Healthy herbs - part two

Healthy herbs - part two

Having covered basil, thyme and mint in the last healthy herb post, this one will focus on cilantro/coriander, chives and ginger for more of an Asian theme ;) 

These herbs (okay, okay, ginger isn’t technically a herb) have been chosen because they can grow in various different climates, so shouldn’t just be confined to those of us in Asia. I’ll talk through some of the nutritional benefits, and the book we’re editing will provide the growing tips, so stay tuned! 

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$upplements – are they really what they say?

$upplements – are they really what they say?

Do you buy supplements? I do, and I used to buy a lot more until I recently read a little bit about the industry. The more I read the more it felt like one of those holiday scams; you know, “Oh no Sir, this is real ruby, special price for you”, he said holding up the orange piece of glass, or “We powdered the saffron to preserve it and so you have more,” he said holding a vial, the contents of which smelt like sawdust shavings. 

Only, those scams seem to have a modicum more honesty...

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Healthy herbs - part one

Healthy herbs - part one

In previous posts I’ve extolled the virtues of growing herbs in small spaces. Beyond the culinary benefits they bring to most dishes, and the potential money you save not buying a few overpriced sprigs from the store, many pack a mighty nutritional punch.

This and subsequent posts will focus on a few herbs (and spices) that you can grow at home, examining what’s been written about their nutritional properties. As highlighted in my previous post, Nutrition Attrition, there are contradictory articles. This is not a scientific analysis, nor is it detailed enough to cover all perspectives. What I’ve sought to do is identify consistent comments in both Western and Eastern sources about these herbs’ potential nutritional (and wellbeing) benefits.

For more on the various nutrients mentioned see the nutrient summary in our ‘eating guide’.

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Nutrition attrition

Nutrition attrition

When I see the endless column inches espousing healthy living I understand why they exist, but question whether preaching is the best medium. Can’t we just decide for ourselves? Yes…

…But, a few minutes of research will show you that there is great discord in the many articles devoted to the subject of nutrition in fruit and veg. 

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