There are many different vitamins and minerals that humans can become deficient in, and vegans and vegetarians are often thought to be at a higher risk of deficiencies. When I became vegan I expected that I would have to take B12 supplements but I was also told to take a zinc (Zn) supplement. I ...

When talking about vegan diets, I feel there is a major focus on the foods you need to exclude, rather than on the foods that you can actually eat! Since I have started incorporating more vegan meals into my diet, I’ve been so much more creative in the kitchen and it’s actually opened doors for me! ...

We all know how to prepare a meal, but how do we make great tasting vegan food that provides all the nutrients our bodies need and is easily accessible on the go? It sounds like a tall order but there are some key components that can help make it easier. If you’re looking to take your very first ...

Tryptophan, also known as 5HTP, (5-Hydroxy-L-tryptophan) is an amino acid (a building block of protein) and a precursor to the chemical serotonin. Serotonin is commonly known as the ‘happy hormone’, as higher levels of it are associated with a positive mood. Luckily, it’s possible to boost your ...

Iron is an essential mineral for our health. Its main role is to transport oxygen around the body in the red blood cells. When we eat it, it combines with a protein in the red blood cells called haemoglobin. As we breathe oxygen it is attracted to the iron and combines to the protein to create ...

Oats are whole grains and as such offer a variety of health benefits. According to a Harvard university study, people who eat oats and whole grains live longer and are less likely to suffer from heart disease. Although it's a budget breakfast option, oats more than hold their own nutritionally ...

Lotus seeds or lotus nuts come from the Nelumbo nucifera, a herbaceous perennial species of plant. They are also known as 'makhana' in India. Lotus flowers, roots and seeds have been held in high regard in the cultures of India, China and Japan for centuries. Its seeds are used in Asian cuisine and ...

Baru (or Dipteryx alata) is a species of the Fabaceae legume family. The tree is referred to as the “Baruzeiro” (in Portuguese) and its produce “castanha de baru” (literally baru nut) or “amêndoa de baru” (baru almond). We find the Baru tree in the Cerrado savanna, an area in midwest Brazil (the ...

Nigella seeds or black cumin (Nigella sativa) are an anciently known, old spice, they were found in Tutankhamun’s tomb, and the Old Testament Bible mentioned them too! Nigella seeds come from the Ranunculaceae plant family and is native to South and Southwest Asia. These black seeds have a peppery, ...

Commonly mistaken as nuts, almonds are actually nutrient-dense seeds which you’ve probably seen nestled in the baking isle next to the cashews and hazelnuts in the supermarket. They can be used in an abundance of dishes from curries to pasta or even to add a sweet crunch to your breakfast cereal. ...