Why Bentonite Clay Is the Next Big Miracle Ingredient

​Bentonite clay has become one of the new buzz ingredients on the block. In some cultures that use it extensively, it’s often referred to as 'healing' clay due to its miraculous properties. It’s popularity has grown significantly in the west over the last 10 years, and it is often recommended for its ability to promote better health thanks to its detoxifying properties.

What exactly is Bentonite clay?

Bentonite clay is formed from the ash of volcanoes. It has a long history as a traditional healing ingredient that could protect the body from disease and has been used for many years during fasting, cleansing and detoxing.

Adding water to Bentonite clay gives it a negative charge, meaning it can quite literally pull toxins from the body. It works both topically and when ingested, making it an extremely versatile product.

Bentonite clay can unclog your pores

External and internal toxins can clog up the pores in your skin, especially on your face. We use methods like exfoliation to help shrink the size of our pores and cleanse them, but you can also use a simple face mask made from Bentonite clay as a fantastic alternative to so many of the packs available in the shops. Thanks to it producing a negative electrical charge, it will quite literally clean out and absorb all of the dirt and grime on your face to make way for clearer, brighter skin. For softer, youthful-looking skin, there’s nothing better than Bentonite clay.

Provides you with nutrients

Bentonite clay is a useful everyday supplement in its own right. It’s a rich source of calcium, magnesium, sodium, copper, iron, silica and potassium. This makes Bentonite clay one of the most incredibly dense ingredients around and it can be added to all kinds of food and drink. Although it does have a somewhat 'muddy' taste so it's best taken with a little water in the morning. 

Works great as a hair mask

Mix 2-3 tablespoons of Bentonite clay powder with the same amount of water and it will create a smooth paste the consistency of mustard. Add this to your hair in the shower, leave in for a few minutes before washing out and you’ll find that it creates a beautiful hair mask with excellent conditioning properties that will leave your hair looking strong, shiny and nourished.

Buying Bentonite clay

Bentonite clay is relatively inexpensive and lasts for a long time. It’s easy to obtain and at Detox Trading we stock a wide range of clays for internal and external use, along with clay based deodorants and tooth powders. It has many wonderful uses and is perhaps the ultimate food and beauty product to invest in.

A word of warning

While Bentonite clay has many useful properties, there’s one major rule that you need to remember: do NOT mix Bentonite clay with metal, ever! It should never ever come in contact with metal or else it will lose much of its healing properties. Make sure you mix with a bamboo or wooden spoon and used ceramic or glass bowls.

Detox Trading's bentonite clay is a powerful, yet gentle detoxifier and is high in alkaline with a Ph of 8.5. It is ultra pure, clean, allergen free, laboratory tested and high in beneficial trace elements, making it the clay of choice for internal use. Visit our website for more information on the fantastic products that we supply.

8 Good Reasons Why You Need More Seaweed in Your Diet

When people think seaweed, they often think back to to summer days on the beach, the salty smell, squidgy feel underfoot and throwing it around to scare your friends. Either that or for fans of Japanese cuisine, fried crispy seaweed and sushi rolls mmmm.  

But if your not accustomed to the great taste and wonderful benefits of seaweed then you are about to learn to love it! So here are 8 good reasons why you should be consuming seaweed regularly. 

1. Naturally loaded with protein

Seaweed is an excellent choice of vegetarian protein. When added to soups, salads or even bread, 100 grams of seaweed can give you up to 6 grams of protein.

2. Contains easily-digestible fibre

Seaweed contains a fair amount of fibre (around 1.3 grams per 100 grams of kelp) and it's extremely soluble.

3. Filled with vitamins and minerals

Different types of seaweed offer different nutrients, but regardless of the variety, they’re always dense with vitamins and minerals. This includes vitamin A, vitamin C and folate. And most importantly seaweed is very high in iodine, sea vegetables are one of the richest sources of thyroid health enhancing iodine. 

4. Low in calories and fat

A single-cup serving of seaweed contains only 28 calories.One portion makes for a fantastic, guilt-free snack that still leaves room for other healthy treats. 

5. Full of flavour

Seaweed has what’s known as an umami flavour, also known as the fifth taste. It’s a savoury taste that you also find in mushrooms, miso and soya sauce, and has the characteristics of a well-made broth.

6. Easy to eat

Seaweed goes down incredibly easily thanks to the many ways it can be consumed. Do you want a crispy seaweed snack, or would you prefer some ocean salad seaweed mixed with your favourite raw veggies and dip?

7. Can be used in lots of different ways

Seaweed can be added to soups and stews, mixed into a salad, used in wraps, added to Asian broths, paired with pasta, cooked as a side dish and can even be incorporated in to home-made bread. With so many versatile uses, it can easily become a staple in your pantry.

8. Readily available now

You no longer need to visit Asian supermarkets to buy your seaweed! You can simply order one of our wonderful varieties straight to your door. And all our seaweed comes in dried form so you can rehydrate it whenever you need it without worrying about it spoiling.

Seaweed is incredibly easy to add to your diet and has a salty, rich flavour that everyone can enjoy. It’s easy to add to meals and comes in handy snack form for healthy eating on-the-go. This sea superfood is easy to prepare and lasts for a long time in the cupboard.


Detox Trading's organic range of seaweeds are bursting with nutrients, containing a rich supply of minerals like iodine, calcium, copper and iron.Seaweed is also rich in protein, fibre and vitamins, specifically vitamin K and folic acid while being low in calories and fat. Visit our website for more information on the fantastic products that we supply.

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. ​

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.