Almonds are a healthy whole food option to enrich your diet with protein and fiber. Almonds also offer heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, potassium, calcium, phosphorous and iron. Mix in with pistachio nuts and your favorite rice, and try this delicious Almonds and Pistachio Pilaf recipe!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
1/2 cup almonds, sliced
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup green onion, sliced
1 cup carrot, shredded
2/3 cup celery, finely diced
2 Tbs. olive oil
1 Tbs. garlic, minced
1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
2 cups basmati rice
2 1/2 cups vegetable stock
1/4 cup soy sauce or Bragg Liquid Aminos
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/3 cup freshly chopped cilantro
1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley

Directions:

1. In large non-stick saucepan, place the pistachios, almonds, and sunflower seeds. Cook over low heat for 3-4 minutes or until lightly toasted. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
2. In the same saucepan, sauté the green onion, carrot, and celery in the olive oil for 3 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic, cumin, coriander, and cardamom, and sauté an additional 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the uncooked basmati rice, stir well to thoroughly combine, and cook an additional 2 minutes while stirring constantly.
4. Add the vegetable stock, soy sauce, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Remove from the heat and set aside to steam After 5 minutes, remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and stir in the reserved nuts, cilantro, and parsley. Transfer to a bowl for serving.

Find great veg recipes for all occasions at www.VeganChef.com!

Want something healthier than cream? Almond milk, from Pacific Foods, is a non-dairy beverage made from real almonds, with a smooth and creamy taste. Pacific’s Nuts & Grains Beverages do not contain lactose, gluten, cholesterol, animal ingredients, hormones, fat, or added oils. They are all enriched with vitamins, iron and calcium, and low in sodium.

Chose your favorite type among Almond, Hazelnut, Oat, or Rice. Enjoy chilled on your cereal or add to your favorite recipe. Each is available in different flavors and unsweetened. Look for them in your local natural food store or in the natural foods section of your supermarket.

For nutritional information and other products, visit www.PacificFoods.com!

A new study from the University of Toronto suggests that eating a healthy diet with almonds, reduces inflammation by about the same level as taking a first-generation statin drug. The study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that heart disease risk correlates not only with cholesterol levels, but also with inflammation of blood vessels. Inflammation increases risk of developing atherosclerosis (clogged arteries). Following a diet that includes almonds effectively lowers C-reactive protein levels, a key marker of inflammation.

In this study, 34 individuals followed a dietary plan which included a daily consumption of almonds, having their C-reactive protein levels lowered 24% from the baseline, which is similar to the reduction achieved by taking a first-generation statin drug (16%), without the side effects.

A one- ounce serving of almonds, about a handful, is also an excellent source of vitamin E, magnesium, protein and fiber.

To read the full article, click here!

Singer Bryan Adams became a vegan for health reasons 20 years ago. At 48 years of age, he feels better than ever, keeping strong and lean thank to his healthful diet. Bryan Adams starts his day with fruit juice. For lunch and dinner he has a mixed fruit salad and salads or pasta or something veggie. When it comes to food, he believes in the rule that if it looks like it's going to clog your system, it probably will.

People have tried to serve him food that has meat in it dozens of times, but he can smell the meat in some plates. Bryan’s favorite salads are raw artichoke hearts with chives, lemon and olive oil; rocket salads with cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced fennel; and grated raw broccoli with a light dressing of soy sauce, lemon and olive oil.

To read more about his interview, click here!

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