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Over the past while I’ve noticed more and more people seem to be interested in the health benefits of oil pulling and I found myself becoming a little bit fascinated by it. While the idea of devoting 20 mins first thing in the morning seemed a daunting task (how on earth could I be expected to keep my mouth shut for that length of time in a fully conscious state???) However I bit the bullet as they say and decided to give it a go.

Here’s the history behind it – Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic technique which involves swishing a tablespoon of oil (my oil of choice being organic extra virgin coconut oil as it has the added benefit of lauric acid a well-known antimicrobial agent ) around your mouth on an empty stomach for around 20 minutes then spitting it out (don’t swallow!). This action draws out toxins thus improving your overall health but primarily your oral health.

Nearly 7 weeks into it I can’t swear that I have done this every morning but I can honestly say that I manage to fit it in probably 5 out of the 7 mornings before the hubby and kiddies surface (not so bad eh). In this short space of time I can confidently say that I have without a doubt noticed a positive difference firstly my teeth are certainly not as sensitive as they previously were, Id like to think they are also a little whiter than before I started oil pulling but overall my mouth feels so much healthier and cleaner.

Other benefits of oil pulling include

• Improvement in sinus issues
• Skin clearing
• Overall detox

Honestly I would recommend everyone give it a go and even if you can only manage to fit it in a couple of mornings a week it’s certainly better than no mornings a week. Iv no doubt that you will also experience the positive benefits of this ancient technique. This is one healthy hobby which I am definitely going to keep up.

Eimear xx

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Hi all,

It will be back to school time soon and while some of you may breathe a sigh of relief at the return to routine others will undoubtedly start fretting over ‘how in god’s name to pack for that school lunch that must be prepared five days a week’. Obviously most of us want to give something that is healthy and nutritious as we all love our children, but this is not always as easy as it seems. As a parent myself and haven spoken with quite a few on this topic, I am well aware of the challenges facing parents who want their kids to eat healthy. On the one hand you want to pack something that will be eaten and not be returned to you that evening.

While on the other hand you have the little chreubs in Jane/Johnny’s class who tell your little cherub that the tuna sandwich they are about to eat is horrible/smelly/disgusting. Be under no illusions you will be warned never to pack such an item again. Research clearly shows that eating a healthy breakfast and lunch will result in your child having more energy and better concentration levels throughout the day. Bearing this in mind I will be trying out different recipes and ideas over the coming months and anything that is a success (by success, I mean, eaten by children) I will be posting. I’ll be trying out a recipe with quinoa this weekend so will let you know how that goes. Feel free to post your own successful recipes and ideas and I’m sure between us all we can surely fill their little lunchboxes for the year ahead with healthy, nutritious food. Happy Healthy Kids = Happy Healthy Parents.

Sinead xx

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The Brilliance of Baking Soda:

More traditionally used for baking, read on and find out it’s many other uses and why baking soda is one of the least expensive home remedies to keep to hand.

1. Natural deodorant:

If you want to avoid the parabens and aluminium found in many deodorants and antiperspirants, try a pinch of baking soda mixed with water instead. This makes a simple yet effective natural deodorant. You could also simply sprinkle baking soda under your arms.

2. Insect Bites:

Mix baking soda and water and apply to insect bites to relieve itching. This can also be used on an itchy rash. Baking Soda helps to relieve minor skin irritation and itching by neutralising irritants on the skins surface.

3. Heartburn, Indigestion and Ulcer Pain: 

While not a long term solution baking soda will neutralise stomach acid, helping to relieve heartburn, indigestion and even ulcer pain.

4. Hand cleanser: 

Mix 3 parts baking soda with one part water to make a natural hand cleanser that will scrub away dirt and neutralise odours.

5. Sunburn Remedy:

While it may not seem likely you will have much use for this one right now, it’s still a good one to know. If you add ½ cup of baking soda to a lukewarm bath and soak in it, you will get natural relief. Alternatively you can also mix the baking soda with water to make a cold compress and apply it directly to the area.

6. Tooth Paste:

Baking soda will help to remove plaque and clean and deodorise your teeth due to its slight abrasive action. It will also kill bacteria which contribute to tooth decay. To make a great paste mix six parts baking soda to one part sea salt. 

7.Teeth Whitener:

To whiten your teeth naturally, crush one ripe strawberry and mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda. Spread the mix on your teeth and leave for five minutes. Then brush and rinse. Do this no more than once a week.

Sinead xx

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Over the last while it seems that everywhere I turn a new and more potent super food had popped up on my radar. But what exactly makes Super foods so super ? And what credentials must a food possess in order to wear the coveted crown ‘Super food’.
Super foods are a specific category of foods found in nature which can be described as nutrient powerhouses. Most Super foods are a mixture of the below factors.

: Rich in vitamins and minerals.
: Rich in omega 3 fatty acids.
: High in fibre.
: Rich in phytochemicals which may potentially prevent against illness and disease.
: Low in saturated fats, Trans fats, and refined sugars.
: Low in calories.

So now that we have some idea what a definition of what exactly a Super food is lets have a look at some examples.

Acai
This small purple berry is native to South America and has long been touted as a weight loss and anti-aging aid. Acai has high levels of antioxidants (it contains twice as many as blueberries) which can help our bodies fight disease and cancer. Antioxidants are a vital part of our diets as they prevent and slow down oxidative damage to our bodies. Acai is typically sold in tablets, capsules and powder form and so can be easily included in our diets.

Goji Berries
These delicious orange-red berries are absolutely packed full of vitamin C and contain high levels of carotenoids which automatically associates them with visual ailments. They are also high in fibre, iron, calcium, zinc and selenium which leaves us in no doubt as to their nutritional capabilities. They are generally available in dried form making them very convenient to eat as a snack or add them to smoothies or your breakfast porridge. 

Chia Seeds
These tiny super food seeds are a fantastic source of omega 3 fatty acids and fibre, while also containing high levels of protein, calcium, manganese and phosphorus. Interestingly also chia seeds contain tryptophan an amino acid which helps to regulate appetite, sleep and improve mood. Chia is also rich in antioxidants which protect the omega 3 fatty acids from oxidation. Chia seeds also contain anti-inflammatory properties and can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and provide relief from digestive issues. They can be eaten whole or milled while soaked seeds have a gelatinous texture which can be included in all sorts of baked goods e.g. breads and cakes or simply added to porridge or smoothies.

Maca
This root vegetable hails from Peru and is a great source of calcium, iron and magnesium while also being rich in antioxidants and B vitamins. Maca is a great adaptogen working with your body when it is stressed to help keep you calm. In this respect Maca can be very beneficial to our bodies as a stressed body leads to a compromised immue system which in turn leads to a whole lot more including poor quality of sleep and increased fat around the middle. Maca is also being touted as a miracle food for fertility and libido by helping to balance hormones and increase libido. It can be useful for relieving menstrual and menopausal symptoms such as cramping, hot flushes, anxiety and depression. Maca is fantastic for increasing energy levels and stamina making it a very useful super food for sports people.
Maca is generally consumed in powder or capsule form and is a great addition to smoothies, salads and cooked foods (not too hot in order to ensure it doesn’t lose it health benefits). A definite must have in any kitchen.

A combination of organic green super foods.
While there are lots on the market my particular favourite is Synergy Natural 100% Organic Super greens Powder which offers a fantastic blend of natures most nutrient dense green super foods spirulina, chlorella, barley Grass and Wheat Grass. It provides me with a broad spectrum of nutrients which are highly absorbable by the body. Spirulina a microscopic fresh water plant is the most nutritious whole food known to man. Chlorella another microscopic fresh water plant contains more chlorophyll than any other plant and so is very useful for cleansing and detoxing the body. Barley Grass and Wheat grass are also high in chlorophyll and fibre whilst also containing a vast range of other important nutrients. These highly alkalising green vegetables can help keep our bodies in balance and counter the over acidity of many processed foods and prove a simple and convenient way of contributing towards our recommended 5 a day. Whilst it is also available in tablet and capsule form the powder can easily be added to juice or smoothies.

The list of Super foods goes on and on and I could go on and on but I won’t. Instead I’ll leave you with the above list which are my top 5 Super foods. Please feel free to leave feed back and let us know what your top 5 are or if you feel that there is any particular one which deserves a special mention.

Eimear xx