Things That Make You Go.... Mmmmm!

Hey, it's been ages since I've done one of these posts!  I've been writing this blog for almost 5 years, and I remember doing these 'mmmm' posts way back when.  Apart from getting that song stuck in your head, I have a couple of things to share with you today... :)

First, Mum's Original Slow Roasted Hemp Hearts.  Any of you that have followed my blog for a while (or have Vive or ed&bv) know that I am a huge fan of hemp seeds.  There is so much nutrition in those itty bitty seeds!  Well, I had heard about roasted hemp seeds a couple of years ago when at a veg food fair, but I never got my hands on them.  I have always used Manitoba Harvest hemp seeds, and so hadn't come across these roasted seeds (MH doesn't have them).  Recently, I learned that Mum's brand of hemp seeds has the roasted variety of hemp, and was able to try them out.  What's really interesting about these roasted hemp seeds is that they are roasted at a low temp (less that 117F), so they are still raw, and the nutritional integrity of the hemp heart is preserved.  If you haven't yet enjoyed hemp seeds because you really notice the grassy flavor, you might really like these roasted seeds because the flavor is just nutty and toasty.  There is more of a crunch with the seeds, and that's partially because there are a few scattered remnants of the hulls in the seeds.  I suspect this is from the roasting process, but it isn't anything to discourage me from eating them because they are really tasty!  And, I eat them straight up!  Of course, you can also sprinkle them in salads, soups, grains, yogurt, granola, etc, etc... but popping them straight in your mouth works too. ;)

Next up, Artisana Coconut Butter.  I mentioned Artisana's Raw Cashew Butter in a post way back.  I still love that product as well.  And, you'll see this coconut butter in a whole bunch of my new recipes, like my raw truffles.  Coconut butter is different from coconut oil in that it is not just the oil of the coconut, but the meat of the coconut that is blended into a 'butter'.  It is quite solid at room temperature, but that texture lends itself well to many recipes (such as the truffles).  For my local followers, I used to have to order this online, but Choices has been carrying it in recent months (in the aisle with other oils, rather than in the refrigerated section with the coconut oil).  Yes, this butter is fairly expensive, but so is coconut oil.  It's worth its weight in gold, I tell you!  Artisana has other raw nut butters, fyi.

From The Food Revolution (John Robbins)...
Most common cancer among American men: Prostate cancer
Risk of prostate cancer for men who consume high amounts of dairy products: 70% increase
Risk of prostate cancer for men with low blood levels of beta-carotene: 45% increase
Risk of prostate cancer for men whose diet is abundant with lycopene-rich foods: 45% reduction
Amount of beta-carotene and lycopene in meats, dairy products, and eggs: None
American men who are aware of a link between animal products and prostate cancer: 2%