8 Healthy Sugar Alternatives > Going Back to Nature’s Best Alternative Sweeteners

Sugar is probably one of the hardest things to remove from our diets.  Refined sugars are in everything and causes numerous health problems that range from tooth decay to obesity to diabetes and to stress.  Some health professionals are calling on the government to add a ‘sugar tax’, much like alcohol and tobacco to curb the consumption of refined sugars.

Most refined sugars come from the sugar cane plant, which is a highly water intensive crop grown mainly under monoculture conditions across the tropics, most notably in India and Brazil.  These 2 countries alone account for over 55 per cent of global refined sugar production every year.  In the United States, the average American consumes 22 teaspoons of sugar per day. This is DOUBLE the recommend amount.  The average Brit is no better, consuming a shocking 1.25 pounds of sugar per week.  This is slightly lower than Americans, but not much better.

As consumers look for healthy sugar alternatives, they tend to seek out synthetic sugars like aspartame (which is now in just as many processed foods as refined sugars).  Other synthetic sugars such as acesulfame-K are also prevalent in today’s food supply chain.  However, what many consumers don’t realize is that both aspartame and acesulfame-K also come with their own problems and both of them have been linked to cancer.

So what are natural and healthy sugar alternatives?  What are the best alternative sweeteners that are not refined nor are synthetically produced? We only need to look at nature to find the best and most healthy sugar alternatives that also have great nutritional value.  Here are the top 8 healthy alternative sweeteners that you can try:

Best Alternative Sweetener #1 > Raw Honey

In addition to having a natural and organic flavour that best resembles refined cane sugar, raw honey is also used as a remedy for many ailments.  From digestion to allergies, raw honey has been proven to be antimicrobial, antibacterial and antibiotic, which makes it very popular in non-conventional medicines.  As well, raw unprocessed organic honey is also high in antioxidants, phytonutrients, carbohydrates, enzymes, amino acids, vitamins and minerals which make it the ultimate alternative sweetener to refined sugars.

Healthy Sugar Alternative #2 > Stevia

Many people have never heard of stevia even though it is was one of the most natural sweeteners in the world.  Stevia comes from a herb that is native to South America and is usually 300x sweetener than traditional refined sugar.  Having been used as a sweetener for centuries in Japan and South America, stevia is now the second most popular healthy sugar alternative in the world.  At one point, even Coca-Cola in Japan was ‘sweetened’ using stevia before they changed it to refined sugar or aspartame.  Stevia itself has absolutely no glycemic impact and no calories and is therefore suitable and safe for diabetics.  You can purchase both organic liquid and powder stevia from most stores now.

Best Alternative Sweetener #3 > Molasses

Although a by-product of the refined tabletop sugar production process, molasses makes it’s way as a healthy alternative sweetener because it is less refined and doesn’t have a negative environmental impact.  In addition, this heavy sweetener, also known as blackstrap molasses provides high levels of iron and calcium, which is very nutritional.  Molasses is sweeter than traditional tabletop refined sugar and is best used in baking.

Healthy Sugar Alternative #4 > Coconut Palm Sugar

Another great and healthy sugar alternative is coconut palm sugar which is produced from the sap of the coconut palm.  The palm is heated to evaporate the water content and then reduced to usable granules which is what you find in stores.  Having a low glycemic index, coconut palm sugar is also very low in calories.  The taste of this healthy sugar alternative is similar to brown sugar and can be used as a traditional sugar substitute for drinks, baking and much more.  The production of coconut palm sugar also has less environmental impact than sugar cane production too.

Best Alternative Sweetener #5 > Agave Syrup

There’s much controversy surrounding agave syrup and it’s weight in the alternative sweetener space.  However, pure and raw agave syrup from the agave plant (native of Mexico) can have many health benefits and serve as a great alternative sweetener to refined sugars.  Finding the organic dark colored agave syrup will serve you best and is great for adding to baking.  The same issues facing agave syrup also plague maple syrup, which are both plant based sweeteners. Stay tuned for more information as we dig a bit deeper into some health precautions and warnings in using these syrups on a daily basis.

Healthy Sugar Alternative #6 > Artichoke Syrup

Not readily found in stores yet, artichoke syrup is a great healthy sugar alternative.  Having a low glycemic index and exceptionally sweet yet natural taste, artichoke syrup is great for diabetics and people with candida-conscious diets. The active inulin in artichoke syrup has been found to aid in calcium absorption in the body in addition to improving digestion.  As well, the syrup is very rich in fiber which makes it a healthy sugar alternative.

Best Alternative Sweetener #7 > Lucuma Powder

One of the superfoods that is coming onto the market right now is lucuma powder which also doubles as a great alternative sweetener to traditional refined sugar.  Lucuma powder is sweet, fragrant and has a maple-nutty taste to it, so it definitely doesn’t taste like refined sugar (word of warning).  However, lucuma powder contains numerous nutrients that help our body function properly.  These include Vitamins B2, B1, minerals like iron, beta carotene, carbs, fibers and phytonutrients.  In addition, lucuma has lower sugar content which makes it great for breastfeeding women as well as diabetics.  Lucuma powder is a great alternative sweetener for baking as well.

Healthy Sugar Alternative #8 > Dates

Mostly recommended as a cooking or baking alternative to refined sugar, dates also pack a lot of nutrients, vitamins and minerals into your diet.  From fiber, oil, calcium, sulphur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, copper, manganese and magnesium (all essential for a healthy life), dates also aid in many health disorders such as constipation, intestinal diseases, heart problems, sex drive, bloating, abdominal cancer and weight gain.  In cooking and baking, dates also act as a binding agent for desserts, cookies, breads and other yummy treats.

As with anything in our diet, consuming moderate amounts of natural and healthy sweeteners is the key to a happy life.

BLACK is the new GREEN! 6 Amazing BLACK Superfoods!

 
If you asked most people what color foods contain the most nutrients, vitamins and minerals, they will point you towards green foods.  However, there are a number of studies and proven facts about how BLACK foods are just as good and in many ways, even better than green foods.

Black is the new green!  How so?  New studies show that many black or dark pigmented foods contain more antioxidants than lighter colored foods.  The high pigment content also gives more nutrient density, packing in more useful and vital vitamins and minerals into each bite.  Therefore, many nutritionists and dieticians now proclaim that Black is the new Green.  Dark fruits, veggies, produce and grains are nutritional powerhouses.  The dark black color comes from anthocyanins.  These anthocyanins cause dark pigmentation in fresh produce and whole foods and they may help lower the risks of diabetes, heart disease and cancer.  Black superfoods also contain higher levels of fiber, protein, antioxidants and phytonutrients when compared to there counterparts.  As well, black superfoods are now more readily available in local grocery stores.

In additional studies, researchers are also trying to figure out if these anthocyanins from black plants and whole foods can help treat cancers, heart diseases and diabetes.  Black foods can now be found in many supermarkets but if you can’t find any, try natural food stores and small local grocers.  So what are the best black foods?  And how is Black the new Green when it comes to diet and nutrition?  Find out more about Black is the new Green below:

Black Tea

 
Let’s start off with one of our favourite black foods.  Although white and green teas get all the diet and nutrition hype as some of the best healthy drinks in the world, black tea has many perks as well.  The dark pigmentation of black teas gives the drink theaflavins.  According to the New Jersey Rugers University, theaflavins are special antioxidants found in black tea that help improve muscle recovery during and after intense workouts and exercise.  In addition, theaflavin antioxidants in black tea may also help in healing muscle soreness.  Another health benefit of black tea is that studies have shown that is may also lower your risk of heart disease and heart attacks.  Just add black tea!

Black Soybeans

 
Although yellow and green soybeans get all the attention (think edamame in Japanese cuisine), black soybeans are the real superfood when it comes to soy beans.  Although all soybean oils contain alpha linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid which reduces the risk of heart disease, black soybean oil seems to contain the highest levels of this health benefit.  As well, a recent study from Korean researchers show that black soybeans also reduce the risk of thrombosis, a type of blood clot that is in some cases, fatal.  Just add black soybeans!

Black Beans

 
Just like black soybeans, black beans also contain higher levels of nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids and other minerals that aid in regular body function and combatting disease.  The dark black beans are packed with bioflavonoids.  According to Cornell University, the high levels of bioflavonoids in black beans help protect us from all forms of cancer.  The potent plant base nutrients are exceptional.  Just add black beans.

Blackberries

 
Often overlooked due to the hype surrounding goji berries, blueberries and acai berry, blackberries are actually some of the most nutritional dense berries.  High in fiber which aids in digestion, one cup of blackberries contains more than 30% of your daily fiber requirements!  In addition, blackberries also contain polyphenols which help reduce cognitive decline and aid in brain/nervous function.  The polyphenols help clean up cells that impair daily brain function according to Boston’s Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging.  Just add blackberries!

Black Lentils

 
Many vegans and vegetarians eat black lentils because of their high iron content.  About one cup of black lentils gives you close to 40% of your daily recommended intake of iron for women, which is just incredible.  In addition, lentils, specifically black lentils or those with a darker pigmentation, will contain high levels of soluble and digestible fiber.  This will help lower your cholesterol, improve immune function and even reduce your chance of heart disease according a new study done at the University of Illinois.  Just add black lentils!

Black Rice

 
Most of us grew up eating white rice or brown rice.  Not many of us know that there is even black rice on the market.  Brown rice is better than white, but black is better than either of them.  That’s because the bran hull of black rice contains significantly higher amounts of Vitamin E.  As you know Vitamin E helps boost our immune system to combat diseases and it also protects our cells from free radical damage.  According to a recent study at the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, black rice contains more anthocyanin antioxidants than blueberries!  Just add black rice!

The top 6 black superfoods explained in this article includes: black tea, black soybeans, black beans, blackberries, black lentils and black rice.

RECIPE > Easy Papaya Salad with Dressing!

Want to try a light and easy summery salad?  As mentioned in previous posts, papaya or pawpaw is one of our favorite superfoods and combining it with other healthy ingredients makes for a perfect salad.  Whether it’s a starter or a main course, this easy papaya salad with dressing will certainly tantalize your taste buds.  So let’s get right to it!
 

The Papaya Salad Recipe!

 
Please share with your friends and family!
 

Servings: 2 servings
Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes

The Papaya Salad Ingredients

½ – 1/3 papaya (try to find a non-GMO, fresh and organic papaya)

2-3 carrots (organic and peeled)

1 cucumber (organic, peeled and sliced)

1-2 Roma tomatoes (organic and sliced)

¼ cup roasted peanuts* (unsalted, organic and crushed)

¼ cup cilantro (fresh and organic)

* You can substitute the roasted peanuts with your favorite nuts
 

Preparing the Papaya Salad Step-by-Step

Step 1: Peel, de-seed and slice the papaya into long thin strips

Step 2: Peel and sliced the carrots into thin strips

Step 3: Peel and slice the cucumber into thin strips

Step 4: Slice the Roma tomatoes into thin strips or chunks (your preference)

Step 5: Roast (if not already roasted) and crush the peanuts (or equivalent nut)

Step 6: Combine all the ingredients into a large bowl and mix

The Papaya Salad Dressing Ingredients

½ lime (freshly squeezed juice from organic lime)

½ clove garlic (organic and fresh)

½ red chilli* (de-seeded organic hot chilli)

1 tsp cumin (ground and organic)

1 tsp agave syrup (or equivalent)

2-3 tbsp sesame oil (or fish sauce)

Preparing the Dressing Step-by-Step

Step 7: Squeeze half of a fresh organic lime

Step 8: Add garlic and de-seeded hot chilli into a mortar and pestle

Step 9: Mash until it forms a paste

Step 10: Add all ingredients into a medium bowl and whisk together until mixed

 
Add the dressing onto the fresh papaya salad and combine before serving.  Enjoy and share with your friends!
 
This dish was inspired by a GOOP recipe.

RECIPE > Summer Oil-Free Vegan Pesto

 
Whether you are looking for a vegan pizza topping or a veggie dip, this new summery oil-free vegan pesto is one of the best we have encountered. Smooth, tasty and absolutely nutritious, this is a great recipe for any chef!

Quick and easy, this new summer oil-free vegan pesto incorporates some tantalizing ingredients that include organic sun dried tomatoes, walnuts, cashews and spinach as its base ingredients. The other flavorful ingredients include garlic, basil, lemon, arugula, cilantro and salt/pepper. The result is a marvellous take on a summer oil-free vegan pesto that can be eaten with just about anything!
 

 

Vegan Pesto Recipe > Sans Oil and Healthy!

Please share with your friends and family!

Servings: makes a jar, so 1-2 servings per batch
Preparation Time: 10 minutes

The Simple Ingredients for the Vegan Spinach Pesto Recipe

1 clove of garlic
2 tsp of ginger
2 handfuls of spinach (organic)
1 handful of arugula (organic)
2 handfuls of fresh basil (organic)
½ handful of cilantro (organic)
16 walnut halves (organic and unsalted)
8 cashews (organic and unsalted)
8 sun dried tomatoes (organic and medium sized)
6 tbsp of lemon juice (organic)
Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Vegan Pesto Directions

Step 1: Get your food processor out and plug it in
Step 2: Dump all ingredients except for lemon juice, salt and pepper into food processor
Step 3: Blend until it is semi-smooth
Step 4: Slowly add the lemon juice and blend some more
Step 5: Add salt and/or pepper as per your taste
Step 6: Enjoy and share with your friends/family!

You can store this in a jar or container and it should last at least 5 to 7 days!
 
This recipe is adapted from a wonderful pesto from Vegenista.

BEETS INFOGRAPHIC > Just Add Beets/Beetroot… Top 10 Health Benefits, Nutritional Details and Interesting Facts about Beetroot and Beets!

The Just Add Good Stuff INFOGRAPHIC SERIES introduces our Beet Infographic/Beetroot Infogram. We hope you like it!

 

PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

Just Add Beets! Beets (or beetroot) are highly nutritious root vegetables. The unique set of pigment antioxidants in the ‘root’ in addition to the top nutrient rich ‘greens’ make beets highly effective in the protection against many diseases. Here is the Just Add Good Stuff Beets Infographic:

TOP 10 Health Benefits of Beets as described in the Just Add Good Stuff Beetroot Infographic:

1. beets are a great source of energy with good sugars, low calories and fat
2. beetroot cleanses our body, purifies blood & maintains liver function
3. rich in glycine betaine which protects against heart disease
4. beets contain sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron & phosphorus
5. raw beets are high in folic acid for production of new cells
6. beetroot is rich in betaine, boosting mental health & treats depression
7. contain antioxidants that fight against many types of cancer
8. beets are high in trytophan which treats stress & relaxes the mind
9. beetroot is rich in boron which kick-starts production of sex hormones
10. the top beet greens are high in vitamin A and C

Beet Nutrition Facts as described on our Beet Root Infographic

• Serving Size = 1 cup
• Calories = 58
• Calories from Fat = 2
• Total Fat = 0.23 g
• Cholesterol = 0 mg
• Sodium = 106 mg
• Potassium = 442 mg
• Total Carbohydrate = 13 g
• Dietary Fiber = 3.8 g
• Sugars = 9.19 g
• Protein = 2.19 g
• Vitamin A = 1% RDI
• Vitamin C = 11% RDI
• Calcium = 2% RDI
• Iron = 6% RDI

Healthy Beet Recipes on our Beetroot Infographic

1. Spicy Baked Beet chips
2. Fresh Organic Beetroot cold pressed juice
3. Beet and Beetroot summer salad

* All of our recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan! Click here for more recipes!

Things You May Not Know About Beet Root/Beetroot as described on our Beets Infographic

• Beets are often called nature’s viagra with their high BORON content
• Beetroot is also known as the table beet, garden beet, red or golden beet
• Red color compound BETANIN cannot be broken down by our bodies so it may cause temporary red urine & stool (not harmful)
• Cooking beets depletes nutrient levels dramatically
• The TOP GREENS of beets are rich in antioxidants, vitamin A & carotenoids!
• Use a proper JUICER when juicing beets (lots of fiber)
• Contain BETACYANIN which are effective in breaking down tumours
• Beet root is used to treat and cure boils, abscesses and even acne
• Beets contain the HIGHEST source of natural sugar, after the sugar cane

The Just Add Good Stuff beet root infographic (we also call it our beets infograph) talks about general beetroot facts and nutritional details. For more info about the health benefits and nutritional information, please contact us and we will find out more from licensed dieticians and medical science professionals. It is our goal to provide the best information possible and to help inspire you to become more healthy through diet, nutrition and fitness. The beetroot infographic will be updated whenever necessary, as studies and clinical research provides us with more insight into the health benefits of beets which would affect our Top 10 beets health benefits. In addition, we constantly experiment with uses of beetroot in various dishes, so our recipes will also reflect that. Lastly, if we find any more interesting facts and figures about beets in general, we will also update the ‘Did You Know?’ section of our Just Add Good Stuff Beets Infographic.

The information on this infographic is for informational purposes only.
It is not intended to nor should it be a substitute for advice, consultation or visits to your health care provider.
‘Nutrition Facts’ provided by FatSecret.com and verified by Just Add Good Stuff.

Get Up to 900% MORE NUTRITION from Sprouts Versus Fully Grown Foods

Sprouting foods is the ultimate vegan or vegetarian staple food because of their high levels of nutritional value. It’s been proven that sprouts carry abnormally high levels of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients when compared to fully grown foods.

You can reap the incredible health and nutritional benefits of sprouts just 2 to 8 days after you start the germination process! By doing so, you can grow some of the most nutritionally potent foods in the world in less than a week! Just like microgreens, sprouts from vegetable seeds, bean and nuts contain considerable amounts of nutrients in the form of phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins. When compared to fully grown foods, there’s just NO COMPARISON.

Here are some details about nutrition from sprouts versus fully grown foods that you may not be aware of:
 

Sprouts contain very high levels of protein that are easily absorbable and digestible (plant based proteins).

Sprouts contain more calcium, potassium, iron, sodium and Vitamins A, B1/2/3 and C when compared to their fully grown counterparts.

By soaking nuts and seeds (which is the start of a sprout germination process), you can lesson nutritional depletion and remove toxins. This process can also remove phytates that inhibit the absorption of iron, zinc, copper, magnesium and calcium.

Sprouting peas can yield 800% more Vitamin C then fully grown peas.

Sprouting broccoli (after just 3 days) can yield up to 50 times more phytonutrients than consuming a mature broccoli spear.

Sprouting alfalfa grains contains more natural chlorophyll than mater parsley, kale, spinach or cabbage.

Of course, you can find microgreens and organic sprouts in any health food/organic store. However, it is just as easy for you to grow your own sprouts. It’s clean and simple to do. Plus sprouting is economic considering the high nutritional value of food you get for your dollar.

LEMON INFOGRAPHIC > Just Add Lemons … Top 10 Health Benefits of Lemons, Interesting Facts/Figures, Lemon Recipes and Nutritional Value

The Just Add Good Stuff INFOGRAPHIC SERIES continues with our Lemon Infographic. These truly unique health food infographics (or infograms) that we design provide you with interesting facts and things about the best fruits, whole foods and vegetables in addition to general health details. From weird and wacky facts to nutrition information per serving, these infographics is a starting point to help you kick start a more happy and healthy lifestyle. We hope you enjoy them!

 

PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

Just Add Lemons! Lemons are well known for their sharp and acidic, bitter but zingy flavor. They are rich in vitamin C and low in sugar. They go well with sweet and savoury dishes and all parts of the lemon can be eaten, juiced, dried and used. Not only that, but lemons aid in the proper function of our digestive, immune and circulatory systems in addition to balancing our body’s pH. Here is the Just Add Good Stuff Lemon Infographic:

TOP 10 Health Benefits of Lemons as described in the Just Add Good Stuff Lemon Infographic:

1. maintains our pH balance (they are alkaline in our bodies)
2. lemons are high in vitamin C & potassium which boost our immune system
3. stimulates our gastrointestinal tract and the peristalsis
4. lemon juice clears skin, no matter your skin type by removing toxins
5. act as a natural, non-evasive, non-threatening diuretic
6. lemons homeopathically freshens breath & cures mouth sores
7. helps keep our skin healthy, moisturized and glowing
8. lemons are very high in pectin fiber which aids in weight loss
9. rich in proteins, magnesium, calcium, fiber, flavanoids
10. lemon hydrates our lymph system, alleviates constipation & stress

Lemon Nutrition Facts as described on our Lemons Infographic

• Serving Size = 1 fruit (2 1/8″ diameter)
• Calories = 17
• Calories from Fat = 2
• Total Fat = 0.17 g
• Cholesterol = 0 mg
• Sodium = 1 mg
• Potassium = 80 mg
• Total Carbohydrate = 5.41 g
• Dietary Fiber =1.6 g
• Sugars = 1.45 g
• Protein = 0.64 g
• Vitamin A = 0% RDI
• Vitamin C = 51% RDI
• Calcium = 2% RDI
• Iron = 2% RDI

Healthy Lemon Recipes on our Lemon Infographic

1. Good Morning Lemon Berry water
2. Lemon Coconut Quinoa Hemp main dish
3. Green Lemon Infused smoothie

* All of our recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan! Click here for more recipes!

Things You May Not Know About Lemons as described on our Lemon Infographic

• 1 WHOLE lemon contains a day’s supply of a vitamin C, but the JUICE only contains 1/3 of the recommended daily intake
• Lemons are GREEN and turn YELLOW due to temperature, not ripeness (just don’t buy brown ones)
• The CITRIC ACID in lemons prevent oxidation of fresh raw foods
• Lemons are a natural & versatile household cleaner
• Roll a room-temperature lemon under your palm for max juice
• BOTTLED lemon juice aren’t as good as fresh organics
• Lemons came from Southern India, Northern Burma, and China
• The lemon tree is considered an evergreen
• The Meyer lemon is a cross between a lemon & an orange or mandarin

The Just Add Good Stuff lemon infographic (we also call it our lemon infograph) talks about general lemon facts and nutritional details. For more info about the health benefits and nutritional information, please contact us and we will find out more from licensed dieticians and medical science professionals. It is our goal to provide the best information possible and to help inspire you to become more healthy through diet, nutrition and fitness. The lemon infographic will be updated whenever necessary, as studies and clinical research provides us with more insight into the health benefits of lemon which would affect our Top 10 lemon health benefits. In addition, we constantly experiment with uses of lemon in various dishes, so our recipes will also reflect that. Lastly, if we find any more interesting facts and figures about lemons in general, we will also update the ‘Did You Know?’ section of our Just Add Good Stuff Lemon Infographic.

The information on this infographic is for informational purposes only.
It is not intended to nor should it be a substitute for advice, consultation or visits to your health care provider.
‘Nutrition Facts’ provided by FatSecret.com and verified by Just Add Good Stuff.

GINGER INFOGRAPHIC > Just Add Ginger! Here’s a look at Ginger Nutrition

Here’s our second infogram in our INFOGRAPHIC SERIES on Just Add Good Stuff. The infographics give you some introductory information about health benefits, recipes and interesting facts about various whole foods, vegetables and fruits. We hope you enjoy them!

PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

Just Add Ginger! A powerful, aromatic,  gentle and flavorful herb, ginger or ginger root has been used as a natural remedy for hundreds of ailments for centuries. The stunning health benefits are now being scientifically proven and they range from treating bacterial infections to digestion to cancer. Here is a Ginger Infographic that outlines the Top 10 health benefits of ginger, ginger nutrition information, ginger recipes and some interesting facts about ginger root. Here is the Just Add Good Stuff Ginger Infographic:

TOP 10 Health Benefits of Ginger as described on our Ginger Infographic:

1. treats and prevents multiple forms of cancer
2. prevents diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol
3. acts as a natural antibiotic to fight pathogenic bacteria
4. reduces pain & inflammation acting as a natural painkiller
5. treats nausea/motion sickness, heartburn & migraines
6. cures menstrual pain/cramps and morning sickness
7. prevents intestinal ulcers and gastric distress
8. fights fungal infections and toxicity in the body
9. important for heart health and fights gout & arthritis
10. boosts immune system to fight the cold and flu

Ginger Nutrition Facts as described on our Ginger Infographic

• Serving Size = 1 tsp
• Calories = 2
• Calories from Fat = 0
• Total Fat = 0.02 g
• Cholesterol = 0 mg
• Sodium = 0 mg
• Potassium = 8 mg
• Total Carbohydrate = 0.36 g
• Dietary Fiber = 0 g
• Sugars = 0.03 g
• Protein = 0.04 g
• Vitamin A = 0% RDI
• Vitamin C = 0% RDI
• Calcium = 0% RDI
• Iron = 0% RDI

Healthy Ginger Recipes as mentioned on our Ginger Infographic

1. Cacao Ginger dessert balls
2. Summer Peach Ginger smoothie
3. Miso Ginger Spring Salad dressing

* All of our recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan! Click here for more recipes!

Interesting Facts about Ginger on the Ginger Infographic

• Cultivation started in South Asia & has spread to East Africa and the Caribbean. Top producers are India, China & Indonesia.
• Although there are few negative side effects to consuming ginger, it can interact with some meds.
• Ginger root should be stored in a COOL & DRY place
• Ginger root is NOT actually a root, but a rhizome
• Choose robust / firm roots with a spicy fragrance and smooth skin
• Contains silicon for healthy skin, hair, teeth and nails
• Plant is 30 – 60 cm tall and is extremely rare to find in the wild
• One of the most important herbs in the world
• Ginger is also used to treat heartworm problems in doggies!

The ginger infogram (or ginger infographic) talks about high-level information regarding the ginger root. For more details about the health benefits and nutritional information about ginger and ginger root, please contact us and we will find out more from licensed dieticians and medical science professionals. It is our goal to provide the best information possible and to help inspire you to become more healthy through diet, nutrition and fitness. The ginger infographic will be updated whenever necessary, as studies and clinical research provides us with more insight into the health benefits of ginger root which would affect our Top 10 ginger health benefits on the Ginger Infographic. In addition, we constantly experiment with uses of ginger root in various dishes, so our ginger recipes will also reflect that. Lastly, if we find any more interesting facts and figures about blueberries in general, we will also update the ‘Did You Know?’ section of our Just Add Good Stuff Ginger Infographic.

The information on this infographic is for informational purposes only.
It is not intended to nor should it be a substitute for advice, consultation or visits to your health care provider.
‘Nutrition Facts’ provided by FatSecret.com and verified by Just Add Good Stuff.

RECIPE > Strawberry Mango Salad Dressing

Want a great spring/summer salad dressing recipe?  Look no further as Just Add Good Stuff is publishing their favorite Strawberry Mango Salad Dressing recipe right here!

Strawberries and mango are a perfect pairing when it comes to flavours, textures, colours and nutrition.  Both of these fabulous and nutritious fruits are combined in this simple and very quick salad dressing recipe that can go on any spring or summer mixed green salad.  Personally, we love the combination of fresh organic spinach, arugula, kale, cucumber and lettuce coupled with this Strawberry Mango Salad Dressing, but it’s really up to you.  Below is our recipe … let us know what you think and how we can improve it!

Strawberry Mango Salad Dressing Recipe

Please share with your friends and family!

Servings: enough for a starter salad for 6-8 people

Preparation Time: 5 to 10 minutes

Here are the ingredients for the Strawberry Mango Salad Dressing:

1 mango (organic, ripe, champagne mangos are preferable)

8 strawberries (organic, ripe and large size, de-stemmed)

1/8 cup almond oil

1/3 cup lemon juice

1/3 cup lime juice

1/3 cup mango nectar (organic, no sugar added!)

2 tbsp orange juice (freshly squeezed, organic)

2 tsp lemon zest

1 pinch salt

Here are the preparation directions for the Strawberry Mango Salad Dressing:

Step 1: Wash all fresh ingredients thoroughly

Step 2: Cut the fruit from the mango.  Try to get the least amount of ‘mango hair’ when cutting close to the pit.

Step 3: Add all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor.

Step 4: Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth

Step 5: Empty salad dressing into a serving container or a sealed jar for up to 5 days

Step 6: Serve with a mixed green salad of your choice

Step 7: Enjoy and Share with your friends and family

Remember that cooking is all about experimenting and changing things up all the time.

For instance, this Strawberry Mango Salad Dressing recipe can easily be converted into a spread or dip.  By combining these ingredients along with some banana or avocado, you can easily make this salad dressing recipe into a thicker dip that goes well with gluten free crackers and breads.

Alternatively, the Strawberry Mango Salad Dressing recipe can also be cooked with chia seeds in order to create a jelly or jam spread.  This will be even thicker than the dip and will likely be sweeter as most of the moisture of the fruits will be boiled away.

Of course, Just Add Good Stuff promotes healthy, organic and raw foods as much as possible … so the closer it is to its natural state, the better and more nutritious the ingredients will be for your mind and body.

BLUEBERRY INFOGRAPHIC > Just Add Blueberries! Here’s a look at Blueberry Nutrition

This is the first of our INFOGRAPHIC SERIES on Just Add Good Stuff. The infographics (or infograms) will provide you with interesting facts and figures about various vegetables, fruits, whole foods and general health. From weird and wacky facts to nutritional information per serving, these infographics is a starting point to help you kick start a more healthy and happy lifestyle.  We hope you enjoy them!

 

PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

Just Add Blueberries! Blueberries are one of the best superfoods in the world! Blueberries are high in nutrition, vitamins and trace minerals. All of these aid in our cognitive, circulatory, nervous and digestive systems. Here is a Blueberry Infographic that outlines the Top 10 health benefits of blueberries, blueberry nutrition information, blueberry recipes and some interesting facts about blueberries.  Here is the Just Add Good Stuff Blueberry Infographic:

TOP 10 Health Benefits of Blueberries on the Blueberry Infographic:

1. extremely high in anti-oxidants
2. restores & protects brain cells for cognitive function
3. slows the aging process to keep us healthy & young
4. 32% of recommended vitamin c in a single serving
5. effective anti-depressant to stabilize mood swings
6. ideal dietary supplement to prevent heart disease
7. no known side effects and very few allergies
8. high in fiber which improves digestion
9. fights free radicals against cancer, alzheimers & infection
10. keeps us fresh, active, fit & sharp

Blueberry Nutrition Facts on the Blueberry Infographic

• Serving Size = 1 cup
• Calories = 83
• Calories from Fat = 4
• Total Fat = 0.48 g
• Cholesterol = 0 mg
• Sodium = 1 mg
• Potassium = 112 mg
• Total Carbohydrate = 21.01 g
• Dietary Fiber = 3.5 g
• Sugars = 14.44 g
• Protein = 1.07 g
• Vitamin A = 2% RDI
• Vitamin C = 24% RDI
• Calcium = 1% RDI
• Iron = 2% RDI

Healthy Blueberry Recipes on the Blueberry Infographic

1. Blueberry Quinoa muffins
2. Blueberry Acai Berry dessert balls
3. Mixed Berry flax & hemp seed bread

 
* All of our recipes are gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan! Click here for more recipes!

 Things You May Not Know About Blueberries on the Blueberry Infographic

• USDA study ranked wild blueberries as the #1 anti-oxidant fruit
• WILD blueberries contain 48% more anti-oxidants than cultivated blueberries
• You can buy ORGANIC & WILD blueberries at your local grocers
• WILD & ORGANIC blueberries also come frozen
• > 95% of store bought blueberry MUFFINS contain no blueberries
• Use FROZEN wild blueberies in place of ice cubes
• Blueberries are one of the only natural foods that are truly blue
• Blueberries were once called star berries
•  State of Maine is the blueberry production capital of North America

This blueberry infographic (we also call it a blueberry infograph) talks about general blueberry facts and information.  For more details about the health benefits and nutritional information, please contact us and we will find out more from licensed dieticians and medical science professionals.  It is our goal to provide the best information possible and to help inspire you to become more healthy through diet, nutrition and fitness.  The blueberry infographic will be updated whenever necessary, as studies and clinical research provides us with more insight into the health benefits of blueberries which would affect our Top 10 blueberry health benefits on the Blueberry Infographic.  In addition, we constantly experiment with uses of blueberries in various dishes, so our blueberry recipes will also reflect that.  Lastly, if we find any more interesting facts and figures about blueberries in general, we will also update the ‘Did You Know?’ section of our Just Add Good Stuff Blueberry Infographic.

 
The information on this infographic is for informational purposes only.
It is not intended to nor should it be a substitute for advice, consultation or visits to your health care provider.
‘Nutrition Facts’ provided by FatSecret.com and verified by Just Add Good Stuff.