A Look at the Nutritious Ingredients on the Roots Natural Kitchen Menu

A Closer Look at the Nutrition Offered at Roots Natural Kitchen

In recent years, more and more people have become invested in making healthier dietary choices. As consumer demand for nutritious food options continues to grow, restaurants like Roots Natural Kitchen are answering the call. With a menu focused on wholesome ingredients and transparency around nutrition, Roots is making it easier for customers to eat well.

From salads to grain bowls to smoothies, Roots Natural Kitchen serves up fresh, nourishing fare. But what exactly makes the offerings at Roots so nutritious? Let's take a closer look at some of the ingredients, superfoods, and menu items that provide healthy fuel for the body and mind.

The Benefits of Whole Food Ingredients

Roots proudly claims that its meals are "made from scratch using whole food ingredients." This means dishes are prepared using whole, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and more. The menu steers clear of artificial preservatives, flavors, colors, and other synthetic additives found in much of today's convenience food.

Emphasizing whole foods provides critical vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Research consistently shows that eating whole foods can help maintain a healthy weight, reduce disease risk, stabilize energy levels, and extend longevity.

Superfoods Packed with Nutrition

In addition to using core whole food groups, Roots incorporates many trendy superfoods into its recipes. Superfoods are nutritional powerhouses like berries, seeds, greens, and pulses that deliver sizable benefits.

Some of the top superfoods featured on the Roots menu include:

• Chia seeds - Loaded with protein, fiber, omega-3s, and magnesium.
• Hemp seeds - A vegan source of protein and amino acids.
• Flax seeds - High in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
• Spirulina - An antioxidant and anti-inflammatory blue-green algae.
• Spinach - Packed with vitamins A, C, K, calcium, and iron.
• Avocado - Provides healthy fats and B vitamins.

Folding these nutritionally dense superfoods into dishes amplifies the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in every bite. This provides protective compounds that can boost immunity, energy levels, brain function, and overall vitality.

Salads and Bowls for Nutrient Variety

Signature salads and grain bowls make up a significant portion of the Roots menu. These dishes combine a diverse mix of superfoods and whole food ingredients for maximum nutritional impact.

For example, the Ancient Roots Bowl includes quinoa, beets, avocado, cauliflower tabouli, hummus, hemp seeds, and lemon tahini dressing. Each component offers its own unique health benefits, creating an antioxidant and phytonutrient powerhouse.

Other nutritionally balanced bowl options include:

• Buddha Bowl - Chickpeas, kale, carrots, red cabbage, avocado, and ginger dressing.
• Falafel Bowl - Spinach, cucumbers, radishes, hummus, falafel, and zhoug sauce.
• Mexican Bowl - Quinoa, black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, and toasted pumpkin seeds.

With endless combinations, bowls provide nourishing variety. Salad options like the Detox, Protein Power, and Chopped Thai keep things fresh as well.

Plant-Based Proteins

Protein is essential for building muscle, supporting neurological function, and keeping you feeling full. Roots offers an array of plant-based proteins like chickpeas, quinoa, tofu, lentils, and more.

Benefits of plant-based protein options include:

• Lower in saturated fat than animal proteins
• High in fiber for digestive and heart health
• Provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds
• Help reduce risk of chronic illness
• More environmentally sustainable than meat

Those looking to cut back on meat can get quality protein from Roots' array of veggie burgers, legume-based dishes, and protein-packed smoothies and juices.

Healthy Fats

Despite decades of low-fat dieting trends, healthy fats are absolutely vital in a balanced diet. Roots includes beneficial fats from sources like olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds, and soy.

Some benefits of the healthy fats included at Roots:

• Avocados - Monounsaturated fats protect heart health.
• Chia seeds - High in omega-3s that reduce inflammation.
• Olive oil - Antioxidants like polyphenols and vitamin E.
• Walnuts - Alpha-linolenic acid, an anti-inflammatory omega-3.

When consumed in moderation, these unsaturated, plant-based fats provide essential fatty acids the body cannot produce itself. Be sure to balance them with other whole foods as part of an overall healthy pattern of eating.

Clean Desserts

You don't have to abandon your sweet tooth completely when eating healthfully. Roots offers nutritious takes on dessert like chia pudding, coconut yogurt with fruit, and avocado chocolate mousse.

Making smart swaps keeps these sweet treats guilt-free. Some substitutions include:

• Using dates, bananas, or avocado instead of refined sugar
• Trying alternative flours like almond or chickpea
• Opting for dark chocolate's antioxidants over milk chocolate
• Folding in superfoods like chia, hemp, or flax seeds

Indices show that alternative sugars, unrefined flours, and superfood additions can lower a dessert's glycemic load. This provides a treat you can feel good about eating.

Nutrition Information Transparency

To help guests make informed choices, Roots provides complete nutrition information for menu items right on its website. Detailed facts include serving sizes, calories, fat, sodium, carbs, sugars, protein, and more.

This transparency allows customers to find dishes that fit their individual dietary needs, whether that is low calorie, low carb, vegan, or something else. You can even filter menu options by various nutrition criteria.

Providing accessible nutrition details reflects Roots' commitment to promoting awareness around healthy eating. Guests feel empowered to build meals aligned with their personal nutrition goals.

Nutrition Delivered Through Quality Ingredients

At Roots Natural Kitchen, wholesome nutrition comes from an intentional emphasis on fresh, minimally processed ingredients. Fruits, vegetables, ancient grains, plant-based proteins, healthy fats, and superfoods come together to create nutritionally balanced offerings. By highlighting nutrition upfront, Roots makes it easier than ever to make choices that nourish both body and mind.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.