Ayurda Skin Care Products Make North American Debut

Following a whole foods lifestyle extends beyond the kitchen.

One of my New Year's resolutions is to reduce chemicals in my cosmetics bag. So, I'm often researching the equivalent of whole foods for my skin. While doing some research for one of my articles on Daily Glow, I came across information about Ayurda Skin Care Products. Although I have not tried this line of cosmetics, I'm intrigued.

The organic facial cleansers, exfoliants, body cleansing gels and skin moisturizers were released in North America at the start of the new year. Previously, the ayurvedic products were only available to women in Australia and New Zealand, according to BioMed Reports.

Flowering lavender.
Photo from Wikimedia.

Caring for the Earth

The company does not test its products on animals or use animal by-products. In addition to being cruelty-free, no artificial fragrances, dyes, parabens or synthetic fillers are used in the products. Women with sensitive skin due to allergies or illness may tolerate Ayurda USA products better than chemical-filled body care products. Ladies with dry skin can benefit from the products lack moisture-wicking alcohol.

A Less Irritating Option

The company not only grows the plants and herbs used in their skin care products, they also process the plants and create the formulas with a holistic approach. Cold-pressed oils, wild herbs, organic plants and natural fragrances are used. This is a welcome change from lab-created chemicals and pesticide-laden plant products used in non-organic beauty products.

A Natural Approach

Ayurda USA is also environmentally conscious. In addition to making products that will naturally biodegrade when placed in a landfill, the company uses recycled packaging, according to the company website. Women who are advocates for reducing and reusing will appreciate the company's desire to decrease waste and utilize post-consumer content.

Have you tried Ayurda USA Products? Please let me know what you think -- the good, the bad and the ugly.

Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela

My Gluten-Free Pasta Choice: Mung Bean Noodles

Giving up pasta isn't easy. So, I decided I didn't have to. I just had to get creative.
After realizing my wheat consumption aligned with joint inflammation, I decided to venture into a gluten-free diet. Since I prefer eating whole foods, I was thrilled to find a preservative-free one-ingredient pasta alterative at the grocery store: mung bean noodles.

Mung Bean Noodles
Photo by Wikimedia Commons

After trying rice-based pasta noodles (mushy and flavorless), I was skeptical. But now I have a new favorite go-to noodle.

Mung beans are also known as cellophane noodles, mung bean threads or glass noodles. The gluten-free pasta earned these odd names because it turns from white to clear when boiled. The thin strands remind me of angel hair pasta or a very slender spaghetti. Even after boiling and baking them in pasta sauce, the noodles retain a common chewy noodle texture.

Mung beans don't have much natural flavor, so they absorb the flavor of other ingredients. I've been pairing them with homemade alfredo sauce and sauteed vegetables to create a calorie-heavy indulgence. That is the downside to the noodles; They aren't friendly on the figure.

One cup of dehydrated mung bean noodles contains 491 calories and 121 grams of carbohydrates. The beans don't offer any protein and very little fiber to your diet. However they contain iron, phosphorus and selenium. To boost the nutrition factor, pair the noodles with vitamin-packed veggies, lean proteins and low fat dairy products.

Although the noodles are a splurge, it's nice to have a gluten-free option that withstands boiling, baking and tossing with other ingredients without falling apart (like some gluten-free carbs).

Do you use mung bean noodles? What are you favorite recipes? Please share in the comments section below.
 
Until Next Time,
Choose Healthy!

Angela Tague
Whole Foods Living

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