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Adaptogens, non-toxic plants help our body handle stress

What Are Adaptogens?

Adaptogens are named non-toxic plants which adapt within us to help and support our body to handle our stress issues. Within Chinese and Ayurvedic healing traditions they have been used for centuries, consequently for quite some time now they are having a huge comeback. For example adaptogens can either be taken as a supplement, brewed into a delicious tea, or even added to a meal, dessert or drink. Most importantly, they somehow always manage to balance us out. In short whether the stress is chemical, physical or biological, the adaptogen will always work towards our natural state of homeostasis.

When you suffer with stress issues you will find that you are not alone. The good news is that when you start ‘digging’, you will find that stress levels can be reduced naturally. One of the biggest modern health issues is stress which for many is having such a negative impact on so many people’s lives, so it is no surprise to me that these “little” plant-based wonders are hitting the mainstream so hard in the realm of wellness.

How Do Adaptogens Work? 

Adaptogens enhance our ability to achieve balance. That is to say, if our body and mind has a biological boost, such as adaptogens, in order to handle stress better, then we certainly will be less likely to get ill. Therefore when we face a stressor, whether it of physical or mental nature, our bodies go through GAS, which means general adaptation syndrome and is a three-stage response.

  1. alarm
  2. resistance
  3. exhaustion

Via a stimulating effect that holds off exhaustion, adaptogens help us stay in the resistance phase for longer instead of crashing in the middle of a stressful moment, a task, or an event. In other words, we attain equilibrium and just get on. 

As adaptogens work on our adrenal glands they therefore naturally affect our hormonal system in the most positive way and our body learns how to manage various stressors. You may wonder how this works? Quite simply, the plants interact with the adrenal system. They adjust the production of hormones to suit the individual levels of stress being experienced by the person. To sum it up, your body then manages to function properly as it should both mentally and physically. So it won’t allow the stress factors to affect our system.

As each adaptogens has different effects on the body, you can literally pick and choose which ones work best for you.

Adaptogens Potential Benefits

  • American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) – boosts working memory, reaction time, calmness, immune system
  • Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – reduces stress and anxiety
  • Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) – combats fatigue (CFS)
  • Cordyceps (Cordyceps militaris) – increases stamina
  • Goji berry (Lycium barbarum) – increases energy, physical & mental performance levels, induces calmness, and  promotes a sense of well-being. Improves sleep
  • Eleuthero root (Eleutherococcus senticosus) – improves focus. Prevents mental fatigue
  • Jiaogulan (Gynostemma Pentaphyllum) – reduces stress and boosts endurance
  • Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – reduces stress levels. Calming of nerves
  • Rhodiola rosea (R. rosea) – prevents physical and mental fatigue
  • Schisandra berry/Magnolia berry (Schisandra chinensis) – endurance booster, improves mental performance as well as working capacity
  • Tulsi/Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) – decreases physical and mental stress including stress-related anxiety, and depression
  • Turmeric (Curcuma longa) – boosts brain function and reduces depression significantly

Incorporate Adaptogens Into Your Daily Routine

There are various ways and options to include adaptogens into your daily routine. At certain times you can take a herbal supplement in capsule form. Or use a powdered form to add to your foods and drinks, smoothies, soups or teas, for example. Find some recipes that combine your chosen adaptogen. We are all different, so play around with flavours until you find those which suit your taste buds.

For example, taking adaptogens need to match with the situation you are experiencing, so if you know that you are going to have an intense and stressful few days/weeks at work you could incorporate the matching adaptogen into your diet. Time it so that your energy levels are maximised so that at the crucial times you don’t feel the effects when you are winding down. Just remember, it’s best when the moment requires that extra boost. Rotate the type of adaptogen for the optimum effects they can deliver and of course to prevent your body becoming too used to one particular type. SO rotating is a good idea! Research is very important too before taking supplements as adaptogens can come with side effects  too. 

Just a footnote!

Getting used to stress and stressful situations is never a good way to managing it. Personally I believe that making positive life changes to avoid stress to be better and of course the more natural approach. However, plants are our allies and the knowledge that they can assist in our adaptation to certain external stressy life forces and situations we find ourselves in is incredible. A highly interesting learning and could be extremely positive for you medicinally in the future.

Organic And Natural Beauty! We are Beyond Vegan!

Organic And Natural Beauty! We are Beyond Vegan!

Organic and natural beauty is on the rise. No joke, but did you know that  it takes 26 seconds to whatever you put onto your skin to enter your bloodstream. Hell will break loose in your body if you use anything other than organic and natural skin food.  So we always say,

“It is important what you put into your body,

but it is equally important what you put onto your skin.

After all, if you don’t look after your body, where will you live?”

Here at RAW PASSION we can only report a significant growth in sales for our organic and natural beauty products. We are thrilled! Because people are becoming more ethically aware they are looking for skin food that is beyond vegan. They seek skin care of higher sustainability. Skin Care which promotes holistic and spiritual wellness. They seek products of higher ethical standards. Conscious customers want to know the ingredients in their beauty products. They want to know where the ingredients come from. Where their skin care products are manufactured. Consumers want organic and natural beauty. Un-adulterated products upholding their environmental let alone ethical values!  Our products are so pure that we can almost claim that they are fit for human consumption!

The skin, our biggest organ needs organic and natural skin care which is NON-toxic and contains nourishing ingredients. In the long run there are only benefits of using natural, organic, vegan ethical skin care. Always remember that chemicals in many of the products work against rather than with the skin which can lead to many health issues. We always advice to read the labels, be it for food or skin care, shampoos, cleaning bits and pieces.  Labels can change. So can ingredients. ALWAYS read the label! The ingredients, the small print! And pay particular attention to where the ingredients come from. ie China. We do NOT want anything from China! 

 

 

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

 

Dopamine: the molecule of the most sinful behaviours and secret cravings

Dopamine: the molecule of the most sinful behaviours and secret cravings

Dopamine, the messenger in the brain!

Dopamine is a vital chemical messenger in the brain, a neurotransmitter with many functions. Increased dopamine levels released in large amounts creates feelings of pleasure. It motivates us to repeat certain behaviours and follow secret cravings. Regulates body movement, rewards attention and memory. Dopamine nudges us into ‘doing’ things. The reason why we can stay focused. Achieving things we may not notice straight away.

Low levels of dopamine are linked to feeling sluggish. Decreased motivation. Reduced enthusiasm for the things that most people would find exciting.

Dopamine levels are usually well regulated within the nervous system, but there are things we can do to naturally increase our levels.

Proteins are made up of 23 different amino acids. Some of which your body can synthesize. Others that we must get from food. Amino acids play a critical role in the production of dopamine. So it is important to get the right levels for dopamine production. So, even vegans can obtain sufficient amounts of various amino acids. We just combine different protein-containing foods.

  • Amino Acid Chart!

Amino Acids

 

Essential Amino Acids!

These 9 amino acids are essential if not vital. They are necessary for the human life and health. They CANNOT be produced in your body so we need to get them from various foods.

1. Histidine (His)
2. Isoleucine (Ile)
3. Leucine (Leu)
4. Lysine (Lys)
5. Methionine (Met)
6. Phenylalanine (Phe)
7. Threonine (Thr)
8. Tryptophan (Trp)
9. Valine (Val)

CONDITIONALLY essential Amino Acids!

The below list of amino acids can be synthesized in our body. In in certain circumstances ie young age, sickness/illness or if we are doing hard exercise, we need to get them additionally in other amounts from foods to meet our body’s requirements.

(Ornithine is considered to be a conditionally essential amino acid, but it does not form proteins.)

10. Arginine (Arg)
11. Cysteine (Cys)
12. Glutamine (Gln)
13. Glycine (Gly)
14. Proline (Pro)
15. Serine (Ser)
16. Tyrosine (Tyr)

NONESSENTIAL Amino Acids!

These amino acids can be synthesized in our body from other amino acids. Glucose and fatty acids. So we do not need to get them from foods.

17. Alanine (Ala)
18. Asparagine (Asn)
19. Aspartic acid (Asp)
20. Glutamic acid (Glu)
21. Selenocysteine (Sec)

SOME PLANT FOODS which contain All 9 Essential Amino Acids

beans such as black, cranberry, french, pink, white, winged, yellow, split peas, chickpeas, chestnuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, a seaweed spirulina, hummus, spinach, avocado, potatoes.

Common plant foods with incomplete protein

rice, both white and brown, all pasta, white bread incl whole wheat, beans such as adzuki, baked, kidney, lima, pinto, snap, peas, lentils, nuts incl peanuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, coconut, sunflower seeds, kamut.

It’s well worth it to do a bit of research plant-based foods that are suitable. You be surprised what a difference you can make to your body as well as health. There is no price on health!

parsley flat or curly by Raw Passion, a vegan and cruelty free skincare company specialising in handmade products made with organic, raw and natural ingredients.

Parsley flat or curly, a herb with personality!

Parsley flat or curly is much more than just a green garnish. The herb adds awesome flavour and colour to your dishes, fills your kitchen with the most delicious, fresh smell and is so SO healthy!

There are two main varieties of this delicious herb. Parsley flat or curly! The curly parsley (Petroselinum crispum) with ruffled leaves and Italian parsley (Petroselinum crispum neapolitanum) with flat leaves. Personally I love both of them.

Curly Parsley, not just a plate garnish! organic curly parsley

Curly Parsley, also called garden parsley is usually associated as a plate garnish and sadly very often left on the plate. Looking beyond the appearance, curly parsley is robust in texture, as well as flavour. Wash, chop and add it to any soup, chunky or liquidised, you definitely won’t regret it. You can also chop it as small as you can and sprinkle it on the serving plate. It’s not only pretty, it tastes delicious.

Flat Leaf Parsley has a stronger flavour!

NO kitchen should be without this amazing multi-purpose herb. Use as a garnish, flavouring, and as a vegetable. Both types can be used for the same purposes, but to me flat leaf parsley has a stronger flavour and is very often favoured in Mediterranean cooking. As I said, I love both of them and I eat them both raw, in cooking, added to vegetable soups, veg stir fries, and try cooked potatoes tossed in organic olive oil with a good handful of the chopped herb and a big pinch of Himalayan Pink Salt. YUM!

Some Benefits!

Parsley even in small amounts contains an amazingly high level of vitamins and minerals. The herb is extremely rich in bone-strengthening vitamin K, an excellent source of vitamins A and C and a great number of flavonoid compounds, ie luteolin and apigenin, which have an antioxidant effect, meaning that they render harmless free radicals that would otherwise cause oxidative damage to cells. FULL of awesome chlorophyll as well as natural essential oils parsley freshens the breath and has antibacterial effects. Parsley is rich in cancer fighting compound. It has been suggested that the compounds found in parsley may even inhibit tumor growth! High in iron parsley is recommended if you suffer with anemia. Relaxes stiff muscles and is unbelievably great for digestion. Due to it’s anti-inflammatory properties parsley flat or curly relieves joint pain. Is an excellent source of beta carotene and supports healthy kidney function. But be aware, parsley contains ‘oxalates’  and if you have underlying kidney and gallbladder issues consumption should be kept to a minimum. 

Related links:

Health benefits of parsley – Dr Mercola 

Parsley Nutrition Facts!