Intriguing Ingredients

ORGANIC CACAO NIBS (pronounced cuh-COW)

"...the nutritional and flavorful source for all chocolate and cocoa products" says the package.  It's rich in antioxidants, and excellent source of fiber, "...known to be one of the highest dietary sources of magnesium, and possesses many other essential minerals in significant quantities."  It has a slightly bitter taste (especially the unsweetened version), but in a sweet smoothie it tastes like chocolate!




HEMP PROTEIN 

"Hemp is both nutritionally and environmentally superior to most plants...Hemp's protein is complete, containing all 10 essential amino acids, making it superior to other [animal based] sources of protein.  Essential amino acids are the ones that must  be obtained through diet, as the body doesn't produce them..It's amino acid profile helps boost the body's immune system and hasten recovery [from physical activity]...A high quality complete protein such as hemp is instrumental not only in muscle and tissue regeneration but also fat metabolism.  Protein, once ingested, instigates the release of a hormone that enables the body to more easily utilize its fat reserves, which in turn will improve endurance and facilitate loss of body fat." From Thrive by Brendan Brazier
Hemp Oil:
"Obtained by pressing hemp seed, hemp oil is one of the healthiest oils available.  Dark green with a smooth creamy texture and mild nutty flavor, hemp oil is an excellent base for salad dressings.  Hemp oil is unique in that it has the ideal ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids." (you need those) from Thrive by Brendan Brazier
Go hemp!

MACA POWDER

A super food!
According to the container:
"Used by the Inca and earlier Peruvian cultures for more than 1,500 years to increase endurance, energy, mental clarity, fertility, and sexeual ability.  Maca is also used for stress reduction, hormonal balance and to promote the growth of healthy hair, bones, teeth, and muscle tone.  Today, Maca Magic™ is consumed up to three times a day by modern Peruvians from professional athletes to the elderly to give them energy and help recover from depression, addictions, traumas or diseases.


From Thrive by Brendan Brazier:
"A diet that includes a daily dose of maca will supply the body with what it needs to curtail [physical] stress and construct serotonin, thereby reducing or altogether eliminating sugar cravings and the vicious circle they can initiate."


He also says lots of other great things about it, like "...delivers energy by means of hormonal regulation and adrenal nourishment, not stimulation."

After purchasing the powder form, we learned that the gelatinized form is a little better and digests more easily.  So next time we get it, we're going to go with that.

So it's something we've incorporated, and I always feel amazing after my smoothies.  I'd like to think it's in part due to the maca :) 

NUTRITIONAL YEAST
(Please excuse the not-so-appetizing "loved" container pictured here.  We use this pretty often.)


"A complete protein and a rich source of B vitamins, nutritional yeast is especially prized for its vitamin B12 content.  Vitamin B12 is scarce in the plant kingdom; nutritional yeast provides a reliable source for those on a plant-based diet.  Unlike baking yeast, nutritional yeast is not active, meaning that it does not feed and grow once inside the body.  For this reason, those who are advised to avoid yeast (usually meaning active yeast) can almost always tolerate nutritional yeast.  Because it melts and has a mild cheddar cheese flavor, nutritional yeast is a good flavor and nutritional addition to sauces [think macaroni and cheese!], soups, and salads."  From Thrive by Brendan Brazier 


Check out the Cucumber Pesto Salad in the January 11th post for a yummy Nutritional Yeast and Sesame topping.


This can usually be found in the vitamin and supplements section of your grocery store.