Natural Products Azteca

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

3 Healthy Chia Seeds Recipes to Try for an Active Lifestyle

Chia Seeds for weight loss

Despite of being one of the old-school goodies, the humble and tiny chia seeds have hit the culinary trend over these few years, thereby transforming its image as a novelty wellness food to the bona fide superfood. Well, thanks to the people for catching down its myriad of nutritional perks (packed with fatty acids, fiber, minerals and protein) along with a list of physical properties.

Here, in this blog, we would like to talk about the most appetizing chia seeds recipes.

Cinnamon Chia seed Granola

Well, you just need to bake a batch of granola and can enjoy the same with some Greek yogurt, with some milk in a bowl and your healthy snack is all set to go.

Ingredients:

1 packet of oats
2 tbsp of chia seeds
¼ tbsp of nutmeg
½ tbsp of cinnamon
2 tbsp of honey
1 tbsp of canola oil

Process: You need to preheat the oven at 300 degrees thereby, spraying a cookie sheet along with cooking spray. Combine the oats with nutmeg and stir well in a bowl. Furthermore, stir some canola oil and honey slowly into the oat mixture till the time the oats get completely coated. Spread the granola over the prepared cookie sheet thereby, baking it for around 15 minutes. Allow it to cool and have it all crunchy.

Chocolate chia seeds pudding

Though this dish doesn’t look much appetizing, but, the fun texture of it will certainly please the tapioca pudding lovers as well. It’s chocolate flavor is expected to win the hearts of chocoholics who are in search of a healthy version of chocolate pudding.

Ingredients:

¼ cup of chia seeds
¾ cup of almond milk
1 tbsp of cocoa powder
1-2 tbsp of sugar

Process: Combine almond milk with the chia seeds and stir it in sugar and cocoa powder. Wait for 30 minutes or more till, the time the mixture gets thickened.

Chia seed smoothie bowl

It serves as a perfect dish for a summer hot day which, includes both vegetables and fruits, all of which are in the guise of a cold, creamy chocolate treat.

Ingredients:

1 and ¼ of almond milk
1 scoop of chocolate protein powder
½ frozen banana
1 c of frozen strawberries
1 tbsp of chia seeds
A tbsp of xanthan gum
1 tbsp of cocoa powder
1 large handful of fresh spinach

Process:

Pour the milk into blender thereby, topping it with the remaining ingredients. Thereafter, blend it till it forms a smooth, thick texture. Pour the preparation into a bowl and garnish it with chia seeds.

These 3 immensely healthy recipes would certainly help you to promote a healthier lifestyle thereby, ensuring that you get to witness massive wellness into your family and dear ones and tempt you to buy premium-quality chia seeds online from australia.

Amazing Health Benefits of Consuming Chia Seeds Daily

Chia Seeds weight loss

The tiny seed that comes in either dark brown, white or black color also comes with an enriched nutritional profile. It contains phosphorus, calcium and manganese and also a potential source of omega-3 acid, which is a necessary nutrient of human body. As an extra benefit, you can eat chia seeds as whole or milled whereas, in case of flax seeds, you need to grind it completely before consumption for accessing the health benefits.

While buying chia, both black and white seeds are good choices and owing to this fact, here we would like to talk about some of the most significant health benefits of chia seeds.

Combating diabetes

It’s being considered as a significant natural treatment to cure type-2 diabetes because of the ability of slowing down digestion. Gelatinous coating of these seeds develop when they are being exposed to liquids which, results further in preventing the blood sugar level to spike.

Getting more fibre

Roughly 28 grams of chia seeds (one ounce) boasts nearly 11 grams of dietary fibre, which is equal to 1/3rd of the recommended daily intake for adults. So, consuming chia is a good way of getting a sound amount of fibre, which leads to a better digestive health.

Stocking up Omega-3

They are a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, boasting about 5 grams in per serving (one ounce). This fat is significant for brain health.

Stronger bones and teeth

One serving of chia seeds comes with 18 percent of the daily calcium intake recommended by nutritionists which, helps you to maintain a sound oral and bone health, thereby preventing the chances of osteoporosis.

Packed with protein

These are also a rich source of protein for vegetarians which, don’t contain cholesterol. A serving of 28 grams of chia seeds comes with 4.4 grams of protein which, is nearly around 10 percent of the daily intake.

Fighting belly fat

The stabilizing effect of these seeds on blood sugar also combat against insulin assistance which, is the main stimulant for increasing belly fat. This type of resistance is also harmful for improving the overall health.

Getting it full faster

An amino acid, Tryptophan, which is mainly found in Turkey is found in chia seeds as well. It helps in regulating the appetite, sleeping and improving the mood as well.

Improving heart health

Chia seeds have been proven to improve the blood pressure which, may also boost up the level of healthy cholesterol, thereby lowering the level of LDL and triglyceride cholesterol.

Thus, while knowing about such wide range of goodies on consuming chia seeds, you must have been wondering where to get if from. Well, at Natural Products Azteca, a leading online store of natural health products and supplements, can provide you highly-nutritious chia seeds online in Australia. Thus, visit our online store and relish a bowl of goodness.

Green Tea: The Superfood with a Myriad of Astonishing Health Benefits

Matcha Green Tea

If you like tea, especially the healthy beverage options, then green tea is the perfect ‘superfood’ for you. Powered with a myriad of antioxidants and other essential nutrients, it’s being proven to be immensely healthy thereby leading you to a better lifestyle. However, often people wonder about what other types of benefits can be extracted by consuming it? Well, it’s time to spill the real scoop and get to know about its health benefits on a detailed manner.

Black tea vs Green tea: What’s there to know

To start with, all types of tea are hand-picked from a green leafy shrub belonging to the species of Camellia Sinensis. However, for preparing tea, the new leaves are being fermented and cured. This in turn, helps in breaking down most of the active compounds. On the other hand, green tea is being prepared by steaming the leaves lightly after picking. It not only helps in preserving the active compounds but also destroys the enzymes which, are required for breaking them rapidly.

Why to opt for Green

It’s being used since centuries in the domain of conventional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines for facilitating digestion, promoting heart health, helping to heal wounds, improving digestion, stabilizing blood sugar and boosting the mental function. Nowadays, this ancient ritual has taken the form of a concrete scientific finding along with numerous studies being carried on for proving the richness of antioxidants and other substances present in it. They help in lowering the cholesterol level, protecting against cancer, diabetes, heart diseases, gum diseases, viral and bacterial infections. Moreover, it helps in calming the nervous system by minimizing the levels of stress hormones including epinephrine and cortisol.

How it helps in promoting weight loss

Green tea is being proved to inhibit lipolysis, the typical process which, is used for breaking down the dietary fats of the body. Inhibition of breakdown of triglycerides aids in preventing the absorption of fat. This in turn, ensures you of the fact that you are not supposed to gain excessive weight. Moreover, catechins present in green tea inhibits an important enzyme named as Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) which, speeds up the metabolism rate, thereby increasing the rate of calorie burn.

Matcha Tea Weight Loss

The results of green tea consumption are many however, are quite slow and modest. Thus, to enjoy the most of this nutrient-powered superfood, complement your lifestyle with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Now, when you are somewhat aware of the miraculous benefits of it, if you are eager to buy tea online in Australia, then log onto the online store of Natural Products Azteca where, you can best quality organic health products at affordable prices.

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.