Indigo Age Cafe https://indigoagecafe.com Vancouver best Vegetarian, Raw Vegan, Gluten-Free Cafe & Restaurant Tue, 18 Feb 2020 23:45:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.18 139698447 The History and Etiquette of Afternoon Tea https://indigoagecafe.com/history-etiquette-afternoon-tea/ https://indigoagecafe.com/history-etiquette-afternoon-tea/#respond Mon, 03 Jul 2017 22:32:31 +0000 http://indigoagecafe.com/?p=1931 The History and Etiquette of Afternoon Tea

The high tea experience at Indigo Age Café is one of a kind, offering a memorable experience that offers a unique assortment of mini-sweets and savouries accompanied by your choice of organic tea. It’s a tradition that we cherish and simply love sharing with our visitors. High tea typically takes place in the early evening and consists traditionally of light foods and tea, with another light meal taking place later. High tea takes its inspiration from the tradition of afternoon tea, which has been around for hundreds of years. To understand the tradition of high tea, we first need to look at the history and etiquette of afternoon tea.

High Tea Vancouver event Vancouver High Tea Event Vancouver high tea

An Important Imported History

Most know that tea drinking itself originally began in East Asia, where it was enjoyed and perfected for thousands of years. Tea made its first major introduction to Europeans in the 16th century, first through Portuguese merchants and later recorded by a Venetian geographer and travel writer. The Dutch East India Company was first to import tea west, where it became fashionable in the Netherlands, Germany, and France.

The association of tea with English high society came when a Portuguese tea fanatic princess, Catherine of Braganza, married Charles II in 1662. Catherine was known to take her all-female entourage into her private chambers to drink tea. Teatime continued to be refined through the coming centuries with the development of tea gardens and tea parties.

By the Victorian Age, several distinct types of Teatime were observed and etiquette became an art. New middle-class ladies, desperate to out-do their neighbours, followed highly-ritualized depictions of tea like those described by Jane Austen. Tea became an enriching daily break, and of course, a time to show off one’s own refined tastes regardless of status.

high tea experience at Indigo Age Cafe

Displaying Modern Manners

Today Afternoon Tea is still considered a formal affair outside the home and a distinct type of tea meal. Sandwiches, cakes, and scones are served, with still hot debate over seemingly trivial manners such as whether to use cream or jam first. There are some etiquette “musts” that should be adhered to, however.

Dress your Best. While Tea is now enjoyed by virtually all classes, it is still a special event when taken outside the home. This doesn’t mean it is a black tie event. These days smart casual is the way to go. Leave the trainers and sports clothing at home.

Absolutely no Pinkies! The pinky-out when drinking tea may have first been a way for rich ladies to show off their porcelain white arms, but today it is considered dreadfully outdated, almost comical.

Don’t Overfill or Stir Loudly. Tea should never be filled to the brim, this makes it more difficult to handle and will likely create a mess. When stirring, try not to let the spoon clang against the edges of the cup.

Dunk at Home. Dunking biscuits into your tea is a much beloved practice in homes across Britain. However, when you’re attending a more togged out setting it is more appropriate to refrain from dipping.

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Buy Durian in Vancouver – Nature’s exotic superfruit candy! https://indigoagecafe.com/buy-durian-vancouver/ https://indigoagecafe.com/buy-durian-vancouver/#comments Mon, 20 Mar 2017 02:45:49 +0000 http://indigoagecafe.com/?p=1840 Buy Durian in Vancouver – Nature’s exotic superfruit candy!

Tropical fruit – durian with a full-bodied creamy and one-of-a-kind texture; depending on how ripe it is, durian tastes something like creme brullee, or even vanilla and chocolate custard. Those who are looking to buy durian in Vancouver will be thrilled about our freeze-dried durian candy for sale at just $1.50 per piece!

Durian is considered to be nature’s exotic candy with an unusual flavour and odour which have prompted many people to express diverse and passionate views. But once you have your perfectly ripe durian, you may become a durian lover forever!

The British naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace provided a much-quoted description of the flavour of the durian in 1856 as he discovered durian:

“it is of such an excellent taste that it surpasses in flavour all other fruits of the world, according to those who have tasted it. A rich custard highly flavoured with almonds gives the best general idea of it… Then there is a rich glutinous smoothness in the pulp which nothing else possesses, but which adds to its delicacy.”

Durian is a superfood!

Indigo Age Cafe - Buy durian in Vancouver

What makes durian even more extraordinary is its powerful nutritional constitution to match its exceptional taste – durian is a super-fruit!

Durian is rich highly in plant-based protein an healthy fats, dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, iron, Vitamin C and Vitamin B-6! This makes durian a power snack just like goji berries, another superfood also highly rich in protein!

“Tryptophan is the chemical precursor to the serotonin neurotransmitter that creates euphoric feelings by clearing nerve passages. More recent research into insomnia recommends an increase of tryptophan. The common causes of insomnia, such as emotional repression, tension and anxiety may be relieved by ingesting tryptophan-rich foods such as durian and pumpkin seeds. ” – shares David Wolfe

Durian is a great choice for tryptophan and mineral-rich power snack and an antidote to help manage rushed and stressful schedules, poor nutrition as well as sugar cravings. Durian is slightly acidic but it is a great source of dietary fiber, protein and carbohydrates, as well as sulfur-residue foods. Both sulfur and potassium are nature’s beautifying minerals for healthy skin, bones and longevity.


buy durian vancouver

Indigo Age Cafe is excited to add freeze-dry durian candy to our menu of healthy snacks! In addition to being an exotic delicacy, this convenient and delicious snack serves as a great solution for our raw and vegan guests, who are looking to buy durian as a plant-based sources of protein, tryptophan, as well as Vitamin B6!

This is a also a great way to try this super fruit for the first time or even indulge in this nostalgic tropical fruit if you already had the chance to try it in Indonesia, Malaysia or Thailand! Freeze-drying ensures the preservation of vital nutrition as well as fresh taste; due to rapidly freezing and then subjecting it to a high vacuum that removes ice by sublimation. Therefore our durian tastes the best!

If you are looking to buy durian in Vancouver, you can buy individually packaged pieces for $1.50 each or 10 pieces for $13 – a great way to surprise your family with an exotic delicacy or get creative and sprinkle durian to your desserts and ice cream!

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High Tea Vancouver served with a Vegan, Gluten Free twist! https://indigoagecafe.com/vancouver-high-tea-gluten-free/ https://indigoagecafe.com/vancouver-high-tea-gluten-free/#respond Thu, 23 Feb 2017 11:08:10 +0000 http://indigoagecafe.com/?p=1601 The High Tea Vancouver experience is truly one-of-a-kind.

The High Tea ceremony is served with a raw vegan twist at Indigo Food Café. We create a delightful experience and a sensory journey as you taste your way into a health-giving culinary adventure in a warm atmosphere.

Here’s your opportunity to indulge in our signature plant-based cuisine with a unique assortment of mini sweets and savouries accompanied by your choice of organic tea. Each item is artfully crafted and plated for your party.

We strive to create a memorable experience and deliver your personally selected exclusively blended organic teas, to accompany an elegant tray of miniature savouries and sweets: all house-made petit desserts, tasty snacks, mini wraps, vegan cheeses, decorated with chocolate and berries.

Healthy, delicious, gourmet plant-based food without compromise!

available in the afternoon, reservation required

The Art & Culture of Tea Ceremony

The tradition of High Tea goes back many years to the late 1700’s. The custom of drinking tea originated in England with Charles II who popularized drinking tea in the afternoon. In ancient China, tea ceremonies were practices to cultivate longevity and wellbeing of a community and family.

Today, we can especially appreciate this time-honoured tradition and create quality time for a tea ceremony. Our current times, food and culture seem to get more and more fast-paced. Therefore, we choose coffee over tea and rush through various meetings.

When it comes to creating quality time for yourself and your loved ones as well as your health – a festive tea ceremony is simply delightful to savour every moment and every sip!

Our selection of the finest quality of Organic, Fare Trade, loose leaf tea has something for everyone: black teas, green tea, jasmine, cherry tea, rooibos, chai, sencha, yerba mate, chamomile, rose petals, fruit trees and specialty herbal elixirs.

Treat Yourself and Loved Ones!

If you are celebrating and treating someone for a special event – we’re here to serve a delightful experience and a sensory journey created just for you! Taste your way into a truly health-giving and enriching culinary experience. Gift someone a nutritious gift of health and make a reservation!


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Furthermore, our guests often comment on our signature vegan desserts being a novelty and a highlight of their dining experience. There are surprised just how great our raw desserts taste without having to deal with conventional sugar and/or common allergens such as dairy and gluten!

 

What experts say about our High Tea:


“While I don’t consider myself a raw-food enthusiast, the meal’s impeccable presentation, interesting textures, and vibrant flavours had me excited about coming back to try Indigo’s raw vegan cheese  and high tea, both of which require a reservation and a minimum of two people. When I spoke to owner and chef, Lovena Galyide, she said her goal with Indigo is to take raw, vegan food to the “next level”. After experiencing her high tea, I think it’s safe to say she’s succeeded.”

 Stephen Hui, Food writer at Georgia Straight


Healthy, delicious gourmet plant-based food without compromise!  

*Sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, guilt-free indulgence. Cost: $34.00 per Person*


Reservation required online or by phone: (604) 622-1797

You can purchase High Tea For One, Two or Four, with PayPal below:


To learn more visit our dedicated High Tea Page.
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Ukrainian Food in Vancouver! Unique Cuisine at Indigo Age Cafe. https://indigoagecafe.com/ukrainian-food-indigo/ https://indigoagecafe.com/ukrainian-food-indigo/#respond Mon, 19 Dec 2016 19:40:59 +0000 http://indigoagecafe.com/?p=1502 Discover Vegan Ukrainian Food in downtown Vancouver! Ukrainian Food is easy to like because it has a great versatile flavour profiles which naturally fall into the “comfort food” category. In fact, the cuisine of Ukraine is considered by some to be among the top 20 tastiest foods of the world as per Wikipedia!

We take pride at Indigo Age Cafe for serving time-honored Ukrainian Food with our own spin… This unique cuisine can be categorized as healthy Holiday Comfort Food, always fresh and authentic, cooked with healthy oils 100% dairy-free! Most Popular dishes are the Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls & Pirogues (Ukrainian dumplings) with potato, sauerkraut as well as with sour cherries for dessert! If you are dining out with a foodie who loves international cuisine, you cannot go wrong with our Ukrainian Feast!

Among colorful soups and tasty desserts, perhaps the most well known Ukrainian Food is dumplings made with fillings such as mashed potatoes and fried onions, fried cabbage or sauerkraut and even cherries and strawberries for dessert! However Vegan Ukrainian food is certainly novelty and we take pride at Indigo Age Cafe for serving time-honored Ukrainian Food with our own spin… Yes, our cuisine is vegan and healthy, using fresh local ingredients like our borscht soup for example, and cooking with health oils, completely dairy-free!

One of our best-selling dishes EVER are the Ukrainian Pirogues with potato, sauerkraut as well as sour cherries (And if you had it before, you know why!) The traditional recipe calls for sour cream, therefore we have created our own in-house cashew cream dressing to deliver on the amazing flavour profile without compromising any of our values when it comes to health and good quality.

If you are looking to share a meal with a serious foodie, or happen to be one yourself –  we invite you for our specialty Ukrainian Feast for only $30! In one sitting, we’ll take you on a culinary journey with our authentic dishes: Borscht, Pierogies, Cabbage Rolls and a healthy Dessert of your choice!!!

Here are 5 Ways to YAY Trying New Cuisine at  Indigo Age Cafe. 

Ukrainian Borscht with Coconut Cashew Sour Cream

Indigo Age Cafe - Ukrainian food

 

The Ukrainian Borscht is a delicious soup made from carrot, cabbage, beets, tomatoes, dill, parsley, ginger, garlic, lemon, potatoes and cauliflower.

Ukrainian Pirogues

Vancouver vegan restaurants Indigo Age Cafe

You will really enjoy a delicious serving of Ukranian Pirogues. Cooked wheat pirogues (contains gluten), olive oil, salt, topped with cashew dressing. Served with organic mashed potatoes topped with olive oil and onion, along with our homemade sauerkraut made from cabbage, onion and olive oil.

Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls

Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls - Raw Vegan and Gluten Free

Another Indigo Age Cafe house specialty! The Ukrainian Cabbage Rolls are homemade and made from cabbage, rice, carrots, onion, tomatoes, garlic, dill and topped with cashew dressing.

Cherry Pirogues

Cherry Pirogues

If you consider yourself a dessert connoisseur and think you’ve had it all…Wait until you indulge in this unique dish because it really is a dance of flavor, balancing sweet and sour as well as satisfying new textures and combinations.

Yummy! In Ukraine, and many other parts of eastern Europe, this is every kid’s favorite, truly a nostalgic indulgence!

For those who are eating clean and gluten free, these two dishes are excellent choices:
Russian Borscht Soup – Vegan & Gluten Free
Stuffed Mushroom – Vegan, Raw & Gluten Free

For those who are eating clean and gluten free, these two dishes are excellent choices:
If you want to experience any of these dishes in the comfort of your home, please note we offer delivery services by Foodora, Doordash, and www.foodbooking.com

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Do All Vancouver Vegan Restaurants Cook with Healthy Oils? https://indigoagecafe.com/vancouver-vegan-restaurants-healthy-oils/ https://indigoagecafe.com/vancouver-vegan-restaurants-healthy-oils/#comments Wed, 07 Dec 2016 22:42:24 +0000 http://indigoagecafe.com/?p=1486 Vancouver vegan restaurants Indigo Age Cafe

 

Do All Vancouver Vegan Restaurants Cook with Healthy Oils?

If you are curious about nutrition, then you already are familiar that there can be good oils and dangerous ‘cooked’ oils which are connected to Free-Radical-Damage. In this blog we will talk about free radicals and the power of antioxidants to protect us from harmful and processed oils which lead to premature aging. Just because you are dining at Vancouver vegan restaurants it is not guaranteed that you are eating clean and healthy.

Oils are consumed on daily basis. With every meal we can digest health-giving oils or harmful oils, because cooked oil is the largest cause of free-radical-damage in the human body. Free-radicals is known to be the primary cause of aging as per the free-radical theory introduced by Dr. Denham Harman in 1956.

Free radicals are produced with factors other than cooked oil, including pesticides, cigarette smoke, air pollution, excessive sun exposure, and the natural breakdown of tissues. Free radicals are oxygen molecules that have lost an electron and are thus unstable and reactive.

These radical oxygen molecules bounce around cells and tissues, stealing electrons from healthy molecules and causing damage; creating even more free radicals in the process.

Collagen, a protein molecule that gives skin a youthful, supple look, is especially susceptible to free-radical-damage, which manifests in the formation of wrinkles, causing scars to linger and slow or improper healing.

Monounsaturated oils such as olive oil and polyunsaturated oils such as corn oil, most vegetable oils, flax oils and hemp oil are all very open to oxidation from exposure to light and air and especially heat! Oxyden, heat and light turn normal fats into trans-fatty acids, cause degenerative conditions creating free radicals which are linked to cancer and aging, and cause rancidity.

This is why oils must be packed in dark containers, sealed airtight, kept unheated, and consumed in a timely manner. The best oils to consume raw for beauty and health, are olives and olive oil, hemp seeds, macadamia nuts, pine nuts, pecans, cacao (raw chocolate) and cacao butter

Not all vegan restaurants have high standards with what oils they use to cook with! Raw, vegan restaurants are usually more aware of these nuances when it comes to selection of in-house oils and salad dressings.

The good news is that nutrients or “antioxidants” prevent and even reverse free-radical damage.  Raw chocolate for example is one of nature’s richest source of antioxidants, more than wild blueberries or Acai berries. Theobromine in cacao is one of the greatest anti-aging foods. Experience the power of real chocolate in our signature ganache dessert served with berries and our own compote of antioxidant-rich berries.

Antioxidants may be in the form of fatty acids (raw fats and/ or cold-pressed oils) minerals (manganese, selenium), vitamins ( A, C, E), and complex biological compounds. Antioxidants prevent and reverse damage by simply giving free radicals electrons they need to become stable. In this way, antioxidants reverse skin inflammation such as sun burn and help heal scar tissue. Ultimately antioxidants are truly anti-aging foods, and most vegan restaurants usually feature dishes with antioxidants.

Indigo Age Cafe - one of the best Vancouver vegan restaurants

At Indigo Age Cafe, we have an intention to serve as many antioxidants as possible with our creative healthful menu, knowing how the North American diet is packed with cooked and processed foods. You can find incredible dishes such as our Acai Sunrise Bowl which can be enjoyed as a yummy breakfast or refreshing dessert anytime in the day. We also call it as our in-house vegan ice cream because it is an Acai banana sorbet served with fresh fruit and topped with raw sprouted granola.

Our vegan dessert menu is actually all raw plant-based desserts, full of healthy fats and antioxidants – we get amazing compliments on our vibrant and healthy desserts! We encourage you to have these conversations with your favourite Vancouver vegan restaurants and always inquire what oils they cook with and add into dressing.

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Plant-Based meals create an Alkaline/Acid Balance and healthful new beginnings https://indigoagecafe.com/plant-based-meals-create-alkalineacid-balance-healthful-new-beginnings/ https://indigoagecafe.com/plant-based-meals-create-alkalineacid-balance-healthful-new-beginnings/#respond Thu, 01 Dec 2016 21:31:05 +0000 http://indigoagecafe.com/?p=1475  

vancouver vegan restaurantsWe strive for balance in our life and we most certainly can also benefit from balance in our diet. Achieving the perfect balance depends predominately on understanding and applying the acid/alkaline balance to your diet. As a vegan restaurant in Vancouver, we are being asked all the time about your commitment to serve nutritious food which essentially must be plant-based in order to deliver healthful nutritional value.

Another perspective on health-giving food is our foundational understanding if our diet is actually acidic or alkaline.

Did you know that the mineral content of the food determines if it is alkaline or acidic? Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium and manganese create alkalinity in the body.

Foods rich in acidic minerals such as iodine, chlorine, phosphorus, and nitrogen create acidity in the body. We need both alkaline and acid forming minerals to be healthy and in balance, therefore acid forming foods are not harmful but it is essential to maintain balance by prioritizing diversity, quality and healthful choices.

“An excess of acidity is, however, quite harmful over the short and long term, at it leads to inflammation, contraction, stiffness, tissue degeneration, water retention, itchy skin, calcification, and more.”  – said David ‘Avocado’ Wolfe. 

David Wolfe also has a simple way of understanding what foods are acidic or alkaline.

Alkaline minerals are found in the leaves and stems of plants and in the bones of animals. Acidic minerals are found in the seeds and roots of plants as well as the muscles of animals. Fruits and flowers can be slightly acidic, slightly alkaline, or neutral.

Our ideal blood pH range is from 7.35to 7.40. Other tissues in our bodies are more acidic, such as muscles and skin. (6.8 pH)

Generally the higher concentration of minerals within a food, the better. Wild foods. wild greens and leafy greens on average have the most minerals. Homegrown and organic foods also contain a significant quantity of minerals as compared to commercial, chemically grown foods. This is why we believe in sourcing from local farmers.

Chemicals and drugs have a harsh edge to them. They deplete essential nutrients, exhaust the adrenal glands, and irritate and thicken the skin, lungs, and other organs. A major factor in overcoming these “addictions” and toxins is to create is to create an alkaline/acid balance in the body.

Eating green-leafy foods delivers to the body what it needs – vital alkalinity – and begins to displace addictive behaviour. So one green smoothie or juice a day can start the start of something deeply transformational!

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New Pumpkin Spice Latte with Coconut Cream and Seasonal Menu at Vancouver vegan restaurant! https://indigoagecafe.com/pumpkin-spice-latte-vegan-restaurant/ https://indigoagecafe.com/pumpkin-spice-latte-vegan-restaurant/#respond Mon, 24 Oct 2016 18:17:33 +0000 http://indigoagecafe.com/?p=1437 We take pumpkin for granted once the pumpkin season comes, yet this is by far one of Nature’s own wonders offering nutrition which is conserved for a long period of time. Popularized through folk tales as the legend of the Sleepy Hollow and Cinderella, we often use them for decoration and overlook the health benefits they provide when eaten raw or cooked.

Pumpkin are part of the cucumber and melon family which also include melons and squashes. You can see in our illustration below just how many vitamins and minerals one pumpkin can provide in nutritional value for its modest cost during the fall season.

Another health tip would be saving the pumpkin seeds and drying them at home to eat raw seeds, or baking them would also be viable to preserve nutrition by using lower temperatures.

Pumpkin seeds are a wonderful source of B Vitamins, many minerals including zinc, phytonutrients and essential fatty oils. Including Vitamin B17 known as laetrile which is reputed as anti-tumor and anti-cancer effects. Furthermore, they supply a safe and natural source of tryptophan – the least abundant amino acid in most people’s diets. Also interesting note, these seeds help to remove intestinal worms, so they are excellent cleansing foods for the gut.

Interesting fact: pumpkin seeds contain hormone building elements. The old in the seeds not only support sexual function, they also help protect against heart disease. Which is why they have been traditionally used for prostate disorders. Make sure to eat them raw to preserve full potency of the oil – or by cold-pressed pumpkin seed oil.

The power of green - vegan restaurant

At Indigo Age Cafe, vegan restaurant in Vancouver, we celebrate the colourful pumpkin season by making pumpkin the star of our fall menu! Try our pumpkin spice latte served with our own vegan coconut cream, warm squash and pumpkin soup served with cashew cream, and our signature entree – stuffed pumpkin with marinated mushrooms. Mmm! Worth your visit, right?

Pumpkin spice latte - vegan restaurant

Friends we are pleased to share that we are now serving VEGAN COCONUT WHIPPED CREAM that you can enjoy on top of all of our warm beverages:

New Pumpkin Spice Latte with cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg spices  

As well as our signature Hot chocolate, Chai* Latte or Matcha Latte – all served with our *house-made almond mylk* and sweetened with dates.

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Protein-Rich Foods are actually Plant Based Foods! https://indigoagecafe.com/raw-vegan-restaurant-in-vancouver/ https://indigoagecafe.com/raw-vegan-restaurant-in-vancouver/#respond Wed, 19 Oct 2016 18:26:55 +0000 http://indigoagecafe.com/?p=1429 Protein reach food at raw vegan restaurant in Vancouver

As a raw vegan restaurant in Vancouver, we often discuss plant-based sources of protein, because most people are under the assumption that by having a meal at a vegan restaurant, they will have less protein intake and would have to eat more to get that satisfying “full” feeling.

But nothing can be further than the truth, because raw foods (uncooked and sprouted seeds, grains, vegetables and fruits) are actually higher in protein and minerals as well as the only source of enzymes.

Proteins are molecular compounds integral to the life of every living cell. It is essential to understand, that these complex molecules contain as many as thousands amino acid units of the 22 amino acids, only a few will be found in most proteins. Which is why it is essential to diversify the sources and quality of your protein sources! Consider the Power of Green – this color pigment of our food delivers health-giving properties which are also detoxifying and youthening. Most of the flesh in animals and most of the organic material in plants is composed of proteins.

Furthermore all enzymes, antigens, antibodies, and hormones are proteins!

Amino acids are vital for forming muscles, and overall structural integrity of our cells, as well as  the formation of two essential brain hormones – serotonin and dopamine, which play a key role in our mental health. Therefore t the quality of the protein that you choose for your nourishment is directly related to the quality of your internal makeup because every living cell of your body uses protein – amino acids – for chemical building blocks for growth, repair, and development.

“In terms of protein, cooked animal protein is actually a poor-quality source” – said David Wolfe in his book, Eating For Beauty. “It is coagulated, difficult to digest, creates inflammation in the tissues, and is rough on the kidneys. The elastic, lightweight polypeptides (free-form amino acids) found in plant foods make them a superior and ideal source of protein building blocks.”

If you are new to eating raw or vegan cuisine, you will find that including more proteins in your diet in the form of some of the protein-rich foods listed below, will lead to more energizing and beautifying effects as a result of ‘eating clean’! In the illustration below, you will find new ideas for diverse protein sources.

Lastly, if you are alternating between plantbased protein and animal protein, consider introducing enzymes to your diet either with every meal or whenever you are eating cooked food. Digestive enzymes are excellent transition tool to have as a kick-starter of your health regime! They help to transform one molecule into another, and even help to transform one element into another. They help with indigestion, stagnation, weightloss and proper absorption of nutrients. By taking enzymes with your meals you can take the load off your body, especially if you are about to consume a heavy, or celebratory meal.

Interesting fact: All enzymes are destroyed by the cooking process, causing food to literally “stick to our ribs!” says David Wolfe.

Protein source at raw vegan restaurant in Vancouver

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The Problem with Soy and Grains and why our vegan restaurant has a “Gluten-Free” kitchen! https://indigoagecafe.com/vegan-restaurant-gluten-free-kitchen/ https://indigoagecafe.com/vegan-restaurant-gluten-free-kitchen/#comments Mon, 03 Oct 2016 18:06:02 +0000 http://indigoagecafe.com/?p=1409 Indigo Age Cafe which is 100% vegan restaurant in Vancouver is also known for being one of the few restaurants that is gluten-free. We also only serve organic almond milk which we make in-house and serve fresh daily to provide an alternative to milk for our warm beverages as well as smoothies. Soy milk is not a healthy alternative because soy is known to be thyroid-suppressive, meaning it can cause glandular imbalances which is dangerous for those with hypothyroidism, as written in David Wolfe’s “Longevity Now” newest book. He also specifies that just two servings per week of soy may influence hormone metabolism.

Also 90% of all soybeans have been modified in North America, so the chances of any soy product (soy cheese, soy milk, soy burger) being a GMO product is very high. Essentially, now every soy bean is hybridized so far out of the natural wild state, so switching to almond or hemp milk may be a more wholesome idea. You can buy our almond milk to go, both original and with turmeric and spices known as our “Golden mylk!”

Grains are also hybridized foods, known also as weak seeds, which also means they won’t metabolize properly. Cooked grains, and to some extent sprouted grains, such as rice and oats, and especially gluten in wheat, may leave behind a gummy protein residue that will cause digestive irritation. The best way to take grains into your diet is to sprout and cook a wholesome grain like quinoa and millet (no true grains but they are closer to their wild state). They have a higher ratio of fat to protein than other grains, although they are protein-dominant.

That’s why you will find quinoa on our menu and not brown rice. Vegan restaurants with a raw food focus have a tendency to build their recipes around the nutrition of nuts and seeds such as flax and hemp seeds; and that is also how we make the plant-based protein in our signature vegan burgers known as the Addiction Burger and Portobello Burger.

 

Portabella burger at Indigo Age Cafe - vegan restaurant

Seeds in our opinion is one of the best foods you could eat, if you think about it, Nature has invested so much in one seed for the potential for the quick growth of a new plant. Therefore they contain phosphoric compounds and are acidic in nature, but they are more digestible than nuts. They also contain more protein than nuts, think about hemp seeds which are the ultimate protein alternative as they are also rich in omega 3 and 6. A couple of spoonfuls of hemp seeds packs a serious amount of essential nutrients, which is why we sprinkle hemp seeds on our signature kale salad for a complete protein meal! They have a pleasant nutty taste, like a cross between a sunflower seed and a pine nut. You can get hemp protein as an add-on to our smoothies as well as in the Muscle Mylk-shake, blended with cacao, banana and peanut butter.

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Vegan restaurant in Vancouver helps you create more healthful habits for life! https://indigoagecafe.com/vegan-restaurant-in-vancouver/ https://indigoagecafe.com/vegan-restaurant-in-vancouver/#respond Sun, 02 Oct 2016 05:33:01 +0000 http://indigoagecafe.com/?p=1400 Fall is a season where we move into change and productivity; it is also the best time to foster new habits which support your wellbeing and fuel your aspirations.  Eating is something that we do many times a day, every day, so it is the fastest way to impact your overall sense of wellbeing.

Sprout salad at Indigo Age Cafe - best vegan restaurant in Vancouver

The team of Indigo Age Cafe – a dedicated vegan restaurant in Vancouver –  would like to encourage you to start your new season by fostering 3 Healthy Habits inspired by every meal of your day.  Here are 3 tips to increase your daily energy and vitality:

1. As a vegan restaurant in Vancouver, you may have guessed that our first tip is to encourage you to eat more plant-based, vegan meals, juices and smoothies.

Plant foods are most nutrient dense, therefore incredibly effective and efficient for those busy professionals, moms, and children of all ages. Smoothies are a great way to pack many greens, sprouts and superfoods, while on the go!

Organic kale alone for example is one our favourite ingredients packed with nutrients.  This powerful leafy green provides protein (3g per cup!), Vitamin A, Vitamin C, sulfur, calcium and ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid that’s important for  cognitive and restorative functions. Especially, with inflammation and detox. Try our Indigo Age Cafe kale salad with hemp seeds and a very yummy dressing!

An important nutrition-inspired tip is the concept of Micro-nutrition versus Macro-nutrition. Micronutrients don’t have calories like macronutrients, which is usually what we eat: pasta, rise, bread, chicken, and foods rich in sugar.

Micronutrition is the impact of micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, trace elements, essential fatty acids etc) which offer a plethora of health benefits on our health, and nourish every part of our body and being. The eastern philosophy refers to micronutrients as the “Qi” or  “Prana” of that food, which means its life force energy.

2.Eat the rainbow –  Sahara Life nutritionists and award-winning entrepreneurs remind us that “The brightly-colored fruits and vegetables get their vibrant hues from the powerful antioxidants and phytochemicals they contain — plant-based compounds that neutralize free radicals to fend off disease, give you a bright, youthful complexion and more. By eating plenty of colors, you can be sure you’re getting the wide variety of nutrients you need, and antioxidants!”

Our sprouts salad, salad rolls and other signature entries offer this exact opportunity to diversify your nutritional intake, while enjoying amazing flavours.

Spring tools at Indigo Age Cafe - best vegan restaurant in Vancouver

Most people on conventional diets, with an intake of seeds, nuts, grains and proteins which are all quite acidic in nature. Plant-based foods would help to bring your body towards an alkaline balance; and remember in an alkaline environment, a disease cannot exist.

3.At Indigo Age Cafe, like any vegan restaurant, is guaranteed to offer unique treats that you may have never tried before. This is a great boost of novelty to inspire and pick up new healthful habits! We have ready-to-go healthy snacks and juices which will help increase your energy throughout the day, especially if you are short on time!

Our in-house made coconut yogurt for example with an antioxidant-rich berry jam, offers bio-available micronutrients for the gut, helping to soothe your digestion. And the star of all nutritious breakfasts on the go, our chia seed pudding, inspired by a winning recipe. If you love chia or not, this recipe may just change your mind about this amazing superfood! Mixed with coconut meat, it is creamy, silk and just a little bit sweet. All of these and more are available to order online with deliveries via Doordash and www.justeat.ca

Chia pudding at Indigo Age Cafe - best vegan restaurant in Vancouver

 

Let us know on Facebook in comments, if any of those 3 healthful Tips have made a difference for you. Or come chat with us about your insights next time when you come in, many of our staff have a background in nutrition and a big passion for it!

PS. You may also enjoy our previous blog on Superfoods and warm drinks and elixirs full of micronutrients to boost the energy even more!

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