(Family Features). If you are committed to healthier eating, it may be necessary to cut back on some of your favorite sweets. You don't have to give up desserts if you are trying to live a healthier lifestyle.
Rethinking evening treats with healthier ingredients such as California Prunes can help you eat better. Prunes can be used as a versatile ingredient to replace sugar, fats, and eggs in many recipes. They can also provide nutrients that are important for your bone and digestive health.
Prunes contain copper, which inhibits bone loss. Boron plays a role at calcium metabolism, and polyphenols, which are rich in antioxidants, can reduce bone loss. Prunes are high in vitamin K which promotes calcium balance and bone mineralization. A single serving of prunes (roughly 4-6) can support a healthy microbiome.
These are easy to make and can be a household favorite, such as these Chocolate Energy Balls. They can be enjoyed as an easy snack on the go, a great way to fuel for an adventure, or just to enjoy as a healthy snack.
Chocolate lovers rejoice! This delicious, rich, and gluten-free Chocolate Covered Prune Fudge cake is naturally sweetened with prunes, instead of adding sugar. For those who prefer brownies, you can use prunes in place of eggs to make Vegan Brownies. This is a delicious treat that's family-friendly and won't ruin your eating habits.
To find more better-for-you desserts, visit californiaprunes.org.
Vegan Brownies
Prep time: 10 min Cook time: 25 min
Servings: 9
Prune Puree
- 16 ounces California prune pitted
- 1/2 cup hot water
Brownies:
- nonstick cooking spray
- 6 oz unsweetened chocolate
- 1/2 cup California extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cups light brown sugar
- California prune puree 10 oz
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Flaky sea salt for garnish
- Make prune puree by combining prunes with water in a blender. Blend until smooth and pourable. Scrape sides if necessary.
- Puree can be kept in an airtight container for up to four weeks in the refrigerator
- Make brownies by heating oven to 350 F. Line 9-by-9 inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray with nonstick cooking oil.
- Melt the chocolate and olive oils in a double boiler. Mix sugar and prune puree together until well combined.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder. Add the chocolate and prune mixture, then fold in vanilla.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top looks dry and the brownies begin to pull away from the sides of your pan.
- Allow to cool in a pan. Cut into squares of 3 inches.
Chocolate covered Prune Fudge Cake
Prep time: 15 Minutes
Cooking time: 55 minutes
Yield: 1 cake (8 inches).
Cake:
- Coconut oil spray
- 14 tablespoons butter chopped
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 10 soft, pitted prunes.
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 6 eggs
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1 cup almond meal
Ganache:
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 1/3 cups dark chocolate morsels
- Make a cake. Preheat oven at 300 F. Lightly spray the bottom and sides with coconut oil spray. Spray coconut oil spray on a round piece of parchment paper placed in the bottom of the pan.
- Place butter and vanilla in a small saucepan on low heat. To sift the cocoa, use a sieve. Use spatula to mix until smooth. Set aside.
- Place the syrup and prunes in a bowl fitted with an “S”-shaped blade of a food processor. Blend until smooth. Transfer the chocolate mixture to a large bowl and use a spatula to scrape it out of the food processor.
- Use a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment to whip eggs and coconut sugar at high speed for 7 minutes or until they are tripled in volume.
- Mix one-third of the egg mixture in a bowl with the chocolate mixture. Use spatula to gently combine the ingredients until well combined. Mix almond meal and the remaining egg mixture in a bowl. Fold gently to combine.
- Bake the batter in a prepared pan for 55 minutes or until it is set. Cool the cake on a cooling rack once it is cooked.
- Make ganache by heating coconut milk and dark cocoa in a double boiler. Stir until smooth. Spread the ganache on top of the cake. Allow to set completely or serve immediately.
Chocolate Energy Balls
Recipe courtesy of Meg van der Kruik on behalf of California Prunes
Prep time: 10 Minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 pieces
Prune Puree
- 16 ounces California prunes pitted
- 1/2 cup hot water
Energy Balls:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats or gluten-free oatmeal
- 1/3 cup unsweetened, toasted shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter (peanut, almond)
- 1/2 cup pecan meal
- 1 cup prune puree
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa Powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Make prune puree by combining prunes with water in a blender. Blend until smooth and pourable. Scrape sides if necessary.
- Puree can be kept in an airtight container for up to four weeks in the refrigerator
- Make energy balls by mixing oats with coconut, nut butter and prune meal in a bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Keep covered in plastic wrap and let cool in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. After the mixture has been chilled, you can use a small cookie scoop or measuring teaspoon to measure equal amounts. Once it is cooled, form balls using your palms by gently pressing down on the dough. Don't roll, as the balls will fall apart.
- Keep it in an airtight container for up to one week in the refrigerator
SOURCE: California Prunes
Alternative Medicine Magazine published the article Bring On Dessert With Better-for-You Sweets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine?
Complementary or alternative medicine (CAM), is a general term that covers medical practices that people use when they feel they don't get enough from allopathic medicines. These include herbal medicines, mind-body therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, homeopathy, chiropractic care, traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, hypnosis, and spiritual healing. CAM practitioners often use treatments that are considered “alternative” because they do not fit into conventional medicine's system of diagnosis and treatment. Many CAM therapies include elements of conventional medicine. Some forms, such as acupuncture with needles, involve heat and moxibustion.
Some CAM therapies are effective in pain relief, stress management and relaxation. They may improve your general well-being as well as reduce fatigue. Some CAM therapies target specific conditions, such fibromyalgia. Other CAM treatments may be just as enjoyable.
Although there is no one definition of CAM, most definitions include at minimum one of these:
- An holistic view that considers body, mind and environment.
- The belief that the mind, body and soul interact and influence one another
- An individual's belief that illness is due to an imbalance in his/her environment.
- Treatments that focus on the whole person rather than just symptoms
- Combination of Western science and Eastern philosophy
- The best treatment methods integrate mind, spirit, and body
- Natural products can be used instead of synthetic chemicals
- Touch of healing
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
In addition to its potential benefits, there are risks associated with certain CAM therapies. Some therapies can cause serious harm or even death if practiced incorrectly. Some may have side effects that should be weighed against the potential benefits. If you are considering using any CAM, discuss these issues with your doctor before deciding whether to try them.
What is a holistic medicine doctor?
Holistic medicine doctors are those who treat patients holistically. They may combine western medicine with traditional methods like acupuncture and herbs.
They want to treat an actual illness, and not just the symptoms. The patient should feel better following treatment.
The doctor should not be limited to treating the disease. He or she must also work with patients to prevent future complications.
“Holistic” is a term that refers all aspects of a person’s life.
Why do people with cancer use alternative methods?
Patients with cancer face many difficulties when trying to manage their illness. Patients may feel hopeless or helpless, and might lose all hope of recovery. Patients may experience pain, nausea, fatigue, lack of appetite, loss of strength, etc.
In addition, most conventional treatments are not effective against cancer cells. Many cancer patients turn to complementary medicine for treatment. Research shows that nearly half of patients have used alternative medicine at least once in their treatment.
Complementary medicine is often chosen by cancer patients over chemotherapy. It's easier to manage side effect. It may be because it's less expensive.
You can also use the following reasons:
Some patients believe natural remedies could prevent a return of the disease.
Many people believe that natural remedies could improve the quality and quantity of their lives.
Others believe natural remedies could reduce your chance of developing cancer.
People concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy use natural remedies as first-line therapy.
Statistics
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
liebertpub.com
webmd.com
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- A Randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on depression and anxiety in older women: PubMed
cam.cancer.gov
How To
What are the qualities of a qualified holistic physician?
How do you find a holistic doctor?
Specialists are the best doctors. This is holistic medicine. This means that doctors must learn how to treat their patients holistically. They should understand holistic health and why you want to see a holistic doctor.
Doctors must be well-versed in holistic health. They should also be familiar with complementary and other therapies (CAM), like acupuncture or chiropractic care.
Holistic health professionals should be able diagnose your condition and present the various treatment options to help you make informed decisions about your treatment options.
You should also ask if the doctor has certifications from professional organizations like the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork or the American Holistic Medical Association. The NBOHMCA provides certification in many areas, including naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, clinical nutrition, herbalism, and aromatherapy.
Our directory can help you find holistic practitioners in your area. If you don't see a practitioner listed, you might be able to look online for one.
For holistic healthcare, please contact your nearest hospital or medical center.
You can also visit your local library for books and resources on holistic health.
–
——————————————————————————————————————————————
This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you're experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
——————————————————————————————————————————————
By: Dick Benson
Title: Bring On Dessert with Better-for-You Sweets
Sourced From: alternativemedicine.com/nutrition/recipes/bring-on-dessert-with-better-for-you-sweets/
Published Date: Mon, 06 Mar 2023 15:51:56 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine?
Complementary or alternative medicine (CAM), is a general term that covers medical practices that people use when they feel they don't get enough from allopathic medicines. These include herbal medicines, mind-body therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, homeopathy, chiropractic care, traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, hypnosis, and spiritual healing. CAM practitioners often use treatments that are considered “alternative” because they do not fit into conventional medicine's system of diagnosis and treatment. Many CAM therapies include elements of conventional medicine. Some forms, such as acupuncture with needles, involve heat and moxibustion.
Some CAM therapies are effective in pain relief, stress management and relaxation. They may improve your general well-being as well as reduce fatigue. Some CAM therapies target specific conditions, such fibromyalgia. Other CAM treatments may be just as enjoyable.
Although there is no one definition of CAM, most definitions include at minimum one of these:
- An holistic view that considers body, mind and environment.
- The belief that the mind, body and soul interact and influence one another
- An individual's belief that illness is due to an imbalance in his/her environment.
- Treatments that focus on the whole person rather than just symptoms
- Combination of Western science and Eastern philosophy
- The best treatment methods integrate mind, spirit, and body
- Natural products can be used instead of synthetic chemicals
- Touch of healing
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
In addition to its potential benefits, there are risks associated with certain CAM therapies. Some therapies can cause serious harm or even death if practiced incorrectly. Some may have side effects that should be weighed against the potential benefits. If you are considering using any CAM, discuss these issues with your doctor before deciding whether to try them.
What is a holistic medicine doctor?
Holistic medicine doctors are those who treat patients holistically. They may combine western medicine with traditional methods like acupuncture and herbs.
They want to treat an actual illness, and not just the symptoms. The patient should feel better following treatment.
The doctor should not be limited to treating the disease. He or she must also work with patients to prevent future complications.
“Holistic” is a term that refers all aspects of a person’s life.
Why do people with cancer use alternative methods?
Patients with cancer face many difficulties when trying to manage their illness. Patients may feel hopeless or helpless, and might lose all hope of recovery. Patients may experience pain, nausea, fatigue, lack of appetite, loss of strength, etc.
In addition, most conventional treatments are not effective against cancer cells. Many cancer patients turn to complementary medicine for treatment. Research shows that nearly half of patients have used alternative medicine at least once in their treatment.
Complementary medicine is often chosen by cancer patients over chemotherapy. It's easier to manage side effect. It may be because it's less expensive.
You can also use the following reasons:
Some patients believe natural remedies could prevent a return of the disease.
Many people believe that natural remedies could improve the quality and quantity of their lives.
Others believe natural remedies could reduce your chance of developing cancer.
People concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy use natural remedies as first-line therapy.
Statistics
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
- A 15-year systematic review published in 2022 on the global acceptance and use of CAM among medical specialists found the overall acceptance of CAM at 52% and the overall use at 45%. (en.wikipedia.org)
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
liebertpub.com
webmd.com
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING, TENSION-TYPEHEADACHE – PubMed
- A Randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on depression and anxiety in older women: PubMed
cam.cancer.gov
How To
What are the qualities of a qualified holistic physician?
How do you find a holistic doctor?
Specialists are the best doctors. This is holistic medicine. This means that doctors must learn how to treat their patients holistically. They should understand holistic health and why you want to see a holistic doctor.
Doctors must be well-versed in holistic health. They should also be familiar with complementary and other therapies (CAM), like acupuncture or chiropractic care.
Holistic health professionals should be able diagnose your condition and present the various treatment options to help you make informed decisions about your treatment options.
You should also ask if the doctor has certifications from professional organizations like the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork or the American Holistic Medical Association. The NBOHMCA provides certification in many areas, including naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, clinical nutrition, herbalism, and aromatherapy.
Our directory can help you find holistic practitioners in your area. If you don't see a practitioner listed, you might be able to look online for one.
For holistic healthcare, please contact your nearest hospital or medical center.
You can also visit your local library for books and resources on holistic health.
Leave a Reply