Natural Products Azteca

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

5 Miraculous Benefits to Add Nopal Cactus into Your Daily Food Intake

Nopal Cactus Powder

While hearing the term ‘cactus’, we often picture that prickly, funky plant of our living room or the sand-filled, dry desert. Though, this thorny desert plant is not the favorite for many of us, but, as per the scientific studies, they are being proved to be of rich nutritional content. They are packed with a pack of most essential nutrients and thus, are known to be the superfood.

Though the plant is mostly being shunned by people across the world because of its bristles and spikes, but, it actually can alleviate serious ailments ranging from different types of cancer to high cholesterol.

Reducing hangover

It contains a pack of antioxidants and nutrients including vitamins A, C, E, calcium along with carotenoids, which aid in reducing inflammation from the body. It comprises of phenolics and flavonoids which, are known to be phytochemicals mostly present in many plants popularly used for medicinal purposes.

Lowering Cholesterol

Its name is also being linked with lowering the cholesterol levels present in the body along with its pectin and fiber content. It aids in decreasing the level of triglyceride ‘bad cholesterol’ and increasing the level of HDL ‘good cholesterol’. This plant is also being proved to be healthy for reducing the risks related with heart problems.

Lowering blood sugar levels

Nopal cactus helps in lowering the level of blood sugar, especially the Type 2 diabetes. It hosts sound glycemic control which, is rarely seen in most of the conventional drugs being used for blood sugar. The pectin and fiber reduce the blood sugar by decreasing the sugar absorption in intestines and stomach. Nopal cactus also protects liver from oxidation, thereby improving the insulin sensitivity.

Lowering the weight

Nopal for weight loss has gained wide recognition because of its rich antioxidant content. With regular consumption of nopal cactus powder, your body’s metabolism rate will increase, which will certainly promote weight loss.

Protecting brain cells

This superfood is rich in anti-inflammatory properties which, might help in minimizing free radical damage to the brain cells. Dihydroquercetin, Quercetin and quercetin 3-methyl ether are proven to protect the brain cells and prohibits the creation of free radicals as well.

Thus, though consuming cactus might not seem to be a conventional idea, but, while considering its rich nutritional content, you should implement it into your daily food habits to promote wellness. Now, if you are somewhat worried about where to get Nopal cactus powder, pay a visit to the premier online store of organic food products, Natural Products Azteca.

3 Delicious Ways to Extract the Goodness of Raw Cacao Powder

Dark chocolate is certainly a much healthier alternative than milk chocolate since, cocoa comes with a myriad of miraculous benefits. Irrespective of whether you want to shed excessive fat from your body or want to simply promote a better lifestyle, regular consumption of raw cacao powder will help you to promote wellness.

Raw Cacao Powder

Cacao is packed with plentiful of antioxidants which, destroy free radicals, all which accelerate aging, thereby increasing the potential against numerous dreadful diseases. It improves the blood vessel health and pressure, thereby improving the HDL cholesterol as well. The benefits are mostly outweighed by adverse consequences of fat and refined sugar we tend pair with raw cacao powder.

Following here are certain healthful ways for adding cacao powder to the diet.

Pudding

Well, if you are up to the thought that trying chocolate pudding as your breakfast meal won’t serve you then, it’s time to rethink. Raw cacao chocolate pudding are much high in protein, which help you to stay full for hours. Moreover, having this super food into your daily diet will help you to unleash all the nutritious elements of it, which can also be considered as a potential dessert treat or sweet breakfast.

Sprinkled over fruits

You can simply add it to a cup of frozen banana slices along with cacao powder thereby, sprinkled over the top. This dish can be placed somewhere in between a cold banana truffle and a chocolate-covered banana, which can serve as the perfect sweet tooth. Moreover, you can add cocoa powder and frozen banana slices to a blender or food processor, thereby blending till it converts into a smooth and creamy chocolate ice cream.

Granola bars

These are surprisingly very easy to make. One quick web search will help you to get a range of recipes. You can simply add cacao powder to the mix, thereby adjusting the moist ingredients for making sure that the mix isn’t too much dry or you can add some raw cacao nibs to the mixture of granola bars as well. Keep note of the fact that; cacao nibs are mostly the same as cacao powder.

Moreover, you can also prepare fudge and brownies which, are extremely healthy and tasty as well. You can also try for the healthier truffles as well which, are made of dates, coconut shreds, nut butter and all other goodies. After preparing the truffles, those are being taken for a good roll in cacao powder. While wrapping up, we would like to conclude that trying out these recipes of raw cacao powder will ultimately lead you to extract the goodness of this super food at its best.

Rejuvenate Yourself with the Goodness of Organic Japanese Sencha

Being originated in Japan, Sencha green tea comes with an amazing and refined taste while compared to other varied types of green tea. This tea is considered to be one of the most healthy drinks all across the world which, serves as the perfect remedy for varied types of ailments. Irrespective of whether you take consume it hot in winters or as ice tea in the summers, it’s taste serves to be damn refreshing.

Organic Sencha: The Bitter yet Sweet Drink

When brewed, this green tea has a yellow color along with a fresh, light aroma which, have a perfect blend of bitter and sweet taste. Because of its unique fragrance and taste of tea, it is being considered to be a preferable choice all across the world. Following here are some of the amazing healthy benefits of green tea consumption.

Antioxidants

Catechins relate to a group of compounds called polyphenols which, are powerful antioxidants. These aid in preventing the genetic and cellular damage by neutralizing the unstable molecules which, are being known as free radicals. The free radicals occur naturally in the body and certain unavoidable environmental influences like air pollution also contribute to the evolution of free radicals. By consuming Sencha tea regularly, you will be able to treat your body with a boost of antioxidants which, help in neutralizing the harmful molecules and decreasing the chances of certain diseases.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Polyphenol content of Sencha tea is being treated as a powerful weapon in the fight against heart diseases. Green tea consumption aids in minimizing the incidence of death against varied types of cardiovascular diseases. Regular consumption of Sencha aids in cancer prevention, thereby leading you to an active and healthy life. It helps in eliminating the signs of aging, promoting skin care and regulating the blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Weight loss benefits

Sencha green tea serves to be beneficial for controlling the level of blood sugar. Moreover, it’s also believed that this tea aids in avoiding the onset of type 1 diabetes. Polyphenols present in Sencha also increases the metabolism rate. Thus, this help the body to burn fat effectively.

Since ancient times, Organic Japanese Sencha tea have evolved as a part of leading a healthy life, which also aids to calm and clear the mind. Moreover, it functions as one mild stimulant for helping you to focus better, sleep better and handle anxiety. Thus, take a step to wellness with a refreshing steaming cup of green tea and lead a healthier lifestyle.

Interesting Facts about Nopal Cactus & the Weight Loss Programme

Nopales are oval, thick, flat stems of a variety of cactus plant. These are a popular vegetable especially in Mexican cuisine across the centuries. Gradually, it is gaining space on the dining table all over the world. One of the most crucial reasons for its steadily expanding popularity is the array of health benefits it offers. Moreover, the vegetable can be whipped into delicious dishes without much effort or time. In addition to all the factors already mentioned, nopal weight loss is indeed a great way to curb obesity.

Little backtrack

However, before getting into the health benefits that the cactus provides, it will be interesting to know about its origin.

The plant grows in abundance in Mexico and its adjoining desert areas. The plant used to be the staple diet across the Mayan, the Aztec, and the Inca societies for the last several thousands of years. The ancient societies were aware about the health benefits this plant offers. The variety of cactus is popularly known as “prickly pear”. The early Spanish settlers discovered that Nopal cactus can cure scurvy. Thus, the vegetable gained its entry into the so called civilized world.

Commercial importance

Commercial prospect of this plant is immensely high. As of today, well over 200 Cactaceae cultivators are involved in growing this vegetable across the dry, semi-arid lands of northern Mexico.

Health & wealth

Extensive research reveals the unbelievable health benefits the variety of cactus provides. These can be summed up as following:

Nopal is an excellent agent to lower the cholesterol level in blood.

It has almost unparalleled antioxidant properties.

Small dosage of nopal cactus if taken regularly, helps to improve the function of the pancreas.

The vegetable helps to regulate the insulin level in blood and thus, it makes an ideal diet for folks who are diabetic.

It has a high concentration of fiber.

The vegetable absorbs high volumes of water to help our body assimilate it.

The food item is most ideal to burn out excess fat in our body. As such, it helps to curb carbohydrate cravings and thus, suppresses hunger pangs. The vegetable is one of the best options to lose excess weight.

High concentration of vitamin C in it makes it an ideal medicine to cure scurvy.

In dishes & as recipes

The green pads of nopal cactus can be consumed in a number of ways. It can either be added to salads and eaten raw or be cooked into dishes. Usually, it is added to tacos, various dishes made from egg and different types of Mexican salads. It is indeed relevant mentioning here that most of the dishes, if not all, made of Nopal cactus have easy and simple recipes.

The spines are cut off the pads and the pads are then chopped or sliced according to requirement. Some people prefer to pan-fry it with scrambled eggs or add it to omelettes. The cactus is also added to pico de gallo - a fiery Mexican raw vegetable medley made with tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, onions and cilantro. This dish can be served grilled or sauteed with onions as a garnish for fajitas.

Nopal cactus bears a fruit, which tastes like a cross between watermelon and bubblegum. To prepare this neon-red prickly pear, the skin is removed and the spines are cut off. Finally, the flesh and the seeds remain. Both these can either be eaten raw, made into juice, added to beverages or can be used as recipes to prepare various dishes.

Easier access

Thanks to all the amazing benefits the cactus offers, the craze of nopal weight loss is growing at an exponential pace. Considering the overwhelming popularity of this superfood, there are many reputed online grocery outlets that categorically deal in this item. These virtual stores readily send superior quality of nopal cactus powder to customers in exchange of a reasonable sum of money.

3 Compelling Reasons to Replace Refined Sugar with Organic Stevia

Some centuries ago, Stevia was being derived from the Rebaudiana plant in Paraguay, which was later documented by a Swiss botanist, ‘sweet leaf’ and being brought to the modern world. Considering the modern fitness enthusiastic world, stevia is widely available in a number of forms. The most popular among them is the white extract powder. However, you can also purchase dried stevia leaves, stevia liquid extracts or the smaller pellets used for sweetening the coffee.

The organic stevia sweetener is unique compared to normal sugar in a varied range of ways. Irrespective of whether you are diabetic in nature or simply want to lead a better lifestyle, consuming this ‘superfood’ is the ideal choice. Following here are some aspects discussed, which will state how it is a better choice than normal sugar.

It’s very potent

Raw leaves of the plant are 40 times sweeter approx compared to sugar and the powdered form extracted from them are up to 200-300 times more sweet. It means you just need a pinch of stevia to suffice while preparing the sugar-free recipes. The shelf life of sweet leaves is around 5 years and thus, it’s truly a worthy investment.

It has no calories

Refined sugar leads you to gain weight. Sine, sucrose comprises a lot of calories and the market is flooded with numerous sugary products as a result of which, it’s apparently a full-time chore to eliminate its consumption. Consequently, a substantial proportion of adults as well as children is gradually becoming prone to obesity. But, replacing refined sugar with this natural sweetener will allow you to cut down the calorie intake and promote a healthier life.

It helps to avoid the hungry pangs

Sugar is proven to be addictive. Though, artificial sweeteners like Sucralose and Aspartame might not come with any calories or the glycemic index, however, they compel people to have cravings for the sugary sweets. Moreover, more number of consumers are being reported to suffer from adverse side effects while using the artificial sweeteners. On the contrary, this natural sweetener is being proved to suppress cravings.

Wrapping up
Apart from these, organic stevia aids in improving the oral health, reducing the chances of diabetes, regulating the level of hypertension, helping with Candidiasis and much more. Thus, the bottom line is; though stevia’s taste might make you feel a bit different but, in the long run, you will surely be able to decipher the hidden promising benefits. It comprises of 2 sweet components naming Stevioside and Rebaudioside, both of which are collectively known to be Glycosides. You must find a product based on the latter one since, Stevioside comes with a bitter aftertaste which, you may don’t like. Thus, what’s the wait for? Incorporate stevia into your daily diet and lead a step towards wellness.

4 Delicious Nopal Cactus Recipes to Cure Varied Health Problems

Mankind has always and will be in search of nutritious foods for deriving greater nutrition and wellness. Considering the fact, nopal cactus has being consumed by people since the ancient times and is now acclaimed as a ‘superfood’ by the contemporary food enthusiasts. Because of its many medicinal properties, it’s also enriched with calcium, fiber, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. Be it for preventing the possibility of hypoglycemia or controlling the level of blood sugar, this item is proved to be of high potential to cure multiple health problems.

Following here are some of the useful recipes which, aid in curing severe health problems including skin irritation, obesity, diabetes and hypoglycemia.

Nopal for weight loss

Ingredients

1 cup of alfalfa

1 medium sized cactus

1 glass of natural and fresh carrot juice

Preparation

Drink ½ liter of juice per day; one glass at noon and one glass in the afternoon. You should drink 2 litres of pure water per day for removing the toxins and fats. Make sure not to eat salty, fried or sugar or processed foods all the day.

Nopal for hypoglycemia, diabetes and skin problems

Ingredients

1 medium sized, fresh cactus

1 glass of pure water

Juice of 1 lemon

1 tbsp of flaxseed or chia seeds

A little honey

Preparation

Place all ingredients in the blender and blend it for few minutes. Without much strain, drink the mixture slowly and chew if required.

After drinking this juice, do not eat anything else for an hour. Drink one more glass before having main meal of the day.

Nopal for lowering blood sugar and combat obesity

Ingredients

1 medium sized cactus

1 glass of water

1 well-sanitized sprig of parsley

1 tbsp of flaxseed or chia seeds

Preparation

Blend all the ingredients and sip the mixture without strain.

Nopal for diabetes or weight loss

Ingredients

4 stalks of diced cactus

½ tbsp of extra virgin olive oil

1 clove of garlic

2 spring onions (finely-chopped)

8 clean spinach leaves

1 tbsp of cilantro (chopped)

Salt 3 cups of vegetable broth

Preparation

Boil cactus in one cup of water with garlic, cilantro, onion and salt. Cover the pot and sim it for a few minutes in low temperature. After being cooked, drain in the colander, thereby leaving it till it gets cool.

Fry the garlic and onion with little oil, add the cactus and broth, thereby letting it to boil for around 10 minutes.

Grind spinach in the blender with cilantro along with little broth, thereby pouring into the soup. Boil it for 5 minutes. Before serving, you need to add some brown sugar cubes and thereafter, serve it hot.

Well, thus the next time you are about to consume nopal cactus, make sure that you prepare in the right way to derive the rich extracts at their best.

Some Splendid Ways to Savor the Goodness of Cacao at its Best

Can the highly nutritional elements of cacao really promote sound health? With this nutrient-powered super food which, originated in foothills of the Andes Mountains, termed as Raw Cacao, of course you can. The benefits of cacao are superfluous which, ends in improving the memory, increasing the bliss, shedding excessive fat, reducing heart diseases and creating loads of energy.

Being packed with a series of health benefits, it can be mixed with a series of nutritious foods which, will end up in savoring the rich extracts of Raw cacao powder at its best.

Pudding

Here’s a recipe brought to you for Chocolate Cottage Cheese Chia Pudding which, is enriched with protein. Thus, it helps you to remain full for long hours which, also helps in adding the health benefits of Cocoa powder into the meal.

Another variation is the Raw Chocolate Super food Pudding, which can be consumed as a perfect snack or breakfast option. Another one is the Banana Avocado Pudding that falls somewhere in between a potential dessert and sweet breakfast treat.

Well, the following one might be a little rich for being treated as a breakfast. However, while considered as a healthy and sweet breakfast, you can try the Chocolate Avocado Pudding that is raw, vegan and filled with a pack of healthy fats and nutrients.

Sprinkled over fruit

Another favorite snack which, can be consumed daily is a pack of frozen banana slices mixed with cocoa powder thereby, sprinkled over the top. This recipe typically falls somewhere in between a cold banana truffle and a chocolate-covered banana, this treat is one of the go-tos to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Taking it a step further, you can cocoa powder and frozen banana slices to a blender or food processor and blend it till it becomes smooth enough to prepare a creamy chocolate ice cream.

Granola bars

These are quite easy to make. Though, there is a list of granola recipes to prepare, but one of the healthiest and simplest is the 5 ingredient granola bar. You can simply add cocoa powder to the mix, thereby adjusting the moist ingredients to get sure of the fact that the mixture isn’t much dry. You can even simply add raw cacao nibs to the mixture of granola bars.

Apart from the aforesaid, you can also prepare a plate of delicious and nutrient-rich truffles, brownies and fudges, which will help you to gasp the varied flavors of raw cacao powder at its best. Thus, dive into the world of goodness of cacao with these appetizing recipes. Bon Appetit!

Stevia - The Organic Sweetener with Loads of Health Benefits

Organic Stevia

Stevia rebaudiana is a popular plant of the Asteraceae family and grows in plenty in Latin America. It is a natural sweetener and is widely used to sweeten beverages since the historic times. It is a common ingredient in some part of the world to prepare tea with replacing sugar. Simply as a sweetener it may not have gained so much popularity in the present-day health conscious society. Actually, the plant provides an array of benefits to our health, which can be summed up as following:

The plant extract is about 300 times sweeter than the ordinary sugar available in the market and is a crucial component in a number of food items. These include energy bars, candies, protein drinks and even some varieties of tea.
In contrast to sugar, it is calorie-free.
It contains near about 11% of fiber and is helpful in enhancing our digestion process and curing constipation.
The leaves of the plant are rich in potassium, zinc, magnesium and vitamin B3.
The plant is also rich in iron content and stimulates production of hemoglobin in the blood.

The plant grows well in both temperate and tropical regions. Thus, considering its impressive health quotient, stevia is widely grown these days in many unconventional countries including China, Japan, Kenya, Vietnam, India, and Thailand, etc.

An increasing number of physicians are prescribing organic stevia to patients suffering from chronic medical ailments like diabetes, overweight or obesity and high blood pressure. The plant extract is known to improve the metabolism rate and helps us to resist pancreatic cancer. Foods and drinks that contain stevia are an excellent option to cut down our unwanted calorie intake. There are in fact hundreds of products available in the market that contain naturally-sourced stevia. The natural sweetener is also helpful for children in cutting down excessive calorie intake.

To put it simply, the natural, organic sweetener possesses excellent commercial prospect in this health-conscious society. There are many reputed grocery outlets both online and in the real world that readily provides superior quality of the organic sweetener at pocket-friendly prices.

Enrich Your Lifestyle With the Goodness of Popular Organic Foods

Seeds are the power foods of nature which are smaller in size, but highly enriched with nutrition. Adding them to your everyday meals is certainly a cinch. You will find a variety of popular seeds like flax seeds, chia seeds and hemp seeds available in the health food stores, be it online or in local markets. This trio of seeds provides a myriad of health benefits, of which the most valuable are Omega 3 fatty acids. Consumption of these seeds are not just limited to plant-based diets, but every other person, who is eager to improve their daily intake of nutrients can consume them.

Chia seeds

Chia Seeds Weight loss

These seeds are heralded by nutritionists across the world as a perfect alternative of fish oil for the vegans because of its rich Omega 3 fatty acid content. These have more number of healthy fats compared to salmon. Omega fatty acids aids in improving the health of your heart and also regulating the cholesterol level, thereby proving to be helpful in shedding weight. Furthermore, the gel that forms around the seed makes you feel full for longer hours.

Quinoa

White Quinoa

Quinoa is considered to be the cornerstone of traditional harvest products. Known as the ‘mother grain’ amongst Bolivians, Quinoa serve as one of the most plant-based sources, which tastes damn good. Being a complete protein source, it offers all the 9 necessary amino acids for good health. Amino acids promotes stronger muscles, keeping the immune system in proper shape, thereby keeping our bodies healthy.

Hemp seeds

Organic Hulled Hemp Seeds

These are a great food for vegans, as they are mostly packed with easy-digestible proteins, thereby containing all the 10 necessary amino acids. Thus, they are one of the rare plant-based foods which, offer complete protein. These seeds are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, especially special type of omega-6 fatty acids, which is not as such present in any other food. These seeds come with a nutty, mild flavor. With other seeds, they taste good both with cold or hot cereals, soups, smoothies or can be just sprinkled on casseroles, salads, cooked grains or noodle dishes. Moreover, hemp oil comes with a ‘grassy’ flavor that can offer almost the same extent of benefits alike olive oil.

Thus, the next time you are looking for some highly-nutritious foods to add to your daily regimen, try for these three enriched natural weight loss products. Being listed among the top superfoods, these items come with a myriad of health benefits which, further aids in improving your lifestyle.

Author Bio : Maria is a nutritionist and loves to write about different types of natural weight loss products, which serve enormous health benefits, thereby helping people to shed their excessive weight.