December News Bulletin

December News Bulletin

We hope you are all enjoying the festive season and looking forward to Christmas and 2019!

We're happy to announce that we have finally got a few products back in stock that we know a lot of you have been patiently waiting for, and an exciting new product in stock. We want to introduce our new superfood starter pack. We’ve also included our top recommendations for staying healthy and flu free over the winter, read on below to find out more. 

You will be pleased to know that we now have organic Panax Ginseng, organic Aronia powder and Rehmmania powder back in stock. We know many of you have been waiting a while for these products. Get your orders in now for delivery before christmas. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Detox Trading team!

Check out our latest newsletter video

  New in Stock  

Coconut Milk Powder

 

The perfect dairy alternative, this organic coconut milk powder is GMO free and produced from freshly squeezed coconut mik. It retains much of the nutritional value of fresh coconut milk, and has an incredible flavour and aroma. The perfect addition for your kitchen cupboard.

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 New in Stock 

Superfood Starter Pack 

Our starter pack contains what we consider to be the essential selection superfoods for overall health and wellbeing. It contains organic ashwagandha powder, orgnic spirulina powder, organic raw cacao powder, organic coconut oil and organic maca powder. If you are new to superfoods and not sure where to start, this is the one for you. It is packaged in a sustainable kraft gift box with eco friendly packaging so also makes a beautiful gift. The pack comes with a 'How to' guide outlining the potential benefits and how to use each product.

 Detox Trading Health Tips for the winter 

The winter brings a variety of bugs, and it can be easy to feel like you are constantly fighing off a cold. We have chosen our top superfoods to help boost your immunity and stay healthy this season...

Chaga: An incredible all round immune booster, it also has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps detoxify the blood and liver, and is an adaptogen so is the perfect support for the body and the mind throughout the winter months. 

Camu Camu: The largest natural source of vitamin C, our camu camu is 7% vitamin C- one of the highest on the market. It can be difficult to get enough vitamin C in the winter months, and it is a vital ingredient to help the body's immune defence. Camu Camu is also extremely high in antioxidants and can also help with chronic fatigue and depression. 

Oregano oil: It is known to have a whole range of health benefits important during the cold and flu season such as being an anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and is also loaded with antioxidants. 

Alongside taking daily supplements, make sure you get enough sleep, eat a balanced and healthy diet (as much as possible!), and exercise regularly to keep you healthy and happy this winter. 

Christmas Opening Times 

Our opening times will be affected during the christmas period, we will be open until 21st december then closed until 2nd January, when we'll be back in the office for business as usual. We will however be shipping out orders in between Christmas and New year.

 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Detox Trading Family 

Home-made coconut yoghurt

As coconut products continue to take over the world, coconut yoghurt has become an increasingly popular alternative to cows yoghurt, but delicious as it is it also leaves you with something of a hole in your pocket. 

Thankfully there is a simple solution so you can continue to get your fix of creamy coconut goodness without breaking the bank... make it yourself. It's actually really easy, tastes fantastic and gives you the opportunity to experiment with your own flavours. 

Ingredients (makes 1 medium Kilner jar)

2 x tins organic coconut cream
2 teaspoons agar agar powder

4 x capsule probiotic

Maple syrup, agave, date syrup or alternative for sweetening (optional)

Method

1. Empty the tins of coconut cream in to a pan and bring to the boil. 
2. Once boiled, reduce heat and whisk in 2 teaspoons of agar agar powder
3. Gently simmer for 10 minutes, whisking well every few minutes
4. Take off heat and leave to cool to blood temperature, use thermometer or finger to test
5. Break open and empty the contents of 4 x probiotic capsules in to the coconut mix, stir in well. 
6. Optional - add in a small amount of sweetener of your choice or flavour maker (e.g maple syrup, agave, blueberry powder, passionfruit powder, cacao powder...)
7. Pour the coconut mix in to a sterile kilner jar
8. Place in an oven, dehydrator or hot airing cupboard at 110*f/43*c for minimum 12 hours max 24 hours.  Note: leaving for 24 hours will give much thicker consistency. 
9. After 12 - 24 hours remove jar and set to cool. 
10. Once cool eat and enjoy :) Keep in fridge between eating. 

You can buy probiotics and agar agar for this recipe from our superfood shop, along with a wide range of natural sweeteners, fruit powders and dried berries to enjoy with your coconut yoghurt. All available here. 

Boost Your Workout with Plant-Based Protein

Working out requires a lot of energy, as such, it's a good idea to eat energy-boosting, healing and beneficial foods to support your physiology. What you eat before and after hitting the gym can make a big difference to your workout and the results you will see for all your hard work. It's a common misconception that eating meat and dairy is key to getting enough protein, but in fact there are a lot of plant-based protein sources that can do wonders for your workout, are great for your health and boast many other benefits like vitamin B to boost energy, magnesium for optimal muscle and nervous system functions, and iron for good blood flow. 

Here are some plant-based proteins you can eat pre or post workout so you can train harder with more energy and recover faster. Add them to smoothies and juices, incorporate them in your breakfast, lunch, dinner or pre-work out snack. 

Spinach

One of the best sources of plant-based iron, B vitamins, magnesium, and protein is spinach. It helps deliver energy to the muscles as well as oxygen to the bloodstream to ensure healthy blood flow. Moreover, spinach can also prevent muscle breakdown. A cup of spinach contains around 5 grams of protein, thus, it can also aid you in keeping your blood sugar steady and improve lean muscle mass. Fresh spinach is super versatile and can be used in any of your meals or use spinach powder for a convenient spinach hit. 

Chia

Chia seeds can absorb up to a whopping 12 times their weight in water, often taken by athletes to boost energy these little seeds can help to super charge your workout. Chia seeds contain iron, B vitamins, potassium, protein, magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids, and a lot of fibre to stimulate you to exercise longer. Chia seeds are tasteless so they are great to add to smoothies, make chia pudding or try chia seed protein powder for a easily consumable alternative. 

Spirulina

This deep blue-green powder is incredibly rich in protein and is actually one of the few sources of plant-based foods that has more protein per 100g that meat. Not only is spirulina a protein powerhouse it is also rich in vitamins B6, B12, C, D and E, a huge range of minerals including iron, chlorophyll, iodine, magnesium, potassium, folic acid and tons more. Spirulina can be beneficial for healthy digestion, metabolism, blood pressure, blood glucose levels and circulation, connective tissue, and bone and joint support. 

Cacao

Cacao is another good source of energy and protein that has a delicious chocolate taste. It gives you an endorphin boost and contains a large dose of iron to deliver oxygen to your cells more efficiently. It's also a rich source of magnesium which can relieve muscle aches and spasms, aid sleep and increase energy levels. Cacao powder can be added to your smoothies or porridge, incorporated in to puddings, cakes and breakfast bowls.

Coconut butter

Coconut butter does not only contain fibre and oil from the coconut fruit, but it also has MCT fats that help distribute immediate energy to the cells via the liver and help provide a mood boost, too! You can add coconut butter to any of your meals to replace butter, oils and spreads, add to your snack before you hit the gym for an extra boost 

Plant-based protein powders

There are a huge variety of protein powders available to buy now, each with differing protein contents and added extra benefits. Hemp, pea, pumpkin, sunflower and chia are just a few of our favourites. 
When shopping around for your favourite protein powder be sure to look at the ingredients, some brands will add refined sugar, artificial flavours and emulsifiers to try to improve taste and texture but this decreases the quality of the product. Look out for pure, organic proteins that can actually create a big difference in your workout and your lean muscle mass. Protein powders are super simple to add to soups, stews, smoothies and juices, or use them in baking. We especially like adding them to pancakes, muffins and other baked breakfast goodies for a morning boost. 

Detox Trading offers plant-based proteins that will help boost your energy, build and tone muscle, sustain you for longer and replace whey or soya from your post workout shake. Visit our website for our full range of protein packed products here. ​

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! 

My Obsession With Mulberries

In the last few months I have become absolutely obsessed with mulberries, I’m talking in my breakfast, in a smoothie, in all raw cakes & slices and even just munching them as they are for a snack.

Now I have to admit I am not always the biggest fan of dried fruit, raisins and sultanas are not my friends (I have tried many times to like them but it just isn’t happening). But there’s something different about mulberries, something special. What I love so much about them is the soft, gooey texture and sweet, caramel like taste (the white variety in particular).

They are the perfect ingredient to add to raw caramel chocolate slices, blended with medjool dates on a ‘biscuit’ base topped with raw choc you just might eat in heaven

Here’s my ultimate recipe for indulgent and delicious caramel slices, this will make about 10-12 slices…

Base

½  Cup Almonds

½ Cup Pecans

1 Cup Dates

2 tbs Desiccated Coconut

1 tbs Coconut Oil (or more if needed)

A fresh batch of raw caramel slices, made with mulberries of course!

‘Caramel’

½ Cup Majool Dtaes

½ Cup White Mulberries

½ Cup Cashews (Soaked and rinsed)

2 tbs Almond Butter (or other nut butter)

3 tbs Raw Agave Syrup or Maple Syrup

1 tbs Coconut Oil

Pinch Himalayan Crystal Salt

Water (if needed)

Choc Top

¼ Cup Coconut Oil

¼ Cup Raw Cacao Powder

¼ Cup Raw Agave Syrup or Maple Syrup

Method - Base

- Put all ingredients for the base in a food processor and blend until it forms a sticky crumble consistency

- Spread the mixture evenly on a greaseproof paper lined tin 

- Set in the freezer for an hour

Method - Caramel

- Add all caramel ingredients to the food processor and blend well, you may need to stop and push the mixture down a few times to ensure a smooth consistency

- You may need to add a little water if the mixture is too solid / sticky, keep adding until it is silky and easily spreadable  

- Spread caramel on top of base and return to freezer for a further hour or until set

Method - Choc Topping

Add the coconut oil to a pan and heat on very low temperature until it all melts.

Add the cacao powder and agave/maple syrup to a pan and stir until it forms a chocolate sauce

Pour the chocolate sauce on top the caramel layer and spread evenly. Make sure the caramel has set before adding the top layer

Pop it back in the freezer for an hour until completely set

Once it has all set cut in to squares (best done straight from the freezer) and store in airtight contained in the fridge. 

About Sophia

Sophia Harvey is one one of the owners of the successful online health food retailer Detox Trading, and is currently studying to become a nutritional therapist with the nutritional healing foundation. Complementary therapy has been in the Harvey family for four generations, Sophia's great grandfather being one of the UK's first Osteopaths.

Protein Shakes, The Veagn 'Whey'

Protein shakes can often be a contentious issue, typically made from Whey and synthetic flavourings these types of powders are readily available and widely used by body builders, gym bunnies and fitness fanatics. Mixed reports in the media make it hard to know what to believe when it comes to the benefits of taking protein.

Most people actually get enough protein in their daily diet, especially with the vast amount of meat that is now part of Western diets. Taking additional protein through a shake can actually add weight if not taken in conjunction with exercise.

However taking protein within half an hour of a work out can help to build muscle. Vegans and vegetarians may also benefit from natural sources of protein if they want to inject some additional protein in to their diet. And if you are skeptical about alternative protein powders just check out The Vegan Body Builder on YouTube… Wow!

Choosing a protein from a natural source such as pea or hemp and adding your own fresh flavours is a much healthier and sustainable way to still get your protein boost without all the added chemicals.

Watch our video for a totally vegan, totally delicious and completely natural protein shake…

By Sophia @ Detox Trading

Deluxe Hot Chocolate Recipe from Detox Trading

Buy from Detox Trading Here

Make your own Toothpaste.

After sending my commercial toothpaste poison information out, I have had a huge response. . .  Like did you know the another common product used in standard toothpastes is 'Sodium Flouride' which is a by-product of aluminium manufacturing, which can also be found in rat poisons and industrial pesticides!!!

Homemade Toothpaste
Here is a recipe for homemade 100% clean toothpaste that does a good job.

6 Tbsp Organic Coconut Oil
6 Tbsp Baking Soda
25 drops of peppermint essential oil or whatever you prefer.
1 Tsp Stevia Liquid (or more if you like it sweeter)

Mix it well and keep in a jar.

http://www.detoxtrading.co.uk/coconut.htm

(Soil Association Certified)

Superfoods Good for your Brain

Chia means strength and Chia Seeds contains large amount of omega-3, calcium, antioxidants, iron, protein, fibre, and potassium which gives energy and stamina for the brain.

Acai is known to enhance brain health and improve cognitive abilities, packed with antioxidants with ORAC, omega-3, vitamins, and protein.

Goji Berries are said to improve the sharpness of your brain and help you retain information more efficiently and may help in reducing damaging inflammation of the brain as well as reducing the accumulation of toxins in the brain.

Spirulina also has many brain improving benefits, it is said to reduce the degeneration of the brain and prevents brain damage and studies have shown that it can reverse damage done to the brain from process of ageing.

Cacao has lots of minerals and nutrients that help boost the brains neurotransmitters and creates serotonin (the hormone that makes you happy) that keeps you calm. It has to raw to get the most nutritional benefit.

Maca is a fabulous superfood is known to improve the brains neurochemistry and helps fight against depression, stress, anxiety and acts as a mood enhancer.

Coconut is known as a great fuel to enhance healthy brain function with its rich source of medium chain triglycerides (MCT). 

Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) go straight to your liver to be processed into ketones which are then sent to the brain to be used for fuel. Being a stable fuel supply, coconut is considered to be great fuel for your brain by supporting your brain’s learning capabilities and memory retention.

Curcumin which comes from Turmeric shows neuroprotective properties and is said to help neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer's.