Category Archives: Antioxidants

The majesty of loose leaf tea, made incredible by Yogi

Posted on 30 January, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Have you ever wondered why loose tea tastes better than tea made with a tea bag? Let’s be frank: have you ever realised that loose tea tasted better than tea from a tea bag?

Loose tea leaves are complete or at least bigger compared to the broken scraps found in your common tea bag. Bigger really is better in this case because, bigger leaves retain their essential oils while broken particles allow more of those nutrients to evaporate, leaving a comparatively lifeless flavour.

Yogi is no ordinary tea

No ordinary tea

No ordinary tea

Now, Yogi tea is different, not least because they are made of an amazing mix of spices and not simply tea leaves. However, Yogi tea bags are different too. Their commitment to natural flavour means their many teas are packed individually in heat-sealed envelopes to help preserve the health benefits of the herbs used. This also maintains the freshness and flavor.

But now Yogi are letting you get your hands on their original loose leaf concoctions. Another big advantage of brewing loose leaf is that the leaves have space to swell with water and release their flavour. The water circulation around the tea leaf is also important.

So, Yogi are offering some new flavours. See if you can taste the difference…

Ginger Lemon Chai
- warm pungent ginger balanced by refreshing citrus
Choco Chai, Aztec Spice
- a recreation of the ancient Aztec recipe called ‘Xocoatl’
Good Morning Chai, Roasted Chicory Spice
- roasted chicory, cinnamon, cardamom and licorice brings  a warmth and full-bodied taste
Himalaya Chai, Ginger Harmony
- sweet fennel seeds, spicy ginger and cosy cinnamon for uplifting moments
Classic Chai, Cinnamon Spice
- original recipe is cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves and black pepper

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Posted in Antioxidants, Organic

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Have you heard about chia seeds?

Posted on 19 December, 2011 by | Leave a comment

Have you managed to get your hands on any chia seed yet? The first time I tried some I could actually feel the grains expanding in my stomach!

There are numerous health claims about chia seeds (the latin name is Salvia Hispanica), most specifically that it is very high in Omega 3 and fibre, is a good source of complete protein, antioxidants and phytonutrients (they’re also gluten free).

Apparently, an ounce of chia seeds provides eight times more Omega 3 than an ounce of salmon! It has five times as much calcium as milk, twice as much potassium as bananas, three times the antioxidant strength of blueberries and three times more iron than spinach.

I think it was the high fibre effect I could feel volumising inside of me. Notably, chia seeds are believed to helpful in losing weight, because they help fill you up, reduce your appetite and help control your blood sugar levels.

The problem is that chia is only allowed to be used in foods as 5% of the finished product. This is because they are a relatively new food in Europe, having originated in South America where Aztecs would eat it before going on a long journey.

A bread mix with chia seed

A bread mix with chia seed

Chia Bia now sell the chia seed as part of an organic Whole Wheat Yeast Bread Mix and Soda Bread Mix. The Raw Chocolate Company also sell Chia Seeds unprocessed.

There’s a lot more research to be done into chia seeds, particularly their health benefits and whether they are safe to be consumed in large quantities, but they are very popular in the Americas.

There again, you could always grow your own…

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Posted in Antioxidants, Coeliac (Gluten-Free), Low GL (Glycaemic Load), Omega-3, Organic, Raw

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Bathe in pomegranates for a night of love (well almost)

Posted on 5 December, 2011 by | Leave a comment

I have a love affair with pomegranates. Most of humanity has. They keep popping up in folklore stretching back to the beginning of time.

But then it’s not surprising… Pomegranate is reputed to be very helpful for people suffering from eczema, psoriasis and sunburn and, when it comes to hair, pomegranate oil will transform lifeless locks to give them a radiant healthy looking sheen.

Anti-oxidant rich body and hair treatment

Pomegranates: for anti-oxidant rich body and hair treatment

All of which explains why Faith In Nature, producers of natural and vegan beauty products, combine Pomegranate with the antioxidant properties of Rooibos for its latest set of bath foam, shampoo and conditioner.

They say, “The result is gentle, yet effective formulations that are environmentally responsible and free from parabens, SLES and other nasties too.”

Pomegranate is also known for encouraging love, so the range might be the perfect thing to use just before that all important date.

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Posted in Antioxidants, Domestic

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Green Tea Linked to Lower Flu Risk

Posted on 31 October, 2011 by | Leave a comment

No one likes to get the flu, so finding simple ways to fight off the illness is welcome news, especially for those at higher risk for infection. A study in the BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggests that green tea extracts may help prevent influenza in healthcare workers.

Better immuni-tea
Certain people, such as healthcare workers, the young and the elderly, and people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes or lung disease, are at greater risk of getting the flu than others. This study looked at the effect of green tea extracts in helping prevent flu in Japanese healthcare professionals who care for the elderly.

In this study, 200 healthcare workers were randomly assigned to receive capsules of a green tea extract that contained compounds known as catechins (378 mg per day) and theanine (210 mg per day) or placebo for five months. The majority of participants had also been vaccinated against the flu.

Results showed that the incidence of influenza in the green tea group was significantly lower compared with the placebo group (4 versus 13 people were diagnosed with the flu).

Prior studies have also shown that green tea may help prevent influenza, and the authors of this study comment, “The consumption of tea extracts including catechins and theanine has also been reported to enhance systemic immunity and prevent the occurrence of upper respiratory tract infection and influenza symptoms in healthy adults.” Larger research trials are needed to confirm these study findings.

Things you can do to prevent the flu
The influenza virus is a cause of serious illness and even death, so it is important to take preventive measures to stay well:

■ Keep it clean. To help prevent contracting or spreading the flu, be sure to wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and get a flu jab. When possible, avoid people who have the flu or going to work if you are sick. While these measures aren’t 100% guaranteed, they go a long way toward lowering the risk of respiratory illness and flu.
■ Choose a healthy lifestyle. Living a balanced life that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, not smoking, and stress-reducing activities can also boost your immunity and help you stay healthy. Commit to these activities to improve and maintain your health.
■ Talk with a doctor. Visit your doctor to discuss ways to prevent the flu and whether or not a flu jab is appropriate for you.

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Posted in Antioxidants, Colds, Complementary Health

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The brilliant Qi teas all began with the mistaken purchase of a book at an airport

Posted on 25 October, 2011 by | Leave a comment

It’s fascinating to learn how some companies started. Take for example the beginning of Qi Herbal Health.

There has been a huge increase in the tea business in recent years but few probably started by mistakenly buying the wrong book at an airport. Joe d’Armenia must have been forced to read about the benefits of Green Tea for a few hours, but he was fascinated what he read of the benefits of drinking the tea.

It surprised him more to learn that Green Tea was mostly imported by German brokers rather than directly from China. Following an introduction to Mrs Yu Jing Hong, a minister supervising over the Yellow Mountain Region of China, Joe d’Armenia arranged for tea to be imported directly into the UK.

The Yellow Mountain Region is an area of outstanding natural beauty, remote and unspoilt. The farmers there still farm by organic methods and Joe d’Armenia helped organise more than 400 families into the Xitou Organic Farmers Association, a Fairtrade partnership.

The farmers pride in their tea, blending the teas into wonderful varieties such as pomegranate with white tea or oolong with mint and licorice. Qi Herbal Health has resulted not only in industrial enterprise for the area but also the funding of a local school, greater medical care and amenities such as street lighting and road repairs for the local town of Xitou. Not bad for a journey which began with buying the wrong book.

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Posted in Antioxidants, Organic

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Red wine in a pill – healthy benefits coming your way soon.

Posted on 24 June, 2011 by | 1 Comment

This could be good news: Scientists have managed to synthesize the secret ingredient that makes red wine so healthy.

A secret fountain of youth?

Could resveratrol be a secret fountain of youth?

Resveratrol, found in red wine and colourful berries, is thought to be a key to reversing the aging process, tackling obesity and reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes. However, it is very difficult to harvest enough for its beneficial properties.

Nonetheless, researchers from New York are very excited because they have found a way around the problem by making similar beneficial compounds from molecules comparable to resveratrol.

“It’s like a recipe book for the whole resveratrol family,” says Scott Snyder, the team leader, “We’ve opened up a whole casket of nature’s goodies.”

Source: New Scientist

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Posted in Antioxidants, Cancer, Complementary Health, Diabetes, Heart and Blood

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‘Drinking pomegranate juice can make you love your job!’

Posted on 6 June, 2011 by | Leave a comment

Take 60 workers and get them to drink 1/2 a litre of pomegranate juice every day for a fortnight. Then ask them if they enjoy work more?

The answer: Yes! Nearly everyone said life felt better. They were more active, enthusiastic and pleased with their work. The responses indicated they were less stressed too.

Drinking pomegranate juice can make you more active at work

Drinking pomegranate juice can make you more active at work

No wonder pomegranate used to be hailed as the forbidden fruit of lovers if this is what it does.

But loving your job?

Okay so, physically, the workers’ pulse rates had actually reduced…

But given that lower pulse rates are seen as a sign of health, this latest report will still add to the range of benefits which a drink of antioxidant pomegranate offers: help with weight loss, lower blood pressure, less risk of heart and kidney disease or Alzheimer’s too. And scientists are still looking into the benefits of pomegranate juice with cancer.

To choose from a range of pomegranate juices take a look at GoodnessDirect.

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Posted in Alzheimer's, Antioxidants, Complementary Health, Heart and Blood, Kidneys, Weight-Loss

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On ‘the pill’? Then your vitamin levels may be low

Posted on 19 May, 2011 by | Leave a comment

It is not well known that taking the pill is likely to effect your vitamin levels.

The contraceptive may not only deplete your vitamins, but your minerals and antioxidant levels too.

A depletion in nutrients is likely because your liver needs more vitamins to metabolise the birth control pill. And, because the pill sends a woman’s body into a pregnant-like state, your nutritional status could be affected. However, there are few conclusive studies on this. Blood tests are not sensitive enough indicators of changes in nutritional levels, so there is still a lot of guesswork out there. The best that can be said at this point is that individual needs vary.

You can find a good list of vitamins, minerals and antioxdiants at GoodnessDirect.

'The pill' may reduce vitamin levels

'The pill' may reduce vitamin levels

The vitamins and minerals thought to be effected are:
Vitamin B-2 Riboflavin
Vitamin B-3 (Niacin)
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-9 (Folic acid)
Vitamin C
Vitamin A
Vitamin K
Iron
Zinc
Magnesium

It is often advised that consumption of Vitamin E should be increased because it helps prevent blood clots.

Antioxidants
A recent study noted that antioxidant levels are also effected, particularly CoQ10 and Alpha-tocopherol.

Some good advice
The pill is still a valuable contraceptive and is over 99% effective. It is best to seek sympathetic medical advice if ever you are considering your options.

If you’re a teenager and you’re on the pill it is all the more important to pay attention to your nutritional intake. Some medical writers advise that everyone should take nutritional supplements and antioxidants.

Certainly, adjusting your diet to increase your nutritional intake with wholegrains, vegetables, nuts and seeds and decreasing sugary, highly processed foods will also be helpful. GoodnessDirect is a useful source of supplements and healthy food.

Footnotes…
Here are a list of websites for your own research. If you know of any others please let me know.
1. Woman’s Health: What’s Wrong With The Pill
2. Obstetrics and Gynecology International: Effects of Oral, Vaginal, and Transdermal Hormonal Contraception on Serum Levels of Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin E, and Total Antioxidant Activity
3. Colorado State University – Extension factsheet: Nutrition and Oral Contraceptives
4. Nutrient Depletion Checklist: Oral Contraceptives
5. Eat Healthier Foods – Endometriosis Part 42: Oral Contraceptive Pills and Vitamins

Post Script
Finally, an interesting point about how the pill can encourage yeast in the vagina by boosting estrogen levels. This is a complex area. Contraceptive pills contain less estrogen than in the 1960s, but it’s still possible for an imbalance of estrogen to result in too much yeast in the body. Also there’s a lot of mythology about yeast infections, but when they are real they can have a serious impact on a woman’s health.

See The V Book: Yeast Infections

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Posted in Antioxidants, Complementary Health, Diet, Women's Health

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A herbalist in your store cupboard

Posted on 22 April, 2011 by | Leave a comment

I’m sure there was a time when tea was kept in a hallowed box in one place in the house. Yet now, I seem to need a whole cupboard for all the different types of tea we drink.

Herbal expertise in a cup

Herbal expertise in a cup

But I must be wrong. Heath & Heather have been blending herbs and infusions since the 1920s. Of course it is true that medicinal herbs, particularly in teas, goes back pretty much as far as the history of man.

What Heath & Heather do is make all these beneficial herbs ready to pick off your cupboard shelf.

Whether it’s wellbeing, relaxation, invigoration or antioxidants that you need, Heath & Heather have got it covered. They’re proud of their association with The National Institute of Medical Herbalists and so they should be, it means they’re able to get quality beneficial teas onto my shelf.

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Posted in Antioxidants, Complementary Health, Organic

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Chocolate helps your tummy feel better (Obviously! But we’re talking about serious tummy trouble)

Posted on 6 April, 2011 by | 1 Comment

Tummy trouble? Well chocolate has now been shown to increase all those ‘friendly bacteria’ which help make you healthy.

Diarrhoea, yeast infections, poor immune system, vulnerability to disease all increase when we have less of the friendly bacteria, such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in our digestion system.

The cocoa flavanols in chocolate (pay attention, we’re really only talking about dark chocolate here, that’s 70%+ cocoa solids) not only increases helpful bacteria but also decreases dangerous bacteria such as clostridia (associated with inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer).

Along with other studies, this latest study (published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition) has found that cocoa flavanols have a significant benefit to the health of the individual.

But check the label
It’s a good idea to read the label before buying your chocolate, as some have additives which, if eaten regularly, would do more harm than good.

You might want to try The Raw Chocolate Company’s improved recipe Pitch Dark bar or Montezuma’s new  Ecuador Dark Chocolate with Juicy Orange.

Many of us look for excuses to enjoy chocolate, so knowing that flavanol-rich cocoa may improve the balance of healthy intestinal bacteria could be all the reason you need. (As if you needed an excuse…)

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Posted in Antioxidants, Chocolate, Digestion, General Food, Raw

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