Do you want some sprinkles with your beaver anal juice? Ok, that’s totally gross and uncalled for. Totally offensive, and we would apologize, except it’s traditional ice cream manufacturers that need to be embarrassed and sorry.

Next time you’re at a regular grocery store pick up a well-known brand’s vanilla ice cream and read the ingredients list. Somewhere in they’re you’re likely to read the words “natural flavors.” So what does that mean?

The exact definition of natural flavors from the Code of Federal Regulations is as follows:

“The term natural flavor or natural flavoring means the essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional.”

The only way to know what that means is to call the company and ask them directly. But when it comes to traditional ice cream, particularly vanilla and and cheap strawberry or raspberry syrups, one likely ingredient you may not like to hear is called castoreum.

A by-product of the trapping industry, castoreum has been used as a food flavoring for over 80 years. Castoreum is a smelly, oily secretion that’s found in two sacs between the anus and the external genitals of beavers. This secretion is combined with the beaver’s urine and used when peeing to mark their territory.

Unfortunately it’s not just found in ice cream. It’s also used to flavor candies, drinks, and desserts.

So why not just use real vanilla beans for flavor or real raspberries? You only need one guess…they’re more expensive.

Next time you see ‘natural flavors’ on an ingredient list you may want to ask yourself if you’re dealing with a manufacturer that you trust.

Here’s a fun clip with David Letterman and Jamie Oliver, sure to make you chuckle.

Coconut milk comes from the flesh of a ripe coconut, most typically by grating the coconut flesh and squeezing it in a cheesecloth. It’s different from coconut water in that the water comes from coconuts when they are still green and their water content is high, before larger amounts of flesh are formed. It takes a bit of effort to get at it, but the benefits, beyond the great taste, make it worth it.

Benefits of Coconut Milk

• Coconut milk is a rich source of calcium, minerals, vitamin, potassium and chloride.
• It contains saturated fat known as lauric acid. There are plenty of benefits of lauric acid like brain development as well as bone health. These are medium-chain fatty acids which are very efficiently converted into energy by the body. This also means that coconut milk can help you in losing weight
• It boosts the immune system as it contains anti-viral, anti-bacteria, anti-carcinogenic and anti-microbial properties which will also help you fight off the various common infections like the cold and flu.
• Helps reduce the risk of diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis and skin cancer.
• It can alleviate sore throats as well as stomach ulcers.
• Prevents and treats dry dull skin as well rashes. It is also used to moisturize dry scalp and dull hair.

With so many benefits of coconut milk drink it straight up, use it as a dessert topping, or fall in love with its amazing ice cream abilities like we did!

The facts about coconut milk nutrition are plentiful and easy to list off. Coconut milk comes from the coconut, a seed of a common, tropical palm tree. The coconut is the largest seed produced by a tree and it provides very tasty meat, oil and milk.

Coconut milk is a slightly milky and sweet flavored liquid found inside the coconut seed. The seed has a very hard outer shell that must be cut through with a saw or machete blade in order to crack it open. The milk and meat are well worth the effort through.

The average serving size of coconut milk is 1/3 cup or 2 ounces. This product contains about 120 calories per serving. It’s also contains 21 grams of fat per serving and about half of that is saturated fat. This product is very rich in fat and calories, which is partly why it was so widely used.  Coconut milk also has about 1 gram of protein per serving and adds some iron to the diet. It’s a very good product to add to ice cream for a rich, sweet ice cream that also provides some iron and protein and a few other essential vitamins and minerals to help you feel good after eating.

There are many benefits to eating coconut milk. It is a plant seed, so the coconut contains certain minerals that are important to the body, but can be hard to get into the diet, including phosphorous, copper, iron, manganese, potassium, zinc and selenium. The zinc and vitamin C in the coconut milk help the body fight off bacteria and viruses. This makes NadaMoo! coconut milk ice cream not only tasty but nutritious as well.

Additionally, the potassium and selenium in coconut milk are important for the production of strong hair and nails. Iron and copper are used in the blood and oxygen transportation, so you can easily justify consuming coconut milk.

Besides coconut milk nutrition facts, there are also many uses for it. Coconut milk is considered useful for easing sore throats and the pain of ulcers. It is an anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungal product as well.

Also, even though coconut milk contains a lot of fat, it has been found that the body uses up these calories rather than converting them into the body’s own fat stores. It provides a nice high calorie kick to satisfy cravings without adding a lot of fat to the waistline.

What can’t coconut milk do?!

If you have intolerance to lactose it does not mean that you should cut some of the yummiest foods out of your life. People do develop various sorts of allergies but they find an alternative to it. So if you are big fan of ice cream your lactose intolerance does not mean that you should never enjoy ice cream again. There are plenty of lactose free options; some of these are easily available at the grocery or supermarkets.

Beginning With Lactose-Free Diet

Now when you have discovered your allergy to lactose, you will be required to carefully choose the products in the beginning and once you find all the lactose-free products, it would be easier for you to shop again. Your shopping might take you just a little longer as you will have to read various labels and compare different products.

Reading the Labels

Checking and reading the labels thoroughly for ingredients and the nutritional value of the product is very important. Even if there is a label on it to be “Lactose-Free”,  just give a look at the ingredients to check whether there is lactose present in what is marked to be lactose free.

If you are interested in lactose free ice-cream and you are reading the label and you find the lactase enzyme, this would mean that there may contain some presence of lactose but it will not create problem for the lactose intolerant people but there are still some amount of people that cannot even take lactose enzyme so make sure you fall in which category.

Zero Lactose

If you are one of those people that need zero lactose in their food then you will be required to search for zero lactose foods and desserts including the ice cream. Rice, soy and coconut are popular options that are used for lactose-free ice creams in which coconut milk is getting very popular as it not only makes the ice cream delicious but also its very nutritious. This is the ideal milk substitute and there are plenty of brands today making use of these popular products. Among the various lactose-free ice cream brands, NadaMoo is gaining popularity as their ice cream is made from organic and pure products which are simply tasty to eat, healthy for body and excellent for environment. So if you are lactose intolerant, you don’t have to quit eating ice creams switch to the alternative!

A gluten and dairy-free diet can offer many benefits to the average individual. It’s typically lower in fat, tasty and easier on the digestive tract. Dairy-free is also a good option for those who object to traditional dairy farming methods and want to avoid milk products.

A dairy and gluten-free diet can also lead to a slimmer waistline. It helps to reduce bloating in people who have digestive problems and also improves digestion, so that the digestive track remains clear and isn’t blocked. Plus, the change to lower fat alternatives to dairy can reduce caloric intake and reduce weight in the long term.

Perhaps the most obvious benefits of a gluten and dairy-free diet are the health benefits. Many people are sensitive to gluten and dairy products without realizing it. Some people are even allergic to gluten and dairy and will have severe reactions after eating foods containing these products.

Unfortunately, gluten and dairy are prevalent in western foods so they can be hard to avoid. However, it is essential to good health. Gluten sensitivity can lead to bloating, pain and diarrhea. Sufferers also complain of headaches, migraines and lethargy.

Similar problems also result from dairy allergies, but can include much more severe symptoms including, rashes, hives, vomiting and even anaphylactic shock. Naturally, those allergic to milk want to avoid this product at all costs.

Other health problems can be improved by changing to a gluten and dairy free diet including autism, arthritis, diabetes, brain fog, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Many people with allergies and sensitivity to gluten and dairy begin to see immediate improvement in their health when they just stop eating these foods. The time it takes to get adjusted to a new diet is well worth it in terms of good health.

Some excellent alternatives to consider instead of flour, which is filled with gluten, include corn, rice, potato and quinoa flours. These products can be used in place of gluten filled flours in recipes. Alternatives to dairy include soy, almond, rice and coconut milk.

A plentiful amount of flour exists in nature that can be used instead of wheat, oat and barley flours. A new diet in these alternatives to gluten and dairy can be just what is needed for good health. The other benefits to a gluten and dairy-free diet a wider palette, weight loss and easier digestion are just bonuses.

The hotly contested debate over whether drinking coconut milk organic style is risky for those allergic to nuts has yet to be concluded. The word “coconut” implies that it is a nut but quite a number of experts and doctors disagree.

Fruit or Nut?

In 2006, the U.S. FDA decided to label the coconut as a tree nut. It opened a dam because many who have enjoyed the coconut or its byproducts have not experienced an allergy attack from eating it even if they are allergic to nuts.

Others, including allergists claim that it is a fruit and a seed because a tree nut releases its seeds only when it outer skin or cover decays or is eaten. Try opening a coconut and you will see no seed but if you leave a fresh coconut shell on the ground with enough sunlight and water, it will start growing.

Scientists have described the coconut to be a drupe which is a hard covered fruit. AllergyNew Zealandhas described it as a “monocotyledonous plant” or monocots for short. They have also formally declared the coconut to not be allergic for the majority of those allergic to nuts. If ever a case should arise, it is an allergic specifically to coconuts and not nuts per se.

So, just because a food has the word nut in it, it may be of a different breed. Other examples exist such nutmeg which is a seed or the water chestnut which is a kind of vegetable.

Nut talk can get too intense in more ways than one so having said the facts, here are other facts on coconut milk, but we’ll only talk about organic coconut milk like what NadaMoo!

Coconut milk is the most common milk alternative to cow’s milk for toddlers who manifest allergies to the dairy milk. However, parents should test the toddler with a little teaspoon before going all out with the organic coconut milk. The usual allergic reaction would be itching and rashes.

If no symptoms appear then it’s full speed ahead. You can even start using the coconut milk organic form to create meals and desserts. Aside from curry, you can make vegetable stew, sticky rice desserts with fresh mango, coconut poached chicken, and a host of creative, tested recipes which you can find online.

Life in your kitchen will be more when you use coconut milk and you’ll all see improvements to the health and lifestyle of every member of your family.

You are at the ice cream section of your local supermarket and craving for your favorite flavor, but you just can’t because indulging in one will definitely cause your blood sugar to shoot up beyond the rafters.  If you love ice cream so much and definitely can’t resist a few scoops every now and then, vegan ice cream is for you.  It is a popularly growing kind of non-dairy ice cream and has drawn not only avowed vegans but connoisseurs, health watchers, lactose intolerant individuals and those who are plain and simple gifted with a sweet tooth as well.

A vegan ice cream is an incredibly healthy option as compared to those made of the traditional dairy mixed with a lot of sugar and other preservatives; a combination of which produces a choke-full of calories, fat and other not so healthy components. With an ice cream specifically following the strict ideals of a vegan diet, what you get is something that is not only all natural and free from harmful chemicals but also devoid of any form of animal products and substances. There are now several ice cream manufacturers that offer it using non-dairy products. A particular brand uses all natural and organic ingredients such as creamy coconut milk and soy in replacement for animal milk and other dairy products. Then nectar is added to provide natural sweetness and brown rice is put in for healthy texture. For its nutritional value, other all-natural and delectable flavours such as nuts, mint, maple and organic cocoa are added.

The best place to look for a vegan ice cream is to visit your local health store.  These are usually strategically located in supermarkets or in malls.  The internet is also a good source of information for locating dealers near your area.  Once you are introduced to the many healthy options of a vegan ice cream, you will be amazed at the variety of flavors available to choose from.

You can also easily whip up your specialty masterpiece using the recipes given.  Imagine yourself making your very own healthy ice cream and sharing it with the rest of your family and even friends.  It is not only good for the health but at the same time there is this real feeling that you also contributed to the promotion of the ideals of veganism.  Most of all, with vegan ice cream you can have guiltless indulgence as often as you want!

When a person’s digestive system is unable to digest and absorb lactose, that person is said to have lactose intolerance. When milk or milk products are consumed by people who are lactose intolerant, it results in gastro-intestinal disorders which include gas, bloating, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.

Understanding lactose intolerance isn’t very complicated, but it is amazing how many people’s bodies just don’t do well with milk. If you suffer from lactose intolerance you can at least take some comfort in knowing you aren’t alone.  It is one of the most common genetic disorders and affects more than half of the world’s total population.

How is Lactose Intolerance Caused?

Lactose, a disaccharide, is made up of two monosaccharides: glucose and galactose. When a person consumes any food that contains lactose, it is broken down into the simple sugars by lactase, an enzyme found in the small intestine, so that it can easily be absorbed in the bloodstream to form energy. For whatever reason, most people’s digestive systems do not produce enough lactase enzymes to split the lactose into simpler forms.  So it stays in their guts causing uneasiness and disorders of the gastro-intestine like abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, bloating of the abdomen, and nausea.

Lactase deficiency is caused due to one of the following three reasons: congenital, secondary or developmental.

Congenital Lactase Deficiency

A person may be lactase deficient since birth due to mutation in the lactase producing gene. It is very rare to be lactose intolerant since birth.

Secondary Lactase Deficiency

The secondary reason for having deficiency of lactase is due to celiac sprue, a disease which destroys the lining of the small intestine which results in the destruction of lactase too.

Developmental Lactase Deficiency

The most common cause of lactose intolerance is hypolactasia, a decrease in the amount of lactase, which starts after childhood and continues into his adult life. Little kids are less likely to have intolerance of lactose as compared to adults. Some people may have it while still in their teenage years. People of different ethnic groups have different degrees of this disease.

People suffering from lactose intolerance must keep a check on their diet. They should not only eliminate milk and milk products off their shopping list but they should also be aware of some food products that contain traces of milk. It’s amazing where it’ll sneak in.

If you are lactose intolerant, you may have frowned when you realized that you cannot eat those yummy dairy desserts, especially the ice cream and cheesecake. However, you do have a reason to celebrate as there are amazing alternatives now that didn’t exist in years past. We think NadaMoo! is so good that you’ll never miss the dairy ice creams. Who needs lactose?!

For the greenhorns, finding vegan desserts may prove to be like searching a needle from a haystack.  But once you start to feel your way into the whole idea, you’ll find that there are actually a lot of choices for enjoying vegan desserts.  The choices are almost endless and it is up to your taste to choose which among the many varieties.  It is even amazing how many choices have been concocted considering the supposed to be limited available resources to the chef.  But nothing is impossible to our vegan buddies when it comes to whipping the right combinations to come up with sumptuous and delectable desserts that look not only mouth-watering but definitely 100% vegan.

Hopping from one choice of vegan dessert to another is like having a feast already as you will be introduced to so many possibilities.  Creativity is much a part of the whole process of making a healthy food with the right substitute ingredient that will faithfully adhere to the vegan diet and their desire to still have a great treat. There is the nutritional yeast for baking, apple sauce as a replacement for egg, Vegenaise is touted as even better than using the usual and common silken tofu, and the list goes on and on.

Those who have no time to whip up their own gourmet style desserts because they are always on the go or they simply just don’t have the Midas touch in preparing a delectable recipe, there is available the pre-packaged type of vegan desserts.  Under the auspices of the ever- vigilant People for the Ethical treatment of Animals or PETA as they are more popularly known, a good number of these desserts have been introduced in packaged form and there are many to choose from.   But if you want it to be creative and according to your particular taste, as well as to impress others with your newfound healthy recipe, you can try the many recipes available in the internet or even in some magazines sold locally.

When buying ingredients, especially those in packaged or processed state, make sure that you read the ingredients label to be certain that it sticks to strict vegan diet; and there are many to choose from locally.  Once you’ve realized how delicious it could be when prepared properly, you will want to share your dessert with non-vegans too!