coconut milk Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Frothy Chai Tea Latte Recipe

AHA Publisher — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 07:00:45 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Chai or chai tea is a popular drink in India, where this delicious hot beverage is often made by boiling tea leaves with milk and adding sugar and spices. My chai tea recipe is a bit of a twist because instead of whole cow’s milk, I use coconut milk. In addition, instead of refined white sugar, I use honey or maple syrup, and instead of including tea, I keep this chai caffeine-free. (Yet it’s ready for the addition of tea if you’d like. Traditionally, chai includes black tea.) This chai tea recipe is so tasty. Rather than being filled with toxic chemicals and artificial sweeteners and flavors, this drink is loaded with chai tea benefits thanks to its antioxidants, real spices and zero refined sugars. It’s easy to make and extremely delicious. So, go on, give this hot, creamy, fragrant beverage a try. What Is Chai? Chai tea, chai latte, chai tea latte — no matter what you call it, chai is a popular beverage these days. Tea lattes are a variation on caffè lattes. Like caffè lattes, they are typically made with steamed milk, but instead of including coffee or espresso, a tea latte is made with tea. However, this chai tea latte recipe is caffeine-free so you don’t have to worry at all about an unpleasant caffeine overdose. So what is chai? “Chai” is the Hindi word for “tea,” which was derived from “cha.” Cha is the Chinese word for “tea.” So what is chai tea? It’s essentially “tea tea” that is made customarily in India, where it’s commonly called masala chai. The spices that go into chai can vary from region to region or even household to household, just like garam masala. Some of the spices most commonly included in a chai include cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and black peppercorn. So wait, does chai tea have caffeine, and how much caffeine does chai tea have? Chai tea only has caffeine if a caffeine source is included in its making. Typically, it does include caffeinated black tea, but it doesn’t have to. As I said, this chai recipe is completely free of caffeine, which makes it a great choice for kids as well as adults! The benefits of chai tea comes from its many health-boosting ingredients. For example, all of the spices are loaded with antioxidants, which are known to play an important role in the prevention of so many chronic diseases. How to Make This Chai Tea Recipe How to make chai tea is really quick and simple. Basically, all you have to do is heat up the milk and then combine all of the ingredients in a blender. The same goes for chai lattes that include black tea. Simply steep the tea and add to the blender. The first step in this recipe is to put the coconut milk into a small pot and warm it up over medium heat. Add the warmed coconut milk to a high-powered blender. Add the honey or maple syrup. Add the date and spices to the blender. Blend on high until well-combined. Pour and enjoy. Your chai is complete! Frothy Chai Tea Latte Recipe Chai tea is a popular drink in India and is often made by boiling tea leaves with milk and adding sugar and spices. Try my chai tea recipe! INGREDIENTS 2 cups coconut milk 1 date, pitted ½–1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup ½ teaspoon cinnamon ⅛ teaspoon ginger ⅛ teaspoon cardamom ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves INSTRUCTIONS In a small pot, over medium heat, warm the coconut milk. Add the warmed coconut milk to a high-powered blender. Add the remaining ingredients to the blender and blend on high until well-combined. Pour and enjoy! To read the original article click here.

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Caramel Apple Recipe Without Dairy!

AHA Publisher — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 07:00:44 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – When the weather turns cooler and the leaves begin changing colors, you know it’s caramel apple time. What better treat to welcome fall and all its delicious fruits and vegetables? If you have an apple orchard near your home, you can make this recipe into a fun family affair by taking a trip to pick up some fresh (hopefully organic!) apples. Then have the kids help with stirring the caramel and drizzling the apples and decorating them. Then the best part — eating the caramel apples — can be guilt-free because those nutrition-rich apples are filled with fiber to improve heart health and help keep weight down, plus phytonutrients and antioxidants. And my dairy-free caramel apple recipe, made with beneficial coconut milk, coconut sugar and maple syrup, just sweetens the deal (pun intended). You’re going to want to eat this sauce on everything. How to Make Caramel Apples Here’s how to make these easy and delicious caramel apple recipe. (Note that you’ll want to make these the day before you plan to eat them, to give the caramel time to set.) First, wash and dry four Granny Smith apples and remove the stems. (The tart nature of green apples works well with the sweet of the caramel.) Insert your sticks and set the apples aside to come to room temperature. This will help the caramel stick to the apples better. Grab a small pot and add the coconut milk, coconut sugar and maple syrup. Place the pot over medium-high heat. Stir the sauce as it heats to make sure the sugar and maple syrup dissolve in the milk and don’t burn. You want to bring the mixture to a rolling boil and allow it to boil for 1 minute. Once the caramel has boiled for a minute, turn it down to medium-low heat and set your timer for 15 minutes. You’re going to let the caramel simmer, reduce and thicken. Scrape down the sides of the pot and stir the caramel every few minutes. You’ll see it begin to thicken and turn a darker brown. At the end of the 15 minutes, it should be thick and coat the back of a spoon. If it seems like it could be thicker, allow it to simmer a couple minutes more. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in some vanilla extract and sea salt. Voila! Caramel sauce! Now comes the hard part: waiting for the caramel sauce to cool. Beware of little fingers sneaking into this sauce because it’s hard to resist. Transfer the caramel sauce to a glass bowl and refrigerate it until it cools. Once you no longer feel any heat on the bowl, it’s ready. Now the fun part in the caramel apple recipe. Stir the caramel and, holding the apples one at a time over the bowl, spoon the caramel over them to coat all sides. Then place the apples on a cookie sheet coated in parchment paper. Put them back in the fridge to set up. This will take at least 4 hours, or you can leave them overnight. Pull them out in the morning and give them one more coating of caramel. Then refrigerate them again to allow the caramel to set. Once the caramel apples are ready, you can add even more fun by drizzling some melted dark chocolate over them or sprinkling them with shredded coconut or your favorite chopped nuts. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do! Caramel Apple Recipe DESCRIPTION This dairy-free caramel apple recipe, made with beneficial coconut milk, coconut sugar and maple syrup, just sweetens the deal (pun intended). You’re going to want to eat this sauce on everything. INGREDIENTS 1 cup full-fat, unsweetened coconut milk ½ cup coconut sugar ¼ cup maple syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon sea salt 4 green apples 4 sticks INSTRUCTIONS Line a small cookie sheet with parchment paper. Wash and dry the apples. Remove the stems. Insert the sticks into the top of the apples. Set the apples aside to allow them to come to room temperature. In a small pot, combine the coconut milk, coconut sugar and maple syrup. Place the pot over medium-high heat. Stir the “caramel” frequently as it heats, watching for it to begin boiling. Once it comes to a rolling boil (bubbles covering the entire surface), allow it to boil for 1 minute, stirring every 15 seconds to be sure the mixture doesn’t stick and burn. After 1 minute, turn the heat down to medium low. Allow the caramel to simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently to scrape down the sides and prevent sticking. You should see the caramel darken in color, reduce in volume, and thicken significantly. After 15 minutes, the mixture should resemble caramel and coat a spoon. Remove the caramel from the heat and stir in the vanilla and salt. Transfer the caramel to a glass bowl and place in the refrigerator to cool. Stir the caramel and, holding each apple over the caramel bowl, drizzle the caramel over the apples until they are fully coated. Place the coated apples on the lined cookie sheet and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, up to overnight. Refrigerate remaining caramel. Re-coat the apples in the caramel and refrigerate again. Add coconut milk to caramel as needed to thin it for dipping/drizzling. To read the original article click here.

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Black Ice Cream: An Activated Charcoal Treat for Detoxification

AHA Publisher — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 07:00:22 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Move over vanilla ice cream — there’s a much more interesting and healthy option just waiting to be eaten: black ice cream! You may have noticed a new food trend recently: black everything. From dark lemonades to coal-like pizza crusts, darkened foods are popping up everywhere. What gives these foods their dark hue is activated charcoal, and I have to admit, it’s a fad I’m into. It’s not because of the color, however. Activated charcoal is a terrific, natural way to rid your body of toxins. One of my new favorite ways to ingest activated charcoal is through ice cream. That’s right, black ice cream is a thing. It tastes good, and it’s good for you! What Is Black Ice Cream? Black ice cream is just a simple ice cream recipe that incorporates activated charcoal. My black ice cream recipe is also made from ingredients that you likely have on hand: canned coconut milk condensed coconut milk arrowroot starch vanilla extract cacao powder charcoal As you can tell from the ingredients list, not only is this activated charcoal ice cream super healthy, but it’s also dairy-free! You can even swap the honey for an alternative sweetener like maple syrup to make this black charcoal recipe vegan, too. Unfortunately, you’re not likely to see black ice cream alongside vanilla ice cream in your local ice cream shop, but thankfully it’s not hard to make what I think is one of the finest ice cream flavors in existence today. How did this seemingly goth ice cream get its start? You’re about to find out. Black ice cream doesn’t have a lengthy history, but it has a story nonetheless. The ice cream parlor that typically gets credit for starting the black ice cream trend is Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream, located in New York City. It was somewhat of an accident too. The main goal actually was not to create a healthy and black-colored ice cream, but rather to create a flavor that was coconut to the max. In 2016, this modern-day ice cream parlor debuted a new and very intriguing option: coconut ash. Why is it called coconut ash? This jet black ash ice cream gets its name from its key ingredient, which, according to founder Nick Morgenstern, is “simply the charred and processed remains of a coconut shell.” This coconut ash is a form of activated charcoal, and it’s why the final product ends up being such a rich, dark shade. How dark? Seriously, this ash ice cream is truly as black as you can imagine, yet it contains some very lightly colored and tasty ingredients, including coconut flakes, coconut cream and coconut milk, similar to the delicious recipe below. Health Benefits Now, when you think of ice cream, “healthy” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind. However, the ingredients in this activated charcoal ice cream make it a guilt-free treat. Let’s start with the main ingredient: activated charcoal. It’s a powerful detoxifier that’s often used in hospitals to treat patients who have overdosed or poisoned themselves. The charcoal binds to toxins and chemicals and draws them out of the body. The best types are made from coconut shells or identified wood species with fine grains and don’t have added artificial sweeteners. Activated charcoal is handy to have in the medicine cabinet. It helps alleviate gas and bloating and can even help the morning after too many cocktails. You can use it to whiten your teeth as well. In fact, you’ll find it in many natural toothpastes. It also promotes a happy digestive tract. One of the most versatile kitchen staples, coconut milk, is featured in this black ice cream recipe. Coconut milk gives this dessert a creamy texture and a little natural sweetness. It’s also known to lower bad cholesterol levels and help you lose fat. Cacao powder is a type of dark chocolate, so it’s packed with antioxidants. In fact, dark chocolate is often considered a superfood, and it helps lower blood pressure and increase blood flow to the heart. Instead of refined sweeteners, this black ice cream recipe uses honey, a natural sweetener option. Honey is full of enzymes, antioxidants and minerals that you just don’t get with table sugar. It’s also a lot easier on your blood sugar levels. How to Make Black Ice Cream Intrigued about making this activated charcoal ice cream? It’s pretty easy to do, so let’s get churning. You’ll want to pre-plan this charcoal recipe and stick your ice cream maker’s freezer bowl in the freezer for about nine hours. I find it’s easier to just place it overnight. The next day, put a medium saucepan on the stove, and add the coconut milk, condensed coconut milk, arrowroot starch, honey, vanilla extract, cacao powder and activated charcoal. Keep watch over it so it doesn’t come to a boil. Next, pour the black ice cream mixture into a bowl. Cover it, and place in the refrigerator for at least an hour before making the ice cream. Assemble the ice cream maker, and turn on the rotating freezer bowl. Next, pour the black ice cream mixture into the bowl, and churn for 15–20 minutes or until the ice cream reaches your desired consistency. If you’re a fan of thick ice cream, pour the mixture into a container. Cover it with parchment paper, and store in the freezer for about an hour. Then scoop the ice cream into a bowl. Serve the black charcoal ice cream with your favorite toppings. I love pistachios and Himalayan pink salt. Enjoy! Black Ice Cream: An Activated Charcoal Treat for Detoxification DESCRIPTION Move over vanilla ice cream — there’s a much more interesting and healthy option just waiting to be eaten: black ice cream! INGREDIENTS 2 cups full-fat coconut milk 2 cups condensed coconut milk 2 tablespoons arrowroot starch 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 4 tablespoons activated charcoal powder 3 tablespoons raw cacao powder INSTRUCTIONS Freeze the freezer bowl for at least 9 hours or overnight. In a medium-size saucepan, on medium-low, mix milk, condensed milk, starch, honey, vanilla extract, cacao powder and charcoal. Don’t let this mixture come to a boil. Pour mixture into a bowl, cover and place in the fridge for at least 1 hour before making ice cream. Assemble ice cream maker and turn on the rotating freezer bowl. Pour ice cream mixture into the freezer bowl and allow to churn for 15–20 minutes or until desired consistency. If you like your ice cream thick, pour the mixture into a container, cover with parchment paper and store in the freezer for about 1 hour. Serve with your favorite ice cream toppings. NOTES Swap the honey for another natural sweetener, such as maple syrup, to make this recipe vegan. Add healthy toppings of your choice, such as nuts and sea salt. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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Turmeric Latte Recipe (Golden Milk!)

AHA Publisher — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 07:00:19 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN– Are you looking for a way to incorporate the many health benefits of turmeric into your daily life? If so, I have just the beverage for you. It’s a turmeric latte, often lovingly called “golden milk” — suitable for vegan, Paleo, keto and most diets! But wait, could anything with “latte” in the title actually be healthy? In this case, it’s a definite “yes!” The benefits of turmeric range from improving heart health to discouraging cancer. A turmeric latte or turmeric milk always requires two essential ingredients: turmeric and some type of milk. You’re probably wondering what other ingredients go into this healthy elixir. Well, I’m basically taking my Turmeric Tea Recipe to new heights with even more health-boosting ingredients like ashwagandha. Compared to turmeric tea, this turmeric latte is going to have a richer, fuller flavor profile thanks to the use of almond milk or full-fat coconut milk and zero water. The Power of Turmeric in a Hot Drink Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a relative of ginger and an absolute powerhouse when it comes to health. Turmeric contains a potent antioxidant called curcumin. Not only does curcumin give turmeric (and a turmeric latte) its bright color, it’s also one of the reasons why turmeric is such a healthy spice. By consuming a turmeric latte on a regular basis, you can reap the many health benefits of turmeric. According to scientific research, turmeric may help the following health concerns: (2) Bacterial infections Cancer (including breast, colon, prostate and skin cancer) Eye inflammation (such as uveitis) Heart disease Indigestion Neurodegenerative conditions (including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis) Osteoarthritis Stomach ulcers Ulcerative colitis Viral infections I love that golden milk not only makes it easy to incorporate turmeric into your diet regularly, it’s also such a tasty hot beverage. You can have a turmeric latte in between meals as a snack, or you can have it as a post-dinner dessert. The great thing about this latte recipe is that you don’t only get the benefits of turmeric since every other ingredient in this recipe has beneficial health properties as well. Healthy Ingredients almond milk or coconut milk turmeric coconut oil or ghee vanilla powdered ashwagandha cinnamon black pepper ginger root powder maple syrup How to Make I’m happy to say that making a turmeric latte does not require any barista training. It is truly a simple recipe that results in a deliciously flavored and seriously satisfying hot beverage. This is a latte that you can enjoy any time of day since it’s completely caffeine-free. It’s also dairy-free thanks to the use of nut milk rather than cow’s milk. Personally, I really love having it at night when I’m winding down. In a medium pot over medium heat, add your nut milk of choice, turmeric powder, and coconut oil or ghee. Stir until mixture is hot and ingredients are well combined. Put the warm mixture into a high-powered blender, then add in the remaining ingredients (except for the vanilla). Blend on high until all ingredients are mixed well. After it’s mixed, stir in the vanilla. Then, pour the blended mixture into mugs. Serve topped with powdered cinnamon. Turmeric Latte Recipe DESCRIPTION Are you looking for a way to incorporate the many health benefits of turmeric into your daily life? If so, I have just the beverage for you. It’s a turmeric latte, often lovingly called “golden milk.” INGREDIENTS 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or canned coconut milk (go full-fat for keto diet) 1 tablespoon turmeric 1 tablespoon coconut oil or ghee ½ teaspoon powdered ashwagandha ¼ teaspoon cinnamon ⅛ teaspoon black pepper ⅛ teaspoon ginger root powder ½ teaspoon vanilla optional: 1 teaspoon maple syrup (if keto, don’t use) INSTRUCTIONS In a medium pot over medium heat, add nut milk, turmeric and coconut oil or ghee. Stir until mixture is hot and ingredients are well combined. Add mixture to a high-powered blender and the remaining ingredients (except for the vanilla). Blend on high until mixed well. Stir in the vanilla. Serve topped with cinnamon. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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Nondairy Homemade Coffee Creamer Recipe

AHA Publisher — Tue, 04 May 2021 07:00:06 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS – Whether you have a milk allergy, love coconut milk or simply think you feel better on a dairy-free diet, this coconut milk coffee creamer recipe is for you! Coconut milk and coconut oil contain medium chain fatty acids, or MCTs, which are easily digested and converted to energy. Start your day off right by adding this delicious coconut milk coffee creamer recipe into your morning cup of joe. This nondairy homemade creamer for coffee or tea is incredibly tasty and so simple to make in less than five minutes. Nondairy Coffee Creamers A coconut-flavored coffee creamer may be agreeable to your taste buds, but is it natural? Unfortunately, you can’t assume a nondairy coffee creamer is healthy just because it doesn’t contain dairy or because it contains coconut. Reading the labels of dairy-free coffee creamer options today can be really eye opening. It’s actually quite hard to find a simple creamer option that only contains whole-food ingredients and tastes good. Can you find a coffee creamer with coconut milk or a coconut creamer powder in your local grocery store? Quite likely, yes. The problem is that many of these dairy-free coffee creamers are loaded with questionable ingredients such as dipotassium phosphate and gellan gum. Conventional coffee creamers are also notorious for their trans fat content. (1) Almond milk homemade coffee creamer is a dairy-free option that can be healthy, but many people prefer the way that coconut milk mixes into coffeeor tea. Plus, it adds a delicious richness, especially if you use a full-fat coconut milk. Why Use Coconut Coffee Creamer? I highly recommend using a homemade nondairy coffee creamer like this one because not only is it loaded with energizing fats and delicious flavor, but it also guarantees that you leave out any unhealthy and questionable ingredients. Is coconut milk creamer good for you? It certainly can be if you use healthy, whole-food ingredients like this recipe, which is Paleo diet-friendly. This homemade coffee creamer is also an option for anyone following a vegan diet. While on the subject of coconut milk, I’ll answer a few other common questions: Is coconut milk good for your heart? The debate over coconut oil and coconut milk’s healthiness will likely continue, but recent research points toward coconut milk as a healthy source of coconut fat, which was shown to decrease LDL “bad” cholesterol while increasing HDL “good” cholesterol, which is believed to protect against heart attack and stroke. Can you use coconut milk as coffee creamer? Yes, you can certainly use pure coconut milk as a single ingredient, dairy-free creamer for coffee and tea. Can you steam coconut milk? Yes, you can steam it just like cow’s milk. What is a coconut milk latte? It’s typically a hot drink made with espresso and coconut milk as the base liquid. I also love using full-fat coconut milk as the base for my Turmeric Latte Recipe. Nutrition Facts One serving of this nondairy coffee creamer recipe contains about: 66 calories <1 gram protein 7 grams fat <1 gram carbohydrate 0 grams fiber 0 grams sugar (unless you choose to add honey) 6 milligrams sodium (with no sea salt added) How to Make First melt the coconut oil with a small saucepan. Using a high-powered blender, add in the coconut milk, vanilla, stevia and salt before adding the melted coconut oil. Blend! This coconut milk coffee creamer only takes about two minutes to make and should last in your refrigerator for up to a week. Coconut Milk Coffee Creamer Recipe DESCRIPTION Whether you have a milk allergy, love coconut milk or simply think you feel better on a dairy-free diet, this coconut milk coffee creamer recipe is for you! INGREDIENTS One 13.5 ounce can coconut milk 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted Honey or vanilla stevia, to taste Sea salt, to taste (optional) INSTRUCTIONS Melt the coconut oil in a saucepan. Put all ingredients in a blender and mix until well-combined. Use in coffee as desired. Add sea salt to taste. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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Coconut Milk Pudding Recipe

AHA Publisher — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 07:00:02 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS – Chances are that you’ve tried milk pudding before. It’s a dessert made, in different variations, throughout the world. But typically if you’re lactose-intolerant, it’s downhill — the recipes rely quite heavily on cow’s milk. That’s why it’s such a treat to bring you my Coconut Milk Pudding recipe. It’s made with nutrition-rich coconut milk, so not only is it suitable for those avoiding dairy, but it gets an extra creaminess. There is no refined sugar in it; instead, you’ll enjoy the nutrition-rich maple syrup. If you’re ready for a super tasty dessert that you probably have all the ingredients for already (isn’t it great when that happens?), it’s time to make this coconut milk pudding. Start by bringing the coconut milk and maple syrup to a boil in a small pot. Once the mixture is boiling, turn the heat to low. Then, in a bowl, whisk together the arrowroot powder and eggs. When they’re well combined, take one cup of the coconut milk and maple syrup mix and pour it into the egg bowl. Make sure to whisk constantly while doing this, to avoid any clumping. Now it’s time to combine everything. Slowly add the egg mixture to the coconut milk pot on the stove, whisking constantly. Be sure to keep the heat low so the eggs don’t cook! Once the mixture on the stove thickens, remove the pot from heat and add in the vanilla extract and coconut oil. Stir it all up, then pour the contents into a bowl. Place the bowl in the refrigerator, letting the coconut milk pudding cool and thicken a bit more for 30–60 minutes. That’s all there is to this unbelievably simple recipe! You can easily whip up this coconut milk pudding on a short moment’s notice or when you’re in the mood for something sweet. I know this will become a dessert staple! Coconut Milk Pudding Recipe DESCRIPTION My Coconut Milk Pudding recipe is made with nutrition-rich coconut milk, so not only is it suitable for those avoiding dairy, but it gets an extra creaminess. INGREDIENTS 1 can (usually 13.5 ounces) coconut milk 4 tablespoons maple syrup (now considered preferable to honey, as heating honey deteriorates the quality and loses its essential enzymes and nutrients) 2 eggs 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons coconut oil INSTRUCTIONS Add coconut milk and maple syrup to a small pot over medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and allow mixture to cool. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and arrowroot powder. Slowly pour half of the coconut milk mixture into the egg bowl, whisking constantly to prevent clumping. Turn heat setting for the coconut milk on the stovetop to low and slowly add egg mixture, whisking constantly. Once it thickens, remove from heat and add in remaining ingredients. Pour contents into a bowl and allow to cool in fridge for 30–60 minutes. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe: Make Your Own!

AHA Publisher — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 07:00:30 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS – With the rich aroma of coffee, the delightful taste of pumpkin and the comforting scents of fall spices, this festive twist on coffee is sure to make your mouth water. Pumpkin spice lattes have become extremely popular in recent years, but have you ever thought about how healthy the store-bought versions are? Many people love pumpkin spice lattes from coffee shops, but what if I told you that it’s not hard at all to make a homemade pumpkin spice latte recipe. Plus, it will be much healthier than the majority of store-bought flavored lattes. This recipe steers clear of the No. 1 pumpkin spiced latte ingredient to avoid this Fall, but it leaves absolutely nothing to be desired when it comes to flavor. This latte recipe creates a beverage that is delicious, nutritious and energizing. You can thank the key health ingredients in this latte for that. Coffee is actually packed with antioxidants — as are the pumpkin spices, pumpkin is loaded with immune-boosting vitamin A and coconut milk is packed with healthy fats. Try this healthy pumpkin spice latte recipe if you’re ready to excite your tastebuds and get in the fall spirit! What’s Wrong with You-Know-Who’s Pumpkin Spice Latte? Pumpkin spice latte calories (the empty, not nutritious kind) aren’t the only thing to worry about when you order a pumpkin spice latte at your local coffee shop. What’s the problem? For starters, at many shops, this latte is loaded with outrageous amounts of added sugar. To give you an example of just how high some latte’s sugar content is — if you order a 16 ounce pumpkin spice latte made with whole milk and finished off with whipped cream at one coffee shop, you will be consuming 50 grams of sugar! There’s more reason for concern — check out some of the offending ingredients found in some conventional pumpkin spice lattes: Carrageenan (from the whipped cream): Some experts believe that carrageenan exposure from foods and beverages clearly leads to inflammation and that the quantity of carrageenan in consumable products is enough to cause inflammation. To learn more: What is Carrageenan? Is it Dangerous? Potassium Sorbate (from the vanilla syrup): This preservative gives foods a longer shelf life, but is it safe? Potassium sorbate can cause allergies. It has also been known to be contaminated with health-hazardous lead, mercury and arsenic! Sulfiting agents (from the pumpkin spice topping): According to an article published back in 1984, we have known the possible negative side effects of sulfiting agents for a long time. Some people are sensitive to sulfites, and exposure has been known to lead to a variety of unwanted symptoms, including dermatitis, hives, low blood pressure, abdominal pain, diarrhea and even life-threatening anaphylactic and asthmatic reactions. People with asthma are more likely to negatively react to sulfites. Why not avoid all of these risky ingredients and make your own pumpkin spice latte in the comfort of your home? This pumpkin spice latte recipe is one of the five drinks that leaves you-know-who’s pumpkin spice latte in the dust. Key Ingredients Instead of health-destructive refined sugar, this pumpkin spice latte recipe contains maple syrup, and overall, it has under 10 grams of sugar per serving, which is way less than a store-bought version of this latte. This recipe also provides coconut milk nutrition, which means a lot of good fats that help to keep blood sugar levels stable. Coconut milk’s MCTs are also a preferred energy source for the body. Of course, this real pumpkin latte contains pumpkin. It’s pretty incredible how just one spoonful of pumpkin puree can provide over a third of most people’s daily vitamin A requirements! Another key ingredient for this delicious latte is pumpkin spice mix, which is typically a combination of cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg. These warming spices contain disease-fighting antioxidants, which is why three of these four spices (cinnamon, cloves and ginger) are featured on my Top 10 High Antioxidant Foods List. Make sure you choose a high-quality organic coffee or espresso to use for your pumpkin spice latte. Coffee is a very pesticide-ridden crop, so choosing organic is key to optimizing coffee benefits, which studies show include improved physical performance and a boost to cognitive function, especially when you’re working out. If you’re avoiding caffeine, this pumpkin spice latte can also be made without the addition of coffee or espresso. Nutrition Facts One serving of this pumpkin spice latte recipe contains about: 247 calories 1.8 grams protein 21 grams fat 0.5 gram fiber 8.5 grams sugar 11.2 grams carbohydrates 31.5 milligrams sodium 1750 IUs vitamin A (35 percent DV) 192 milligrams potassium (5.5 percent DV) 0.7 milligrams iron (3.9 percent DV) 20 milligrams calcium (2 percent DV) How to Make A Pumpkin Spice Latte This pumpkin latte only has six ingredients and takes five minutes or less to make! First, heat up the coconut milk (or another nut milk of your choice) in a small pot or tea kettle. Begin adding the rest of the ingredients to a blender. The coffee or espresso can go in first. Followed by the maple syrup. Now the vanilla extract. The cooked pumpkin puree can go in next. Add in the pumpkin pie spice. Pour in the heated coconut milk. Blend all ingredients until well-combined. Pour into mugs and sprinkle some extra pumpkin pie spice on top, if desired. Serve and enjoy! INGREDIENTS 1 cup coconut milk 2 tablespoons cooked organic pumpkin puree 1 tablespoon maple syrup ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ cup organic brewed coffee or espresso INSTRUCTIONS Heat the coconut milk in a small pot or tea kettle. Add the milk and remaining ingredients to a blender, blending until well-combined. Pour into a mug and sprinkle extra pumpkin pie spice, if desired. Serve and enjoy! To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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The Best Gluten-Free Banana Bread Recipe

AHA Publisher — Sat, 20 Jun 2020 07:00:41 +0000

Dr. Axe – Banana bread is one of those recipes that everyone loves but are often apprehensive about making at home. Every coffee shop I drop into seems to sell overpriced slices of the stuff! Get ready to be surprised by how simple making nutrition-rich banana bread at home really is — and how good for you it can be. My super moist gluten-free banana bread is a recipe that everyone (even gluten lovers!) will enjoy. What’s Wrong with Regular Banana Bread? You might wonder what the point of making a gluten-free banana bread is. Why mess with a classic? Unfortunately, like so many recipes we’ve grown up with, classic homemade banana bread, even the homemade versions, aren’t very good for you. For starters, they’re usually made with a whole lot of white flour. Refined carbohydrates like those don’t add any nutritional value and can be difficult for your body to break down. And then there’s the sugar. Traditional banana bread has a ton of refined sugar in it, leading you to a sugar high followed by a sugar crash. Sugar is one of the top “foods” that causes inflammation in the body, which is linked to everything from Crohn’s disease and allergies to heart disease, diabetes and high cholesterol levels. Finally, while I enjoy organic butter when it adds something to a dish, normal banana bread recipes can have up to a cup of the stuff. There’s just no need when you have this gluten-free banana bread that tastes amazing and is healthy — and ready to be baked. Gluten-Free Banana Bread Nutrition Facts One serving of this Paleo, gluten-free banana bread recipe contains approximately: (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10) 194 calories 7 grams protein 12 grams fat 17 grams carbohydrates 3 grams fiber 10 grams sugar 149.08 milligrams sodium 61.67 milligrams cholesterol 68.33 milligrams magnesium (16.3 percent DV) 1.41 milligrams iron (7.8 percent DV) 0.11 milligrams vitamin B6 (6.5 percent DV) 63.58 milligrams calcium (4.9 percent DV) 2.97 milligrams vitamin C (3.3 percent DV) 131.58 milligrams potassium (2.8 percent DV) INGREDIENTS: 4 eggs 3 medium overly ripe bananas, mashed ¼ cup honey ¼ cup coconut milk 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 2 teaspoons baking soda 2¼ cups almond flour ½ teaspoon sea salt ½ teaspoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a standard loaf pan and set aside. In a bowl, mix eggs, banana, honey, coconut milk, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine baking soda, almond flour, sea salt and cinnamon. Combine both mixtures and stir until well incorporated. Add in apple cider vinegar and stir until it is distributed throughout the mixture. Pour batter into greased loaf pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes. How to Make Super Moist Gluten-Free Banana Bread My Paleo banana bread recipe keeps all the best parts about banana bread while making it a bit more nutritious. We’ll use almond flour, a heart-healthy, low-carb alternative to all-purpose white flour. You can also experiment with a Paleo flour blend, which incorporates various flours such as almond, coconut, tapioca and arrowroot flours, for this recipe. Incorporating overripe bananas makes this bread sweet, but we’ll add honey to make sure your sweet tooth is satisfied. If you’re hesitant to heat honey, you can also try maple syrup or a natural granular sugar like coconut sugar. Just be sure to use less of these! Instead of butter, we’ll get that same silky texture with coconut milk while keeping this recipe dairy-free. Now this is a banana bread you can indulge in without feeling bad! Serve the banana bread either warm or cooled — both are delicious! You can even add this recipe to your list of dishes to meal prep on Sunday to enjoy throughout the week for breakfast or with your cup of coffee. If you want to reheat it, simple pop it in the oven for a couple minutes. You’ll keep more of the moisture by eating it cool, though. This article has been modified. To read the original article click here. For more articles by Dr. Axe click here.

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