Cherry Good
cherries
When my family and I went to Canada this summer we arrived just in time to experience a major heat wave and the most amazing cherry season. Being in Southern Ontario at the height of the cherry season is incredible, every where you look there are road side stalls piled high with baskets of plump, juicy dark red cherries just waiting to be savoured. The flavour of a hot sun drenched cherry is intense, addictive and we ate plenty of them. Big bowls of cherries soon replaced with pits and stalks. We couldn’t get enough. I taught my little girl to wear cherry earrings, they’re called doublers where you hook two cherry stalks over the ear – she’s still young enough to humour me plus it’s a fab look.
Cherry earrings
Anyway, apart from all the fun we had munching our way through cherryville the health benefits were plentiful too. Cherries are a great source of Vitamin C and fibre plus they are rich in anti-oxidants which are important for immune support. Trials show that cherries have anti-inflammatory properties that may be of great benefit to people suffering from arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Cherries are also effective at keeping uric acid levels normal too, so they would be a super natural remedy for gout. They are low in cholesterol, fat and sodium making them a very healthy fruit snack. So, when in season eat cherries. We sure did.
Cherry Active
CherryActive produces a sugar-free concentrate of Montmorency cherry that can be taken as a supplement to help with joint pain, joint function, cardiovascular health, promotes healthy sleep patterns plus effective for after sports or fitness training muscular strength and recovery. Available in liquid and capsule form.
Packed Lunch Love
Plant love
When my daughter started school this year she was able to choose whether she wanted a lunchbox or school dinners. To my delight she plumped for the packed lunch option. We shopped around until we found the perfect Mickey Mouse box, a quaint old-fashioned tin style with a little carry handle. Each day I plan her next lunch to make sure she doesn’t get bored and that the food is varied and tasty. She has always been partial to raw veggies like carrots, broccoli and celery so much so that when I grow broccoli in the summer time my little earthy girl actually eats it straight from the plant. Food hunting at it’s best. So, portions of fresh vegetables will go into her tray along with humus or guacamole. The humus can be a little garlicky but hey, she’s getting a big immune boost from it and what’s a little garlic breath between friends?
I make her little sandwiches( crust off) out of A. Vogel bread that’s packed full of mixed seeds to give her plenty of plant fibre plus a few sprigs of fresh flat leaf parsley for some extra vitamins and minerals. Sometimes her packed lunch will include pesto (whole-wheat) pasta, chickpeas and tomato salad or falafel to help tickle her taste buds. We normally have a messy, bakey type day on the weekend where we’ll whip up a few trays of carrot and raisin muffins, banana and date squares or some sweet potato bread. It gives me a little stock of wholesome, low sugar treats that I can slip into her lunchbox and ’cause she helps make them she’s ever so proud and usually one has to go in for the teacher as well. Sometimes I add dried fruit like apricots or mango or more unusual fresh fruit like pomegranate and dragon fruit to the lunchbox too.
We met with her teachers recently and they were amazed at what an interesting and healthy lunch she has. But my big question was does she eat it or swap out? They reckon she has most of it and my daily inspection of Mickey Mouse would suggest that also. My girl can be rather vague on certain topics such as lunchtime shenanigans but I have to admit I’ve heard her mention the words CheeseStrings and Monster Munch once or twice. Ugh. What can I do, it was bound to happen at some point.
I like to think that for the most part she’s getting the very best nutrition. I try to design her lunches to be free of crisps, chocolate and white bread sandwiches but I don’t want to make her feel weirded out by having a wholesome diet. Who knows though, perhaps other kids might be encouraged to try some different foods too. I just want to raise her to be happy and healthy knowing that variety is the spice of life .
And there’s nothing wrong with one or six pieces of chocolate as she spies my Green and Blacks choccie bar wrapper.
Like this:
Manuka-Funny Honey
Manuka Gold
Manuka Honey - the buzz word at this time of year to help ward off and reduce colds, coughs and infections. Manuka is not just any old honey. For starters it tastes and feels rather different. Manuka tastes stronger, has a slightly medicinal quality about it and is less sweet than normal honey plus it has a thick, gooey texture that really makes the jaw work. It’s also packed full of antibacterial healing properties to help target the dreaded lurgy a.k.a yukky sore throats,colds & flu bugs. Manuka honey comes with a UMF = Unique Manuka Factor and the higher the factor the higher the healing properties. So, for example the Manuka 5+ would be suitable for everyday use as a preventative and supportive measure. Then there’s 6+,10+, 12+, 15+ & then it goes up to Manuka 20+ which I would use if I felt really ill or needed a good immune boost. Sometimes I like to dissolve it in some warm ( not hot) water and add fresh lemon to make a soothing drink but it’s also very nice spooned over Greek yoghurt or just straight off the spoon. My father in law regularly has a” non sharing” jar and has been known to polish it off in a few days ( he puts it on his toast). I guess he really likes it plus he rarely comes down with anything. He’ll be getting the Whopper Jar for Christmas this year!
Comvita Whopper Jar
As well as it’s antiseptic,antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties Manuka is also very soothing to the digestive system and may help provide relief from stomach ulcers and acid reflux. Studies have shown that Manuka Honey is also extemely effective against staphylococcus aureus ( a common cause of infected wounds) and Helicobacter Pylori ( common cause of peptic ulcers). Plus recent research work has found that it is effective against the Srreptococcus Pyogenes which causes sore throats. It’s even good for cuts, grazes and sores.
An all round great addition to a healthy diet and your natural medicine chest. They come in lots of different sizes too, from 250g up to 1000g. Manuka honey is also added to many herbal remedies, lozenges, supplements, beauty & skincare products, drinks and herbal teas for additional healing and health benefits.
Pomegranates- Pin or fork?
Me and Pomegrantes go way back. A strange round red fruit that has intrigued me since I was a small child. My grandmother used to buy them every Christmas and serve 1/2 each to me and my little sister ,”’cause they cost the earth!” She would slice through with her big knife and inside would be the glistening little ruby red gems. We would sit down with a tea towel draped over our legs (to catch any juice) and were handed our bowl of cut pomegrante and a pin. The pin was meant to individually pick out each seed or arils and really savour the flavour. I’m sure it was her way of getting us to sit still and be quiet for a bit. I loved the taste so much I remember wanting to just bite the lot, but she would warn us not to as the separation pith was very dry and bitter.Recent research has shown that drinking pomegranate juice, taking it in supplement form and or eating the fruit has many health benefits including reducing heart disease, has antibacterial activity against mouth plaque and can help fend off the common cold. Health benefits aside they also look great when thrown into a big fresh salad, swizzled onto a thick sweet potato soup or part of a fruit compote. Unique fruit that is fashionably very good for you.
Buy bulk organic mixed seeds,cereals,pulses and grains
Wholefoods
We’ve added a new stockist to our shop - Community Foods. They provide a large selection of organic wholefoods in several different bag sizes to help keep store cupboards full of cheap & wholesome ingredients. Organic wholefoods are healthy as they provide fibre and essential nutrients plus they are extremely economical and help create many diverse dishes. Organic seeds, organic dried fruit, organic nuts, organic cereals, organic pulses, organic grains, organic beans, organic legumes and organic snacks.
Organic wholefoods are available in 125gm, 250gm, 500gm, 1 kilo and 2 kilo bags. Our postage and packing prices are low too. Great bulk whole food, cheap postage and fantastic nutrition at www.healthstore24.co.uk
Get snacking with organic seeds like pumpkin, sunflower, golden linseed and sesame seeds. The are rich in plant omegas and make great healthy energy snacks. Add them to muesli, bread making, flapjacks or sprinkle over yogurt. They’re great all mixed together for an instant snack or try dry roasting them on baking tray.
seeds
Cook up some rice dishes with Organic brown basmati, White indica long grain rice, Italian short grain brown rice or try Organic Red Camargue Rice which has a wonderfully nutty taste. We’ve got plenty of recipes if needed.
Try adding Black Turtle beans,butter beans, mung beans, aduki beans, kidney beans or soya beans to meals. They provide fibre, have great texture and taste and are very filling.
For breakfast boosters try organic oatbran,oatmeal, jumbo oats, organic wheat free muesli, bran flakes, wheat flakes, millet flakes, buckwheat flakes, porridge oats and oat groats. Have a go at making your own muesli or granola.
Nuts are healthy snacks- unsalted though. Community foods great selection of nuts makes for happy munching.
Try pecans, brazils, almonds, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts and peanuts.
nuts
Dried organic fruits make excellent snacks and are a great energy source. Choose from organic figs, raisins, prunes, apricots, sultanas, mango, dates, apple rings and cranberries. Wonderful healthy snacks for kids- big and little ones.
Make soups with organic red lentils or get spicy with green lentil curry. Checkout www.foodboost.co.uk for recipes.
Organic quinoa and millet are very versatile and provide vitamins and minerals to help keep healthy.
Community foods organic popcorn, mixed super seed mix and bombay mix are yummy snacks too.
Checkout the entire range of super wholefoods at www.healthstore24.co.uk
Natural Hangover Helpers
Hungover?
We’ve all done it, partied like it’s 1999. The next day feeling like you are actually 99. It’s whopping great fun to have a sherbert or two(+), sing a few songs and dance to some cool tunes. It’s great to enjoy yourself but sometimes that overindulgence can mean feeling a little wan and washed out the next day. Being prepared for it can help lessen the pain and reduce the amount of time the actual hangover hangs around. I always keep certain useful remedies in my cupboard to help combat the dreaded hangover. If I’m going to go out I try to drink plenty of water prior to leaving to help sate my thirst. There’s nothing like swigging ice cold Chardonnay to speed up intoxication.
Cynara Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle is a fab little herbal remedy I take before consuming alcohol as it helps the liver to process the booze quicker and it has supportive properties for the liver. If I can remember to take Milk Thistle before taking to my bed I do this too as it all helps towards recovery the next day. Too much alcohol can bring on a queasy tummy in which case the digestive aid Gentian Bitters by Napiers are a good idea to have at the ready.
Gentian Bitters / Hangover Remedy
The headaches are sometimes solved by a brisk walk somewhere windy to help blow off the cobwebs, a warm lavender wheatbag and perhaps some white willow,a natural alternative to painkillers.
A teaspoon of honey in a detox herbal tea can help to speed up wellness too. Because alcohol depletes B Vitamins( which help deal with stress) in the body I replace them with a good B complex and that stops any feelings of stress and anxiety. I try to adhere to the moderation is key theory and limit my intake alcohol, but if I do consume it I give my system a natural head start. Stay moderate.
All these supplements are available online.
Alara Organic Cereals-healthy way to start the day!
Alara Delight
Start the day with a big bowl of super healthy Alara cereal. If you are into amaranth, quinoa, seeds and dried fruit to name but a few of the fab ingredients they use then this is the cereal for you. Great range to choose from including muesli, porridge and superfood snacks. There’s even a cheeky new Maca ( libido boosting)snack. Selection of gluten free, vegan and no added sugar breakfast ( I eat them randomly through the day too) cereals.Organic and very tasty too.
Selected Alara cereals are on sale in healthstore24 Platinum Promotions through March and April 2011.
Get Wild and Nakd!
Pineapple raisins
Skinny dipped snacks to help keep energy levels up and the pounds off !
Cashew cookie
Natural Aloe
Natural Aloe
Aloe Pura Products
Pure Aloe Vera
Healthstore24 has Aloe Pura products on offer in March and Aprils Platinum Promotions.
Aloe Pura Aloe Vera Juice with Manuka Honey UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) 10+ combines the well renowned benefits of aloe with the antibacterial actions of manuka honey to create a juice which may help those with digestive problems.
Regular £9.04
Sale £8.14
Regular £ 8.98
Sale £8.09
Aloe Vera Digestive Aid 500ml Regular £8.98
Sale £ 8.09
Aloe Vera Juice Max Strength 1ltr
100% Natural Organic Aloe Vera Juice derived from a unique blend of Aloe Vera whole leaf and unfiltered Aloe Vera inner gel. Formulated with the minimum of processing to allow the plant’s natural components to remain unaltered and provide the highest levels of natural activity available in an Aloe Vera Juice. Polysaccharide enriched. Available in Natural and Cranberry flavour juice.Regular £11.69
Sale £10.52
Aloe Vera Juice Max Strength Cranberry 500ml
100% Natural Organic Aloe Vera Juice derived from a unique blend of Aloe Vera whole leaf and unfiltered Aloe Vera inner gel. Formulated with the minimum of processing to allow the plant’s natural components to remain unaltered and provide the highest levels of natural activity available in an Aloe Vera Juice. Polysaccharide enriched. Available in Natural & Cranberry flavour juice.
Regular £6.74
Sale £6.07
Aloe Vera Liquid Fibre contains: Aloe Vera- well known for its soothing and cleansing properties. Fibresol2: worlds first water soluble fibre made from 100% natural corn starch, low calorie, pre biotic. Fig Extract: helps maintain regularity. Aloe has played a role in medicine since 4BC when used by Greek doctors. The plant helps to regulate and soothe various stomach/bowel conditions such as IBS. Fibresol2 is the worlds first soluble dietary fibre made from 100% natural corn starch. Besides low calories, it has important functions for the maintenance of physical conditions such as improving intestinal regularity. Aloe may moderate blood glucose levels and promote growth of friendly bacteria. Aloe may help keep villi in the small intestine free to absorb nutrients needed to nourish the body. Fibresol2 may help keep villi clear and increase their height. Fig extract is included in the formula for its various beneficial properties. Figs are one of the earliest fruits cultivated, dating back to 2900BC. Figs have a variety of benefits: helps maintain regularity, provide a good source of flavonoids and polyphenols, increase plasma antioxidant capacity, provides a high quantity of good quality fibre.
Regular £10.10
Sale £9.10
Pomegranate Juice is made from pure, unfiltered pomegranate juice, a naturally powerful antioxidant. Research shows that pomegranates contain free radical scavenging antioxidants which help the body’s natural defence system fight oxidation damage. Pomegranate Juice is suitable for those on a low cholesterol diet and may help maintain a healthy heart as part of a balanced diet.Available online http://www.healthstore24.co.uk/
We do not intend to diagnose, treat or cure.
