Ingredients:
Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Organic Coconut Oil (I like Dr. Bronner's)
Dark chocolate chips or dark chocolate bar broken into pieces
Hemp seeds
Combine ingredients for a super healthy-fat snack!! Tastes like an Almond Joy candy bar!
Health Benefits:
Coconut Oil- hundreds of uses and benefits!
Dark Chocolate- Helps prevent heart disease: Like tea, dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which are compounds that act as antioxidants. Flavonoids protect cells from harmful molecules—called free radicals—that are produced when the body breaks down food or is exposed to sunlight or smoke. Free radicals can cause cell damage that leads to heart disease. Flavonoids can also lower blood pressure and reduce LDL cholesterol (i.e., the bad cholesterol) by up to 10 percent.
Improve your mood: Stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that bring on feelings of pleasure. It also contains the chemical serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant.
Protect your skin: German researchers found that the flavonoids in dark chocolate absorb UV light, help protect and increase blood flow to the skin, and improve skin’s hydration and complexion.
Hemp seeds-Hemp seeds are a high quality complete protein and rich in the vitamin E and essential fatty acids: Omega 3, 6, and 9!!! They are very versitile and can be used on salads, in smoothies, as a crust for fish, in yogurt, and are one of the most nutrient dense of all other nuts and seeds!!
www.naturalnews.com
Copyright, 2013, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness MN, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.
www.optimumwellnessmn.com
Winters in Minnesota seem to be the most difficult months
for me!! I’m not a huge fan of being cold but it’s easier to handle when I have
herbal tea!! Today is a perfect day to cuddle up, watch movies or read a
book while sipping on a hot tasty beverage!! I wanted to share this Chai Green
Tea recipe with you that I love!! Green tea is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits,
supports the liver and increases detoxifying enzymes. It also contains calming L-theanine (great
for mood and anxiety) and alkalizing properties!!
Chai Green Tea
(makes about 2 cups)
1 ½ cups filtered water
4-6 organic green tea bags
½ cup unsweetened vanilla almond or coconut milk
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ginger
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Stevia or honey to taste
1. In a medium saucepan, combine water and tea
bags. Bring to a near boil and remove
from burner. Steep for 5 minutes or
longer to desired strength.
2. Meanwhile, in a small pan, warm the milk,
spices, vanilla extract, and sweetener over low heat. Stir constantly until warm.
3. Remove teabags from pan. Slowly add milk mixture and stir.
Copyright, 2013, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness MN, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.
www.optimumwellnessmn.com
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