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Coconut yogurt power breakfast

I have decided to share one of my favorite breakfast creations. I like to call it “Coconut yogurt power breakfast”.

It is something that makes me smile in the morning and keeps me full for quite a while. You have all the goodness and energy of the young coconut and the power of superfood added to it.

I have created a video that will give you the step by step:

Ingredients:
1 Young coconut
4 Tbls chia seeds
1 Tbls pumpkin seeds
1 Tbls sunflower seeds
1 Tbls goji berries
1 Tbls dry raisins
1 Tbls walnut
1 banana
1/2 cup mixed berries

Optional ingredients: (one or a combination of)
Raw cacao nibs
Dry cranberries
Maca powder
Lucuma
Maple syrup
Crushed nuts
Anything else you might like

Directions:
Open the young coconut as shown in the video
Blend the coconut meat and coconut water in a blender
Pour into a bowl
Add the chia seeds and mix well
Add other ingredients

Enjoy

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Amazing benefits of chia seeds

Don’t be fooled by the size… these tiny seeds pack a powerful nutritional punch.

A 1 ounce (28 grams) serving of chia seeds contains:
• Fiber: 11 grams.
• Protein: 4 grams.
• Fat: 9 grams (5 of which are Omega-3s).
• Calcium: 18% of the RDA.
• Manganese: 30% of the RDA.
• Magnesium: 30% of the RDA.
• Phosphorus: 27% of the RDA.
• They also contain a decent amount of Zinc, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Potassium, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and Vitamin B2.

Combat Diabetes
Chia is being studied as a potential natural treatment for type-2 diabetes because of its ability to slow down digestion. The gelatinous coating chia seeds develops when exposed to liquids-can also prevent blood sugar spikes.

Get More Fibre
Just a 28-gram or one-ounce serving of chia has 11 grams of dietary fibre — about a third of the recommended daily intake for adults. Adding some chia to your diet is an easy way to make sure you’re getting a good amount of fibre, which is important for digestive health.

Stock Up On Omega-3
Chia seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, with nearly five grams in a one-ounce serving. These fats are important for brain health. “There’s better conversion of omega 3s into the plasma or into the food than with flax seed,” said researcher Wayne Coates.

Stronger Teeth And Bones
A serving of chia seeds has 18 per cent of the recommended daily intake for calcium, which puts your well on your way to maintaining bone and oral health, and preventing osteoporosis.

Don’t Forget Manganese
Manganese isn’t a well-known nutrient, but it’s important for our health: it’s good for your bones and helps your body use other essential nutrients like biotin and thiamin. One serving of chia seeds, or 28 grams, has 30 per cent of your recommended intake of this mineral.

Plenty Of Phosphorus
With 27 per cent of your daily value for phosphorus, chia seeds also help you maintain healthy bones and teeth. Phosphorus is also used by the body to synthesize protein for cell and tissue growth and repair.

Pack In The Protein
Chia seeds also make a great source of protein for vegetarians and don’t have any cholesterol. One 28-gram serving of these super seeds has 4.4 grams of protein, nearly 10 per cent of the daily value.

Fight Belly Fat
Chia’s stabilizing effect on blood sugar also fights insulin resistance which can be tied to an increase in belly fat, according to Live Strong. This type of resistance can also be harmful for your overall health.

Get Full. Faster
Tryptophan, an amino acid found in turkey, is also found in chia seeds. While tryptophan is responsible for that strong urge to nap after a big Thanksgiving dinner for example, it also helps regulate appetite, sleep and improve mood.

Improve Heart Health
According to the Cleveland Clinic, chia seeds have been shown to improve blood pressure in diabetics, and may also increase healthy cholesterol while lowering total, LDL, and triglyceride cholesterol. All good news for your ticker!

Thanks to these sites for the references:
www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/06/03/chia-seed-benefits-_n_3379831.html
authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds/

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Raw sesame, balsamic vegetable sauce

I discovered this sauce a little while ago and I love it. It is very smooth and sweet with a little tanginess to it. I use it on many different types of vegetables. I have had great comments from my guests with that sauce. Now it is your turn to impress your friends.

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons sesame tahini
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
Sea salt to taste
Asparagus (or any vegetable)
Pine nuts for garnish

Directions:
Place all the ingredients (except the asparagus and pine nuts) in a blender and mix well.
Blanched the asparagus very lightly.
Here’s the way I do them: I use a deep pan and I boil about one inch of water. Once it is boiling I place the asparagus into the boiling water for a very short time. No more than 30 seconds. If you want to stop the cooking process, rinse them in cold water and they will stop cooking. You don’t want them soft, just a little softer than raw.
Place the asparagus on a serving plate and pour the sauce on top and garnish with pine nuts.

Note: You can use that sauce for salad dressing or on everything you like. It is very tasty.

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What Are the Benefits of Eating Hemp Hearts?

Overview

Hemp hearts are the edible insides of hemp seeds. Many health benefits accompany the consumption of hemp hearts because of their high and diverse nutritional content. For starters, they are a complete protein. Hemp hearts also contain the essential fatty acids omega 6 and omega 3. In addition, hemp hearts are a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. They are also packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B1, B2, D and E, as well as the minerals calcium and iron. Hemp seeds contain 25 percent protein, 35 percent fatty acids and 27 percent carbohydrates (primarily fiber).

Energy

The combination of calories, complex carbohydrates and protein in hemp hearts provides long-lasting energy. Hemp hearts have been shown to increase levels of energy without other stimulants like caffeine and sugar. They provide more energy with less fillers, like sugar and saturated fat, than common energy bars.

Appetite and Weight

The amount of protein in hemp hearts is effective in curbing hunger, especially between meals. They are a healthy addition to a weight loss plan since they provide essential nutrients such as protein, essential fatty acids, fiber, vitamins and minerals without adding an excess of calories, starches and sugars. Their effect on hunger results in healthier eating habits such as choosing fresh fruits and vegetables over pastas and breads. The weight lost with the assistance of hemp hearts is unlikely to be regained, because it is a daily dietary adjustment rather than a temporary fix.

Digestion

High in fiber, hemp hearts have many health benefits related to the digestive system. Fiber consumption is essential for a healthy digestive system and keeps bowel movements regular. A digestive system with plenty of fiber is able to efficiently remove wastes from the intestines on a daily basis, which is a preventative measure for intestinal diseases. Soluble fiber works in the intestines to lower levels of LDL cholesterol, and insoluble fiber has been linked to lower risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Also, hemp hearts are easily digestible by the human body.

Cellular Health

The balance of essential fatty acids paired with the complete protein found in hemp hearts promotes cellular recovery and development. Larken Bunce, an educator and clinical herbalist, states, “Hemp’s unique fatty acid composition and balance can have significant impact on inflammatory processes and cell membrane activities, which are the foundation of numerous chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, hypersensitivities and auto-immune conditions.” The high concentration of essential fatty acids found in hemp seeds also supports the transportation of oxygen to cells throughout the body. The presence of oxygen in cell membranes helps to block viruses, fungi and bacteria.

By Caitlin Erwin
http://www.livestrong.com/article/154639-what-are-the-benefits-of-eating-hemp-hearts/