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. ​

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!

5 top reasons to add Maca powder to your diet

5 top reasons to add Maca powder to your diet

If you're looking to incorporate a superfood powder into your diet that will offer multiple health and well-being benefits, then it's time to look at Maca powder. When it comes to this superfood, UK buyers are queueing up to enjoy the benefits. It works well in drinks, juices, smoothies, salads and cooked foods - and it's great in baked goods for a healthier treat.

High vitamin content

Research into Maca powder is ongoing and initial studies suggest that it is rich in vitamins B, C and E, as well as being abundant in zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron, amino acids and phosphorus.

A great sex life!

Maca powder has been used for centuries to help promote a healthy sex life in men and women alike, boosting both endurance and libido.

Women's health

The powder is also used to alleviate menstrual problems and the effects of the menopause. There is also anecdotal evidence that it helps to soothe depression and anxiety. It is important to note however that it shouldn't be taken by pregnant or lactating women, as its effects on these groups are yet to be quantified.

Energy

Maca is a great natural ingredient for enhancing stamina, and it is popular with athletes looking to boost their performance. Only a small amount is needed to feel the difference, both mentally and physically. Try adding it to a protein drink to help grow muscle mass after strength training, and add a spoon into a fresh juice before a cardio workout for an energy pop!

Overall health

Maca powder is also believed to help with wound healing, dental health and skin issues, helping to relieve sensitivity and to treat acne. It may also help with hormonal balance too. 

You can buy this superfood online at Detox Trading in convenient multi-serving packs, ready to add to your food and drinks. Start enjoying the benefits of Maca powder today!