That’s right! Those Raw Vegan Brownies we made a few days ago, and devoured…are actually good for us! You can eat these little chocolatey delights with no guilt. Listed below are the 10 ingredients used to make them and how they are good for you.
PECANS are rich sources of many phyto-chemical substances that may contribute to their overall antioxidant activity, including polyphenolic antioxidant ellagic acid, vitamin E, beta-carotenes, lutein and zeaxanthin. Research studies have been suggestive that these compounds help the body remove toxic oxygen, free radicals; thus, protecting the body from diseases (i.e., cancers) as well as infections. Pecans are an excellent source of vitamin-E. Vitamin E is a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant, required for maintaining the integrity of cell membrane of mucus membranes and skin by protecting it from harmful oxygen free radicals. These nuts are packed with many important B-complex group of vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, and folates. These vitamins functions as co-factors for enzymes during cellular substrate metabolism.
WALNUTS are an excellent form of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Many seem to think you can only get these fatty acids from fish, but you can get it from nuts too. Walnuts contain no cholesterol and are an important source of dietary fiber and protein and are considered to be the “meat” nut. They are also a good source of many vitamins and minerals including potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, vitamin B1, B6, folate, and vitamin E. Research has found that eating regular amounts of walnuts reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. With a 7:1 ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fat, walnuts are one of the highest naturally occurring sources of polyunsaturated fats.
RAW HONEY contains essential vitamins and minerals including riboflavin pantothenic acid, niacin, magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium and zinc. Some of the minerals make up to 1-2% of the recommended daily value by USDA guidelines. (To learn more about Raw Honey...CLICK HERE.)
RAW CACAO POWDER comes right from the cacao bean. So you get all of the raw minerals, antioxidants, and neurotransmitter rejuvenating properties of this raw cacao bean! They are full of Magnesium, Iron, Chromium, Anadamide, Theobromine and the antioxidants it has is through the roof! It has polyphenols, catechins, and epicatechins! Raw cacao powder has more 540% more antioxidants than in blueberries! (To learn more about Raw Cacao, please read my previous post on 8 Ancient Superfoods That Promote Good Health.)
DATES are rich in dietary fiber, which prevents LDL cholesterol absorption. It’s a great form of a natural laxative. The fiber content helps to protect the colon mucous membrane exposure time as well as binding to cancer causing chemicals in the colon. They are a great source of Vitamin A and have great antioxidant properties that are known to help great vision. A few other nutrients dates have are: iron, potassium, copper, beta-carotene, and last but certainly not least…this little fun packed fruit is rich in B-complex vitamins and Vitamin K!
RAISINS are a top source of antioxidants. They are full of potassium and dietary fiber, including inulin to promote digestive health. They help fight dental plaque and gum disease, are low in sodium and naturally fat and cholesterol free. It’s even said that eating raisins help reduce risk of heart disease and cancer. These dried grapes contain natural fruit sugars, a good source of energy.
MESQUITE POWDER has a low glycemic index of 25. So it actually balances out any sweetness and sugars that are in foods to prevent that sugar “spiked” high that one typically gets from sugars. It has a high protein content is a good source of lysine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc. And its natural caramel taste is used as a flavor enhancer.
COCONUT OIL is filled with over 90% saturated fats…but wait! Don’t freak out on me…hear me out. Not all fats are bad, some are good fats that our body needs. These fats simply go in…and then come right out. They don’t sit and accumulate more fat. Coconut Oil is full of medium-chain triglycerides, which are supposed to assimilate well. Its loaded with Vitamin E, Vitamin K and minerals, namely iron. Not to mention, many often use coconut oil as a method for losing weight, as it carries the fat out of our body with it, while filling our body with healthy fats. While this is naturally fat, its cholesterol free! (To learn more about Raw Cacao, please read my previous post on 8 Ancient Superfoods That Promote Good Health.)
COCONUT MANNA is a great replacement for cream, butter, milk or yogurt. It’s healthier for you too. It has 50-55% Lauric Acid, 16% fiber, 7% protein and filled with nourishing medium-chain fats that are cholesterol free. These fats will do your body more good than harm.
HIMALAYAN SALT is a pink beautiful salt that, unlike iodized salt, contains 84 minerals and trace elements. The major nutrients in this salt are: potassium, calcium, magnesium sulfates and iodine. The advantage of using this salt is that the essential minerals and nutrients aren’t taken out. So you get these minerals and nutrients in its natural form.
By the way, if you're reading this and wondering, "What brownies, is she talking about?"...well the recipe was in last week's Recipe of the Week, Raw Vegan Turtle Brownies. (Click Here for the Recipe)
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