As the founders and owners of Natren have always known ( Natasha Trenev is from Yugoslavia and Yordan Trenev is from Bulgaria), the people from the Balkans region have historically lived long and healthy lives. One of the reasons for their long life spans and unparalleled well-being stems directly from their nutrient and bacteria (probiotics) rich diet.
People in the Balkans eat a diet rich in authentic homemade Bulgarian-style yogurt because it serves as an accompaniment to almost every meal: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Another powerhouse Balkan food is the walnut, which can be found from everything to main dishes, soups, and even desserts! Natren founder Natasha Trenev says that walnuts were added to desserts to prevent the rise of insulin, which accompanies so many American desserts. The walnuts help to stabilize your blood sugar and make the sugars digest more slowly.
If you are interested in bringing some of the Balkan health practices to your own kitchen, we recommend the Natren Yogurt Starter, which can be used to make delicious Balkan-style yogurt at home. In addition, start trying walnuts in new and experimental ways in your kitchen– for example, blend them into your morning smoothie for an additional nutrient punch!
For the article in the NY times, click the link below:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/28/health/nutrition/28recipehealth.html?em
