Quinoa is a seed grain with an exceptional nutritional profile suitable for those on a gluten-free diet. It is higher in protein than many other cereals, rich in essential oils and an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin E and fibre. Quinoa thrives in harsh conditions and has been cultivated in the South American Andes region for 7000 years.

Vega-Gálvez A, Miranda M, Vergara J, Uribe E, Puente L, Martínez EA. (2010). Nutrition facts and functional potential of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa willd.), an ancient Andean grain: a review. Journal of the Science and Food Agriculture.90(15):2541-7

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.”

Cicero, ‘Pro Plancio,’ 54 B.C.

Roman author, orator and politician (106 BC – 43 BC)

The humble chickpea has, in animal studies, been found to lower cholesterol and improve blood sugar levels, and can be used as a functional food for diabetics and insulin-resistant individuals due to its high protein and fibre content.

Yang Y, Zhou L, Gu Y, Zhang Y, Tang J, Li F, Shang W, Jiang B, Yue X, Chen M. (2007). Dietary chickpeas reverse visceral adiposity, dyslipidaemia and insulin resistance in rats induced by a chronic high-fat diet. Br J Nutr. 98(4):720-6.

“Eating is always a decision, nobody forces your hand to pick up food and put it into your mouth.”

 Ellis A, Abrams M, Dengelegi L, The Art & Science of Rational Eating, 1992

Herbal teas were possibly the first medicines ever invented and are still popular because they are so effective and easy to use. When Culpeper’s famous “Complete Herbal” was published in 1651, he stated that “A decoction made of camomile taketh away all pains and stiches in the side…the bathing with a decoction of camomile taketh away weariness…”.

Cruciferous vegetables contain sulphur-containing glucosinolates which are converted in the digestive tract to biologically active compounds that improve our ability to detoxify carcinogens. Of all the crucifers, broccoli has the highest levels of glucosinolates. Broccoli is also a rich source of flavonoids such as kaempferol which appears to have a wide range of benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiallergic activities.

Higdon JV et al. (2007). Cruciferous vegetables and human cancer risk: epidemiologic evidence and mechanistic basis. Pharmacol Res. 55:3:224-236

“Every man is the builder of a temple called his body.”

Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862), American philosopher, poet and environmental scientist

Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme extracted from the stem of the pineapple plant, is capable of digesting protein when eaten directly after a meal. It has also been used in sinusitis as an anti-inflammatory and mucolytic agent when taken an empty stomach between mealtimes. It appears to thin nasal secretions and reduce inflammation of the nasal mucosa.

Helms S, Miller A (2006). Natural treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. Alternative Medicine Review. 11(3):196-207

Buckwheat is a source of a number of interesting bioflavonoids. Rutin is used by plants as protection against ultraviolet radiation and disease. Rutin has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, strengthen the walls of capillaries and help blood circulate more effectively.

Kreft I, Fabjan N, Yasumoto K. (2006). Rutin content in buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) food materials and products. Food Chemistry. 98;3:508-12

Mung beans are tiny, highly nutritious green beans, used for centuries in Chinese and Indian cuisine. High in protein and fibre, they are helpful in the control of blood sugar, as they provide slow-releasing carbohydrates and protein. There is increasing interest in the potential of the mung bean to inhibit various complications of diabetes.

Yao Yang, Chen Feng, Wang Mingfu, Wang Jiashi Ren. (2008). Antidiabetic activity of Mung bean extracts in diabetic KK-Ay mice. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 56(19): 8869-73