Alex Malinsky

Photo by Julia Zolotova from Pexels

We all know this to be true: drinking plenty of water is great for your health. While having an at-home water filter is definitely recommended, having one that can travel with you wherever life takes you is also incredibly handy, especially if you're looking to cut down on single-use plastic. This portable vessel will help keep you hydrated wherever you go. All you need to do is refill the bottle with fresh water whenever you get to a potable water source.

Reusable water filters, such as those from Big Berkey Water Filters, are quickly gaining popularity. They're not only economical but also incredibly convenient. Also, they reduce the environmental pollution caused by plastic bottles, a major environmental concern. 

Here are five essential benefits of reusable water filters:

Removes Contaminants

Water carries many harmful substances, and drinking contaminated water dilutes (pun intended) the health benefits that we can gain from drinking more water. Reusable water filters remove contaminants dissolved in water. These toxic substances may leak into water pipes during flooding seasons or when pipes experience mechanical damages.

Harmful contaminants found in water include heavy metals, such as lead, gold, and silver. Other chemicals include chlorine, organic compounds, pesticides, and inorganic fertilizers. Besides that, tap water might contain microbial organisms like viruses, fungi, and bacteria. You can filter out these substances with your portable water filters. The vessels are fitted with water purification systems, such as activated carbon filters, to remove unwanted and harmful substances. By drinking clean, purified water you help set a foundation for good health. 

Protects the Environment 

Reusable water filters have great environmental benefits. Single-use plastic bottles are wreaking havoc on the environment. They are among the biggest global pollutants, which are quickly filling up landfills. Regrettably, many disposable plastics make their way into bodies of water which harms the ecosystem and aquatic life.

Using a reusable water filter shows your concern for the environment. Having a refillable vessel eliminates the need for purchasing bottled water altogether. Think about the number of bottled waters you drink every day during summer. The figure can be astonishing. By using a reusable bottle, you reduce the number of plastic bottles going into landfills and the oceans. The positive change starts with each one of us. 

Cost Saving

The bottled water industry has been growing strong over the past few decades. Projections indicate that the industry could get to US$334 billion in net worth by 2023. Bottled water is the world's largest packed beverage. Beyond the environmental impact, this is a clear indication that people spend a lot of money on bottled water.

Paying a few dollars on water may not look like a big deal. But, it is very costly because these small bucks can amount to huge sums over time. With a reusable bottle, you spend money once – only when purchasing it. Although the initial purchasing costs can be high, they will be recovered in no time since you will have eliminated your need to buy bottled water from the store.

Improves Taste and Smell

Unfiltered water often has unpleasant smells and tastes. This is due to impurities and chemicals contained in the water. Using a reusable filter is an easy remedy to the problem.

A reusable bottle contains a filtration system that removes unwanted substances. The substances notorious for causing bad aftertaste and smell in water are heavy metals, microorganisms, and pesticides. Chlorine is used as a water purification compound, but it also has a strong chemical smell reminiscent of a swimming pool. You can resolve this problem with your reusable water filter. It will make your water sweet and enjoyable to drink.

Convenience and Keeps your Drinking Habits in Check

Another important benefit of reusable filters is that they offer you incredible convenience. The vessel contains a complete water purification system. And, you'll be carrying this essential system with you wherever you go. The portable filter gives you control over what you are drinking. Even when you refill the bottle from a tap at the gym or work, you are confident that the water you are drinking is clean and safe.

If you want to attain optimal physical health and fitness at home, a reusable water filter can help you achieve it. Drinking the recommended amount of water in a day is essential to your overall health and wellness. Experts agree that we should be drinking at least 3 liters of water every day. Most reusable bottles are calibrated to help you determine the amount of fluids you are consuming.

Drinking water from a reusable filter ensures that you are taking safe water at all times and in the right amounts. The vessel is convenient because it improves the taste and smell of water while preserving the environment. If you are not using a reusable water filter yet, order one or two today and enjoy clean water every day.

While Valentine's Day may look like snuggling up with your sweetie and some chocolate-covered strawberries, it might also look like carving out a little extra time for some intentional self-care - like cooking a nourishing meal for yourself made with love. Eating well is one of the most loving things we can do for ourselves - by giving our body the proper nutrition we are able to have the energy and health it requires to live our best life and keep working towards our dreams. We're all worthy of that!

This vibrant dressing will definitely make eating your greens a joy - it's creamy and lemony with a pop of garlic and cumin. The sweetness from the roasted beet helps balance out the slight bitterness of the sesame tahini, and it also gives the dressing a vibrant pink color which will really help dress up your salads and bowls, or your Instagram feed if you decide to take a pic. It's full of healthy fats and calcium from sesame seeds, and the beets add additional fiber and folate (vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C. It's a fun and colorful variation of your classic tahini dressing we hope you love!

The Recipe

Lemony Roasted Beet Tahini Dressing

Ingredients

1 cup Dastony raw sesame tahini

1/2 cup chopped beet, roasted (about 2 small beets

1/2 cup + 1 tbs lemon juice

1 cup filtered water

2 tsp toasted sesame oil

2 cloves fresh garlic

1 tsp Himalayan pink salt

3/4 tsp cumin

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425F. Prep your beets by scrubbing and peeling, then chop in wedges and roast with avocado oil for 30-40 minutes until tender when poked with a fork. 

This Raw Chocolate Avocado Mousse is not only a great option for a special V-Day treat, but it's also one of the easiest and tastiest dessert recipes imaginable perfect for just about any time - especially if you're a lover of all things dark chocolate. This creamy and rich chocolate mousse leaves nothing for want. Yes, it's made with superfood-status ingredients like fresh avocado and our 70% dark raw chocolate bars, but it still manages to excel in the decadence department with its creamy, rich texture and impressive flavor that truly is like a traditional chocolate mousse - only without the refined sugar, whipping cream and eggs.

We know what you're probably saying - "Stop right there. You said avocado?" Yep, you heard right!

Before you start visualizing a bowl of chocolate-flavored guacamole, hear us out.

Avocados may be delicious in savory recipes - but their richness, creaminess, and naturally buttery texture are all qualities that are completely dessert friendly-too. Avocados are what make this chocolate mousse smooth, thick, pudding-y, and completely decadent. And thanks to this versatile green fruit (yep, avos are a fruit!) this recipe is also loaded with healthy fats, fiber, and plenty of vitamins as well.

And the health benefits don't end there. Since this mousse is made with raw cacao and raw chocolate, it's also packed full of antioxidant flavonols and magnesium as well, two nutrients that support a healthy cardiovascular system, so you can nourish your physical heart while you express your love.

The Recipe

Raw Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Serves 4

3 medium avocados - make sure they’re soft but not overripe
2/3 cup raw cacao powder
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup coconut cream
3 70% dark raw chocolate Essentials bars, melted *Leave a few sections out to chop and sprinkle on top
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 large pinches Himalayan salt

Instructions 

1. Using a double boiler method, gently melt the 70% raw chocolate by breaking apart the bars and placing it in a heat-safe bowl over hot water. Be sure to leave out a few sections to chop and sprinkle on top for garnish.

2. Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender, and blend until smooth and mousse-like. If using a blender place your liquid ingredients in the blender first to help the blades catch. Add a splash more coconut cream if needed. 

Not sure what to do with all that leftover rice from last night's stirfry? We've got the perfect solution: make a delicious vegan coconut rice pudding! It's soft, creamy, and custardlike - without using dairy or eggs. And the best part ... it can be eaten for dessert or breakfast. In fact, it's a great sub for oatmeal if you find yourself bored with your usual hot cereal recipe. It's loaded with the flavors of coconut, cinnamon, and vanilla and is such a cozy, comforting-yet-healthy treat for chilly winter days.

You can also easily customize this recipe - use your favorite spices and plant milk of choice. The stone-ground coconut butter melts into the rice and almond milk while it's cooking, giving it that ultra-creamy texture and deliciously sweet coconut flavor - no coconut milk needed. Top with your choice of fruits or drizzle with nut butter or chocolate sauce (if desired). Don't be afraid to put your own spin on it!

The Recipe

Stovetop Vegan Coconut Rice Pudding

Serves 3

Ingredients

12 oz unsweetened almond milk
1.5 cups cooked white jasmine rice*
2 heaped Tbs Dastony stone ground coconut butter
2.5 Tbs maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Dash or two of cinnamon

Optional: Dash of cardamom and/or nutmeg

*We recommend white jasmine rice over other types of white rice because it has a very delicate, floral taste which lends well to sweet recipes like this one.

Instructions

1. Place almond milk, cooked rice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup in a small pot and bring to a low boil. 

2. Reduce heat and let simmer on medium-low heat for about 7 minutes, stirring continuously so the rice doesn't stick to the bottom and burn.

One thing is for certain, you don't have to be following a strict keto diet to enjoy this delicious, antioxidant-packed hot chocolate recipe. Yes, it may contain less than 1 gram of sugar per serving (say what?!) all the while not compromising on sweetness, creaminess, and sheer decadence - but anyone can enjoy this recipe, including those who simply want to find creative ways to cut down on sugar without giving up their favorite treats.

This hot chocolate recipe is made with a combo of unsweetened almond milk and coconut cream to give it that perfect creamy texture without the use of dairy, raw cacao powder instead of processed cocoa powder for a more nutrient-rich option, monk fruit sugar to sweeten (a zero sugar, plant-based sugar alternative), and Rawmio's new keto-friendly raw chocolate hearts to give it even more dark chocolate flavor and added richness. You will not regret curling up next to the fire with a mug (or two!) of this yummy hot chocolate on a chilly winter's day. 

The Recipe

The Ultimate Keto Hot Chocolate

Serves 1

Ingredients

12 oz unsweetened almond milk

1/4 full-fat coconut milk (coconut cream)

6 Rawmio Keto Raw Chocolate Hearts

2 Tbs raw cacao powder

4 tsp monk fruit sugar (or erythritol or both)

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Dash Himalayan salt

Steps

Looking for a healthy and simple side dish to add a little extra nutrition and pizazz to your Thanksgiving menu? These Savory Tahini Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a perfect option.

While it's certainly common to see sweet potatoes on the Thanksgiving table, they're most often served in sweet recipes like casseroles with caramelized marshmallows on top. This recipe taps into a more savory side of sweet potatoes, balancing out their inherent sweetness with creamy raw sesame tahini, coconut oil, Himalayan salt, and a touch of garlic and fresh parsley. It's a very simple recipe with only 6 main ingredients (+ salt and pepper) and it's also vegan and paleo-friendly! Sweet potatoes are naturally packed full of valuable nutrition - they're one of the best sources of beta carotene and potassium in the plant kingdom, not to mention they're loaded with gut-healthy fiber and slow-burning carbs. We think it's safe to say we could all benefit from a few more healthy dishes this time of year. Plus, if your taste buds are not yet familiar with the divine combination that is sweet potatoes + tahini you're in for a real treat. 

The Recipe 

We've all been there, those days when that sweet tooth just won't let up. Instead of fighting the cravings with all the will power one can possibly muster, why not replace the not-so-ideal stuff with nutrient-rich, whole food alternatives? 

 

All you need is:

House plants create a wonderful atmosphere in any room. Not only do indoor plants create a connection with nature that adds to any decor scheme, but certain plants can also purify the air.

With relaxing aromatic scents and scientifically-proven air purification capabilities, these are the best houseplants to de-stress and purify your home.

Pothos

When it comes to choosing an indoor plant, the pothos checks all the boxes. This vining plant is often called Devil's Ivy because of its tenacity and ability to grow without sunlight. This low-maintenance plant thrives on neglect and practically grows itself.

The pothos is also one of the top contenders of NASA's Clean Air Study, proven to remove toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and trichloroethylene from any room. 

Use the pothos for humidity control, air purification, and to create a calming atmosphere in any room of the house.

Lavender

Lavender has long been used in aromatherapy for its positive effects on stress and anxiety. This perennial plant loves the sun, making it perfect for a sunny window. When the blooming period reaches its end, trim back the plant and dry the petals for dried arrangements, potpourri, and DIY projects.

There are various types of lavender, so what grow lavender do you use for indoor pots? Lavandula latifolia, also known as English lavender, is one of the most aromatic breeds. To grow this type of lavender indoors, you'll need a spacious pot that allows for ample root growth.

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are one of the few flowers that proved to be successful in NASA's Clean Air Study, proving to remove benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, and trichloroethylene from the air.

These low maintenance plants have beautiful blooms that fade away into stunning foliage. Harvest the seeds at the end of the growing season to plant and experience the loveliness all over again. Storing chrysanthemums and getting them to bloom again is challenging for even the most skilled gardeners.

Snake Plant

Snake plants— colloquially known as Mother-in-Law's Tongue— are another top contender of the NASA Clean Air Study. This plant's unique vertical foliage adds texture to any room, creating an eye-catching design piece that invokes a sense of calm.

While this low-maintenance plant looks like a common house plant, it's lady’sa rare type of succulent. As such, it requires minimal watering and care to thrive. The snake plant is a highly-recommended addition to the household in ancient feng shui practices, as it's said to invoke contentment and prosperity.

Lemon Mint

Lemon mint combines two of the most refreshing scents found in nature: citrus and mint. This versatile herb makes a great addition to the kitchen or bedroom, adding a fresh, calming aroma. Lemon mint is hardy and grows well without proper care and maintenance; place it in indirect sunlight and water once per week.

You can also use lemon mint in cooking and cocktails and deter pests that may find their way into your home.

Peace Lily

The peace lily is another floral winner in NASA's Clean Air Study, purifying all of the same toxins as the pothos, chrysanthemums, and snake plant. Unlike many indoor flowers, the peace lily is a low-maintenance plant and drought tolerant. These plants tend to die from overwatering rather than neglect. To avoid this error, wait until the soil is dry before watering or watch for the telltale sign of drooping leaves.

Keep your peace lily looking fresh by wiping down the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust. When your plant starts to get crowded, transition it to a larger planter. 

Lady Palm

Many palm plants do well indoors, making them a popular choice for home decor. The lady palm has narrow fronds and a visually appealing fan shape that looks great in a floor planter. Like many palms, the lady palm also purifies the air and adds a sense of cleanliness and calm.

This house plant enjoys bright, indirect sunlight and requires a little TLC to thrive. Plant fertilizer pellets once per year and place in an area with a consistent temperature, avoiding drafts and vents.

These fantastic plants create a calm, natural element in any room and often have both aromatherapeutic or purification benefits. Best of all, these low-maintenance options are accessible to everyone.

Guest author bio

Wendy Dessler

Outreach manager

Wendy Dessler is a super-connector who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. She frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses her efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition.

Do you love noodles, but they don't exactly love you back? Well, don't fret because these days there are plenty of great grain-free alternatives made from protein-rich legumes like black beans, lentils, chickpeas, and soy, opening up a fresh new world whether you avoid gluten or grains for health reasons, or are simply an adventurous foodie who enjoys "going against the grain". 

This recipe uses black bean noodles, which have a nice earthy taste and bouncy, chewy texture despite having zero gluten. Not only are they rich in protein (a whopping 25 grams per serving!) but they are also loaded with gut-healthy fiber and have more iron than their wheat-based counterparts. They also make for quite the striking, dramatic dish when served with other colorful veggies like sweet potato, cilantro, and red bellow pepper-like in this recipe here. 

And since no noodle dish is complete without a tasty sauce to bring it to life, you'll also find here a quick and easy sprouted almond butter sauce made from Dastony Sprouted Almond Butter, toasted sesame oil, garlic, sriracha, and a touch of maple syrup. It's packed with flavor and spice and its creaminess and subtle sweetness help to perfectly flavor balance the black bean noodles, which can taste slightly bitter on their own. This recipe is customizable, so feel free to swap in/out your favorite veggies (butternut squash for sweet potato, remove the bell pepper, toss in some chopped celery or spinach, etc. Sky's the limit!)

If you follow along with wellness trends and love to geek out on all things nutrition (like us!) then you’ve likely heard about the health benefits of eating dark chocolate. You may have even heard a health expert or two recommend chocolate with a high percentage of cacao  - say  70-80%. Maybe you’ve wondered what that cacao % actually means. Or maybe you're not quite sure what cacao is to begin with, not to mention why you should be eating it. This blog is for you.

To put it simply, cacao is the base ingredient of all chocolate - without it, your favorite chocolate bar could not exist. But chocolate bars aside, cacao actually has a deep and rich history in ancient pre-hispanic cultures along the Yucatán such as the Olmecs, Maya, and Aztec people. Not only was it consumed as a food source, but it was also used as currency, as medicine, and in sacred ritual. The term “cacao” comes from the Olmec word “ka-ka-w”. Its scientific name is Theobroma cacao, which translates to "food of the gods” in Greek.

So what is cacao exactly?

The cacao tree is a tropical plant native to Central and South America. It produces pods about the size and shape of a football, and inside the pod is fleshy, zesty tasting cacao fruit. Inside of the fruit lies the coveted seeds aka cacao beans. While both the fruit and the seeds are edible and have been enjoyed for centuries, only the seeds are used to create modern chocolate. Once harvested, these “beans” are fermented, dried, ground into a paste, sweetened (or not), and used to create chocolate treats of all kinds. The fermented beans can also be processed into cacao powder, or broken into smaller “nibs”, which are often found online or at health foods stores.

Why should we eat it?

Cacao is a true superfood, containing even more antioxidants than fellow nutritional powerhouses like blueberries, pomegranates, and green tea, not to mention a wealth of trace minerals like magnesium, iron, and calcium. Cacao’s rich supply of flavonoids also makes it an excellent food for cardiovascular health, and the higher the percentage of cacao in the chocolate, the more flavonoids it will have. Cacao also contains unique compounds such as anandamide and phenylethylamine (PEA) which stimulate endorphins and other happy brain chemicals like serotonin. Yes, cacao bliss is a real thing.

How to enjoy cacao

To get the most authentic experience, choosing raw cacao is the best way to go. This ensures you get the most health benefits, and you also get to taste the various flavor complexities and nuances of the cacao bean itself. Enjoy raw cacao in:

Rawmio chocolate treats - no additional prep needed, just enjoy your little taste of raw chocolate bliss! Our unique nib-to-bar stone grinding process helps preserve the unique health benefits and properties of the cacao.  

Raw cacao powder  - use it as you would unsweetened cocoa powder for a less processed, more nutrient-rich option. It works well as a 1:1 sub for cocoa powder in brownies, cookies, or in hot chocolate. Cacao powder can also be used in savory recipes like chili or stews to add extra nutrition and an amazing depth of flavor.  

Raw cacao nibs - sprinkle them on smoothie bowls or any other dish you’d like to add a pop of intensely dark chocolate flavor and crunch. Nibs are simply broken cacao beans and the flavor is deep and fruity with a slightly bitter aftertaste similar to coffee beans.

Cacao butter - this is the pure oil expressed from cacao beans. It is wonderfully aromatic and sweet-smelling. This luscious butter is responsible for chocolate’s signature melt-in-the-mouth texture. This is a great ingredient to have on hand if you want to channel your inner chocolatier and make authentic chocolate right at home.