How and why to eat seed of avocado?

I have already written a post why we should eat avocado please,click at the following link to see a post- http://vikki2603.blogspot.com/2017/01/why-eat-avocados.html. Avocado seed is probably the last thing ,that  you would think that could be eaten. As it turns out, nature can surprise us once again.

What most people don’t know is that the avocado seed is edible  and even more nutritious than the flesh.

See below the benefits of Avocado Seeds :

1.Antioxidant properties: which delay the aging process and not only the skin, but primarily the brain, heart, and all the cells and tissues which we have. The seeds of avocado contain some of the largest amounts of antioxidants, which can be found among the plants. 70% of the antioxidants are found in the seed.These antioxidants have the power to neutralize free radicals, which are linked to many diseases and obesity.

2.Packed with soluble fibers: the vast contents of soluble fiber are the benefits for our health and body- weight loss, regulates bowel movements and lowers cholesterol, and fiber. Therefore, if you want to enjoy the beautiful silhouette or get rid of the problems with digestion and reduce cholesterol and protect the body against damaging radicals (which after all may lead us to cancer) and to prevent cardiovascular disease, then eat not only avocado but his seed  as well.

3.Good for your heart: its high levels of dietary fiber lowers cholesterol. It actually binds cholesterol before it has the chance to be absorbed in our blood.

4.Reduce inflammation and ease joint pain:  avocado seeds and skins contain higher levels of antioxidants such as catechins (also found in green tea) that act as anti-inflammatories, reduce pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of joint function.

5.Strengthen immune system: the seed can help you through flu and cold season by strengthening your immune system.

6.Destroys cancer cells: the seeds contain flavonol a powerful antioxidant that helps to prevent or reduce tumor growth.

How to eat seed of avocado?.

Simply take the seed from the avocado like normal and then knife it into quarters. After that, the bits of seed can be thrown into a food processor, grinder, or powerful blender to make a powder. If your blender isn’t strong enough to handle the seed use a cheese grater. The seeds are quite bitter, so it is best to add them to the cocktail, smoothie or self-squeezed juices.

Blend well and enjoy!

Recipe - for healthy home made chocolate with coconut oil

Today I would like to share with you delicious and very easy to make  home chocolate recipe. Chocolate its made of 3 ingredients and recipe it takes only minutes to make. 

This chocolate  is just sweet enough to satisfy your chocolate cake cravings and will also serve as a healthy alternative at birthday parties or other special events. Its good alternative for sweets for kids .

Ingredients:

• 100 g of coconut oil
• 1 glass of organic cocoa powder
• 2-3 spoons of organic honey
• in additional you can add nuts, raisins , cranberries

Method of preparing :

1. Slowly melt the coconut oil in a bowl over simmering water.
2. Add honey to a melted coconut oil and mix together over few minutes.
3. Add to the melted oil and honey, organic cocoa powder and  mix thoroughly.
4. Pour the mixture into a  molds ( before pouring the mixture , I added nuts and raisins at the bottom ).
5. Refrigerate for about 3 hours.

Keep the chocolate in the fridge. In the future I'm going to do more sweets at home, they are healthier and very easy to make.

Do you know of any healthy dessert ? Please share with me.

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Recipe - Chickpea & Broccoli burgers

This recipe its my third recipe for vegetable burgers  this week -see my previous recipes : Recipe - High protein vegetable burgers,The simplest Recipe for vegetable burgers with cauliflower. I just cant resist , they are so tasty , delicious and healthy. Easy to prepare and really delicious.

Ingredients :

• 1 broccoli
• 1 can of chickpeas
• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 teaspoon of flaxseed
• 1 egg
• in additional you can add one tablespoon chopped parsley
• salt
• pepper
• in additional you can add chilli pepper or chilli
• 1 spoon of spelt flour
• almond oil ( or  coconut oil )

Method of preparing :

1. Boil broccoli in salted water.
2. Blend chickpeas to get  a creamy consistency.
3. Mash the cooled broccoli with a fork or blender.
4. Chopped onion and pressed garlic fry in the oil.
5. Add to the mash chickpeas  all ingredients and mix.
6. Make a small burgers with the mixed ingredients- add more flour if needed until satisfying consistency ( until they wont fall apart).
7. In a frying pan heat up some almond/coconut oil and fry burgers on each side.

Burgers are delicious and very healthy . Chickpeas like other legumes such as beans, peas and lentils, chickpeas are prized for their high protein and fiber content, and also contain several key vitamins and minerals known to benefit human health. Many studies has suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like chickpeas decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality, diabetes , heart disease and promotes a healthy complexion and hair , increase energy,  overall lower weight.

Hope you will enjoy this recipe :-)

How to store Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are a wealth of vitamins, elements and other essential nutrients for health - if properly store them. Nothing is more discouraging than wasting food when trying to eat healthy. You can use these simple tips to keep your veggies alive and well for much longer.

Most vegetables and fruits should be kept in the refrigerator. But not all. All exotic fruits such as avocados, bananas, mangoes and pineapples should not be store in the fridge .Reason? Kept in cold weather they lose their flavor and aroma. Best to store them in a dry and warm place.

Cold-sensitive fruits  and veggies ( tomato, cucumber) lose flavor and moisture at low temperatures. Store them on the counter, not in the fridge. Once they're fully ripe, you can refrigerate them to help them last, but for best flavor, return them to room temperature.

Never refrigerate potatoes, onions, squash or garlic. Keep them in a cool, dark, dry cabinet, and they can last up to a month or more. But separate them so their flavors and smells don't migrate.

Green vegetables (such as lettuce, broccoli, asparagus, cucumbers) do not store with products that emit ethylene(ethylene is in peppers, bananas, apples, pears, tomatoes). Ethylene can build up in the fridge, causing spoilage.

Other tips for storing fruits and vegetables:

• Fruits that are bruised or damaged ripen faster, so eat them first.
• Wait to wash your fruits and veggies until you’re ready to use them.
• Fruits that kept in plastic will ripen faster, usually too fast. Store them loose.
• Leafy greens and herbs - wash and pat dry, then wrap in a damp paper towel and refrigerate in an open-ended bag.
• Root vegetables, including carrots, beets, radishes, parsnips, and turnips-remove the greens first and wash and pat dry, then wrap in a damp paper towel and refrigerate in an open-ended bag.
• Citrus (lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit) move to the refrigerator if you want to slow ripening.
• Buy fruits and vegetables in small amounts, not to keep them too long. The fresher they are, the tastier and healthier are.

Please see below the benefits illustrated below: ( found on the internet ).

What are your tips for storing vegetable and fruits?.

Recipe - High protein vegetable burgers

Today I have for you another recipe for vegetable burgers, this time rich in complete protein, due to the current in them quinoa . Easy to prepare and really delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 broccoli
• 1 or 2 carrots
• 1/2 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 3/4 glass of quinoa
• 1 teaspoon of flaxseed
• 1 egg
• in additional you can add one tablespoon chopped parsley
• salt
• pepper
• 1 spoon of spelt flour or bread crumbs
• almond oil ( or  coconut oil )
• in additional you can add chilli pepper

Method of preparing:

1. Boil broccoli and carrots in salted water.
2. Cook a quinoa .
3. Mash the cooled vegetables with a fork or blender.
4. Chopped onion and pressed garlic fry in the oil.
5. Add to the mash vegetables  all ingredients and mix.
6. Make a small burgers with the mixed ingredients- add more flour if needed until satisfying consistency ( until they wont fall apart).
7. In a frying pan heat up some almond/coconut oil and fry burgers on each side.

I served them with the stuffed pepper with vegetables:

Recipe - Porridge for breakfast

I have already mentioned in my previous post how eating breakfast its important for our health and body ( please click at the following link)  .http://vikki2603.blogspot.com/2016/10/why-eating-breakfast-its-important.html.

Today I will show you healthy ,easy and quick recipe for breakfast .

Ingredients :

• half glass of whole grain porridge
• half banana
• 2 teaspoon of chia or flaxseeds
• 3 teaspoon of fresh blueberry
• few walnuts
• soya milk -you can use coconut or almond milk .

Pour milk in a pan and start heating up on low to medium heat.Once you see porridge is almost ready stir well.  Pour porridge into a bowl, add blueberries, banana, chia seeds, walnuts. Delicious and very healthy  breakfast is ready :-).

What it is your favourite breakfast?.

Why drink Yerba Mate Tea ?

Yerba mate tea is a South American beverage made by steeping the ground leaves and stems of the yerba mate plant. Yerba mate is a central nervous system stimulant containing caffeine, but it also contains a number of other nutrients, including antioxidants, amino acids, minerals and vitamins .

I started to drink Yerba tea last year, I wanted to reduce my drinking of coffee and at the beginning I didn't like taste that tea , but I used to and now this tea it is one of my favourite.

Please see the below benefits of Yerba Mate Tea :

1.  Yerba mate provides a smooth increase in energy:

Yerba mate drinkers describe the caffeine boost they get as gentle, clean, calm, and generally not as addictive as coffee. It rarely interferes with sleep and doesn’t cause caffeine jitters.

2. It’s useful for people suffering from mental or physical fatigue, or from chronic fatigue syndrome:

At 85 mg of caffeine per cup, yerba mate contains less caffeine than coffee but more than a cup of tea, therefore, just like any other caffeinated food or beverage, it has the ability to increase your energy levels and make you feel less tired.

3. Rich in Antioxidants:

Yerba mate tea is very high in antioxidants; it's got about 90% more antioxidants than green tea. Yerba mate has significant immune boosting properties. It’s loaded with vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

4. Yerba mate contains several known anti - cancer compounds.

5. Helps You control Your weight:

Yerba mate has stimulant qualities to help you feel full sooner after you begin eating, and it slows your digestion so that your stomach stays full longer.

6. Cardiac Health:

It can reduce your blood pressure and restore your cardiac health.  

7. Cures constipation :

Another important benefit is when you are constipated and don’t know what to do. Just have this tea to get relief.

8. Treats diabetes:

Yerba mate tea can help those suffering from diabetes as well.

Consider adding this drink to your diet and discover the difference it can make in your life.

The simplest Recipe for vegetable burgers with cauliflower

The simplest version of the fast and tasty vegetable burgers. Few ingredients, a little work, and the effect -very tasty , light and healthy dinner/lunch/snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cauliflower
• 2 eggs
• 1 clove of garlic
• small onion
  
• 3 tablespoons bread crumbs ( you can replace bread crumbs with spelt flour )
• salt and pepper
• in additional you can add one tablespoon chopped parsley

Method of preparing:

1. Boil cauliflower in salted water (cauliflower must be not very soft).
2. Mash the cooled cauliflower with a fork.
3. Add to the cauliflower 2 eggs, salt, pepper, pressed garlic, chopped onion and chopped parsley and 3 tablespoons of bread crumbs ( or spelt flour ).
4. Make a small burgers with the mixed ingredients - add more flour or bread crumbs if needed until satisfying consistency (until they won't fall apart).
5. In a frying pan heat up  some coconut oil and fry burgers on each side.

I served them with cucumber salad and vegetables.

Enjoy! This is a great lunch recipe!

Recipe - healthy & quick to make vegetable juices

First easy and quick recipe for delicious and healthy vegetable juice is :

Ingredients :

-3 carrots

-5 celery sticks

-1 fresh cucumber

The second vegetable juice:

Ingredients:

-5 celery sticks
-one apple
-one orange

Juices are delicious :-)

Review-Schmidt's Natural Deodorant

For a while, I have been searching for a good natural deodorant .I was looking for something natural that was good smelling and effective at controlling odors. After reading very positive opinions on cosmetics blogs I decided to purchase Schmidt's Natural Deodorant.

Schmidt's started humbly in 2010 in a Portland, Oregon, kitchen, when founder Jaime Schmidt was pregnant with her son. Jaime's pregnancy brought her lifetime passion for natural body care into focus, motivating her to make products at home that would benefit her family's health. Knowing that natural deodorant had a reputation for being ineffective, Jaime made it her mission to change the way people think about deodorant, refusing to compromise any effectiveness when developing her formula.

Product is all natural - free of aluminum, phthalates, and parabens. Available in five fabulous scents. Packaged in beautiful and sustainable glass jars. The essential oils lend additional disinfectant and skin healing benefits.

My choice it is  Bergamot + Lime scent and Fragrance -free deodorant.

I've been using this product regularly for a more that year now and I really like it. When I opened the jar, the first thing I noticed was the 'Bergamot and Lime' aroma. It's certainly pleasant, but maybe not what you'd expect compared to a standard, store-bought antiperspirant. Inside the jar, you’ll see an adorable  little spatula that you’ll use to carve out a small piece of the product, (which has a texture a bit softer than candle wax).  You apply a pea sized amount with your hands, which is strange at first but you get used to it quickly. It rubs in easily and since you only use a small amount the container will last you a couple of months.Does not stain clothing. Since baking soda is the main ingredient, I was worried that this would dry out my skin. I have been using this for almost a year and have had no problems with irritation or dryness  and it has been 100% effective for me.

I would recommend this brand to anyone looking for a cruelty-free, all-natural, vegan deodorant.

Do you recommend Schmidt`s products?.

Get Set for a Healthy Winter Season.

Season autumn-winter is the period when it is important to strengthen our body. Let us not be fooled by advertising, encouraging the use of tablets and other gadgets to strengthening your body.
Since I have changed my diet and my previous habits, to be honest I can not remember the last time I was ill. I will  share with you my tips how to avoid the cold during winter time.

1.Balance Diet :

A balanced diet is important because your organs and tissues need proper nutrition to work effectively. Without good nutrition, your body is more prone to disease, infection, fatigue, and poor performance.

(below picture found on the internet)

2.Fruits and Vegetable :

Vegetables are important part of healthy eating and provide a source of many nutrients, including potassium, fiber, folate (folic acid) and vitamins A, E and C. The nutrients in vegetables are vital for health and maintenance of your body.Eating a diet rich in vegetables may reduce risk for stroke, cancer, heart diseases and type-2 diabetes.Fruits and vegetable provide also fiber that help fill you up and keep your digestive system happy, are naturally low in calories are rich in  vitamin and minerals that help you to feel healthy and energized .

3. Doing exercise :

Regular exercise helps prevent or manage a wide range of health problems and concerns, including stroke, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, a number of types of cancer, arthritis and falls.

Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.

Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently.

4. Getting enough sleep :

Scientists have gone to great lengths to fully understand sleep's benefits. In studies of humans and other animals, they have discovered that sleep plays a critical role in immune function, metabolism, memory, learning, and other vital functions.

Please see below the benefits illustrated below: ( found on the internet ).

5. Warm your body from inside:

Try to eat as many hot meals, add spices and herbs that warm you up.When cold weather strikes a chilling blow, it makes sense to consume healthy, warming, concentrated foods. Dark orange vegetables such as sweet potatoes, winter squash, and carrots provide immune nourishing beta-carotene and the warmth of the orange ray.Other warming foods include arugula, mustard greens, and watercress. Nuts, seeds, and their butters make excellent warming and insulating snacks.Culinary herbs that help us feel warmer and improve circulation include: black pepper,cardamom ,cayenne ,cinnamon ,garlic, ginger, horseradish .

6.Dress right for winter:

Cold weather doesn't have to stop you from outdoor exercise, but it is important to dress for the conditions. Start with a base layer made from a material that wicks perspiration away from your skin. This will help keep you dry and warm. Polypropylene, silk, polyester, Thermax, are all good choices. Avoid cotton because it traps moisture, so it stays wet and draws heat away from you. Don't forget to wear hat, scarf and gloves.

(below picture  found on the internet .

What are your tips to be healthy during the winter time?

How to use Salt to clean Your home

Table salt is an essential in our kitchens, but also its good for cleaning our home. Salt works as  cleanser, disinfectant and antiseptic.

Cost effective healthy way to have a clean house without the use of chemicals. Salt is a great natural cleaner and has a multitude of uses.

1.Clean wooden cutting boards: To remove tough stains and odours from chopping board, use half a lemon, and add salt and rub the entire board. Leave standing for approximately 5 minutes then rinse and wipe dry. Creating a fresh cutting board and naturally cleaned.

2. Cleaning metal : Salt can also be mixed with citrus fruit juice to make a handy cleaner for metals. Use lemon juice or lime juice and salt to clean metals such as brass and pewter. Just sprinkle salt into the empty squeezed-out lemon half and use it to rub down the metal. Rinse and buff to a shine with a soft cloth.

3.Deodorize and clean the refrigerator. Apply salt and seltzer water to the door and inside for a few minutes before defrosting or cleaning it.

4.It will also remove tea and coffee stains from cups and teapots.

5.Help to stop the growth of weeds and grass: Control weeds in your yard by scattering salt in the pavement cracks or edges where they tend to grow.

6.Clean the burnt pots: Remove the mess that comes from burns or spills from pans, pots, oven, and burners. Apply a good amount of salt and remove it with paper towels.

7.Remove bathtub and sink stains by making a mixture of turpentine and salt. Apply it to the surfaces and let sit for 15 minutes. As a result, that ugly yellow color will go away. Then, wipe it with a wet sponge to remove anything extra and so it comes out perfect.

By using the above practises, you will save money in the long run against purchasing products from stores, also do your bit for the environment.

I hope the above tips serve you well, happy cleaning :)