Detox Trading November Newsletter

November Newsletter

We hope you have been enjoying the autumn and all the beautiful colours that come with it. We can certainly feel the seasons’ change, the darker and longer evenings have begun to set in, the mornings are forst filled and chillier. It’s the time of year when we put on our warm toasty slippers, dig out our hot water bottles and have mugs of warming drinks to help see us through the winter.


We had a fantastic response to our September competition and the £100 voucher went to Violet Michalik! We hope you enjoy your goodies. Thank you all for participating. Watch this space for more competitions!


We have been busy here at Detox Trading HQ tasting, mixing, and experimenting with delicious new products which we are excited to finally share with you.
New in stock, we have our 'Earth Hug' mushroom hot chocolate, organic mango powder, organic carrot powder, red yeast rice powder and last but definitely not least californian spirulina.


These products not only have some incredible health benefits but most of them also taste amazing, we're sure you will agree!


Read on below to find out more about our new products and have a watch of our latest video.
All the best and a Happy November from the Detox Trading team

Check out our latest newsletter video

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  New in Stock  

Earth Hug Mushroom Hot Chocolate

We have been perfecting this recipe for a while and we can honestly say its absolutely delicious! It's a stimulating and warming seasonal drink, the perfect drink to see us through the autumn and winter months. It has our four favourite mushrooms in it: Lions Mane, Cordyceps, Chaga and Reishi. This magical combination is great for mental stimulation, immune boosting and overall feelings of happiness and wellbeing as well as a whole host of other benefits. We highly recommend giving it a try!

 BUY HERE 

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  New in Stock  

Organic Mango Powder
 

A tropical treat, our freeze dried organic mango powder is bursting with vitamins and antioxidants. It has beta carotene and zeaxanthin which are known for supporting healthy eyes and vision, healthy skin and are also all round immune boosters. The perfect addition to your morning juices and smoothies- its a tasty treat.

 BUY HERE 

New in Stock   Organic Carrot Powder Brimming with carotenoids, our organic carrot powder is incredibly versatile and can  be used internally or externally. It has high levels of vitamins A and B which can help with circulation and boost the immune system. It is also used in skin prducts as it helps to  reduce scars and keep skin looking radiant.    BUY HERE    New in Stock    Red yeast rice powder Red yeast rice powder is a fermented product, made by fermenting a type of yeast with  rice. It has been used in chinese medicine for years as a digestive and circulatory aid,  it is now popular in relation to circulatory support. This product contains Monacolin K,  and comes with a few contraindications so we recommend doing your own research  before trying.  BUY HERE     New in Stock    Californian Spirulina Californian spirulina is perfect for those of you who have been eagerly waiting for the hawaiain to come back into stock. We have found it to be the same very high quality,  in colour, taste and texture!   BUY HERE

 Thank you for your continued support, from the Detox Trading Family 

Tips to help support a healthy brain

Our brain can sometimes be taken for granted, however it is one of the most important organs of our body. It’s our main source of storage for memories, learning and functioning on a daily basis.

We’ve put together a few tips to help you support the mind, and keep it active and healthy. 

 Sleep

Getting a solid 8 hours of sleep a night will help your brain to process the days events. New research has suggested that the brain actually spends the time we sleep removing toxins from the brain that have built up during the day- a type of housekeeping. A good sleep will help your brain to create new memories, and concentrate throughout the day.  

 Get physical

Even its its going for a short walk in nature, our brain benefits from physical exercise. Research has suggested that regular intensive exercise can improve the size of our hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory and new learning. Exercise also produces endorphins which help to maintain good mental health. 

 Diet

Eating a balanced diet full of leafy green vegetables and omega 3,6 and 9, can help to support healthy brain function. Try to cut out eating too much sugar and alcohol as these can affect how well the brain is able to learn new things. 

 Managing Stress

Stress can have a serious detrimental effect on our brain, allowing some self care and relaxation will help to relieve this. Allowing yourself to take regular time out to do the things you love and that will nourish you is vital. 

 Meditation

A few minutes of meditation a day has been proven to help reduce mental health issues and improve clarity of mind, memory and focus. This can also be in the form of a regular yoga practice.

 Keep the brain active

The brain is a muscle, which thrives when it is being used. A great way to do this is to pick up a great book, practice sudoku or do the daily crossword to keep the muscle going.

 Supplements

Daily supplements can help to support brain function, here at detox trading I like to take

our organic Gotu Kola which improves blood flow to the brain and Lions Mane which is known for increasing memory. I can already notice a significant difference!

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

Health Benefits of Moringa

Moringa oleifera is a plant that has been praised for its health benefits for almost 4,000 years. It is widely known as the drumstick tree, horseradish tree, miracle tree and the ben oil or benzoil tree. Although modern science is continuously proving the health benefits of moringa, it has been popular across various cultures for centuries.

Moringa is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree, which was originally grown at the southern foothills of the Himalayas in northwestern India. It grows up to 2 metres tall and produces long, slender, brown capsules with rounded seeds. Today, it is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas where its young seed pods and leaves are used as vegetables and many parts of the tree are used as herbal medicine.

Moringa oleifera offers a multitude of health benefits, however only a few of its many reputed health benefits have been studied scientifically and these are just a few:

Moringa is packed with nutrients

Moringa is a fairly large and very nutritious tree, hence its name "elixir tree." Moringa leaves specifically are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals. They are rich in protein, vitamin B6, vitamin C, iron, riboflavin, vitamin A and magnesium. The fresh leaves are usually eaten as a vegetable and the dried leaves are mostly sold as dietary supplements, either in powder or capsule form.

It is rich in antioxidants

High levels of free radicals may cause oxidative stress and serious health problems such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Antioxidants are compounds that act against them. Moringa leaves are rich in vitamin C, beta-carotene, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid which are all potent antioxidants. These antioxidants also help improve vision and provide protection against retinal damage.

May reduce inflammation

Inflammation is an essential protective mechanism of the body as it is a natural response to infection and injury. However, it may become a major health issue if it continues over a long period of time. If overlooked and not treated, it may lead to chronic health problems including heart disease and cancer.

Scientists believe that the main anti-inflammatory compounds found in moringa leaves, pods and seeds are isothiocyanates. Vitamin C, beta-carotene, polyphenols, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid are some more components that can be found in moringa leaves. These components combat oxidative stress and slow the progression of age-related disorders as well as reduce inflammation.

May prevent diabetes

A high blood sugar level is the main characteristic of diabetes which is considered a serious and escalating health problem in the UK. Diabetes carries complications that affect the heart, kidneys, eyes, liver and other organs of the body. It is important to keep your blood sugar within healthy limits. Moringa contains chlorogenic acid and isothiocyanates that allow cells to utilise glucose as required, helping to regulate blood glucose levels and fight type 2 diabetes with its hormonal balancing and glycemic controlling properties.

Maintain healthy cholesterol levels

High cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart disease but fortunately, many plant foods can effectively reduce cholesterol such as flaxseeds, oats, almonds and of course, moringa. Moringa maintains healthy cholesterol levels as well as blood pressure levels in the body and its bioactive components, including isothiocyanate and niaziminin, also prevent the thickening of arteries and reduce the development of pulmonary hypertension. In addition, moringa's hypocholesterolemic effects help in reducing a high-fat rise in the liver and kidney. 

Detox Trading is a family run business that was founded in 2007. We offer organic moringa leaf powder and a wide range of quality, versatile and affordable organic superfoods, green and herbal teas, detox products, supplements and much more.

Surviving Summer - top tips for staying healthy inside and out during a heatwave!

Here in the UK we are not always blessed with long, hot, sweltering summers but we are becoming more accustomed to heatwaves, high pollen levels, strong sun rays and sweaty sleepless nights.

It's common however to get carried away by the short spells of warm weather and neglect our healthy habits in favour of binging on BBQ's, soaking up the sun, drinking gallons of G&T's and indulging in ice-creams. Of course you have to be able to treat yourself, but it's so important to take care of yourself when your body is vulnerable to the health hazards that summer presents. 

Here are some of our top tips for looking after yourself on the inside and outside during the summer months. 

Bee Pollen

A bi-product of honey, these sweet, flowery tasting pellets are a complete food with a comprehensive nutrient profile including an ideal balance of protein, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, lipids, bioflavonoids and antioxidants. 

Aside from its dense nutrient content, bee pollen is also a powerhouse against allergies and in particular, hay fever. Bee pollen actively reduces the production of histamine, the compound your body releases in reaction to the immune response caused by pollen (which causes itchy eyes, runny nose, etc). Essentially it works as an natural, nutrient rich alternative to over the counter anti-histamines. 

Camu Camu

Camu camu is the worlds richest source of vitamin C, in fact this small Amazonian berry carries up to 60 x more vitamin C that an orange! Available in dried, powder form, this nutritional supplement is a fantastic immune system booster than can help ward off summer colds. 

Camu camu has a tangy, tart taste and is best taken in an organic juice, smoothie or mixed in your breakfast. One teaspoon a day will boost your energy levels, provide a good amount of antioxidants and boost your immune system. 

Stay hydrated

An increase in sunshine and hot weather naturally increases the amount we sweat as our hypothalamus does the incredible work of regulating our body temperatures. But it's important to remember that you need to compensate for this by increasing your water intake. We always recommend drinking 2 litres of water a day to maintain good health, but try to add another 1/2 - 1 litre to this during a heatwave, especially if you are also exercising. 

Nutritious summer foods

Easting seasonally is never easier than in summer, during this time we have an abundance of salad veggies, summer fruits and fresh produce. Our bodies also don't require the warmth of winter foods and slow release carbs to keep our energy levels up in the cold, meaning we can fill our tums with nutritious, raw and vibrant ingredients. 

My favourite salad in summer is made up of organic: lettuce (home-grown by Amida), tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, broccoli sprouts, raw kale, courgette and peppers, some slightly more exotic mango, with lightly cooked green beans or asparagus, and if you're a cheese lover (and not vegan), a smidgen of grilled halloumi or crumbled feta on top. 

Stay smelling sweet with natural deodorant 

It's perhaps not necessary to elaborate too much here, we all know what hot days plus increased sweat means... But perhaps you're not aware that conventional deodorants contain ingredients like aluminium and parabans that can be damaging to our health. 

By swapping to a chemical free deodorant you can be safe in the knowledge that you will not only smell good, but avoid toxins that absorb straight in to your skin. We stock the Clay Cure range of natural, coconut oil based deodorants with aromas including lavender, water lily, white rose, mint and vetiver, lemon and tea tree, and ylang yang. They're so clean you could even eat them :)

 Coconutty after-sun

Coconut oil not only contains its own naturally occurring SPF, it also acts as a wonderfully soothing moisturiser after sun exposure. It helps to hydrate, nourish and replenish damaged skin and contains absolutely no artificial nasties.  

Mix coconut oil with Vitamin E oil for even better results! 

The health benefits of sea buckthorn

With its protein-building amino acids and high mineral content, sea buckthorn is a complete food containing over 60 antioxidants as well as vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E and K. It also contains folic acid. It has wonderful healing properties and helps to fuel and heal the body on both the inside and out. There are so many health benefits of sea buckthorn - i.e. as a moisturiser, an anti-ageing supplement and even to help improve psoriasis. But some of the main health benefits are obtained from the fatty acids.

As a superfood, it is packed full of vital nutrients and the berries are high in those all-important fatty acids - omega 3, 6 and 9, as well as the illusive omega 7.
Omega 7 palmitoleic acid, which is rare in plant sources, and even rarer in animal sources, is prized for it's gastrointestinal health benefits, as well as for hair, skin and nails. Omega 7 can also help to reduce feelings of hunger. 

Omega-3 fatty acids, once part of the commonly know 'essential fatty acids' are obtained through diet and are an integral part of the body’s cell membranes. They impact cell receptors, regulate blood clotting, the contraction and relaxation of your artery walls and even play a role in genetic function. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to play a significant role in the prevention of heart disease.

Omega-3 could also aid the control of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and it may even help to lower cholesterol levels. Research indicates that it can ease gastrointestinal disorders, improve vision, and contributes to the correct function of the nervous system and brain. It also works as an active anti-inflammatory agent.

Sea buckthorn is not new, in fact, as a superfood, it has been used for over 12 centuries in China and has an illustrious history. It is often referred to as the holy fruit by those who live in the Himalayan Mountains. If you wish to improve your health and wellbeing, buy it online here and have it delivered directly to you.