Looking for healthy alternatives for dessert toppings? Look no further! These 7 decorative toppings are not only healthy, but also pretty (and it’s instagramable). You can add them to your favourite dessert, smoothie, or vegan ice cream.
1.Quinoa Puffs
Puffed quinoa is a powerhouse of protein, fibre, and iron. It is one of few plant foods that provides a complete protein source with all nine essential amino acids (which means it is really good for those vegans). Moreover, quinoa is packed with lysine (essential for tissue growth and repair), magnesium, vitamin B2, and manganese.
2. Bee Pollen
Bee pollen is a great natural energiser. They are also packed with amino acids and vitamins that help protect the skin and aid the regeneration of cells.
3. Cacao Nibs
Cacao nibs is packed with major antioxidants, and mood-boosting alkaloids. They also contain potassium, and magnesium, which are really good for your heart and blood pressure. Last but not least, cacao nibs are a good source of iron, which is really good for those who are vegan/plant-based as it can be difficult to get the proper amount of iron when you cut out red meat from your diet.
4. Hemp Seeds
Hemp seeds are a good source of plant-based protein, which is essential for your health (and a must for healthy hair). Moreover, protein in hemp seeds are more digestible than meat, eggs, cheese, and milk. They are also rich in vitamin E, which is really good for your immunity and your skin. Bonus point — There are no known allergies for hemp foods, meaning it can be an alternative to nuts for those who are allergic.
5. Coconut Chips
Adding coconut chips to oatmeal, baked goods, and your other favorite foods is a great way to increase your fibre intake. Moreover, they are a good source of minerals such as manganese, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and selenium. However, you should control the intake portion of coconut chips as they are high in saturated fat, which has been linked to increases in cholesterol and heart disease risk.
6. Roasted Almonds
Almonds are very high in nutrients and antioxidants. They are a great source of fibre and protein, and contain many important nutrients including selenium, zinc, calcium, magnesium, vitamin E and B, especially folate and biotin. Bonus point — Almonds can help reduce hunger, as well as lowering your overall calorie intake.
7. Pecans
Pecans are such a great topping as it can be tossed in just about anything from dessert, ice cream to salad. Moreover, pecan nuts are one of the top foods with highest levels of antioxidants. They are a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. The nuts also help with weight loss, hair growth, and digestion.
— Photo by Le Buzz on Unsplash
