Top Gerbs Heart Healthy Foods

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 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 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 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 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 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.

Health Benefits of Gerbs Dried Apricots

If you have dried apricots in your kitchen pantry that look bright orange, they are laced with sulfur dioxide and other harmful chemicals used to maintain the fruits color and yield a shelf life over 2 years from drying & packaging! Even a small amount of sulfite can wreak health havoc if you’re sensitive to it. If you have asthma, sulfite sensitivity or sulfite allergy, eating dried fruits might cause serious health problems, including breathing problems, life-threatening allergy-like symptoms or, in rare cases, death.

Health Benefits of Gerbs Dried Apricots

Good Source of Vitamin A: Apricots are packed with Vitamin A, which is also known as retinol. It’s fat soluble, and helps in the enhancement of vision, among other things. And it keeps the immune system in check, protecting your skin in the process. Retinol and Beta Carotene (also present in apricots) also reduces the chances of you developing a serious eye-related disorder called Neovascular ARMD – an age-related macular degeneration that causes loss of vision over the years.

Rich in Fiber:

Whether you eat it dried, or fresh, apricots are a good source of dietary fiber. Given that the retinol in apricot is fat soluble, the fruit dissolves in the body easily, and the important nutrients are easily absorbed by the system. And it breaks down fatty acids fast, which means your digestion is in order. And not only that, the fruit protects you from gastrointestinal concerns by cleaning out the intestines regularly.

Good for Your Heart:

Given that the fruit is high on fiber content, it helps to reduce the bad cholesterol content in the body, and that means your heart is protected. And at the same time, it increases the good cholesterol. Plus the potassium content in the fruit balances the electrolyte levels in our system, keeping our heart muscles in order. All you have to do is eat one or two fresh apricots every day, or a handful of dried ones.

Treasure Chest of Antioxidants:

Ripe apricots are natural sources of antioxidants. When consumed daily, it helps the body to get rid of toxins that we tend to collect over time. Antioxidants in turn also kill free radicals that damage our cells.

Good for Your Blood:

Any plant produce that contains iron has non-heme iron, and that includes apricot. This type of iron takes its time to be absorbed by the body, and the longer it stays in the system, the better your chances in preventing anemia. It’s recommended that you take some vitamin C along with it to ensure better absorption of the non-heme iron.

Ingredients

1 ½ cup Gerbs Light Salt Pumpkin Butter

1 large egg (substitute flax egg)

½ cup Brown Sugar (packed)

½ cup Stevia In The Raw

¼ tsp Baking soda

¾ cup Gerbs Rolled Oats

½ cup Gerbs Dried Cranberries (loosely packed)

½ cut Gerbs Raisins (loosely packed)

1 teaspoon powdered sea salt

Instructions

In a large ceramic (room temperature) mixing bowl, stir Gerbs Pumpkin Butter, brown sugar and Stevia vigorously until fully creamed. Add egg and stir well.

In a separate bowl whisk together the baking soda, Gerbs Rolled Oats, cranberries and raisins; then incorporate this into the large bowl and fold together until fully mixed.

Put dough/mixture in fridge for at least 30 minutes (or as long as 2 days).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Scoop cookie dough with 1 and 1/2 tablespoon size cookie scoop, place into palm of your hand and roll into a ball (Hint: Use a small amount of cold water onto each palm). Place on a prepared cookie sheet and gently flatten with your fingers, a fork or the bottom of a glass. Space cookies 2″ apart on the sheet.

Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool cookies on a baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer onto cooling rack to cool completely.

Gerbs Chili Powders are Hot & Healthy

Known for their hot flavor, chili peppers (Capsicum annuum) are primarily used for culinary purposes, as a spice added to various dishes and sauces. The chili is a fruit pod of the capsicum pepper plant belonging to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Cayenne, jalapeno, habanero and serrano peppers are some of the most popular varieties of chili peppers.

Chili peppers were first cultivated by ancient farmers in Central and South America, regions whose cuisines are famous for their piquant flavor. Today, chili peppers are grown all over the world, but Mexico, China, Spain, Nigeria and Turkey are among the largest commercial producers.

Chili pepper contains a bioactive plant compound called capsaicin, which is responsible for its hot and spicy kick. Capsaicin is concentrated in the seeds and white inner membrane; the more capsaicin it contains, the spicier the pepper. Whether eaten fresh, dried or powdered (known as paprika), chili peppers can put fire on your tongue and perhaps even a tear in your eye.

What Makes Chili Peppers Healthy?

Capsaicin offers more than just a pungent oral sensation in your mouth — experts say the endorphin rush it causes makes this chemical compound an effective remedy for pain and other medical conditions.

Dr. Ashwin Mehta, director of integrative medicine at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, said, “It’s used for all kinds of arthritis pain, as well as for neuropathic pain and dermatologic conditions that have a painful itch. “Aside from pain relief, capsaicin has shown promise in weight loss by helping reduce calorie intake and shrinking fat tissue. Chili also offers these benefits:

• Helps Fight Inflammation — Capsaicin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it has shown potential for treating inflammatory diseases and cancer. In fact, a research published in Future Oncology indicated that it can suppress the growth of human prostate cancer cells.
• Boosts Immunity — Chili peppers are rich in beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body. This vitamin is essential for maintaining healthy mucous membranes to help protect the body from invading pathogens (microorganisms that cause disease). Chili is also rich in vitamin C, and this helps the body produce white blood cells that fight germs.
• Helps Reduce Insulin Levels — Another known benefit of eating chili peppers is how they help with blood sugar level management. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded that the regular consumption of chili may help reduce risk of hyperinsulinemia (high insulin levels in the blood).
• Protects Your Heart — The compound capsaicin can help reduce triglycerides, cholesterol and platelet aggregation. Some studies have shown that it may assist the body in dissolving fibrin, which prevents the formation of blood clots. Additionally, cultures that use hot peppers regularly in cooking have significantly lower heart attack and stroke rates.
• Prevents Sinusitis and Relieves Congestion — Another health effect of the compound capsaicin is its ability to address nasal congestion by helping clear mucus from your nose. It has antibacterial properties as well, and can help fight chronic sinus infections. Aside from capsaicin, chili also contains other beneficial bioactive plant compounds, including:

◦ Capsanthin — This is the primary carotenoid (antioxidant) in red chili peppers, giving them their red color and typically accounting for up to 50 percent of the spice’s antioxidant content.

◦ Lutein — Most plentiful in immature (green) chili peppers, it has been shown to help maintain and improve eye health.

◦ Volaxanthin — It is the main carotenoid found in yellow chili peppers, which accounts for 37 to 68 percent of their total content.

◦ Sinapic acid — Also known as sinapinic acid, this antioxidant is known for its neuroprotective potential.

◦ Ferulic acid — This compound has shown promise in protecting against diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

The Other Uses of Chili

Chili doesn’t just offer culinary and health uses; it can also be used for self-defense. Oleoresin capsicum (OC), extracted from red hot chili peppers, is the active ingredient in pepper spray. OC is an inflammatory agent that makes the eyes and mucous membranes of the upper respiratory swell. Pepper spray causes breathing difficulties, runny nose, pain in the eyes and temporary blindness.

The capsaicin in chili can also be used to repel insects and wild animals, which is the reason it is often used as natural pesticide for gardens. If you want to use it to help repel pests, just mix 1 1/2 teaspoons of chili powder in a quart of water and add two drops of liquid dish soap. Take note that some plants are sensitive to chili powder sprays, so you need to test it first on a few leaves.

Original Source (https://articles.mercola.com/herbs-spices/chili-peppers.aspx)

Cranberry Apple Granola Cookies

Cranberry Apple Granola Cookies

Ingredients

1½ cups brown sugar

1⁄4 cup allergy-safe vegetable shortening

1⁄2 cup coconut oil

2 eggs – replace with Flax Egg recipe

1½ cups Gerbs all-purpose flour

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/2 tsp Gerbs ground cinnamon

1 tsp baking soda

2 cups Gerbs Rolled Oats

½ cup Gerbs Original Granola

1 cup Gerbs Dried Cranberries

1 cup Gerbs dried Apple Cinnamon Cubes

Instructions

Pre-heat oven to 350°F.

In a stand mixer, beat together the first four ingredients. Add flour, vanilla, cinnamon and baking soda, stirring until smooth. Mix in Rolled Oats, cranberries, and apples until just combined. You can easily substitute fresh apple cubes.

Spoon large tablespoons of dough onto a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet, spaced 2-3 inches apart.

Bake 10-12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack and serve.

Superhero’s need supermom’s to make them cookies!

https://www.mygerbs.com/blog/16875-2/