Image Credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/food-caviar-glasses-snacks-plate-4927729/

In the 1980s, caviar was seen as a status symbol. Though most Americans had no idea they were consuming a species of sturgeon, it was an indication that you had arrived. In 2019, the image of caviar is muddier.

According to the Washington Post, cheap caviar from China began to flood the market, which led to a decrease in prices. In fact, between 2012 and 2019, prices dropped around 50%. Caviar is becoming popular- not only due to the prices being down but due to the many health benefits it offers.

Caviar has long been known as a luxurious seafood delicacy. It is the roe (eggs) of various species of sturgeon- most commonly beluga, sterlet, hackleback, osetra, and kaluga. The color and size vary based on the species. Generally, it looks like small pearls ranging from black to pale green.

Salmon roe is often referred to as “red caviar”, but it’s not true caviar.

Caviar has a salty, fishy flavor and a slimy texture and pops in your mouth. Typically, it’s served in small amounts alone or as a garnish on top of crackers, toast, or cucumber slices- something that won’t undermine the flavor of the caviar.

In addition to being a culinary experience, caviar is believed to have a variety of health benefits. We will explore six of those potential benefits below.

Caviar has a stellar nutritional profile

Even in small amounts, caviar has an amazing nutrition profile. In fact, a 1-ounce serving provides the following:

• 75 calories
• 7 grams protein
• 5 grams fat
• 1 gram carbs
• 236% of the daily recommended value (DV) of Vitamin B12
• 34% of the DV of Selenium
• 19% of the DV of Iron
• 18% of the DV of Sodium

It’s clear that one serving provides more than twice the recommended daily dose of Vitamin B12, which is critical for the development/function of the nervous system and production of red blood cells and DNA.

Additionally, a single serving of caviar offers small amounts of Vitamins A, D, & E, along with calcium.

Finally, caviar is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, known as Eicosapentaenonic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids are the reason for many of the potential health benefits.

Caviar may improve skin health

Since its high in omega-3 fatty acids, caviar is beneficial to skin health. One study indicated that the DHA in caviar extract may encourage adipocytes (fat cells) to produce adiponectin, which is a molecule that improves your skin’s ability to heal, promotes synthesis of collagen & prevents breakdown of collagen fibers, and enhances anti-inflammatory processes.

Since collagen is critical for the structure of your skin, it is believed that caviar extract may reduce the signs of aging. At this time research is limited to caviar extracts in test tube studies or in humans with other ingredients. Therefore, we need more research to determine the skin benefits of consuming fresh caviar.

Caviar may improve brain/mental health

Research indicates that the omega-3 fatty acids in caviar may help improve brain and mental health. According to experts, DHA helps with maintaining brain structure and EPA can improve mood disorders.

This is because omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation. Studies indicate that reducing inflammation in the brain helps decrease the mental decline seen in Alzheimer’s patients.

Some research indicates that low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the system is a risk factor for depression. Therefore, though there are no studies directly linking caviar with brain/mental health, the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids are promising.

Caviar may improve heart health

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the USA. In recent years, research has pointed to omega-3 fatty acids for preventing and managing risk factors related to heart disease. These risk factors are improved by:

• Lowering blood pressure
• Improving cholesterol (lowering triglyceride levels, increasing HDL cholesterol levels)
• Preventing aggregation of platelets

Since caviar is high in omega-3 fatty acids, it may provide these benefits without having any interactions with traditional medications.

Caviar may improve fertility in men

Research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids are involved in male fertility. Sperm is high in DHA, therefore it is believed that DHA deficiency is associated with low sperm quality- and in some cases, infertility. Men who are fertile typically have higher omega-3 fatty acid levels in blood and sperm.

It is believed that eating foods with a high omega-3 fatty acid content, such as caviar, may improve the fluidity, structure, and shape of sperm- which may increase fertility because the sperm can bind to the egg more easily.

Caviar may improve the immune system

We know that caviar has high levels of selenium and omega-3 fatty acids. It is believed that this can improve your immune system. First, the omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and restore the barrier function of your lungs, intestines, and skin. This is what keeps harmful bacteria from entering your body. In addition, they help repair white blood cells, which protect you from disease.

Selenium is necessary for triggering and regulating your body’s immune response and research indicates that it increases the production of antibodies and macrophage activity. A macrophage is a type of white blood cell that fights harmful substances in your system.

Conclusion

Caviar is the roe (eggs) harvested from certain species of sturgeon fish. At one time, this delicacy was limited to the upper class. However, in recent years, China has caused the prices to drop, making it more affordable to the average person.

This is something that is an acquired taste- but with all of these potential health benefits, why wouldn’t you want to try?

 

As a vegan you may be wondering if you can add CBD Oil to your diet as an added food supplement. The surge of CBD products within the wellness market is due to a rise in interest around the hemp plant and its potentially beneficial properties. Despite much anecdotal evidence present online from CBD supplements users, more research evidence is needed before CBD can be stamped with a ‘treatment’ status.

For now you are free to purchase CBD oil as a dietary supplement, to add an extra point of nutrients to your daily food intake. In this guide to CBD oil for vegans we will look at the vegan diet, the cannabinoid CBD and suitable plant based CBD products. After we’re done, make sure you do your research and find the best CBD products for what you’re looking to get out of CBD. Let’s begin!

What is a Vegan Diet?

A vegan diet is plant-based and includes foods which are derived from plants only like vegetables, fruit, nuts and grains for example. The primary focus of a vegan diet is to avoid and eliminate any products derived from animals. Unlike vegetarians who exclude meat and fish from their diets, vegans exclude all animal derived food products including eggs and dairy options like milk.

Many people following a vegan diet aim to follow a vegan way of life too. In this way they avoid using clothes, cosmetics and other products which are made using animal derivatives. In 2021 you will now be able to find products stamped as vegan which either means the product was not tested on animals in production or it contains no animal products.

Vegans follow a diet which can require planning and a lot of alternative food options in order to gain key vitamins and minerals that are present in meat, fish, dairy and eggs. However the growing number of vegans in the world means this transition to an alternative, animal – friendly diet is both achievable and enjoyable.

What is Cannabidiol or CBD?

Cannabidiol is the full term for CBD which is one of many cannabinoids (100+) found in the cannabis plant. Most people don’t know that cannabis is a plant group with close relatives like hemp and marijuana making up the cannabis plant family. Hemp and marijuana although related have very different properties and effects on the human body.

Hemp primarily contains the cannabinoid or compound CBD. It contains other compounds like CBG and THC plus over one hundred more but in smaller amounts. The ratio of CBD to THC makes the hemp plant a safe and non-toxic option for CBD extraction. Marijuana on the other hand is chemically made up of THC or tetrahydrocannabinol in large amounts which is the highly psychoactive cannabis compound. THC consumed in large amount can cause the user to experience psychoactive effects or a ‘high’.

Confusion often surrounds cannabis food supplements like CBD oils as they come from cannabis plant family which contains CBD. Hemp, although it contains THC, contains too little to produce anything near a ‘high’. So, now you know that CBD products like CBD oils are only produced using hemp plants as they are the safe option and offer potential health effects on the body and mind.

What is the Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?

You now know what CBD is, but how does it work in the body exactly? Both humans and animals have a system within the body called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). This is one of many bodily systems which works to regulate internal functions on a daily basis. The ECS was discovered in 1992 by a research scientist who was studying the cannabinoid THC. Today, scientists are still looking into the full function of the ECS but so far it is known that it works to control areas like metabolism, mood, sleep and stress response among others.

This system is made up of three things – endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and enzymes. Endocannabinoids are made naturally in the body and work as neurotransmitters to send signals around the body. They bind themselves to receptors made in the brain to send these messages to places of the body which need regulation or rebalancing.

Cannabinoids such as CBD work by taking on the role of Endocannabinoids in the ECS. When you take a CBD supplement like CBD oil, cannabinoids bind to receptors in the ECS and work to create a state of balance within us.

Can Vegans take CBD Oil and CBD Products?

The good news is, vegans can benefit from the effects of CBD supplements. It can daunting if you are new to CBD to find the best brand of CBD oil in terms of quality, service and product testing. One Irish brand which comes highly recommended by customers online is Dr. Hemp Me. They operate an online CBD store with a wide range of CBD oils and other CBD products to choose from. This company also offer CBD products especially for pets.

As there are now many options on the CBD food supplement market be sure to read through our list of products below to see which of these are plant-based and vegan friendly.

CBD Oils

CBD oil is the best CBD supplement option for vegans. It contains all – natural, plant based ingredients as it is all derived from the hemp plant. CBD oils have a very short ingredient list which is made up of hemp seed oil and hemp plant extract. Hemp seed oil is the carrier oil for the CBD content in the oil so it essentially houses the cannabinoids for the user to add to their diet. The hemp extract contains the CBD content and in full-spectrum products it also contains all other cannabinoids present in the hemp plant but in trace amounts.

CBD Capsules

CBD Capsules are really handy for those who prefer a capsule style supplement or do not like the sometimes harsh taste of hemp oil. However CBD capsules are not suitable for vegan’s as they are made of gelatin. Some people purchasing CBD capsules may think they are like a calcium capsule or vitamin D which come in a tablet form but that is not the case here. Cannabidiol capsules house the cannabinoid CBD in a jelly like capsule made from gelatin unless stated otherwise.

CBD Gummies

CBD Gummies are a sweet, easy to use CBD supplement option which are growing in popularity for people of almost every age. But, the majority of these Gummies are made with gelatin derivatives. As the interest grows in this product options for vegans are emerging but can be hard to find. It is generally more affordable for manufacturers and suppliers to make Gummies using gelatin so if you really want a vegan CBD Gummy be sure to ask for proof that they are free from animal products.

CBD Paste

CBD Paste is a high potency option for those looking for high strength CBD products. It is a thicker consistency than oil and comes in a syringe instead of a dropper for measuring doses. This product may suit some vegan’s and may not suit others as these pastes can be made using beeswax for the purpose of texture and maintaining that paste like consistency long term. In high concentrates CBD can solidify over time so ingredients like beeswax and shea butter are often used to maintain a liquid state. The best option is to ask a company or brand for an ingredients list for their paste and see what extras are added in.

What Beneficial Nutrients are in CBD Oil?

For vegans nutrients, vitamins and minerals are a big focus of an everyday diet. Thankfully CBD oil is full of extra nutrients as it is a source of iron, niacin and thiamine. Other sources of goodness in CBD oil include Omega 3’s, Complex B Vitamins and magnesium.

Omega 3 fatty acids are particularly helpful for a vegan diet as they are often gotten through seafood and fish oils. However chia seeds, nuts like walnuts and soybeans do contain Omega 3’s for vegans to consume and benefit from. CBD oil can be used as another source of these fatty acids which help with inflammation and heart health.

Amino acids are plentiful in meat and dairy. As these foods are eliminated from a vegan diet, getting the full range of amino acids into a vegan diet is essential. These acids make up protein and so plant-based sources of protein include nuts, nut butters, tofu and legumes too. So, you can now see that CBD oil can be a beneficial addition to a vegan food diet, both for the benefit of the body and the mind.

 

 

Sunflowers are famous worldwide for their long stalks, bright petals, and overall cheery disposition. However, have you ever given any thought to sunflower seeds? These small black seeds make for a great snack, and they have tons of health benefits. So, here are five health benefits of sunflower seeds that will make you want to include them in your everyday diet.

Health Benefits of Eating Sunflower Seeds

Found right in the center of the sunflower heads, the seeds are easy to harvest and prepare. Moreover, the nutritional value of sunflower seeds is brilliant. Some of the nutrients in sunflower seeds include sodium, dietary fiber, proteins, calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin B-6.

Despite their small size, they pack a powerful punch of sunflower health benefits, and accordingly, they are often known as a superfood. Here are all the benefits of these seeds.

1. Anti-inflammatory Benefits

Short-term inflammation is often the body’s natural immune response to an infection or virus. However, if you suffer from any chronic inflammation, eating the best sunflower seeds can help.

The seeds contain vitamin E, flavonoids, and other compounds that offer many inflammatory benefits for the body. According to one study, people who consumed sunflower seeds at least five times a week witnessed reduced levels of inflammation compared to those who did not.

Over time, constant inflammation can cause the immune system to attack the healthy cells and tissues in the body, and if left untreated, it can lead to diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and more. Therefore, eating sunflowers seeds regularly can protect you from other chronic diseases as well.

2. Improves Cardiac Health

One of the biggest enemies of your heart and the overall cardiac system is fats. More specifically, saturated fats are pretty dangerous for your heart. They lead to increased LDL cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol, increasing the chances of strokes and other heart diseases.

This is why sunflowers seeds are so good for your heart, as they primarily contain polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat. These help lower high cholesterol levels and prevent high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases.

Additionally, sunflower seeds are also perfect for lowering blood pressure. They contain magnesium which aids in controlling blood pressure, and they release a specific compound that prevents the blood vessels from constricting in the body.

3. Boosts Immunity

Sunflower seeds are also great for the immune system. Our immune system is vital, especially during current times, as it helps the body fight viruses, bacteria, and other infections. However, sometimes it could do with a little bit of support, and sunflower seeds are excellent for this purpose.

They contain zinc and selenium, two essential nutrients that boost immunity and provide other health benefits. Zinc helps maintain the normal function of the immune system and helps it develop new immune cells as well.

Furthermore, zinc also acts as an excellent antioxidant and helps fight free radicals in the body. Selenium also helps boost immunity. It enables the body to fight inflammation and produces the proper response to infections and other diseases.

Besides that, selenium also promotes mental health and helps prevent certain neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s.

4. Boosts Energy Levels

Sunflowers seeds make for a great snack in your daily diet as they help boost energy levels. They are packed with many vitamins and nutrients, specifically vitamin B, which helps convert food into energy. As a result, the seeds keep you energized all day long.

Moreover, the selenium in the seeds helps improve blood flow in the body, resulting in the proper distribution of oxygen, leaving you feeling active and energized.

5. Pregnancy Benefits

Sunflower seeds are great for pregnant women and even those who are looking to get pregnant. A healthy and balanced diet is crucial for a safe and healthy pregnancy, and sunflower seeds are one way to achieve that.

The seeds are also full of vitamin E, zinc, and folate, crucial for prenatal health. Vitamin E also helps give you that radiant pregnancy glow. Other than that, there are a lot of sunflower seeds benefits for male fertility as well.

Wrapping Up

The best part is that there are multiple ways to eat these seeds. You can have them as is or turn them into a tasty snack by adding a bit of salt and other seasonings. You can include them in your salads or bake them into a cake. You can even plant the seeds and eat the sprouts. Sunflower sprout nutrition contains various amino acids, potassium, iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamins A, E, D, and more.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a 12 pack of sunflowers seeds for yourself now!

 

Stress is normal and is faced by most people regardless of factors such as age, gender, and occupation. There are many ways to deal with and manage stress. The severity and outcomes of stress can effectively be tamed with food. Food is the main source of nutrients.

These nutrients, in addition to providing energy to the body, also influence the brain and its response. The intake of certain foods can trigger the release of stress relief hormones, and as a result, stress is lowered down. However, it is important to know that dealing with stress with food might not work if the severity of stress is certainly high.

Stress-Builder Foods

There are many foods that eventually build stress and stress-like symptoms in the body. It is, therefore, necessary to avoid such foods, especially if you are looking for strategies for stress management. Artificial sweeteners, refined carbs, alcohol, and caffeine are amongst the foods to avoid as these are stress-promoting sources of food.

In the U.S, treatment for alcohol addiction is available and can be acquired in each state. You may look up for treatment centers in New Jersey, if you live somewhere in New Jersey. A whole list will appear in front of you, so you can opt for one that meets your needs.

Stress-Buster Foods

It would not be wrong to call certain foods stress-busters based on the way they help in managing stress and lowering down its level. There are a number of ways through which foods help in stress management. Some foods help in lowering down the level of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline.

There are others that help to keep blood pressure in control, and as an outcome, stress does not aggravate. Some foods directly stimulate stress relief hormones such as serotonin and thus help in feeling calm and relaxed.

Complex Carbs

The intake of carbs is recognized to trigger the release of serotonin. This hormone is known as the feel-good hormone and helps in a good mood. However, it is always a good option to opt for complex carbohydrates rather than refined carbs.

It is because complex carbs take longer to digest completely, and hence it helps for longer to keep going in a good mood. There are many other health benefits of complex carbs. It helps in keeping blood pressure and blood sugar levels well in control.

Oranges

Oranges are packed with Vitamin C and hence are not only an immunity booster but are a very handy stress buster. A study showed that taking vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges before a stressful task assisted in lowering down blood pressure and cortisol level. Thus taking food sources rich in Vitamin C, such as Citrus fruits, can help in bringing down the level of stress hormone.

Spinach

Often stress becomes unbearable with stress related to other bodily symptoms such as headache and hypertension. Headache occurs when the body runs too low on magnesium. A bowl of spinach helps to meet the requirement of magnesium.

There are other choices that help to meet the magnesium needs of the body, such as salmon, soybeans, and leafy green vegetables. Magnesium also helps to keep the body active and overcome symptoms of fatigue.

Fatty Fish

Fatty fish abundantly supply the body with omega-three fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are very beneficial for wellness and health. It helps and enables the body to overcome many health issues such as depression, stress, and cardiovascular problems.

It is recommended to take at least 3 ounces of fatty fish twice a week to gain the best of it. There are many options available when it comes to fatty fish such as salmon and tuna. If you’re really looking to manage stress with the diet, then adding fatty fish to your meal is a must.

Black Tea

Black tea has many health benefits. It makes a good substitute for other unhealthy beverages. Black tea is also very useful in managing stress. A study showed that people who were in the habit of drinking black tea daily stayed calmer and had low levels of the stress hormone cortisol. It is thus beneficial to add black tea to your routine if you are struggling to manage stress.

Nuts And Seeds

A handful of nuts and seeds brings many benefits to the body, and it is also very useful in managing stress levels. Nuts and seeds such as pistachios, almonds, and walnuts are rich in healthy fats. These are also rich sources of many vital minerals. It is also useful in keeping down the stress level but remembers to take it in moderation as these are calorie-rich.

Avocados

Avocados are potassium-rich, and potassium plays a vital role in managing stress related to high blood pressure. Half avocado has a relatively more amount of potassium as compared to banana. However, it is not a bad idea to get your potassium from bananas too. Be watchful of your portion size while taking avocados, as these are rich in fats and calories.

Milk

Milk is another stress buster. A warm glass of low-fat milk can help to bring down stress and make the body calmer and relaxed. Studies have also found that high calcium levels also help with mood swings and anxiety. Milk is another healthy and nutritious beverage that is also very helpful in stress management.

Exercise

Along with diet, it is important to stick to an exercise routine. Even moderate exercise such as brisk walking and running can bring many benefits to the body. It also helps to keep the level of cortisol, a stress hormone, well in control.

Exercise also helps in sustaining a good mood and keeps the body calmer. So, managing moderate exercise in addition to some dietary changes can make a difference.

Take Away

Uncontrolled stress can ruin wellness and health goals. It is crucial to manage stress. There are many strategies that can be employed in order to manage stress; one of them is stress management through diet. Food is rich in certain minerals that help in controlling stress levels.

You’d be surprised at how many individuals have an intolerance to gluten. Just in the United States alone, around 18 million individuals have a sensitivity to gluten. When an individual has a gluten intolerance their immune system mistakes gluten proteins for foreign invaders and attacks the proteins which can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. If you have an intolerance to gluten you may experience uncomfortable bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and headaches.

Why More People Have a Sensitivity to Gluten:

Women are more likely than men to suffer from gluten intolerance:

Women are far more likely than men to be diagnosed with gluten intolerance. This is due to the fact that women often have overactive immune systems as they have two x chromosomes, while men have a y chromosome as well as an x chromosome. To learn more information about why women are far more likely to suffer from gluten intolerance it’s well worth reading articles on the subject by Dr. Ryan Shelton Zenith Labs.

Genetics:

Another reason why individuals may have a gluten intolerance is due to their genetics. Gluten intolerances tend to run in families. So, if one of your parents, siblings, or grandparents has a gluten intolerance, your chances of being gluten intolerant are increased and you may want to get a blood test taken, in order to find out whether or not you’re gluten intolerant. If you’re unsure of whether any of your immediate families are gluten intolerant, it’s well worth asking them.

People can develop a gluten intolerance over time:

You may be surprised to learn that even if you’re not born with gluten intolerance, you can develop gluten intolerance as an adult. As if you’re genetically predisposed to becoming gluten intolerant, the symptoms associated with gluten intolerance may not present themselves until later in your life. So even if you think that you’re not gluten intolerant, it’s a smart idea to look out for signs of gluten intolerance as you grow older.

Poor gut health:

One group of people who are likely to develop a serious gluten intolerance are those with poor gut health. As those with healthy guts will have no problems processing food without any issues. If you have poor gut health, you may regularly suffer from abdominal pain and bloating. Thankfully, you can reverse poor gut health by eating a gluten-free diet which will promote intestinal healing and which will eliminate your gluten intolerance symptoms.

How long does gluten intolerance last:

While many people will have to manage gluten intolerance for the rest of their lives and will need to follow strict gluten-free diets, some individuals are able to heal their gut and are able to incorporate gluten back into their diets, after a few years.

In conclusion, if you suspect that there is a chance that you may be gluten intolerant, it’s important to ask your doctor for a blood test as soon as possible. A blood test can reveal whether or not you’re gluten intolerant and should start consuming a gluten-free diet in order to start healing your gut and to get rid of any annoying symptoms which you may face such as bloating or diarrhea.

If you enjoy reading the articles on Wild Free Design, check out our about page to learn more!