Health Blog
Health Blog
Natural face mask with avocado for all skin types
Avocado is very beneficial for the skin. It deeply moisturizes the skin and kills bacteria that cause acne, making it a great mask for both dry and oily skin. Many also find that avocado gives the skin a healthy glow. Vegan-friendly mask recipe:1/2 ripe avocado1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (omit if you are very sensitive)1 tsp olive oil, black cumin oil or argan oil Vegetarian mask recipe:1/2 ripe avocado1 tbsp honey1 tbsp Greek yogurt (if you have very oily skin, you can choose low-fat yogurt)1 tsp olive oil Blend all ingredients well and apply to the face, leave on for 30 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water. Moisturize your skin with your favorite oil.
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Earth almond - nut-free superfood for a gluten-free diet
Despite its name, earth almond is not a nut but a species in the sedge family. The plant's tubers are called earth almonds or tiger nuts in Swedish, chufa in Spanish, and tiger nuts in English. It is simply a tuber like a potato and is cultivated, among other places, in Spain and West Africa. Chufa is popular in the paleo diet, at least in the USA, but not as much in Sweden yet. In the paleo world, tiger nuts are best known as a source of good soluble fiber; prebiotic fiber that feeds the good bacteria in the gut. Besides good fiber, earth almonds are rich in antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin E), and very rich in minerals (such as potassium and iron). They have a low GI (glycemic index) and do not raise blood sugar. They are said to be a superfood that, among other things, boosts our system, normalizes blood pressure, and keeps the "bad" cholesterol in check. In Chinese medicine, tiger nuts are used to strengthen the liver, stimulate the heart, and support normal sexual function. They can be eaten as they are but should be soaked (about 6 hours) so they don’t become too hard. They can be ground into flour in a blender and used for baking. You can make pancakes, pie crusts, and more. You can also make “mylk” from them, just like with nuts and seeds. Or you can, for example, make a tasty pesto. Chufa is perfect for both a gluten-free diet and nut allergy sufferers. Besides being a very nutritious little tuber, they are tasty, with a mild nutty flavor leaning towards sweet, and make a really good mylk. Cufamylk: 3 dl tiger nuts / chufas / earth almonds Wash 3 dl of tiger nuts thoroughly, place them in a bowl, cover with cold water, and let them soak for 18-24 hours. Drain and pour them into a powerful blender with about 8 dl of water, blend on high speed for 2 minutes. Then use a nut milk bag (you can find it here) to strain a smooth mylk. “Horchata” is a sweet drink made from chufa nuts from Valencia, Spain. Horchata is served both chilled and warm, with a little sweetener like stevia, xylitol, raw honey, and a pinch of cinnamon and possibly vanilla. Another interesting addition is lime zest; add some grated lime peel to the glass before pouring the mylk, and the drink gets a new flavor. Chufa pesto:1 large basil bunch2 dl tiger nuts (soaked for 6 hours)1-2 garlic cloves2 tbsp extra virgin organic olive oilsea salt to tasteBlend everything in a powerful blender.
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Healthy and colorful chia puddings for the whole family
1. Chia seeds are nutritious: On top of the fact that chia seeds have more omega-3 than any other natural source, they are loaded with antioxidants, calcium, protein, fiber, and many other vitamins and minerals.2. Chia seeds provide energy: Not only do chia seeds give you an energy boost, they also provide endurance. Perfect before or after exercise.3. Chia seeds help reduce cravings: Because chia seeds absorb so much water and have high soluble fiber levels, they help release natural, unrefined carbohydrates slowly into the bloodstream.4. Chia seeds are easy to digest: The human body can easily digest chia seeds – they help keep blood sugar under control**.** Lovely colorful, natural edible powders! Pink Pitaya (image 1) is a bright pink powder made from pitaya, also called dragon fruit. It is rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, B vitamins, and minerals. Dunaliella Salina (image 2) is a micro-alga that gives a wonderful orange color and is rich in antioxidants, beta-carotene, and magnesium. This one is hard to find, so you can choose Turmeric instead. Butterfly Pea powder is a powder made from dried, beautiful blue pea flowers and is rich in proanthocyanidins and antioxidants. You can create your own amazing treats, such as colorful chia puddings, cakes, pies, pancakes, smoothies, nice creams, plant-based milk, and more. This is something appreciated by all ages, both children and adults. Chia pudding can be varied in many ways; a basic recipe to start with is: 2 tbsp chia seeds2 dl plant-based milk such as almond, rice, coconut, hazelnut, tiger nut milk, etc.Let it swell in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.You can add vanilla powder, cinnamon, cardamom, cocoa, goji berries, berries, berry powder, our lovely new color powders, fruit, lime, lemon, coconut, matcha tea, or vegetables like baby spinach and kale. Making @purelykayylies (Instagram) lovely chia pudding in image 4 is simple: Chia seedsCoconut milkButterfly pea powderYou can then layer with a pudding made of:Blue spirulinafrozen bananasa little lime juicecoconut waterdecorate with fresh blueberries around
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Protein-rich smoothies for quick recovery
After training, a protein smoothie is rewarding to quickly get the nutrients your body needs to recover. And it’s so delicious… Raspberry/Chocolate/Almond post-workout smoothie:5 dl unsweetened almond milk or other plant milk1 scoop plant-based protein.3 dl frozen raspberries1 tsp any adaptogen.1 tbsp almond butter.1-2 tbsp honey or 2 dates if you are veganPlace all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Coconut/Ginger/Turmeric post-workout smoothie:3 dl coconut water1.5 dl plant milk of your choice, oat, rice, coconut, almond, tiger nut, etc.2 dl frozen or fresh pineapple1.5 dl frozen blueberries1 scoop plant-based protein/fiber.1 tbsp chopped ginger 1-2 tsp turmeric.Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Avocado/Almond/Greens post-workout smoothie:5 dl unsweetened almond milk or tiger nut milk if you have a nut allergy.1/2 ripe avocado1 large handful baby spinach1 tbsp honey or 2 dates if you are vegan.1 scoop plant-based protein.4-5 ice cubes (optional)Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
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Blue-green algae: Nature's nutrient package for optimal health
Blue-green algae are among the most nutrient-rich foods on the planet. The most commonly consumed forms of blue-green algae are two types: Spirulina and AFA algae. Both have superfood status due to their high concentrations of nutrients. Blue-green algae contain a high concentration of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and essential amino acids. They are also rich in biologically active chlorophyll, protein, and phytonutrients. Additionally, the algae’s impressive nutritional content is easily absorbed. They are an excellent food for vegans, vegetarians, those who exercise a lot, children, and anyone who wants to add extra nutrition and color to their food. They suit all kinds of diets such as paleo, keto, LCHF, raw food, anti-inflammatory diets, rainbow diets, and more. Our three favorites 1. Hawaiian Spirulina The Hawaiian spirulina from Nutrex contains Spirulina Pacifica, which is rich in protein, vitamins such as A, K1, K2, B12, minerals and trace elements, phytonutrients like carotenoids (including beta-carotene), GLA, SOD, and phycocyanin, chlorophyll, and antioxidants. Their Spirulina Pacifica is cultivated in freshwater ponds on the Kona coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The freshwater comes from aquifers (water naturally filtered through lava rock), and they add about 5% deep seawater (from 600 meters depth) to provide unique trace elements in the final product. Pure water produces a pure final product, and you can taste the difference. Nutrex Hawaii’s Ocean Chill Drying™ method dries the spirulina in just 3-7 seconds and eliminates oxidation and damage to carotenoids, enzymes, and other nutrients. The method uses very cold, deep seawater to provide moisture and uses less than one percent oxygen to preserve the phytonutrients. 2. Biosuperfood Biosuperfood contains four types of microalgae: Spirulina Pacifica, Spirulina Plantensis, Dunaliella, and Astaxanthin from Heomatoccoccus Pluvialis. Astaxanthin is a unique pigment considered one of the most biologically active antioxidants. Dunaliella Salina is a single-celled saltwater algae very rich in beta-carotene, among other nutrients. Biosuperfood provides complete protein, including all essential amino acids, vitamins A, B, C, E, K, minerals and trace elements, enzymes, essential fatty acids, chlorophyll, phytonutrients, antioxidants, and carotenoids. These algae were selected from thousands of ingredients tested by Dr. Kiriac* during many years of research aimed at finding a combination that could promote health for everyone. *BioNutrition, which produces Biosuperfood, was founded by Dr. Michael Kiriac after extensive research on algae and their nutritional and healing properties. Dr. Kiriac is one of the world’s leading authorities on algae nutrition and has received many international awards and medals for his research and conclusions in algae nutrition and ecology. Biosuperfood’s algae are cultivated in Siberia under controlled conditions in glass tubes completely protected from the atmosphere. There, they pump spring water from 600 meters deep in volcanic soils containing 92 different trace elements, including selenium and bicarbonate, at an ideal temperature of 35-37 degrees Celsius, directly into bioreactors without contact with air. The ideal environment for algae growth is thus fully controlled and contains absolutely no environmental toxins. The algae are grown without fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, growth hormones, or any additives. Despite this careful control, every batch is also tested for bacteria, pesticides, heavy metals, including radiation, and other environmental toxins. 3. E3AFA algae E3Live produces a unique blue-green algae – the AFA algae (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae) which provides a full spectrum of 65 easily accessible vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and amino acids, and contains more biologically active chlorophyll than any other known food, as well as being a source of a wide range of antioxidants. They also contain high-quality protein, all B vitamins, the blue pigment phycocyanin, and Phenylethylamine “PEA,” which is also found in cocoa. The AFA algae are harvested from Upper Klamath Lake in southern Oregon, USA, which is naturally rich in trace elements. The algae are then filtered to preserve the most living nutrition and further purified by centrifugation. The algae are then cooled and sold frozen or dried as a powder. E3Live uses Refractance Window™ drying with circulating water at atmospheric pressure to transfer heat to the product being dried. The moist product is applied to the upper surface of an infrared-transparent plastic conveyor belt that floats on the surface of the heated, circulating water. The water is recirculated and continuously heated to maintain temperature as heat energy is transferred to the product. Unlike hot air dryers that require several hours or freeze dryers that take between 12 and 72 hours, Refractance Window drying takes only 2 to 6 minutes to dry most products. Refractance Window drying has major advantages as ingredients are exposed to much milder temperatures and the final products retain high levels of sensory qualities such as color, taste, and aroma. Factors contributing to their quality include where and how they harvest, superior filtration and storage, as well as ongoing quality control and testing of all their products. All E3Live products are thoroughly tested by independent USDA-certified laboratories for food safety and sustainability and undergo various other purity tests.
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Hawaiian Spirulina - Naturally Cultivated Sea Nutrition
Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica was founded in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii in 1990 by Dr. Gerald Cysewski, an expert in microalgae and carotenoids. Their mission was and is to harness the benefits of microalgae to improve health and well-being. Their algae farm is located on the pristine Kona coast on the Big Island of Hawaii. The microalgae farm was carved out of land that was once a barren lava flow. There, they now have freshwater ponds where they cultivate spirulina, utilizing the natural resources surrounding them; abundant warm sunlight, clean deep seawater, and freshwater. The freshwater comes from aquifers (water naturally filtered through lava rock) and they add about 5% deep seawater (from 600 meters depth) to provide unique trace elements in the final product. They have a special technique they call: Ocean Chill Drying™ – a system that eliminates oxidation and damage to carotenoids, enzymes, and other nutrients that can occur with conventional drying methods. This system dries the spirulina in just 3-7 seconds, relies on very cold, deep seawater to restore moisture, and uses less than one percent oxygen to preserve the phytonutrients. Spirulina is one of the earth’s oldest life forms, an algae. In the ancient Maya and Aztec cultures, it was highly valued for its healing and strengthening effects and was widely used as a dietary supplement. It was believed that this “food of the gods” provided quick energy and increased the body’s resistance and strength. Even in the African Kanembu people, Spirulina has been used as a source of nutrition since ancient times.Spirulina provides a broad spectrum of nutrients with many benefits. Its cell walls contain no cellulose, which allows its nutrients to easily pass through the intestinal wall and be utilized by our cells. Spirulina’s impressive nutritional content is easily absorbed. Spirulina contains protein (all essential amino acids), carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins (except C and D), gamma-linolenic acid, chlorophyll, phycocyanin, antioxidants, and SOD. It is also a complete protein that is easy for the body to digest. We offer it in powder and tablet form, which you can find here.
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Homemade Vegan Easter Candy with Natural Ingredients
Marzipan (step 1):2 dl almond flour2 tbsp maple syrup, yacon syrup, agave syrup, or liquid honey. Filling (step 2):2 dl gluten-free rolled oats2 dl walnuts2 dl chopped, dried figs1 tsp vanilla extract1 tbsp water Chocolate coating (step 4):4 dl coconut cream1 dl cocoa powder2-4 tbsp optional sweetener such as coconut sugar, maple syrup, agave, yacon, stevia, or xylitol; if you choose a granulated sweetener, make sure the crystals melt.4 tsp organic coconut oil As topping:Hemp seedsChopped nutsCacao nibs How to make it? Step 1: Make the “marzipan.” Place the ingredients in a bowl and mix until you get a dough. If you have whole almonds, blend them first into a flour. Use your hands to form a “log” and place it on a tray in the freezer.Step 2: Put the oats and walnuts in a powerful blender and blend until you get a crumbly flour. Add the other ingredients and blend well. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more oats; it should be easy to handle.Step 3: Take the marzipan out of the freezer, cut off small pieces, and form small round balls with your hands – these will be the filling, so don’t make the balls too big. Take some of the oat/walnut dough and roll it into a ball shape, press it flat, place a marzipan ball on top, and cover it completely with more oat/walnut dough.Repeat until all the dough is used and let the pralines harden in the freezer.Step 4: Melt everything except the coconut oil over low heat in a saucepan; it should take no more than 2 minutes. Turn off the heat, add the coconut oil, and stir until smooth.Step 5: Dip the balls so they are completely covered in the chocolate sauce. Top the balls with hemp seeds, crushed nuts, or any other desired topping. Let set in the freezer. Done!
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Natural homemade face masks for all skin types
Detoxifying face masks for a refreshing spring feeling / for both men & women. Kelp mask: 2 tbsp kelp powder, 2 tbsp oil such as avocado, argan, camellia, pomegranate – best for dry skin. Or 2 tbsp clay like rhassoul powder or neem powder – neem is best for oily skin prone to acne. Rhassoul clay works well for all skin types. 2-4 drops essential oil (optional) water Mix everything together and add water until you reach the desired consistency. Apply all over the face and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Chlorella mask:2 tsp chlorella powder1 tbsp grape seed oil1 tbsp oatswaterMix everything together and add water until you reach the desired consistency. Apply all over the face and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.
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Avocado hair mask for dry & damaged hair
Now in spring, your hair may feel a bit damaged after winter, so give it a natural boost. Recipe for 1 hair mask: 1/2 avocado 1 tbsp of your favorite oil, e.g., argan, jojoba, camellia, almond, or apricot kernel oil. 1 tbsp coconut oil 3 drops of essential oil Mash the avocado in a bowl and add the oils. Massage into the hair, leave on for 15 minutes. Shampoo first, then rinse; this makes it easier to remove the oil. Essential oils for a healthy scalp Lavender – prevents dandruff, soothes dry scalp.Peppermint – cooling and astringent.Patchouli – good for dandruff and oily scalp.Tea Tree – good for dandruff, oily scalp, and itching.Geranium – good for dandruff, balances, promotes hair growth, smells like rose.Rosemary – stimulating oil, good for hair growth, increases blood circulation.Orange – stimulating oil, increases blood circulation. You can also pour an oil into a spray bottle and spray directly onto dry hair for shine and moisture. Spray directly on the scalp or just on the ends and leave the oil in. Good oils for this are: argan, camellia, marula, and baobab oil. Feel free to add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent.
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Cauliflower Pizza - Vegan & Gluten-Free Recipe with Chia Seeds
CAULIFLOWER PIZZA / VEGAN / GLUTEN-FREE / DAIRY-FREE For 1 personPizza dough:5 dl cauliflower1 chia egg = 1 tbsp chia seeds (3 tbsp soaked in water for 20 minutes)2 tbsp chia seeds3 tbsp nutritional yeast powder½ tsp garlic powder½ tsp oregano½ tsp sea salt¼ tsp black pepper Catalan tomato sauce: 2 dl chopped red bell pepper 2 garlic cloves – chopped 2.5 dl roasted almonds 2 dl strained tomatoes 2 tbsp sherry vinegar 1½ tsp smoked paprika ¼ tsp cayenne pepper ¼ tsp sea salt 1 dl olive oil Vegan cheese: 2.5 dl walnuts (soaked) 1½ tbsp nutritional yeast powder ½ tsp sea salt Toppings:Two large handfuls of arugula2 dl ripe avocado – cubed1 dl sliced cherry tomatoes Of course, you can add whatever you like here =) How to make it? Pizza dough:Blend the cauliflower in a powerful blender until the texture resembles rice.Steam the cauliflower rice for about 5 minutes, then let it cool.When cold, place it in a nut milk bag and squeeze out all the water.Then put all the dough ingredients in a large bowl and knead with your hands until you get a dough ball.Shape the dough into a round disc about 1 cm thick.Place it on baking paper and bake in the oven for about 30 minutes. Tomato sauce:Place the almonds in a blender for about 10 seconds.Add the remaining ingredients except the olive oil and blend again until well combined, then gradually add the olive oil. Vegan cheese:Place all ingredients in a blender and blend for 20 seconds.Assembling the pizza:When the crust comes out of the oven, spread on the tomato sauce.Then add the toppings.Sprinkle on the vegan cheese and serve. Bon appétit!
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Vegan & Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake with Avocado & Berries
Batter: 360 grams hazelnuts 700 grams chopped dates 120 grams cocoa powder 300 grams raspberries/blueberries/currants or other berries – they add tartness Topping: 4 avocados 2 tbsp coconut oil 4 tbsp maple syrup, coconut syrup, or yacon syrup 150 grams cocoa powder How to make it? Blend the cake ingredients in a good blender, then chill the batter to make it easier to shape. Spread half of the cocoa mixture into small ceramic bowls and then sprinkle berries over the entire surface to create a middle layer. Spread the rest of the mixture (over the berries) and let it sit in the fridge for 2 hours (this batter can also be made as one cake if you prefer – then choose a cake pan). Blend the topping in a blender. First the avocado flesh, then the rest. Blend until smooth. Spread the topping in the bowls with a spatula. Decorate with berries and preferably edible flowers like roses, pansies, or herbs such as mint or lemon balm. Small bowls are easy to take outside to eat in a basket or on a balcony. Note that they do not tolerate high heat and should be enjoyed as soon as possible =).
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Spring Dragon - A natural herbal tea without caffeine
Spring Dragon is a fantastic tea based on the Gynostemma herb, known as Jiaogulan in Chinese, with extracts of Luo Han Guo, Schizandra, Goji, Astragalus, and Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng). It is a caffeine-free herbal tea made from some of the most famous "longevity" herbs in the world. The base consists of Gynostemma, which has traditionally been consumed like green tea; it has a similar taste but is milder and sweeter and contains no caffeine. Gynostemma is often described as the "immortality herb," as people who regularly consume Jiaogulan herbal tea are said to have a history of unusually long lifespans.The Gynostemma in this tea grows wild and abundantly on the fertile slopes of Great Immortal Peak in China. The Gynostemma fields are watered by a natural stream and have now been growing there for seventeen years. No chemicals have ever been used on the land. There is no road leading to the area, only narrow, winding walking paths. The result is the sweetest, strongest Gynostemma imaginable. In addition to Gynostemma, these amazing herbs are in the tea: Schizandra – Called the "quintessence of Chinese herbs." Schizandra is a delicious, exotic berry traditionally used to support all systems in the body. It is a potent antioxidant and adaptogen. Goji berries – Known in Asia as a premium "anti-aging herb," this small fruit is a true superfood, very rich in antioxidants and polysaccharides. Astragalus – As one of the most important herbs in herbal medicine, Astragalus is highly valued. It is a potent "energy tonic" and "blood tonic" according to Chinese medicine. Eleuthero – Eleuthero is also rich in saponins like ginseng and gynostemma and is an adaptogen. In Sweden, this root is best known as Siberian ginseng. Luo Han Guo – This delicious, exotic fruit has been used for centuries as a tonic to support lung health. It contains mogroside, a potent immune-supporting glucoside. This fruit gives the tea a wonderfully sweet taste naturally. Mint Dream / Iced Tea:1 Spring Dragon tea bag (brews about 7 dl of tea)1 dl freshly squeezed lime juice12 mint leaves plus extra mint for garnish6 tbsp xylitolAdjust to taste if needed. 1. Let one Spring Dragon tea bag steep in 7 dl of boiled water for at least 3 to 5 minutes. Let it cool to room temperature.2. Remove the stems from the mint leaves. Place them in a blender. Add a few dl of the cooled tea to the blender and blend for about 20-40 seconds at high speed to break down the mint leaves.3. Add the rest of the tea, lime juice, honey, and xylitol. Blend again for about 20 seconds.4. Serve over ice. Garnish with a mint sprig.
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