a larger container that can be placed in the freezer. Create a beautiful "swirl" of colors.4. Place in the freezer for 1-2 hours until the ice cream is sufficiently frozen, then serve! Gluten-Free Rainbow Pancakes Ingredients 125 grams of any gluten-free flour, e.g., brown rice flour, buckwheat flour, teff flour, or a gluten-free mix. 2 vegan egg replacements or 1 mashed banana. 50 ml sparkling water about 90 ml of any plant milk, such as oat, almond, hazelnut, or rice. 1-2 tbsp coconut sugar 2 tsp baking powder Optional colorful powders – preferably 3 different kinds Coconut oil for frying Toppings Whatever you like best, e.g., maple syrup, berries, fruit, whipped coconut cream, chocolate sauce, etc. Instructions 1. Whisk the egg replacement powder or the mashed banana with plant milk, sparkling water, coconut sugar, and nut butter.2. Combine flour, baking powder, vanilla, and cinnamon separately first, then add to the milk mixture while stirring.3. Stir until the batter is soft, thick, and creamy (add a little more plant milk if you prefer thinner pancakes or add more flour if you want thicker ones).4. Divide the batter into equal parts and stir in the desired colorful powders in separate bowls.5. Let the batters rest in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.6. Heat coconut oil in a large frying pan.7. Add about 2 tbsp of batter per pancake to the pan. As soon as you see bubbles on the surface, flip the pancakes (after about 2-3 minutes).8. Serve your pancakes with your favorite toppings. Blue/Pink Chia Pudding (2 servings) 1. Mix these ingredients and let swell in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight: 1 dl chia seeds 2 dl plant milk such as almond, rice, coconut, hazelnut, or tiger nut milk. 2 tsp Pink Pitaya 2. Blend these ingredients in a blender: 1-2 frozen bananas 1 dl coconut water 1 tbsp lime juice 2 tsp Butterfly Pea 3. Layer the two "puddings" in glasses or bowls. Decorate with fresh blueberries if you like. Serve!
Read moreVegan ice creams with probiotics - simple recipes
Good gut bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, or so-called probiotics are healthy bacteria responsible for nutrient absorption and supporting the immune system, and yes, they can be used in cooking. Here we share three recipes for vegan-friendly ice creams. You can find ice pop molds here. Strawberry Smile for Kids This makes about 4 ice creams, the number depends on the ice pop molds you use. 5 dl fresh strawberriesJuice from 1 lime1.2 dl coconut water1 tbsp honey2 tsp probiotics for kids How to make it? Blend all ingredients, including the probiotic powder, then pour the liquid into about four ice pop molds. Save a few fruit slices and place them in the mold before pouring in the liquid to create beautiful patterns. Put in the freezer. Let the ice pop sticks stay in the freezer for at least three hours before serving. Coconut Crazy for Adults This makes about 4 ice creams, the number depends on the ice pop molds you use. 1 can coconut milk (not light)1 dl finely chopped unsweetened dried coconut1 ½ tbsp honeyKiwi, strawberries, and whole blueberries2 probiotic capsules, e.g. Lactovitalis Pro How to make it? Blend all ingredients (open the probiotic capsules and pour out the contents). Then pour the liquid into about four ice pop molds. Save a few whole fruit slices and/or berries and place them in the mold before pouring in the liquid to create beautiful patterns. You can press a fruit slice against the edge of the mold or place it at the bottom if you use horizontal ice pop molds. Put in the freezer. Let the ice pop sticks stay in the freezer for at least three hours before serving. Cashew Yogurt You can also use yogurt as a base for ice cream. This wonderfully tasty yogurt is made from cashew nuts and is very easy to make. It can be used for many things like ice cream, morning yogurt, cooking, and more. Your stomach will thank you! 3 dl cashew nuts (organic and natural)3 dl lukewarm water about 42 degrees Celsius, mix boiled water with cold water until you reach the right temperature.2 probiotic capsules – e.g. Lactovitalis Pro. How to make it? Blend the nuts in a good blender with water until it has a smooth and suitably thick consistency – it should resemble yogurt. Open the probiotic capsules and pour out the contents. Blend again. Pour into a glass jar, cover, and let stand at room temperature for 10 hours, preferably overnight. Now you have a super tasty, slightly tangy yogurt for breakfast. Store in a tightly sealed jar in the refrigerator.
Read moreGuide to Slow Juicers - Find the Right Juicer for Your Needs
Many ask us which juicer they should buy. In this article, we will therefore try to guide you to the juicer that suits you best. All the juicers we offer are so-called slow juicers, which means they cold-press the juice, i.e., the juice is pressed out slowly so that enzymes and vitamins survive the juicing and do not oxidize. It is important that the juice is pressed out slowly so that enzymes and vitamins survive the juicing and do not oxidize. With slow juicers, the juice therefore lasts longer after being pressed. With our selected juicers, you get the maximum nutrients from your vegetables, berries, herbs, sprouts, and fruits. Exclusive top-class juicers If you want to juice all kinds of things like vegetables, berries, wheatgrass, barley grass, many root vegetables, soft fruit, herbs, and sprouts, we always recommend a juicer with two augers. They are in a class of their own, and yes, much more expensive and much better at juicing all kinds of things. Professional juicers with two augers Angel Juicer Greenstar Pro Greenstar Elite – available in white and black Both Greenstar and Angel juicer use the same mechanics with two augers, but there is a slight difference in the design of the rotors and pressing chamber which mainly affects the amount of juice. Greenstar Elite has "Bio Ceramic Magnetic Technologies" and "Infrared Technologies" which according to the manufacturer make the juice more stable. If you choose to juice in the morning and make juice for the afternoon at the same time, this can definitely be an advantage. If you choose a slow juicer with two augers, you get a significantly better result, retain more nutrients, and get more juice that lasts longer. Affordable & simpler juicers If you are mainly focused on making lighter fruit and vegetable juices like celery juice and want a cheaper juicer, you can choose one with a single auger. They are usually lower in price and easier to clean. A juicer with only one auger juices a bit slower and is more sensitive to hard vegetables like carrots or beets. If you press very hard vegetables with such a machine, some parts may break. So you need to be more patient with a juicer that has only one auger and be more careful. Slow juicers with one auger Omega Juicer MM900 Solostar 4 – available in white & silver Vertical juicer that works as both a juicer and a grinder – available in red & silver Omega Juicer MM1500 functions as both a juicer and a food processor Z-star 710 is a manual juicer that works really well but requires arm strength & patience. Most people who choose Z-star do so because they want to bring a juicer on the go or maybe are in a place without access to electricity. Which juicer is easiest to clean? Angel Juicer is easy to clean thanks to having fewer parts and fewer hard-to-reach spaces. Greenstar and Slowstar are equally easy to clean. Of course, it also depends on what you juice, but cleaning takes a while. We find Solostar 4, Omega juicers, and Angel Juicer the easiest to clean. Choose a juicer you will use a lot The most important thing is to find a machine you enjoy using so that you actually use it. Some different thoughts: Our experience is that Greenstar and Slowstar produce juice that foams more. This foam+fibers should be separated with a strainer that comes with the machines. This function is instead built into the pressing housing for Angel Juicer. A very important feature where Slowstar is superior is that the juicer in most cases feeds the vegetables and fruits into the machine by itself. For Solostar 4 and Omega Juicer, the vegetables must be cut into smaller pieces for optimal feeding. The fibers that come out from Greenstar Elite and Slowstar are a bit wetter than the fibers from Angel Juicer. This means you simply get more juice from Angel Juicer assuming you use the same amount of raw ingredients. However, you can extract more juice in many juicers like Greenstar and Omega if you choose to run the fibers through 1-2 more times. When you press this way with Greenstar, you can get about 20% more juice, depending on the type of raw ingredients you use. Juicers with multifunction With some juicers, you can make ice cream, sorbets, nut butters, and pâtés. With Greenstar, Solostar 4, Slowstar, and Omega Juicer MM1500, these accessories are included. For Angel Juicer, you need to buy special pressing housings which are quite expensive. Omega Juicer MM900 does not have that function at all. Conclusion If we sum up all the points above and want to spend as little money as possible for multiple functions, have limited counter space in the kitchen, and want the juicer to feed down as much of the ingredients as possible by itself, then Slowstar and Omega MM1500 win. If you want to get more juice from the ingredients and plan to juice a lot of fruit, berries, spices, leafy greens, and grasses, one of the larger two-shaft models like Angel or Greenstar wins. If you want a cheaper juicer that is easy to clean, Omega MM900 or Solostar 4 wins. They also look nice in the kitchen and don’t take up much space. Greenstar Elite Advantages: It is the choice for those who want maximum nutrition and more juice from the raw ingredients. Works well to juice everything. Includes extra parts so it becomes a “grinder” for making nut butter, pâtés, and sorbets. Disadvantages: Bulky. Takes time to clean. Greenstar Pro Advantages: It is the choice for those who want maximum nutrition and more juice from the raw ingredients. Stainless steel shafts. Sleeker design with fewer parts than Greenstar Elite. Works well to juice everything. Includes extra parts so it becomes a “grinder” for making nut butter, pâtés, and sorbets. Disadvantages: Bulky. Takes time to clean. Expensive. Angel Juicer Advantages: It is the choice for those who want maximum nutrition and more juice from the raw ingredients. Works well to juice everything. Easy to clean. Stainless steel, no plastic at all! Extremely rare for problems to occur with an Angel. Nice to look at. Disadvantages: Very expensive. Heavy. Solostar 4 Advantages: Easy to clean. Economical for a slow juicer. Nice design. Easy to move. Disadvantages: Cannot juice everything. More patience required when feeding. Ingredients need to be cut into smaller pieces when feeding. Slowstar Advantages: Vertical juicer; takes up little space. Includes extra parts so it becomes a “grinder” for making nut butter, pâtés, and sorbets. Easy to feed ingredients. Good price. Disadvantages: Takes time to wash all parts. Choose the right juicer and start your health journey Good luck choosing a trusty companion to spend time with every day! In our opinion, the juicer is one of the most important machines for creating radiant health that we wish everyone could have the opportunity to invest in and have in their kitchen. 6 reasons to drink more juice Green juices based mainly on vegetables and a little fruit are an excellent way to get a lot of different vegetables, especially if you find it hard to get enough vegetables and fruit in your daily diet. Through juice, you get plenty of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that go straight into your system, but juice should not replace chewing fresh vegetables; that should also be done. Juice helps you absorb all the nutrients from vegetables. This is important because most of us have impaired digestion as a result of less optimal food choices over many years. Vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables, are linked to reducing the risk of developing diabetes and can help improve cholesterol levels. Green juices support the immune system by “charging” concentrated phytochemicals/phytonutrients. These are substances naturally found in fruits and vegetables and act as the plants’ immune system. Green juices often promote weight loss if needed. You increase your intake of vitamins and minerals while reducing your intake of fast carbohydrates. Green juices increase energy. When your body has an abundance of the nutrients it needs, those who drink green juice can get an almost immediate “kick” of energy. How to make a green detox juice What you don’t drink can be stored in a glass jar in the fridge for 1-2 days (absolutely max 3 days). This recipe makes 2 servings. 1 cucumber8 celery stalks2 green apples3 dl green leaves (e.g., kale, spinach, pea shoots)1 lemon2-3 cm peeled ginger Wash all vegetables (preferably choose organic vegetables), peel the lemon, and core the apples. Put everything in smaller pieces into the juicer. Slowly, one piece at a time. Enjoy! Feel free to share your favorite juice recipes in a comment!
Read moreSimple salad jars for picnics and lunch
A great way to bring a healthy and really tasty salad on a picnic is in a glass jar. It’s also an easy way to take lunch to work. Layer ingredients such as: cooked sweet potato, radish, chickpeas, buckwheat, avocado, cucumber, marinated and then fried tofu, and fresh spinach. You can come up with lots of combinations; if there are several people, you can make one jar per person. Choose your favorites and mix; marinated tempeh, lentils, cooked beans, cooked brown rice, cooked cauliflower or raw marinated cauliflower, rutabaga, shredded zucchini, shredded beets, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, carrots, sprouts of all kinds, dry-roasted seaweed, cabbage, cooked millet, cooked quinoa, bell pepper, fresh berries, cherry tomatoes, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, fresh herbs, and so on… Make a tasty dressing and bring it on the side! Tahini Dressing Tahini is a big favorite; it’s simply stone-ground sesame seeds. It’s fatty, tasty, and satisfying. Mix olive oil, vinegar or lemon, dark or light tahini, pepper, and herb salt in a blender. Taste and add salt as needed. That’s it! Buckwheat & Avocado Salad 2 dl buckwheat – soaked overnight a few small spring onions 2 lemons 2 limes 1 large head of romaine lettuce or a few small ones 1/2 cucumber 2 ripe avocados 1 handful of mint leaves 1 handful of parsley 1 handful of pea shoots 0.5 dl sunflower seeds 2 tbsp hemp seeds 2 tbsp chia seeds 1 1/2 tsp salt flaxseed oil olive oil Drain the water from the soaked buckwheat and rinse again. Cook the buckwheat in fresh water for about 20 minutes. When you turn off the heat, let the buckwheat sit covered for another 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. Pour into a large bowl and let cool. Dice the onions. Add to the buckwheat. Add a little salt. Add juice from the lemons and limes, along with a bit more salt. Chop the romaine lettuce and pea shoots, dice cucumber and avocado, and finely chop parsley and mint leaves. Add to the bowl. Add chia seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds. Mix until well combined. Top with olive oil and flaxseed oil. Of course, you can choose another oil instead of flaxseed oil, such as black cumin oil, omega 3-6-7-9, or avocado oil. Taste and see if more seasoning is needed. Salad with Spiralized Vegetables 1 zucchini – shredded – easiest done with a spiralizer 1 large pear – shredded 1 large carrot – shredded 1 package arugula 1/2 dl pomegranate seeds 1/2 dl coarsely chopped walnuts Dressing 1 tbsp pure maple syrup (omit if you don’t want any sweetness) 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp sesame oil 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 1 tsp white sesame seeds 1 tbsp tamari Pepper, to taste 1 garlic clove, crushed Mix the dressing. Mix everything into a salad. With a spiralizer, you get wonderful, hearty salads that are easy to eat. Bean & Quinoa Salad 5 dl cooked beans of your choice 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar Shredded purple cabbage Chopped greens, e.g., kale or chard 2 tbsp olive oil Shallots 1 garlic clove 1/2 tsp sea salt 1 shredded carrot 2 dl cooked quinoa Salt & black pepper Lemon juice If you’re cooking the beans from scratch, they need to be soaked overnight first. Rinse your greens and chop into larger pieces. Sauté onion and garlic over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Then add the greens, 1 tbsp oil, and sea salt. Cover for about 3 minutes and let soften. Remove from heat and place all ingredients in a large bowl. Add carrots, shredded purple cabbage, cooked quinoa, cooked beans, and a splash of lemon juice. Season with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.
Read moreDIY: Natural skin oil with organic oils for your skin
Yes, to some extent. There has been a lot of discussion about raspberry seed oil and carrot oil as they are said to offer high protection. We cannot support this claim as we have not found enough research to prove it. What we can say for sure is that vegetable oils provide nourishment and moisture to the skin, making it healthy and well-cared for. Approximate SPF protection: Raspberry seed oil SPF? Carrot oil SPF? Macadamia oil 6 SPF Avocado oil 4-8 SPF Coconut oil 4-6 SPF Olive oil 2-8 SPF Shea butter 3-6 SPF Almond oil 5 SPF Sesame oil 4 SPF Jojoba oil 4 SPF Note: We do not recommend using oils as a full sun protection but rather as nourishing body oils, facial oils, or hair oils to provide the skin with moisture and nutrients. Each oil contributes in its own way; read more on the product page of each oil. DIY: Make your own skin oil Making your own skin oil by mixing different oils is an excellent way to combine their unique properties – a true super mix! We think this mix works well as an “After Sun” treatment. You will need: 100 ml almond oil 100 ml coconut oil 2 tbsp shea butter 2 tbsp avocado oil 1 tsp raspberry seed oil 1 tsp carrot oil Melt the shea butter and coconut oil in a water bath over very low heat. Stir the container until they have fully melted together. Add the other oils and continue stirring until everything is well combined. Pour the oil into a glass bottle and store it in a cool, dark place to keep it fresh as long as possible. Here you will find our fine, cold-pressed, and organic oils.
Read more5 nutritious snacks for outings & hiking
It's that time of year when we like to be in nature and want tasty snacks on hand. Here are five tips that make your time outdoors both tastier and more nutritious. 1. Homemade Superbars Do you want something healthy and filling that everyone likes and is easy to take with you? Then make your own bars with super ingredients. Here is a basic recipe you can vary according to taste and what you have at home. Ingredients 5 dl nuts and/or seeds. For example almonds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, cashew nuts, etc. 4 dl dried fruits. For example dates, figs, raisins, apricots. 1-2 ml fine salt Vary flavor and nutritional content with a couple of these additions: Cacao nibs or cocoa powder Vanilla powder Protein powder Super powders like Acai, blueberry powder, Lucuma Superberries like Goji or mulberries. How to make Process nuts, seeds, and salt in a food processor until you have a coarse "flour." Add other flavorings you have chosen. Add the dried fruit and blend until you have a moldable dough. Press the dough into a pan, preferably on baking paper. Let it rest in the fridge for 1-2 hours and then cut into suitable pieces. Store in the refrigerator. 2. Homemade Trail Mix Even easier than bars, but just as tasty and convenient to take with you, is your own trail mix. How to make Mix your favorite dried berries, nuts, and seeds in a jar. Suddenly you have a healthy snack and "candy" for the kids when needed! Examples of tasty mixes: 1. Goji berries, cacao nibs, coconut chips.2. Dates, almonds, hemp seeds, apricots.3. Mulberries, cashew nuts, plums, cacao nibs. Let your imagination run wild! 3. Delicious in a Glass Jar Do you want a truly stylish hearty salad and at the same time avoid single-use plastic? Read more and see recipe tips in a glass jar in this blog article. 4. Watermelon Slushie Perhaps the world’s tastiest and most natural “soda.” An excellent summer drink that is wonderfully refreshing and provides important nutrients on warm days. Takes max 2 minutes. Ingredients Watermelon – stored in the fridge overnight Fresh mint Calculate about 450 grams of watermelon per person. So a small melon of about 1 kg is enough for 2-3 people. How to make Cut the watermelon in half, scoop out the flesh with a large spoon and put it in a blender. Sprinkle 3-4 mint leaves per person on top and then blend on high speed until you have a smooth “slushie.” Picnic tip: If you want an extra cold slushie, you can store the finished drink in the freezer until you take it out. Alternatively, you can blend in 4-5 ice cubes per person directly in the blender with the rest of the ingredients. The drink is perfect for our beautiful glass bottles from Lifefactory with a wide opening. 5. Raspberry / E3 Live Chiller If you haven’t tried Raspberry Chiller with AFA algae yet, now is the perfect time. A perfect detox drink for warm days. Recipe for 2-3 people 5 dl frozen raspberries (or other berries) Juice from 1-2 lemons 10 fresh mint leaves 2 tsp E3Live powder* 4 dl ice cubes 3 dl water Sweetener to taste, e.g. honey or birch sugar. How to make Mix all ingredients in a blender, add more water or ice to get a slush-like consistency. Pour into a tall glass and garnish with a few raspberries and a mint leaf, then just enjoy! Tip: You can use more ice instead of water if you want it to stay cool when you take it outside this summer. *Here you can read more about blue-green algae. The drink is perfect for our beautiful glass bottles from Lifefactory with a wide opening.
Read moreHomemade rehydration solution with natural ingredients
It is a good source of vitamin C and minerals. It supports the body's pH balance. It supports skin quality. It supports digestion. It also provides fresh breath. It supports the liver and helps prevent kidney stones. If you don’t feel like making your own electrolyte drink, we have ready-mixed electrolyte powders in various flavors. Recipe: Make natural rehydration solution at home Ingredients 100 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice. 200 ml coconut water* (or regular water). 1 tsp organic honey or maple syrup. A pinch of Himalayan salt Instructions Mix everything until the salt dissolves. Drink spread out over time, not all at once. *Dr Antonio Martins coconut water is wonderful, of the highest quality. Dr Antonio Martins has developed a complex mechanical processing method patented in 2006. They use a sophisticated system with specially developed microfiltration technology. Over the years, they have developed a complete raw material chain, from cultivation, through harvest and production to transport and storage, to always offer the world’s best coconut juice outside of a coconut. They ship the raw materials for the coconut juice to Europe by cargo ship in refrigerated containers. The bottling then takes place in a finely coordinated cold aseptic process.
Read moreGluten-free waffles with homemade berry jam
2.5 dl brown rice flour 1 dl coconut flour 1 dl buckwheat flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 organic eggs (If you don’t want to eat eggs, replace with 2 tbsp chia seeds and 6 tbsp water. Mix and let sit for about 20 minutes until it becomes a pudding) 0.6 dl coconut oil 3.5 dl almond milk mixed with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 2 teaspoons honey, agave syrup, coconut sugar syrup or maple syrup How to make Heat up a waffle iron. Whisk eggs (or chia pudding), coconut oil, and almond milk in a bowl. Whisk all the dry ingredients in another bowl. Pour the wet batter into the dry and mix by hand; the batter should be thick but pourable. Fill the waffle iron with a scoop of batter and let cook until done. You can use coconut oil to grease the waffle iron. If you don’t have a waffle iron, you can make pancakes instead. Enjoy with your favorite jam! Raw jam with goji berries & chia seeds Ingredients 2.5 dl berries, e.g. strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, cloudberries – whichever you like best. If using frozen berries, let them thaw first. 1 dl goji berries soaked in water overnight (drain the water before adding them) 1-2 tablespoons honey, xylitol, coconut palm sugar or agave syrup 1 pinch vanilla powder (optional) 2 tablespoons chia seeds 2 tbsp water How to make Mash all the berries and sweetener together with a fork. Add the rest and mix well. Pour into a clean jar, preferably with a tight-fitting lid. Let sit for about 30 minutes so you can see the chia seeds swell. Store in the fridge; it keeps for about a week.
Read more2 simple juice recipes for liver cleansing & detox
Do you want to give your liver a chance to rest a little and cleanse itself? Simple tips for the best liver support All vegetable juices and wheatgrass shots or barley grass shots support the body and liver to feel good. Green powder blends provide support to both the liver and other organs. Here are some of our favorites:1. Global Healing Supergreens contains 15 raw, complete sprouts that are hand-harvested and then immediately freeze-dried.2. Pureness Premium Green Powder Blend with wheatgrass, barley grass, chlorella, and spirulina as well as spinach, nettle, moringa, and peppermint.3. Better You Green Boost with spirulina, spinach, Q10, wheatgrass, acai, barley grass, alfalfa, green tea, chlorella, and sour cherry. It is important to eat as cleanly as possible by choosing organic, nutrient-rich food without additives, preferably with 80% vegetables at each meal to give the liver a break. Always drink plenty of water throughout the day to support the liver and the body's cleansing abilities. Of course, sweating through exercise and sauna is also beneficial. A good tip for liver detox is to replace one meal with a vegetable juice. The body and stomach then get to rest. Here are two simple detox juice recipes that help your liver function optimally. Recipe: Simple Liver Cleanse Juice 1 organic grapefruit 1 organic lemon or lime 1 tbsp organic olive oil Blend everything in a good blender or juice in your juicer. Store in a glass jar in the fridge. Drink every day for 1 week for a mild "liver rinse". Recipe: Dr. Group’s Liver Cleanse Juice 3 organic carrots (washed and peeled) 2 organic apples (washed and cut) 1 organic beetroot (peeled) 6 organic kale leaves ½ organic lemon (washed and peeled) 1 1/2 cm ginger (root - peeled) Blend everything in a good blender or juice in your juicer. Store in a glass jar in the fridge. Drink every day for 1 week for a mild "liver rinse".
Read more5 Simple Spirulina Recipes for Nutritious Everyday Meals
Most people only use spirulina as a powder to mix into smoothies for an extra nutritional boost. Spirulina contains an astonishing amount of nutrients, including antioxidants like chlorophyll and beta-carotene, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. It is also very rich in protein and contains all essential amino acids. A full 65-71% of spirulina's weight consists of protein, making it more than twice as protein-rich as meat, measured by protein per gram. In other words, it is superfood in its true sense, and something we like to incorporate into food in more ways than just smoothies. Here are 5 of our favorite recipes that are excellent for adding spirulina to your daily diet in a more varied way. 1. Spirulina Dressing 1/2 large avocado or one small whole1 tsp spirulina1 small zucchini (de-salted and chopped)0.5 dl hemp seeds1 tbsp white miso2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice1 dl water (or more if you want it thinner) Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until desired consistency. 2. Spirulina Pesto 2 dl walnuts (soaked overnight)3 dl baby spinach1 dl fresh basil1 tsp spirulina or AFA algae2 tbsp olive oil1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice1 garlic clove1 dl water3 tbsp nutritional yeast1/2 tsp natural salt First blend the nuts in a high-speed blender.Then blend in the rest until desired consistency and season with salt. 3. Spirulina Kale 1 kale, washed and cut into suitable pieces0.5 dl nutritional yeast1 tbsp spirulina1 tbsp paprika powder Mix all powders together in a bowl with a spoon.Rub the kale with the powder.Place in a dehydrator or regular oven until crispy. 4. Spirulina Water 500 ml sparkling water1 fresh lemon6 drops stevia or another sweetener like xylitol1-2 tsp spirulina depending on mood Squeeze the lemon juice into a large glass pitcher.Add sweetener and spirulina.Pour in sparkling water and mix. 5. Spirulina Nicecream 2 frozen bananas (peeled)1-2 large handfuls baby spinach1 tsp spirulina Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend.Garnish with fruit.
Read moreThe health benefits and uses of nettle
Our common stinging nettle – Urtica dioica – which grows and thrives all over the country, is a unique gift from nature. Nettle leaves are rich in chlorophyll and minerals such as iron, chromium, zinc, copper, magnesium, silica, cobalt, and calcium. Nettles are also rich in vitamins A, E, D, C, and K. Nettle has been used in natural medicine for centuries and dates back to ancient Greece. Among other things, it has been taken to: balance blood sugar. support the immune system. support the nervous system. nourish the hormonal system. support joint health. support digestion. support the kidneys. support the urinary tract. help with skin problems. Energy Nettle nourishes and energizes the entire system. It is an herb very suitable for exhaustion and long-term fatigue. Nettle provides steady energy to the whole body and supports all glands and organs. It is alkaline and helps the body with excess acidity. Nettle for women Nettles are a wonderful plant-based friend for all women through several life stages from adolescence to menopause. As a “uterine tonic” for menstrual issues like PMS, heavy bleeding, anemia, fatigue, and night sweats. Nettle is especially rich in iron and chlorophyll, making it an excellent agent to stimulate blood formation. Nettle for skin problems Nettle is also an excellent choice to try for skin problems, such as eczema. The herb supports skin healing and also provides radiance and nourishment to both skin and hair. Infusion, extract, or powder? An effective way to get a lot of nettle is through an infusion, a powder, or an extract. Nettle infusion An infusion extracts lots of minerals, especially magnesium from the nettle. How to prepare: 15 grams of dried herb per 1/2 liter of freshly boiled water. Let steep covered in a pot for at least 4 hours (heat off). Store in the refrigerator, can be consumed 2-4 cups per day, or used as a base in a smoothie. Remember to also drink water as nettle makes you thirsty. Nettle extract An extract is a highly concentrated bioavailable herb. It bypasses the digestive process and quickly enters the bloodstream. This makes it a very effective way for the body to absorb medicinal principles from herbs. Nettle powder A powder is simply the whole herb ground into powder. It’s nice to mix with a little water or sprinkle on porridge. Read here how you can make a nourishing face mask with nettle. When should you be cautious with nettle? Yes, during pregnancy, diabetes, if you take blood thinners, and with kidney problems. Always consult a specialist if you’re unsure. Fresh nettles In Sweden, we can harvest nettles from April to October. Flavor-wise, the tender shoots in spring are preferable – but as a source of nutrients, it’s fine to harvest as long as they’re growing – except when they’re flowering; then they should be avoided. Remember to wear gloves when picking them. Nettles can be eaten fresh, in soups, salads, or smoothies. Feel free to chop the leaves very finely. They can also be frozen, dried, or made into extracts to be consumed throughout the year. If you haven’t harvested your own nettles, you can always buy dried nettle or nettle powder. Here is a nettle pesto recipe you can save for spring: Ingredients:100 grams stinging nettles1/2 dl fresh mint leaves1 garlic clove – chopped1 dl pine nuts, toasted2 tablespoons lemon juice0.5 dl olive oil1/2 dl finely grated organic Parmesan– or if you’re vegan, 2 tbsp nutritional yeastsalt & black pepper How do you do it? Put the freshly picked nettles in a large bowl of cold water. Use gloves – place the nettles in the water and let them sit for 5 minutes. Pull the leaves off the stems and discard the stems. Put the nettle leaves in boiling water and cook for 1 minute. Drain and spread the nettles on a baking sheet. Let cool completely. Squeeze out as much water as possible and chop coarsely. Put nettles in a powerful blender or food processor with mint, garlic, pine nuts, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Process until the mixture forms a paste. Pour the olive oil into the machine while it’s running.Put in a bowl and mix in the cheese. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. How do you like your nettle?
Read more
