Deli Sandwich Magic

by Ayesha Wise, Downtown Kitchen Assistant Manager

July 2018

Large Ciabatta bread sliced for display.

Co-op Deli + Avenue Bread = A Match Made in Sandwich Heaven

Our Banh Mi and Cubano are both built on Avenue Bread’s ciabatta; a white-flour, Italian-style bread with a spongy consistency similar to French baguettes.

As you may have noticed, the Co-op is sporting some new grab-and-go sandwiches. We started producing them at the end of 2017 and I am excited to present our new partnership with Avenue Bread Bakery, which is taking our sandwiches to an even higher level of deliciousness.

The new sandwich options include the Rueben, Cubano, Banh Mi, our daily breakfast English muffins, and the newest release, a vegan chickpea salad sandwich. The Co-op takes pride in partnering with local businesses, and so does Robin Shrestha, wholesale manager at Avenue Bread.

taking our sandwiches to an even higher level of deliciousness

“My favorite part of working at Avenue Bread is being part of the Bellingham community and providing fresh bread every day to everybody in the community. I love the fact that we sell our bread to grocery stores, restaurants, the university, and the hospital, and at the end of the day we also provide bread to the food bank, the Lighthouse Mission, and other local charities.

“I was introduced to Avenue Bread when I got some of their bread through the Bellingham Food Bank for few months during a rough time in my life, and I am very appreciative of the owners, Wendy and John, for everything they do for the community.

“We are also very proud of launching our new line of Avenue Craft bread, so we can promote local farmers and local businesses. Avenue Craft is made entirely with flour from Cairnspring Mills, which is buying and milling local grain, and Fairhaven Organic Flour Mill, both located in Burlington,” said Robin.

The bakery also sources ingredients from Skagit Valley Malting, and Barbie’s Berries and Dairy Distributing, both in Bellingham.

As for sustainability, nothing goes to waste.

Avenue donates all day-old loaves from grocery stores to local charities, they compost and recycle pretty much everything (including plastic wraps), and all of their packaging is recyclable.

Our new partnership with Avenue Bread Bakery just goes to show that everything is better (and in this case, tastier) when we work with our friends!

Meet the Sandwiches

Vegan Chickpea Salad

Coarsely chopped garbanzo bean salad that includes celery, carrots, and just the right touch of spice to add a slight bite. It is topped off with tomatoes and crisp lettuce, all atop Avenue’s 8-inch sub.

Cubano sandwich made fresh in Bellingham Community Food Co Op's deli.

The Co-op Cubano

Beeler’s Pure Pork Sliced Ham, housemade pulled pork, dill pickles, and yellow mustard all topped with Swiss cheese. Grab one of these tasty sandwiches to grill at home (if you can wait that long to eat it)!

A Banh Mi sandwich sliced in half on a white plate with a sprig of parsley.

Vegetarian Banh Mi

Sweet chili tofu, tomatoes, lettuce, and housemade Banh Mi vegetables that have been marinated for at least 24 hours in a rice vinegar mixture are complemented by in-house sriracha vegenaise and cilantro chutney.

Pastrami Reuben sandwich sliced in half at the Bellingham Co Op deli.

Pastrami Ruben

This sandwich comes stacked with Double L Ranch Meats Beef Pastrami, Bubbies Sauerkraut, our housemade Reuben dressing, and sliced Swiss cheese. Built on Avenue’s Deli Rye made with Fairhaven Organic Flour Mill’s organic rye flour.

Ham, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich downtown Bellingham at the Co Op.

Breakfast Sandwiches

Last but not least, we also switched to using Avenue’s English muffins on all of our breakfast sandwiches, which you can find on the hot bar every morning or anytime in the Co-op bakery café grab-and-go where your barista will gladly heat it up for you on the panini press.

Blueberry-Orange-Coconut Swirl Popsicles

by Alissa Segersten, Contributing Author

July 2018

Three blueberry coconut swirl Popsicles.

Alissa's recipe (below) for Blueberry-Orange-Coconut Swirl Popsicles is not only delicious, healthful, and beautiful, it is also simple to make and kid approved!

Read more about the benefits of fresh blueberries and then swirl up a batch of these popsicles for a summer treat.

Photos by Alissa Segersten

Fresh Summer Blueberries: Eat your fill—and make sure to save some for use all year long!

How lucky we are to live in blueberry country—trips up to Mount Baker yield handfuls of tiny alpine blueberries each with a profound flavor punch, while our local food markets bring baskets overflowing with large, sweet, locally grown berries. Additionally, growing your own backyard blueberries is easy!

Check local nurseries in either the spring or fall (the best times to plant berry bushes) and find a sunny location in your yard. They take little to no effort to grow. I love walking outside my back door on a sunny summer morning to pick handful after handful of sweet summer blueberries.

For those wanting to invest some time and energy, you can take a trip out to the county where u-pick blueberry farms abound.

Every summer I take my five children out to some of our favorite organic berry farms for two reasons: to fill up our second freezer with numerous pounds of health-promoting goodness that we can utilize all year long, and so they can develop an intimate connection with their food by learning where and how it grows.

Luckily, blueberries at peak season are easy to harvest. We literally pick bucketfuls in a matter of hours. One trip to the berry patch usually gives us 60 to 80 pounds of blueberries!

No time for u-pick? No problem.

You can purchase local and organic blueberries from the Co-op produce departments.

What can you do with all of the fresh blueberries that summertime in the Pacific Northwest provides? Here are some ideas:

Make blueberry popsicles by blending fresh berries with orange juice (or use the recipe at right) and freezing the mixture into popsicle molds.
Freeze the berries in large containers to use throughout the year.
Eat as many as you can every day while they are in season. You really can’t eat too many.
Make blueberry jam. I use Pomona Pectin (available at the Co-op) to make a low-sugar or honey-sweetened jam. Then I can the jam in a boiling water bath and keep in my pantry so my children can use it throughout the year.
Add the blueberries to salads, on top of ice cream, or in smoothies.
Make blueberry crisps, muffins, or pancakes. I even have a recipe on my website for blueberry pancake syrup!

Blueberry-Orange-Coconut Swirl Popsicles

I like to make a few batches of these just after we go blueberry picking. Making popsicles with freshly picked fruit is an effective way to help preserve the harvest!

Sometimes I use apple juice in place of the orange juice and other times I simply blend up the blueberries with a little water or coconut water.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup fresh blueberries
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 to 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk

METHOD

Place the blueberries and juice into a blender; blend until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds leaving a little room at the top of each one. Top each off with a tablespoon or so of coconut milk, then take a chopstick or small spoon and lightly swirl it into the blueberry mix. Freeze overnight.

About the Author

Alissa Segersten holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Bastyr University and is currently working on a master’s degree in Nutrition and Functional Medicine.

She is the founder of Whole Life Nutrition and Nourishing Meals, the mother of five children, a whole-foods cooking instructor, professional recipe developer, and cookbook author. She is passionate about helping others find a diet that will truly nourish them, and offers elimination diet recipes, healthy gluten-free recipes, and paleo and vegan recipes, as well as tips for feeding your family a nourishing, whole-foods diet.

Alissa is the author of two very popular gluten-free, whole-foods cookbooks and guidebooks: The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook and Nourishing Meals. She is also the co-author of The Elimination Diet book.

Learn more at nourishingmeals.com.

Did You Know?

Blueberries are one of the healthiest foods to include in your diet!

Blueberries are not only a food for you, but also for the healthy bacteria in your gut. Eating blueberries can actually increase the levels of the all-important bifidobacterium species found in normal gut flora. This will not only help balance your gut ecosystem (boosting the good guys means not allowing room for the non-beneficial or more harmful species of bacteria and yeasts to take over and damage your gut), but also improve your immune system.

Blueberries have also been well-researched in both cancer prevention and cancer treatment. Some studies have shown that consuming blueberries can inhibit breast carcinogenesis and act therapeutically in established malignancies. Blueberries get their beautiful bluish-purple pigment from the bioflavonoids called anthocyanins. These compounds can act like antioxidants in our bodies, scavenging free radicals, thus reducing inflammation, among many other things.

Summer Zucchini Pasta

by Selva Wohlgemuth, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

This uber-delicious take on your traditional pasta contains a variety of the season’s superstars including zucchini and oregano. Once tomato season hits, you can toss in some extra cherry tomatoes for added color and flavor.

Summer Zucchini Pasta

INGREDIENTS

1 large yellow zucchini
1½ teaspoons ghee or extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
½ teaspoon fennel seeds
¼ teaspoon chili flakes
1½ teaspoons packed fresh oregano, finely minced
sea salt and ground pepper
handful of feta cheese
handful of finely grated Parmesan
fresh thyme, for garnish

METHOD

Peel zucchini into thin ribbons using a julienne peeler. Stop peeling once you get to the seeds and finely chop the remaining zucchini. Set aside the peeled zucchini strands and diced pieces.
In a sauté pan, heat ghee over medium-low then add the finely minced garlic, fennel seeds, and chili flakes. Add the diced zucchini pieces and stir. Be careful not to have the pan too hot! Keep at medium low and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the zucchini ribbons and the minced fresh oregano. Stir to combine. Add a generous pinch of sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Cover and cook another 2–3 minutes until zucchini ribbons are tender. Be careful not to overcook.
Once the zucchini is tender, turn off the heat and toss in a handful of feta and grated Parmesan. Stir to combine. Season with additional sea salt and pepper, to taste. Using a large fork and spoon swirl the zucchini pasta into little mounds.
Serve with grilled meat or fish, top with a Bolognese sauce, or just eat as is on its own … it’s that delicious!

Note: You can also stir in some cooked spaghetti pasta to increase the caloric density of the meal.

Health Benefits of Summer Produce

Fresh seasonal produce is so delicious and so good for us! Read Selva's Ask the Nutritionist column from the June 2018 issue of the Co-op News to learn about the health benefits of early summer produce.

Ask the Nutritionist

Have questions? Send them to contact@happybellynutritionist.com. Selva Wohlgemuth is a registered dietitian nutritionist. Learn more about her approach to general health and well-being at her Happy Belly Nutrition website, and see her recipes and other kitchen tips at Poppies and Papayas.

Ask the Nutritionist: Summer Produce

by Selva Wohlgemuth, Co-op News contributor

June 2018

Selva Wohlgemuth, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

Dear Nutritionist: What are your favorite early summer produce options and why?

In season, locally grown, and organic fruits and vegetables are no match to the large-scale supermarket varieties. Summer is here and it is time to thrive on the bounty of goods it brings. Visiting the Co-op’s certified organic produce department, or a local farmers market, is a great way to get the biggest bang for your buck. Not only are you supporting the local economy and reducing environmental impact, but you are also getting the most vibrant, nutrient-rich foods possible.

Purchasing freshly harvested produce will ensure the highest quality. Not only can you see the difference, but you can smell and taste the difference too!

Did you know the color and smell of fruits and vegetables is due to their phytonutrient content?

The more vivid in color and the more aromatic a fruit or vegetable, the more concentrated the phytonutrients in the product. Phytonutrients are important compounds that have been found to have a wide variety of positive effects on the human body, including reducing inflammation, aiding in hormone regulation, encouraging the growth of good gut bacteria, and even playing a powerful role in preventing cancer.

Some phytonutrients decrease with food processing and are best consumed raw, while others increase with food processing and are best consumed cooked.

To get the most health benefits out of your summer produce, enjoy a variety of raw and cooked plant foods daily.

I hope you load up on the season’s best local, fresh produce! Remember, every color and every smell offers something special. May the natural beauty of your exciting produce discoveries transform into a delightful and phytonutrient-rich dish to share with friends and family.

Let’s get to know some of summer’s earliest rock stars!

Strawberries & Raspberries

Strawberries are amazing because they are in the top 5 produce items with the highest concentrations of vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a large role in eliminating free radicals and reducing inflammation. Just one cup of strawberries provides 100% of your daily vitamin C needs! Raspberries and strawberries are a rich source of polyphenols—phytonutrients that have far reaching health benefits. Phytonutrients, specifically in raspberries, have been studied for their ability to induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) in cancerous cells. These polyphenols increase with each stage of ripeness. The riper the berry, the more intense flavor, and the more health benefits!

TIP: Make sure to buy organic strawberries. Conventional strawberries contain the most pesticides per weight out of any produce item tested by the Environmental Working Group.

Cherries

Rich in powerful anti-inflammatory compounds, anthocyanins found in cherries have been shown to act similar to NSAID drugs, dampening the inflammatory response within muscle tissue. Furthermore, reductions in serum inflammatory marker CRP (c-reactive protein) were found after two servings of Bing cherries. This is an indication that cherry consumption may help reduce systemic inflammation within the body.

TIP: Anthocyanins are more concentrated in dark and tart cherries.

Dandelion Greens

Dandelion greens, especially raw, are unique because they are one of the richest sources of prebiotics (food for good gut bacteria) called inulin and oligofructose. One cup of chopped raw dandelion greens provides a whopping dose of about 7g inulin and 5g oligofructose. These prebiotics provide fuel to good gut bacteria like Bifidobacterium spp., which produce B vitamins for our absorption and short-chain fatty acids that help fuel colon cells and prevent colon cancer.

TIP: If you cook the dandelion greens the content of prebiotics decreases by a third, but it is easier to eat a larger volume. In Greece, they blanch dandelion greens and then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. So good!

Fresh Herbs (Oregano)

Oregano is one of the most concentrated food sources of polyphenols called flavonoids, with more than four times higher antioxidant activity than blueberries! Plus, it has potent antibacterial properties due to its high concentration of polyphenols. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria like E. coli and parasites like giardia and Blastocystis hominis.

TIP: Since many of the phytonutrients in herbs are fat soluble, make sure to pair fresh or dried herbs with quality oils like extra virgin olive oil for the biggest health punch.

Summer Squash

This abundant garden vegetable is not only rich in potassium and fiber, but also rich in phytonutrients shown to have many positive effects including reducing the risk of ulcers, promoting the growth of friendly bacteria, and supporting overall health via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities. Plus, due to its rich fiber content, it can help balance blood-sugar levels and fuel friendly bacteria in the colon. It’s a win-win situation!

TIP: Turn zucchini into a delicate pasta by using a julienne peeler or spiralizer. Then toss with your favorite pesto or sauté with garlic and extra virgin olive oil.

A Recipe Suggestion

See Selva’s recipe for Summer Zucchini Pasta.

Photo by Selva Wohlgemuth

Ask the Nutritionist

GLOW Fruit Salad

by Selva Wohlgemuth, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

Fruit salads are a great way to get a variety of different seasonal fruit in one serving. One serving of this GLOW Fruit Salad meets 100% of the RDA of vitamin C. Remember to aim for at least twice the RDA from whole foods.

GLOW Fruit Salad

Serves 4 (approximately 1 cup each)

INGREDIENTS

1 orange, juiced
1 cup red grapes, sliced in half
2 kiwi fruit, diced
1 cup cantaloupe, diced
2 tablespoons hemp seeds
¼ cup finely chopped mint
1 cup fresh strawberries (or any other berry)
Optional: Grass-fed organic whipped cream or full fat yogurt

METHOD

In a large bowl add the fresh orange juice, grapes, kiwi, cantaloupe, hemp seeds, and fresh mint. Toss well to combine. Then gently stir in the berries. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or whole milk yogurt.

Note: You can also make a larger batch. If using softer berries like raspberries, then stir those in prior to serving.

Health Benefits of Fruit

Fresh seasonal fruit is so delicious! Unfortunately, with the popularity of low-carbohydrate diets many individuals are fearful of fruit. Read Selva's Ask the Nutritionist column from the May 2018 issue of the Co-op News to learn about the health benefits of fruit and combat fruitphobia with her helpful tips.

Zesty Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad

by Selva Wohlgemuth, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

With lots of lime juice and zest as well as fresh cilantro, this salad is sure to brighten your day. Also, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, black beans, and spinach are all great sources of magnesium! Per serving this salad has 119mg of magnesium, which is approximately 30% of RDA.

Photo by Selva Wohlgemuth

Zesty Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad

INGREDIENTS

For the Dressing

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/8 cup apple cider vinegar
zest and juice of 1 large lime
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder (or more
if you like it spicy)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

For the Salad

1/2 red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced
1/3 cup roasted & salted pumpkin seeds
(I use Eden Organic Spicy Pumpkin Seeds)
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 1/2 cups cooked and cooled quinoa*
2 cups raw baby spinach
avocado (optional)
queso fresco (optional)

METHOD

In a large bowl, whisk to combine all the dressing ingredients. Then add the chopped onion, stir, and allow to marinate. This softens the onion and makes it less spicy.
Meanwhile chop and prepare the rest of the salad ingredients. As you finish prepping the salad ingredients, toss them on top of the dressing. Finally, when all salad ingredients are in the bowl, mix everything together. The longer the salad sits, the more flavor it has.
Optional: Garnish salad with avocado or crumbled queso fresco.

*To make the quinoa: In a medium sauce pan add 1 cup quinoa, 1 3/4 cup fresh water, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 10–15 minutes until the water has been absorbed. Fluff and allow to cool.

Benefits of Magnesium

Read Selva's Ask the Nutritionist column from the April 2018 issue of the Co-op News to learn about the health benefits of magnesium and it can helps alleviate muscle cramps and spasms and provide other health benefits.

Ask the Nutritionist: Magnesium

by Selva Wohlgemuth, Co-op News contributor

April 2018

Selva Wohlgemuth, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

Dear Nutritionist: I have been struggling with muscle cramps and have a hard time falling and staying asleep. Is there anything you can recommend to help alleviate these symptoms?

Muscle cramps and spasms in the soles of feet and legs, as well as twitching of the eyelid, can all be telltale signs of a magnesium need. Magnesium can also be very helpful in promoting relaxation and therefore good quality sleep. Did you know that more than 60 percent of Americans are not getting adequate amounts of magnesium in their diet?

This is most often related to:

not eating enough magnesium-rich foods
lower amounts of magnesium in our soil today than there used to be in the past
taking medications that deplete magnesium stores (some of the most common are acid blockers, antibiotics, and birth control). Also, chronic stress, alcohol abuse, and malabsorption can all contribute to magnesium deficiency.

Magical Magnesium

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. It plays an important role in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body that can affect you from your nervous system all the way to your bones. Magnesium is required for DNA synthesis, reproduction, energy production, blood pressure regulation, insulin metabolism, adrenal function, nervous system transmission, and more. The recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) for adult men and women are 400 mg and 310 mg daily. However, most Americans are not getting enough.

Magnesium Deficiency/Insufficiency

Although severe magnesium deficiency is rare, low or insufficient levels of magnesium have been associated with several health conditions such as Alzheimer’s, insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, migraines, muscle and period cramps, and ADHD. Many symptoms associated with a magnesium deficiency are often neglected or overlooked. Indicators of poor magnesium status include anxiety, depression, menstrual cramps and PMS, sleep disorders, low stress tolerance, muscle cramps, constipation, elevated blood pressure, and more.

How Can You Get More in Your Diet?

Aiming to get adequate magnesium from diet is the best approach, because magnesium-rich foods also provide other essential nutrients and fiber. Chlorophyll and therefore green veggies are a major source of magnesium. Some other excellent food sources include nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Some beans and legumes, fruit, and fish provide moderate amounts of magnesium as well.

What About Magnesium Supplements?

Supplemental magnesium is very safe and can provide quick relief of symptoms. It is a supplement I often recommend if someone has a lot of magnesium-wasting risk factors. However, it’s best not to take more than 350mg of supplemental magnesium per day unless recommended by your health care provider.

Some types of magnesium can be better tolerated and absorbed. Magnesium oxide acts as a laxative, and therefore only individuals that need stooling support should supplement with magnesium oxide. Magnesium citrate can cause loose stools, but only if taken in large dosages. Magnesium glycinate is highly absorbable and does not influence stools. Magnesium is best taken 30 minutes prior to bed due to its relaxing effects.

CALM Magnesium (magnesium citrate)

Start with 1 teaspoon and gradually increase to 2–3 teaspoons if needed.

Magnesium Glycinate

Start with 100mg pill. Then increase if needed to 2–3 pills, depending on recommended dosage.

Epsom Salts

Take a hot bath with 2 cups of Epsom salts. Soak for 20–30 minutes, 1–2 times per week.

Sources of Magnesium from Food

Food Item	Serving Size	Magnesium (mg)
Pumpkin seeds	¼ cup	190mg
Mung Beans	¼ cup, dry	140mg
Soy Beans	½ cup, dry	140mg
Buckwheat grouts	¼ cup, dry	95mg
Almonds, roasted	¼ cup	90mg
Potato	1 large	90mg
Quinoa	¼ cup, dry	85mg
Spinach	½ cup cooked	80mg
Swiss Chard	½ cup cooked	80mg
Artichoke	1 medium	80mg
Beans (varied)	¼ cup, dry	75mg
Molasses	1 tablespoon	50mg
Oats, rolled	½ cup, dry	40mg
Plantain	1 cup, boiled	40mg
Banana	1 large	40mg
Sesame Seeds	1 tablespoon	30mg
Shrimp	3oz	30mg
Halibut	4oz	30mg

A Recipe Suggestion

See Selva’s recipe for Zesty Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad that incorporates several ingredients that are natural sources of magnesium.

Photo by Selva Wohlgemuth

Ask the Nutritionist

Happy Belly Porridge

by Selva Wohlgemuth, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

This recipe highlights many foods that can help keep your gut health in check while taking antibiotics or any day.

This recipe includes both yogurt and kefir to provide multiple strains of beneficial bacteria for good gut health. Plus, it contains plenty of soluble fiber from oats, chia, and flaxseeds. Soluble fiber is not only soothing to the GI tract, but also acts as a vehicle to transport the beneficial bacteria to the colon. Furthermore, the soluble fiber acts as a food source for the good gut bacteria. It’s a win-win!

Happy Belly Porridge

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup dry rolled oats, gluten-free
1½ tablespoons of chia/flaxseed mixture (½ and ½)
½ teaspoon ground cardamom or cinnamon (or both)
pinch of sea salt
1 cup water
¼ cup nut milk (or use water)
¼ cup plain full-fat Nancy’s yogurt
¼ cup plain full-fat kefir
½ cup blueberries
drizzle of organic pure maple syrup (optional)

METHOD

If you have a clean small coffee bean grinder, quickly pulse the chia/flaxseed mixture 2–3 times to coarsely chop the seeds. This is optional, but it helps you absorb more of the fatty acids within the flaxseeds.
In a small saucepan, add oats, chia/flaxseed mixture, cardamom, and a pinch of sea salt. Add water and cook over medium, stirring often. Allow the mixture to become gelatinous, as the chia seeds soak up the water. Add nut milk and cook to desired consistency. Stir to keep mixture from sticking to the bottom. Remove from heat when done.
Place the mixture into a bowl and top with yogurt and kefir. Quickly heat blueberries in a glass bowl in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute and pour on top. Drizzle with maple syrup if desired.

Health and Antibiotic Use

Read Selva's Ask the Nutritionist column from the March 2018 issue of the Co-op News to learn about her tips to help prevent side effects associated with antibiotic use.

Ask the Nutritionist: Natural Sweeteners

by Selva Wohlgemuth, Co-op News contributor

November 2017

Selva Wohlgemuth, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

Dear Nutritionist: What are the best choices when it comes to natural sweeteners?

Reducing your intake of added refined sugars and artificial sweeteners is definitely a good idea when it comes to overall health. Refined sugars are void of micronutrients and a high intake has been linked to many chronic health conditions. Artificial sweeteners have also been implicated with less than desired effects including increased obesity rates, changes in good gut bacteria, and digestive distress. However, when the weather starts to get cooler and we start to enjoy home-baked goods, there are better choices that can provide some unique health benefits and added nutrients.

Stevia, Monk Fruit, and Xylitol

These low- or zero-calorie sugar substitutes can be a great alternative for artificial sweeteners, especially for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake. However, as with everything, they can sometimes seem too good to be true. Stevia, which is an herb, can be found in whole leaf, liquid, and crystal form. The more refined it is, the more chemicals and bleach the product contains. Therefore, it is best to buy raw organic green leaf stevia to avoid bleach, bulking agents, and other chemicals. Monk fruit (also known as lo han guo), is a fruit grown in Southeast Asia. The juice retained after crushing the fruit is 150–200 times sweeter than sugar. Aiming for a minimally refined product reduces exposure to other chemicals. Finally, xylitol, which is derived from birch trees and chemically processed, contains lower amounts of calories per gram when compared to sugar. However, sugar alcohols can cause digestive distress when consumed in large amounts.

Organic Pure Maple Syrup

Sourced straight from the sap of the maple tree with minimal processing, this syrup provides more nutrients than refined sugar. Rich in manganese, riboflavin (B2), zinc, and polyphenols, it is definitely a better sweetener than sugar. It also contains no added coloring agents or artificial flavorings, preservatives, or additives.

Raw Unpasteurized and Unfiltered Honey

Honey is made from the nectar of flowers collected by honeybees. Since ancient times, honey has been used as food and as traditional medicine. Raw unfiltered honey is rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, and propolis resins that contain phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory benefits. Pasteurized and filtered honey will not contain the same benefits. Honey should not be given to infants under one year of age as it can be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum spores.

Unsulphured Blackstrap Molasses

This dark liquid is made from three rounds of boiling sugar cane and extracting the sucrose (sugar crystals). It is the darkest and most mineral-dense molasses. Although many sugars have been removed from the syrup, it gets caramelized from the three rounds of heating. Rich in iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, this syrup is a very nutrient-dense sweetener. Make sure to choose organic unsulphured blackstrap molasses to avoid added sulfites which many people cannot tolerate.

Dates & Dried Fruit

Adding chopped dried medjool dates or other dried fruit into baked goods can add a sweet flavor while also adding substantial fiber and nutrients. In place of adding more sweetener, try throwing in a handful of your favorite dried fruit. You definitely won’t miss the extra sweetener.

Coconut Sugar & Coconut Nectar

Made from the coconut blossoms of the coconut tree, coconut nectar and coconut sugar are better alternatives when compared to processed sugar. However, the nutrient density is less impressive than that of the other choices mentioned above. On the plus side, it does contain inulin, a dietary fiber that supports the growth of good gut bacteria.

The Bottom Line

If I had to choose my top sweeteners they would be raw unfiltered honey, unsulphured blackstrap molasses, organic pure maple syrup, dried fruit, and monk fruit.

raw unfiltered honey, unsulphured blackstrap molasses, organic pure maple syrup, dried fruit, and monk fruit

However, when choosing to use a sweetener, low calorie or not, it is still best to keep total intake to minimum. A good rule of thumb is to limit added sugars to no more than two tablespoons per day whether it’s from maple syrup, molasses, honey, or monk fruit.

A Recipe Suggestion

See Selva’s recipe for Gluten-free Harvest Muffins that incorporates a few of her recommended natural sweeteners.
Photo by Selva Wohlgemuth.

Ask the Nutritionist

Gluten-free Harvest Muffins

by Selva Wohlgemuth, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

This recipe is relatively low in sugar yet still very rich in fiber with all the added ground flaxseeds. It includes a small amount of unsulphured blackstrap molasses and dried and fresh fruit. However, the overall amount of total added sugars is still limited. Most muffin and cake recipes call for 1 cup or more of added sugars. It is also gluten-free and dairy-free.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup unsweetened vanilla hemp milk (or your choice of milk)
1/3 cup unsulphured blackstrap molasses
¾ cup ground flaxseed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ripe pear, washed and cored, diced
4 medjool dates, pitted, finely diced
¾ cup brown rice flour
¾ cup ivory teff flour
1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon sea salt
3 egg whites + pinch of salt

METHOD

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a muffin pan with muffin liners or grease with ghee and set aside.
In a large bowl mix together milk, molasses, flaxseed, and vanilla extract. Stir in diced pear and medjool dates. In a separate small bowl stir together the flours, baking powder, cinnamon, and sea salt.
In a stand mixer, or with an electric beater, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff dry peaks form.
Using a spatula, stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined. Then fold in egg whites. Evenly pour the batter into lined or greased muffin pan. Place sheet in oven and reduce heat to 350 degrees. Bake at 350 degrees for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow muffins to cool.

Note: You can replace the molasses with your choice of liquid sweetener. Also, if you do not have teff flour on hand you can replace it with more brown rice flour. If you want to replace the pear with an apple, go for it! I am sure grated carrot or zucchini would work nicely as well.

Nutrition (per muffin): 180 kCal, 30g carbs, 5g fiber, 4g fat, 5g protein

Choosing Natural Sweeteners

Read Selva's Ask the Nutritionist column from the November 2017 issue of the Co-op News to learn about reducing your intake of added refined sugars and artificial sweeteners and get her recommendation for the best natural sweeteners.

by Ayesha Wise, Downtown Kitchen Assistant Manager

July 2018

Meet the Sandwiches

Vegan Chickpea Salad

The Co-op Cubano

Vegetarian Banh Mi

Pastrami Ruben

Breakfast Sandwiches

by Alissa Segersten, Contributing Author

July 2018

Fresh Summer Blueberries: Eat your fill—and make sure to save some for use all year long!

Blueberry-Orange-Coconut Swirl Popsicles

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

About the Author

Did You Know?

by Selva Wohlgemuth, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

Summer Zucchini Pasta

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

Health Benefits of Summer Produce

Ask the Nutritionist

by Selva Wohlgemuth, Co-op News contributor

June 2018

Strawberries & Raspberries

Cherries

Dandelion Greens

Fresh Herbs (Oregano)

Summer Squash

A Recipe Suggestion

Ask the Nutritionist

by Selva Wohlgemuth, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

GLOW Fruit Salad

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

Health Benefits of Fruit

by Selva Wohlgemuth, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

Zesty Cilantro Lime Quinoa Salad

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

Benefits of Magnesium

by Selva Wohlgemuth, Co-op News contributor

April 2018

Magical Magnesium

Magnesium Deficiency/Insufficiency

How Can You Get More in Your Diet?

What About Magnesium Supplements?

CALM Magnesium (magnesium citrate)

Magnesium Glycinate

Epsom Salts

Sources of Magnesium from Food

A Recipe Suggestion

Ask the Nutritionist

by Selva Wohlgemuth, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

Happy Belly Porridge

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

Health and Antibiotic Use

by Selva Wohlgemuth, Co-op News contributor

November 2017

Stevia, Monk Fruit, and Xylitol

Organic Pure Maple Syrup

Raw Unpasteurized and Unfiltered Honey

Unsulphured Blackstrap Molasses

Dates & Dried Fruit

Coconut Sugar & Coconut Nectar

The Bottom Line

A Recipe Suggestion

Ask the Nutritionist

by Selva Wohlgemuth, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

Choosing Natural Sweeteners

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