If you’re anything like us, you love summer! The warm sun, the long days, the gatherings with friends, the trips to the ocean, and the abundance of fresh finds at the local farmer’s market. In addition to summertime must-haves like organic avocados and arugula, one of our year-round staples is fresh eggs from healthy, pasture-raised chickens—but these aren’t always easy to find at the farmer’s market or in the supermarkets. Not only that, but buying eggs these days can be downright confusing with all kinds of health claims being made by egg companies trying to convince you that theirs are the best:

+ Non-GMO + Organic + Cage-Free + Free-Range + Pasture-Raised And so on… they all sound pretty good on the surface—and some of them definitely are! But dig a little deeper into the others and you quickly realize that not all eggs are created equal and what sounds good on the surface may be hiding something deeper below it. So in everyone’s best interest, we thought we’d clear a few things up so you can easily discern the good from the not so good and on top of that offer one of our all-time favorite summer egg recipes to boot. When it comes to choosing high-quality, healthy, humane eggs, here’s what you need to know…  

Non GMO vs. Organic Eggs

Non-GMO means that the feed given to the chickens does not include GMOs (such as genetically modified corn, soy, etc.) and, therefore, the eggs that the chickens produce are free of GMOs. While in general it’s ideal to buy non-GMO eggs (as well as produce and groceries) this does not mean that the chickens or their feed were not exposed to pesticides or other harmful chemicals, which can be detrimental to the endocrine and immune systems. While non-GMO products are a step in the right direction, there’s something even better: organic. Organic means that the chickens and their feed have never been exposed to pesticides, chemical fertilizers or GMOs (since certified organic products cannot include GMOs by law). In our opinion, it’s best to shop for and buy organic eggs since you will be avoiding both GMOs as well as other health-hazardous pesticides and chemicals. While organic eggs can sometimes be more expensive, if you love eggs as much as we do or eat them almost daily, we highly recommend purchasing organic eggs to avoid the buildup of toxic chemicals in your body.

Cage-Free vs. Free-Range vs. Pasture-Raised Eggs

Cage-free means that the chickens are not housed in cages, however, this doesn’t mean that their living conditions are spacious or that they have access to a natural habitat. Usually, there are hundreds, even thousands, of hens living in a large enclosed barn space, without access to the outdoors. While this is slightly better than keeping chickens cooped up in small cages for their whole life (yes, this is the sad truth of most factory farms), the reality is that cage-free hens still have very little room to move about. Free-range is a term that indicates the chickens have access to outdoor areas, however, standards for free-range conditions can vary from farm to farm as there’s no defined space requirements. That means that one farm might have thousands of square feet of outside space available while another might just have only one hundred square feet all together. One farm may have grass available for the chickens, and another may have cement. While the term “free range” sounds like an upgrade over “cage-free,” more space and animal welfare isn’t guaranteed. Pasture-raised means that the hens laying the eggs are provided access to outdoor areas to feed and forage on grass for at least some of the time. This is great because studies have shown that when chickens are able to forage on their natural diet, eggs tend to have lower saturated fat and cholesterol and higher amounts of omega-3 fats, beta carotene and vitamins A, D and E. Unfortunately, however, there are no government standards for this label, so just like the free-range eggs above, pasture-raised conditions can vary from farm to farm. So how can you be sure you’re buying the best quality eggs from happy hens?

Certified Humane, Organic, Pasture-Raised Eggs

In order to make sure that the eggs you’re buying are highly nutritious and adhere to the highest standards of animal welfare, look for certified humane, pasture-raised eggs. Unlike traditional free-range and pasture-raised eggs, which lack consistent standards, eggs that have been certified humane must adhere to specific standards of space and outdoor access. For instance, pasture-raised eggs that are American Humane Certified or Certified Humane®, must guarantee 108.9 square feet of pasture space per hen with living vegetation (grasses and grubs) and allow them to perform natural behaviors (such as pecking and scratching). They must also provide areas of shelter and shade as well as access to housing. Pasture-raised eggs that are both certified humane and organic are by far the best eggs you can buy. Some of our favorite eggs that tick all these boxes are Handsome Brook Farm Organic, Pasture Raised Eggs. This brand is made up of a collective of small family farms that believes that the happier and healthier the hen, the tastier the egg. We love their eggs not only because of the animal and environmental welfare practices they support, but because they also taste great. The recipe below features their eggs, and their rich, nutritious orange yolks, as the centerpiece along with some of our other favorite summertime superfoods.

Recipe: Summer Superfood Scramble

This recipe is the perfect summer dish when you’re you’re looking for something savory but sweet, hearty yet healthy, and packed full of superfoods. It’s especially great for entertaining and makes for the perfect breakfast for overnight guests or a brunch with friends before the summer sun hits its peak. Serves 4 Ingredients

2 tablespoons organic coconut oil 1 medium organic orange sweet potato ½ chopped organic white onion 6 organic, pasture-raised eggs (We love Handsome Brook Farms!) 4 oz organic arugula 1 organic avocado ⅛ teaspoon organic turmeric ⅛ teaspoon organic smoked paprika ¼ teaspoon Himalayan salt, more to taste Instructions

1. Crack the eggs into a small bowl and mix together with a whisk or fork. Set aside.

2. Wash, peel and chop sweet potato into ¼ to ½ inch cubes. Heat coconut oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the sweet potato cubes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently.

3. Add the onion, cayenne pepper, turmeric, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir for 1-2 minutes until onion becomes translucent.

4. Turn the heat to medium low. Add the arugula, stirring for another 1-2 minutes until wilted.  

5. Slowly add the eggs and allow them to begin to set at the bottom of the pan. Once the eggs begin to cook around the edges of the pan, use a silicone spatula to push the eggs around. Continue stirring until scrambled to your liking.

6. Once the eggs have cooked, remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh avocado and salt and pepper to taste.  

Using High-Quality Ingredients

As with all of our recipes, we feel that it’s not so much your skills in the kitchen that make the difference, it’s the quality, freshness, and wholesomeness of the ingredients you use. Here are a few of the health benefits of the superfoods incorporated in this recipe. Handsome Brook Farm Organic, Pasture-Raised Eggs As mentioned, we love these organic, pasture-raised eggs because they are humane for the hens and healthier for the humans. They are higher in vitamins and omega-3s and lower in cholesterol and saturated fat than conventional eggs. For more information on Handsome Brook Farm organic, pasture-raised eggs and recipe inspiration, visit: @HandsomeBrookFarm Organic Coconut Oil Studies have shown that coconut oil helps increase nutrient absorption and fight fungal infections. It’s medium chain fatty acids are also great for fueling and nourishing your brain. Organic Arugula This awesome leafy green packed full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, including several B vitamins, calcium, zinc copper, iron, magnesium, and phosphorous. These compounds help to support and boost the body’s overall immune system, and the phytochemicals found in large quantities within arugula inhibit the activity of cancer-causing cells. Organic Turmeric Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory with a unique chemical composition of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals that help support the immune system and fight against disease within the brain and body, including Alzheimer’s and arthritis. Organic Smoked Paprika Similar to turmeric, paprika also has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting compounds that can help support the body’s immune system. It’s also a wonderful digestive aid and may even help prevent cancer. Keep in mind that each time you purchase organic produce and pasture-raised, certified humane eggs, like the ones from Handsome Brook Farm, you are effectively voting with your dollar for a better and healthier food system and a healthier, more nourished you. After all, one of the most effective ways to initiate change is to align your purchases with what you value. By opting for non GMO, organic fruits, vegetables and groceries along with organic, pasture-raised eggs and grass-fed meats when you shop for food, you’re creating a demand that influences what farmers and companies invest in. Choose wisely, choose well! This article is a sponsored post written in collaboration with Handsome Brook Farm, whose products and ethos comply with Conscious Lifestyle Magazine’s stringent quality and integrity guidelines.

About The Author Meghan McDonald is the Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of Conscious Lifestyle Magazine. She holds a master’s degree in social psychology from San Diego State University where she conducted award-winning research into the nature of human social behavior. She is an advocate for many environmental and social justice causes and a champion of social impact-focused brands and products that adhere to high sustainability and ethical standards. As a regular travel and lifestyle contributor to Conscious Lifestyle Magazine, Meghan funnels her extensive knowledge of natural products, organic living, and consumer behavior into researching and reviewing brands and products that promote health, wellbeing, sustainability, equality, and positive social change. She has traveled to over 25 countries and loves exploring diverse destinations worldwide while documenting the local artisans and businesses offering conscious, healthy alternatives.

brain octane mct oil meets bulletproof coffee—a match made in heaven. photo: alexa gray

Brain Octane Oil is one of those products that I just found myself (for whatever reason) being drawn to in the health food store. Maybe it was the hype or maybe it was the label, but I was drawn to the the description on the back of the bottle touting it’s purported health benefits. From improving brain function, to increasing energy and of course, helping people loose weight, this bottle of gooey goodness seemed to hit all the right buzzwords. So is it all marketing or are there any actual health benefits? Where was the science that backed up these claims? Where did the oil come from and how is it processed? In my search to find out the truth about this supposed miracle compound from coconuts, I began asking the producers themselves about all the details. I decided to write to Dave Asprey, the genius behind Bulletproof coffee and the MCT craze himself, and these were his answers.

1. What is Brain Octane Oil and how is it made? Is there any palm oil involved in the making of this product?

Brain Octane is a staple of the Bulletproof Diet and a key ingredient in Bulletproof Coffee. Brain Octane raises fat-burning, brain-fueling molecules in your body called ketones much more than coconut oil or another broad category of fat generically called medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). Brain Octane is the most effective type of MCT you can use to help lose weight, curb your hunger, kick your brain into a higher gear, and even recover faster. In fact, Brain Octane is more than 4 times as effective as coconut oil at raising ketones – recent research shows that coconut oil doesn’t raise ketones any more than fasting for 8 hours. Brain Octane is a potent and extremely bioavailable fuel source for your mental and physical performance. Instead of using carbohydrates for fuel, which can be stored in your body as fat, Brain Octane encourages your body to use ketones as fuel. There is no palm oil in Brain Octane Oil – it’s 100% derived from coconuts, making Brain Octane 100% orangutan friendly.

2. Is there anything synthetic about this product?

Brain Octane Oil is all-natural, triple-distilled from pure coconut oil and lab-tested for purity. No C12, no solvents – no trace anything. It’s 100% pure. Most MCT oils are refined using chemical solvents (even deodorized with bleach). All-natural Brain Octane is cleaned using earthen clay and refined using only heat, water, and pressure so there’s no potential for residual solvents.

3. Why is it in liquid form versus solid (like coconut oil we see on shelves)?

In short, different fat molecules stay solid at room temperature and some fat molecules stay liquid at room temp. MCT oil is derived from coconut oil and in the extraction process, the chemical structure of the fat changes. There are “kinks” in the molecular structure of MCTs that keep them liquid at room temp.

4. How do you ethically source your coconuts?

The coconuts used to make Brain Octane are sourced directly from farmers in a direct trade model similar to Bulletproof Coffee. This ensures the money goes to the people doing the work rather than middlemen. Sourcing from 100% sustainable coconuts instead of palm oil also helps to protect the wild orangutan population in Southeast Asia. Destroying rainforests and killing orangutans are not Bulletproof. Bulletproof Brain Octane is processed in the US, not overseas, which makes it more expensive, but allows us to monitor the quality more closely. Plus, this combats outsourcing (even more control over quality!) and the people processing Brain Octane get a fair wage.

5. What are the benefits of Brain Octane Oil?

Brain Octane: + Is a reliable and quick source of energy from fat, not sugar or starchy carbs that come with a crash + Helps your body burn fat (increases thermogenesis) + Supports cognitive performance and focus + Frees you from food and sugar cravings, keeping you satisfied for hours + Quality fats that power you up and won’t weigh you down + Distilled from 100% pure coconut oil from sustainably sourced coconuts + A unique energy source that provides ketone energy – clean burning fuel for your body and mind

6. How much should one consume?

Start slowly and work your way up. Too little Brain Octane won’t curb hunger or put you deep enough into fat-burning ketosis to make a difference. Too much leads to what we call “disaster pants,” aka stomach upset. Starting slowly means starting with about 1 tsp. in your morning Bulletproof Coffee or drizzled over your food. Work your way up over the course of a week or two, building the dose until you stop getting hungry. For many, this is about 1-2 tablespoons per serving.

Alexa’s Carmel Bulletproof Coffee Recipe

16 ounces of bulletproof coffee 1 teaspoon of brain octane oil 1/2 cup of coconut milk or nut milk 2 Tablespoons of Acorn + Roots blend 1 Tablespoon of maca Dash of Cinnamon 2-3 Drops of Butterscotch Stevia Blend all ingredients together.

About The Authors Alexa Gray. After receiving her Bachelor Degree as a fine art photographer and later in life as a Certified Health Coach, Alexa fused her passions together to create the successful health & wellness blog, SuperFoodSuperLife.com. Soon after, she began working with like-minded brands who needed her support and passion. She helps companies build their own content and develop creative ways to get noticed in the public eye. She now runs the boutique content creation and brand management company, Gray Media Lab, a dynamic platform that helps her clients upgrade their business in places where they may not have thought possible.

photo: alexa gray

This immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory recipe offers a nutritious blend of medicinal spices to warm the body and support cellular strength. The absence of garlic and onion makes this dish sattvic and gentle on digestion. It’s a fun recipe to mix and match your favorite veggies, proteins, and grains, plus optional fresh herbs to take your cleansing to the next level. Play around to personalize this hearty and health-enhancing dish!

Ingredients & Recipe

Optional Ingredients

+ Add chickpeas, tempeh, chicken, or fish (cook separately, then combine) + Serve over brown or basmati rice, soba or rice noodles and add fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, or lemongrass.

Cooking Directions

1. Warm coconut oil in a large pot. 2. Add spices and heat on low until aromatic but not burnt—1 minute maximum and then remove from heat. 3. Add dense veggies like root vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes, and celery first, then sauté with spices for a few minutes on low heat, stirring to combine. 4. Add coconut milk, then water, and bring to a boil—roughly 5-7 minutes. 5. Add veggies like broccoli, kale, and bok choy—plus anything else you like—and cook for roughly 3 minutes. 6. Add a few splashes of coconut aminos and a heaping tablespoon of raw honey; mix to combine. 7. In separate pans, cook protein and grains of choice until just tender; add to curry mixture, garnish with fresh herbs, serve, and enjoy!

About The Author Kristin Dahl of Dahl House Nutrition is a Los Angeles-based nutritionist, chef, and author who offers a fresh take on holistic living. She specializes in nutrition consulting, plant-based cooking, and seasonal transformation programs. Her book, The Art of Wellness, put her on the map as a leader in the wellness field. Her offerings come from an extensive background and training in holistic nutrition, plant-based cooking, herbal medicine, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, yoga, and functional nutrition. Visit her website: dahlhousenutrition.com

photo: rosie santos

Banana ice-cream is something I used to live off of in Australia so it makes me so so happy that I can enjoy it more and more as the days get brighter and longer! This recipe is inspired by Springtime here in Nevada City, by all these gorgeous blooming flowers and the sun shining so brightly over the mountains. This is one of my favorites for many reasons but especially because it takes pretty much no time. You can throw any frozen fruit in a high speed blender and create your own version of “ice cream”. All you need to do is prepare yourself for these sort of cravings that hit and, if you’re like me, fill your whole freezer with tubs of bananas! It’s completely refined sugar free, made from whole foods embraced by their multi-faceted health benefits, fiber, vitamins, minerals and vital antioxidants. This afternoon, I drizzled blackberry honey (absolutely divine!) bee pollen and rose petals, all sourced locally. I think it’s super important, especially with honey (particularly at this time of year to keep allergies at bay) to source as locally and organically as possible, to shop at farmers markets when you can and meet your growers, getting to know the food you’re consuming. It really changes the relationship you have with what you’re eating by making educated choices on where you choose to buy from. Not only that – I’m sure it tastes so much better and it is super beneficial to your body to eat foods that have grown in the same environment in which you live. I hope this recipe finds your taste buds melting, your tummy rumbling and ready… that it delights all your senses and makes your whole body zing!

Ingredients & Recipe

Directions

Add all but the bee pollen, petals and honey to your blender/food processor, mix on high, stirring the mix as you go until you get to a delightful creamy consistency. Scoop into bowl or bowls, sprinkle with petals, pollen, and a little honey, or honey alternative if you like, and enjoy!

About The Author Rosie Santos is passionate and dedicated to working on feats that aim to cultivate social change. She offers this in the way of healing and nourishing through food consumption and education. Inspired by nature’s abundance, she loves to make recipes that are simple and nourishing, showing friends how they can change their lives through their diet, and ultimately asking: How can we make better daily choices for our immaculate body temple, our plate, our people and planet. Visit her website: smoothblender.net

decadent, raw, delicious. these vegan raspberry chocolate cream bars are a treat for the palette and for your health. photo: julia corbett

Few know this, but Cacao beans are fantastically rich in a very unique molecular compound known as Phenethylamine or PEA for short.  It’s actually a naturally occurring substance in the body that is elevated during times of pleasure and specifically when we are feeling love or deep connection with another person, in part because it stimulates highly pleasurable endorphin and neurotransmitter releases.  However, when cacao beans are refined into conventional chocolate, this heat sensitive compound is often destroyed in the process. But these lusciously rich, raw raspberry chocolate cream bars are infused with copious amounts of raw cacao, making them a euphoria-inducing source of PEA as well as a number of other synergistic mood and health boosting compounds as a result of the mouth watering, nutrient-dense, whole food ingredients: Lucuma is a sweet, maple-tasting fruit that is native to Peru and abundant in iron, niacin (B3) and calcium. Cacao is the most chemically complex food ever identified under scientific analysis making it the most unique, nutritionally compacted, and culinarily versatile ingredient known to man. Raw Honey is rich in naturally occurring vitamins and minerals, enzymes, amino acids, antioxidants, pre- and probiotics, and a host of other phytonutrients and medicinal compounds, which vary depending on what type of plant bees harvest their nectar from. Although usually served as a desert, these raw raspberry chocolate cream bars can also double as breakfast or a sweet superfood infused snack for a midday pick-me-up.  A few squares are all you need—each bite is borderline medicinal in it’s health boosting and healing properties.  And perhaps best of all, they stay good for days so feel free to make a large batch and snack on them all week.

Raw Raspberry Chocolate Cream Bars

these raspberry chocolate cream bars taste like a little slice of heaven. photo: julia corbett

Coconut Chip Crust

1 1/2 cups coconut flakes 1 cup pecans or other favorite nut 1/4 cup raw honey (or other liquid sweetener) 1 tbsp lucuma powder 1/4 tsp each cinnamon, vanilla bean powder, fine sea salt 1/4 cup raw chocolate chips (optional) Directions Mix coconut flakes and pecans in a food processor until broken down into a coarse flour. Add all remaining ingredients and process until mixed and combining into a loose dough. Press into a parchment paper lined 8×8” brownie pan. Evenly press to the edges, then for a cleaner edge, cover the crust with another piece of parchment and use a straight-sided glass to roll over the crust like a rolling pin, and even out, removing the second sheet thereafter.

Raspberry Cream Layer

1 cup cashews, soaked a few hours then drained 10 oz raspberries 1 cup filtered or spring water 1/3 cup coconut oil, softened or liquid 1/4 cup raw honey (or other sweetener) 2 tbsp Adaptablend (herbal superfood powder) or lucuma powder 1/2 tsp vanilla bean powder a few pinches sea salt Directions Drain cashews, and place into blender with all remaining ingredients, adding the coconut oil last. Blend on medium to high speed until smooth. Pour over crust and tap on a hard surface to even out the pan, or use a spatula. Set in freezer for at least 1-2 hours before pouring the next layer on.

Chocolate Mousse Layer

1 cup cashews, soaked a few hours then drained 1/2 cup raw chocolate chips, melted 1/2 avocado 3/4 cup filtered or spring water 3 tbsp raw cacao powder 1/3 cup raw honey 1 tbsp coconut oil, softened or liquid 1 tbsp mucuna extract powder (optional) 1 tsp lemon juice or zest 1/2 tsp cinnamon and vanilla bean powder a few pinches sea salt Directions Melt chocolate chips over a double boiler on low heat, stirring once it starts to melt, and taking off heat once melted (use a small glass bowl over a small pot, and fill the pot with about 1-2” water, and place the bowl on top, the water should not touch the glass bowl). Drain soaked cashews and place into a high power blender. Add all remaining ingredients to the blender, except the raw chocolate chips and coconut oil. Add those in last and blend immediately, so none of the ingredients start to seize up (especially when they are cold). Blend on low to high speed, slowly raising the speed to mix until smooth. Pour over frozen raspberry layer and spread with a spatula. Set in freezer for at least 4 hours, or overnight before cutting into slices. Use a very sharp knife to cut, and wipe knife clean after each cut for more precise slicing.

About The Author Julia Corbett is author of the recipe book Raw Cookies and maker of raw desserts filled with superfoods and herbal ingredients. She is owner of the superfood dessert company Diviana Alchemy and recently started the blog Dessert Medicine to share unique and delicious recipes that utilize tonic and adaptogenic herbs. Visit: dessertmedicine.com divianaalchemy.com

photo: greg arnold

World class vegan/vegetarian chef Greg Arnold spices up a traditional Japanese soba noodles recipe with the healing tonic mushrooms Reishi and Cordyceps.  Reishi is a powerful ‘Shen tonic,’ which translates loosely to an herb that ‘nourishes the spirit’.  With a wide array of health benefits ranging from improved immune function and stress reduction to anti-aging and anti-cancer abilities, Reishi is a staple in the kitchen of anyone interested in living a long, healthy life. Cordyceps is equally powerful in it’s own way, widely used as an endurance and hormone balancing tonic, although it also has equally potent effects on the immune and nervous systems. But beyond their medicinal benefit, these healing mushrooms add a delightfully unusual and pleasant flavor profile to the dish as well as a noticeable pick me up that is alarmingly absent from most meals.  Instead of feeling tired after eating these delicious vegan soba noodles, expect to feel a nourishing lift in your energy and spirits.

Vegan, Tonic Herb Infused Soba Noodles

Step 1 Put the water and kombu in a small pot. Bring the water to a simmer over high heat and turn off the heat and let it steep for 10 minutes. Step 2 Remove the kombu. Slice the leek and carrot into 3 inch pieces, cut the radishes in half and add to the water with the garlic. Turn the heat back up to high and bring water to a boil, then turn heat down to a low simmer and steep for 20 minutes. Remove everything except the carrot and add the cordyceps, reishi and dulse. Turn off heat and steep for 10 minutes. Step 3 Remove carrot and strain liquid through a strainer lined with cheesecloth. Return the hot liquid to the pot. Add tamari, mirin, sesame oil and dissolve the miso into the dashi stock. Season with salt and black pepper depending on how salty you like it. Step 4 Cook soba noodles following directions on the package. I like to use Hakubaku brand organic soba noodles. While the soba noodles are cooking rehydrate the wakame in a small bowl of room temperature water and slice the scallions in 1/8 inch pieces. When noodles are done, strain and rinse lightly under running water. Step 5 Put the soba noodles in bowls and ladle the soup over the top. I have topped mine with the wakame and some pickled onions and snapdragons. To quick pickle the onions just salt them and cover them with a 50/50 mixture of warm rice vinegar and water. Other toppings that I really like are sprouts, cucumber, sesame seeds, tofu, bamboo shoots, etc. Whatever you like, experiment! When it is warm outside this dish is also delicious served cold; just chill the soup and plunge the soba noodles in ice water after cooking.

About The Author Greg Arnold is a chef from Los Angeles who focuses primarily on vegan, plant-based cuisine. Recently he opened the vegetarian restaurant MESAVERDE, in Santa Barbara, and is now about to endeavor on a new venture—vegan restaurant Plant Food and Wine, opening in Venice Beach, CA in the coming months. Arnold enjoys simplistic dishes that offer quality and wholeness to a modernistic way of living. He derives inspiration from Phil Jackson, Greg Popovich, and Cy Twombly.

images courtesy of jem nut butters

To be able to create a food that is simultaneously healthy and decadent is a halmark sign of culinary artistry, a craft that Jennifer, Timothy, Nik and Scott of JEM’s Almond Butters are true masters. The indulgent, exquisite flavor profiles they have managed to create with their line of medicinal-grade nut butters are so phenomenally unique and transcendent (yes, they really are that good…) that you simply have to taste them to believe something so delicious and nourishing can actually exist. These are meticulously crafted superfood delicacies of the highest caliber, infused with artisan-quality, ethically sourced ingredients and prepared in a refreshingly health-conscious manner. Each sensual flavor is built upon a base of organic, sprouted, stone-ground almond butter that is alchemically blended with an exotic assortment of nutrient-dense superfoods. The combinations may seem odd, that is, until you taste them and experience the genius culinary artistry at work. The rich flavor profiles are perfectly complemented by your favorite bread, be it sprouted ancient grains like kamut and einkorn or a gluten-free treat like the apple cinnamon muffins featured in this issue. However, don’t be surprised if you find yourself eating it straight from the jar like we did. Each of the four flavors currently available are infused with unique medicinal-quality spices and superfoods, such as:

Cardamom

A long-adored spice in Indian cuisine with warming qualities that can aid digestion.

Maqui

A dark purple, Chilean berry extremely high in antioxidants and anti-aging flavonoids.

Lucuma

A sweet, maple-tasting fruit that is native to Peru and abundant in iron, niacin (B3) and calcium.

Maca

A medicinal root vegetable known for boosting energy, balancing hormones, and combating stress.

Camu Camu

A tropical berry rich in Vitamin C and amino acids, which contribute to it’s impressive antioxidant profile.

Cacao

Seeds from the Theobroma Cacao tree, long valued by indigenous cultures throughout Central and South America and used to produce chocolate worldwide.

What We Love About JEM’s Almond Butters

+ Almonds are raw, organic, sprouted, and non-irradiated + Almonds are stone ground at low temperatures to preserve nutrients + Fair-trade, Non-GMO ingredients + Superfood-based formulas

Featured Medicinal Almond Butter Flavors

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

About The Author Meghan McDonald is the Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of Conscious Lifestyle Magazine. She holds a master’s degree in social psychology from San Diego State University where she conducted award-winning research into the nature of human social behavior. She is an advocate for many environmental and social justice causes and a champion of social impact-focused brands and products that adhere to high sustainability and ethical standards. As a regular travel and lifestyle contributor to Conscious Lifestyle Magazine, Meghan funnels her extensive knowledge of natural products, organic living, and consumer behavior into researching and reviewing brands and products that promote health, wellbeing, sustainability, equality, and positive social change. She has traveled to over 25 countries and loves exploring diverse destinations worldwide while documenting the local artisans and businesses offering conscious, healthy alternatives.