Archive for the health food Category
Manuka Honey Health Benefits
27/02/2012 by admin.
Manuka honey is marketed as the health honey but is it really? What does this magical honey have that others do not and is it as good for our health as manufacturers would have us believe?
Even though its main constituent is sugar there is no question that honey is good for you. Honey is not only a natural sweetener but also has vitamin B6, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, folate, vitamin c, riboflavin, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc. However, Honey can sometimes carry a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum, which can be dangerous for infants as they have underdeveloped intestinal tracts. Therefore, it is not recommended that you feed honey to a child under one year old.
Honey also has antioxidants, which can help counteract harmful free radicals. Free radicals are unpaired electrons inside our cell’s molecules. The unpaired electron searches for another electron to become stable. It then steals an electron from another stable molecule. Thus producing another unstable electron. This causes a chain of events, which may end up destroying the entire cell. It is thought that Antioxidants neutralise free radicals by donating an electron and therefore halting the destructive process.
In addition to these health benefits, honey is also said to have antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Honey has been used to treat wounds for infection for thousands of years. Recent research suggests that honey may be beneficial in treating some bacterial infections, which have become resistant to certain drugs. It has been suggested that it may be beneficial in treating MRSA.
The antibacterial properties of honey come from the Hydrogen Peroxide produced by the activity of the enzyme Glucose Oxidase. This enzyme, in standard honey, is reduced when light or heat is introduced. The more light or heat the honey is exposed to, the quicker the enzyme will be deactivated. This is where Manuka honey excels. The difference between standard honey and Manuka honey is said to be that Manuka honey’s antibacterial properties are produced from non-peroxide activity. This means that its antibacterial properties are not affected by light and heat and will not be deactivated.
It is easy to identify these Manuka honeys as it has a UMF rating. This means ‘Unique Manuka Factors’. This represents the antibacterial properties of the honey. The higher the UMF rating on the honey, the higher the antibacterial properties will be. These properties will have been independently tested in a laboratory.
Honey is a delicious energy provider with the added bonus of nutrients and antioxidants. If you are looking for something delicious to put on your toast in the morning, standard honey is fine. However, if you are looking for a honey that is not only delicious but retains its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, Manuka honey may be worth the extra cost.
For more information please visit www.naturalmatter.co.uk
Herbal Tea Health Benefits
29/01/2012 by admin.
Have a look at this Herbal Tea Health Benefits page. It lists many herbal teas and their suggested benefits. Herbal teas have been used for centuries to cure minor ailments. Whether or not you believe that they do have specific medicinal benefits, one thing the teas do have is a high vitamin content. Why not substitute your fizzy soda drink or your high caffeine jet fuel for a delicious fruity tea instead. Who knows, they may have those hidden health benefits after all.
For a fantastic range of organic herbal teas, including green tea and fruit flavoured teas visit the natural matter herbal tea page.
Horsetail Herbal Tea
05/12/2011 by admin.
The Horsetail herb has a mild diuretic effect and increases the activity of the kidneys and bladder. It has the ability to rid the body of water. Therefore, it is often found to be an ingredient in many weight loss products.
Other studies have suggested that horsetail has antioxidant properties. Therefore, Horsetail could help the body neutralise harmful free radicals.
The horsetail herb has been used in herbal medicine for centuries . The herb dates back to ancient Greece or Rome when it was used to stop bleeding and heal wounds.
Horsetail contains silicon which is important for bone strengthening. The Silicon helps the body process more Calcium.Therefore, the herb has been linked with the treatment of Osteoporosis.
To enjoy this drink it is recommended that you pour fresh boiling water over the bag. Brew the Horsetail for up to 10 minutes. You do not need to remove the bag from the cup. You can sweeten the drink if required.
We also have Horsetail Plant Juice 200ml.
An alternative is to drink horsetail in a delicious juice. This horsetail juice may help support the urinary system. Horsetail contains plant complexes including many minerals and trace elements. Together these nutrients help strengthen, the skin, hair and nails. However, a more pronounced feature of their interaction is the natural diuretic and anti inflamatory effect it has on the urinary tract system.
Please see more in the Natural Matter health and fitness shop for the entire Floradix range.
The Health Benefits of Cacao Powder
11/10/2011 by admin.
The seed of the cacao tree, the cacao bean, has had a lot of attention recently due to its apparent health benefits. This sweet tooth alternative is the new super-super food of choice, as it is a fantastic alternative for chocolate lovers and health advocates alike.
Cacao beans are grown and cold pressed. The cacao butter oil is removed after pressing and the cacao cake-like residue is ground into a fine powder.
The powdering process is ‘undertaken in a controlled environment ensuring the temperature remains low, therefore maintaining the nutritional potency. In fact processing Cacao in this way actually increases the health benefits up to 33%.’ - Creative Nature.
Cacao powder is packed with nutrients. The powder has a higher amount of antioxidants than green tea, raw blueberries or any other nutritionally dense food. This has been measured using the ORAC test. ORAC stands for oxygen radical absorbance capacity. This test measures how a food can combat the harmful effects of free radicals. (Free radicals are responsible for disease and the aging process). Therefore, cacao beans really are a true super food as they outperform even the top foods on this scale. As well as having an abundance of antioxidants, the Cacao beans have a high amount of Magnesium. Magnesium plays many roles within the body but one important role is to help with the formation of bones and teeth. In addition to this, it assists in the control of blood pressure.
When mixed with fruit or anything with a natural sweetness the chocolaty flavour of the cocoa bean is released. Why not mix it into ice cream to make a truly delicious dessert? Smoothies and shakes taste delicious with the addition of cacao powder. The mouth-watering alternatives are endless. Just use your imagination.
Adding the Cacao powder to diary products does however inhibit the body’s ability to absorb the nutrients in the Cacao powder. So for best results the powder is best uncooked and not added to any diary products.
Try our extensive range of cacao nibs, cacao powder and many more healthier alternatives at www.naturalmatter.co.uk
Your Heart Health Tips
05/10/2011 by admin.
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vitamin e
Vitamin e is excellent if you want to prevent your arteries from thickening and can also increase the levels of ‘high density lipoprotein’ – which is good cholesterol. But if you have high blood pressure already, vitamin e can increase these levels so always check with your doctor before increasing your intake. |
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aspirin
Extensive research has been conducted into aspirin and significant benefits have been discovered concerning heart disease. It is a good idea to discuss with your doctor the benefits of taking aspirin, as it has been shown to be able to reduce the formation of blood clots. |
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garlic
Another great food for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol is garlic. It is recommended that you eat a whole clove a day. It is also possible to supplement your diet with garlic tablets. |
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ginger
This root vegetable is an excellent addition to any meal. Not only does it taste good but it is able to prevent heart disease and strokes. It does this by reducing internal blood clotting. It is possible to take the ginger in tablet, capsule or liquid form. |
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blood
pressure
You can watch your blood pressure closely by getting a home blood pressure monitoring kit, this will let you know if the actions you are taking to lower your levels are being effective or not. |
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vegetarianism Vegetarianism is particularly advantageous if you suffer with a heart problem or want to reduce your risk of heart disease altogether. There are fewer reported cases of heart disease among Vegetarians and Vegans (exclusion of dairy products, eggs and meat) because their diets contain less fat and cholesterol.
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isoflavones
Isoflavones can be found in soya beans, these have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and in turn heart disease. It is also possible to your supplement diet with Isoflavones in the form of tablets. |
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folic acid
Research has been conducted into Folic Acid and it has emerged that individuals who have good levels of folic acid are less likely to die of heart disease than those whose diets did not have enough. |
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sodium
Too much salt or sodium in your diet can cause high blood pressure. Try reducing the amount of salt you put into your food. It may also help to keep an eye on sodium levels in the food you are eating. The lower the levels the better. |
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workout
Regular aerobic exercise is really important as it strengthens the heart and lungs. It also keeps blood vessels working properly. People who do not take part in any exercise are twice as likely to develop heart disease than people who work out regularly. |
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relax
Learning how to relax is vitally important. Stress may be a contributing factor in heart disease and learning how to cope in stressful situations is essential. Relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga and have proved beneficial in coping with such situations. |
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fat
It is a fact that our daily fat consumption is over 35% of our daily calorie intake and this is a serious problem. It is recommended that we aim for around the 20% level. If you restrict your fat intake to about 10% of your daily calorie intake then there is significant research which suggests that, with the addition of exercise and relaxation techniques, an individual can significantly reduce their risk of heart disease. It may even be possible to unclog existing arteries. |
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family
Check if any members of your family have a history of heart disease of have died at an early age due to heart problems. Knowing your family history will enable you to be more aware of your own health and allow you to make health changes to combat a hereditary heart problem.
Exercise can be hazardous. If you use any of the ideas, techniques or suggestions discussed in these documents, all are undertaken at the reader’s sole discretion and risk.
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hawthorn
This is a great herb which strengthens the arteries and tones the heart muscle. It is possible to drink the herb as a tea, take it in extract, tincture or tablet form.
Warning:- The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, cure or treat any medical condition.
Should you have any medical condition, always consult your doctor, before undertaking any change in exercise or dietary advice. |
Wheat Sensitivity and Coeliac Disease - wheat free & gluten free diets
16/09/2011 by admin.
www.naturalmatter.co.uk
Wheat sensitivity is an allergic reaction or intolerance to wheat. It is a very difficult allergy to pinpoint, as each person’s reaction can be very different. Many people can overcome their allergy by sticking to a wheat free diet. Thankfully some sufferers can, after a period of abstinence, return to a diet where wheat is eaten in moderation. However, others have to remove wheat from their diets permanently. These individuals have to select wheat free foods for life.
Coeliac disease however, is when the small intestine cannot absorb all the nutrients from the food you are eating. The fronds on the intestinal wall become damaged by gluten. (Gluten is a part of the protein found in barley, rye and wheat.) Once gluten is removed from the diet the fronds repair and are able to absorb nutrients from food once again. Unfortunately, for the sufferer, gluten can never be reintroduced into the diet. Therefore, they have to stick rigidly to a gluten free diet.
If you have recently been diagnosed with a wheat allergy or Coeliac Disease it can seem quite disheartening, as it appears every foodstuff contains either wheat or gluten. However, more and more companies are producing food that is safe for wheat free and gluten free diets.
Some of the varying symptoms for a wheat allergy are,
Sweating, skin rashes, asthma, irritability, stomach cramps, runny nose, migraine, sneezing, muscle pain, tiredness and difficulty swallowing.
Some of the symptoms for Coeliac Disease are,
Abdominal discomfort, tiredness, weight loss, diarrhoea, anaemia and fertility problems.
wheat free muesli gluten free chocolate chip cookies gluten free pasta wheat free cake
For all our gluten free and wheat free products please visit www.naturalmatter.co.uk
If you feel that you have some or all of these symptoms please seek advice from your doctor. It is not safe to start a restrictive diet without the correct medical supervision.
The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, cure or treat any medical condition. Should you have any medical condition, always consult your doctor, before undertaking any change in exercise or dietary advice.
Super foods
12/09/2011 by admin.
For our great range of organic health foods please visit www.naturalmatter.co.uk
If you are having trouble getting your five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, don’t despair. There are many nutritionally dense foods that can come to your rescue. These foods are often called ‘super foods’ because they are packed with vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Our bodies need vitamins and minerals to function and to stay healthy. By adding these super foods to a meal you can fill up on your fruit and veg portions in half the time.
Super foods have more vitamins and minerals than an average fruit or vegetable of the same size. In reality, super foods aren’t as exotic as you may think. Instead, they are regular fruit and vegetables, all readily available at any supermarket. You just need to know which are the true ‘super’ ones. Add them to any meal and you can significantly boost the nutritional content.
The super foods that we are listing in this article have an abundance of antioxidants. Antioxidants are a necessary part of the bodies own defence system. Antioxidants cancel out free radicals (unpaired electrons) that are causing damage to surrounding cells.
As an example, Vitamin C sacrifices itself to counteract the destruction caused by free radicals. The only problem is we cannot produce Vitamin C ourselves, so we have to get it from sources outside the body. It is vital that we replenish it on a regular basis. As we get older, our free radical defence system doesn’t work as effectively and extra Vitamin C is needed. So, if you can stock up on those super foods your body will thank you for it.
Here is the important SUPER FOODS list…
Goji berries – These wonderful berries have a high antioxidant level. Goji berries are said to improve, among other things, vision, complexion and circulation.
Ginger – Ginger is a powerful antioxidant. Scientists are investigating the idea that ginger aids in blood vessel balance.
Manuka honey - Manuka honey has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. These are said to be much higher in Manuka honey. Hydrogen peroxide is added to all honey by bees but in Manuka honey the bees add another substance. This substance has been called the Manuka Factor. A UMF of 10+ is recommended.
Red grapes – It has been proved that red grapes lower LDL blood cholesterol and prevent blood clots. For Grapeseed extract click here.
Cocoa – A great source of cocoa is dark chocolate. Choose a dark chocolate with a 70% or higher cocoa content. Don’t think that milk chocolate will do, it has to be dark.
Green Leafy vegetables – spinach or kale. A true super food. Jam packed full of vitamins.
Green tea – Through its processing it has held onto more of the nutrients from the plant.
Broccoli – Broccoli contains antioxidants including vitamin C but it is also a great source of naturally occurring folic acid. Folic acid isn’t just for pregnant women. It is thought that increasing your levels of folic acid may prevent heart disease.
Flaxseed – Flaxseed is high in the b vitamins, it’s a super grain that leaves all the others in the shade. This grain is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids and has a high fibre content.
Avocado - Avocados are full of B vitamins and folic acid. They are known as nutrient enhancers. When avocados are eaten with other nutrient rich foods they help the body absorb those nutrients. They also help lower cholesterol levels and are a great source of monounsaturated fatty acids.
Sweet potatoes - Sweet potatoes are high in fibre, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, manganese and potassium.
Tomatoes – Tomatoes are a great immune system booster. Many studies have claimed there are many health benefits to be gained from eating this super food. One of which is a reduced risk of heart disease.
Natural yogurt – This super food has probiotic cultures. These are said to keep the intestines healthy and in addition they boost the immune system.
Garlic - Garlic can help protect against heart disease by thinning the blood and helping to lower cholesterol.
Blueberries - Blueberries have one of the highest levels of antioxidants. If there is one super food that you should add to your diet, blueberries should be it.
Nuts - Nuts are full of nutrients. Nuts have fibre, calcium, protein, vitamin E, iron, magnesium and selenium.
Peppers - All peppers contain compounds called capsaicinoids. These capsaicinoids are said to have anti-inflammatory effects and are said to be great for your heart.
Acai berries– Acai berries are packed full of antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids.
Kiwis – This fruit is rich in vitamin C and Vitamin E.
Quinoa - Quinoa is high in protein and includes all nine essential amino acids.
vitamin chart
31/07/2011 by admin.
Vitamin Chart
Read the vitamin chart to see what vitamins we need daily. Most, if not all, can be obtained from a healthy balanced diet. For our vitamin and mineral supplements please visit http://www.naturalmatter.co.uk
However, it is possible to take multi-vitamins to maintain your RDA (Recommended
Daily Allowance), manufacturers claim to be able to supplement diets that may be lacking in certain essential vitamins and minerals.
| Vitamin |
RDA |
Source |
Action |
| Vitamin A (retinol) |
2500IU |
Liver, halibut liver, cheese and eggs. |
Helps with skin, bones, sight, growth and fighting infections like Anaemia. |
| Vitamin A (beta carotene) |
No RDA set |
Present in fruit and vegetables. |
Antioxidant, anti-cancerous. |
| Vitamin B1 (thiamine) |
RDA 1.1 mg |
Dried brewers yeast, brown rice, nuts, pork, oat flakes, wholegrain, liver and wholemeal bread |
Supports growth, converts glucose into energy in muscles and nerves. |
| Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) |
RDA 1.3 mg |
Liver, wheat germ, cheese, eggs, meats, yoghurt, milk, green vegetables |
Converts proteins and fats and sugars into energy. Formation of red blood cells and antibodies. |
| Vitamin B6 (pyrodoxine) |
RDA 1.6 mg |
Bananas, whole wheat, yeast extract, nuts, meat, fatty fish, potatoes |
Needed for the formation of brain and nerve tissue, blood formation, energy production and antidepressant. |
| Vitamin B12 |
RDA 2 mcg |
Pork, Beef, Lamb, White fish, Eggs, Cheese. |
Metabolises protein, carbohydrates and fats. Maintains nervous system and formulates blood cells, detoxifies Cyanide in food. |
| Biotin |
No RDA DRI 30 mcg |
Dried brewers yeast, pigs kidney, yeast extract, eggs, whole grains, maize (corn). |
Maintains healthy skin, hair, nerves, bone marrow and sex glands. |
| Vitamin C |
RDA 60 mg |
Many citrus fruits, cherry juice, blackcurrants, guavas, green peppers. |
Promotes a strong immune system. Promotes iron absorption from food, controls cholesterol. Antioxidant, maintains healthy blood vessels, anti-stress hormones. |
| Choline |
No RDA DRI 10 - 100 mg |
Cereals, Nuts, pulses, beef heart, egg yolk, citrus fruits. |
Is a fat stabilizing agent. Builds neurotransmitters. |
| Vitamin D |
RDA 5 mcg, upper levels to 50 mcg |
Created from exposure to sunlight, cod liver oil, sardines and tuna. |
Sustains health of bones, proper utilization of calcium. |
| Vitamin E (D-alpha tocopherol) |
RDA 5 mcg |
Soya bean oil, sunflower oil, peanut oil. |
Antioxidant, maintains healthy blood vessels, anti blood clotting agent. |
| Folic Acid |
RDA 180 mcg DRI 400 mcg |
Soya flour, nuts, green leaf vegetables and wheat bran. |
Genetic code transmission. Creates red blood cells. Used in digestion, metabolises protein. |
| Vitamin K |
RDA 65 mcg |
Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, lettuce, spinach, cabbage, tomatoes. |
Blood clotting. |
| Niacin Vitamin b3 |
RDA 15 mg DRI 14 mg |
Nuts, chicken, Soya flour, fatty fish, whole grains, cheese, dried fruits. |
Healthy nervous system, cells, skin, and helps with digestion. |
| Pantothenic Acid |
DRI 5 mg |
Dried brewer’s yeast, nuts, wheat bran and eggs. |
Production of energy, anti-stress hormones, controls fat metabolism and cholesterol. |