Did you Know?

That our VIP nuts are a source of protein, high in fibre and low GI?

Many widely available spices have added salt?

Chillies help alleviate colds?

Peppers are also rated as an aphrodisiac?

Ginger can help quell nausea, aid ulcer healing and help digestion?

Garlic  is a powerful detoxifier for the liver and lymph system?

Turmeric is considered to be a healing spice?

Authentic Bombay mix is made of chick pea flour? 

Many widely available spices have added salt?

This is a way of keeping the price down and apparently helps grind the ingredients to dust!

Chillies help alleviate colds?

Chillies come in all shapes and sizes - there are 400 types grown - and the hots substance in the is capsaicin.  It's said to aid digestive process, and also to have an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.

They also contain vitamin C and beta-carotene (which the body converts to vitamin A) and all of these help to keep the immune system strong.  Chillies are thought to trigger the release of 'feel good' endorphins which lift the spirits and the libido, so may do wonders for the love life.  Hot chillies are rumoured to help the body burn off fat quicker by speeding up the metabolic rate.

Chillies have long been used as part of traditional remedies to help alleviate colds, and may relieve nasala congestion by thinning down mucus in the sinuses.  In Russia, a dirnk called nastoyka (made from chillies soaked in vodka) is used to revlieve colds, rheumatism and stomach disorders, while in India, peri peri is used externally for the treatment of tonsilitis, diptheria and snake bites.  

It also comes in lozenge form to help cure sore throats and hoarseness.  

Peppers are also rated as an aphrodisiac?

Like their spicy cousin the chilli, peppers also contain capsaicin, so they have anti bacterial and anti-inflammatory powers.  Their vibrant colour comes from the phytochemicals beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin - these powerful antioxidants prevent free radicals from damaging the body's cells, thus increasing the body's level of protective substances.

Peppers are also rated as an aphrodisiac because they stimulate the circulation.  Hlaf a red pepper provides about 40% of the recommended daily amount of viatmin B6. Their anti inflammatory and stimulant powers make them good for clearing sinuses, and they also boost the circulation and digestion.

Peppers are loaded with immune-boosting vitamin A and almost three times the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C, so they're good for fighting off infections or keeping them at bay.  e aware thought that sweet peppers can irritate the gut if there's a sensitivity problem and an exacerbate symptoms in arthritis sufferers.

Ginger can help quell nausea, aid ulcer healing and help digestion?

Ginger   is a hot, refreshing, juicy root whose primary use is to calm the gut - it can help quell nausea, aid ulcer helaing and help digestion.   It's also known to help with nasal congestion.  It's been used for centuries as a medicinal cleanser.  Western herbalists recommend ginger for respiratory tract infections.  It acts as a stimulant that warms the body and boosts circulation.  Add it to drihnks, savoury dishes and desserts.      

Garlic is a powerful detoxifier for the liver and the lymph system?

Garlic has been valued for thousands of years as a potent medicine.  Many of its benefits derive from sulphur compounds, such as allicin, that are powerful detoxifiers for the liver and lymph system as well as anti -inflammatories.  Garlic is a powerful antibiotic, helping clear bacterial infections in the digestive tract.  This property, plus its immune-boosting role and decongestant effect, enables it to ward off viral and other infections throughout the body - including coughs and colds.              

Turmeric is considered to be a healing spice?

Turmeric has been used in Ayervedic medicine for 1000's of years.  It has many wonderful properties - it is an antiseptic and is also used for beautifying.