Why we love dried berries

Dried berries such as goji berries, goldenberries (Inca berries) and mulberries are a fantastic addition to your store cupboard. They make delicious snacks throughout the day, and can also be added to a number of different recipes for sweetness and extra nutritional value. Provided the berries are processed naturally, and there are no nasties added to them, they are a fantastic way to up your antioxidant intake. They are our healthy snack of choice here at Detox Trading. 

Take a look at some of the reasons why we love these delicious berries, and we've included our very own berry and cacao granola recipe as well...

GOJI BERRIES 

Goji berries, also known as 'wolfberries' have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. Traditionally they have been used for an array of issues ranging from mood lifting to eye, liver and immune system health. Goji berries have an extremely high nutritional value for such a small berry. The berries have an abundance of antioxidants, trace minerals and 18 amino acids (11 of which are essential). Every 4 ounce serving of dried goji berries provides 10 percent of your recommended daily intake of protein.

Goji berries also contain the following:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Iron
• Fibre
• Zinc
• Selenium 
• Potassium
• Unsaturated fatty acids
• Phytochemicals (polysaccharides, zeazanthin, lutein)

You can use goji berries as a healthy snack on their own, sprinkle them on your breakfast cereal or smoothie, mix them in with salads or use them in baking. 

Potential benefits of goji berries:

• Immune system support due to high antioxidant and vitamin c level. 
• Healthy looking skin as a result of beta carotene.
• Help to stabilise blood sugar levels
• Liver tonic and support

GOLDEN BERRIES

Golden berries, also known as Incan berries or cape gooseberries are a delicious balance between sweetness and tart. These berries originate from South America and belong to the same family as the tomato and the aubergine. They are bursting with nutrients and antioxidants, helping to reduce oxidative stress and the amount of free radical cells in the body. They have a higher level of vitamin A than other berries, with a lower amount of sugar making them a healthy addition to your diet. 

Try adding golden berries to your breakfast porridge or smoothie, salads or use them as an ingredient in baking. 

Potential benefits of Golden Berries:

• High antioxidant content could help prevent certain diseases
• Presence of withnalolides (also present in ashwaghanda) could help with inflammation, and could help the body cope with stress
• They have a very low sugar and calorie content making them a wonderful snack

MULBERRIES

Black and white mulberries are a true superfood, they not only taste great, but each type has its own special benefit for our health. Both black and white mulberries are another great source of antioxidant rich food

White mulberries have a distinctive sweet caramel flavour, and a chewy fig like texture. They have an unusually high protein content for a berry, and also contain high levels of vitamin C, fibre and calcium. They have traditionally been used to help treat diabetes and lower cholesterol level. 

Black mulberries are rich in protein and iron, which can help to increase energy levels by delivering oxygen rich blood cells throughout the body. They also contain vitamin K, vitamin C, fibre and potassium. 

Potential benefits of mulberries:

• Studies are underway to test whether they can help lower cholesterol levels in the body
• Support liver health
• Could help stabilise blood sugar levels

Mixed berry and cacao granola recipe

Ingredients 

1kg rolled oats

100g goji berries

100g mulberries

100g golden berries

150g cacao nibs

50g coconut flakes 

80ml coconut oil

½ tbsp cinnamon
2 tbsp cacao powder
200g extra virgin coconut oil
150 ml honey or agave syrup (add slightly more for a sweeter tooth!)
1 tsp vanilla extract
100g of almonds or other nuts of your choosing
50g flax seeds

This is a basic recipe which you can experiment with, by adding different ingredients and quantities to suit your taste.
The oil and honey will help the oats to crisp up and cluster, so adding more will give you more crunchy clusters.

• Line 2 baking trays with greaseproof paper and preheat the oven to 200C.
• Mix the oats, agave/ honey, coconut oil and vanilla extract in a bowl and make sure all the oats are well covered.
• Add the flax seeds, nuts, cinnamon and cacao powder and mix well. 
• Add the oats to the baking trays, spreading as thinly and evenly as possible (this helps to make the granola more crispy).
• Bake in the oven for 20-30 mins or until golden brown. 
• Let the granola cool on the baking trays.
• Add the berries, coconut flakes and cacao nibs and mix well. 
• Store in airtight glass container, (make sure the granola is completely cool before storing them as otherwise it may go soggy).
• Enjoy with your favourite nut milk!

Detox Trading supplies premium quality organic superfoods, all certified by the UK Soil Association. Our family-run business is committed to selling affordable superfood products whilst maintaining their certified organic status and supporting a healthy lifestyle. 

Reasons to go organic! 

Organic food is on the rise, which sounds silly to say, because there was a time when organic food was just, well, food. Before the over use of pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers, antibiotics and growth hormones, food was grown and farmed with the help of some well seasoned manure, good soil, a few tricks of the trade and little else. 

Thankfully, due to food movements like Clean Eating and Raw Foodism, initiatives from the Soil Association and tv shows highlighting exactly what is in our food, there is an increasing awareness and popularity of the benefits of farming, buying and eating organic. The benefits not only have a positive impact on your health, but are better for wildlife, the global environment and ecosystem, our local soils, the nutritional value of what we eat, and of course, the taste! 

Check out below all the reasons going organic can benefit you, your health and the planet! 

You are what you eat

• Choosing organic is an easy way to avoid pesticides, herbicides and many additives and preservatives

• Organic standards prohibit GM crops and GM animal feed 

• Organic, free range farming bans the routine use of antibiotics and drugs on animals

Pesticides

• Organic food and farming uses virtually no pesticides

• Pesticides can remain in the food we eat after cooking and washing

• Pesticides can pollute water, the environment and the human body

• Weed killers are banned on organic farms

Nutrition

• Organic farming affects the quality of the food we eat

• There is a higher level of Omega 3 in organic milk and meat due to grass fed animals

Animal Welfare

• Organic farming has the highest standard of animal welfare - including free range, living conditions, food quality, transport and slaughter

• Animals are raised without the routine use of antibiotics 

• Animals are raised in conditions that suit their natural behaviour and are fed a mainly organic diet

Wildlife

• Intensive farming practices are responsible for the decline and possible extinction of wildlife species

• Fungicides and herbicides are damaging to wildlife

• Organic farmland supports more wildlife than non organic by producing less CO2 and dangerous waste 

• Organic farms are havens for wildlife and provide homes for bees, birds and butterflies. On average, plant, insect and bird life is 50% more abundant on organic farms

Environment and climate change

• Organic means working more with nature, not against it, minimising disruption to the natural environment

• Organic farming takes account of local and regional balances and encourages the use of on-site resources

• Organic farming enhances soil life, natural soil fertility and water quality

• Organic farming can help combat climate change and reduce pollution through its ban on chemical pesticides which release harmful greenhouse gases. Instead there is a reliance on healthy fertile soil and crop diversity

• If all UK farmland was converted to organic farming, at least 1.3 million tonnes of carbon would be taken up by the soil each year – the equivalent of taking nearly 1 million cars off the road

• If half of all farming in the European Union converted to organic by 2030, we could cut almost a quarter (23%) of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions 

Soil

• Organic farms have healthier soils, building soil fertility naturally with the use of compost and clover

• Soils store more carbon than the atmosphere and all of the world’s plants and forests combined, which means that soil is one of our most important weapons in the fight against climate change

• It takes a hundred years for just one or two centimetres of topsoil to form, and soil that is lost to pollution or erosion will need hundreds or even thousands of years to recover on its own

• Over the last 40 years almost a third of the world’s arable soils have been lost to erosion or pollution

• Organic agriculture helps reduce our dependence on mined phosphate, a non-renewable resource that is becoming increasingly scarce and expensive

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. ​

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.

Raw peanut butter and jam protein slice

Recipe - Raw peanut butter and jam protein slice

I am such a big fan of peanut butter and jam. The combination of sweet and salty is a classic and is a firm favourite for so many people on toast, in sandwiches, on pancakes.... However, heavily laden with refined sugar I now tend to stay away from conventional jam in favour of home-made healthy alternatives.

I wanted to create a recipe that used this winning combo but in a healthy snack that doesn't involve smothering it on top of carbs, and a slice seemed like the perfect solution. This recipe also doesn't use nuts in the base so it's really light in texture and on the tummy. 

Ingredients
Base
1 cup organic rolled oats
1 cup Medjool dates
4 tbsp organic peanut butter (I always choose ones palm oil free or from sustainable palm oil sources)
4tbsp raw hemp protein powder
Drizzle of maple syrup or agave
Jam Layer
250g berries of your choice (I used raspberries and blueberries)
4 tbsp chia seeds
Top Layer
1 tbsp coconut oil
1tbsp raw cacao powder
1tbsp coconut palm sugar or sweeter of your choice

Method
1. First make your jam, in a blender add all your berries and blend until broken down in to liquid consistency. pour in to a bowl and add the chia seeds, mix well and place in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to set.
2. Put the oats in a food processor and blitz for about 30 seconds or until oats have a breadcrumb consistency. 
3. Add the dates, peanut butter, hemp protein powder and maple syrup and continue to blitz.  This should slowly form a dense sticky mixture, if it's too dry add a little water and blitz again. 
4. Place the base mixture in a tin lined with baking parchment and spread and press evenly to all corners.
5. Once set, speed the chia jam on to the base and pop in the freezer for 10 minutes. 
6. Melt the coconut oil in a pan on a low heat, once melted add the raw cacao powder and coconut palm sugar and mix very well. You should have a thick liquid consistency similar to melted chocolate. 
7. Take the tin out of the freezer and pour the cacao liquid on top of the jam. You can cover it evenly or make patterns. Place the tin in the fridge for 20 minutes to all it all to set together. 
8. After it has set, take out from the fridge, cut in to squares, bars or shapes and enjoy:) 

Enjoy a healthy sweet treat fix - with superfoods

A healthy diet needn't mean the end of desserts and the odd treat. Remember, everything should be enjoyed in moderation! It is also perfectly possible to maximise the nutritional value of your favourite sweet items by making a few careful swaps and by incorporating nutrient-dense superfoods - which supercharge your health and give you fantastic energy, health benefits and an overall zest for life - into your diet.

A soothing smoothie 


If you are craving chocolate, it could be a sign that you are deficient in magnesium. Luckily, you can find this in avocado and banana, both of which make a great smoothie. Whizz them up with a handful of berries and you've got a delicious, reviving smoothie that is thick and nourishing.


Chia pudding

Protein-packed chia seeds are one of the hot ingredients at the moment. They make a great breakfast pudding if you soak a couple of tablespoons in a pint of nut milk of your choice. By morning, they will have created a set pudding, which is wonderful with nuts and fresh fruit. Why not sprinkle a little maca powder on top for energy and vitamins galore?

Cacao wonder 

Pure and unprocessed cacao is packed with nutrients, including the vitamin spectrum, iron and fibre. You can use it instead of processed cocoa to make all manner of treats. Stir a spoon of raw cacao into coconut or almond milk for a soothing evening drink and sweeten with a little honey and cinnamon. Mix up cacao powder with avocado and raw manuka honey for a rich and indulgent pudding - and make little cacao bites by blending cacao powder, dates, nuts and almond butter. Serve them raw to maximise taste and nutrient profile.

Spirulina

You can even use spirulina in sweet treats! Try adding it to a green juice with spinach, banana, kiwi and lime - or add a little to a raw nut ball recipe with nuts, dates, manuka honey and chia seeds for a powerful protein and vitamin-packed health punch!

The Benefits of Pink Himalayan Salt

Something of an enigma in the world of superfoods, Pink Himalayan Salt has the distinction of going against the grain and is a simple, cheap, and very cheerful superfood.

With its exotic name and appealing pink appearance, you would be forgiven for thinking this superfood is nothing more than a gimmick as sea salt coloured pink. But there is far more to it than that. While this distinguished little condiment is, in fact, rock salt with a pink hue, its origins make it very special indeed. They are also the reason for that distinct rosy tint.

The salt is mined in the Himalayan mountains. The sea salt beds the salt comes from are quite unique in that they were covered by lava roughly two hundred million years ago. There is a considerable amount of scientific data on the region, and the notion that the lava layer formed an impenetrable barrier, protecting the salt from the harsh pollutants of the world. The lava is also responsible for tinting the salt that beautiful colour.

Pink Himalayan Salt is coveted for the unusually high concentrations of minerals found within it, coupled with the fact it has a much lower sodium content than regular salt. The result of this is that it contains a lot more essential nutrients (minerals) and a lot less of the aspect of salt that so many meals contain too much of (sodium). Nutritionists are happy to agree that there are tangible benefits to this funky little salt and no known downsides to using it.

While the world has been raving for some time about how much better sea salt is for us than regular salt, Pink Himalayan Salt has now stormed the field and shaken things up once again. It's finally providing us with a salty option that tastes great, and not only isn't as damaging to our health, but actively provides nutrients we need, and struggle to find elsewhere.

Living Healthy on the Go

“Work to live, don’t live to work” is a saying I hear so much these days. And so often I meet people who are completely burnt out from working all hours, a lack of sleep, eating fast/convenient foods and not taking the time to rest or nurture themselves.

I completely support high achievers and admire career driven individuals who thrive on success. I do however hugely encourage everyone to create a healthy work/life balance. Making time and space to relax, give yourself a little TLC and feed yourself nourishing, live and vibrant foods is so important.

I also understand it’s not always easy to make this time when you have a career, children, a commute to or travel with work while also maintaining a social life. The pressures of balancing all these things can be hugely demanding.

I have lived in the London rat race and know first hand how easy it can be to slip in to an unbalanced lifestyle that in the long run is unsustainable. So here are a few suggestions I have learnt along the way for living healthy on the go…

Hydration Hydration Hydration

Keeping hydrated is absolutely fundamental to maintaining your health. Ideally we need to be drinking at least 2 liters of water each day. This will simultaneously help with the flow of key minerals in to your cells while aiding the elimination of toxins. Drinking this much water can help clear headaches, retain concentration and keep you awake. Trying having a pint of water instead of a coffee and see how you feel…

TIP: If you travel a lot, particularly on airplanes, it is especially important to keep the water up. Flying is one of the most dehydrating things we can do to our body so really bug those air stewards for regular water top ups.

Meals on the Move

Finding truly healthy foods when you’re grabbing a bite from a local supermarket, deli or train station can be really difficult. Often the options include poor quality ingredients on soggy white bread. Take a well-known supermarket (who shall not be named, but my Dad calls them Mordor) meal deal, a sandwich, a packet of crisps or choc bar and a fizzy drink for a few pounds… it hardly screams ‘healthy’ to me.

• I suggest preparing some wholesome snacks on a Sunday ready for your busy week ahead. A trail mix with dried fruit, nuts and seeds will fill you up, contains essential fats and vitamins and can be carried around easily. Or make oat and nut bars, store them in an airtight container and take one with you each day.
• One-cup smoothie makers are perfect for a morning mineral and fibre injection. Blend up fruit and nut milk with your favourite superfood powders or use it for making a portable chia pudding.
• Make a big batch of soup that can be divided in to portions and frozen. Then grab one each day to heat up in the office.
•  For me fruit is the ultimate snack, there’s nothing better than a juicy nectarine or box of blueberries to satisfy a hunger pang on the move.

Or if you are grabbing lunch out, these are a few of my fave healthy eateries around the UK...

-       Tanyas Café – Chelsea, London

-       Sweet Greens – Bournemouth, Dorset

-       Café Kino – Stokes Croft, Bristol

Yoga on the Train

Yes you heard me, I did say yoga on the train.

Last year I went to Colourfest Yoga Festival and met Eugene from AcroYoga Brighton. He taught us about his fantastic idea of fitting exercise in to your life even when you think you don’t have time.

Now, I’m not talking about headstands in the aisles or down dog on the seats, but you can often find space in the corridors or near doors to do some stretching, a few back bends or even a cheeky warrior pose. You might get a funny look or two but be brave, your body will feel the benefits far beyond the blush that your cheeks feel!

Sophia Harvey is one one of the owners of the successful online health food retailer DetoxTrading.co.uk 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