Superfood powders: How could they benefit you?

 With so many superfood products on the market today, it can be hard to know exactly what to buy and how it could benefit you. This brief guide will introduce you to some of the superfood powders supplied by Detox Trading, with handy information about their background, benefits and how best to use them.

Lucuma Powder

Lucuma powder (pronounced Loo-Ku-Ma) is sourced from farms across Peru, particularly in Pesco, central Peru. This product is made from a raw and nutrient dense fruit, and is so widely sought after due to its exotic and fragrant flavour, that it’s been named the ‘Gold of the Incas’. Just some of the benefits of Lucuma powder include its ability to improve metabolism, the maintenance of healthy teeth and bones, and it encourages consistent function of cell membranes. 

Lucuma powder has a beautifully rich and creamy texture, making it a great addition to your breakfast smoothie and porridge. It can also be added to deserts and ice-creams and can even be made into a fruit coulis. Within Peru, it is one of the most popular desert flavours.

 Maca Powder

 Maca powder was originally cultivated in Peru, and has been grown and used consistently by the native Incas for over 2000 years. The powder itself comes in three different varieties; Yellow, black and red, each offering some different benefits due to the nutrients in the pigment of the plants skin. This superfood powder holds a variety of nutrients, including key vitamins such as B1, B2, C and E. It is also a great source of vitamin C and calcium, whilst containing fatty acids, alkaloids and steroids that help with the general maintenance and well-being of you and your body. This product is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, is completely GMO free, and free of all allergens, meaning that it’s suitable for wide range of dietary requirements.

 Maca powder has a range of medicinal uses that could improve numerous aspects of your life, from chronic fatigue and a weak immune system, to hormone balance and sexual function. The powder can be combined with juices, smoothies or even in porridge and cereals, you could even try making a maca-chino. 

Moringa Leaf Powder

Moringa Leaf Powder is derived from the Moringa Oleifera tree in India, otherwise dubbed as the ‘Miracle of Moringa’. It is most commonly used for its medicinal purposes, and it's bright green colouring. The flavouring is often likened to spinach or asparagus. This superfood powder is an excellent source of fibre and proteins, containing vitamins A, E, B1, B2, B3, B12 and C, and minerals iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and copper. This is your daily multivitamin in powder form! It also boasts an extremely long list of benefits that include metabolism maintenance, skin improvement, improved cardiovascular health and improved vision and muscle function. For a more comprehensive list, visit this page. 

Purple Corn Flour

Purple Corn Flour is unique variety of gluten-free flour, grown in the inter-Andean valleys of Lima, Ancash and Arequipa in Peru. The unique colouring of this flour has made it popular choice of dye and colourant in foods and drinks, and has been used by Native South Americans for centuries. It’s also a great replacement for wheat, corn and other flours, making it the perfect addition to cakes, breads, tortillas and even pancakes. This product is an antioxidant power house, due to its high levels of anthocyanins, which gives it the unique purple colouring. This powder can be used as an anti-inflammatory, and is also known to help lower blood pressure and maintain kidney health.

 Detox Trading is a family run businesses supplying premium, organic superfood products and powders to help improve the wellbeing of your body. Visit our website for further information about the products we stock.

Avoid the Christmas Slump and treat your body well this festive season.

Christmas is the time for great company, delicious food, and a magical time for all. But it won’t be long before it begins to take its toll. Soon comes the Christmas Slump - that groggy feeling caused by over-eating and an un-appreciation for the needs of your body. Luckily, we’ve taken a little time to think of some simple solutions to ensure that the Christmas Slump doesn’t spoil your festive season.

Everything in Moderation

Eating and drinking is almost unavoidable this time of year, and why not indulge a little? The important thing to remember is that moderation is key - something that we hear quite a lot when it comes to food and drink. Feel free to enjoy the foods you love, you deserve it after working so hard all year but consider taking a day or two, every now and again, to rest your system and prepare for the next day of merriment. If you can stick to the 80%-20% rule that's great (80% nourishing, 20% naughty), but if not just be aware of what you are consuming and how these foods can effect you. 

1 For 1

The 1 for 1 rule is very simple, if you decide to have a few cheeky tipples this season make sure that for every alcoholic beverage that you have, you also finish a glass of water immediately after. This is a good way to ensure that you stay refreshed and hydrated, helping you to avoid the horrendous Christmas hangover that we all know too well. Increased water intake will help to aid digestion, improve kidney and liver function, and keep your skin looking great throughout the winter season.

Flush out your system

Christmas is notorious for its heavy comfort food. There’s no denying that it all tastes amazing, but after a while, it can all get a bit much for your body. It’s important to clear your system of all the toxins that these foods and drinks bring with them, to keep you feeling fresh and ready to take on the festivities.

Foods high in fibre, Vitamin C, and antioxidants are known for their digestive properties. If you’re looking for an alternative solution, however, there are a number of herbal teas that offer fantastic detoxing benefits, such as our deliciously spiced Purifying Tea.

Invest in Quality Skincare

The skin is the largest organ in the body, which is why it’s just as important to look after it this winter as anything else in your body. We’ve already suggested that you increase your water intake - trust us, your skin will be glowing - but it’s also worth investing in some natural and organic skincare products to see you through the season.

The cold weather, combined with the increased food intake will have a noticeable impact on your skin. Having an effective skincare regime filled with good quality products will ensure that your skin remains smooth, even, and blemish free.

Tip: Try using coconut oil as a moisturiser, it's nourishing and completely natural. For a fantastic face mask give one of our clays a go, clay face masks can helps clear pores, reduce redness and brighten complexion. 

Start your day with a Superfood Smoothie

The benefits of a superfood smoothie every morning are undeniable. You have a valuable source of vitamins and minerals, and your system will thank you for starting the day the nourishing way. With effective preparation, it doesn’t even need to be a chore. Plan your smoothies a week in advance if you can (not all schedules are flexible and we understand that), by pre-cutting your fruit and vegetables and freezing them in five separate bags (for five days worth of smoothies). When breakfast comes around, simply empty a freezer bag into your blender with a little nut milk, coconut water or organic juice, and you’re ready to go.

For an extra boost in the morning, why not add some flax seeds for added fibre, protein powder for an energy burst, or a specially selected superfood powder to maximise your vitamin and mineral intake.

Detox Trading offers a fantastic selection of organic superfoods to enhance your life. Visit our website to view our great range of products, and find out exactly how they could benefit you this festive season.

He Shou Wu: What can it do for you?

With a mysterious history as rich as the culture it derives from, He Shou Wu (pronounced he-show-woo) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 3,000 years. Also known as Fo-Ti, this particular herb is considered to be the elixir of life in Asian herbalism, with properties that help to preserve stamina, vigour, and youth. He Shou Wu is specially prepared tuberous root of the Polygonum Multiflorumplant, found in the mountains of southern and central China. 

Legend suggests that a weak and frail man by the name of Neng Si would come to discover He Shou Wu after waking from a drunken sleep. He found entwined plant vines and decided to dig them up, and take them home. Following the advice of a passing hermit, Neng Si ground the root into a powder and ate some, only to find a few days later that he was beginning to feel stronger, and more energetic. In a matter of months, he would transform from a hapless, to virile and would even come to father a number of sons in the coming years. The herb had rejuvenated him, and it has been a highly-revered energising tonic ever since.  

Anti-ageing 

As the tale of Neng Si suggests, He Shou Wu is widely regaled for its anti-ageing benefits. It is not only-supposed to be of great use in maintaining vibrant looking hair, but it is also said to help strengthen the back and joints. He Shou Wu is also full of antioxidants that can also help to look after the eyes. 

Libido Booster  

These youthful properties go beyond physical appearance and mobility. Not only will this particular herb prove useful in maintaining a youthful and healthy sex drive, but it is also considered to be extremely useful in seeking to improve fertility when looking to conceive a child. 

Zinc and Iron supplement       

The high levels of zinc and iron in this herb make it an excellent cell producer, and it even stimulates blood-generating cells and improves circulation. It can be extremely difficult to maintain the necessary levels of these minerals, therefore to keep up with the levels that your body needs to run smoothly, the addition of He Shou Wu is absolutely essential. 

Rejuvenation of mind and body 

He Shou Wu is, above all else, an energising tonic in Asian herbalism, therefore it is a valuable dietary addition that could help to keep your energy levels up. In addition, it is said to have properties that help to reverse hair loss, and can help to protect and restore DNA, improve brain and liver function, and can help to boost the immune system. 

Calming 

For those who experience periods of high stress and anxiety, He Shou Wu has a number of calming properties, thanks to its natural balancing and muscle relaxant properties. The health and wellness benefits really do seem to be endless. 

How should you take it? 

Before it can be safely taken as a tonic herb, He Shou Wu needs to be properly prepared. At Detox Trading, our organic He Shou Wu is sliced and stewed in a black bean stew. The roots are then dried and ground in to a powder. Traditionally He Shou Wu is the ideal herb to be made as a hot tea, or can be simply mixed with cooler water. If you are interested in the hair growth properties, then creating a mixture with oil or water, then rubbing it directly in to the scalp could have a much more noticeable effect.  

Start with a small dose, no more than 1/4 teaspoon daily, and slowly work up to 1 teaspoon a day.   

As a family-run business, Detox Trading is dedicated to providing premium quality, organic superfoods, certified by the UK Soil Association. Visit our website for more information about the fantastic herb that is He Shou Wu, or view some of our other amazing organic powders and superfoods. 

8 Tips to help detox mind and body

Daily life takes its toll on our mind and body. With constant exposure to airborne pollutants and diets that are high in processed foods, it’s important to take some time to flush out those harmful toxins. To help reset our mind and body, here are a few tips for a full body detox.  

1.      Cut the sugar

I think it’s fair to say that we’ve all been guilty of eating too many foods that are high in sugar. If your diet consists of a lot of sugary foods, this could eventually lead to chronic fatigue and weight gain. High sugar intake increases your blood glucose levels, which in turn can make you hungry again quicker and in the long term cause problems with insulin production, leading to type 2 diabetes and other health problems. 

2.      Get moving 

Regular exercise improves blood circulation. The release of endorphins will help to improve your overall mood and reduce stress, anxiety, and tension. Your body will feel stronger, and you’ll feel more energised. It will even help improve your quality of sleep. 

3.      Drink more water 

It sounds simple but drinking more water is one of the key elements to good health and is essential to help detox both your body and mind. Obviously water is extremely hydrating but it also helps important minerals move freely in to the cells while also helping flush out toxins. Water can ease a headache, relieve fatigue, improve skin, aids weight loss and improves energy levels. 8 glasses or 2 litres is an ideal daily amount, try adding a slice of lemon, some fresh cucumber or mint to mix up the flavour. 

4.      Sweat it out 

Traditional detoxing solutions can require some lifestyle adjustment, but for something a little simpler, taking a steam could be an excellent and relaxing solution. Regular trips to the sauna will help to flush out any toxins through your sweat. Always remember to effectively rehydrate following a sauna session, as your body would have lost valuable liquids during the process.

5.      Treat yourself to a massage 

While using the sauna at your local spa, why not book yourself in for an exfoliating massage? Not only is this an indulgent and relaxing treat for yourself, but the therapist will also be tackling those toxins through the circulation and massage process. Again, ensure to hydrate after your massage to help flush out those harmful toxins.

6.      Meditate 

An effective detox isn’t just about the body, but also requires focus on your overall mental wellbeing. Meditation is an effective stress and anxiety buster. It will also help you to focus on the positive aspects of your life. Deep breathing will help to focus your mind and calm your body, encouraging an overall sense of wellness.

7.      Go fresh and organic 

Fresh and organic vegetables are rich in the vital nutrients that will help improve digestion. Consider starting your day with a vegetable-rich smoothie to help kick-start your system and prepare for the day.

Adjusting your diet also means eliminating harmful oils from your diet, including vegetable, peanut, and sunflower oil. There are plenty of good oils that can be used in cooking, but all in moderation. Try switching to coconut oil or ghee for a healthier alternative when cooking. 

8.      Boost our vitamin intake 

If your body is lacking in key vitamins and minerals you will likely feel sluggish, lethargic, and just not on top of your game. B Vitamins, Vitamin C and Vitamin E are all excellent to help a cleanse your system and improve your wellbeing. 

Filled with essential pre and probiotics for gut, liver, and digestive tract detox, the Detoxifying Superfood Blend available from Detox Trading is wonderfully cleansing and detoxifying. It’s also full of vital vitamins including A, B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12, and minerals such as potassium, iron and magnesium to help tackle harmful toxins and detox your system. 

Detox Trading supplies premium quality organic superfoods that are fully certified by the UK Soil Association. Visit our website for more information on the fantastic products that we supply.

The overwhelming health benefits of matcha

You would be forgiven for having little knowledge of what matcha actually is, for those who are not aware it is a popular, delicious and super healthy Japanese green tea. Matcha is special because it is grown in very specific conditions, it is shade-grown for the last weeks before harvest to harness the chlorophyll content and only the tips of the leaves are picked and dried for premium quality and taste. Matcha is an incredibly rich superfood with a wonderfully diverse range of surprising health benefits. By understanding how truly beneficial matcha can be for you, you will start to understand why there is an ever-growing trend towards people consuming more and more green tea; so here are the overwhelming benefits that matcha has to offer. 

High in green tea catechins

Catechins are molecules that have undergone a great deal of scrutiny and research, and have been found to help counteract the effects of free radicals. As well as having anti-arthritic, anti-ulcer and anti-inflammatory properties, it has also been linked to being effective in protecting against a number of diseases. 

Greater levels of concentration and focus

Within matcha also lies another wonderful amino acid, L-theanine. This is a natural way to boost your brain’s alpha waves which, in turn, increases the feel-good sensations in your brain and gives you that “Zen-like” feeling. For hundreds of years, Buddhists have used green tea as a way to better fuel and sustain their concentration levels through long hours of meditation and prayer.

An abundant source of antioxidants

If you’ve researched ways to boost your health, then it’s likely you’ve come across the benefits of increasing your uptake of natural antioxidants; such as those found in blueberries or avocados. In which case you will be happy to learn that matcha is the most densely packed source of antioxidants and contains 137 times more than it’s nearest alternative. Consuming matcha is the easiest way to access the benefits of more antioxidants which can help prevent diseases, give you healthier skin and boost your immune system.

Improved weight loss

Matcha itself contains almost zero calories but offers a fantastic source of long lasting natural energy. Which, in turn, means you can feel fuelled and energised for long periods of the day without the need to rely on sugary or caffinated alternatives. At the same time, matcha is unique in its ability to boost your metabolism, which can help burn more calories, improve sleep and maintain energy levels. These effects combined means you can workout for longer, rest better and burn off more calories, which is a tremendous natural weight loss solution. 

Access to chlorophyll

Chlorophyll is the substance found in plant leaves that you are most likely to be familiar with from your science lessons at school. However what your teachers probably didn’t tell you at school is that chlorophyll can have some surprising health benefits when consumed with a healthy diet. These include opening your detoxification pathways, a healthier liver and more stable blood glucose levels; which I'm sure you'll agree is a great combo of benefits from a substance you thought only belonged in a science lab.

Upon reading this, it’s likely you’re keen to start experiencing some of the wonderful and powerful benefits that come with drinking matcha tea. You can buy this superfood online by checking out our website Detox Trading. Consuming a cup of this a day is an easy and tasty way to give your body the health kick it needs. Of course, this should be consumed alongside a healthy diet and exercise in order to lead a truly healthy lifestyle, and if you require any alternative health foods then check out the rest of our site for our full range. 

Bees do it! Why we should do it too.

If you want to add the world’s most nutritious natural item to your diet, then follow the bees.

No, not honey (delicious though that is) but something much earlier in the process - bee pollen.

It’s a powerful superfood that sometimes gets overlooked thanks to an emphasis on the sweet sticky end result. But bee pollen is used in holistic remedies all over the globe, and its value has been understood for centuries, for very good reasons.

What is bee pollen?

The title actually pretty well sums it up. It’s the pollen that younger honey bees gather as part of their busy lives.

It packs such a punch because the adolescent bees compress around a million male flower pollen specks into each one of the bee pollen granules you can buy from Detox Trading.

It is remarkable to think that these little creatures know exactly what to look for when gathering 'the good stuff'. Bee pollen is approximately 40% protein. Compare that to other animal by-products and you can see it flies high. This is a rich source of amino acids, including the variety that is ready for your body to use immediately.

Why else should you eat it?

As mentioned previously, this natural substance is incredibly complex despite the fact it is also compact. It offers an unrivalled range of minerals, 18 different vitamins (including B complex and folic acid), amino acids and other nutrients.

It really is the ultimate complete food.

On top of all that, it also contains enzymes that can give your body a boost to strip nutrients out of the other food stuffs you eat too! What a hero.

So, with so much goodness in each granule, what are the other health and well-being benefits of adding bee pollen to your diet?

Great energy source – Bee pollen packs an energy punch well above its weight. The slow-release kind can keep you going for hours. It can also help muscle recovery after exercise too. Some top athletes have already made it a staple in their healthy diet.



Metabolism stimulant – This and its ability to help control cravings makes bee pollen helpful for weight management.

Cardiovascular support – As it contains substances that help to strengthen blood vessels, bee pollen is a handy aid for circulatory problems. It helps you to regulate cholesterol too and has anti-clotting potential to help fend off strokes.

Skin boost – Bee pollen helps skin cells to regenerate. (Also, its usefulness as a natural anti-inflammatory means it can help soothe skin conditions if applied as an ointment.)

Allergy relief – Just like locally sourced honey, bee pollen offers natural abilities to suppress the production of allergy-causing histamines.

Immune system support – Bee pollen supports natural processes, and some nutritionists believe it has antibiotic properties to help combat illnesses. It’s a rich source of antioxidants that protect cells from attack too.

Best way to add it to your diet

This all-round, versatile superfood is an anytime snack as it is sweet to taste and so easy to digest.

However, to optimise its potential, it is a great idea to eat it at mealtimes with fruit (which helps to get it working its magic quicker).

Sprinkled onto a smoothie is one of our favourite ways to enjoy what nature and our furry little friends have provided by their hard work. It goes well in milkshakes too.

By the way, this amazing superfood is another reason why you should join the campaigns and efforts to protect and grow bee populations in the UK.

And when you order your bee pollen from Detox Trading, you can get your hands on our “hive” of other wonderful foods too!

Boost your barnet with superfoods

Are your tresses looking a little sad? Sometimes, despite eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep, our hair can feel and appear worse for wear. Perhaps you've fried it with some hot summer sun, hair dyes and heat tools, or maybe your hair is naturally prone to dryness and breakage. Well, here are a few hair care tricks that you may not have thought of. 

For instance, did you know that when applied directly to your scalp and hair, superfoods can truly work wonders and leave you looking at your shiny strands in the mirror thinking, 'is that really my hair?'

Firstly, we cannot stress the importance of coconut oil enough. Did you know that the most damaging thing most people put on their hair is actually water? When we wash our hair, the water penetrates our hair shaft and causes it to swell. This puts pressure on the outer layer of our hair (which is called the cuticle), often causing it to break. This breakage is what prevents shine, as it takes a smooth cuticle to reflect shine. However, coconut oil can essentially waterproof your hair if applied before washing and allowed to soak in. The oil will stop any water from getting inside your hair shaft when you wash it, therefore greatly reducing breakage. Coconut oil is the only oil which has been shown to have this effect, which is just another reason it's a superfood!

Secondly, amla powder - the powder of a fruit native to India and Burma - has been used for centuries to enhance hair condition, growth and natural texture. Amla powder is very often added to henna and indigo mixtures, as it adds moisture as well as cooler tones for red and brown dyes. You can nourish your hair by using amla as a conditioner, add texture to fine hair or boost curls by simply making a paste of amla powder and water, which you then massage into your hair and scalp in relaxing circular motions. Leave your hair in a shower cap for 30 minutes so that your head heat works its magic and then shampoo and condition as usual. 

Lastly, add a touch of oregano oil to your conditioner for a natural anti-dandruff solution. This fabulous-smelling oil is full of antioxidants and is antibacterial and antifungal, so it's capable of treating skin complaints like dandruff as well as generally promoting scalp health. As a bonus, it also encourages hair growth when added to olive oil and massaged into the scalp.

When you want to buy superfoods online, look no further than Detox Trading and rejuvenate your look as well as your diet.

Organic spinach powder is a game changer — and here's why

Even if you have always struggled to eat your greens, there's still a reasonable probability that you have looked favourably upon spinach since a young age. 

Spinach, of course, is the magic green vegetable that Popeye The Sailor Man eats when he's in need of a quick release of superhuman strength. 

The exaggerated impact of spinach on the popular cartoon character was hugely entertaining to kids, and mothers everywhere used the influence of Popeye to encourage their children to eat more vegetables. 

A healthy supplement boasting great versatility

Organic spinach powder won't give you freakish strength, but it will provide you with an extremely healthy supplement that deserves to have pride of place in the kitchen of any health-conscious person. Put simply, it is one of the finest superfoods available in the UK. 

You may have recently bought a blender and are finding yourself experimenting with all kinds of different smoothie recipes. If so, organic spinach powder is the perfect accompaniment. 

Mix it into your drink or sprinkle it in to soups and enjoy the goodness

Perhaps juicing is your thing? Again, organic spinach powder offers untold amounts of goodness while also giving your drink that famous green hue that is the hallmark of all healthy juices. 

The benefits of organic spinach powder are plentiful and wide-ranging. Also, it provides the perfect alternative for those who might struggle to eat this wonderful vegetable in its whole form but still want to get it into their system. 

Bursting with all kinds of health-boosting benefits:

For anyone looking to buy superfood online, this is a great choice. The fact that it is a natural source of antioxidants, rich in vitamins, iron and omega 3 fatty acids barely scratches the surface of its positive capabilities. Any health-food enthusiast should have a plentiful supply of organic spinach powder close to hand. 

You can order it from our website today!

The benefits of rosehip - stay young, stay active, stay healthy

The health benefits of rosehip are vast and include the ability to reduce symptoms of various conditions, including arthritis, asthma and flu. They can also help you to lower your cholesterol levels, as well as help with diabetes management, the regulation of your digestive system and increase the frequency you urinate. Their ability to boost the immune system, aid your body with the production of stronger bones and improve your circulatory system makes it a well-loved natural remedy in high demand.

Rose hips are the fruit of the rose plants. They bloom after the rosebud falls off, usually in late summer or early autumn.

Rose hips are incredibly popular in a variety of forms, including syrup, oil, powder and capsules. They contain a mixture of various minerals, essential nutrients and organic compounds (such as calcium, magnesium, iron, pectin, lutien and lycopene), giving them a long list of health benefits and the ability to help to relieve a number of different health conditions. The antioxidant components, which include phytochemicals, flavonoids, and carotenoids, also contribute to the health benefits.

So, what are the health benefits?

Prevents numerous health conditions

Rosehip contains carotenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols, all of which are known to act as a powerful antioxidant, with the power to eliminate or neutralise free radicals that are found within the body. These free radicals are the byproducts of cellular metabolism and have the ability to damage healthy cells by causing the mutation into cancerous cells, or simply by just killing the cells entirely. A common variable which is connected to a long list of serious conditions is the lack of antioxidants, or production of free radicals. These conditions can include cancer, heart disease and premature ageing.

Lowers cholesterol

Some of the organic compounds and antioxidants that are found in rosehip can also reduce the cholesterol content in your body, helping to reduce strain on your heart and lowering your overall chances of suffering from a stroke or heart attack.

Immune system

Rosehip has a fairly impressive level of vitamin C, which is one of the best compounds that can be used to help the immune system. Vitamin C is incredibly helpful in the prevention of asthma and is good for the general health of the respiratory system as it stimulates your white blood cells. This lowers the chances of cold or flu viruses.

Diabetes management

Rosehip has been known to regulate the blood sugar level within the body, an incredibly important use for those people suffering from diabetes. Rosehip helps to prevent sudden spikes or plunges in blood sugar levels by keeping the balance of glucose and insulin steady.

Diuretic effects and digestion

Pectin, combined with the various acids present in rosehip, have been known to have a diuretic effect, causing urination as well as assisting with the regularity and consistency and bowel movements while helping to eradicate toxins from the body as well as excess salts, fats and liquids. By stimulating bowel movements, rosehip can help with the prevention of a number of unfortunate and uncomfortable conditions.

Skin care

Everyone wants to have beautiful skin. We want flawless, blemish-free, youthful skin with an even skin tone and a healthy glow. Our quest for vanity is often tackled with an array of different skin products, many include chemicals or synthetic ingredients and some people even turn to fillers that can be injected to tighten and tone the skin. Rosehip is one of the best natural ways to achieve better-looking skin. With an astringent quality, rosehip is able to improve the elasticity of your skin, while helping to maintain a blemish-free appearance.

Bone health

Another great quality of rosehip comes from its vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a vital role in the production of collagen in the body. Collagen has a number of various parts to play within the human body, but one of its main tasks, when paired with various other important minerals found in the rosehip, is to help maintain the mineral density of bones - helping you to prevent, or even beat, osteoporosis.

The benefits of coconut oil for your nails

The health benefits of using coconut oil in your cooking have been widely publicised in recent years, and rightly so. Unlike many complex fats that we consume, that can take up to 26 steps to process, the MCFAs found in coconut oil are easier digested and turned into fuel with a simpler three step process instead. Other benefits include reducing inflammation due to its antioxidant properties, boosting the immune system due to its lauric acid and a healthier balance of insulin levels (and therefore reduction of the risk of Type II Diabetes) due to the MCFAs. The benefits, however, are not only confined to the body’s internal processes, as it will also improve the strength and appearance of your nails too.

The top four benefits of using coconut oil for nails 

1. It acts as a moisturiser 

Applying coconut oil directly to your cuticles will smooth out any torn cuticles or ragged hangnails (a much cheaper alternative to expensive cuticle creams) and its moisturising properties will prevent nails from drying out and becoming brittle. 

2. It has anti-fungal qualities 

The lauric acid within coconut oil acts as an anti-fungal treatment. Lauric acid reduces candida, fights bacteria and makes the overgrowth of bad bacteria very difficult. Massage coconut oil, along with oregano oil, into the nails until the infection subsides. 

3. It assists nail growth 

By strengthening your cuticles, preventing hangnails and keeping your nails naturally moisturised you will notice an increase in nail growth when using coconut oil. 

4. It reduces ridges and white spots 

Ridges and white spots can be a result of a moisture deficiency or fungal infection. Because of its microbial properties, coconut oil can help eliminate unsightly ridges and white spots. 

Coconut oil is widely available both online or in-store and you can buy premium quality organic, raw, extra-virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil from Detox Trading now on offer 2 for £12! 

How to make kimchi...


If you have not yet been introduced to kimchi then I promise you, and your gut, are going to love it. Hailing from Korea and similar in style to sauerkraut, kimchi is a spicy, tangy, fermented food that is traditionally served as a side dish.

This recipe uses red cabbage as the base, but white cabbage and other vegetables can be used in it's place. And the spicy flavour comes from a whole lot of ginger, chilli and garlic.

Fermented foods like kimchi go through a fermentation process in which the natural bacteria feed on the sugar and starch in the vegetables, converting them in to lactic acid. This process in turn preserves the food but also forms multiple strains of probiotics, as well as B-vitamins and omega 3 fatty-acid.

The probiotics, or 'good' bacteria, formed in the fermentation process have huge benefits for your digestive health when eaten. The bacteria helps with digestion, metabolism and absorption of essential nutrients. Having a healthy gut also contributes to a strong and resilient immune system, helping to keep away acute and chronic disease.

Making your own kimchi is easy, the fermentation process takes a few days and you can play with the recipe to suit your taste. You'll need an airtight container, a glass kilner jar is ideal but a large Tupperware tub would work too.

Ingredients

750g (1 medium size) red cabbage, finely sliced
50g table salt
50g fresh ginger, grated
4 large fresh garlic cloves, finely chopped
8 tbsp filtered water
3 tbsp of chilli flakes
1 tbsp soft brown sugar
1 tsp Himalayan crystal salt
A few grinds of black pepper
Optional - 2 tbsp fish sauce, 4 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 1 tbsp sambal paste.

Method

Add sliced cabbage to a large mixing bowl and sprinkle over table salt, thoroughly massage the salt in to the cabbage. Let this set for 2 hours to allow the salt to draw out the moisture. After 2 hours rinse salt completely away. Rise the mixing bowl ready for re-use.

Add the ginger, garlic, water, chilli flakes, sugar, salt, black pepper and any of the optional ingredients to the mixing bowl and mix very well until it forms a paste. Add in the cabbage and again mix in thoroughly.

Transfer the mixture in to your jar and pack down, all the cabbage should be submerged in liquid, you may need to add a little extra water to ensure it is submerged. Close the lid (this has to be airtight as you want as little air in the jar as possible) and leave to ferment at room temperature for 3-7 days.

Each day open the jar and press the kimchi mixture back in to the liquid. After 3 days the kimchi is ready to taste, it will be strong and spicy. You can leave it for longer if necessary, for best results leave for the full 7 days but continue to check everyday and it's fine to eat from day 3 or 4 if it's to your taste.

Once ready store in the fridge, it will continue to develop and can last for months.

Enjoy x

How to add superfoods to your diet

Superfoods are a fantastic way to add rich, powerful nutrients to your diet and transform your health and wellbeing in the process. But what are the best ways to start to incorporate them into your food? Some might taste a little strong to your palette to begin with, so you may prefer to blend them with other tastes - at least until you adjust.

Superfoods in smoothies

Green juices and smoothies are perhaps the most common way to add superfoods to your diet. Try a green juice of spinach, apple, lime, avocado and kiwi with a spoon of spirulina or wheatgrass. If you are new to green juicing, try a 50/50 vegetable and fruit blend. As you become less reliant on sugar, decrease the amount of fruit and become more adventurous with your green vegetables - celery, cucumber, fennel, lettuce and parsley will all help to transport your superfoods to every cell in your body for a powerful cleansing and reinvigorating effect.

In soups

Try stirring our Vitality green superfood blend into a soup - broccoli and coconut is a great choice made with fresh vegetable broth for vital nutrients. Allow the soup to cool slightly before stirring in your superfood sprinkle with a spoonful of toasted nuts, a swirl of coconut cream or a dusting of nutritional yeast flakes.

As a shot

If you are feeling ready for a quick health hit, then simply mix a spoon of your chosen superfood - maca, spirulina, wheatgrass or a blend - with filtered water and then knock it back!

In raw energy bites

Food process dates, nuts, vanilla and a spoonful of maca powder for some delicious raw energy bites. Experiment with other ingredients such as raw cacao, seeds, coconut flakes, nut butter, chia seeds and other healthful ingredients as you perfect your recipe. You can also roll your raw balls in superfoods for a colourful finish - try spirulina for a colourful green energy ball to enjoy after your workout!

What is your favourite way to enjoy superfoods?