Asparagus and radish salad with sea buckthorn

Peas, peas, peas

Somehow, we always forget that peas are a wonderful protein source. After all, they're not as heavy as other beans that we usually turn to for plant-based protein, like lentils, chickpeas, and such - but that's exactly why we should remember! When spring arrives, a lemony, light concoction that delivers everything your body needs is just right.(1)

Further, the combination of peas and radishes is a classic in our book. Sweetness and sharpness, softness and crunch, green and magenta and pearly white... That's some real good stuff right there in this asparagus recipe.   We are herb-mad, so we would be quite tempted to play around with the herbs contained in this salad. For instance, tarragon could be lovely, or how about dill? However, the surprise ingredient is Erbology Organic Sea Buckthorn Dried Berries. Certainly the chewiness makes you feel as if this salad has a just touch of heft.

Something obvious but that we forget regularly is not to dress the entire salad if you think you might be keeping some aside for other meals. Of course, this dish is so good you just might eat it all up at one sitting - and in that case, dress away...

Asparagus is good for your health.

With all the talk there is today about the new importance ascribed to the gut microbiome, it's good to know more about the foods that help us keep it balanced. In addition, many of the world's top scientists studying the gut join us in insisting that supplements and special probiotic or prebiotic shots are not strictly necessary if you are in good health and eat a varied, balanced diet.

To clarify for those of you who aren't sure what the gut microbiome is, it's all the minute creatures that live in your gut and help you digest your food properly. In short, this means that you are better able to get all the nutrients you need from it. Science now thinks that this has importance for everything from mood to sleep.   Anyway, that's all to say that asparagus is good for the gut! Most importantly, it contains both soluble and insoluble fibre. One cup of asparagus contains 3.6 grams of fibre or 14% of one's daily fibre recommendation(1) In other words, soluble fibre slows digestion, helping to keep us feeling full for longer. Further, insoluble fibre helps to scrub our digestive tract, ridding our bodies of trapped toxins.(2)

The benefits of sea buckthorn berries

Omega-7 fatty acids are intensely valuable for cardiovascular health and fighting bodily inflammation. However, it is rarely found in plants.(3)(4)

On the other hand, sea buckthorn berries are abundant in omega-7 fatty acids, making them particularly attractive to those seeking to balance a plant-based diet through foods rather than supplements. In addition, sea buckthorn berries contain beta-carotene, which our bodies convert into vitamin A.(4)

Further, these vibrant orange berries provide us with vitamin C, essential for immunity.(5) Moreover, we also attain vitamin E from sea buckthorn. Working our way through the alphabet nicely!(6)