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Just some of the product descriptions:

Barleygrass Powder
Harvested from one of the world’s most-valued crops, the young, tender leaves of the barley plant are particularly prized in China as a source of fibre and chlorophyll. Quick dried to retain all its sought-after characteristics, barleygrass powder is best enjoyed mixed into drinks and dressings or scattered over salads

Lucuma Powder
Harvested from evergreen trees in the highlands of Peru, the intensely-flavoured lucuma fruit is a source of fibre, minerals and carbohydrates.This traditionally-dried powder is tantalisingly sweet, with an alluring aroma that makes it a unique ingredient in desserts and smoothies. Sprinkle over ice cream for a stimulating flavour revelation

Organic Cocoa Nibs
These Naturya Organic Cocoa Nibs offer up a truly pure & delicious cocoa experience! Unspoilt by the addition dairy and sugar products, these nibs are simply made by coarsely grinding natural cocoa beans, harvested from Organically certified Peruvian Plantations. They’re carefully sun-dried after harvesting to help develop the concentrated flavour and preserve the naturally beneficial nutrients found within.

Cocoa contains high levels of flavonoids, in particular epicatechin, which may have beneficial cardiovascular effects on health. Prolonged intake of flavanol-rich raw cocoa has been recently been linked to cardiovascular health benefits. The problem with a lot of cocoa products like chocolate is the addition of whole milk which obviously reduces the overall cocoa content per ounce while increasing saturated fat levels, which in turn will negate some of cocoa’s heart-healthy potential benefits; by using natural unprocessed cocoa like these Organic Cocoa Nibs from Naturya you can make sure that you are getting all the flavour and goodness found in these wonderous beans in each and every bite!

Spirulina (Spirulina Platensis) are actually a type of blue-green algae that grow in alkaline water. Spirulina is widely cultivated and harvested from open-air freshwater pools and has been enjoyed as a dietary supplement around the globe for centuries. This Organic Spirulina Powder by Naturya brings you only the finest quality Spirulina Powder (with an impressive 64% protein content), grown specifically for purpose in organically certified fresh water pools on an island in the South China Sea.

Since the 1970s Spirulina has been more widely recognised as a safe and viable natural dietary supplement the world over. A rich source of vegetable protein (containing amounts up to five times higher than those found in meats), this Organic Spirulina Powder is also rich in a wide range of vitamins and minerals. It boasts a high content of beta carotene and the vitamin B complex that many people who follow vegetarian or vegan diets may lack, making it an effortless, ideal and popular supplement for people enjoying a vegan or meat-free diet.

One of the reasons for the ever-increasing popularity stems from the fact that this natural super-food contains over 100 kinds of nutrients and is often described to be one of the most complete natural food sources ever – what’s not to love

Wheatgrass is easily in the top ten of Nature’s most prized plants! Cultivated and harvested for thousands of years by cultures the world over. Wheatgrass was actually first identified and catalogued by the Ancient Chinese; a fantastic source of fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals, they have cherished it as an ingredient and supplemental health food ever since.

Naturya Wheatgrass Powder is organically grown and harvested specifically when the tender young leaves are at their healthiest and bursting with life. Wheatgrass naturally contains over 90 minerals, including potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium. Just a single teaspoon of this Organic Wheatgrass Powder has been found to be as nutritionally equal or better than an entire spinach salad of 50g, it contains more vitamin C than found in oranges and boasts twice the vitamin A as carrots.

When ingested, Wheat Grass will help the body to generate red blood cells which carry oxygen around the cells in the body. This can help to increase endurance when taking part in physical activities and helps to maintain a good picture of health, in part aided by the 19 amino acids that also feature in this veritable healthy treat

Oat pancakes with pear for pancake Tuesday
by Dorcas Barry

Quite a few years ago, I discovered that I could no longer eat wheat. For someone who not only has a sweet tooth but who also loves to bake, this felt like a disaster. But, bit by bit over the years I have sourced ingredients and recipes, tested lots of different ways of cooking with these ingredients and am so delighted that I can now still enjoy equally delicious cakes, biscuits and especially pancakes. Pancakes are special, the weekend breakfast that everyone shares together, the arguments for the best recipe, the myriad of different accompaniments and of course Shrove Tuesday.

When we were little, the aim of the game was to eat as many as possible. When you went into school the next day, you would be bombarded with demands for how many you had eaten so that the winner could be indentified as early as possible in the day. It was a big event, and nobody ever had anything else but lemon and sugar with their pancakes. Once I discovered American pancakes, I never looked back and these smaller puffier pancakes have remained my favourite to this day. Finding an alternative to wheat was a matter of priority and these oat pancakes are every bit as good as the traditional ones made with wheat.

There are lots of variations. I have made these ones with a slice of pear in the middle and a couple of drops of natural almond essence in the batter. You can omit the pear and of course add any berries, or cook without fruit and pile on fruit and yoghurt afterwards. I use goats yoghurt for this recipe, Ardsallagh is the perfect pouring consistency and has a lovely mild flavour. If you want to cut out the butter, use only vegetable oil to cook the pancakes with, but a little bit of organic butter really helps the pear to caramelise.

Oat Pear Pancakes
100g organic porridge oats (Lots of great Irish varieties available)
2 eggs, separated
1 tablespoon of maple syrup or dark agave syrup
2-3 drops of natural almond essence (optional)
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (or vanilla powder)
30-50ml natural yoghurt (I use Ardsallagh Goats yoghurt)
1 pear, sliced into 1cm thick slices

Place the porridge oats into a liquidiser and process until as fine as possible. Scoop into a bowl and add the egg yolks, syrup, vanilla and almond extract (if using). Add 30ml of the yoghurt and mix together, adding the rest of the yoghurt if needed to get a good pouring consistency. Beat the egg whites in a separate bowl to the soft peak stage and then add into the oat mixture very gently with a metal spoon. Keep stirring until the egg whites are incorporated, doing your best not to knock out all the air from the whites.

Heat some oil with a little organic butter in a pancake pan and place a slice of pear in the pan. Leave it for a minute or two to start cooking and then pour a couple of tablespoons of the pancake batter on top of the pear slice. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes or until bubbles start to appear around the outside of the pancake and then flip it gently to cook for a further 1-2 minutes on the other side. Continue with the rest of the pancake mixture in the same way. Serve with the syrup of your choice.

Roast Pesto Cod with Chorizo and Tomatoes

This is a quick and easy family dish. The cod can be easily replaced with any white chunky fish and you can choose any selection of tomatoes.

My favourite is a mix of cherry or vine tomatoes whole, mixed with some plum tomatoes cut into quarters.

The chorizo is used as a background flavouring.

Try to get it without preservatives or additives.

To make this dish even more convenient, you could also use good-quality frozen cod fillets. In this case, the cooking time would need to be extended by 10 minutes approximately.

Serves four.

you will need

400g tomatoes, mixed varieties

1 red onion, cut into chunks

1in chorizo, approximately, cut into small pieces

3 tbsps olive oil

1 tsp good-quality pesto

4 cod fillets

Sea salt and pepper

Fresh basil, to serve

Method

Pre-heat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Place tomatoes, onion and chorizo into an ovenproof dish. In a small bowl or jug, mix the olive oil with the pesto and then pour over the tomato and onion.

Stir well to evenly coat the vegetables with the oil mixture.

Season and place into the oven to roast for 30-35 minutes.

Remove the dish from the oven and gently place the cod fillets in between the tomatoes in the dish. Spoon some of the juices in the pan over the cod and return to the oven for 20 minutes approximately, or until the cod is cooked through.

Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve immediately.

- Dorcas Barry

Coconut contains many health benefits and is a nutritious source of meat, milk juice and oil. For generations it has been effectively used to feed, fuel and cure a large percentage of the world’s population, especially in the Asian and Pacific countries.

While coconut possesses many health benefits due to its fiber, vitamins and nutritional content, it is the oil that makes it a truly remarkable food and medicine.

Coconut oil used to be regarded as bad oil, high in saturated fat and therefore not good for our diet. But recent studies have shown that the coconut oil is a different sort of saturated fat that reacts differently in our bodies.

It’s all to do with the type of fat molecule that is present in the oil. Coconut oil is composed predominately of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), also known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCT). This won’t mean much to most people, but it is what gives coconut oil its unique qualities.

Most of the saturated and unsaturated fats found in our daily diet consist of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). Most oils and processed foods we eat contain these unhealthy fats.

MCFA found in coconut oil are very different from LCFA. Unlike other fats, it is not stored in the body. MCFA’s are processed in the liver and immediately used for fuel, or energy. That’s why athletes and sportsmen and women are turning to coconut oil to use as a natural energy drink.

They do not have a negative effect on cholesterol and actually help to protect against heart disease and lowers the risk of atherosclerosis.

It is primarily due to the MCFA in coconut oil that makes it so beneficial to our bodies and so healthy to cook with.

There are only a very few good dietary sources of MCFA. By far the best sources are from coconut and palm kernel oils.

Coconut Oil Health Benefits

Traditional medicine among the Asian and Pacific population have used the healing properties of coconut oil extensively and to great effect, for many years. Pacific Islanders consider coconut oil to be the cure for all illness.

This bold claim is not without substance as scientists have recently discovered various healing properties of coconut oil and how it can be used in modern medicine to treat a variety of conditions.

Here’s how coconut oil benefits your health:

Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Viral and Anti-Fungal

Coconut oil is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal. It kills viruses that have a lipid (fatty) coating, such as herpes, HIV, hepatitis C, the flu, and mononucleosis.

It kills the bacteria that cause pneumonia, sore throats, dental cavities, urinary tract infections, meningitis, gonorrhea, food poisoning, pneumonia, and many more bacterial infections.

It also kills the fungus/yeast infections that cause Candida, ringworm, athlete’s foot, thrush, jock itch, diaper rash and more.

Coconut oil isn’t a cure in itself, but it does contain these properties that fight against such ailments.

Coconut Oil for Energy

Coconut oil is able to boost energy levels and endurance. It is not stored in the body’s cells like other fats and actually breaks down much quicker within the liver and used like a carbohydrate.

Athletes and bodybuilders use it as a natural supplement in sports drinks. It also increases your metabolism which is great for anyone wanting to lose weight. There is a whole industry devoted to losing weight through coconut oil products and recipes.

Improved Digestive System

Coconut oil helps in improving the digestive system and absorption of fat soluble vitamins, minerals and amino acids. This helps to prevent various stomach and digestion related problems such as irritable bowel syndrome.

The saturated fats present in coconut oil have anti microbial properties and help in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, parasites, etc., that cause indigestion.

Diabetics use it to reduce their symptoms and the risk of developing diabetes is reduced with regular use of coconut oil in your cooking.

High in Antioxidants

Coconut oil, in particular virgin coconut oil contains high levels of antioxidants which help to protect the body from free radicals and prevent degenerative diseases, cancer and premature aging.

The Healthy Fat in Coconut Oil

It has been accepted for a long time now that diets high in saturated fat can cause heart disease. This is true of popular cooking oil and many fast and processed foods.

Coconut oil is also high in saturated fat, but scientists are discovering that this form of saturated fat is actually good for your heart despite the bad press it has received over the years.

It contains about 50% lauric acid, and has shown not to increase ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol levels that other saturated fats do.

For optimal heart health it is recommended we have a healthy balance of saturated, poly-unsaturated and mono-unsaturated fat.

Coconut Oil for the Hair

Coconut oil is one of the best natural products for promoting healthy, shiny hair. This widely used oil provides essential proteins needed for nourishing damaged hair and makes an excellent shampoo or conditioner.

It is commonly used as hair-care oil and used in manufacturing various conditioners, and dandruff relief creams.

Due to its anti-fungal properties, regular massage of the head with coconut oil ensures that your scalp is free of dandruff, lice, and lice eggs, even if your scalp is dry.

For more information on this, read my article: Coconut Oil for Hair. Also watch the video below.

Stress Relief

Coconut oil is very soothing and hence it helps in removing stress. Applying coconut oil to the head followed with a gentle massage helps in removing mental fatigue.

Skin Care

Coconut oil is excellent massage oil for the skin. It acts as an effective moisturizer on all types of skin, including dry skin.

The benefit of coconut oil on the skin is comparable to that of mineral oil. But unlike mineral oil, there is little chance of having any adverse reactions on the skin.

Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections. It forms the basic ingredient of various body care products such as soaps, lotions, creams, etc., used for skin care.

Anti-Itch Cream

Coconut oil is anti-inflammatory, so it’s possible it would bring some relief from bug bites, as it promotes healing.

Healing Balm

Since it is anti-inflammatory, coconut oil might be useful as a salve to speed healing of bruises, strains, and sore muscles.

Coconut Oil as a Mosquito Repellent

Coconut oil is used in various mosquito repellents as a natural product, rather than using Deet. Just by eating it or using it as a shampoo or face cream etc., can ward of mosquitoes.

Coconut Oil Side Effects

Unless you have some sort of allergic reaction to oil or fat, coconut oil shouldn’t give you any problems. Over the course of my research I have not found any possible side effects through consuming it.

Using coconut oil on the skin might cause a reaction for some people, (as could any cream or liquid), but again this is highly unlikely.

Many health organizations still advice people not to consume too much coconut oil because of its high saturated fat content. Even though research has identified coconut oil as having different compounds to other saturated fat, government regulated health authorities take an age before they will approve a natural source as a health benefit.

Coconut oil is truly the healthiest oil you can consume. It is rich in lauric acid, which is known for being antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal, and contains no trans fat (even olive oil has some trans fat). You can even use it on your skin to help prevent wrinkles, or your hair for a shiny, healthy look.

This is a fabulous green smoothie to give you a spring in your step! Hence, why it is called

fast and fabulous.

Ingredients:

quarter pineapple peeled sliced and cubed,
1 cucumber,
1 lime peeled and squeezed,
1 avocado peeled and stoned,
6 celery sticks,
a handful of baby spinach and
6 medium green apples.

Method:

You juice the cucumber, lime, celery, spinach and apples. (My tip for juicing is to start

with hard fruit and veg. first and end with the soft ones) and then add juice to blender then

add the pineapple and avocadoand then finally, blend for 30 seconds. Ice may be added

depending on weather. That should make 16 fluid ounces.

There are 2 types of juicer. Centrifugal – that burns enzymes off slightly and

masticiating – it keeps all enzymes because no heat is created whilst juicing.

Thanks, Oliver.

Love her or loathe her, as she starts her MDNA tour later this year with a Dublin bound date, there’s no escaping the fact that Madonna is in the best shape of her life. Toned, healthy and glowing, with not a bingo-wing in sight. So how does the best looking mum on the block keep herself looking so great?
Her tipple of choice is now a good pint of stout in a country pub. In a recent interview she claims, ‘it’s really important to me that I have a normal life and I do things that everyone else does’. Just a normal girl?
Well, for most of us it’s clear she’s doing something we’re not. So how can we get her glowing complexion, sparkling eyes and, above all, those toned arms?
Her road to no flab is firmly routed in Ashtanga yoga,, a high-octane, aerobic form of ‘power yoga’, and the star is the most famous exponent of its benefits, practising for two hours every day, six days a week. ‘No more pumping iron, no more Stairmaster, no more treadmill’ she says, ‘I’m gym-free. I’m liberated!’
And hand in hand with her yoga goes Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science which categorises people into three distinct personality types known as doshas – fire (pitta), air (vata) and kapha (water). All of the practices of ayurveda are geared towards balancing the doshas, because, devotees believe, when they are balanced, the body and mind are healthy. Ayurveda involves complete lifestyle changes according to a detailed knowledge of your personal consitution. Those who practise it take part in massage, exercise, diet and meditation to treat the body and mind ‘type’ together. As a pitta (fire) type, Madonna steers clear of caffeine and red meat, eating little and often, and uses essential oils like bergamot, lemon and juniper to relax and rejuvenate.
She has also succumbed to the newest health fad to hit the UK – Biological Terrain Analysis, from Dr Laz Bannock – who uses medical analysis to pinpoint problem areas in diet and lifestyle. The procedure assesses body fluids to get a picture of overall health, including ageing, immunity and energy levels. Dr Bannock (medical Director of the Matt Roberts personal training group) works on the theory that if your chemistry is out of balance, your body won’t be working at its full potential. The tests are carried out on different body fluids to build up an overall picture of health, including areas of dehydration, acidity and low immunity. Specific diet and lifestyle changes are prescribed to detox and rebalance the body’s pH levels and improve inner health.

But giving up the gym in favour of yoga isn’t the only change – her diet has had an overhaul too. Its well known her favourite drinks are 7-Up and diet root beer, her favourite snack is plain old popcorn and she has an aversion to red M&M’s. But not so well publicised is the star’s love for ginger tea to give her energy, and MACA, a South American ‘wonder-herb’ which is reported to burn fat and boost energy, health and vitality.
Her favourite dish is Toro Tartar, a scoop of raw tuna topped with Ostreta caviar at uber-fashionable New York restaurant Nobu, where she can finish the meal off with Green tea ice cream. For most mere mortals, however, the exclusive tables at Nobu are a no-no, so you’ll be happy to hear their recipe book will be published later this year.
Luckily, Madonna’s favourite Japanese foods are perfect for her macrobiotic diet. According to macrobiotics, meat, dairy products and sweeteners like sugar should be avoided, along with black tea and carbonated drinks. Good foods are grains, brown rice and pasta, seasonal vegetables, beans, soy products, white fish, fruits, nuts and seeds cooked in as many different ways as possible.
With a personal nutritionist to create her meals according to these macrobiotic, low-fat, vegetarian principles, it’s probably a bit easier for Maddy to stick to the diet than the rest of us. Which is why it’s so gratifying to hear that, just like any normal woman, her real favourites are dairy products like cheese, butter, fudge and chocolate. Never one to go
with the flow, she reportedly craved butternut squash and mooli (a long, pale sort of radish) while she was pregnant rather than the usual chocolate and cakes, but did admit to hankerings after eggs, olives and crisps, too.
You can take the girl out of Hollywood, but you can’t take the glitz out of the girl so even if she is after a simple life, it stands to reason that La Ciccone’s not going to give up a bit of old fashioned pampering. The Agua spa at the Sanderson Hotel is her favourite – offering everything from facials and reflexology to shiatsu, reiki, Thai bodywork and massage. She is a fan of the Dr Hauschka organic range of skin care, based on aromatherapy principles, and sticks rigidly to their cleanse, tone and moisturise regime. And her love of aromatherapy doesn’t stop there – she even had a personalised perfume created for her by Francoise Rapp of Arom’Alchemy whose scents combine aromatherapy with classic perfumery.
The superstar claims she eats whatever she wants, and says, ‘if you stop worrying about being fat, you will not be fat.’ But a low-fat diet, two hours of yoga a day and regular massage and beauty treatments must help.
Madonna swears by Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream, a daily moisturiser made of natural products

When Jennifer Aniston was spotted with a shopping trolley full of coconut oil, the manufacturers of this little-used fat must have jumped for joy. Coconut oil has had a bad press because of its high saturated-fat content, but devotees claim it is misunderstood. It is heart-healthy and fantastic for weight loss, they say, because it speeds up the metabolism. It is also cholesterol-free and – according to some of the wilder proponents – can cure anything from candida to cancer. The coconut is being touted as the health food of 2008, but a closer look at the science behind the claims highlights the hyperbole that is rife in the “superfoods” industry. Can the answer to all modern ills really be found up a palm tree?

Coconut oil – which is derived from the flesh of the fruit, and not to be confused with coconut milk – is certainly catching on among British athletes. It was included in the diet of the England rugby squad in 2007, who were an average of 2kg of muscle heavier than the 2003 team, and the new squad is already using it. According to rugby union nutritionist Matt Lovell, virgin coconut oil can raise the metabolic rate and therefore help the body to burn fat more effectively. “It is the most misunderstood of all fats,” he says. “It is what we call a ‘functional food’ because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional or calorie content.”

For use in cooking, sports nutrition and in topical cosmetic use. Delicious, this healthy fat can be added to many recipes. This raw 100% organic virgin coconut oil is from the flesh of the coconut. A rich organic source of fatty acids supportive nutritionally in the maintenance of healthy skin. Topically, can be used as a facial or all-body moisturiser, rubbed into feet, hands and hair to nourish and ease dryness. Country of origin, the Philippines. Certified organic by the Soil Association – better for the planet, better for you. ‘Mane Attraction’ From an article by Akcelina Cvijetic. “Smoothing some coconut oil over the hair can help combat frizz, so always keep a small pot handy. Try Viridian 100 per cent Organic Raw Coconut Oil (available at www.viridian-nutrition.com). A hair massage is wonderfully relaxing for the body and mind. So sit back and enjoy it!” 100% Organic Raw Coconut Oil is part of the Viridian Nutrition range of nutritional supplements and beauty products dedicated to Purity, the Environment and Charity

Acid reflux is the condition where food and stomach acids regurgitate back into the oesophagus, causing burning pain in the lower chest accompanied by a host of other symptoms such as bloating, belching, sore throats, snoring, difficulty breathing and ulcers.

The early stages of digestion occur with the release of hydrochloric acid in the stomach to break down foods. Later during the digestive process, bicarbonate is released by the pancreas to help neutralize those acids. In some instances, this process doesn’t happen, contributing to painful reflux or GERD symptoms. Eating certain alkaline-forming foods can help reduce over-acidity and calm the stomach, relieving pain and other unwanted symptoms. In addition, foods that contribute to an alkaline-forming state in the system help prevent acidosis, a serious bodily condition that sets the stage for all disease.

High-potassium foods
Foods with high levels of potassium may help prevent or resolve acid reflux. The list is considerable and many are foods you may already include in a daily dietary plan. Bananas, honey, lemons, apple cider vinegar, cantaloupe and sweet potatoes – to name a few – are excellent sources of potassium.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) in particular is touted by many people as an effective cure for acid reflux. If using ACV, it is best to mix one to two tablespoons with an eight-ounce glass of water and drink it all at once. If that’s too much vinegar, reduce the amount and work back up to the full quantity. Always use organic vinegar with “the mother” visible in the jar; it looks like a swirling cloud and indicates the vinegar is organic.

Lemon juice makes a slightly milder drink than does the ACV and works in a similar manner, to neutralize stomach acids and reduce heartburn and acid reflux. Squeeze the juice of one half lemon into eight ounces of filtered water and drink it at once. It’s even more effective if the water is warm, but avoid warming it in a microwave oven.

Ancient grains

Certain ancient grains, or tiny grains, are alkaline-forming and high in potassium, making them a good bet to include in a diet that targets acid reflux. Tiny grains – consisting of millet, quinoa and amaranth – make good replacements for processed, white flour products that have been stripped of their nutrients and fibre.. Tiny grains are also an excellent replacement for people who have problems with gluten, because all three are gluten free, nutty and delicious.

Baking soda

Although not considered a food in its own right, baking soda is one of the primary ingredients that can help relieve the burning pains of acid reflux – fast. Baking soda is extremely alkaline and can not only neutralize stomach acids quickly, but will alkalize the entire system, reducing acidosis systemicly. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in an 8-ounce glass of water and drink immediately. Because it is high in salt, baking soda can raise your blood pressure. If you take medicines for hypertension, speak to your health care professional before using baking soda for acid reflux.

Raw foods

The majority of raw vegetables and fruits are alkaline and easy to digest. Cooking these foods lowers their alkalinity, making them somewhat more acidic. Raw fruits and vegetables contain lots of enzymes to assist digestion. Choose the freshest, blemish-free items. The sweeter the fruit, the more alkaline it becomes – in other words, ripened bananas are better for your digestive tract than those that are still yellow or even green.