Integrative Health Blog

Think again before you toss out your pumpkin seeds!

Dark chocolate bark is a dessert that you can make when you have no time to make dessert; it comes together quickly and looks elegant.

It makes a wonderful homemade gift, too!

I can’t really call this a recipe since it’s pretty much just melted, re-solidified, and garnished chocolate. Rather, I’m providing a method of preparation along with some ideas to help you get creative.

You’ll want to use a good quality chocolate, as it is the main component. I used a dark chocolate with 65% cacao. I prefer to make a thinner chocolate bark, but if you want a more substantial thickness, don’t spread it as thin.

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How to Get the Most from the Goji Berry

One of the reasons Goji is so super is that it has a special type of molecule known as polysaccharides. In my previous article, Superfoods Hacks: How to Get the Most Out of Your Superfoods,  I talked about how the polysaccharides in goji have been shown to strengthen the immune system in a unique way, fight free radicals, and may even have anti-tumor properties. Boiling Gojis in water, like the Chinese have been doing for centuries boosts the yield of polysaccharides because they are water-soluble nutrients.  However, Goji doesn’t only have water-soluble nutrients, it’s also full of a host of other phytonutrients such as zeaxanthin and oil-soluble vitamins, like vitamin A. What that means is that Goji tea is only giving us some of the good stuff in found in the berries, but not all. Enter Goji Milk Tea. Goji Milk Tea can be made with actual dairy or with non-dairy alternatives like coconut, hemp, or almond milk; according to your preference. What matters is that the base milk contains lipids (fats) to pull out the oil soluble nutrients, ensuring that we get the most out of this incredible super berry!

This nourishing superfood elixer can be consumed warm or cool however, I enjoy it best when it’s a bit warm. The Goji, Chia, and Maca superfoods in this tonic are prepared for highest bioavailability of nutrients and work synergistically with one another, giving the drink a sweet buttery taste, and a lovely golden hue.

Goji Milk Tea Recipe

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Chia is a nutritious seed that packs one powerhouse punch.

It is a great source of soluble fiber, minerals such as calcium, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorous, antioxidants, and omega-3s. Chia seeds can easily be sprinkled into oatmeal or baked into muffins, however the most versatile way to consume chia seeds is by making chia seed gel.

Chia Seed Gel Recipe

You will need:

• 3 T Chia seeds (preferably ground)
• 2 cups filtered water
• A jar with a lid

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