Health Blog
Health Blog
Earth almond - nut-free superfood for a gluten-free diet
Despite its name, earth almond is not a nut but a species in the sedge family. The plant's tubers are called earth almonds or tiger nuts in Swedish, chufa in Spanish, and tiger nuts in English. It is simply a tuber like a potato and is cultivated, among other places, in Spain and West Africa. Chufa is popular in the paleo diet, at least in the USA, but not as much in Sweden yet. In the paleo world, tiger nuts are best known as a source of good soluble fiber; prebiotic fiber that feeds the good bacteria in the gut. Besides good fiber, earth almonds are rich in antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin E), and very rich in minerals (such as potassium and iron). They have a low GI (glycemic index) and do not raise blood sugar. They are said to be a superfood that, among other things, boosts our system, normalizes blood pressure, and keeps the "bad" cholesterol in check. In Chinese medicine, tiger nuts are used to strengthen the liver, stimulate the heart, and support normal sexual function. They can be eaten as they are but should be soaked (about 6 hours) so they don’t become too hard. They can be ground into flour in a blender and used for baking. You can make pancakes, pie crusts, and more. You can also make “mylk” from them, just like with nuts and seeds. Or you can, for example, make a tasty pesto. Chufa is perfect for both a gluten-free diet and nut allergy sufferers. Besides being a very nutritious little tuber, they are tasty, with a mild nutty flavor leaning towards sweet, and make a really good mylk. Cufamylk: 3 dl tiger nuts / chufas / earth almonds Wash 3 dl of tiger nuts thoroughly, place them in a bowl, cover with cold water, and let them soak for 18-24 hours. Drain and pour them into a powerful blender with about 8 dl of water, blend on high speed for 2 minutes. Then use a nut milk bag (you can find it here) to strain a smooth mylk. “Horchata” is a sweet drink made from chufa nuts from Valencia, Spain. Horchata is served both chilled and warm, with a little sweetener like stevia, xylitol, raw honey, and a pinch of cinnamon and possibly vanilla. Another interesting addition is lime zest; add some grated lime peel to the glass before pouring the mylk, and the drink gets a new flavor. Chufa pesto:1 large basil bunch2 dl tiger nuts (soaked for 6 hours)1-2 garlic cloves2 tbsp extra virgin organic olive oilsea salt to tasteBlend everything in a powerful blender.
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Blue-green algae: Nature's nutrient package for optimal health
Blue-green algae are among the most nutrient-rich foods on the planet. The most commonly consumed forms of blue-green algae are two types: Spirulina and AFA algae. Both have superfood status due to their high concentrations of nutrients. Blue-green algae contain a high concentration of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and essential amino acids. They are also rich in biologically active chlorophyll, protein, and phytonutrients. Additionally, the algae’s impressive nutritional content is easily absorbed. They are an excellent food for vegans, vegetarians, those who exercise a lot, children, and anyone who wants to add extra nutrition and color to their food. They suit all kinds of diets such as paleo, keto, LCHF, raw food, anti-inflammatory diets, rainbow diets, and more. Our three favorites 1. Hawaiian Spirulina The Hawaiian spirulina from Nutrex contains Spirulina Pacifica, which is rich in protein, vitamins such as A, K1, K2, B12, minerals and trace elements, phytonutrients like carotenoids (including beta-carotene), GLA, SOD, and phycocyanin, chlorophyll, and antioxidants. Their Spirulina Pacifica is cultivated in freshwater ponds on the Kona coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The freshwater comes from aquifers (water naturally filtered through lava rock), and they add about 5% deep seawater (from 600 meters depth) to provide unique trace elements in the final product. Pure water produces a pure final product, and you can taste the difference. Nutrex Hawaii’s Ocean Chill Drying™ method dries the spirulina in just 3-7 seconds and eliminates oxidation and damage to carotenoids, enzymes, and other nutrients. The method uses very cold, deep seawater to provide moisture and uses less than one percent oxygen to preserve the phytonutrients. 2. Biosuperfood Biosuperfood contains four types of microalgae: Spirulina Pacifica, Spirulina Plantensis, Dunaliella, and Astaxanthin from Heomatoccoccus Pluvialis. Astaxanthin is a unique pigment considered one of the most biologically active antioxidants. Dunaliella Salina is a single-celled saltwater algae very rich in beta-carotene, among other nutrients. Biosuperfood provides complete protein, including all essential amino acids, vitamins A, B, C, E, K, minerals and trace elements, enzymes, essential fatty acids, chlorophyll, phytonutrients, antioxidants, and carotenoids. These algae were selected from thousands of ingredients tested by Dr. Kiriac* during many years of research aimed at finding a combination that could promote health for everyone. *BioNutrition, which produces Biosuperfood, was founded by Dr. Michael Kiriac after extensive research on algae and their nutritional and healing properties. Dr. Kiriac is one of the world’s leading authorities on algae nutrition and has received many international awards and medals for his research and conclusions in algae nutrition and ecology. Biosuperfood’s algae are cultivated in Siberia under controlled conditions in glass tubes completely protected from the atmosphere. There, they pump spring water from 600 meters deep in volcanic soils containing 92 different trace elements, including selenium and bicarbonate, at an ideal temperature of 35-37 degrees Celsius, directly into bioreactors without contact with air. The ideal environment for algae growth is thus fully controlled and contains absolutely no environmental toxins. The algae are grown without fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, growth hormones, or any additives. Despite this careful control, every batch is also tested for bacteria, pesticides, heavy metals, including radiation, and other environmental toxins. 3. E3AFA algae E3Live produces a unique blue-green algae – the AFA algae (Aphanizomenon flos-aquae) which provides a full spectrum of 65 easily accessible vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and amino acids, and contains more biologically active chlorophyll than any other known food, as well as being a source of a wide range of antioxidants. They also contain high-quality protein, all B vitamins, the blue pigment phycocyanin, and Phenylethylamine “PEA,” which is also found in cocoa. The AFA algae are harvested from Upper Klamath Lake in southern Oregon, USA, which is naturally rich in trace elements. The algae are then filtered to preserve the most living nutrition and further purified by centrifugation. The algae are then cooled and sold frozen or dried as a powder. E3Live uses Refractance Window™ drying with circulating water at atmospheric pressure to transfer heat to the product being dried. The moist product is applied to the upper surface of an infrared-transparent plastic conveyor belt that floats on the surface of the heated, circulating water. The water is recirculated and continuously heated to maintain temperature as heat energy is transferred to the product. Unlike hot air dryers that require several hours or freeze dryers that take between 12 and 72 hours, Refractance Window drying takes only 2 to 6 minutes to dry most products. Refractance Window drying has major advantages as ingredients are exposed to much milder temperatures and the final products retain high levels of sensory qualities such as color, taste, and aroma. Factors contributing to their quality include where and how they harvest, superior filtration and storage, as well as ongoing quality control and testing of all their products. All E3Live products are thoroughly tested by independent USDA-certified laboratories for food safety and sustainability and undergo various other purity tests.
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Hawaiian Spirulina - Naturally Cultivated Sea Nutrition
Pure Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica was founded in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii in 1990 by Dr. Gerald Cysewski, an expert in microalgae and carotenoids. Their mission was and is to harness the benefits of microalgae to improve health and well-being. Their algae farm is located on the pristine Kona coast on the Big Island of Hawaii. The microalgae farm was carved out of land that was once a barren lava flow. There, they now have freshwater ponds where they cultivate spirulina, utilizing the natural resources surrounding them; abundant warm sunlight, clean deep seawater, and freshwater. The freshwater comes from aquifers (water naturally filtered through lava rock) and they add about 5% deep seawater (from 600 meters depth) to provide unique trace elements in the final product. They have a special technique they call: Ocean Chill Drying™ – a system that eliminates oxidation and damage to carotenoids, enzymes, and other nutrients that can occur with conventional drying methods. This system dries the spirulina in just 3-7 seconds, relies on very cold, deep seawater to restore moisture, and uses less than one percent oxygen to preserve the phytonutrients. Spirulina is one of the earth’s oldest life forms, an algae. In the ancient Maya and Aztec cultures, it was highly valued for its healing and strengthening effects and was widely used as a dietary supplement. It was believed that this “food of the gods” provided quick energy and increased the body’s resistance and strength. Even in the African Kanembu people, Spirulina has been used as a source of nutrition since ancient times.Spirulina provides a broad spectrum of nutrients with many benefits. Its cell walls contain no cellulose, which allows its nutrients to easily pass through the intestinal wall and be utilized by our cells. Spirulina’s impressive nutritional content is easily absorbed. Spirulina contains protein (all essential amino acids), carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins (except C and D), gamma-linolenic acid, chlorophyll, phycocyanin, antioxidants, and SOD. It is also a complete protein that is easy for the body to digest. We offer it in powder and tablet form, which you can find here.
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Spring Dragon - A natural herbal tea without caffeine
Spring Dragon is a fantastic tea based on the Gynostemma herb, known as Jiaogulan in Chinese, with extracts of Luo Han Guo, Schizandra, Goji, Astragalus, and Eleuthero (Siberian ginseng). It is a caffeine-free herbal tea made from some of the most famous "longevity" herbs in the world. The base consists of Gynostemma, which has traditionally been consumed like green tea; it has a similar taste but is milder and sweeter and contains no caffeine. Gynostemma is often described as the "immortality herb," as people who regularly consume Jiaogulan herbal tea are said to have a history of unusually long lifespans.The Gynostemma in this tea grows wild and abundantly on the fertile slopes of Great Immortal Peak in China. The Gynostemma fields are watered by a natural stream and have now been growing there for seventeen years. No chemicals have ever been used on the land. There is no road leading to the area, only narrow, winding walking paths. The result is the sweetest, strongest Gynostemma imaginable. In addition to Gynostemma, these amazing herbs are in the tea: Schizandra – Called the "quintessence of Chinese herbs." Schizandra is a delicious, exotic berry traditionally used to support all systems in the body. It is a potent antioxidant and adaptogen. Goji berries – Known in Asia as a premium "anti-aging herb," this small fruit is a true superfood, very rich in antioxidants and polysaccharides. Astragalus – As one of the most important herbs in herbal medicine, Astragalus is highly valued. It is a potent "energy tonic" and "blood tonic" according to Chinese medicine. Eleuthero – Eleuthero is also rich in saponins like ginseng and gynostemma and is an adaptogen. In Sweden, this root is best known as Siberian ginseng. Luo Han Guo – This delicious, exotic fruit has been used for centuries as a tonic to support lung health. It contains mogroside, a potent immune-supporting glucoside. This fruit gives the tea a wonderfully sweet taste naturally. Mint Dream / Iced Tea:1 Spring Dragon tea bag (brews about 7 dl of tea)1 dl freshly squeezed lime juice12 mint leaves plus extra mint for garnish6 tbsp xylitolAdjust to taste if needed. 1. Let one Spring Dragon tea bag steep in 7 dl of boiled water for at least 3 to 5 minutes. Let it cool to room temperature.2. Remove the stems from the mint leaves. Place them in a blender. Add a few dl of the cooled tea to the blender and blend for about 20-40 seconds at high speed to break down the mint leaves.3. Add the rest of the tea, lime juice, honey, and xylitol. Blend again for about 20 seconds.4. Serve over ice. Garnish with a mint sprig.
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Sprout at Home - Nutritious Sprouts from Your Own Kitchen
Sprouting at home gives you easy access to nutrition right on your kitchen counter; it’s fresh, affordable, fun, and very tasty. And there are so many different sprouts to choose from, a flavor for every day. Sprouts are very nutrient-rich because they contain all the elements a plant needs for life and growth. Sprouting also increases the amounts and bioavailability of proteins, vitamins, and minerals, transforming them into nutritional powerhouses. Overall, sprouts provide high-quality nutrients and important sources of a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and enzymes. It’s simply a plant in its most biologically concentrated form and an easy way to boost your daily nutrient intake. Sprouts and microgreens (watercress, wheatgrass, etc.) contain large amounts of living enzymes. Enzymes are catalysts for all your body’s functions, including digestion. Increased enzymes enable better breakdown and release of more nutrients from the food you eat, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and essential fatty acids – all vital building blocks for your body and health. Sprouts can thus provide various beneficial health effects, including improved digestion, better blood sugar levels, and a more alkaline body. Here are some of the most popular seeds to sprout and some of their benefits: Alfalfa: rich in antioxidants, vitamin K, vitamin C, and minerals. Broccoli: rich in minerals and vitamins. Clover: rich in carbohydrates, protein (30%), and minerals. Green lentils: rich in protein, dietary fiber, vitamin C, zinc, and copper. Mung beans: rich in protein, dietary fiber, and nutrients, vitamins C & B. Radish: an excellent source of folate and rich in vitamin C. Sunflower seeds: rich in protein, zinc, and B vitamins. Wheatgrass and barley grass: rich in minerals, vitamins, chlorophyll, and amino acids. There are many other seeds that can be used for sprouting, including quinoa, buckwheat, chickpeas, peas, and rye. Add sprouts daily to your salad, green juices, or eat them on their own to get an abundance of nutrients and enzymes. Remember to rinse your sprouts thoroughly before each time you eat them, whether you bought them or sprouted them yourself. We offer organic sprouting seeds.
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What are adaptogens and how do they work?
Adaptogens are natural herbs/plants that help the body adapt. Adaptogens are not new but have been used in Chinese, Asian, and Indian Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Adaptogens work to increase the body's ability to adapt to various forms of physical and mental stress, or stress caused by emotional problems in life, hectic schedules, strenuous activities, or changing situations. They simply help create a state of balance in the body and make the body more adaptable. Adaptogenic herbs are characterized by their safety as well as their effect on the whole body, rather than on individual organs. Their use provides both physical and mental well-being. Of all the medicinal plants known, only some are recognized as adaptogens, because by definition the herbs should promote overall health, with a special focus on stress reduction, and they should be safe to consume. How do adaptogens work? Adaptogens work a bit like a thermostat. When the thermostat senses that the room temperature is too high, it lowers it, and when the temperature is too low, it raises it. Adaptogens can calm you and increase your energy at the same time without overstimulating the system. By supporting adrenal function, they can help counteract the negative effects of stress and normalize bodily imbalances. They help cells eliminate toxic byproducts from the metabolism process, gain more energy, and use oxygen more efficiently. Popular adaptogens Chaga = Sprängticka in Sweden Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum) Cordyceps Panax Ginseng American Ginseng Siberian Ginseng (Eleuthero) = Russian Root in Sweden Ashwagandha Holy Basil (Tulsi) Rhodiola (Rose Root) Licorice Root He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti) Astragalus Schisandra Goji berries Gynostemma (Jiaogulan) Aloe Vera Moringa Maca Here you can find our full range of products containing adaptogens. Can everyone take adaptogens? Just like with other supplements and herbs, you should consult your doctor or nutritionist if you are: 1. Pregnant or breastfeeding. 2. Taking medications such as blood thinners, blood pressure medication, or similar.
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Natural hair oils for winter treatment of dry hair
Take care of your hair during the cold season! Make a hair mask with a nourishing oil. The more well-known oils for hair include Argan oil, Jojoba oil, Coconut oil, Castor oil, Rosehip oil, Avocado oil, Carrot oil, and Apricot kernel oil. Less known are Baobab oil, Marula oil, Moringa oil, and Camellia oil. All are excellent as hair oils, which you can find here. How do you do it? Warm oils are very beneficial for the scalp and hair. Simply gently warm your chosen oil on very low heat in a saucepan. Then make a warm, lovely hair mask. Leave it on for 30 minutes, wash your hair with a mild, natural shampoo/conditioner. Shampoo first – then water, so the oil rinses out more easily. Camellia oil is also an excellent oil to use directly in the hair as it is a “dry” oil and doesn’t make the hair too greasy. If you want to take it a step further, you can add herbs, herbal teas, or essential oils. Some examples: To strengthen the hair: chamomile, nettle, horsetail, or burdock. To cleanse the hair: for scalp issues, for example: rosemary, parsley, sage, or witch hazel. To stimulate hair growth: peppermint, parsley, sage, chamomile, ginger, and cinnamon. Suitable for most: calendula, chamomile, lavender, dried rose petals.
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5 keys to a strong immune system
Our immune system is a complex network that works to protect us from bacteria, viruses, and other “enemies.” Since it is a system with many parts and not a separate unit, there is no magic pill that will make it eternally strong. But a balanced immune system can be supported over time with daily healthy habits. In addition, there are specific nutrients and herbs that can be very helpful in maintaining normal immune function. Here is our list of the most important lifestyle choices and supplements you can use to stay “healthy for the long term” with a balanced and well-functioning immune system. 5 lifestyle choices for a healthier year Exercise regularly – experts recommend at least 150 minutes of active exercise per week. Fuel your immune system – A balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, sprouts, fruit, and berries will take you far. Prioritize rest – Make sure to get high-quality sleep and wake up refreshed at least a couple of times per week. Prevent stress – Include activities in your daily life that help you manage stress, such as spending time with loved ones, walking in nature, yoga & meditation, creating art, or other relaxing hobbies. Prevent the spread of infection – Even in 2021, it is still important that we all help by washing our hands often with soap and practicing social distancing when needed. The most important nutrients/supplements for normal immune function Besides the lifestyle factors above, we recommend maintaining good levels of the following nutrients to give the immune system the best conditions to function normally: Vitamin C is one of nature’s best defenses against stress and unwelcome guests in the body. It is best taken in larger doses as a course during cold seasons (4-6 grams per day for 1-2 weeks). Vitamin D is one of the most important nutrients for normal immune function. Especially in winter, we need to replenish this vitamin since the main natural source is sunlight. Zinc & Selenium are the two most important minerals for normal immune function. It’s good to take them together with vitamin C. Lactic acid bacteria. A healthy gut flora provides the conditions for optimal nutrient absorption, a good mood, and a strong body. Good bacteria help keep unwelcome bacteria at bay. That’s why they are sometimes called the “body’s first defense.” Medicinal Mushrooms are often used in natural medicine to build up and balance the body’s defenses over the long term. Our absolute favorites are Chaga and Reishi. Herbs that give the immune system “ammunition.” To eliminate unwelcome guests, the body also needs substances that are toxic to viruses and bacteria but not to the body’s own cells. This occurs naturally in a certain group of herbs. Some of our favorites are: garlic, olive leaf extract, oregano oil, sage & Pau d’arco. Cold-extracted honey is good for relieving minor pain and inflammation in mucous membranes, such as the nose and mouth, and has antioxidant properties and some antimicrobial effects. It helps with coughs and sore throats and can be used in tea or warm water with lemon. We hope this can be helpful and inspiring. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions about what might suit you.
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Three simple health habits for everyday wellness
There are things we do every day that can support our health. Here at the office, we have a few favorites we'd love to inspire you with. Here are three simple habits that make a big difference in our daily lives: Aromatherapy Aromatherapy. Humio humidifiers are used almost every day here at the office and also at home – especially during the winter months when indoor air can become dry and irritating for both the respiratory system and skin. We like to use peppermint during the day (invigorating) and lavender in the evening (relaxing). We find that these scents subtly and soothingly influence the mood and atmosphere in the room. Fresh juice Living hydration, vitamins, and minerals straight from nature’s pantry in the form of fresh juice is one of the best things we can do for our health in our eyes. We try to have a green juice every day and have developed a bit of an "addiction" to the nourishing feeling this "elixir" provides. Every morning, we ourselves drink at least 50 cl of celery juice. We offer several different juicers, and it can be hard to choose—contact us if you have any questions. Dried nuts, seeds & fruits Mikael, our CEO, uses his dehydrator more than any of us and always has "activated" nuts and seeds at home, meaning soaked and then dried nuts/seeds, which makes them easier to digest and also tastier. Another way to use the dehydrator is to make pancakes or burgers from leftovers from the juicer. In this video, you can see how easy it is to use a dehydrator.
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Recover quickly from a cold with natural methods
The very best thing is to take care of your body and immune system so well that you stay healthy instead of catching colds every time there is an infection going around or the weather shifts from warm to cold. Getting used to a lifestyle that supports and strengthens the immune system not only means you rarely get sick, but also that your recovery is faster when you do. But if you are unlucky enough to catch a cold, what is the best thing you can do to support your body's defenses? 1. Rest, drink plenty, and keep warm The body's main needs during a cold are to have more energy available for the immune system and to get help fighting and clearing out viruses and/or bacteria. Therefore, you should first and foremost: Sleep and rest as much as you can so your body can use energy where it is needed. Drink plenty of clean water to help your body detox. Help your body maintain its temperature with socks, a down blanket, warm drinks, etc. It can be easy to forget how effective this is, so we just want to remind you once more. It’s easy to keep working as usual when you’re sick and working from home, but if you don’t rest, the illness can drag on longer instead. 2. Use herbs and vegetables you have at home Often there are things in your fridge or pantry that you can use to strengthen your immune system. Here are our favorites. Eat and drink them as much as possible while you are sick. If you don’t have them at home, they are available at your nearest grocery store. A little walk in fresh air can do you good if you’re not too sick. Lemon water – preferably warm. Ginger – in warm water or food. Garlic; fresh and preferably raw garlic has a wide range of health benefits. Eat it as is or add it to your food. Oregano & Thyme: Again, preferably as fresh and untreated as possible, but dried works too. Use in food or make warm tea. Oregano oil is perfect to have at home in your natural medicine cabinet. 3. Supplements that provide more energy to the immune system For deeper support, it can be good to do a boost with one or more of these nutrients. They give the immune system extra energy to deal with invaders of all kinds. A boost is simply done by taking a dose of these about every three hours for 2-3 days. This usually gives a noticeable lift to the system. Vitamin C; 1-2g per dose Vitamin D; about 400 µg per dose Selenium; about 55 µg per dose Zinc; 5-7.5 µg per dose Note: You don’t have to take all of these (although you can do so safely), but taking one or a couple of them in higher doses for a few days is very helpful during a cold period. 4. Give ammunition to the immune system Last but not least, there are powerful natural “enemies” of viruses and bacteria that we can take in concentrated form to give ammunition to our immune system. These are powerful plants and herbs that have been used for centuries to strengthen and balance our immune system. In recent years, more has been discovered about how and why they work (which among other things led to a pharmaceutical company in Germany trying to patent garlic in the early 2000s, which of course did not go through). The most powerful herbs for colds that we know of are: Oregano oil Pau D’Arco Olive leaf extract Garlic extract Taking one or more of these as extra support to clear out “unwelcome guests” in your system can be very effective. If you spend time in environments where many are infected, you can take these herbs preventively. Especially in autumn and winter when we spend more time indoors and get less natural support from fresh air and sunlight. Want a simple solution? Buy Holistic Immunbalans, which is a very affordable way to boost your immune system. Take it preventively or use it to boost your body when symptoms have appeared. What do you do to shorten your colds? Feel free to share in a comment so we can learn from each other!
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Soothing evening latte with herbs for better sleep
Try this recipe as a way to unwind in the evening before you go to sleep. You can vary it according to taste and preference with different herbs. Here is a basic recipe: 200 ml almond or oat milk 1 bag of your choice of evening tea (e.g., Pukka Chamomile, Vanilla & Manuka, or YogiTea Inner Harmony) 1 dropper of lemon balm extract 1-5 drops of CBD oil 1 pinch of vanilla powder 1 tsp raw/organic honey You can vary the ingredients based on the herbs and other supplements you feel you need and have at home at the moment. Just make sure they go well together in flavor and are calming and nourishing to drink in the evening. How to make Heat the milk and add the tea bag when it’s almost boiling. Turn off the heat and let it steep for about 5 minutes. Then remove the tea bag and blend in the other ingredients – either in a blender or with a milk frother; until you get a frothy latte-like drink that warms the soul and brings calm to the body. Because you deserve it! 🙂
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5 important habits for healthier children all year round
In February and March, we Swedes see it as normal to stay home with sick children (or to be sick ourselves with colds or stomach flu). But does it have to be that way? How can we best support children's health and immune systems so they can have more energetic days even during the winter months? Here are 5 important habits from the book "Healthier Children" by nutritionist Peter Wilhelmsson. Unfortunately, the book is no longer available for purchase, but you can find many different health lectures by Peter himself online. Peter is one of the most knowledgeable nutritionists in Europe today. 1. A positive atmosphere in the family A good atmosphere at home is perhaps the most important factor for children's long-term health. Is there something everyone enjoys doing together, or something you feel you need to talk about? A simple and fun exercise can be to express appreciation to each other at the dinner table, or to take turns choosing an outing destination one Sunday a month. What can you do today to give your children a little extra attention? 2. Play and exercise It sounds obvious but can be easy to forget in our connected society: Children need to play and move every day to feel really good. Often they do this spontaneously, especially when they are young. But as they get older, there is a risk they get stuck in front of some type of screen too often. Then they may need some structure from the adult world to remember how good it feels to do something creative or physically challenging. 3. Nutritious food as a foundation There are many different diets and food theories out there, but they all have one thing in common: Nutritious food based on real ingredients is best for both adults and children. Teach children to make candy from dried fruit instead of white sugar. Show them that salad and berries are tasty by having them available on the table often and asking if they want some. Eat vegetables yourself and the children will want them too. 4. Minimize or avoid this For an optimal immune system, it is equally important to minimize things that disrupt the body. The most common disruptors in our children's eating habits today are: sugar, wheat flour, most dairy products, cheap oils like soybean oil and peanut oil (often added in processed foods), as well as artificial sweeteners, additives, and flavorings. There are numerous studies showing quite astonishing results among children when one or more of these sources of imbalance in their diet have been minimized or completely avoided. 5. Supplements as needed Almost everyone, including children, needs supplements in their diet today to reach optimal levels of nutrients and help the body handle the extra challenges we humans have created in the form of environmental toxins, exhaust fumes, electromagnetic stress, artificial food, etc. So even though we should always strive for both ourselves and our children to get our nutritional foundation from real food, we need to add high-quality nutrition in the form of high-quality supplements to get the best conditions. Peter Wilhelmsson therefore recommends everyone give their children a tailored multivitamin, as well as some kind of green drink as often as possible. In addition, essential fatty acids (Omega 3), friendly gut bacteria (Probiotics), and vitamin D during the winter months can be very helpful. Also: Vitamin D for the whole family Late winter and early spring are the times of year when we Swedes have the lowest levels of vitamin D. Not surprising since vitamin D is only produced when we expose a large part of our skin to the sun’s rays between May and September here in Sweden. A little spring sunshine on the face is not enough, even though it has many other health benefits to expose the eyes and brain to sunlight. So a good time to top up vitamin D through supplements is right now. Some nutrition experts say that optimal levels of vitamin D can help prevent "cold seasons" by optimizing our immune system and general health. Vitamin D is something everyone needs and is one of the supplements that can be given to children (of course in a dose adapted to the child’s weight). That’s why we are running a campaign on our child-friendly supplements this week, with extra discounts on vitamin D, so you can stock up the pantry for the whole family until May when the sun shines properly again. For children under 10 years old, we recommend VitaShine’s D3 Spray.
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