Natural Products Azteca

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Easy Dessert Recipes using Raw Cacao Powder

There is hardly anyone who does not like chocolate. In fact, everybody loves chocolate, irrespective of how old one is. It is widely used in preparing lip-smacking desserts. Yummy taste of items like chocolate strawberry shortcake, fudge babies, and double chocolate mocha biscotti, etc. proves most helpful to win over just anyone and everyone. In alternate words, chocolate is widely used in whipping up bakery items, including desserts.

Innovative folks often blend raw cacao powder with the bakery ingredients to prepare varieties of desserts. Here, we will discuss preparing real fudge babies and sun butter brownies.

Real fudge babies:

This item is obviously lip-smacking and unbelievably healthy. Moreover, the dish is pretty easy to prepare.

Ingredients

½ cup dates with the pits removed

1 cup walnut

3 tablespoons cacao powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon Celtic sea salt (however, this can be omitted if you do not prefer too much salt)

Procedure

Place dates, walnuts, cocoa powder, vanilla and salt together in a food processor

Pulse on high speed until the mass smooth ens

Remove the mixture from food processor and roll into little balls

Now, you can serve

Sun butter brownies

Ingredients that are required for this dish are as following:

½ cup sun butter

3 to 4 eggs

½ cup maple syrup

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

½ cup cacao powder

½ teaspoon each of Celtic sea salt, baking soda, chocolate chips

Procedure

Take a food processor and put sun butter, eggs, and maple syrup together into it

Pulse in vanilla, vinegar, cacao powder, salt, and baking soda

Stir in chocolate chips by hand

Transfer batter to a greased 8 x 8 inch baking dish

Bake at 350° for about 15 to 20 minutes

Leave it for about an hour to cool

Now, you can serve it

However, here is a postscript (PS) for those who are conscious about it.

Most baked dishes that have sun butter as ingredient have a strong aftertaste, which is somewhat bitter. So, most kids and many grown-ups usually do not prefer the use of sun butter in desserts. In contrast to that the brownies mentioned above turn out to be really exceptional.

Using raw cacao powder invariably improves the health quotient of the dishes to considerable extent along with delivering a slightly different taste.

Say No to the Adverse Effects of Sugar Consumption with Organic Stevia

We all are aware of the fact that; sugar is not healthy, especially if consumed in excessive quantities. Because of this increased awareness, people are getting more and more inclined towards the usage of sugar substitutes these days. Some of these may be harmful, however, some are extremely useful. Amidst the myriad of alternatives available in the market, organic stevia can be surely considered as a highly-nutritious substitute of sugar.

What is stevia

Being of South American origin, mostly used in Brazil and Paraguay since ancient times, Stevia is a herb, which is naturally sweet, almost 100-200 times more sweet than sugar. However, it doesn’t increase the level of blood sugar as in case of other artificial sweeteners and sugar. It is normally used as a medicinal herb and sweetener in several cultures across the world. However, it has gained wide popularity in the recent years.

Rich source of minerals and vitamins

Stevia contains a rich content minerals like iron, zinc, sodium, calcium and potassium and vitamins A, B and C.

Weight loss

As compared to the other synthetic sweeteners which, might result in overeating by making people feel to compensate for the lack of satiety, thereby leading to carbohydrate intake. On the contrary, stevia helps in balancing the metabolism rate, thereby preventing your desire to overeat.

Children’s diet

Kids’ generally possess a natural affinity to sweetness. Thus, a single drop of stevia serves as the perfect option for sweetening kids’ smoothies, drinks and snacks by preventing the chances of facing adverse effects of sugar consumption.

Diabetes

It is great for lowering the blood sugar level. Thus, it is a healthier choice for diabetic patients to improve the function of insulin.

Dental health

It hosts a number of anti-bacterial properties. Because of this, it is widely used in Paraguay as a mouth rinse or mixed with the toothpaste for fighting against cavities and gum bleeding.

Replacing sugar with organic stevia in your daily regimen comes with a number of benefits. People, especially who are struggling from the adverse effect of diabetics can add these to their low carb diet, which can bring out significant positive changes to your life, thereby making you feel healthier.

Crucial Facts About White Quinoa

Quinoa is a popular food item these days. In fact, its popularity is steadily growing across the continents. Although it grows in an array of colours, red, black, and white quinoa are more popular than the other varieties. However, the taste and the nutritional statistics in the different varieties do not vary. There are lots of factors that contribute to the edible seed’s age-defining popularity. These include:

It is a gluten-free product
Highly nutritious
Provides lots of health benefits and
Easy to cook

Because of its high nutritional quotient, quinoa diet was unbelievably popular across the Mayan and the Aztec societies in pre-colonised America. Research confirms, it possesses the perfect balance of all the nine amino acids that are most essential for human nutrition. In other words, quinoa - irrespective of its varieties - is a complete protein that comes from plants.

Considering the growing craze for vegetarian diet these days, quinoa is an ideal protein supplement for these folks. According to nutritionists, this edible seed - similar to meat and fish - is a complete protein diet that is seldom found in plants. Moreover, quinoa provides an excellent dosage of iron and fiber. Actually, half a cup of the seeds provide near about 111 calories.

There is an array of delicious dishes that can be whipped up with the variety of seeds. However, rinsing the seeds properly is the first step to cooking tasty dishes out of it. This is because, the seeds - by the design of nature - contain a protective casing called saponin. This is bitter to taste and if it is not removed from the seeds before cooking, it spoils the taste of the dishes.

However, removing the saponin covering from quinoa seeds is no big deal. Just place the edible seeds in a container and run cold water over them. Interestingly, it can be consumed both hot and cold. Thus, chefs can easily whip up yummy side dishes with it as well as prepare cold salad.

Considering the steadily increasing popularity of white quinoa, there are many online grocery retailers that readily provide superior quality of the item at competent price. Business for the range of retail outlets is flowing in from all directions.

Unbelievable Health Benefits of Weight-Loss Tea

Tea is one of the most popular beverages all over the world. It is obtained from plants; however, the processing of the tea leaves plays a vital role in imparting the flavor and the taste to the drink. These days, the craze for weight-loss tea in Australia has attained an all-time high. An increasing number of folks - cutting across age groups - are categorically opting for the variety of beverage. This ongoing trend can be attributed to the array of health benefits it provides.

Weight-loss tea is also referred to as green tea. It is made from the unfermented leaves of Camelia Sinesis - a particular variety of tea plant. Thus, the product possesses very little amount of tannin. This variety of tea leaves is grown across the Orient, including China, Japan, India and Sri Lanka, etc. Considering the huge commercial prospect of the product, now it is available in a number of flavors like lemon, mint, etc.

The variety of tea contains adequate amount of fluoride substance. It has been used as medicine in the Oriental world across thousands of years. The leaves, after plucking, are heated fast either by steaming or dry cooking. This procedure helps to minimise oxidation. Thus, green tea turns out to be tasty as well as beneficial for health.

Green tea is an excellent option for resolving obesity. It contains a vital substance, epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG. This substance facilitates the burning of our body fat.

Moreover, the polyphenols present in it help to dissolve the triglycerides in our body. These triglycerides are formed mostly of sugar and fat.

In addition to the two components mentioned above, catechins present in the variety of tea leaves produce heat in the body, which proves helpful to burn out the calories.

Thus, green tea provides an all-round solution to obesity, enabling us to lead a fitter and healthier life.

Moreover, it is an excellent option to stem the growth of cancer cells. Extensive research is going on these days on it to find out a way to cure the terminal disease. On sipping green tea regularly, people can prevent blood sugar.

Considering all these facts, it is obvious that demand for this weight-loss tea is rising as an exponential pace.

Add a Bowl of Nutritious Chia Seeds to Your Daily Regimen

I am not such a huge enthusiast of the much-talked about superfood. The probable cause may be: there tends to be an expensive price tag and lots of hype for a product which, may or may not be of much taste or nutritional value. So, it restricted me to join the band-wagon of chia seeds. But, the inherent curiosity actually drive me to the better side of me. After brief research, I found it to be worthy enough to be praised and consumed which, actually promote a better lifestyle. Thus, it is the ideal choice to buy chia seeds for consuming a wholesome meal because of high nutritional content.

They serve you a nutritional punch

Well, the best thing to know about its high nutritional content is to have a look on back of the chia seed pack. These are rich in fat, protein and dietary fibre. Moreover, there is a stack of minerals including magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and iron.

They are rich in fibre

About 20% of fiber content is soluble. Soluble fiber aids in pro motive an active digestive system by feeding good micro organisms present in your gut.

They absorb a substantial amount of water

Well, it actually means they will bulk up which, will help you to feel full for a longer period. Even if, you are not sufficient amount of water, make sure to consume of high water content so, that you can stay well hydrated.

They come with a distinct texture

The seeds aren’t much dissimilar to the poppy seeds. However, after water is being added to it, it becomes totally different. Oozy or slimy is possibly the best thing which we can say for describing it. So, that is something surely unique about this superfood.

They can be considered as an excellent low carb breakfast

Nowadays, many people prefer this item over the bircher-style muesli cooked oats. You can use ¼ cup of chia seeds and ¾ cup of coconut milk, milk or almond milk for making a perfect breakfast dish. You can even add some slices of apple to it for enhancing the taste.

They are high in Omega-3s

Now, when you don’t have much liking towards fish, chia seeds can be the perfect alternative you have been looking for. Alike the omega-3s present in flax seeds, chia seeds are also a rich source of these acids. On an advisable note, it is best to consume the ground chia seeds for making it easy for the body to digest it.

Thus, the ones with a desire to lead a healthy lifestyle must buy chia seeds as this food item comes with a plethora of goody things, which is extremely beneficial for human body.

Aspects that Make White Quinoa an Ideal Backpacking Food

Well, we have previously talked about the phenomenal health benefits of Quinoa. It’s not only serves as a complete protein, but also works as a rich source of vitamins, phytohormones, minerals and antioxidants, thereby proving to be a superior choice compared to plant foods. While compared to the cereal grasses like oats or wheat, quinoa comprises a higher portion of protein and fats. For all such reasons, white quinoa serves as an excellent backpacking food.

Backpacking with Quinoa

Previously, backpackers do not used to prefer packing Quinoa for their trail as it requires a time span of 15 minutes. However, with popularity, there is a list of various other choices.

Instant Quinoa

Using Instant Quinoa aids in saving stove fuel and preparation time. In case, you find quick-cook or instant Quinoa, then make sure that it is entirely cooked and not partially cooked or parboiled. Otherwise, it won’t reconstitute in hot water.

Sprouted Quinoa

If, you are not willing to purchase instant quinoa, then you can opt for normal uncooked quinoa available in store and sprout it. Since, quinoa is mainly a seed, it is actually ideal for sprouting. For sprouting quinoa, soak the organic seeds in cold night for an overnight and drain off the amount of excess water. This will result in softening the shell and breaking down, once it has sprouted. It can be eaten even at this stage or can be sprouted further by deploying the regular sprout process applied for other types of seeds. Sprouting Quinoa aids in boosting the nutritional value.

These seeds come with a number of beneficial attributes including their monounsaturated fat, heart healthy and nutrient packed kernels. It is known as a complete source of protein, rich in manganese, calcium, fatty acids, gluten-free. Thus, adding White Quinoa to your daily regimen will truly aid you in enhancing your lifestyle, thereby making you more strong, active and fit. Being an easy-to-cook dish, it can be considered as an ideal backpacking food, which neither require much fuel nor much time to cook.

Losing Weight through Hemp Seeds & Other Benefits

Organic Hulled Hemp Seeds

According to history that has been unearthed till date, evidence for application of hemp dates back to 8,000 BC. thus, it is one of the oldest crops that early man learnt to sow, grow, and harvest. It has a widespread industrial application ranging from paper, food and beverage, plastic, petroleum to textile industry and others. Even in the recent times, the craze for hemp seeds for weight loss is attaining increasing popularity everyday. But, as such, what actually is it?

An introduction

Cannabis plant is available in innumerable different varieties. Hemp, also referred to as industrial hemp, is one such category. Interestingly both this variety and marijuana come from the same species of cannabis. Although, they vary in use, chemical composition, and cultivation methods.

Limitations

Hemp can do a lot of things but unlike cannabis it cannot make one feel ‘high’. This is because, it is non-psychoactive as it contains less than 1% THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. Thus, unlike cannabis, no one has been able to get on cloud number nine by smoking this herbal product.

Application

Hemp is cultivated as a renewable source for raw materials, which can be fused into thousands of different products. The flowers and seeds of the plant are used in health foods and manufacturing organic body care items. On a Contrary note, the fiber and the stalk are used in textile, construction, paper, bio fuel, plastic and other industrial domains.

Cultivation and alternate use

Cultivating hemp is easier, as it requires lesser volume of water and practically, no pesticides. It is more environment-friendly than most of the major food crops. It is a lucrative rotation crop for the farming community. As the plant grows, it adds the necessary Carbon Dioxide (CO2) to the soil, making it more fertile and suitable for future cultivation. The plant is also helpful in checking soil erosion.

Apart from the benefits mentioned here, seeds of the plant are effective to fight obesity. The seeds contain something that pumps up metabolism of the body. Hemp seeds for weight loss is a significant factor for impressive popularity of the plant across the consumer society in the present days.

Relish the Taste of Goody Organic Unroasted Cacao Powder

Being a food lover, I always love to try out new things and experiment by doing things differently while cooking. But this time, I was in search of something highly-nutritious and really healthy. Just few days back, I got to know about this whole concept of ‘superfood’ which, has become talk of the new era, especially for the mob of health-conscious people. Amazed by its plethora of goody aspects, it indulged me to learn more and more about the different types of superfoods. This was the time when I actually got aware of Organic Unroasted Cacao Powder.

Well, it’s true that chocolate is one of the most tempting things for which I crave for. But, sometime before, I got to know about the adverse effects of processed cocoa powder consumption and was pretty overwhelmed. So, I was really in search of a healthy solution which, could actually quench my intense thirst for chocolate. Discovering cacao powder actually served my purpose rightly. Thus, I added this rich nutritious ingredient to smoothies for making chocolate nana ice-cream and smoothies. Thereafter, what I savored was actually amazing. Inspired by this appealing taste, I tried further and added these to the homemade baked foods like brownies, cakes, cookies and the list continues. With gradual consumption, what I found is; It’s the ideal ‘chocolate not chocolate’ which can be added to various food preparations ranging from starters to desserts.

So, that’s all about its ability to serve the gastronomic craves. But, what about the real purpose behind appraising it as a ‘superfood’. Well, here’s what I actually discovered.

Raw cacao powder consists of a myriad of mood stimulants- the ‘bliss’ chemical, anandamide, which helps in lifting your mood and one essential amino acid- arginine, which helps in relaxing the blood vessels.

It contains around 4 times the antioxidant power possessed by regular dark chocolate.

Because of the high content of magnesium, cacao can promote building of healthy bones, heart, thereby helping produce the senses of calmness.

This powder consists of an amino acid, Tryptophan, which helps in relaxing and get a good sleep.

Sulphur present in cacao powder helps in building beautiful and healthy skin and strong nails.

The list goes on and so, consuming this superfood, organic unroasted cacao powder surely serve as the super healthy option for us. Well, I believe this post will ignite the urge of those folks who haven’t tried this yet and will compel those to have more of this food item who have tried it for at least once.

The Great Medicinal Advantages of Nopal Cactus Powder

Early man never had access to improved technology. Yet, he managed to survive in a world dominated by giant dinosaurs. How did he manage to live on while the gigantic creatures got extinct? As such, the mankind owes much to Mother Nature when it comes to narrating their survival story. The nature provided innumerable medicinal boons - like nopal cactus powder - to heal diseases and help man live healthy and normal. These gifts certainly provided an edge to the entire human society in outliving the fearsome beasts.

Here we will strictly limit our topic to the variety of cactus mentioned above. The cactus grows in plenty in Mexico. It is an important ingredient for the Spanish Mexican cuisine. The plant has been found to be a great source of

Fiber

Calcium

Antioxidants

Essential minerals and vitamins

According to medical practitioners the variety of cactus is highly effective in smooth functioning of our intestine. Additionally, it helps blood flow smoothly through the vessels. Medical research confirms, the plant boosts the level of insulin in the body. Thus, it is one of the most effective preventives for diabetes found in nature. Moreover, it is helpful to fight and cure the gruesome medical condition of hypoglycemia. In order to restrict the problem of overweight and obesity, doctors prescribe this remedial plant to patients cutting across age groups.

The variety of the medicinal plant is normally found to be green and oval in shape. However, it comes in different shapes. This depends on the variety of a given plant. The skin of this family of plants is usually found to be covered with thorns. Normally, these plants grow in extreme desert conditions having both warm and cold climates.

Above everything else, cactus plants belonging to the nopal genre helps to turn unproductive land to fertile and productive. However, it is relevant mentioning here that simply consuming nopal cactus powder on a regular basis cannot be much helpful unless one cuts down on junk foods. Fast and fried foods increase toxin level in the body, which in turn contributes to unnecessary deposits of excess fat. In order to avail the optimum level of medicinal value present in the variety of cactus, one should restrict to a diet free from high-calorie foods and drinks.