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The Health Benefits of Turmeric For Autoimmune Diseases

Posted on by venadmin

Did you know that all disease starts with inflammation? In fact, it is one of the drivers and main symptoms of most autoimmune diseases, from Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis to Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Inflammation typically appears as swelling or joint pain, but can present itself in many ways and can also be silent.

When it comes to autoimmune diseases, the natural anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can help – and that’s why we’ve made it the main ingredient in our Turmeric Blend.

Turmeric, along with 12 other natural whole-foods, work in harmony to reduce inflammation and the pain that comes with it.

For someone with an autoimmune disease, the natural anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can truly make a difference in day-to-day life.

What are autoimmune diseases?

Autoimmune diseases all have one thing in common, which is that they cause your immune system to attack the healthy cells within your body.

In this condition, your body cannot tell the difference between those cells that keep you healthy and functioning, and those that are foreign and potentially dangerous. All of this confusion leaves your body at the mercy of a mistaken immune system.

Turmeric has the ability to assist the immune system to regulate or modulate itself, and this helps place the autoimmune condition into remission.

The following are a list of autoimmune diseases that a natural anti-inflammatory like turmeric could help:

  • Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, which attacks your thyroid, the small gland at the base of your neck responsible for metabolism, growth and development.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis, which causes swelling around the joints that leads to redness, stiffness and joint pain.
  • Graves Disease is another autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid gland. It causes an overproduction of thyroid hormones and can result in hand tremors, weight loss, a swollen thyroid and puffy eyes.
  • Psoriatic Arthritis affects only those who already have psoriasis, causing inflammation of the joints as well as scaly skin patches and a flaky scalp.
  • Crohn’s Disease inflames the bowel, affecting the digestive tract and resulting in diarrhea, weight loss and abdominal pain.
  • Multiple Sclerosis affects the central nervous system. By causing severe nerve damage, it can sever the communication link between the brain and the body.

Our personal experience with autoimmune disease

Co-founder of Flourish, Chris Ashton was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2003. Upon receiving his diagnosis, Chris began researching what lifestyle changes he would need to make in order to minimise the impact of MS on his life.

With a Master of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering and a Bachelor Health Science (Nutritional Medicine), Chris’ methodical brain helped him to see and understand the impact of food as medicine.

Using this knowledge – including all of their research and further studies into autoimmune disease – the Flourish team understands the intricacies of autoimmune disorders.

They know what can help to significantly reduce, and in some cases even reverse, the inflammatory symptoms associated with autoimmune conditions.

How the health benefits of turmeric can help

It is not the turmeric itself that has anti-inflammatory properties, but the curcumin component within it. The remaining nutrients in the spice help with absorption, utilisation and protection from the curcumin itself so that the body is able reap its anti-inflammatory benefits.

Like all foods, turmeric is best consumed in its natural form in order to fully reap all of its nutrients. We always recommend staying away from curcumin extracts – and extracts in general – because mother nature intended turmeric as a whole food.

Turmeric contains over 300 different phytonutrients which work together to ensure that all of them are put to use within the body.

By only taking curcumin as a single extract, you won’t receive all of the health benefits of the whole food, and it may even have harmful effects on the gut.

Because a key driver of autoimmune disease is inflammation, treating these diseases is about finding a way to reduce the inflammatory levels in your body.

Our Turmeric Blend harnesses the health benefits of turmeric and its natural anti-inflammatory properties to relieve painful inflammation and reduce the many associated symptoms of autoimmune diseases, which can include a multitude of ailments from joint pain to digestive issues.

Choose a plant-based diet

If you really want to quell the effects of an autoimmune disease, the best advice we can offer is to transition over to a plant-based diet.

Highly processed foods like refined sugars, refined flours and refined carbohydrates all cause inflammation in the body, as does consumption of red meat and dairy.

By cutting out processed foods like lollies, chocolate, fried food, breakfast cereals and bread – and replacing them with whole foods that fight inflammation like fruits and vegetables – you will have a much better chance of reducing the impact that an autoimmune disease can have on your everyday life.

By making positive lifestyle changes that last and embracing natural anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric, you have the power to change your life for the better – just like Chris did!

A natural anti-inflammatory like turmeric has the power to heal.

Why Beetroot Powder Is a Superfood, And How To Add It To Your Diet

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Beetroot is one of only a select few vegetables with the power to cleanse your liver naturally, which makes beetroot powder a superfood.

Not only does it help with liver function, but beetroot powder also has the ability to improve athletic performance and heal fatty liver naturally. Because beetroot has so many beneficial health properties, we’re not surprised that the red veggie has earned superfood status.

With over 500 essential functions to perform within the body, the liver needs all the assistance it can get to continue working at optimum capacity. By taking a natural beetroot powder supplement like our Daily Detox blend, you can help your liver get the job done.

Beetroot powder recipes

Our beetroot powder blend is an all-natural health supplement packed with beetroot and 9 other plant-based whole foods that work together to improve liver function as well as blood, digestive and kidney health.

Taking a beetroot powder supplement also helps the cardiovascular system by increasing the release of oxygen from the blood by 20% and thereby enhancing athletic performance and endurance.

There are a huge number of everyday recipes that beetroot powder can be added to in order to ensure your liver is getting the love it deserves. Here are some of our favourites:

Detox Chia Pudding

Who doesn’t love a sweet dessert packed with nutritional goodness? Beetroot powder is what lends our Detox Chia Pudding its delicious strawberry colour and powerful liver health boost.

Thanks to the added bonus of satiating chia seeds, our Detox Chia Pudding is a tasty treat jammed with protein, fibre, Omega-3 and antioxidants.

Chocolate Smoothie

It’s easy to add healthy extras like beetroot powder to your breakfast smoothie while still maintaining that delicious fruity flavour.

Switch out the Prebiotic Blend in our Chocolate Smoothie for Daily Detox and you can wake up to a liver-loving breakfast every day of the week.

Hummus

For a yummy afternoon snack with carrots or corn chips, use roasted beet or beetroot powder to create a fast and easy hummus dip with a twist.

Add 1 flat tablespoon of Daily Detox to our favourite Hummus recipe and enjoy a nutritious pink treat that your liver will love.

Raisin Cookies

Combining raisins and beetroot powder might sound like a strange mix, but the two make a surprisingly flavourful pairing.

With an added tablespoon of Daily Detox to our Raisin Cookies recipe, you can satisfy your cookie craving and delight your liver all at the same time.

Heal and cleanse your liver with beetroot powder

There are so many different ways that you can add beetroot powder to your diet, and your liver will reap the benefits when you do. By embracing this bright superfood, you can help to detoxify and heal your body naturally.

If keeping it simple is more your style, all you have to do is stir into a glass of water a tablespoon of our Daily Detox blend and drink it down after dinner. Whichever natural way you choose to consume beetroot powder, your body and liver will benefit.

 

Cooking For a Healthy Gut – Book Your Spot!

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Gut-healing foods

Learning what foods heal or harm the gut and then how to prepare those foods, so they taste super awesome.

About this Event

Do you suffer from bloating, decreased moods, sugar cravings, aches and pains?
Do you suffer from a leaky gut, constipation or diarrhoea?
Would you like a gut that feels calm, flat and happy?
Have you got a health challenge, thyroid maybe, autoimmune?

Then this cooking class is for you. Book your spot here

Medicinal Nutritionist Kathy Ashton – founder of Flourish Live Naturally – teaches you how to cook foods that help your gut microbiome flourish. All disease begins in the gut, according to Hippocrates, and this has never been more evident than today.

Most of us know that eating refined, processed, sugary, packaged foods is bad, but often it is these very foods that we crave. So how can you create healthy foods in your own kitchen, foods that are not only delicious but also allow your gut microbiome to flourish.

Kathy is a science nerd, and a passionate cook, who loves to impart knowledge about why you should and shouldn’t eat certain foods. Her goal is to educate and show you some tools that allow you to cook foods for a healthy gut with confidence.

After all what you eat today, walks and talks tomorrow.

This two-hour cooking class is more than just a cooking class, it is focused on educating you about your gut and the food you eat, as well as being interactive.

When you book your spot, the ingredients list will be emailed to you so you can cook along with Kathy, should you desire.

Alternatively, if you would like to simply watch and focus on what is being said and done and write down notes, you can do that too.

There will be time to ask questions, both from a cooking perspective or a health topic perspective, Kathy will be only too happy to answer these.

Kathy is often seen at the Mind Body Spirit Festivals cooking up a storm on the Soul Kitchen to very large audiences, but due to Covid-19, MBS has been postponed.

She is now bringing those cooking classes online and into your kitchen.

Best Plant-Based Proteins

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Why do we need protein?

The world is fixated on the word ‘protein’. But where do you get your protein from if you’re following a whole food plant-based diet?

Protein is a macro element found in food – both in plants and in animals. Despite what the influential dairy and meat industries might have you believe, proteins are not just found in animal products. In reality, all plants are made up of proteins too.

Proteins help to build and repair our muscles, skin and internal organs. They also produce enzymes and hormones and help our immune systems to fight off infection. Loaded with vitamins and minerals, the list of benefits that proteins provide is long.

How much protein do we need?

When following a plant-based diet, it is important to eat plants that are high in protein. By eating plants with a higher protein content, you won’t have to graze all day like a gorilla or a cow in order to consume all the protein your body needs to repair, rebuild and grow.

As a growing human (e.g. a child or an athlete building muscle mass), we need 0.8 grams of protein per kilo of body weight. However, to simply maintain and repair our bodies as an adult, we really only need 0.4-0.5 grams of protein per kilo of body weight.

Here’s an example for putting these numbers into your day-to-day: 1 bowl of porridge is 7-8 grams of protein, and 100 grams of potato is 100 grams of protein.

The best sources of plant-based proteins

It’s important to note that animal proteins are pro-inflammation, which means that the more you consume, the higher your level of inflammation. Stick to plant-based protein and you won’t have to worry about inflammation overload.

Protein can be easily obtained from an entirely plant-based diet. Some plant-based foods are much higher sources of plant proteins, such as the following:

Chickpeas

Also known as garbanzo beans, chickpeas are the main ingredient in our Flourish hummus recipe, and they make for a delicious curry or salad.

A great source of plant-based protein, chickpeas also contain several vitamins and minerals including iron, folate, manganese, phosphorus and copper – all of which work together to keep your body in harmonious health.

Lentils

With up to 9 grams of protein per 100 grams, lentils are pretty high on the list of plant-based protein sources. These legumes are also packed with fibre, and like chickpeas, they contain numerous healthy vitamins and minerals.

Try incorporating lentils into your next veggie soup, or using them as the base for homemade lasagna. Both meals are perfect for keeping you warm this winter!

Vegetables

Vegetables are, and have always been, an excellent source of protein. There are a whole lot of tasty veggies that pack a protein punch, many of which are classics:

  • Green peas
  • Asparagus
  • Broccoli
  • Brussel sprouts
  • Bean sprouts
  • Spinach

Most of these veggies are easy to dish up with your favourite meals, but if you’re unsure or haven’t tried them before, it’s easy to look up a simple recipe for inspiration.

For example, brussel sprouts mightn’t be very popular, but sautee them with some pine nuts, sea salt and garlic, and you’ll wonder why you weren’t eating them sooner.

Nuts and seeds

Like vegetables, there are plenty of nuts and seeds around that are packed just as full of protein. These include:

  • Hemp seeds
  • Chia seeds
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Almonds
  • Pistachios
  • Cashews
  • Hazelnuts
  • Walnuts
  • Brazil nuts

Many of the nuts in this list can be made into nut butter, which makes a tasty treat when spread over some apple, banana or toast.

It’s also worth noting that chia seeds are exceptionally protein-heavy, as just one tablespoon contains up to 2 grams of protein. You can add chia seeds to smoothies, soups or salad, and there’s always the option to whip up a classic chia pudding.

Oats

Namely known for their vital role in the making of porridge, oats are a surprisingly high source of protein, with 10 grams of protein to every 100 grams of oats.

Oats are also a significant source of fibre, and studies suggest that they offer a number of health benefits including lowering cholesterol and promoting the feeling of being full after eating.

Protein is an important part of a healthy diet

Not only do proteins build and repair muscles, produce enzymes and hormones and boost our immune system, but they are also a significant energy source.

While too little protein can lead to shrinking muscle tissue, a build-up of fluids in the feet and ankles, and an iron deficiency in the blood, too much protein can be just as harmful. Finding the right balance of protein for any diet is an important element to be aware of.

There is a huge range of plant-based veggies packed full of protein, including nuts, legumes, vegetables, grains and more. To ensure you’re consuming enough protein whilst on a plant-based diet, all you need to do is eat the right foods to give you that boost.

Best Natural Anti-Inflammatory Herbs

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Herbs that help to reduce inflammation

When it comes to finding a natural anti-inflammatory, you might not have to look any further than the herbs and spices in your pantry.

While many of us already know about the health benefits of turmeric, there are numerous other common herbs and spices that have incredible natural anti-inflammatory properties.

By themselves, these herbs and spices aren’t likely to have much of an effect. However, when taken in conjunction with a plant-based diet and whole food, plant-based supplements, you may just start to see the symptoms associated with your inflammation – whether that be fatigue, pain, or infection, to name a few examples – improve with the use of these natural anti-inflammatories.

Flourish natural health supplements are made with premium, medicinal grade ingredients

Whilst the ingredients we use in our natural supplements are common to people’s pantries, the specific grade we use in our blends is less common.

Our ingredients are of a therapeutic nature and dose, which means that the grade of turmeric, cinnamon, chicory root and other whole foods we use is not the same as what you might find in your kitchen cupboard or on the supermarket shelf.

By using premium, medicinal grade ingredients, our health blends contain the highest quality nutrients that work together to effectively target and improve inflammation, liver function and digestive health.

Turmeric

The health benefits of turmeric are many, and the ancient spice is well known for its natural anti-inflammatory properties.

Turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, is the component that allows the spice to act as a natural remedy to reducing inflammation.

Our Turmeric Blend is a natural anti-inflammatory that harnesses the power of turmeric’s curcumin, as well as 12 other plant-based whole foods, to target, reduce and relieve inflammation in your body.

Ginger

Ginger is another spice known for its natural anti-inflammatory properties, having been used as a folk medicine for hundreds of years.

Studies have shown that ginger acts in much the same way as COX-2 inhibitors, which are a type of drug used specifically to treat and relieve inflammation.

Cinnamon

Often used in baking or sprinkled over a cappuccino, cinnamon is a popular spice that doubles as a natural anti-inflammatory.

These natural anti-inflammatory properties come from the polyphenol antioxidants that cinnamon is packed with, which may help to protect against disease and keep you in optimal health.

Try adding cinnamon to your next smoothie, bowl of porridge or hot drink – ideally, black tea, coffee or hot chocolate. A woody spice with a sweet and spicy aroma, it tends to work best with sweet dishes.

Cloves

While research on the natural anti-inflammatory properties of cloves is rather limited, one study shows that the spice does contain anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal, antimicrobial and anticancer properties.

You can infuse whole cloves into warm drinks like tea, or use powdered clove in baked and savoury meals.

Green tea

Renowned for its myriad health benefits, green tea has been used in China for thousands of years – and has since been shared with the rest of the world.

Green tea is another herb containing the antioxidants polyphenols, which have strong natural anti-inflammatory properties, and can also help to improve and treat digestive issues and diseases including diabetes.

Black pepper

Black pepper is a popular spice that can be found in most kitchens in Australia – and in other parts of the world, too. Piperine, one of the chemical compounds of black pepper, may help to fight the early stages of inflammation.

Not only does it contain natural anti-inflammatory properties, but black pepper also has antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. When used with turmeric, it helps to enhance the spice’s anti-inflammatory effects.

Garlic

Closely related to the leek, onion, shallot and chive, garlic is another spice (technically, it’s actually a vegetable) whose medicinal properties have been used for thousands of years.

Research has shown that not only does garlic have natural anti-inflammatory properties, but it also has additional benefits – garlic is well known for its ability to fight the common cold by acting as an immune system booster.

It also contains antioxidants that may help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as active sulfur compounds that can help to reduce blood pressure.

Incorporate these herbs and spices into your diet

Not only do these herbs and spices have natural anti-inflammatory effects on the body, but each of them is also a healthy (and delicious!) addition to any meal.

Fighting inflammation in your body is about embracing a diet filled with natural-anti inflammatory foods. Here at Flourish, we know that adopting a whole food, plant-based diet can significantly improve your health.

Our all-natural health blends – and more specifically, our Turmeric Blend – can help to boost your health and relieve inflammation throughout your body.

Fight inflammation with our Turmeric Blend

How Gut Health Affects Mental Health

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The global conversation around mental health

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), around 450 million people worldwide currently suffer from mental health disorders. In their lifetimes, 1 in 7 Australians will experience depression, and 1 quarter of the country’s population will experience anxiety.

Mental health disorders have become a global conversation, and there is a lot of research being done to identify the cause. Studies are beginning to show the significant connection between gut health and mental health, and how the two are intertwined.

The gut-brain connection

Also known as the gut-brain axis, the connection between the gut and the brain is a strong one. There is a bidirectional link between the two, which means that communication goes both ways – the gut can send and receive messages to and from the brain, and vice versa.

Interestingly, we can often feel emotion in our gut. Whenever you experience “butterflies”, or the feeling of being “sick to your stomach”, your brain and your gut are actually communicating with one another.

The gut microbiome refers to the community of bacteria in your intestines. When these bacteria are healthy and balanced, they work in harmony with the rest of your body.

However, when your gut microbiome is unbalanced, it has the power to negatively influence your brain – and thus, your mental health.

Food and mood go hand-in-hand

Research is making it clear that the food you consume can directly affect your mood. Foods that are high in sugar can give you a quick high followed by a crash, and carb-heavy, processed foods can put you to sleep.

It is no surprise, then, that certain foods can either boost or lower your mood.

Signs that your gut health could be affecting your mental health

Gas and bloating

If you are experiencing gas and bloating after a meal, it could be because your gut microbiome has become unbalanced and the bad bacteria within it has taken over.

This unbalance can be caused or worsened by excessive alcohol consumption, medication, antibiotics, external stress or a poor diet.

People who suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are likely to have associated mood disorders and anxiety. With a whole-food, plant-based diet, you can replenish the good bacteria in your gut, rebalance your microbiome and ease any IBS symptoms you may be experiencing.

Food intolerances or allergies

Allergies or intolerances to food can cause your stomach much discomfort, and can often lead to other afflictions like brain fog and fatigue.

While you might not be aware of any intolerances, it is important to determine whether certain food types may be harming your gut. By removing any foods from your diet that cause your body distress, you can boost your gut health and improve your mental health as a result.

Constant fatigue

When Candida albicans (a naturally-occurring yeast found within our bodies) overruns the gut, fatigue is just one of the many ways it can affect you – and your mental health. Because Candida albicans live off sugar, they cause intense sugar cravings.

These cravings, when succumbed to, will cause an initial spike in energy, followed by a crash that will only leave you craving more sugar for another energy boost. Poor quality sleep can also be a factor, as studies have shown that the gut microbiome can affect sleep regulation.

To help fight fatigue and give yourself an uninterrupted night’s sleep, ensure that your diet contains all of the necessary nutrients to keep you feeling energised and healthy – both mentally and physically.

Your gut health may be affecting your mental health

The food you eat has the power to take over your gut microbiome, which can bend your brain and your body to its unbalanced will. Our Prebiotic Blend feeds the good bacteria in your gut, strengthening your microbiome and improving your overall health and wellbeing.

By opting for a whole-food, plant-based diet, you can take one step further to restoring a healthy balance to your gut microbiome and improving your mental wellbeing along the way.

Improve your mental health with our Prebiotic Blend

Interesting Functions The Liver Performs Within The Body

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A liver cleanse will help your detoxifying organ in more ways than one

Renowned for its diligence in detoxifying the body, it’s easy to assume that the liver is just that: a detoxifier. In reality, the liver is a multifaceted organ with many different roles, serving over 500 essential functions within the body.

Made with beetroot powder, our Daily Detox blend will give your body the liver cleanse it needs to keep those 500 essential functions working at optimum capacity.

The liver is the largest solid organ in our bodies, and is the second heaviest (skin takes first place on the weight front). Not only is the liver a hard worker, but just like skin, it also has the unique ability to regenerate and heal itself.

Important liver functions

Regeneration

So long as it stays healthy, the liver has the power to completely regenerate itself, even when as little as 25% of the original tissue remains.

It can take anywhere from 8-15 days to regrow to its previous size and, once regenerated, the new liver can perform all of the same functions as before.

Bile production

Bile is a greenish-yellow secretion produced by the liver that helps the small intestine to remove waste and break down fats during the digestion process. It is made up of bilirubin, cholesterol, electrolytes, bile acids and salts, and water.

Cholesterol production

Your liver works in unison with the intestines to produce cholesterol, a wax-like type of fat found in every single cell within the human body. Though being linked to heart disease has given cholesterol a bad name, its role in the body is an important one.

So important, in fact, that 80% of cholesterol is produced by the body, and only 20% comes from food consumption. Cholesterol is vital because it’s needed to make hormones and vitamin D, aid with metabolism and build cell membranes.

Thyroid management

The thyroid gland releases thyroid hormones into the bloodstream to help with the growth, development and metabolism in the human body.

When the liver is working in healthy harmony with the thyroid gland, it can transport, metabolise, store and secrete thyroid hormones. This keeps your bodily processes regulated, like body temperature and heartbeat, as well as muscle and digestive function.

Blood clot regulation

Bile – which we now know is produced by the liver – helps with the absorption of vitamin K. Vitamin K helps to create coagulants that, in turn, assist with clotting the blood.

Your blood needs to clot when you get a cut or an open wound because the clotting helps to slow – and eventually, stop – the bleeding.

Bilirubin removal

The liver helps to excrete bilirubin from the body. Bilirubin is a substance formed through the process of breaking down red blood cells. An excess of bilirubin can lead to jaundice, an illness known for its yellowing effect on the eyes and skin.

Iron storage

The liver processes hemoglobin in the blood to use its iron content for storage. Stored in the form of ferritin, it will eventually be used to make new red blood cells. Not one to be exclusive with its storage, the liver also stockpiles numerous vitamins and minerals.

Toxin removal

While many of us are already aware of the liver’s detoxification capabilities, it is still important to note that this powerful organ removes toxins like drugs, alcohol and other poisonous substances from the body.

Infection prevention

The liver is a part of the immune system that helps to prevent infection by removing any harmful bacteria from the bloodstream before it can travel to the rest of the body. It destroys any potential pathogens that threaten to enter the bloodstream by way of the gut.

Conversion of glucose to glycogen

Depending on what your body needs, the liver can either store or produce glucose. Your cells use glucose for energy, but when glucose levels in the blood get too high, the liver converts glucose into glycogen and stores it in the body for future use.

Keep your liver healthy and it will keep you healthy, too

With so many different functions to perform, it is vital that you take care of your liver. When you take care of your liver, you can bet that it will take care of you, too. Our Daily Detox blend targets liver health and function and works to look after your liver for you.

Opt for a whole-food, plant-based diet to give your liver – and your body – the nutrients it needs to thrive. Remember that while your liver does have the power to regenerate, it can only do so when it’s healthy – which means that keeping your liver in optimal condition is key.

Keep your liver in optimal health with our Daily Detox blend

 

Why Olive Oil Isn’t Good For You

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Olive oil isn’t all it’s cracked up to be

With so many health experts heralding different advice as to what’s good for you and what isn’t, it can be hard to decipher the truth.

Olive oil is so commonly believed to be good for you because of its revered place in the Mediterranean diet – a diet which is renowned for being a healthy one.

But does that actually make it good for you? Or is it just another food type to be tossed into the ongoing healthy versus unhealthy conversation?

What is the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet consists mostly of vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts and whole grains. It’s considered to be healthy not only because of what it includes, but also because of what it doesn’t include: refined sugars and grains, as well as various processed foods and meats.

When people talk about the Mediterranean diet, they fail to mention that it consists of about 1 tbsp of olive oil per day. Unlike a typical Australian diet, where we might be consuming as much as 1 tbsp per meal.

Because the Mediterranean diet is well balanced and typically contains only healthy whole foods, the foods within it – including olive oil – tend to get the tick of approval. But olive oil is not as healthy as you might think.

Olive oil is unhealthy for your heart

Oil is heavily processed. To transition from an olive to an oil, olives have to be processed in such a way that their physical shape and appearance is completely broken down and liquified.

When food is highly processed, like chocolate bars or fast food burger buns, we know that it is bad for us because it has moved too far from its original, whole state.

When we look at olive oil through the same lens, we can see that it, too, transforms significantly from its original state. As a whole food, olives eaten in moderation are good for you. But as a highly processed oil? Not so much.

A monounsaturated fat

Monounsaturated fats have long been known as healthy fats. This is because they differ from saturated fats, which can be found in dairy products, certain kinds of oils, animal meats and processed snacks.

Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fat, and while monounsaturated fats are promoted as being better for you than saturated (and trans) fats, it still doesn’t mean that they’re healthy. It just means that both are fats, and one is slightly better for you than the other. Slightly.

Studies have shown that olive oil, though better for you than many other oils, could still lead to diseased arteries. Consumption of the oil has also been linked to increased atheroslerotic plaque build-up, a common cause of heart disease.

Olive Oil = BAD

Olive oil is a fat, and too much fat isn’t good for you. After being heavily processed, it also becomes nutrient deficient, and the best advice we can give you is to steer entirely clear of it.

There are many healthy and delicious meals that can be cooked without olive oil. You can still stir-fry, steam, bake, boil and roast all of your favourite foods without oil, and your heart will be much happier for it.

Is Chicory Root A Good Alternative For Coffee?

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What is chicory root coffee?

Chicory root coffee is exactly as it sounds: a coffee-like drink, but one made of chicory root instead of coffee beans. Following the same creation process as normal coffee, you can make the drink by roasting, grounding and brewing chicory root.

While it does taste similar to coffee, the chicory root drink has its own unique flavour. It is often described as woody, nutty and earthy – which makes sense, considering that the roots come from out of the earth itself!

The different types

There are two main kinds of chicory root coffee. One contains caffeine, and the other goes without. Straight-up chicory root coffee is brewed using only the root itself. Any added flavours or other ingredients will be free from caffeine, too.

Caffeinated chicory root coffee is made by mixing roasted, ground coffee with roasted, ground chicory root during the brewing process. Though both are tasty, we would recommend drinking the caffeine-free version if you want to go for the healthier option.

Health benefits of chicory root coffee

Chicory root has many health benefits, which include aiding digestion, feeding the good bacteria in your gut, and improving bowel movements. Drinking chicory root coffee has its added benefits, too.

  • Caffeine-free: So long as you’re opting for the caffeine-free version, chicory root coffee is naturally caffeine-free. Without the added caffeine stimulant, you won’t be left feeling more wired than you’d bargained for.
  • Prebiotic fibre: Chicory root is packed with inulin, a powerful prebiotic fibre that feeds the good bacteria in your gut to keep your gut microbiome healthy and balanced.
  • Digestion: Trading in your daily coffee for a chicory root alternative will work wonders for your digestive system, making bowel movements a much more pleasant experience.
  • Natural anti-inflammatory: Studies have shown that taking chicory root could help to reduce inflammation. Just like an apple, a chicory root coffee a day could help to keep the doctor away!

How to make chicory root coffee

If you’re making chicory root from scratch, it can be a bit of a process. There’s always the option to buy it premade, but making it yourself is doable, too! You’ll need a coffee grinder to do so, and if you’re planning to mix it with regular coffee, you’d best get some of that as well.

Make sure you’ve washed, cleaned and thoroughly dried out the roots before cutting them up into small cubes and laying them out on a baking tray. Cook the chicory root at 180 degrees celsius until golden brown.

After taking it out of the oven, let the chicory root cool entirely. Only once it has cooled can you put the cubes in the coffee grinder to grind it down to the same consistency as you would get with coffee.

If you want to mix your chicory root grinds with regular coffee, now’s the time! You can experiment with different amounts of each to find the flavour that best suits your taste.

The final step is brewing your chicory root coffee, which can be done using a French press, general coffee machine, or the classic pour-over. It’s your creation, so you can drink it however you like!

Chicory root coffee might not be for everyone

Chicory root coffee might not be for everyone. If it’s not your style, you can always try our Prebiotic Blend to get all of your daily chicory root benefits instead.

Packed full of nutrients from natural ingredients and with a chicory root base, our Prebiotic Blend will help to keep your gut, and your body, in balance. 21

Get your chicory root fix with our Prebiotic Blend

The Health Benefits of Turmeric For Diabetes

Posted on by venadmin

How does turmeric help to treat diabetes?

The health benefits of turmeric are plenty. That’s why it’s the star of our Turmeric Blend, a natural anti-inflammatory. The ancient yellow spice can help to heal your body in many ways, and it is no surprise that assisting with diabetes is one of them.

Turmeric’s curcumin component helps to fight disease, reduce inflammation and boost your body’s immunity – and it can be a helpful treatment for diabetes, too.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that comes about when your blood sugar levels are too high. If your blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, is working in harmony with your pancreas, then it becomes a valuable source of energy for your body.

However, when your blood sugar levels become too high, your pancreas starts malfunctioning. It is no longer able to produce insulin, a crucial hormone that helps to keep your blood sugar levels balanced. Without balance, your body becomes susceptible to diabetes.

A natural anti-inflammatory, turmeric’s curcumin has powerful healing properties

Natural anti-inflammatory

Because turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory, taking it daily helps to reduce inflammation in the body. Insulin resistance caused by diabetes leads to inflammation, and more inflammation means a higher insulin resistance.

Turmeric can help the body to absorb glucose and support your pancreas – the insulin-maker – in creating more insulin.

Manage your blood sugar levels

If your blood sugar levels get too high, a diabetes diagnosis won’t be far away. Curcumin, the active component of turmeric, can help to lower glucose levels in your blood by increasing insulin production in your pancreas.

Reduce complications

Diabetes can come with a myriad of complications that negatively affect your body, including damage to your nerves, kidneys, eyes, feet and hearing. It can also lead to cardiovascular disease and Alzeihmer’s.

Taking turmeric daily will help to fend of the rising complications that come with diabetes and maintain a healthier state for your body. Because turmeric can increase insulin production and reduce inflammation, it has the power to counteract inflammation and glucose-related illnesses.

Help to reverse prediabetes

Prediabetes happens when your blood sugar rises to a higher level than normal, but still falls short of the level found in those who have diabetes. Research has shown that turmeric can help to prevent prediabetes from turning into diabetes by helping to reduce your blood sugar levels.

Stop diabetes before it starts

While turmeric can help with managing and reversing the effects of diabetes, it often requires a lifestyle change in order for you to get your body back to optimal health.

Changing your diet, increasing daily exercise and quitting harmful substances like alcohol or cigarettes are a must if you want to stop diabetes before it starts (and reduce symptoms after it has already started).

Take care of your body, your health and your future with our curcumin-loaded Turmeric Blend.

See the health benefits of turmeric for yourself with our Turmeric Blend