SourceBody White CBG Flower… it’s finally here!

17 Feb 2021 34 comments admin

It wasn’t too long ago that we heard about this “new” cannabinoid… CBG. To be honest, it wasn’t new at all, it just hasn’t been researched and discussed nearly as often as CBD. Well, CBG’s time has come!

As soon as we heard it’s the “Mother Cannabinoid”, the game changed, the research began, and providing this as an option for our customers became our new focus. As with all of our SourceBody products, we started with our incredible farmers and once we were 100% sure that we had a top quality product, we knew we were ready. And so we are now able to offer…

SourceBody CBG Flower



Our White CBG flower delivers an enlivened calm that is noticeably different from a CBD flower. Definitively on the upbeat spectrum, this is a great choice for anyone looking for a near zero THC option in hemp flower! These big beautiful CBG buds are frosted and dense and have a subtle and unique flavor profile. Our flowers are packaged in odor proof jars, which really is just a bonus as the nose is understated, like you’d expect from a CBG flower. Noticeable notes of sweet citrus and warm earth serve up an inviting first impression.

If you haven’t had the opportunity yet, please check out previous articles about the benefits and uses of CGB, it really is incredible!!

CBG… the New Kid on the Block!

CBD vs CBG: the Benefits of Each

CBD vs CBG: the Uses for Each

Thanks for reading! Please explore the site, leave a comment/question and feel free to connect with us at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @SourceBody360.

CBD vs CBG: The Benefits of Each

15 Feb 2021 14 comments admin

Although there are no clinical trials that have explored the effects of CBG on humans, a number of preclinical studies offer insights into some of the potential healing effects of CBG. While CBG won’t offer you an intoxicating, psychoactive experience, it may provide other unique therapeutic benefits that may help with the following conditions:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease. CBG seems to reduce the inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease, according to a 2013 study conducted on mice.
  • Glaucoma. Medical cannabis seems to effectively treat glaucoma, and CBG might be partly responsible. A study published in 2008 suggests that CBG might be effective in treating glaucoma because it reduces pressure inside the eye.
  • Bladder dysfunctions. Some cannabinoids seem to affect the contractions of the bladder. A 2015 study looked at how five different cannabinoids affect the bladder, and it concluded that CBG shows the most promise at treating bladder dysfunctions.
  • Huntington’s disease. CBG might have properties that protect our nerves from damage, according to a 2015 study that looked at mice with a condition called Huntington’s disease which is characterized by the degeneration of the nervous system. The study concluded that CBG might show promise in treating other neurodegenerative conditions.
  • Bacterial infections. CBG has also demonstrated its clout as a potent antibiotic. Researchers tested the antibacterial potential of 18 different cannabinoids, including cannabigerol, against MRSA. CBG outperformed all of the cannabinoids tested and worked as well as vancomycin, a powerful antibiotic.
  • Cancer. CBG boasts anticancer properties due to its ability to inhibit the rapid growth of abnormal cells. Research has provided evidence of its anti-tumorigenic properties (preventing the growth of tumors) by inhibiting the formation of mouse skin melanoma cells.
  • Appetite stimulation. A 2017 study emphasized the therapeutic significance of this finding, pointing out that purified CBG may represent a novel treatment option for cachexia which is the wasting away of the human body due to disease and appetite loss. Unlike THC, CBG can help to drive hunger without any undesirable intoxicating effects.

 

Which Offers Better Benefits?

CBD molecules typically communicate with CB2 cannabinoid receptors and these receptors connect to the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS reaches various muscles, limbs, skin, and other biological systems, including the immune system.

CBG also attaches to CB2 receptors in addition to CB1 receptors, which connect to our central nervous system (CNS) that includes our brain and spinal cord. It would be better to determine which cannabinoid fits your needs rather than which benefits are more significant than the other.

Scientists have observed CBG working to lower the psychoactive effects produced by THC. And in some cases, it’s shown to be useful in alleviating the adverse feelings associated with consuming high amounts of THC.

CBD and CBG both offer beneficial attributes individually. They also work together to enhance each other’s benefits, which is why most CBD oils labeled broad spectrum or full spectrum contain both cannabinoids – allowing for the entourage effect, when parts work together more effectively that the parts work alone.

Keep in mind that isolating CBD from hemp is much more common than isolating CBG – meaning that it’s easier to research CBD because of its availability than CBG. That doesn’t mean that CBG is less useful but that studies confirming its benefits are sparse.

In our next edition, we will discuss some of the common ailments that both CBG and CBD address so that, once again, you can consider your needs and how these two amazing cannabinoids might be able to help!

Thanks for reading! Please explore the site, leave a comment/question and feel free to connect with us at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @SourceBody360.

CBG… the new kid on the block.

13 Feb 2021 127 comments admin

CBD is quickly becoming synonymous with hemp just as much as THC once was years ago. Thanks to the research available and an ever-expanding, consumer-based CBD industry, people are becoming more aware of CBD, hemp, and the benefits of both. As our understanding of cannabis deepens, so too does our knowledge of cannabinoids.

While both THC and CBD have had their moment in the spotlight, other lesser-known cannabinoids, such as CBG, are now starting to capture the interest of scientists and consumers.

But before we start comparing CBD to CBG, here’s a quick overview of what we know about these two cannabinoids.

 

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the leading compounds found in hemp; it makes up about 40 percent of hemp’s composition. It’s a non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid – meaning it’s a plant-synthesized chemical that cannot produce a “high” or euphoric feeling. CBD was first isolated from cannabis in the late 1930s and then neglected until the seventies when scientists ignited an interest in its anticonvulsant properties.

Since then, research has confirmed that purified CBD offers a useful treatment for severe forms of childhood epilepsy. CBD may also boast anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-anxiety, anti-nausea, and sedative qualities. CBD molecules work with our bodies’ endocannabinoid system (ECS) by binding or communicating with CB2 cannabinoid receptors. These special connectors attach to our peripheral nervous system and help regulate various physiological functions with muscles, immune cells, skin, and other organs.

In recent years, CBD has seized the spotlight due to the range of therapeutic benefits it offers. CBD may help mitigate some of THC’s less desirable characteristics such as anxiety, paranoia, and impaired cognitive function. Research suggests CBD teamed with THC generally provides more significant therapeutic benefits than either cannabinoid alone, a phenomenon that is called the entourage effect.

What Is CBG?

Cannabigerol (CBG) is another non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid and is one of more than 120 cannabinoids found in cannabis. It was first isolated in 1964. While it’s probably the most unusual hemp extract currently, it has a central role in the development of CBD and other known cannabinoids.

CBG is regularly referred to as a “mother cannabinoid”; this is because it is the first phytocannabinoid synthesized in hemp that converts into other plant-based cannabinoids.

The compound starts in its 2-carboxylic acid form called cannabigerol acid (CBGA). As hemp matures, this component begins to convert into three others: tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA).

After the conversion, there’s only a small amount of CBGA left – less than one percent. And when hemp begins its decarboxylation process, all those compounds drop their carboxyl acid and become the cannabinoids we commonly recognize: THC, CBD, CBC, and CBG. Research suggests that CBG has a partial affinity for both the CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBG may also stimulate receptors that influence pain, inflammation, and heat sensitivity.

Because a mature hemp plant contains low levels of CBG, its extraction requires much more effort compared to CBD. Cultivators would either need to harvest hemp before it fully matures, or grow enough hemp plants to yield a significant CBG during the extraction process.

 

 

What Is The Difference Between CBG vs CBD?

Both CBG and CBD are non-intoxicating cannabinoids that potentially boast antioxidative, neuroprotective, and analgesic properties. When paired together, CBD and CBG may offer powerful anti-inflammatory benefits to treat neuroinflammation. While those are their similarities; the chart below highlights their differences:

Both of these cannabinoids offer a variety of health benefits. Now that you have a good sense of how they are similar and how they are different, stay tuned for future articles that will dive deeper into the benefits of each.

Thanks for reading! Please explore the site, leave a comment/question and feel free to connect with us at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @SourceBody360.

 

Vitamin B12… is it really that important?

11 Dec 2020 32 comments admin

Let’s talk; by the end of this article we trust you will know a little more about what B12 is, where it comes from, B12 deficiency, and B12 supplements to help you make an informed decision.

 

 

Here’s the dirt: vitamin B-12 is a very important micronutrient, essential for the metabolism of every cell in the entire body.

This water-soluble vitamin is essential for the health of the entire nervous system and plays an important role in the formation of healthy red blood cells. But contrary to popular belief, B12 does not originate in either animal or plant-based foods.

So what is B12? And how do we get it?

Bacteria found in soil and in animal digestive systems produce B12.

What Is B12?

Vitamin B12 is one of eight B vitamins. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), B12 keeps the body’s nerve and blood cells healthy. It also plays a key role in the creation of DNA—the genetic material found within all cells.

According to Dr. Michael Greger, author of How Not to Die (2015) and founder of NutritionFacts.org, ensuring you consume enough B12 is essential for any healthy diet. Adults require approximately 2.4mcg of B12 every day, while pregnant and breastfeeding people should consume 2.6mcg to 2.8mcg.

According to Nutrition Facts, supplementing with 30-5000 mcg daily has no apparent toxicity. Eating plenty of vegetables, fortified foods, and ensuring a good intake of other nutrients—particularly folic acid—will also support a healthy level of B12.

Studies indicate that B12 can help prevent anemia, support bone health, and improve your mood. Along with B1 and iron, vitamin B12 is sometimes referred to as an “energy vitamin” due to its impact on maintaining healthy energy levels.

The liver, kidneys, and other body tissues can store B12 for up to five years. Because of this, deficiency and associated symptoms can take some time to appear.

 

Fortified nutritional yeast is very high in B12.

 

Where Does B12 Come From?

Bacteria in the digestive tract and microbial fermentation of foods produce B12. Previously B12 was found on unwashed vegetables, but modern hygienic practices, mass production, and nutrient-depleted soil all mean reduced B12 in plant foods.

Vegan advocacy group Forks Over Knives confirms that vitamin B12 is produced by bacteria rather than animal or plant-based foods. But animals naturally accumulate B12 throughout their lives, as well as via supplemented feed and exposure to manure. This is why, generally, animal products are typically higher in B12 than plant foods. Though antibiotic use, intensive farming, and other unnatural living conditions may be reducing the B12 content of meat and dairy.

Some vegetables and plant-based options naturally contain B12, too. Commercially available dried shiitake and lion’s mane both contain high levels of the essential vitamin. Some varieties of seaweed and water lentils also contain naturally occurring B12, and can be used to ensure a well-balanced diet.

Fortified foods are increasingly common, too. Many varieties of vegan milk, dairy products, and plant-based meat contain additional B12, while most breakfast cereals are fortified with essential B vitamins and other nutrients.

For many people, nutritional yeast is a go-to for supplementing B12 in a vegan or plant-based diet. Studies indicate it contains around 5mcg of B12 per tablespoon, which is more than double the RDA for adults.

B12 deficiency can lead to fatigue, weakness, and forgetfulness.

What Is B12 Deficiency?

Research conducted by Tufts University indicates that up to 40 percent of Americans may be suffering from low B12 levels. This includes people with all diets, from meat-eaters to flexitarians to vegans.

Symptoms of B12 deficiency—also known as pernicious anemia—can include fatigue, heart palpitations, memory loss, numbness or tingling in hands and feet, and poor coordination. It can also cause tongue discomfort and discoloration.

There are a few factors in B12 deficiency. Impaired digestion from low stomach acid, lack of calcium, and age can all lead to reduced absorption. The rate at which humans can absorb B12 naturally decreases as we get older, diagnosing and treating deficiency as soon as possible is preferable.

Folic acid also contributes to the healthy absorption of B12. Folate, which is found in leafy green vegetables, is another B complex vitamin that the body cannot produce and must ingest. It is also essential in the creation and maintenance of healthy cells and DNA.

In addition to dietary factors, there are also genetic factors in B12 deficiency which can impact absorption and retention rates. A blood test from your doctor or physician can reveal your B12 and folate levels, and they can advise you if supplementation is required.

 

Who Needs To Take B12 Supplements?

The prevalence of B12 deficiency indicates that it does not exclusively impact those following a particular diet.

Vegetarians and vegans who do not supplement or consume fortified foods may be impacted, while those following the Standard American Diet (SAD) are perhaps more likely to be impacted by nutrient deficiencies overall. Regardless of diet, everyone should have their B12 levels checked by a medical professional every few years.

While consuming as many nutrients as possible from food is optimal, both the NIH and Dr. Greger have noted that it may be difficult to meet requirements from fortified foods alone. Both the NIH and Dr. Greger recommend taking a vegan-friendly B12 supplement, which is available in a variety of different forms.

Multivitamin tablets and gummies are abundantly available. But B12 can also be purchased in liquid, sprayable, and lozenge forms—all of which can be taken sublingually, or underneath the tongue. Some vitamin casings include animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin. But producers typically clearly label vegan-friendly options.

B12 supplements are commonly available as either cyano or methyl-cobalamin. Cyano is more commonly available, less expensive, and has a longer shelf-life. Methyl is less common, more expensive, and has a shorter shelf-life, although studies show that it may have an improved retention rate.

B12 injections are also an option for those who have an existing deficiency. Ensure you speak with your doctor or physician before introducing any new supplements into your diet.

 

Thanks for reading! Please explore the site, leave a comment/question and feel free to connect with us at
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @SourceBody360.

 

 

 

 

Cacao Cashew Brownies

08 Dec 2020 34 comments admin
Decadent Cacao Cashew Brownies made with Water Lentils
Have you heard about water lentils yet? If not, you are in for a treat (promise… no pun intended!). Water lentils are a relatively new plant-based food to hit the Western health food world. Not only are these aquatic plants incredibly nutrient-rich on a variety of fronts, allergen-friendly, and digestive-system compatible, but they claim to be one of the only plant-based, all-natural, bioavailable sources of vitamin B12. If you still want to know more, check out this post. Water lentils come in a dried powder form that can be easily mixed into smoothies, baked goods or simply just added to water. This recipe is amazing for more than just the chocolate! It’s raw and unprocessed, high in plant base protein, high in fiber, contains no refined sugar and… high in B12! YAY! Is your sweet tooth ready? Ingredients – 1 cup almond butter – 1/2 cup cashews, preferably soaked – 1/2 cup cacao powder (or cocoa powder) – 1 scoop water lentil powder – 5 dates – 3 tbsp maple syrup (optional but it makes it a bit sweeter)
  • Optional: walnuts and/or pecans
Instructions 1. Grind cashews in a food processor. Once ground up, add all other ingredients to a food processor and blend together. 2. Line baking tin with parchment paper. 3. Spread an even layer of mixed ingredients onto the parchment paper 4. Top with walnuts or pecans (optional). 5. Chill overnight. Cut up into squares and dig in! For more delicious recipes, check out the SourceBody video resource center! Enjoy!

Water Lentils: The Most Bioavailable Source of B12

07 Dec 2020 31 comments admin
If you haven’t heard of water lentils and you’re a plant-based eater, it’s time to get your education on!   Water lentils are a relatively new plant-based food to hit the Western health food world. Not only are these aquatic plants incredibly nutrient-rich on a variety of fronts, allergen-friendly, and digestive-system compatible, but they claim to be one of the only plant-based, all-natural, bioavailable sources of vitamin B12.   Vitamin B12 happens to be one of those super difficult nutrients to source from a solely plant-based diet, meaning water lentils could be absolutely revolutionary to the vegan world! They also happen to be incredibly vital to our health, yet they can’t be naturally produced by the human body. Along with supporting the “normal function of your nerve cells,” vitamin B12 is “needed for red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis.” Plus, this vitamin has also been linked to health benefits such as “boosting your energy, improving your memory and helping prevent heart disease.”   Let’s take a dive into water lentils and learn all we can about this new plant-based superfood!    

What Are Water Lentils?

  First off, it’s important to make note that water lentils aren’t actually lentils … at all.   Water lentils go by many other names including lemna, duckweed, man kai, lentille d’eau, wasserlinse, lenteja de agua,Lemnoideae, and water linze. They are a “small flowering aquatic plant,” grown in warm temperature freshwater, and are part of the Lemna and Wolffiaor Duckweed family. According to those that have had the privilege of getting their hands on the raw form of water lentils, they “taste similar to normal lentils (they have a sweet and mild planty flavor), but grow in nutrient-rich water rather than soil.”    

Nutrition Profile

  If you’ve heard about water lentils, it’s most likely in relation to their vitamin B12 content. Turns out these little aqua-loving water plants are the only bioactive form of vitamin B12 available! Yet, that’s not all this plant-based food has to offer. Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional gains of water lentils!  

The Essential Amino Acids

  Complete proteins contain all the essential amino acids — the building blocks of proteins — of which there are actually twenty! These twenty “different amino acids … can form a protein” of which “nine that your body can’t produce on its own.” When I refer to a “complete protein,” such as a water lentil, I’m talking about a protein that contains all “nine essential amino acids — the ones that your body can’t produce.”  

Digestive System and Allergy Friendly

  Alright, so water lentils contain all nine essential amino acids, making it a perfect plant-based protein for a vegan kitchen. What else does this intriguing food offer? Water lentils are free of lectins and allergens!   Lectins are a plant-based compound meant as a protective agent for the plant. Lectins “are a type of protein that can bind to carbohydrates and sugars in the digestive tract.”  While they’re known to “help with normal functions in the body and may even help prevent cancer,” in large amounts they’re connected to health issues such as “nutrient deficiencies, poor digestion, intestinal damage, leaky gut, and immune reactions.” You’re most likely already consuming large amounts of this protein from other plant-based foods including kidney and black beans, lentils (green, brown, and red), wheat, tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers.   All of this is to say that water lentils are a great option for sensitive stomachs, those with food allergies, those with digestive issues, and even for some with autoimmune complications.  

Nutrient-Rich

  When it comes to breaking down the exact nutritional profile, it’s a bit hazier. This is such a new plant-based food to hit the market that researchers are still determining the exact quantities per serving of nutrients. With that said, there are a few super healthy compounds that you’ll want to be aware of!   Besides the complete proteins and stomach-friendly design, water lentils also contain “many vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber, healthy fatty acids like omega 3 fats, and antioxidants.”   Basically, they’ve got pretty much everything you’d want for a balanced and healthy diet designating them a superfood!   Specifically, water lentils are known to contain rich amounts of some key nutrients and antioxidants such as iron, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lutein — an “antioxidant that belongs to the carotenoid group” generally found in “leafy greens and orange-yellow vegetables as well as dietary supplements.” Plus, due to the fact that they don’t contain lectin, the nutrients within water lentils “will likely absorb better,” which means you not only consume a high dose of nutrients, but most of them are actually used by your body to nourish you.    

Water Lentils and Vitamin B12

  Yes, water lentils have an awesome array of nutrients. Yet, water lentils gain their fame as the “only bio-available plant source of vitamin B12.”   The key term here is bioactivewhich means a substance has an “effect upon a living organism, tissue, or cell.” While a different form of non-bioactive vitamin B12 may be present in other plant-based foods, it doesn’t interact with your body (a living organism) and therefore is not absorbed or used. Water lentils have been found to contain that incredibly elusive bioactive form of vitamin B12.    

Cooking with Water Lentils

  As water lentils are an extremely niche market, in order to find them raw you’ll need to do some digging. You may be able to find a reputable raw form of water lentils by searching one of its other names such as duckweed, man aki, or lemna.     Thanks for reading! Please explore the site, leave a comment/question and feel free to connect with us at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @SourceBody360.

Quinoa Power Bowls with Maple Chipotle Brussels and Smoky Butternut Squash

27 Sep 2020 31 comments admin

These bowls truly have it all: protein, fiber, heart-healthy fats, and a several micronutrients. And, the great thing about this bowl and, candidly, all bowls? You can customize the ingredients to include any produce or grain you have on hand. Winning!

The recipe features maple chipotle brussel sprouts and smoky butternut squash, which make the most fabulous duo. It’s the combination of smoky, sweet, and spice that add layers of flavor.

 

These bowls encourage the use of whatever you happen to have available, however here’s the general foundation:

  • Quinoa: A complete source of plant-based protein, quinoa forms the foundation of these bowls. You can also brown rice, farro, barley, or whatever your go-to grain is.
  • Veggies: The recipe calls for brussel sprouts, which you can sub for broccoli or cauliflower, and butternut squash. If you’re unable to find butternut squash, you can use sweet potato instead.
  • Spices/Seasonings: Smoked paprika, adobo sauce, and coconut nectar create the coveted sweet and spicy flavor profile. Suitable subs for adobo sauce include harissa paste or gochujang, both of which offer red chili goodness.
  • Kale: This sturdy green gets mixed right into the quinoa to bulk up the base of these bowls. If you’re not a fan of kale, feel free to use fresh spinach instead.
  • Avocado: You can’t beat the one-two punch of heart-healthy fats and fiber!
  • Sweet Dijon Dressing: A mix of EVOO, coconut nectar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard create this simple, supremely delicious dressing.

 

Garnishes are game changing, and basically the sky’s the limit. Here are some favorite toppings for these Quinoa Power Bowls:

  • Slices of ripe avocado.
  • Chopped nuts or seeds, such as cashews, pine nuts, or sunflower seeds.
  • Spices such as sumac, crushed red pepper flakes, or za’atar.
  • A dollop of hummus or sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
  • A drizzle of tahini or your favorite bottled dressing or sauce.

 

Quinoa and Veggie Power Bowls

Prep time: 20 mins
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 14 to 16 oz. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 2 Tbsp. avocado oil
  • 1 Tbsp. adobo sauce (from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce)
  • 1 Tbsp. coconut nectar
  • 1 tsp. celtic salt, divided
  • 3 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash (from 1 small squash)
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 cup dry quinoa
  • 2 cups low sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 to 3 handfuls of chopped kale
  • Sliced avocado for topping (optional)

 

Sweet Dijon Dressing

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. coconut nectar
  • 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp. celtic salt

 

Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F.

Arrange Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and toss with 1 Tbsp. oil, adobo sauce, agave, and 1/2 tsp. salt. On a separate baking sheet, toss butternut squash with remaining 1 Tbsp. oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp. salt. Place both baking sheets in the oven, and roast for ~25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until tender.

Meanwhile, combine quinoa and broth in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until quinoa is fluffy and liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Uncover, and stir in kale, letting residual heat wilt down the leaves.

Prepare dressing by combining olive oil, vinegar, mustard, coconut nectar, and salt in a small bowl; stir with a whisk.

Assemble bowls by dividing quinoa and kale mixture evenly into each of 4 bowls. Divide roasted vegetables over top, and drizzle with dressing. Garnish with sliced avocado and/or toppings of choice and enjoy!

 

For more delicious recipes, check out the SourceBody video resource center!

 

Enjoy!

No Bake Vegan Walnut Fudge with Goji Berries

27 Sep 2020 36 comments admin

Indulge in this decadent no-bake vegan fudge recipe. The raw dairy-free fudge is filled with walnuts and goji berries. Bonus: Walnuts contain omega 3 and only a small quarter cup of walnuts can give you all the omega 3 you need in a day!

Possibly the biggest step for this dairy-free fudge recipe is to make your own walnut butter. Of all the nut butters you could make, walnut is probably the easiest. Walnuts have a very high-fat content so they turn into butter quite quickly. If you can find store-bought walnut butter you are welcome to use that. The rest of the vegan fudge recipe comes together relatively quickly.

No Bake Vegan Walnut Fudge with Goji Berries

Prep time: 20 mins
Cook time: 20 mins
Total time: 40 mins

Ingredients

BASE:

  • 1¾ cup walnuts
  • ¼ cup goji berries
  • 1 TBSP maple syrup or agave
  • ⅓ cup puffed brown rice
  • ¼ cup hemp seeds or flax seeds
  • 1 TBSP cacao powder

FILLING:

  • 1½ cups walnut butter
  • 8 TBSP cacao butter
  • 7 TBSP maple syrup
  • 6 TBSP plant based milk

 

Instructions

  1. Let’s start with the walnut butter. Place three cups of walnuts into a food processor and blitz until a walnut butter forms. Takes about five minutes while stopping to scrape down the sides but it will depend on what food processor you have. You can make an even larger batch and keep the rest to use in other dishes! Set walnut butter aside.
  2. For the base, add all the ingredients into a food processor and blitz until sticky. Press down evenly into the base of a lined square 4in baking dish and set aside.
  3. For the creamy filling, melt down the cacao butter over low heat until liquid, add in walnut butter, and whisk until it incorporates as well as possible. Add the maple syrup or agave and plant based milk and whisk until smooth and creamy. I like to do this without heat but if the walnut butter is having a hard time mixing in, you can mix over low heat to help it melt into the dish.
  4. Pour over the base and place in the fridge to set for about two to three hours.
  5. Once set, slice and decorate with extra walnuts.

Apple Pecan Crumb Cake

20 Sep 2020 49 comments admin

The coming of fall brings with it the most amazing, and comforting, desserts! Fruits, spices, nuts… a host of healthy ingredients are at our disposal; they help to make even the most indulgent desserts just a little more… healthy!

And so we introduce… an Apple Pecan Crumb Cake. YUM!

This cake has the perfect texture: beautifully moist on the inside and the perfect crunch on top. It’s a great cake when you want to impress. The recipe has a wonderful autumn vibe and is really warm and comforting.
One tip: make sure that the sides of the cake tin are well greased. In using a springform cake tin, part of the crumb topping got stuck to the side of the tin and broke off. Oops!

Apple Pecan Crumb Cake

Prep time: 20 mins
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 mins
Serves: 8

Ingredients
CAKE:
o 1½ cups almond meal (if you make your own plant based milk, the left over pulp is perfect here!)
o 1 cup whole meal spelt flour
o 1 cup of coconut sugar
o 2 tsp baking powder
o 1 tsp ground cinnamon
o pinch salt
o 1 apple grated
o 1 cup plant based milk (almond and coconut are both wins!)
o ½ cup olive oil
o 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar

TOPPING:
o 1½ cups pecans
o ⅓ cup whole meal spelt flour
o 3 TBSP maple syrup
o 1 sliced apple

Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the almond meal, spelt flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, salt and baking powder. Mix to combine.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the grated apple, plant based milk, oil, and vinegar,
3. Pour the wet mixture over the dry mixture and mix to combine.
4. Pour the cake batter into a greased 8in cake tin
5. For the topping, mix all the ingredients in a small bowl. Slice the apple and arrange on the cake as desired. Place the crumb topping in clumps in between and around the apple slices.
6. Bake in the oven for 45-60 minutes at 350 F or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool before slicing.

Health Benefits of a Plant Based Diet

13 Sep 2020 24,693 comments admin

Vegan diets can provide all of the nutrients that a person needs along with offering an array of additional health benefits. This “diet” can eliminate some of the possible risks that research has associated with harmful animal fats. Research has linked the vegan diet with a range of health benefits, including those below.

 

Better Heart Health

Vegan diets can boost heart health in several ways. Eating fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes and fiber is linked to a lower risk of heart disease

large scale 2019 study has linked a higher intake of plant-based foods and lower intake of animal foods with a reduced risk of heart disease and death in adults. Observational studies comparing vegans to vegetarians and the general population report that vegans may benefit from up to a 75% lower risk of developing high blood pressure

Animal products — including meat, cheese, and butter — are the main dietary sources of saturated fats. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), eating foods that contain these fats raises cholesterol levels. High levels of cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Plant foods are high in fiber, which the AHA link with better heart health. Animal products contain very little or no fiber, while plant-based vegetables and grains are the best sources. Compared to the general population, vegans also tend to consume more whole grains and nuts, both of which are good for your heart

In addition, people on a vegan diet often take in fewer calories than those on a standard Western diet. A moderate calorie intake can lead to a lower body mass index (BMI) and a reduced risk of obesity, a major risk factor for heart disease.

 

Lower Cancer Risk

According to a 2017 review, eating a vegan diet may reduce a person’s risk of cancer by 15%. This health benefit may be due to the fact that plant foods are high in fiber, vitamins, and phytochemicals — biologically active compounds in plants — that protect against cancers. Additionally, eating legumes regularly may reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by about 9–18%. What’s more, vegan diets generally contain more soy products, which may offer some protection against breast cancer.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer report that red meat is “probably carcinogenic,” noting that research has linked it primarily to colorectal cancer but also to prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer.

The agency also report that processed meat is carcinogenic and may cause colorectal cancer.

Eliminating red and processed meats from the diet removes these possible risks.

 

Weight Loss

People on a vegan diet tend to have a lower body mass index (BMI) than those following other diets.

The researchers behind a 2015 study reported that vegan diets were more effective for weight loss than omnivorous, semi-vegetarian, and pesco-vegetarian diets, as well as being better for providing macronutrients.

Many animal foods are high in fat and calories, so replacing these with low calorie plant-based foods can help people manage their weight.

It is important to note, though, that eating lots of processed or high fat plant-based foods — which some people refer to as a junk food vegan diet — can lead to unhealthful weight gain.

Read more about the vegan diet and weight loss here.

 

Lower Blood Sugar Levels and Improve Kidney Function

Going vegan may also have benefits for type 2 diabetes and declining kidney function.

Indeed, vegans tend to have lower blood sugar levels, higher insulin sensitivity and up to a 50–78% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Studies even report that vegan diets lower blood sugar levels in diabetics more than the diets from the American Diabetes Association (ADA), American Heart Association (AHA) and National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP).

Other studies report that diabetics who substitute meat for plant protein may reduce their risk of poor kidney function.

What’s more, several studies report that a vegan diet may be able to provide complete relief of systemic distal polyneuropathy symptoms — a condition in diabetics that causes sharp, burning pain.

 

Richer in Certain Nutrients

If you switch to a vegan diet from a typical Western diet, you’ll eliminate meat and animal products. This will inevitably lead you to rely more heavily on other foods. In the case of a whole-foods vegan diet, replacements take the form of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, nuts and seeds.

Since these foods make up a larger proportion of a vegan diet than a typical Western diet, they can contribute to a higher daily intake of certain beneficial nutrients.

For instance, several studies have reported that vegan diets tend to provide more fiber, antioxidants and beneficial plant compounds. They also appear to be richer in potassium, magnesium, folate and vitamins A, C and E.

However, not all vegan diets are created equal. For instance, poorly planned vegan diets may provide insufficient amounts of essential fatty acids, vitamin B12, iron, calcium, iodine or zinc.

That’s why it’s important to stay away from nutrient-poor, fast-food vegan options. Instead, base your diet around nutrient-rich whole plants and fortified foods. You may also want to consider supplements like vitamin B12.

 

Reduce Pain from Arthritis

A few studies have reported that a vegan diet has positive effects in people with different types of arthritis.

One study randomly assigned 40 arthritic participants to either continue eating their omnivorous diet or switch to a whole-food, plant-based vegan diet for 6 weeks.

Those on the vegan diet reported higher energy levels and better general functioning than those who didn’t change their diet.

Two other studies investigated the effects of a probiotic-rich, raw food vegan diet on symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Both reported that participants in the vegan group experienced a greater improvement in symptoms such as pain, joint swelling and morning stiffness than those who continued their omnivorous diet.

 

Cognitive Benefits

One of the lesser-studied areas in how vegan diets can affect an individual is neurobiology and cognitive function. Studies that have focused on this have found mild or moderate improvements when patients afflicted with migraine, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis consumed a vegan diet. These studies are confounded by not accounting for the gluten content of the plant-based diet and by small sample sizes.

Studies looking at specific nutrients show some signs that vegan diets can be beneficial for cognition and mental health. Intake of phytochemicals, which appears to be higher in vegans, is associated with beneficial effects on mental health. In contrast, lower intake of vitamin B-12, which is common in vegans, is associated with detrimental effects on the neurologic system and cognitive health, such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Again, supplements may be a positive addition where necessary.

 

Thanks for reading! Please explore the site, leave a comment/question and feel free to connect with us at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @SourceBody360 or via our Community page.

 

The Complete Guide to Cooking with CBD

12 Sep 2020 24 comments admin

If you like to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the benefits of CBD, you’re going to love learning about cooking with CBD oilCBD-infused food is the biggest buzz to hit the food industry in decades. A recent National Restaurant Association survey found that one in three chefs named CBD and cannabis-infused foods as a hot food trend.

No need to find a trendy, upscale restaurant to enjoy CBD-infused cuisine. Cooking with CBD oil is a lot easier than you might think. Incorporating CBD into your favorite dishes isn’t just easy — it’s fun! It’s also a creative way to integrate CBD into your life.

As simple as cooking with CBD might be, doing anything new requires a bit of a learning curve. If you’re ready to start cooking with CBD oil, the following are a few tips to get you on your way.

Getting Started: The Basics of Cooking with CBD Oil

 

  • Choose a High-Quality CBD Oil
oil for cooking with CBD

First things first. Quality is paramount when it comes to CBD oil. Unfortunately, not all CBD oil is created equal. When choosing a CBD oil for cooking, only use CBD oils made by transparent companies that offer third-party lab test results.

A delicious meal requires the best ingredients. If you’re serious about cooking with CBD oil and want your recipes to taste good, choosing high-quality CBD oil is the first and most critical step.

 

  • Blend CBD with a Carrier that Contains Fat

CBD must be blended with some kind of carrier that contains fat before its used for cooking. This helps increase bioavailability and ensure the oil is distributed evenly throughout the entire dish.

Before adding CBD to your recipe, make sure it is infused in a plant based butter, coconut oil or another fat or oil-based carrier.

  • Don’t Use High Heat

While temperature is important when cooking with any oil, it’s especially important to keep in mind when cooking with CBD oil. Why? At high temperatures, the active compounds in CBD oil burn off. Not only are you losing CBD but also other beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.

What’s the best temp to cook CBD oil? Try not to exceed 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher temperatures will cause the active compounds in CBD oil to deteriorate. Overheating CBD oil can also result in a somewhat bitter taste, which isn’t usually what you’re looking for when it comes to cooking.

  • Keep Your Serving Size in Mind

If you’re new to cooking with CBD oil, you might be tempted to add more than you really need. You’ll want to be mindful of the amount you’re using, however, as it can affect both the recipe and the taste of your dish.

Less is more when it comes to cooking with CBD, at least when you’re just getting the basics down. Once you’ve experienced a bit, you can add more if you feel it would be fitting for your recipe and offer the desired effects.

  • Stir (Very) Well

When incorporating CBD into your favorite dishes, don’t forget to stir and stir again. Just when you think you’re done stirring, stir a little more. Doing so ensures that your CBD is incorporated well throughout the entire dish, offering a well-balanced serving of CBD in each and every bite.

5 Simple and Satisfying CBD-Infused Recipes

1. CBD Guacamole

CBD guacamole is one of the easiest CBD-infused recipes out there, not to mention one of the most popular. Because avocados are loaded with good-for-you fats, there’s no need to mix your CBD oil with a carrier. Simply stir it in (very well) with the following ingredients and you’ll have the perfect CBD-infused side dish or snack.

Ingredients:

  • 3-4 ripe avocados
  • ½ onion, finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • Juice of one lime
  • Desired serving of CBD oil

Directions:

  • Cut avocados in half and scoop into a medium or large bowl. Mash with a fork. Add CBD oil and stir well to combine.
  • Add lime juice, onion and spices and mix well.
  • Serve with chips, tacos, nachos, in a burrito or on top of enchiladas.

2. CBD Mashed Potatoes

cooking with CBD: mashed potatoes

Talk about relaxing! Mashed potatoes are comfort food at its finest. CBD-infused mashed potatoes are easy and make a great addition to any savory meal, Thanksgiving or not. We know we’ll be serving them all winter long, whether at the holiday table or along with a bowl of warming stew.

 

 

 

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds baking potatoes or sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
  • 1 stick CBD-infused plant based butter
  • 1 cup plant based milk or half-and-half

Directions:

  • Add potatoes to a pot of salted boiling water. Cook for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain water.
  • In a small saucepan, melt butter over low to medium heat. When completely melted, remove from heat and add desired serving size of CBD. Stir very well and combine with milk or half-and-half.
  • Using an electric mixer, blend the CBD-infused butter and milk mixture with cooked potatoes until smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.

3. CBD Spaghetti Sauce

When mixed with the right carrier, CBD blends seamlessly into sauces. CBD-infused spaghetti sauce adds a new twist to this timeless classic. It can be used to top pasta or any of your Italian-inspired faves. For those watching their carbs, try it as a topping for spaghetti squash.

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup CBD-infused olive oil or plant based butter
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 3-4 teaspoons salt
  • 4 teaspoons dried basil
  • 4 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 4 teaspoons dried rosemary
  • 4 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 1 29-ounce can peeled and diced tomatoes

Directions:

  • Heat CBD-infused butter or olive oil in a saucepan over low to medium heat and add onion and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent. Stir in tomatoes and add seasonings. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Continue cooking over medium heat for 20-30 minutes.

4. CBD Bruschetta

This is such an incredible appetizer which you can serve at breakfast or dinner. This dish is full of health benefits and the best thing about this dish is that you can serve it to your children also.

Ingredients:

  • Four tablespoons of olive oil
  • Full Spectrum CBD oil
  • Five cloves garlic finely chopped
  • One pint red grape tomatoes halved lengthwise
  • One whole baguette or a crusty loaf
  • One pint yellow grape tomatoes halved lengthwise
  • One tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
  • Sixteen fresh basil leaves
  • Salt and black pepper
  • One stick of plant based butter

Directions:

  • In a small pan heat the olive oil with 15 drops of the full spectrum of CBD oil.
  • Add garlic to it and lightly fry it for about a minute and remember to remove the garlic before it gets brown.
  • Separate the garlic and oil in mixing bowl and let it cool for some time.
  • Add both red and yellow tomatoes, basil, and balsamic into a bowl and sprinkle salt and pepper in it.
  • Add more basil if needed and refrigerate the mixture for one or two hours.
  • Cut the baguette into the diagonal slice. Melt full four tablespoons of butter and grill the bread on both sides. Grill until they become golden brown on both sides.
  • Give a final stir to the tomato mixture and spoon it over the slices of bread.
  • Use big platter to serve this tasty and healthy appetizer.

5. Butternut Squash with CBD Brown Sugar Butter

Butternut squash is a health nut’s favorite. Topping it with a CBD brown sugar butter adds a decadent twist that makes for a delicious dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 butternut squash, halved and seeded
  • ½ cup melted CBD-infused plant based butter
  • 3-4 tablespoons brown sugar

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Place halved and seeded squash with the cut side facing up on a baking dish. Brush with CBD-infused butter, ensuring that the entire surface of the squash is covered.
  • Season lightly with sea salt and brown sugar.
  • Roast in the oven for approximately one hour, or until soft. Keeping the oven temperature low will make cooking time longer than usual, but will ensure that the CBD oil in the recipe stays intact.

Creating Dishes You’ll Love When Cooking with CBD Oil

When it comes to creating delicious, CBD-infused dishes, the options are unlimited. Get the basics down and you can infuse pretty much anything with the wellness-promoting power of CBD.

The key ingredient of any good meal is love. Keep this in mind the next time you’re cooking with CBD and you’ll create memorable and delicious meals the entire family will love. Let us know your favorite CBD recipes in the comments!

Thanks for reading; for more delicious recipes, check out sourcebody.com/videos/recipes! Please explore the site, leave a comment/question and feel free to connect with us at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @SourceBody360 or via our Community page.

CBD… you’ve seen the letters. But, what is it?

12 Sep 2020 9 comments admin

What, Exactly, is CBD?

CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is just one of many different molecules called cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant. It may surprise you to hear that CBD is not an acronym but has simply been shortened to CBD because cannabinoids are typically known by their three-letter designation, such as THC for tetrahydrocannabinol and CBG for cannabigerol. Most of you are familiar with, or have at least heard of, the marijuana high… that comes from THC and is likely the reason why it is the most famous member of the cannabinoids family.

 

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are active compounds produced by all cannabis plants and they produce the benefits of cannabis. Cannabinoids found in plants are technically called phytocannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids mimic compounds which we call endocannabinoids that are produced naturally by all mammals.

  • Phytocannabinoids — Cannabinoids produced by plants.
  • Endocannabinoids — Cannabinoids produced by human or other mammal bodies.

 

What Do Endocannabinoids Do?

Endocannabinoids, those produced naturally by our bodies, are signaling molecules. They are neurotransmitters, just like hormones.

A vast array of neurotransmitters are produced by the nervous system in response to various states of health and environmental factors. They interact with receptors found on the surface of cells throughout our bodies. Their job is to instruct a cell to adjust its activities. This can include changing how cells react to other neurotransmitters.

In order to illustrate how neurotransmitters work, let’s use an analogy.

The brain doesn’t connect with every cell in your body, just like traffic officers can’t connect directly with every car on the road to be able to instruct individual drivers how to behave in every traffic situation. In order to manage traffic, we implement traffic signals. These include street signs, traffic lights, the lines on the road and so on. Traffic signals inform drivers where they can and cannot travel, when they should stop and when they should go and how fast they are allowed to move.

Some of these signals can sense what’s going on in the environment, such as when a car pulls up to a traffic light. The sensor triggers a controller, causing the light to change, thereby changing the behavior of the drivers approaching that intersection.

In the same way, your body’s nervous system connects to a wide variety of sensors to keep track of every system in your body. The signals from these sensors are decoded by the brain and the nervous system. If it is determined that a system has gone out of balance, the nervous system produces neurotransmitters, which travel through the bloodstream and interact with receptors on cells, instructing them to adjust their behavior.

 

The Human Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

Now that we understand how neurotransmitters work to adjust our cellular activity, let’s take a look at the role of cannabinoids in particular and their role in supporting homeostasis, a state of balance, within the body.

The human endocannabinoid system (ECS) has two components. First is the endocannabinoid receptors found on the surface of cells throughout the body. Second is the endocannabinoids themselves that interact with those receptors.

For example, a well-known endocannabinoid is called anandamide. Anandamide is responsible for the production and uptake of serotonin. Serotonin is often referred to as the “bliss molecule” because levels of serotonin in the body are directly associated with mood. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that is responsible for “runner’s high.”

The endocannabinoid system is vast and far-reaching. It regulates a wide array of bodily functions, from appetite regulation to sleep patterns, moods, metabolism, immune response, the lifespan of cells and much more.

This is just the beginning of an understanding of the incredible and unbelievably beneficial whole health supplement. There is so much more to come!

 

 

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