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Acai berries are slightly smaller than grapes, although look fairly similar. The trees that they grow on are found in the Amazon Basin, particularly in Brazil. Acai berries have been consumed by various indigenous peoples of South America for thousands of years, but recently have become popular and fashionable throughout the world as a health supplement. However, […]

One of the world’s most popular nuts (though it’s botanically a seed), the almond is a well-loved snack in every corner of the globe. The seed itself comes from the deciduous almond tree, which is native to the Middle East and a few sections of Southern Asia. For thousands of years, humans have recognized the […]

Aloe Vera is very popular for using on the skin, and also because its fresh-smelling scent is great for air fresheners and a range of other uses. However, the consumption of liquid derived from the plant has, so far, been fairly limited – although aloe Vera juice has a wide range of health benefits. Aloe […]

Blueberries are a tasty addition to any breakfast cereal, and a handful at the end of any meal will go down a treat. They’re also a popular addition to muffins and other baking products, and go well in smoothies. They’re easy to store, too – freezing blueberries has no effect on many of the benefits you […]

Cayenne pepper is a type of chili pepper. It is named after a city in French Guiana, and is also sometimes called the red pepper or cow-horn pepper. It is found in Tex Mex, Mexica, Szechuan and Cajun food. Fresh chillies can be sliced and added to dishes, although cayenne is most-often found in powdered […]

The humble celery is often used to provide a base flavor in sauces, soups and stews – it’s a workaday vegetable that most people would probably not associate with trendy superfoods. But celery has a surprising number of health benefits. Celery, like black coffee and a handful of other foods, has a negative number of […]

The tropical coconut tree, native to tropical climates the world over, has been a diet staple in equatorial areas for hundreds of years. In fact, many of these cultures – especially those in South Asia – get most of their dietary saturated fat from coconut oil. This includes nations such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and […]

Coriander seeds, which are called cilantro seeds in some parts of the world, are very different from the plant’s pungent leaves. Many people who find the leaves unpalatable can happily consume sauces containing the seeds, which are one of the most-used spices in Indian curry powder. They are also used in many other cuisines to […]

Fish oil does not sound too pleasant, and has echoes of ‘cod liver oil’. But actually, if you like fish, then it’s easy to cook delicious dishes with oily fish. Varieties that are particularly rich in oil are mackerel, sardines, tuna, salmon and anchovies. If you are not too keen on fish, then fish oil […]

Apple cider vinegar has been used as a folk remedy for various ailments for many years, and also as a beauty treatment. Little scientific research has been carried out on the uses of apple cider vinegar – however, most of the problems it is used to treat are minor, and you are unlikely to suffer […]

Ginger root is found in curries, particularly Indian and Thai curries, and goes well with beef and seafood. Pickled ginger root is also routinely used in Chinese stir frys, and as an accompaniment to sushi. There are several ways of preparing ginger root, but ginger tea is one of the most popular. Ginger tea can […]

Flax seeds are usually found in home baking – they can be delicious scattered on scones, cakes or muffins, and can be added to breakfast cereals and granolas. As well as being a useful garnish, they’re also healthy too. Flax seeds are a very good source of omega 3 oils. These are usually found in […]

With the recent rise in interest for healthy foods in the West, perhaps no other item has been discussed and analyzed more than green tea. Its many health benefits – some scientifically supported and others with little backing evidence – have accounted for a huge worldwide increase in green tea consumption over the last few […]

Most people are at least partially familiar with the health benefits of olive oil, which is famous for its promotion of wellbeing. But the lesser-known leaves of the olive plant can also be very good for you too. Olive leaves can be manufactured into essential oils and liquid extracts. However, one of the most popular […]

When one thinks of Italian food, perhaps the most immediate spice that comes to mind is oregano. The plant, which itself is native to the temperate climates that surround the Mediterranean Sea, is a staple in the diets of many other nearby cultures as well. It is often used as a meat seasoning, for instance, […]

Pumpkin seeds have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are extremely tasty and have innumerable benefits.  They are popular in salads, in granola, eaten by themselves as a snack, and used as garnishes for a very wide range of dishes. Most people love eating them, and you will boost your health by doing so […]

Pomegranates are delicious in salads and syllabubs, with goat’s cheese, and in numerous recipes, both savoury and sweet. They have also long been a symbol of fertility, presumably because of the mass of shiny red seeds that every pomegranate contains, and feature in the parables and myths of various cultures and creeds. As well as […]

Spirulina is a food supplement made from tiny bacteria that are found in abundance in East Africa. It has been used as a food supplement since ancient times, when Aztecs skimmed spirulina-rich algae from water sources and dried it into cake form. Spirulina is available in various formats, including as pills, powder and flakes, as […]

After a wonderful, ridiculous weekend in Montreal this Easter, my friend Julia and I have decided we are beginning a new, healthier life. This may only last a week, but today I went to yoga AND made a delicious, healthy supper. Day one of new healthy lifestyle = success! This recipe is actually one of […]

This spice is worth its weight in gold. It holds the title as the world’s most expensive spice, and not just by a few dollars. Fortunately it’s reasonably affordable because it has a very strong flavor and is used in very small amounts – a pinch for most recipes. Saffron is made from dried bright […]