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It's time our kids go back to school!  If you are looking for healthy snacks that are perfect for taking to school or after school, then this short list is for you.  Eating healthy snacks can benefit your children in many ways. These healthy snacks will help your kids grow, develop and learn. To make your life easier, you can buy healthy snacks online and fill up your pantry with nuts, dried fruits, seeds, popcorn and dark chocolate. This way, you will always have some healthy snacks at hand.    Popcorn Popcorn is a whole grain that is low in fat and rich in complex carbohydrates, making it a perfect snack for kids (if you don't add butter and salt). Corn has excellent health benefits for children. It contains a lot of dietary fibre, essential vitamins and minerals. High fibre improves digestion, helps avoid constipation, and stimulates digestive juices' secretion, keeping the bowels healthy. Popcorn also contains a good quantity of iron and calcium, manganese and phosphorous, which are vital for maintaining healthy bones and the functioning of cells. Additionally, corn is loaded with B vitamins, including vitamins B3, B6, pantothenic and folate acid, which are great for the brain and mood. Popcorn contains carotenoid antioxidants like zeaxanthin and lutein that help protect eye health.  Nuts A handful of organic nuts or a serving of as little as 30g daily can benefit your kids in many ways. Nuts like alm...

What is Organic September? Soil Association founded Organic September as a campaign aiming to raise awareness about organic foods and their benefits to our health and the environment.  Organic September celebrates all the organic food producers do for climate, nature, and the health of people. What is organic farming? Organic farming is a way of growing crops without the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilisers. This way of farming aims to keep the soil and nature healthy. Organic foods are not grown with any chemicals and are not genetically modified. Moreover, they don't contain any artificial colours, preservatives and hydrogenated fats. Why are organic foods healthier? Being an organic food producer is not easy. In order to supply organic products , organic farmers and manufacturers must follow strict regulations, allow inspections every year and are obliged to acquire accreditation from an official certification body. For foods and drinks to have the organic certificate, at least 95 per cent of the ingredients must come from organic sources. Why is organic food better for the planet? According to Soil Association data, i f the entire Europe switched to an organic food and farming system, there would be a   40   <span data-mce-fr...

What is Himalayan pink salt lick? The huge blocks of salt were mined high up from the ancient Himalayan Mountains . Himalayan Rock Salt Licks are obviously distinctive in their pink colour. What is Himalayan salt lick used for? Himalaya salt lick is one of the purest forms of salt (sodium chloride) available. It provides the ideal way to offer your horses or cattle a natural form of salt with nothing added and nothing is taken away. Horses and ponies require supplementary salt on a daily basis. Salt is the one nutrient that horses will self-supplement to balance their diet. The Himalayan Salt Lick is best as it comes without unnatural flavours. Why is Himalayan salt lick better than conventional salt lick? The salt itself is exceptionally hardy, much more than the conventional white salt licks you may be used to. Himalayan Salts' respective toughness is actually an important quality as it's very weather resistant, meaning you're safe to hang them up in the field for your horses and ponies. Its hardness also really helps to stop horses and ponies from biting chunks off, a problem that occurs all too frequently when using conventional salt licks.  How to use Himalayan salt lick? Hang the salt lick at a right height within easy reach of your horse. It can be hanged in stables, horse boxes on in field. Remember to attach it well for safety reasons. You can use salt licks for other animals on the farm - cows like it too!   Hanging is the best wa...

Packed with healthy protein from plants, and made with tvp textured soy mince , this delicious Bolognese pasta is exactly what you need on an active day. 

What is chia seed water? Chia seed water is a refreshing homemade drink made with chia seeds and water. The recipe is very simple - you mix two ingredients: one tablespoon of organic chia seeds with 200 ml of mineral water. Chia seed will absorb the water and become a thick liquid with a jelly-like consistency.  Why do people drink chia seed water? Many people drink chia seed water to help them lose weight. Drinking chia seeds, water improves digestion and hydration of the body. It makes you feel fuller for longer, so you won't feel hungry between meals, and your appetite will reduce. Many people believe drinking chia seed water after the meals helps them to poop regularly.    What are the health benefits of chia seed water?  Chia seed water is packed with fibre and protein. It also contains healthy unsaturated fats, including omega-3, and antioxidants, as well as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and B vitamins. Antioxidants in chia seeds may help you reduce high blood pressure, fight inflammation and skin hydration. Fibre and omega-3 fatty acids will benefit your heart health. Chia seeds may help you balance blood sugar levels and promote strong healthy bones.  Is it good to drink chia seed water every day? Chia seed water is considered a wellness and feel-good drink and can be a great addition to your everyday diet. You can drink it at any time of the day, including breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack between the meals. If you have it in the late afternoon or evening, it will make you feel less hungry and you will ear less for dinner.       

Supermarkets don't have it all! If you're looking for speciality drinks and feel good beverages, try online shops where you can find good quality speciality beverages, h ealthy fermented drinks like kombucha or kefir water, coconut water, organic ginger beer, organic lemonade and jiggers.  Kombucha  Kombucha is a fermented probiotic drink made from black tea or green tea, which can be flavoured with different fruits. Kombucha has great health benefits, including improving digestion - that's why it is known as good for your gut drink.  Our tip:  Organic Lemon &amp; Ginger Jun-Kombucha - Loving Foods Loving Foods Jun-Kombucha is naturally cultured using organic green tea a using a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) to drive the fermentation process.  Organic ginger beer Ginger beer is a carbonated, non-alcoholic drink made from ginger, sugar, water, and yeast. This spicy and refreshing drink is perfect not only for summer. It has been known and produced for centuries, and it is enjoyed alone as a soft drink or a mixer in cocktails. Our tip:  Cool Ginger Beer 270ml - Organic - Luscombe This delicious drink is made with fresh root ginger, brewed into a d...

Packed with oxidants and vitamins, this delicious smoothie is an ideal refreshment on hot days. 

Refreshing blackberry oats smoothie made with dairy-free milk. 

Colourful and delicious granola meal - a perfect summer breakfast! 

Whole grain bread, toasted and topped with peanut butter, sliced banana, chia seeds a bit of agave. Kids will love it!

Super nutritious breakfast with granola , fresh figs and plant-based yoghurt. 

A new study reveals that consuming whole food protein from plants can help reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease is a severe condition that causes the malfunctioning of kidneys. It's a very sneaky illness, as those who suffer from it have no symptoms initially; however, they may experience kidney failure in the long run. According to a recent study by the National Kidney Foundation, eating more plant-based protein on a daily basis can help lower the risk of chronic kidney disease. The study shows that minimising animal protein intake and replacing it with plant-based alternatives may significantly lower the risk of the illness. Healthy plant-based foods rich in protein include legumes like beans, lentils, chickpeas, and soy, as well as different kinds of nuts and seeds, and healthy Asian fermented foods like tofu and tempeh. Proteins are made with essential amino acids, essential building blocks for human body cells. Even though plant-based foods may have lower biological value, combining them with similar foods provides enough amino acids for the cells to grow. The researchers analysed medical history, food habits and lifestyle data from 117,809 participants available on Biobank. The team primarily analysed the protein intake of the participants and came to the conclusion that people who ate more plant-based protein and animal-free foods were less likely to develop chronic kidney disease. Even though the study gives promising results for a plant-based protein diet, the scientists agree with the study's limitations and suggest more research ...

Can drinking a couple of cups a day of coffee protect you from early death? More scientific evidence claims that moderate consumption of coffee is good for your health. The new study results show that drinking two to three coffee cups daily can protect you from cardiovascular disease and early death.   According to a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, coffee significantly lowers the risk of coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure and stroke for different types of coffee. Only ground coffee and instant coffee with caffeine reduced the risk of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). The researchers said that decaffeinated coffee did not lower that risk.   The latest study is based on data from the UK Biobank. This research database contains information about the coffee consumption preferences of nearly 450,000 adults in the UK.    The participants were free of arrhythmia or other cardiovascular disease at the beginning of the study. The scientists divided them into four groups: those who drank caffeinated ground coffee, those who drank decaffeinated coffee, those who chose caffeinated instant coffee, and those who did not drink coffee at all.   The researchers examined medical and death records for reports of arrhythmia, cardiovascular disease, stroke and death after over 12 years and adjusted them for age, diabetes, ethnicity, high blood pressure, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, sex, smoking status, tea and alcohol consumption and they found all types of coffee, including decaffeinated coffee were linked with a reduction in death from any cause.   Participants ...

Are macadamia nuts healthy?  Macadamia nuts are rich in nutrients. They are packed with healthy mono-saturated fats. They also contain vitamins (including B6), fibre, thiamine, manganese, copper, magnesium, and iron. Macadamia  nuts are low in carbs and sugar, which makes them good for people with diabetes (they will unlikely cause a spike in your sugar level). They also contain flavonoids which are antioxidants helping to fight inflammation and lower cholesterol. Additionally, they are loaded with  tocotrienols, a kind of vitamin E, another antioxidant which may help lower cholesterol levels.  What are the health benefits of macadamia nuts? Eating macadamia nuts is linked to  several health benefits, including lowering bad cholesterol, improving heart health and blood sugar control, and helping digestion and weight management (despite the high-calorie content). Macadamia nuts are also associated with a lower risk of developing cancer and brain diseases.   Why are macadamia nuts expensive? The reason why macadamia nuts are so expensive is the fact that they are tree nuts. They are not only rare but need a long time to grow. The trees take years from planting to harvest (between three to e...

The positive impact of nuts on our mental health Eating just a handful of organic nuts such as almonds , cashews , walnuts , peanuts ,  pistachios , and hazelnuts daily may help you lower the risk of depression by 17%, new study results revealed.  The research results were published in the journal Clinical Nutrition and suggest that consuming nuts have a positive impact on human mental health.  Based on data from 13,000 adults Scientists involved in the research gathered data from Biobank, an online database of medical, lifestyle and food habits records of half a million people in the UK.  The team analysed data from more than 13,000 people aged 37-73 between 2007 and 2020. One serving a day helps prevent depression The research results suggest that adults who declared consuming a 30 g serving of nuts every day were less likely to get diagnosed with depression compared to those who did not eat nuts at all. Health properties of nuts The study does not explain why this happens, but the scientists claim it is related to nuts' anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Nuts contain vital and high-quality nutrients like phenols or phytosterols, fibre, healthy protein, vitamins, monounsatura...

Summer grilled vegetables salad, served with chilli flakes, oregano, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. 

The industrialisation of the food system, technology and globalisation have led to a transition in our food habits.  The dietary patterns worldwide are becoming more processed and less diverse. Ultra-processed foods are now dominant in the global food supply.  Today, the UK population's diet is mainly made up of ultra-processed food. Statistics show that between 60 and 70 per cent of the average adult's diet is ultra-processed food.    What is the difference between processed and ultra-processed food?  Humans have been processing food since ancient times. Because food was precious for our ancestors, they developed natural methods and techniques to preserve food for longer and avoid food waste. They used to make flour out of grains, dry the fruits, ferment the veggies, and keep the meat in salt; all of that allowed the early humans to have food safe to consume for longer and available in winter months when they couldn't grow the crops. Today, we have an abundance of food; we buy too much of it, don't care about the quality, and sadly, we waste a lot. There are three types of food: whole food (unprocessed), processed food and ultra-processed food.  Whole food is totally unprocessed real food like vegetables and fruits, milk, etc. Naturally processed food can be fermented vegetables (like kimchi or pickles); processed food is made with natural food ingredients, for example, butter made with milk, bread tradi...

Sorghum Flour   What is sorghum slour? Sorghum flour is a sweet gluten free flflour made with sorghum, also known as a pseudo-grain, sorghum is the seed of a grass similar in size and flavour to millet.  Originating in Australasia, it is grown around the world but as a staple part of the diet in parts of Africa. The wholegrain is used for milling into soft flour with a mild flavour.   How to use sorghum flour? Organic sorghum flour is great for making breads, flatbreads, pancakes, porridge, biscuits, muffins and cakes.  Traditionally used in India to make flatbread such as jowar roti.   Chickpea flour   What Is chickpea flour? Chickpea flour also known as Gram Flour and Besan is made with chickpeas. It is a highly  nutritious  food which provides great health benefits.  It also has high soluble fibre content which is beneficial for the health of the heart because it contains healthy unsaturated fats which help you fight bad cholesterol.   How do you use gram flour? Organic chickpea flour is naturally gluten-free and can easily substitute wheat flour in many recipes. So it is great for cooking and baking, can be used and an egg substitute in vegetarian and vegan diet.    <a href="https://w...

  Green veggies Green veggies like spinach, kale, and broccoli will provide you with iron, folate, calcium, vitamins like vitamin C, beta carotene, and antioxidants. Eat veggies on any occasion - add them to your every meal or have them as a simple raw snack.    Oats It's a great way to start your day with oats! Whether you choose jumbo oats , toasted oats, oatmeal or porridge, you will give your body a great dose of fibre and an energy boost for the entire day. Oats will keep you full for longer, so you won't be looking for any snacks before lunch. They are also rich in nutrients that will help you fight some common diseases, like heart disease and diabetes.    Beans Beans are one of the best foods you can it. Packed with plant-based protein and a lot of fibre, They're also a great source of antioxidants, magnesium and potassium.    Lentils Lentils are one of the best sources of plant-based protein, meaning that meals with lentils can replace meat dishes. Lentils are also rich in folate, a nutrient supporting healthy cell growth and function.    Barley <a href="https://w...

A traditional Korean staple, kimchi , is now becoming very popular worldwide. Kimchi is made with fermented cabbage and may include other vegetables and seaweed. Koreans consume kimchi as a side dish for nearly every meal. The importance of fermented foods such as kimchi or sauerkraut for gut health is nothing new, but this Asian delicacy is getting more attention due to its wide range of health benefits. A new study published in the Journal of Ethnic Foods reveals that kimchi is a real “medicinal food”. It prevents atherosclerosis and liver damage caused by high cholesterol, improves general metabolic parameters, fasting blood glucose and cholesterol, improves cognitive deficiencies, increases immunity and protects against atopic dermatitis as well as helps fight cancer. The study results show that kimchi has anti-inflammatory properties, improves general vital functions caused by cancer, induces apoptosis (programmed cell death, essential in fighting cancer) and prevents colon cancer.  The research has been based on the analysis of 11 randomly selected clinical trials that included 608 participants. The fermentation of kimchi involves numerous microorganisms, such as lactic acid bacteria, which have probiotic properties and take care of the intestinal microbiota. Kimchi s also a source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, potassium and calcium. Eating more fermented foods such as kimchi or sauerkraut can also help reduce stress. The latest study shows more evidence that kimchi is safe and offers positive health benefits, including fighting obesity and irritable bowel syndrome. However, there is no scientific review of how much kimchi and...

High in fibre, packed with antioxidants, tasty and easy to make! Try this delicious breakfast muesli bowl. 

Looking for a healthy and refreshing summer dessert or a delicious breakfast? This one is for you! 

Try this very tasty lunch bowl - packed with plant-based protein and iron.

Easy, quick and tasty couscous salad. Perfect for summer days!