A product of Ficus trees, figs are false fruits that range from green to purple in color. Interestingly, they are actually inverted flowers and the fig that you traditionally eat as a fruit is the seed of that flower. Once dried, figs are brown and can be incorporated into your raw food diet. Like many other fruits, figs can be eaten on their own or they can be incorporated into some of your favorite recipes.

Originally from Arabia, figs grow most successfully in locations that experience hot summers and cool winters. Furthermore, they thrive when those summers are dry and those winters are wet. Once dried, though, you can enjoy figs year round.

The Health Benefits of Dried Figs

By incorporating dried figs into your raw food diet, you will enhance the amount of important vitamins, nutrients, and minerals that you consume. Some of the benefits of dried figs include:

• Fiber: Fiber can help reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Dried figs provide soluble and insoluble fiber, which allows for a range of healthy benefits, including slowed digestion, appetite control, blood sugar management, lower cholesterol, and improved bowel function.

• Calcium: Highly important, as it helps keep bones strong, dried figs are a wonderful source of Calcium. This helps maintain bone density and keep osteoporosis at bay.

• potassium: A valuable mineral, potassium helps decrease blood pressure and manage the balance of fluids within your body.

• iron: The mineral that allows your body to transport oxygen, iron is a crucial part of your health. Dried figs provide this mineral, which helps your cells get the oxygen they need while keeping your energy levels up.

• magnesium: With this mineral, dried figs can prevent fatigue, allow your muscles to relax, and even improve migraines and muscle soreness.

• copper: copper helps prevent the development of inflammatory diseases, protecting your body against rheumatoid arthritis and other painful illnesses.

• manganese: This substance is important in keeping the enzymes of your body running properly. These enzymes contribute to the body's production of energy and the defense provided by antioxidants.


Adding Dried Figs to Your Diet

The best thing about dried figs, aside from their health benefits, is that they are delicious! A wonderful snack or a tasty component of a meal, dried figs can be prepared in countless ways. By adding dried figs to your diet, you can increase your overall wellbeing while enjoying a wonderful new food!

Order some organic raw dried figs today!

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Kelp noodles may sound outlandish, but they are in fact a neutral ingredient that serves as a base for many a raw food recipe. Raw Kelp noodles can be paired with numberless other ingredients to create pasta dishes that fall in line with the raw food diet. But Kelp noodles are more than just a great staple for your kitchen—they provide health benefits that supplement your healthy lifestyle.

What Exactly Are Kelp Noodles?

Kelp is a kind of seaweed, or algae, that grows in the ocean. To create Kelp noodles, which are raw and very white, almost clear, in appearance, the clear substance that holds the individual pieces of Kelp together are harvested. Though the noodles are not made from the entirety of the algae, they are packed with the same nutrients that have made Kelp a popular ingredient among health-conscious individuals.

Although they can be treated much like regular noodles, Kelp noodles may need to be marinated before use. They are naturally crisp, and by marinating them in citrus juice or vinegar you can enhance their texture without having to cook them.

The Health Benefits of Kelp Noodles

Kelp noodles present benefits to glandular, bone, and circulatory health, in addition to providing much- needed nutrients and minerals.

Here are some of the great things Kelp noodles can supply to your body:

Over 70 nutrients and minerals, including iron, iodine, Calcium, magnesium, and potassium, among others

Vitamins, including B6

Over 21 amino acids

Improved thyroid function from iodine

Stronger bones from Calcium and magnesium

Alleviation of menstrual cramps and premenstrual symptoms, as well as a few cases of arthritis,
through Calcium and magnesium

Folic acid, which protects the circulatory system

Anti-inflammatory properties, due to the magnesium

Absorption of radioactive materials and heavy metals through phytochemicals

Polysaccharides, which provide antifungal and antibacterial properties

Supported memory health

Decrease of allergies

Incorporating Kelp Noodles into Your Raw Food Diet

Because of their mild taste and the fact that they are easily prepared, Kelp noodles can be seamlessly integrated into your raw food diet. Used primarily in the same way as traditional pasta, Kelp noodles can take on many different ingredients while also providing a handful of highly beneficial nutrients and
minerals.

If you are looking for a new, versatile, and beneficial ingredient to add to your pantry, raw Kelp noodles are perfect. These noodles will increase the diversity of your diet while providing a great deal of important health benefits to your body.

Order your Kelp noodles today! 

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Detoxification is a process that removes harmful substances from your body. The health benefits of cleansing your system are many—from the removal of dangerous elements to the increased efficiency of your body's functions. The winter months present many health hazards, and a compromised immune system may not be able to stand up against them. By using Zeolite to prepare your body for the upcoming winter season, you could prevent yourself from developing a cold, the flu, or other ailments!

The Importance of Detox

When you think about all of the different substances that make their way into your body, from unhealthy foods to pesticides that are used in growing fruits and vegetables, you may be surprised at how easily toxins can infiltrate your system. These substances do not only make their way into your body through your food—they can be accumulated by using certain products or spending time in unhealthy environments. You really cannot be certain how many toxic elements have taken root within your system, which is why detoxifying your body is so important. 

Fighting Winter Ailments

In addition to simply removing harmful substances, detox can also help strengthen your immune system. This is really killing two birds with one stone, as you will be able to rid  your body of the elements that cause you to become sick while increasing its ability to fend them off. The winter months are known for two things—the holidays and cold and flu season—and a strong immune system will be able to get you through them both. 

A recent study has shown that this particular season incurs a higher rate of viruses over bacteria. Because modern medicine cannot cure a virus, it can only treat one, keeping your immune system up to par is more important than ever!

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Fruits are wonderful for the body. Refreshing and often packed with important vitamins and minerals, they provide a healthy snack and can cure even the most persistent sweet tooth. Dried mango is one of the most popular dried fruits on the market, as many people enjoy the crisp taste and ease with which it can be eaten.

But dried mango lovers should be aware of the fact that dried fruits are particularly less healthy than their natural counterparts. When a mango is dried, it loses water that makes it filling and packs more calories into a smaller amount of fruit—meaning that it is easy to eat too much at once. Though this can be a concern, you can avoid this issue by eating only a serving at a time, ensuring that you will not continue to munch after eating an appropriate amount.

Though dried mango does contain a higher concentration of sugar, calories, and carbohydrates than fresh mango, it is still a healthy snack that can provide your body with some of the vitamins it needs. First of all, dried mango is a wonderful source of vitamin A, which helps regulate the metabolism. It also contains some vitamin c, but the levels of this vitamin tend to decline during the drying process.

Mangos are also wonderful sources of the following (though keep in mind that dried mangos have less to offer than fresh mangos):

• Phenols, which are antioxidants with anticancer capabilities.

• iron, which is important in avoiding anemia.

• Vitamin E.

• selenium, which fights heart disease.

• Calcium, which contributes to strong bones.

Dried mango is, for all intents and purposes, a good snack that is healthier than its alternatives, such as candy, cookies, and other decidedly unhealthy foods. Though it is not the most health-conscious way to eat mangos, dried mango is perfectly acceptable in moderation.

 
Order your raw organic mangoes today!

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Every person, no matter what kind of diet they ascribe to, has a favorite list of foods; whether you follow a raw food diet, are vegan or vegetarian, or do not follow a specific plan at all, you are bound to have a few foods that you love. For some people, these foods can come in unexpected places, and people who start living a raw food lifestyle often cite the exploration of new foods as one of the most exciting aspects of the diet. For many raw food dieters, Peruvian mesquite pod meal is an unexpected favorite.

mesquite trees, which are deciduous, grow pods (which are also called legumes or, though repetitive, legume pods). These pods are harvested and then crushed to create a powder—mesquite pod meal. Though mesquite trees grow in many locations, Peruvian mesquite trees are sustainable and the pods are collected from wild trees. The most natural form of harvesting, this ensures that the pod meal is organic and compatible with vegetarian, vegan,  and raw food diets. Better yet, these trees grow quickly and infuse the soil with nitrogen in places that other trees are unable to grow. Therefore, the natural harvesting of these pods has no negative impact on the environment.

An ingredient that is both sweet and savory, mesquite pod meal is a wonderful additive to many raw food recipes, including desserts, granola, chili, and chocolate. In fact, it is sweet enough to replace sugar and allow for the creation of more natural recipes. Though its sweetness may seem as though it would be a poor choice for individuals who have diabetes or other related health problems, it is actually very low on the glycemic index and provides a sweet taste that even diabetics can safely enjoy.

Peruvian mesquite pod meal is valuable for more than just its great taste. Loaded with vitamins and minerals, it is a healthy addition to any diet. By adding mesquite pod meal to your pantry, you can benefit from:

• Soluble Fiber
• Amino Acids
• magnesium
• potassium
• iron
• Lysine
• zinc
• Calcium
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids
• Protein (20 to 30 percent)

Finding great tasting raw food ingredients that can be used in such a variety of ways is not necessarily rare, but it is definitely something that every raw food dieter is always on the lookout for. Peruvian mesquite pod meal can be incorporated into so many different recipes and be consumed in such a multitude of ways that it will not just sit in your pantry and go bad before you can finish it.

Peruvian mesquite pod meal is certainly a great addition to any diet, whether you are looking for a new raw ingredient or are simply searching for something to spice up some old recipes. Good for the environment and delicious, mesquite pod meal provides many healthy vitamins and minerals.

Sources:

http://www.rawfoodrecipes.com/view-by-tag/mesquite-pod-meal/

http://www.mesquiteflour.com/

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Superfoods have recently taken center stage in the health food industry, as they are among the most effective components of a well-balanced, nutritious diet. Though their value as a part of a healthy diet is of course important, many people have been looking to superfoods to provide other benefits, such as help losing weight. Golden Berries recommended by Dr. Oz for their fat burning properties, are among the superfoods that people all over the world have begun to incorporate into their daily meal plans.

Dr. Oz is a well-known health guru who provides advice to millions of people through his television show, radio appearances, blog, and books. Golden Berries (which are also known as "goldenberries" and "Cape gooseberries") are one of his three "breakthrough belly blasters" that target fat and help

people lose inches.

Originally, Golden Berries are from Brazil, but they have slowly made their way into the warm climates of countries all around the world, including Peru, Chile, South Africa, Australia, and Hawaii. Kin to potatoes and tomatoes, these berries are about the size of a marble and grow within husks, which are removed when they are completely dried and the Golden Berries are sweet and ripe. The growing and ripening process is one that takes a relatively long time, between 70 to 80 days, but is well worth the great health benefits that these berries provide.

First and foremost, Golden Berries are wonderful fat burners. When incorporated into a well-balanced diet, these berries can help people lose weight in a way that is both natural and healthy. Dieting trends can be dangerous, resulting in people becoming malnourished and losing valuable muscle mass, but Dr. Oz has recommended Golden Berries as a diet aid and healthy component of a well-rounded nutrition plan because of their natural properties. As with all other superfoods, Golden Berries are able to provide

their results organically, without the interference of chemicals or other processing that can deplete or alter their natural vitamins.

Golden Berries do much more than simply supplement weight loss efforts; these berries provide a wide range of vitamins and minerals that help the body work more efficiently.

• Protein: Helps the body build muscle and burn energy, resulting in weight loss and more muscle mass.

• Phosphorous: Facilitates the growth and strength of bones and teeth.

• vitamin c: Necessary for over 300 different functions, vitamin c is essential to one's health.

• Complex B Vitamins: With B1, B2, B6, and B12, Golden Berries contain the B vitamins that are necessary to help burn fat and glucose while maintaining energy, improving memory, reducing stress, and boosting the metabolism.

• Bioflavonoids: Important for the immune system, bioflavonoids help protect the body.

As recommended by Dr. Oz, Golden Berries are a great organic food that can help individuals lose weight in a way that promotes health. In addition to providing weight loss properties that will boost metabolism, increase energy, and help shed inches, the golden berry provides other healthy vitamins and minerals that can protect the body through antioxidant and other naturally healthy properties. 

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Brazil nuts grow naturally in the Amazon forest. These large brown nuts may have a funny shape, but they come with a host of health benefits, which make eating a few a day well worth it.

Brazil nuts are a good source of healthy fat. High in calories and rich in monounsaturated fats, they help to lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol in the blood. They are also a great source of vitamin E, which is good for the skin and for the healthy maintenance of mucous membranes. These gluten-free nuts are also a great source of complex B vitamins and folates and contain healthy levels of other minerals, including copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, Calcium, zinc and phosphorous. copper protects against anemia and osteoporosis. Calcium and magnesium are essential for healthy bones and teeth. iron and manganese assist with hemoglobin production, which helps the blood transport oxygen to the body’s cells. And, zinc is important for the body’s immune function.

Clearly, Brazil nuts are very healthy, but the key thing to remember is that a little goes a long way. It is important not to consume too many of these tasty snacks. Brazil nuts contain the highest source of selenium of any raw food. selenium is a trace mineral that the body requires only in very small amounts. It is often used with proteins to make selenoproteins, which are antioxidant enzymes important for preventing cancer, disease and cellular damage from free radicals. Selenoproteins also regulate thyroid function and immune function. selenium has been shown to prevent prostate cancer and liver cirrhosis, and may even induce the self-destruction of cancer cells.

With so many health benefits, why is it important to only consume selenium in very small amounts? Most people in the U.S. are not selenium deficient. In fact, selenium deficiencies are associated with severe gastrointestinal disorders, which may hinder selenium absorption. Unless you have a severe gastrointestinal disorder, chances are you don’t require selenium supplementation. Too much of this mineral may be toxic, and there is only a very small difference between an optimal dose and a toxic dose. The absolute upper limit for adults is 400 micrograms a day. One thousand or more micrograms a day can cause nausea, vomiting, hair loss and a host of other health problems. The optimal dose is 200 micrograms a day – the equivalent of eating only 1-3 raw Brazil nuts.

Brazil nuts are consumed in a variety of ways. You can buy them raw, with or without the shells, and they may also come roasted and salted. They deteriorate faster if exposed to air, humidity and sunlight, so whole, unshelled nuts are better as they will not go rancid quite as quickly. Brazil nuts are often pressed into oil, which can be used in massage therapy or in cooking. It is also used as a base oil in aromatherapy, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Use Brazil nuts to garnish fruit salads, vegetable salads, cakes and desserts, soup, or meat and vegetable dishes, or for maximum health benefits, consume a few plain Brazil nuts per day to get your optimal daily dose of selenium.

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