There’s always something new to learn when it comes to Science and Healthy Living. What is the latest buzzword you might be hearing around town? it might just be “microbiome”, or the human microbiome to be more specific.
Let me fill you in on some of the basics you should understand and then I’ll finish it up with a yummy chocolate chip cookie recipe!
So what is the microbiome? Mostly bacteria actually. Each persons microbiota consists anywhere betteen 10-100 TRILLION microbial cells happily residing in the gut, and again, they’re mostly bacteria. That means the bacteria in your gut outnumber your cells 9 to 1! The microbiome consists of the genes these cells hold. The genes within your microbiome outnumber your personal genome 150 to 1. So in case you were wondering, the microbiome is kind of a big deal, especially since this seemingly small part of your being (i.e. your gut) controls so much of what your body does.
Bacteria more commonly thought of as a bad thing, but knowing that bacteria comprise much of what we are, it’s not too far fetched to believe that these bacteria play a roll in most bodily functions. The microbiome is responsible for everything from digesting food, to regulating your metabolism, to controlling your immune system, your mood and even your mental acuity. So all in all, the microbiome is not a fad and worth understanding a bit more.
But for now, here’s a deliciously healthy Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe I cooked up for you
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Vegan, Gluten free, Grain free, Paleo
Ingredients
1/3 cup coconut flour
1/3 cup arrowroot starch
1/4 cup almond meal/flour
1/4 cup flax meal
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup unsweet coconut or almond milk
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/3 cup cacao nibs (or chocolate chips)
*Optional 1 Tablespoon blackstrap molasses; stevia to sweeten
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, stir together your dry ingredients. Next, begin to stir in the wet ingredients. Finally add the cacao nibs (or chocolate chips). The dough will be very thick. Scoop batter onto a parchment lined baking tray in general cookie shapes and note that these cookies do not spread. Bake 18-22 minutes.
JoyfulGoodness 