Often called “wheat protein,” “wheat meat” or “wheat gluten,” seitan (pronounced say-tahn) has a look and texture shockingly similar to meat when it’s cooked, and its alternative namesakes are quite fitting since it’s made from gluten, the main protein found in wheat. Seitan stands out as one of the only meat substitutes completely free of soy. Like its soy counterparts,…
You are probably familiar with the image of the sacred lotus that sits beautifully on pond water and symbolizes beauty and rebirth, but how often do you think about the roots of the lotus that stretch deep into the mud? The lotus root is an edible stem that is often used in Asian cuisine. Like…
Did you know that cranberries contain one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants of any fruit? That's right — these incredible berries are loaded with health-promoting antioxidants, which studies show help protect cells against free radical damage and aid in the prevention of chronic disease. Cranberries should be a staple on every shopping list for many reasons,…
Many people have heard that foods with antioxidants protect us from free radical damage, which is responsible for many of the effects of aging on both the body and mind. But what exactly are free radicals, why are they bad and where do they come from? When antioxidant levels in the body are lower than…
Almonds have been prized since ancient times and are believed to be the oldest widely grown of all nut crops. Today, they are still one of humankind’s most beloved and healthiest nuts, and almonds nutrition benefits are appreciated across the globe, where they're used in numerous ways, such as: eaten raw as a healthy snack…
Just about everyone has eaten cabbage at one point or another in his or her life, whether as a New Year's tradition or as part of the regular diet. But did you know that red cabbage is not the same as green cabbage, and I'm not just talking about color. Red cabbage, also known as…
Carrageenan is literally everywhere. It is virtually impossible to find a grocery store that doesn't sell products that include it as an additive. Even the natural food stores are full of it. You can find it in organic yogurt, tofu, coconut milk, baby formula — even in your nitrite-free turkey old cuts. Although it's so common in…
Erythritol is now one of the most popular “natural” zero-calorie sweeteners available. What is erythritol exactly, and is it safe to consume on a regular basis? Because it’s seemingly less problematic than the controversial artificial sweetener called aspartame, it makes sense that more and more people are choosing erythritol in hopes of decreasing added sugar in their…
Hydrochloric acid (also called HCL, HCL acid or betaine hydrochloride in supplement form) is considered one of the most important fluids (or "juices") found in the human body. Hydrochloric acid is found inside the stomach and needed for many processes involved in digestive health. Unfortunately as we age, our production of hydrochloric acid decreases —…
What are the health benefits of arugula? This leafy green is an immune-boosting vegetable that packs a nutritional punch, especially considering its tiny number of calories. Like other leafy greens — such as tatsoi and escarole lettuce — arugula salad is one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat, especially when you add other…
