特级漳州元肉/蕊肉(Dried Longan)/新疆枸杞皇(Wolfberry)

For other value packaging of healthy nuts 500g or 2 x 250g, please refer to listing Nuts_500g, many thanks.

Snacking is common amongst many professionals because of the time constraints that they sometimes face when they have various deadlines to meet. Often the deadlines are so tight that they do not have an opportunity to even go home and prepare a healthy meal that has all the ingredients that the body needs.

Fortunately, there are a variety of snacks that are low in carbohydrates, healthy and available in convenience packs. Here are some snacking ideas that professionals can satisfy your snack attacks:

Chia typically refers to the seeds of the salvia hispanica plant which grows in Southwestern and Central Mexico, which were a staple in Mayan and Aztec diets. The popularity of these seeds has grown in the United States and abroad in recent years because they are high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.

You can snack on whole, raw chia seeds all you want or add them to water. If you’re not a fan of the gelatinous texture, try just sprinkling the seeds on oatmeal, adding them to meat marinades and burgers, or mixing them into casseroles, potato salad, or even pasta dishes. Or stir them into yogurt, cottage cheese, or pudding.

The seeds are also enjoyable when they’re just sprinkled in salads and on sandwiches or used in a stir-fry. If you’re a smoothie-lover, try blending about 1/8 cup of the seeds with the rest of your usual ingredients in a blender. You won’t even notice them.

In general there are no restrictions on how much chia you can consume each day but it is unnecessary to consume more than 20g of chia seeds daily. The amount of seeds you need to consume will vary based whether you are hoping to increase your intake of fiber, calcium or omega-3s. For example, those that consume 15 to 20 grams (2 to 3 tablespoons) of chia seeds will fulfill their daily requirement of omega-3s.

Adults may consume 15-20 grams of chia seeds per day.
Those between the ages of 10-18 may consume about 10 grams of chia seeds each day.
Children under 10 should not consume more than 1 tablespoon of chia seeds.

Chia seeds yield 25 percent to 30 percent extractable oil, which explains their high amount of omega-3 fatty acids — fats that are known to reduce inflammation and help reduce the risk of heart disease, arthritis, and cancer. In fact, they contain more fiber and omega-3 fats than flax or other grain seeds. One tablespoon yields only 46 calories and 4 grams of carbohydrates, so many people trying to lose weight add it to water for a low-calorie full feeling that lasts throughout the day.

Unlike flaxseeds, you don’t need to grind chia seeds to obtain their nutrients, which also include calcium, phosphorus, antioxidants called tocopherols, and manganese. At least one study has suggested that the consumption of chia seeds could help diabetics control their blood sugar and protect their hearts, though more research is needed to confirm these results.

Like quinoa, brown rice, and whole-wheat options, chia seeds are an excellent substitute for refined grains like white bread and white rice. These whole grains can help lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, among other conditions.

Raw nuts- These are available in a large variety depending on one’s preference with the best type being those that are unsalted. Nuts are best eaten raw as their original taste is maintained and there are no additives used that may result in the increase of calories.

A 2003 study in the "International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders" found that subjects on a low-calorie diet enriched with monounsaturated fatty acids from almonds lost more weight than those on a typical low-calorie, high-carbohydrate diet. A small handful of almonds -- around 1-ounce -- is a high-protein snack, full of healthy fats and other essential nutrients.

Around half the fat found in cashews is of the heart-healthy, monounsaturated kind, which, according to nutritionist Dr. Jonny Bowden, may help to reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer and other illnesses. Try adding cashews to stir-fries, salads and curries for added flavor, texture and nutrients.

Like macadamia nuts, walnuts are slightly higher in calories than other nuts, but that shouldn't put you off from eating them. Walnuts are one of the plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids -- essential fats your body must obtain from food, and that play a significant role in heart health and brain function.

full article @ http://www.livestrong.com/article/441215-top-ten-nuts-to-eat/

Dried Figs- Figs originated in Arabia and grow best in areas with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Although considered a fruit, the fig is actually an inverted flower, and the seeds are the fruit, according to the California Fig Advisory Board. Flower or fruit, the nutrient-rich dried fig can help you meet some of your essential nutrient needs, making it a healthy addition to your diet.

A 1/2-cup serving of dried figs contains 7.3 g of fiber. Including more fiber in your diet can help lower your risk of chronic illness such as heart disease and diabetes. Dried figs contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber slows digestion for appetite and blood sugar control and also helps lower blood cholesterol levels. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool, improving bowel function. According to the Institute of Medicine, healthy adult women need 25 grams of fiber a day, and adult men need 38 grams.

Figs contain more calcium than most other fruits, according to the California Fig Advisory Board, with 121 mg in a 1/2-cup serving. Adequate calcium intake supports bone health and growth, and reduces your risk of developing osteoporosis. Adults need 1,000 to 1,200 mg of calcium a day. One serving of dried figs meets 12 percent of your daily value for calcium, almost the same as 1 cup of unpacked cottage cheese. Including a variety of calcium-rich foods in your diet, like dried figs, can make help ensure that you meet your daily needs.

Lowers Blood Pressure
Consuming dried figs can help you meet your daily potassium needs and help lower your blood pressure. A 1/2-cup serving of dried figs contains 507 mg of potassium. Potassium is a mineral that helps maintain fluid balance. Increasing your daily intake of potassium can help blunt the effects of sodium, helping to lower your blood pressure. The American Heart Association says a healthy diet should contain 4,700 mg of potassium a day from natural foods. One serving of dried figs can help you meet 10 percent of your daily potassium needs.

Dried figs can also help you meet your iron needs. A 1/2-cup serving of dried figs contains 1.5 mg of iron. Iron is an essential mineral needed to help transport oxygen in your blood. Without enough iron in your diet, delivery of oxygen to your cells decreases, causing you to feel tired and weak and more susceptible to infection. Adult men and women over the age of 51 need 8 mg of iron a day, and women between the ages of 19 and 50 need 18 mg of iron a day.

full article @ http://www.livestrong.com/article/404192-health-benefits-of-dried-figs/

Dried Longan- A number of the health advantage promises related to longan as following:

Longan is probably the leading blood medicines of Chinese tonic herbalism, it is usually coupled with various other blood medications just like Dang Gui as well as Peony to create blood building teas and also formulations. Dragon Eye Fruit includes a very high amount of iron – just about twenty times those of grapes and in addition 15 times those of spinach.

Eaten on a regular basis, Longan is much more than only a temporary energy enhancer. It is really an outstanding Qi tonic which raises long-term energy. As it is equally a blood tonic along with a Qi tonic, you can use it to alleviate sleeplessness, lapse of memory and also anxiousness which are the outcomes of blood and also Qi insufficiency, in accordance with Chinese beliefs.

Longan encourages stillness, particularly when coupled with Shen tonics just like Reishi (Ling Zhi). It’s been discovered to enhance a deep, rejuvenating sleep. In case you have sleeplessness, you can savor utilizing a traditional tonic formulation referred to as “Ginseng and Longan Combination” which is renowned for assisting encourage an excellent night’s sleep.

full article @ http://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/health-benefits-of-longan/

Wolfberry- (also known as goji berry), is a bright orange-red berry that comes from a shrub that's native to China. In Asia, goji berries have been eaten for generations (over 2000 years) as a health tonic that promotes longevity.

Over time, people have used goji berries to try to treat many common health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, fever, and age-related eye problems. Goji berries are eaten raw, cooked, or dried (like raisins) and are used in herbal teas, juices, wines, and medicines.

Wolfberry has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a general health tonic that promotes varieties of health benefits including longevity, sexual stimulant, analgesic, antibacterial, improvement of visual acuity, stronger muscle and as an immune system booster.

Recent medicinal uses and claimed health benefits include treatment for diabetes, oxidative stress, liver damage, cancer and vision degeneration.

Scientific Studies of Wolfberry Health Benefits include:

Anti Cancer

Neuroprotective Effects

Anti Fatigue and Anti oxidative stress

Anti Cancer

Benefits to Sexual Performance (Wolfberry Extract)

Weight Loss (Wolfberry Juice)

Diabetes

Anti Oxidant

Water helps keep you hydrated, which is important because every single cell in your body needs it in order to absorb nutrients and expel waste products. But what are some of the more convenience ways we can add nutrients while drinking water.

Functions: (1) Promote blood circulation during menstrual cycles and benefit the eyes (2) lessen insomnia and promote body relaxation.

Functions: (1) To expel wind and clear heat (2) To clear heat in the liver and benefit the eyes

American Ginseng is considered to be a stress reducer, energizer and a normalizer. It has been traditionally used to negate the effects of fatigue and stress.

Functions: To provide positive support for (1) focus, concentration, memory, mental sharpness (2) healthy immune system function