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.
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
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. |