Gerbs Eating Well Blog

You are here: Home / 2020 / Archives for February 2020

Archives for February 2020

Best Allergy Friendly World Famous Vegan Chili by Gerbs

by Leave a Comment

Best Allergy Friendly World Famous Vegan Chili by Gerbs

Best Allergy Friendly World Famous Vegan Chili by Gerbs

Ingredients

Best Allergy Friendly World Famous Vegan Chili

Instructions

Add olive oil, chopped onions, and peppers into a large heavy-duty non-stick soup pot, and sauté on medium heat for 3-4 minutes, next add veggie broth to the de-glaze pan once onions are translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Add uncooked bulgur and continue to stir for a few minutes until heated through. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, and remaining broth. Add in spices and stir until mixed well. Add all the beans and Chia seed meal and stir until completely incorporated. Taste for salt & pepper, give the chili one more good stir and bring it to a slow boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 to 30 minutes.

In Celebration of National Cherry Pie Day, we cooked up this simple & quick recipe!

by Leave a Comment

National Cherry Pie Day


national cherry pie day

Gerbs Dried Cherry Pie Ingredients:

  • 3 Cups Gerbs dried cherries (FF/100)
  • 3 1/2 C. boiling water
  • 1/4 C. all purpose GF Flour
  • 1 C. sugar
  • 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

Gerbs Dried Cherry Pie Directions:

Pour boiling water over dried cherries, cover and let soak for 30 minutes. Turn burner on medium, simmer and add sugar and flour to thicken. Remove from heat, add vanilla extract. Pour into prepared pie crust (add top crust optional). Bake at 400 degrees for about 35 minutes.

Cherries are celebrated in music, bedtime stories, and with a U.S. holiday, National Cherry Pie Day, that occurs every February 20th. And it’s no wonder – fresh, juiced, and dried cherries are delicious in every way. With a long list of health benefits, cherries are a treat you can feel good about adding to your diet.

Dried Sweet Cherries

Here are some reasons why:

Cherries are High in Antioxidants

Gerbs dried cherries and other dried fruits and berries contain essential antioxidants, including anthocyanin, a substance that gives cherries their deep red coloring. These antioxidants work to prevent the development of free radicals (atoms in our bodies that can produce a negative chain reaction) and damage to our cells.

Cherries are Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Relieving

When the body contains too many free radicals, the immune system kicks into overdrive to fight off harmful reactions. Therefore, the high level of antioxidants in cherries may support the body reduce inflammation, aches, and pains.

Cherries are a Sleep Aid

Studies suggest cherries are a food source of melatonin, a natural hormone used by the body to attain deep and restful sleep. Environmental factors and illnesses can reduce melatonin levels and interrupt healthy sleep patterns. Therefore, the consumption of cherries may help provide a good night’s rest.

Cherries Contain Essential Nutrients

Cherries are a great source of natural fiber, potassium, copper, protein, iron, and carbohydrates. For more dietary info, check out Harmony House’s list of nutritional facts for our dried cherries.

Cherries May Lower Cholesterol

Cherries contain high levels of pectin, a dietary fiber commonly found in fruits. Studies suggest pectin may lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Cherries May Lower Blood Sugar

The antioxidants in cherries have the potential to lower blood sugar levels by boosting the body’s natural insulin production.

Cherries are Immune Boosters

Dried cherries contain vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin E, all of which boost the immune system and help the body fight off illness.

Cherries are Delicious

Gerbs Dried Cherries make a great stand-alone snack or an addition to cereals and salads. Dried cherry powder also adds a burst of fresh flavor to smoothies, pies, or any sweet recipe of choice. Harmony House’s dried cherries are made with extra care in order to keep fruit the way it should be: sweet and nutritious! They are always 100% natural, non-GMO, gluten-free, and kosher, without any added sugars, additives or preservatives. Plus, we carefully remove the pits, so their delicious flavor is easy to enjoy.

 

Top Gerbs Heart Healthy Foods in Recognition of American Heart Month

by Leave a Comment

Top Gerbs Heart Healthy Foods
Top Gerbs Heart Healthy Foods in Recognition of American Heart Month

Believe it or not, heart disease can happen at any age. Some risk factors for heart disease and stroke are preventable. American Heart Month teaches us the ways we can help reduce our risks while eliminating those we have control over.  Do you have one of these risk factors for cardiovascular disease?  Obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, high cholesterol or diabetes.

Heart disease accounts for nearly one-third of all deaths worldwide. Diet plays a major role in heart health and can impact your risk of heart disease. In fact, certain foods can influence blood pressure, triglycerides, cholesterol levels and inflammation, all of which are risk factors for heart disease.

Here is a list of Gerbs Allergy Friendly Foods products that you should be eating to maximize your heart health:

Gerbs Whole Grains

Teff, Amaranth, Buckwheat, Millet, Quinoa, & Sorghum

Whole grains include all three nutrient-rich parts of the grain: germ, endosperm and bran. Common types of whole grains include whole wheat, brown rice, oats, rye, barley, buckwheat and quinoa. Compared to refined grains, whole grains are higher in fiber, which may help reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol and decrease the risk of heart disease. Multiple studies have found that including more whole grains in your diet can benefit your heart health. One analysis of 45 studies concluded that eating three more servings of whole grains daily was associated with a 22% lower risk of heart disease. Similarly, another study found that eating at least three servings of whole grains significantly decreased systolic blood pressure by 6 mmHg, which is enough to reduce the risk of stroke by about 25%. When purchasing whole grains, make sure to read the ingredients label carefully. Phrases like “whole grain” or “whole wheat” indicate a whole-grain product, while words like “wheat flour” or “multigrain” may not.

Gerbs Whole Grains

Gerbs Berries

Strawberries, Goji Berries, Blueberries, Cherries, & Cranberries

Berries are also rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins, which protect against oxidative stress and inflammation that contribute to the development of heart disease. Studies show that eating lots of berries can reduce several risk factors for heart disease. For example, one study in 27 adults with metabolic syndrome showed that drinking a beverage made of freeze-dried strawberries for eight weeks decreased “bad” LDL cholesterol by 11%. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions associated with a higher risk of heart disease. Another study found that eating blueberries daily improved the function of cells that line the blood vessels, which help control blood pressure and blood clotting. Additionally, an analysis of 22 studies showed that eating berries was associated with reductions in “bad” LDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, body mass index and certain markers of inflammation. Berries can be a satisfying snack or a delicious low-calorie dessert. Try adding a few different types to your diet to take advantage of their unique health benefits.

Gerbs Berries

Gerbs Dark Chocolate

Three sizes of Dark Chocolate Chips, Cacoa Nibs, Cocoa Powders, Dark Chocolate covered Nibs

Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, which can help boost heart health. Interestingly, several studies have associated eating chocolate with a lower risk of heart disease. One large study showed that those who ate chocolate at least five times per week had a 57% lower risk of coronary heart disease than non-chocolate eaters. Another study found that eating chocolate at least twice per week was associated with a 32% lower risk of having calcified plaque in the arteries.

Gerbs Dark Chocolate

Gerbs Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Tomatoes are loaded with lycopene, a natural plant pigment with powerful antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals, preventing oxidative damage and inflammation, both of which can contribute to heart disease. Low blood levels of lycopene are linked to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. One review of 25 studies showed that a high intake of foods rich in lycopene was associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. Another study in 50 overweight women found that eating two raw tomatoes four times per week increased levels of “good” HDL cholesterol. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol can help remove excess cholesterol and plaque from the arteries to keep your heart healthy and protect against heart disease and stroke.

Gerbs Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Gerbs Flax, Hemp & Chia Seeds

Chia seeds, Flax Seeds and Hemp Seeds are all great sources of heart-healthy nutrients, including fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Numerous studies have found that adding these types of seeds to your diet can improve many heart disease risk factors, including inflammation, blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides. For example, hemp seeds are high in arginine, an amino acid that has been associated with reduced blood levels of certain inflammatory markers. Furthermore, flax seed may help keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control. One study in people with high blood pressure showed that eating 30 grams of flax seeds every day for half a year decreased systolic blood pressure by an average of 10 mmHg and reduced diastolic blood pressure by 7 mmHg. In one study of 17 people, eating bread made with flaxseed was shown to reduce total cholesterol by 7% and “bad” LDL cholesterol by 9%.

 

Gerbs Flax, Hemp & Chia Seeds

Gerbs Oatmeal

Traditional Rolled Oats, Instant Oats, Oat Groats

A warm bowl of oatmeal fills you up for hours, fights snack attacks, and helps keep blood sugar levels stable over time — making it useful for people with diabetes, too. Oats’ fiber can help your heart by lowering bad cholesterol (LDL). Best results come from using steel cut or slow-cooked oats.

Gerbs Oatmeal

 

Gerbs Hemp Seeds are a Top Nutritional & Health Superfood

by Leave a Comment

Nutritional Benefits of Hemp Seedsnutritional benefits of hemp seeds

Nutritional benefits of hemp seeds

Many people consider hemp seeds to be a superfood. The seeds have a rich nutritional profile and provide a range of health benefits. Although hemp seeds come from the Cannabis sativa plant, they do not have any THC tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical responsible for marijuana’s psychological effects. These small, brown seeds are rich in protein, fiber, and healthful fatty acids, including omega-3s and omega-6s. They have antioxidant effects and may reduce symptoms of numerous ailments, improving the health of the heart, skin, and joints.

PROTEIN-PACKED

Gerbs Hemp Seed Kernels contain almost as much protein as Gerbs Pumpkin Seeds. In every 30 grams (g) of seeds, or about 3 tablespoons, there are 9.46 g of protein. These seeds are a complete source of protein, meaning that they provide all nine essential amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks for all proteins. The body cannot produce nine of these acids, so a person must absorb them through the diet. Relatively few plant-based foods are complete sources of protein, making hemp seeds a valuable addition to a vegetarian or vegan diet. Hemp seeds are especially rich in an amino acid called arginine, which has benefits for heart health.

UNSATURATED FATS

The health benefits of polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids, are becoming increasingly well known. Gerbs Hemp Seeds are a great source of essential fatty acids, such as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is an omega-3. The body cannot produce essential fatty acids, and the body must absorb them from the diet. They are crucial for long-term health.

The ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s is also important: In general, people tend to eat too many omega-6s and too few omega-3s, but adding Gerbs hemp seeds to the diet may help to promote a balance. According to results of a 2015 animal study, incorporating hemp seeds and hemp seed oil to hens’ diet led to eggs with increased levels of omega-3s in the yolks and a more healthful omega-3 to omega-6 ratio. Also, hemp seeds are low in saturated fats and contain no trans fats.

Nutritional benefits of hemp seeds

FIBER

Much of the fiber in a hemp seed lies in its outer hull, or shell. Gerbs offers Whole Hemp Seeds Unsalted hemp with the hulls intact. However, even without the shells, hemp seeds are a good source pf fiber, with three tablespoons containing approximately 1.2 g of fiber.

Consuming enough fiber every day can:

  • reduce the appetite
  • help with weight management
  • work to stabilize blood sugar levels
  • promote the health of the gut

VITAMINS & MINERALS

Gerbs Hemp seeds contain an impressive array of vitamins and minerals and are especially rich in:

  • vitamin E
  • magnesium
  • phosphorous
  • potassium

They are also a good source of iron, zinc, and B vitamins, including:

  • niacin
  • riboflavin
  • thiamine
  • vitamin B-6
  • folate

Raw Hemp Seed Kernels

HEALTH BENEFITS >>PROTECT THE BRAIN

A study published in the journal Food Chemistry found that hemp seed extract has antioxidant effects in lab tests. These effects may result from the seeds’ cannabidiol (CBD) content. Results of a review from 2018 suggest that CBD and other compounds in the seeds may have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, effects and may also help to regulate the immune system.

The review suggests that, because of these potential properties, CBD may help with neurological conditions, including:

  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • multiple sclerosis
  • neuropathic pain
  • childhood seizure disorders

BOOST HEART HEALTH

The medical community believes that omega-3 fatty acids improve the health of the heart and reduce the risk of issues such as arrhythmias and heart disease. Gerbs Hemp Seeds contain high levels of omega-3s and a healthful ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. The seeds also contain high levels of arginine, an amino acid that turns into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is essential for artery and vein dilation, and it helps keep blood vessel walls smooth and elastic. Lowering blood pressure, eating a healthful diet, and participating in varied forms of exercise may help to decrease the risk of heart failure.

REDUCE INFLAMMATION

The amount of omega-3s in hemp seeds and the seeds’ healthful omega-3 to omega-6 ratio can together help to reduce inflammation. In addition, hemp seeds are a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid that may also have anti-inflammatory effects. Some studies on animals suggest that GLA can act as a potent anti-inflammatory. However, recent studies in humans suggest that the acid is not always effective.

A review in The European Journal of Pharmacology states that humans process GLA in a very complicated way, which may explain why the studies in humans produce more varied results than those on animals. When looking at these studies, it is important to note that researchers usually use high concentrations of hemp seed extracts and that eating the seeds may produce less dramatic effects.

Gerbs Hemp Seeds

Reducing inflammation may help manage the symptoms of chronic diseases, such as:

  • metabolic syndrome
  • type 2 diabetes
  • arthritis
  • heart disease
  • non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease

IMPROVE SKIN CONDITIONS

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and acne can both result from chronic inflammation. The anti-inflammatory compounds in hemp seeds may help. Among other possible dietary causes, acne may be linked to a deficiency in omega-3s. The high omega-3 content in hemp seeds may help to manage and reduce acne symptoms. A 2018 review explored the effects of dietary changes on skin diseases. While the authors found evidence that eating more omega-3s may improve symptoms of acne, determining the extent of the effects will require more research. The authors also note that prebiotics and plant fibers may help to manage symptoms of AD. Hemp seeds are a rich source of plant fiber.

RELIEVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition. It causes the immune system to attack its own tissues, which leads to inflammation in the joints. In 2014, research conducted in human cells suggested that hemp seed oil could have anti-rheumatic effects. However, a 2018 review found a lack of conclusive evidence to suggest that cannabinoids could effectively treat rheumatic diseases. The authors noted that more research is needed.

Original Post (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323037.php)