A jar of coconut oil, used as an organic skincare product

10 Reasons Organic Coconut Oil Should Be Part Of Your Life

Coconut oil should be part of your life as it is definitely a superfood. Derived from the meat of mature coconuts it has become incredibly popular because of its many health benefits. Coconut oil can provide quick energy to your body. It’s a rich source of healthy fats which support heart health and brain function and also promote sensible weight management plans.

Besides being a health food coconut oil has other a great number of other uses. Coconut Oil is in fact one of the most versatile natural products on the planet, something everyone needs to have as part of their stock. Lots of people swear by it as an amazing cooking oil, or have you ever used it to condition your tools? Try it, you will be amazed.

When stocking up make sure it is extra virgin coconut oil, that it is raw, organic, cold pressed and unfiltered.  Unlike refined coconut oil, extra virgin coconut oil is more nutritious and also lasts longer in storage.

So, here are 10 uses for extra virgin coconut oil:

  1. use to promote normal wound healing – coconut oil has many amazing, beautiful, useful properties that can support the body’s natural ability to heal. The oil stimulates the body’s natural collagen production, which supports healthy wound healing. The oil helps to increase antioxidant levels. Antioxidants support wound healing by protecting your skin cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals.
  2. use to soothe bug bites or bee stings –  Coconut oil is rich in natural useful fats, such as lauric acid. Lauric acid soothes skin irritation and itching, so it is often used as an ingredient in topical skin remedies. Lauric acid’s soothing properties also help reduce redness and swelling.
  3. use to clean, polish or lubricate tools and other objects – coconut oil can be classed as a multipurpose oil which is always awesome to have at hand. Use it to clean your grill, remove spots and stains, as well as gunk left behind by tough stickers. Polish furniture and lubricate objects that are prone to rusting, such as bicycle chains and garden tools, and even your guns. 🙂
  4. use as a substitute oil for cooking and baking – so make sure it is raw, organic and extra virgin. It is not only healthier than most conventional cooking oils, it also has a longer shelf life and is rich in flavour. So if you like to enhance your cooking or baking, this is for you. Due to its unique fat content, coconut oil is highly resistant to oxidation at high temperatures. So for high heat, this oil is ideal for cooking and baking.
  5. use as a carrier oil – carrier oils are totally naturally occurring oils that come from the seeds, kernels or nuts of edible plants. They are used in aromatherapy to dilute essential oils as well as to help “carry” them straight into the skin. We can easily say that it is one of the best carrier oils for essential oils because it is quickly absorbed by the skin. And the natural fatty acids and plant compounds help nourish your skin and give it an amazing glow.
  6. use as an energy source for your body – the oil is a natural supplement which supports healthy energy levels. It contains well known medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and provides your body with an energy source that it can use immediately. If you fancy a quick pick-me-up, simply add a tablespoon to a cup of warm water and drink. You will notice a difference.
  7. use as a mouthwash and oil pulling – the beneficial properties help protect healthy gums and teeth from external threats, so use as a mouthwash and of course oil pulling. Swish it around inside your mouth for a minimum of 10 minutes every day to maintain optimal oral health. Do not swallow. Just spit it in the bin!
  8. use to make candles for lighting – did you know that you can make candles using coconut oil? It’s quite simple and easy. You need a glass jar, a small piece of cord or wooden wick, coconut oil and some soy wax flakes. That’s all. (1 part of coconut oil and 3 parts of soy wax flakes).
  9. us as a hair conditioner – due to the fatty acids present in coconut oil, it can support healthy, glowing hair. Just rub a little bit between the palms of your hands and massage into the ends of your hair, or the whole scalp and hair. Awesome for split ends!
  10. use for your dogs – one benefit of coconut oil for your best friend and companion is the fact that it has potent anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which makes it a perfect choice to treat skin conditions. Use to hydrate dry skin, clear up eczema or relieve uncomfortable skin rashes caused by allergic reactions. Natural tick prevention. Use on paws and snout, scratches and bites. Feed a 1/4 teaspoon daily for amazing fur from the inside as well as for parasites and worms.

SO many reasons why coconut oil belongs in every kitchen larder. So many uses, so many benefits, so many properties. And if you check our products you will find coconut oil in various of our skin care range. We wouldn’t want to be without it. 🙂

Rosehips in a bowl, used to make vegan skin care products

Rosehip seed oil and oily skin! What you need to know!

Rosehip seed oil is simply amazing. Rosehip is such a beautiful plant. The flowers are just wonderful. They brighten the spring hedgerows all around us before finally giving way to rose hips in late summer and autumn.

I have made a lot of cough mixtures with rose hips over the years, but never thought that Rosehip Seed Oil would be one of my favourite until I began making my own skin care range.

My skin is neutral, normal I would say. I never really suffered with any skin issues including teenage acne, oily skin or dry skin. Quite lucky really. But if you are suffering with oily skin and tend avoiding oils on your skin, I have news for you.

Clients “old” and “new”

Most of my clients ‘old & new’ who suffer with oily skin have avoided oils on their skin almost all their lives. Sheila, who is one of my oldest long-term clients in particular did whatever she could to keep her skin dry. Away from anything that even looked oily in the slightest. Little did Sheila know that as a result she in fact it made matters worse. First of all, Sheila stripped her skin of all the goodness skin needs. From nutrients to vitamins. Consequently Sheila’s skin was all else but hydrated or had this nice soft moisturised feel to it. By drying her skin, and trying her best to keep it dry, all Sheila did was create more oil. Maybe you can relate to this. Your skin just doesn’t feel clean. You feel like washing your face all day long.

So here is what we did! 

Sheila started applying our organic, vegan Rosehip Seed Oil to her damp face and neck a few times a day and at night. After a few weeks her face finally felt soft. Supple. Hydrated. Her complexion changed with a noticeable reduction in redness, irritation, blackheads, spots and breakouts. Sheila’s skin was glowing. NO more oily skin!

Rosehip Seed Oil Skin Care

Rosehip seed oil is an amazing totally natural product with rather awesome skin rejuvenating properties. Rosehip seed oil has been used by the Andean Indians of Chile for generations. They simply know that first of all Rosehip seed oil had exceptional healing skin care and likewise hair care benefits. It’s luxurious yet affordable and a little goes a long way. If you suffer with oily skin, try our Organic Rosehip Seed Oil a try. You will be absolutely amazed!

Herbal Teas

Lemon Water Health Benefits! Alkalising, Hydrating, Cleansing!

Lemon water is one of my favourite alkalising fruits. First thing in the morning I love them infused in my distilled water. And during the day I have more then one cup of hot distilled water with a couple of slices of lemon. The temperature helps extract the good stuff like Vitamin C and Polyphenols from both, the lemon and of course it’s peel. Make sure they are unwaxed and organic to avoid pesticides and other toxic substances they may be sprayed with.
Lemon Peel consists of two layers: the outer zest and a white inner layer, the pith. Surprisingly, it’s this zest and pith which contain high amazing levels of valuable antioxidants, in actual fact, more than lemon juice itself.

Lemons are quite often promoted as a weight loss food. It seems like yesterday when I did my 10-Day-Master-Cleanse, freshly squeezed organic lemon juice was all I had for 10-days followed by 3-days of only freshly squeezed organic orange juice.

I don’t know about you, but personally I am one of those people who drink lemon water on an empty stomach as a daily morning routine. It alkalises my system. Makes me feel extremely awake and gives me amazing energy! My body loves it.

 

Health Benefits of Lemons! 

 

  • lemons are a good source of vitamin C
  • support a healthy heart
  • controls weight
  • prevention of Kidney Stones
  • protection against anemia
  • reducing risks of cancer
  • aids digestive health
  • laxative to prevent constipation
  • improves your skin health
  • hydrating & detoxing
  • freshens your breath
  • gets rid of headaches

TIP:

 

Rather then use them as they are, perhaps you like to try to gently, but with a little bit of pressure to roll a lemon/lime/orange between your hands or on a work surface before juicing as it yields more juice. Unwaxed, organic lemons make the ideal choice if you want to use the lemon zest or add lemon slices to water. If only waxed lemons are available, gently scrub the peel before use.

 

Above All, Always Remember:

“Cancer cannot survive in an alkaline body!”

If life gives me lemons, I certainly make the most of them! 

Cucumbers, a great natural skin care product

Cucumbers Have Many Amazing Health Properties!

Do you love cucumbers? 

Cucumbers, you love them or you hate them. Personally they are one of my favourite foods. So delicious and versatile. Cucumbers are amazing for hydration. Without hydration we can suffer with dizziness, sickness, dry skin to name but a few. Dehydration is all else but good for your system. In more serious cases you can even end up in hospital.

A quarter of your daily intake of water comes from various food you eat. Cucumbers are about 95% water, so an excellent source of water. Your cells just love them.

Maintaining Healthy Weight!

Cucumbers give you a sense of not feeling hungry. They fill you up and at the same time the water content hydrates your cells. Myself I don’t count calories, but if you do, a whole cup of sliced cucumber has less than 17 calories so they are very low “energy density.” So when you feel the need to eat grab yourself a cup or two of cucumber and you will find it easier easier to lose weight.

Cucumbers Are Full of Nutrients!

Cucumbers are packed with nutrients. Eating a cup of cucumber slices a day gives you 14-20% of the vitamin K. Along the way you also get a good amount on the B & C Vitamins along with minerals like copper, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium.

Suffering With Blood Sugar!

High blood sugar is on the rise and can be responsible in creating too many cell-damaging substances known as ROS and ROC. Many control their blood sugar issue with consuming a good amount of cucumbers. The water content flushes the system and keeps ROS and ROC at bay.

Cucumbers Heart Health And Antioxidants!

Antioxidants are feisty little chemicals. They support and help protect your cells from cell damage due to substances that form in your body called “free radicals.” Cucumbers are amazing! They have a unique set of antioxidants which include flavonoids, lignans, and triterpenes. BUT they don’t only protect cells, they also lessen inflammation that’s linked to conditions like arthritis and other long-term conditions.

Cucumbers are good for your heart. They are a must in a well-balanced diet. Their antioxidant level helps slow down and even stop heart-related illnesses. Cucumbers and their unique mix of nutrients in cucumber seeds can improve your cholesterol numbers, which in turn have a direct impact on heart health. So make sure not to go for the “seedless” but to go for the real thing!

Make Fermented Pickled Cucumbers!

Fermented cucumbers are full of nutrients let alone good bacteria such as probiotics. Probiotics help the body to fight off germs, absorb nutrients, aid in digestion and yes, they can even control anxiety issues. To ferment just slice them and add RAW Organic Vinegar (with the mother). Add some mustard seeds, some fresh ground pepper, fresh dill if you wish and a good pinch of Himalayan Pink Salt. You can add anything. Be adventurous. Your body will thank you for the GOOD bacteria.

 

Why am I so tired? Food! Diet! Lifestyle! | by RAW PASSION

Why am I so tired? Food! Diet! Lifestyle! | by RAW PASSION

Being tired is a very common thing these days. First of all, you are not alone. There are many reasons for tiredness.  Reduced energy, physical or mental exhaustion, or even lack of motivation. The causes can be emotional or physical. Mostly it is wrong Food! Diet! Lifestyle! 

If your body doesn’t get enough oxygen you may feel weak and tired. From symptoms of pale skin, dizziness, shortness of breath, iron deficiency to anemia. Or you may have too little hemoglobin in your system. Than there can be lack of red blood cells. Deficiency of iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12. Because there are so many different reasons do some research before you opt out for supplements and maybe even a visit to your GP. 

How do I stop being so damn tired?

Here are some simple guidelines you may follow if  you want to gain more energy. Looking at your diet and lifestyle is a good place to start! 
  • watch out for your caffeine intake. Caffeine drains your body. Because a dehydrated body never functions properly DRINK LOTS OF WATER! 
  • SKIP those sugary drinks. ESPECIALLY the ‘sugar free’ stuff. It is full of chemicals. DO NOT have anything withASPARTAME because it is an ‘artificial sweetener’ which causes MANY unwanted issues in your body!
  • maybe start your day with fresh lemon water (make sure the lemons are unsprayed and where possible organic). Lemon turns your body into ALKALINE. And alkaline is what we want. A pH of at least 7.5 |
  • DON’t crash diet. Binge eat. Over eat. EAT A HEALTHY DIET!  
  • DON’T eat anything containing soya! 
  • spend time in nature. Walk in the woods. Go for a stroll at the beach. Nature is your therapist. Nature will never let you down. You need sunshine! 
  • DON’T EAT FOODS THAT FIGHT! The result will be tiredness!
5 Surprising Health Benefits Of Eating Chilli!

5 Surprising Health Benefits Of Eating Chilli!

Chilli, Jalapeno, Cayenne…

Spices add an incredible amount of flavour to what you eat and are enjoyed all over the world in a variety of exotic dishes. Did you know that spicy foods not only taste delicious, they have amazing health benefits too?

Here are 5 surprising health benefits of eating Chilli:

1. Weight Loss

Research has found that the chemical capsaicin, which is found in hot peppers, can speed up weight loss. Why? Because capsaicin increases your body temperature and speeds up your metabolism, which helps your body burn calories quicker. Studies have also shown that people who eat spicy food, tend to eat small portions and have fewer cravings for sweet, salty, or high-fat foods after meals. Don’t forget that an extra kick of hot sauce can also make even the blandest diet food more appetising, meaning you’ll be more likely to stick with your weight loss plan.

2. Healthier Heart

Numerous studies have found that people living in cultures where spicy food is commonly eaten, have lower rates of heart attacks and strokes. Research shows that chilli peppers have the ability to reduce the effects of bad cholesterol and capsaicin can fight inflammation and reduce blood clots which all reduce the risk of developing heart issues. Include red peppers in your diet to keep your heart healthy!

3. Lower Risk of Cancer

It has been found that regular consumption of spices and chili can decrease the chances of developing cancer. According to some medical professionals, capsaicin can have the same effect on some cancer cells as powerful cancer-fighting drugs. Some medical research has shown that capsaicin has the potential to slow the growth of deadly tumours and can even kill some cancer cells!

4. Pain Relief

Did you know that capsaicin is one of the main ingredients in pain-relieving creams? Adding chilli to your food can reduce joint and muscular pain associated with conditions such as arthritis. Some spicy food can also release serotonin in your body that is known to decrease pain and increase feelings of happiness.

5. Cold and Flu Relief

Having a cold or the flu is not considered particularly dangerous, but the symptoms can leave you unable to work, eat or sleep properly because your sinuses are blocked which makes you feel terrible! The capsaicin found in peppers, is similar to the compound found in many decongestants. Capsaicin promotes sweating and eases cold and flu symptoms by opening up your nasal passages. Consider adding some chilli to your soup for fast recovery!

Final Thought

Spicy food is becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. It’s not just the thrill of testing your limits against the chilli, but also the fact that spices have some amazing health benefits when consumed in moderation. So, next time you eat something that makes your eyes and nose run, remember that it’s good for you!

Submitted by Abby Whiffen of “Ethical Abby” – www.ethicalabby.com

 

Nightshade Fruits and Vegetables

Nightshade Fruits and Vegetables

Nightshade fruit and vegetables are for sure a topic close to my heart. If some of the symptoms mentioned below ring a bell and you have tried this that and the other, you may want to consider leaving all the nightshade off of your plate and replacing them with the many other available fruit and veg available.

What are nightshade fruits and vegetables?

Nightshades fruits and vegetables are a family of vegetables referred to as Solanaceae plants of the Solanum Genus. All of them produce an alkaloid compound called solanineThere are over 2,000+ known plant species which include a great number of the most used common fruits and vegetables we use on a daily basis in our food, drinks and also our medication.

It is quite common that some people have a sensitivity, intolerance or that they are even allergic to nightshade fruits and vegetables and that they are unable to completely digest them, i.e. poor food absorption. People who suffer with a sensitivity may experience gas, flatulence, IBS, nausea, bloating, diarrhea, leaky gut syndrome, painful joints, anemia, osteoporosis, headaches, reddening of the skin, eczema, psoriasis, acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion, any type of inflammation and even depression after consuming nightshades. Eliminating foods that belong into the nightshade family may provide pain relief for arthritis sufferers.

What happens during an allergic reaction? 

An allergy is the effect of a malfunction in our immune system. Our body doesn’t recognise and mistakes the proteins from the nightshade fruit and vegetables as a dangerous and harmful substance and it attempts to fight them off. So when you consume nightshade fruit and vegetables our body begins to create specific antibodies that are engineered to destroy the nightshade vegetable proteins, and that within minutes. The introduction of the IgE antibodies into the blood causes the production of histamine in soft tissue throughout the body, which mainly affect the lungs, skin as well as nasal passages.

Most nightshade fruit and vegetables are completely healthy for most of us, but for some it can act as a trigger similar to wheat, soya, gluten or dairy and cause major immune reactions that lead to havoc in your system!

Nightshade fruit, vegetables & common herbs!

  • potatoes (ALL colours)
  • tomatoes
  • eggplants (Aubergines)
  • goji berries
  • okra
  • chilli peppers
  • peppers
  • paprika
  • capsicum
  • habanero
  • jalopeno
  • cayenne pepper
  • red pepper flakes
  • tomatillos
  • sorrel
  • ­gooseberries
  • ground cherries
  • pepino melons
  • physalis
  • tobacco (YES, tobacco!)
  • and even ashwagandha (a popular herb for its stress-relieving properties)

NOTE:

Blueberries, goji berries and huckleberries all include similar alkaloids, but they are not nightshades. BUT it may be a good idea to eliminate them at the same time.

Caution of anything that might contain potato starch, be it as a thickener or filler, including medications, baking powders, and did you know that even envelope glue can contain potato starch?

Black and white pepper are NOT nightshades, they are from peppercorns (a fruit).

Nightshade fruits and vegetables are a massive topic and we are just scratching the surface here, so please get into the subject by researching and joining groups, it may help you to get a grip of your physical (and mental!) well-being or someone elses. 

Pips, pits, kernels, cyanide and cancer!

Pips, pits, kernels, cyanide and cancer!

Consuming apple pips, cherry pits, apricot kernels, or bitter almonds seems to cause an almost panic attack in some out there. I know, they contain cyanide and we all know that cyanide is poison. But hey, no need to freak out, right?

A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing!

With the little knowledge of some people out there it is understandable that there are concerns about cyanide dangers if we consume fruit pips, pits, kernels and bitter almonds. The compounds containing cyanide are metabolised and quickly detoxed by our body. To be fair, it would take a LOT of pips, pits, seeds, kernels or bitter almonds to poison ourselves.

Just a few words about Apricot kernels!

Apricot kernels contain amygdalin! Amygdalin is a naturally occurring chemical compound, which has been promoted as a cancer cure, and the benefits of Apricot kernels to eliminate cancer has been used forever by people, and they didn’t die from cyanide poisoning. In fact the opposite happened and they were cured without suffering any negative side effects. For the powerful healing effects people ate dozens daily for months as a natural medicine.

The amygdalin compound has four molecules!

  • two of which are glucose molecules
  • the other two being cyanide and benzaldehyde

The body is awesome and extremely clever, and releases the last two molecules also called ‘scarycompounds’ directly into the cancer cells only! Instead of oxygen, cancer cells thrive and are dependent on fermenting sugar. It keeps them ‘alive’. So they attract the amygdalin compounds for their glucose (acts as sugar bait). Little do they know that they will be whacked when they metabolize those compounds as they free the molecules benzaldehyde and cyanide.

Only cancer cells metabolize amygdalin! Healthy normal cells don’t!

Cancer cells contain beta-glucosidase is an enzyme that kind of unlocks the amygdalin compound. Beta-glucosidase is NOT found in healthy cells and most non-cancerous cells contain another enzyme called rhodanese.

Just a little bit of knowledge for you so that you don’t get hooked on those those “scary” articles out there about pips, pits and kernels.

Apricots, Seeds, Kernels, Laetrile, Vitamin B17

Watermelon, an alkalising, immune boosting, detoxifying cleansing amazing fruit!

Watermelon, an alkalising, immune boosting, detoxifying cleansing amazing fruit!

Watermelon one of the MOST alkalising, hydrating, detoxifying and cleansing fruits for the whole body. Immune booster and amazing for strengthening vision.  

MORE about Watermelon!

Watermelon is a fruit AND a vegetable with amazing qualities. The fruit has been known to protect from cancer of the lung / mouth / breast / pancreatic / endometrial / prostate / colon due to the richness of vitamins A, C, lycopene, beta-carotene, lutein as well as zeaxanthin. 

 

…and did you know that…                                                                Watermelon, an alkalising, immune boosting, detoxifying cleansing amazing fruit!

  • watermelon reduces inflammation
  • helps with weight loss
  • flushes the system
  • prevents constipation because of its water and fiber content
  • promotes regularity for a healthy digestive tract
  • helps with edema
  • relieves muscle soreness
  • lifts depression
  • is loaded with antioxidants
  • aids in the prevention of many chronic illnesses
  • contains far less sugar than an apple
  • contains magnesium and Potassium
  • Vitamin B6 and  Vitamin A

DON’T discard the rind!

The rind is as beneficial as the rest of your watermelon. Natures best sources of chlorophyll and it contains one of the highest levels of natural sodium there is. Juice the rind for a delicious, refreshing let alone healing drink. Make sure it’s organic though!

Seeds, seeds, seeds!

Consider it your lucky day when your delicious organic watermelon has black seeds. You can add them to your melon juice and blend them up at the same time. They are awesome in relaxing the body and nervous system. The seeds are full of protein, zinc, fibre and iron and they are amazing at lowering high blood pressure.

Fun Fact!

Watermelon is over 90 percent mostly water. So with the summer on its way eating watermelon is an awesome way to stay hydrated to avoid dehydration. But remember, it’s NOT a substitute for drinking lots of fresh filtered water.

This for sure is one of my favourite juices in the summer!

 

 

 

 

 

Butternut Squash Highly Nutritious and Alkalizing by Raw Passion, a vegan and cruelty free skincare company specialising in handmade products made with organic, raw and natural ingredients.

Butternut Squash Highly Nutritious and Alkalizing

Butternut Squash a highly nutritious and an extremely awesome alkalizing food. Steam it, roast it, bake it, mash it, blend it, grate it, eat raw. make chips. Butternut Squash is easy to digest so excellent for acidosis and issues with the spleen, stomach, liver and blood. 

Various varieties of Squash!

The many varieties of Winter Squash include Acorn, Buttercup, Butternut Squash, Delicata, Golden Nugget, Hubbard, Kabocha, Kuri, Spaghetti and Sweet Dumpling. They are all unique in their own right. How many different varieties have you tried before?

Butternut Squash is high in many vitamins and minerals!

  • A, B-complex, C, E
  • beta carotene
  • iron
  • zinc
  • copper
  • calcium
  • potassium

All which are vital and necessary for a healthy, strong immune and nervous system. 

Other Facts!

Butternut Squash contains carotenoids which are known to be especially beneficial for protection against breast cancer, heart disease, macular degeneration and is awesome for conditions like asthma and other respiratory issues, fibromyalgia, arthritis and is known to act as an anti-inflammatory.  

Squash is  one of the best choices for weight loss. It’s virtually a fat free vegetable, very low in calories but high in various nutrients including phytonutrients and antioxidants. A must to include in your daily ‘diet’ plan. 

Eat as a savory or sweet meal!

Squash is an amazing creamy and comforting food with qualities that satisfy a variety of cravings whilst nourishing your body and soul. Steam or bake it, roast or mash it. Blend or grate it. Eat it raw as a salad. Add spices and herbs! From black pepper to cayenne, curry powder to chili, or sweeten with a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg and a dash of maple syrup. One thing I do quite often, I add some organic coconut cream to my Butternut Squash mash. Simply delicious!

Use the seeds!

DON’T throw away the seeds of your squash. They are also edible. You can dehydrate, dry or roast them as you would do with pumpkin seeds. They are a rich source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and tryptophan which is an amino acids which is necessary for a healthy good night’s sleep.

What I do quite often, I melt raw organic coconut oil add fresh garlic, add my dehydrated squash seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, himalayan pink salt and a nice pinch of cayenne pepper. YUM!