Is Right Rice Right for You?

I was introduced to Right Rice in my New Hope Blogger Box and have had the opportunity to try two different flavors (spanish and thai curry). I love the versatility of the product, it meets my needs. It is a great blank canvas that can be made into a masterpiece with the addition of a few things!

Right Rice is Simple and Fast

Right Rice is a complete protein so it does not NEED to have anything accompany it to make a meal. I like it as a side dish as well as a main. It is simple to make and can be done 5 minutes after water boils. Many things can be done to make Right Rice just right for you:

• Stir in nuts and seeds
• Stir in vegetables
• Stir in tofu or a protein
• Stuff a bell pepper

I love to turn Right Rice into a rice bowl for a meal. I layer on vegetables and a protein and have a satisfying meal. Pictured below is Right Rice (thai curry) with tofu strips (sauteed in curry powder and olive oil) and roasted orange bell peppers and zucchini. One package of Right Rice made two rice bowls for dinner.

Mover Over Pumpkin Spice, Here Comes Peppermint

Peppermint is a popular flavor during the holidays

The fresh taste of peppermint offsets many of the indulgent choices people make over the holidays. Peppermint not only tastes good, but it has health benefits too.

Peppermint Invokes Nostalgia

Peppermint is a flavor that brings back feelings of childhood. We all want to return to a simple time where enjoying a candy cane with your friends afterschool was the most pressing thing that needed to be done! 

Peppermint Has Health Benefits

Ancient cultures have used mint as a digestive aid to reduce gastric distress. That tradition has been passed along and is still prevalent today. When you see peppermint choices everywhere you look this holiday season, consider giving in to the temptation once-and-a-while. It might just be good for you!

Peppermint Reduces Daytime Fatigue

Studies have shown that adults consuming a peppermint oil capsule had less cognitive fatigue than their counterparts that did not have the capsule. Studies have also shown that people who are in a room with peppermint oil being diffused are less sleepy than those in an odorless room.

Peppermint Oil Reduces Menstrual Cramps

Peppermint is a proven muscle relaxant. Women who took peppermint extract capsules and those that took NSAIDs both experienced a reduction in menstrual cramps. Peppermint is a natural remedy that caused less nausea and diarrhea than pharmaceutical drugs.

Peppermint Unclogs The Sinus Cavity

Menthol, an active component in peppermint, improves the perception of airflow in the nasal cavity. Due to its antiviral properties, menthol is known to also reduce infection-induced sinus clogging.

Peppermint Calms an Upset Stomach

Studies on people with gastrointestinal disorders have found that peppermint reduces frequency, duration, and severity of abdominal paint. 

Peppermint Decreases Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

Rosmarinic acid is a compound found in peppermint, as well as rosemary and other plants in the mint family. Studies have shown that people and animals who took a supplement experienced fewer allergic symptoms.

Peppermint … All Year

Peppermint flavor can be found 365 days of the year because it not only tastes good but has health benefits. This aromatic herb in the mint family is most often used as a flavoring in breath mints and candies as well as brewed as a caffeine-free tea. The leaves of peppermint contain several essential oils, including menthol, menthone, and limonene. Menthol is the extract that provides the recognizable minty scent and cooling effect on taste buds.

Disclaimer: “This post (or portions of this post) was provided by New Hope Network. I am a member of the New Hope Influencer Co-op, a network of health and wellness bloggers committed to spreading more health to more people.”

Invite Aronia Berries Into Your Life

Aronia Berries ... Where Have You Been My Whole Life?

Recently I have become aware of Aronia Berries also known as chokeberries. For some reason, they have passed me by for many years!

Research concluded they have medicinal benefits

These small, dark berries are packed with plant antioxidants and provide many health-promoting properties.According to Medical News Today, studies have shown that aronia berries may prevent the growth of colon cancer and have protective qualities for those experiencing breast cancer. Further research has shown that aronia berries boost the immune system and reduce inflammation associated with diabetes. Studies has also shown that the berries have insulin resistant properties and may be helpful in preventing diabetes.

The berries are packed with nutrition

Aronia berries contain 10% of the RDA for vitamin C so they are a great addition to your diet during cold and flu season. (The Native Americans used the berries as a cold remedy.) These low calorie, high fiber berries also contain folate, iron, and vitamins A and E.

There are many uses for the berries

Many people do not eat the berries as they have a mouth drying effect. Aronia berries are generally found used in juices, jams, syrups, teas, and wines. Tohi has a great product containing aronia berries. The beverages come in a variety of flavors like the blackberry raspberry pictured here.

Plant Based Dairy Alternatives

Plant Based Dairy Alternatives

Plant based dairy alternatives are very popular. For years nut and soy based products have filled the space in the marketplace. They are facing more competition each day. The new products fill the space for the people who are seeking dairy free and are unable to consume nuts and soy.

Sesame Milk 

Sesame milk is a great product for the consumer who wishes a product that tastes like a nut milk but is more sustainable. For the consumer who is concerned that it takes 1 gallon of water to produce 1 almond, sesame milk is a great alternative. Sesame milk contains sesame and pea protein. Each serving is 8 grams of protein and includes calcium and vitamin D.  I enjoy drinking Hope & Sesame sesame milk and using it in recipes like Sesame Milk Chia Pudding.
 

Oat Milk

Oat milk production is simple. Gluten-free oats are soaked in water, pulverized in a blender, strained, and packaged. For the consumer who does not wish to make it at home, many companies have entered the marketplace so there is a chance there are a few options in your local store! Typically, oat milk has more fiber and protein than almond milk, but its calorie count and fat content is higher. Oat milk's advantage is that it contains more B2, B12, Vitamin D, and phosphorus than almond milk helping boost metabolism, energize the body, and prevent disease. I have found that oat milk is thicker than almond milk. Some brands have a bit of oat crumbles as residue in the bottom of the carton, so I suggest you shake the carton each time before using it! I enjoy drinking oat milk and have been working on recipes using it.

When looking for oat milk in your local store, look for Malk Sprouted Organic Oat Malk Original. Malk is dedicated to conscious sourcing and has pursued The Detox Project's Glyphosate Residue Free Certification, guaranteeing the oats used in the product are not contaminated. 

Disclaimer: “This post (or portions of this post) was provided by New Hope Network. I am a member of the New Hope Influencer Co-op, a network of health and wellness bloggers committed to spreading more health to more people.”

Protein Bites Featuring Cocomels

I enjoy making changes to tried-and-true recipes to add some new life into them. Once I find a recipe I love, it becomes a blank canvas for me to try to create a new masterpiece.

Recently I made modifications to my PB Protein Bites Recipe to make it not only gluten free but also nut free, vegan, and include JJ's Sweets Coconut Sugar Cocomels (you can find them here).

My modified recipe pictured here includes:
1 cup gluten free oats (DRY)
1/2 cup SunButter
1/2 cup ground flax seed meal
1/3 cup Honey (or sugar)
1 tsp vanilla
6  Coconut Sugar Cocomels ... diced

Instructions:

• I doubled the batch and used a stand-up mixture to combine the ingredients. 
• Combine the ingredients and form the mixture into balls. I like to make bite-site sized or two-bite-sized balls.  
• Refrigerate in an air tight container to let the balls become firm ... about 30 minutes. 

Black Garlic ... A Nutrient Treasure Chest

I became aware of BLACK GARLIC when I was walking through the farmer's market a few weeks ago. I spoke to the proprietor of the stand and learned about the product.

I am so glad that I took the time to ask questions and learn about black garlic. Through fermentation,  fresh white garlic turns into black garlic. The taste is savory and not overpowering. For people who shy away from garlic as they do not want to "smell" like they just ate garlic, this is just the product to try!

Black garlic has a soft and spongy texture. When you open a clove to cut and add to a recipe you will notice how soft and pliable the cloves are.

Health Benefits

• Black garlic is known to have properties that help lower cholesterol, blood sugar, and triglycerides
• Black garlic contains phosphorus which helps build strong bones and teeth, facilitate nerve conduction, and filter off waste in kidneys. 
• Black garlic has TWICE the antioxidants fund in white garlic 

Recipes Using Black Garlic

Black garlic can be substituted for garlic in recipes when you are looking for a savory-yet-sweet taste. I substitute it in recipes where I am looking to layer flavors, rather than infuse a dish with flavors. I made an OYSTER MUSHROOM GLUTEN FREE PIZZA and added black garlic to the dish.

 

I modified the pizza recipe by adding the garlic AFTER preparing the veggies. After I placed the veggies on the gluten free pizza crust, I added 5 medium size cloves of black garlic, diced, on top of the veggies. I followed with cheese and a decorative vegetable detail to the center of the pizza.The result was amazing. The vegan pizza had a savory taste ... a little bit of a meaty undertone. It was a great addition to a recipe that I have come to enjoy! Healthy Recipe Variations loves to find variations of tried-and-true recipes to open the door to a variety of nutrients ... and make cooking healthy simple!

French Onion Soup ... Reimagined Gluten Free and Vegan

I enjoy making soups. I find there to be something satisfying and comforting about enjoying a bowl or cup of warm soup.

French Onion Soup Memories

French Onion Soup is something that I enjoy ordering in restaurants, but have shied away from ordering since I had to start following a gluten free diet. I loved the warm soup, the melting cheesy and crunchy topping, and the crunchy cheese that oozed down the side of the bowl. Just thinking about a bowl of French Onion soup makes me smile!

A while ago I found a recipe that I liked and have been able to make french onion soup at home ... deconstructed with gluten free bread and melted cheese on the side! I can, once again, enjoy one of my comfort foods.

French Onion Soup ... Re-imagined

This recipe takes the soup to a new level ... adding Beyond Meat Crumbles makes the soup more of a meal. I enjoy the soup with toasted gluten free bread or add some melted cheese.

The soup is GLUTEN FREE and VEGAN. If you use dairy free cheese and a gluten free vegan bread then the entire meal remains gluten free and vegan. Three brands of bread that are gluten free and vegan include: Food for Life, bFree, and Little Northern Bakehouse.

Ingredients:

• 3 large onions (size of a man's fist) ... use a variety or all sweet onions
• 6 cups of low sodium vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 TBSP thyme
• 2 -4 tbsp olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste 
• OPTION: 1 Package Beyond Meat Crumbles

Instructions:

• Dice the onions into small pieces of relatively uniform size
• Add the onions, thyme, and olive oil to a soup pan on medium
• As the onion begins to caramelize, add the balsamic and continue to cook down the onions ... turn the burner down to medium low and stir from time to time ... after about an hour the liquid should have evaporated and the onions soft and caramel in color
• Add the vegetable broth and bring to a boil
• Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes
• OPTION: Add the Beyond Meat Crumbles and stir into the soup. Cook an additional 15 minutes for flavors to marry

Serve 

Enjoy a bowl or cup of soup on its own or with toasted gluten free, vegan bread with melted cheese

Gluten Free Hope & Sesame Qiche

I did an experiment with my tried-and-true Gluten Free Quiche recipe. I substituted SESAME MILK for almond milk in my recipe and LOVED IT!

Sesame Milk vs Almond Milk Experiment

I used unflavored original Hope & Sesame Milk in the recipe and the swap was not detectable in the texture. I DID NOTICE a slight change in the flavor. Original almond milk (any brand) contains quite a bit of sugar. The use of unflavored sesame milk removed the slightly sweet taste from the quiche that the almond milk provided. I made a second quiche and used original Hope & Sesame and the flavor difference was mitigated. Original Hope & Sesame Milk was a 1-1 match for almond milk in my quiche recipe.

Bottom Line

Quiche is a dish that can take on the flavors of the vegetables that are used in it. The next time I make the quiche I will use unflavored Hope & Sesame if I am trying to lean my dish in a savory direction and the original if I am looking for a sweeter hint in the dish. Hope & Sesame Milk is made from organic sesame seeds. Sesame milk is nutritious, tastes great, and is a better option for the environment as it is made from a drought tolerant crop that revitalizes the soil.

Control Inflammation with Fruits and Vegetables

Control Chronic Inflammation Through Nutrition

This is part two in my investigation into how we can control chronic inflammation, a condition where the body’s immune system doesn’t shut off for some reason and begins to burn out of control, through our diet. It is imperative that a remedy for chronic inflammation is found as it can impede a person’s ability to perform activities of daily living as well as participate in recreational/fitness activities.

What Foods Will Help Me?

In my last post on the topic I looked into cooking with healthy fats and snacking on raw nuts and seeds as a means to help reduce inflammation. You can also get anti-inflammatory phytochemicals from flavonoids in raw cocoa, tea, and berries; carotenoids in yellow and orange vegetables, and anthocyanins in red fruits and vegetables. 

When I prepare a meal at home, I make sure that over half of my plate includes vegetables and fruits. The remainder of my plate includes gluten free whole grains and a protein source. 

What Meals Can Utilize These Foods?

One way I enjoy eating a rainbow of vegetables to help reduce inflammation is when I make a gluten free pizza. I load my crust with veggies and include a thin layer of cheese. 

A few recipe that are fruit and veggie laden that can help reduce inflammation include:

• Crowning Glory Pizza: King Oyster Mushroom Pizza
• Pancakes with Seeds and Fruit

Try to fight inflammation with good food choices before you opt for medications. We are what we eat. Each day we need to eat to make ourselves the best we can be!

Stay tuned for my next post in the series … healing through whole grains … gluten free whole grains! 

 

“Portions of this post were provided by New Hope Network. I am a member of the New Hope Influencer Co-op, a network of health and wellness bloggers committed to spreading more health to more people.” Silent Fire: How to Extinguish Chronic Inflammation by Lisa Truesdale

Roasted Banana Bread, Gluten Free and Vegan

I had some dental work done and needed to have soft foods for a while. To add variety to my diet, I continually made modifications to my quick bread recipes.

One of my favorite modifications was adding a ROASTED BANANA to the top of my banana bread. 

This created a MOIST bread that was great for breakfast ... or dessert. I paired the bread with nut butter and fruit for breakfast ... and a chocolate nut spread (homemade or store bought products by Nutella or Don't Go Nuts).

I started with my popular Valentine Banana Bread Recipe and made modifications.

MY MODIFIED RECIPE

2 cups Pamela's Baking and Pancake Mix
1/2 cup gluten free oats
2 FLAX EGGS
1 TBSP vanilla
1 1/2 cups ripe bananas (normally 2 medium)
1/2 cup dried fruits or nuts (optional)
1/4 cup coconut butter
1 banana for the top

Instructions:

• Prepare the flax eggs 
• Add the vanilla, coconut butter, and ripe bananas 
• After the wet ingredients are combined, add the dry
• Add the nuts/dried fruit/seeds if you wish
• Coat a loaf pan and add the banana on top in a decorative fashion
• Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes (check after 30 then every 5 minutes thereafter)
• Let cool enough to cut so the bread does not crumble. 

Cover and store ... for up to a week if it will last that long!

Crowning Glory Pizza: King Oyster Mushroom Pizza

Today my blank canvas was a gluten free pizza crust by Udi's. 

After visiting the local farmer's market and purchasing some great vegetables, I decided to make a gluten free pizza and a side salad for dinner. I made a gluten free, vegetarian meal using ingredients sourced at the market and a few from the store. The Udi's crust contains eggs, otherwise the meal would be vegan. Substitute a different gluten free crust for a gluten free, vegan meal. The salad contains greens from my yard as well as raw nuts, raw seeds,  and dried fruit.

Ingredients:

1 cup diced oyster or king oyster/trumpet mushrooms
6 cloves of garlic - diced
1 1/2 cup diced onions and vegetables (I used zucchini and sweet potatoes)
Oil to sautee the vegetables (I use oilve or avocado)
1 cup cheese (dairy or non-dairy)
OPTIONAL: crushed red pepper
OPTIONAL: 1/2 cup mashed white beans or hummus

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to temperature recommended for the crust 
• Sautee the vegetables until tender (cover with a top to add moisture if desired)
• Crush the beans if you are using and add a thin layer to the crust (or add hummus)
• If you are not lining the crust, add the vegetable mixture (removing any excess liquid)
• Optional .... sprinkle with crushed red pepper for extra spice 
• Cook in oven until cheese melts and crust slightly browns (check crust instructions as this step is between 10-15 minutes based on crust and depth of toppings. I tend to pile my pizza high with veggies so it takes a bit longer to cook than the package suggestion.

HINT: While the pizza is in the oven I make a salad to enjoy with the pizza if I wish some additional food.

Serving:

1/2 pizza per person

Foods Fight Inflammation

Chronic Inflammation 

Many people suffer from chronic inflammation, a condition where the body’s immune system doesn’t shut off for some reason and begins to burn out of control, like a fire that can’t be extinguished easily. Chronic inflammation can impede a person’s ability to perform activities of daily living as well as participate in recreational/fitness activities.  

Chronic inflammation occurs when the immune cells can’t find an injury or illness to repair so they attack healthy cells resulting in damage to tissues and organs. This damage has been linked to a number of diseases and disorders, including asthma, ulcers, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, ulcerative colitis, allergies, some types of cancer, and even Alzheimer’s.

Control Inflammation with Nutrition

There are ways to nutritionally work to control inflammation. One way is to include healthful fats, such as olives and avocados and their oils into your diet. Cooking with olive oil and avocado oil is a good way to help control inflammation on a daily basis. 

Another way to use food to control inflammation is to snack on raw nuts and seeds (if you diet allows you to eat nuts). Nuts contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease, lower LDL cholesterol, and help control inflammation. Six of the best nuts to eat for these health benefits include: walnuts, almonds, peanuts, pistachios, pecans, and hazelnuts.You can follow the 1-2-3 Rule for almonds to figure out a serving: 23 almonds is 100 calories. A general serving size rule rule for nuts is a serving is a fist full. 

One way I combine the healthy fats with raw nuts and seeds is in a salad. I top my salad with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits and make a dressing using balsamic and avocado or olive oil.  This salad is made from organic greens from my garden.

Disclaimer: “Portions of this post were provided by New Hope Network. I am a member of the New Hope Influencer Co-op, a network of health and wellness bloggers committed to spreading more health to more people.”  Source: Silent Fire: How to Extinguish Chronic Inflammation by Lisa Truesdale

 

HOPE & Sesame Milk TRANSFORMS Recipes

There are many plant based milks on the market and I have tried many of them. I first tried HOPE & Sesame Milk at the Nourished Festival in Del Mar earlier this year. Sesame milk tastes great on its own as well as in cereal/granola. I also like using sesame milk in recipes.

Sesame Milk is A Nutritious, Dairy Free, Plant-Based Product

• It is organic
• It is rich in calcium (double that of cow's milk)
• It is rich in iron and zinc
• It is high in protein 
• It provides the body with fiber
• It is low in carbs 
• It provides healthy, unsaturated fats

HOPE & Sesame TRANSFORMS Recipes

I have enjoyed making Chia Pudding for many years. SESAME MILK has made me fall in love with the recipe again! I like the thicker texture it provides. It is a satisfying meal (or dessert if you choose to make it decadent) that will bring a smile to your face when you eat it. This recipe is one I love. It has MANY VARIATIONS based on the flavor profile (and decadence) you wish.

HOPE & Sesame Chia Pudding 

BASE RECIPE FORMULA

1 or 2 mashed bananas (based on size) + 1 1/2 cup Sesame Milk  + 1/4 cup chia seeds (I use organic)

Instructions:
Thoroughly combine the base ingredients so the chia seeds are covered in liquid. Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator until set (1 hour or so). I usually make my chia pudding at night and let it rest while I sleep.

NOTE: I used 1 cup of HOPE & Sesame Vanilla and 1/2 cup HOPE & Sesame Unsweetened Original in the first picture and 1 1/2 cups HOPE & Sesame Chocolate in the second pictures. The vanilla and chocolate are sweet and lend more to a decadent dish. If you prefer, you can cut the sweetness with some unsweetened as I did.

Breakfast Options:
Top with:

• a few banana slices/fresh fruit
• nuts/seeds/dried fruit mixture 
• coconut
• granola

Dessert Options:
Top with:

• mini chocolate chips (gluten free in my house) or chocolate shavings
• nuts/seeds.dried fruit
• a drizzle of jam/jelly
• cookie crumbles (or cookies on the side)

HOPE & Sesame Rice Pudding

Ingredients 
1 1/2 cups cooked rice (under cook the rice to create a "sticky rice" texture)
2 cups HOPE & Sesame Milk (I used 1 1/2 Vanilla and 1/2 Unsweetened)
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla (if you do not use a vanilla based milk)
1 egg or 1 flax egg
1 pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Combine 1 1/2 cups of milk (I used HOPE & Sesame Vanilla), pinch of salt, sugar, and rice in a pot on the stove top. Turn the heat on medium and stir until fully mixed. 
2. In a separate bowl, combine the egg and 1/2 cup HOPE & Sesame Unsweetened. Add 1 cup of the rice mixture from the bowl and combine to create a thickening agent. Once combined, add to the pot on the stove top.
3. Cook to desired consistency. 

Serve
HOPE & Sesame Rice Pudding is BEST when it is fresh off the stove. The warm pudding is sweet, creamy, and melts in your mouth!

You can top with your favorite gluten free toppings like maraschino cherries, dates, dried fruit, nuts, seeds, chocolate, and jam/jelly.

If you can resist finishing the batch, store in an airtight container and enjoy the leftovers. If you microwave them for about 30 seconds you can get back some of the creamy, luscious consistency.

ENTERTAINING TIP: I served the rice pudding at a dinner party and set up a topping bar and let people serve  themselves.

Collagen, A Recipe for Good Health

Adding collagen to your diet is a recipe for aging gracefully

Collagen is known to:

• Improve Skin & Hair
• Strengthen Hair & Nails
• Repair Joints
• Help the Body Detox
• Boost Metabolism
• Help Repair Leaky Gut
• Reduce Cellulite/Stretch Marks

What is Collagen?

Type 1 Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It’s found in muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, digestive system and tendons. It is the "glue" that holds the body together.

Why do we need a collagen supplement?

Our body produces less collagen as we age, thus wrinkles and stretch marks start to appear on the skin. A diet high in sugars can deplete collagen levels as well. Increasing consumption of collagen rich foods and adding a supplement may be something you wish to consider. If you are taking a collagen supplement, be sure to read the labels to make sure it is from a source you can consume (fish or egg allergy?). For the collagen supplement to be fully absorbed by the body, take it with amino acids and vitamin C.

What are the different types of collagen?

TYPE 1 is the most abundant. It helps form bones and can be found within the GI tract. It’s very important for wound healing, giving skin its stretchy and elastic quality, and holding together tissue so it doesn’t tear.
TYPE 2 primarily helps build cartilage. It is beneficial for preventing age-associated joint pain or various arthritis symptoms.
TYPE 3 is made of reticular fibers and a major component of the extracellular matrix that makes up our organs and skin. It’s usually found with TYPE 1 and helps give skin its elasticity and firmness. 
TYPE 4 is found in endothelial cells that form tissue that surround organs, muscles and fat. 
TYPE 5 makes the surface of cells as well as hair strands.
TYPE 10 is beneficial in bone formation and healing as well as repairing synoval joints. 

 

Where can we find collagen?

Foods very high in protein will provide the human body with collagen.

• Bovine collagen consists of Types 1 and 3 collagen. This will help the body create more collagen and build muscle. 
• Chicken collagen provides the body with Type 2 collagen which helps build cartilage. This type of collagen is the most common one people consume; it provides chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate. 
• Fish collagen is easily absorbed by the human body. Consuming fish collagen benefits for the joints, skin, vital organs, blood vessels, digestion and bones.
• Egg shell collagen is found in the shell, membrane, and whites of eggs. It helps in the building of connective tissue, wound healing, building muscle mass and reducing pain/stiffness.

I add collagen powder to yogurt, smoothies, and smoothie bowls.Recently I have been using Youtheory collagen powder which is made up of Types 1 and 3. Thanks New Hope Blogger Box for the opportunity to try this product!

Read More at:
https://draxe.com/what-is-collagen/

Sustainability Story for Earth Day

Corporate Sustainability

With Earth Day coming up, I decided to learn more about palm oil because I have been hearing mixed reviews about palm oil’s sustainability. I have learned that palm oil has gotten a bad sustainability rep lately, but most people just don’t know the whole story. When cultivated with an eye to the environment and the farmers who grow it, it’s a smart ingredient that can support people and the planet. The sustainability model created by Daabon in Colombia is one other companies could mimic. 

Palm Oil Controversy

An August 2018 article by the Independent noted that palm oil is one of the most controversial cooking oils for health and environmental concerns. The oil comes from the edible African oil palm tree. Due to increasing demands for this trans-fat free oil, the tree has started to be cultivated in Asia, North America, and South America. People gravitate to palm oil as it contains the antioxidant tocotrienols, a form of vitamin E, known to protect the body’s cells. Due to popularity, the palm oil industry has grown tremendously. Environmentalists are concerned about deforestation and habitat reduction due to the increasing demands for palm oil. The trees live about 30 years but many are cut down much earlier as the height of the trees makes harvest nearly impossible. Each time a tree is cut down, there is a ripple effect on the environment  

Daabon Sustainable Palm Oil

In order to protect the environment, we must be vigilant consumers and look for products that are made from SUSTAINABLE palm oil. Look no further than Daabon. Daabon has been ranked number one worldwide by the London Zoological Society’s SPOTT tool in Sustainable Palm (RSPO). Daabon, a 100 year old family owned company, has been growing and producing sustainable organic palm oil in Colombia, the second most biodiverse country in the world, for generations. They are setting the standard for sustainable palm oil production as they respect and work with nature. They support and empower small farmers by teaching them innovative techniques to pass on to help preserve nature and secure a future for subsequent generations. Their support of the farmers helps drive the local economy.

Read Labels Look for Certifications

Companies that adhere to sustainability invest time and money into their business practices. Often, as a result, consumers end up paying more for sustainable products. Sustainability is evolving. Currently certifications such as USDA and Rainforest Alliance Certification carry a price tag along with it several years of on-boarding and continuous assessments. Daabon is the first organic palm oil farm to earn Rainforest Alliance certification for their sustainability practices. 

Looking for more information, visit thefutureofpalm.com