Microwave ovens have been around for a long time. Invented by Percy Spencer just after the second world war from radar technology, it was then called a Radarange. They where and are still a quick and efficient way to cook and reheat food. The appliance obviously passed all health and safety criteria and can be found in most homes and catering premises. However is this oven as good for your food and yourselves as one might think….read on…

Coincidentially the rise of widespread nutritional deficiencies in the western world correlates almost perfectly with the introduction of the microwave oven. Microwave ovens heat food through a process of creating molecular friction, but this same molecular friction quickly destroys the delicate molecules of vitamins and phytonutrients (plant medicines) naturally found in foods. One study showed that microwaving vegetables destroys up to 97% of the nutritional content (vitamins and other plant-based nutrients that prevent disease, boost immune function and enhance health).

The other day I came across an image poster below of the top 10 sources of vegetable protein. Being a veggie myself I was fascinated and decided to look into it further.

Also after listening to the audio book The China Study by Dr T Colin Cambell I felt compelled to do my own research into plant based protein. The China study is based on a study in rural china but Dr T Colin Cambell goes beyond these studies that details the connection between nutrition and heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

The report also examines the source of nutritional confusion produced by powerful lobbies, government entities, and opportunistic scientists. The project over a 20 year period which together with Cornell University, Oxford University, and the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine produced more than 8000 statistically significant associations between various dietary factors and disease.

The findings? “People who ate the most animal-based foods got the most chronic disease … People who ate the most plant-based foods were the healthiest and tended to avoid chronic disease. These results could not be ignored,” said Dr. Campbell.

Dr Cambell was a researcher on a project in the Philippines working with malnourished children. The project became an investigation for Dr. Campbell, as to why so many Filipino children were being diagnosed with liver cancer, predominately an adult disease. The primary goal of the project was to ensure that the children were getting as much protein as possible.

“In this project, however, he uncovered a dark secret. Children who ate the highest protein diets were the ones most likely to get liver cancer…” He began to review other reports from around the world that reflected the findings of his research in the Philippines. Follow the link to the wikipedia information the the china study.

So, after reading The China Study ……and really well worth the read, I began to question my intake of protein. Now, being a vegetarian I do consume some dairy and eggs, organic of course. Non organic milk being a big carrier of pesticides and antibiotics. Fortunately where I live in Spain it is possible to purchase organic milk.

So finding this poster above I thought I would look into the protein in  fruit and veg. This is what I came up with ……

Most protein from plant foods, apart from buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa and soy are lacking in one or more essential amino acids. The lacking amino acids are usually lysine or methionine. Corn, as an example, is low in both lysine and methionine. Individuals who consume vegetarian or vegan diets typically pair proteins from food in order to obtain all essential dietary amino acids for optimum health.

Lysine and methionine that are absent in many plants can be found in legume foods like tofu and tempeh. Pistachios, amaranth and quinoa have good lysine content. Good sources of methionine include all nuts; vegetables like potatoes, broccoli and spinach; and fruits like oranges and avocados. What an excuse to consume avocados. Mmmm one of my favourite foods. Delicious as a spread on oatcakes for a snack.

Combinations to obtain all essential amino acids include grains and legumes or legumes and seeds. Examples of food combinations for essential amino acids can include rice and beans or lentils, pea soup and bread, garbanzo beans and sesame seeds, hummus, or falafel. Basically if you eat a well balanced vegan diet you can obtain all the protein one requires for your well being. But if a vegan diet really isn’t for you, a well balanced vegetarian diet, with small amounts of diary and eggs is a far more healthy lifestyle than a meat based lifestyle. In the China Study Dr. Cambell states that no more than 10% or animal based protein should be consumed, but the less the better. For me, it is not just the health factor that draws me to a plant based diet but the welfare of and freedom of animals.

The term “complete protein” refers to foods that have all nine essential amino acids present in the correct proportion for our bodies to build protein with. The term “incomplete protein” refers to foods which have all the essential amino acids, but are simply low in one or more of them. This is called the “limiting amino acid”. While it’s true that most whole plant foods have one or more limiting amino acids and are thus “incomplete”, this shouldn’t send you running for a steak. Our bodies are brilliant, and every food that goes into your system must be broken apart and its nutrients absorbed. During the digestion process, amino acid chains from all sources are broken down and made ready for our bodies to use. If you’re eating a good mix of fruits, veggies, grains and legumes, then your body simply collects what it needs from the “amino soup” that your digestion system has absorbed. There are a growing number of vegan bodybuilders, ultra marathon runners and award-winning athletes out there to prove that meeting your protein needs on a plant-based diet is simple and successful. Here is a link to great vegan athletes

Of course plant-based foods are free from cholesterol, tend to be high in fiber, and are often alkalizing to the body. All animal products, on the other hand, are devoid of fiber, and are acidifying to the body, which causes calcium to be leached from your bones, as well as decreasing oxygen levels in the blood, and negatively impacting the digestive/lymphatic system. So this is another reason to think seriously of a plant based diet.

10 high protein packed plant foods

Pumpkin seeds, Asparagus, Cauliflower, Peanuts, Mung Bean Sprouts, Almonds, Spinach, Broccoli, Quinoa

Mellow Skincare

I had the opportunity a few weeks ago to sample a few of Mellow Skincare’s fabulous products. I totally recommend them.
Mellow Skincare was founded in 2006 by Carole Holmes a registered nurse and member of the International Council of Holistic Therapists.

As Carole’s interest in aromatherapy grew and she attended training seminars on the production of natural skincare and Mellow Skincare was formed back in 2006.

Mellow Skincare products are aimed at those who are passionate about the environment and ethical products.
All the products are handmade,  and opposed to animal testing, and use eco-friendly packaging.

I suffer from quite dry feet, and I sampled the wonderful creamy but not sticky foot cream. Each evening I gave my feet a real treat with this nourishing peppermint infused cream. A definite must have!

Then there was the body lotion. Again a lovely cream, not at all greasy and the shower gel was a wonderful refreshing citrus fragrance, perfect for an early morning wake up shower to prepare you for the day ahead.

Take a look at the website www.mellowskincare.co.uk and see for yourself the wide range of products they offer.

• Hair care

• Body Care

• Face Care

• Foot Care

• Soaps

• Bath and Shower Products

Summer Travel Offers From Green People!

With summer hols on the horizon now is the time to think about kitting out your summer travel necessitaties!

With award-winning, natural sun lotions and brand new sun products such as their  Cooling Hydrating Mist,Green  People are NO1 when it comes to enjoying summer travel.

Did you know many of their top-selling products come in great ‘getaway’ sizes?

These handy, travel-friendly products are under the 100ml requirement for air travel, get yours FREE with the special offers by visiting www.greenpeople.co.uk

Offers expire 31st July 2012.

Fantastic offer from Green People

Offer valid 11th June to 31st June 2012

Green People, the fantastic organic lifestlye beauty company are offering a FREE book by Charlotte Vøhtz, the founder of Green People and trusted pioneer of organic beauty and is the proud author of ‘Naturally Gorgeous,’ a book dedicated to sharing her beauty secrets This fabulous book, packed full of must have beauty knowledge to enhance and protect your body.

Go to:

http://www.greenpeople.co.uk

To get your Free book with your order please quote the following code: A144307476

Green People products are not tested on animals and never contain: Sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate, parabens, lanolin, phthalates, propylene glycol, alcohol (ethyl alcohol, ethanol), harsh foaming agents, synthetic fragrances, irritating emulsifiers, PABA-sunscreen, petrochemicals, colourants, urea, DEA, TEA or PEGs

Tell all friends…

How about this little gadget for your I pad or Android. A bamboo keyboard!

I just love it, made from 92% bamboo and very portable, you can just plug it in and type away. It also works with bluetooth enabled smartphones and tablet PCs. Not only is it portable, practical and eco, it is gorgeous to look at and very tactile.

Here’s some tech spec’.

Each keyboard uses bluetooth technology and has a built in re chargeable lithium-ion battery. It’s charged via a USB 2.0 cable, the same one used to charge an iPhone or iPad.

The keyboard measures, 11.5 inches wide, 5.5 inches deep and only .75 of an inch high, and weighs in just over a 1lb.

Available from Amazon priced £46.99 you can place your order here……Urban Factory Bamboo USB 2.0 Wired Keyboard

Anyone bought one of these? Let us know your thoughts ……..

We all know that April is known for its unpredictable weather and this year it is truly living up to its reputation. The lowest temperature ever recorded in the UK in April is -15 degrees in 1917 and the highest is 29 degrees in 1949. This year, the first week of April brought glorious sunshine, 22 degrees to be exact, which saw me put all my winter boots to the back of my cupboard and dust off last year’s sandals! Imagine my surprise 3 days later when I had to dig my car out of the snow before driving to work…madness!! Lesson learned; do not trust the British weather! Whether it be April showers, unseasonal snow storms or festival fun, do not under estimate the need for good old welly boots!
This month we are going a bit welly crazy at Good Natured. Inspired by our fabulous competition with Webury.com which is giving one lucky person the chance to win a pair of Aigle’s Boyfriend Boots in aubergine. Click www.goodnaturedfruit.co.uk/wellies to enter. We started to think…what else we could do with wellies and for those of those of you who consider the welly boot to be a neglected piece of rubbery footwear-think again!
Welly Wanging is taking the British countryside by storm, with highly competitive sports men and women pitting against each other to become Welly Wanging champions.

Welly Wanging, the art of propelling a wellington boot the furthest distance from a given point, has hugely increased in popularity over the last two years. It is thought that Welly Wanging originated following an incident where a pint of Tetley’s Bitter was spilt into someone’s welly. Since that iconic moment the sport has never looked back.

The World Welly Wanging Championships are now held each year in the village of Upperthong in Yorkshire. The high level of competition has lead to precise, highly regulated rules for the sport… no joke.
Why not put your sporting abilities to the test and give Welly Wanging a go yourself? All you need is a wellington boot, a few willing competitors and a large area that is free from unsuspecting passersby. Here are some winning tips for first class welly propulsion:

One handed – This is a commonly used technique, where the competitor uses a single hand to propel his or her welly. This can be attempted either right or left-handed, but you cannot use both simultaneously on separate boots.

Double handed – This is often used where there is a particularly large welly, so that both hands can fit securely around the boot. Propulsion in this position usually involves a shot-put-style swing technique.

Between the legs –Where the competitor throws the welly from between their legs, facing towards the target and bending the legs slightly to accommodate the swing. This is a commonly applied technique for smaller competitors and beginners.

Backward throw – This is when the competitor throws the welly over their head, whilst facing away from their target. Whilst this enables a large back swing, it also means that the target is out of sight for the duration of the throw. The competitor must also be wary of having the boot land on their head when throwing in this position.
Get Welly Wanging!
Get Creative!

Being Good Natured and all we are always looking for innovative ways to recycle things and wellies are no different! Your trusted old boots may look fit for the bin but with a bit of creativity you can turn them into a funky flower pot. Get the kids involved in this one too, they will love it!
Black wellies will absorb heat and be perfect for growing vegetables that need warmer soils! Colourful pairs, will make a great display for the front door if you fill them with some bright pansies.
What you need:
•    An old Wellington boot.
•    A couple of handfuls of gravel or small stones.
•    Enough compost to fill the boot. Use general purpose compost.
•    Flowers/vegetables. (It’s good to pick a plant that’s already flowering, with a few more new flowers coming on)
•    Strong, sharp scissors.
•    A trowel

Simply put some holes in the sole of the boots, fill with a couple of handfuls of gravel and fill with compost until it is about 3cm from the top. Push the soil down, pull the plant out of its container, make a hole in the soil and pop the plant in. Press down the compost around the plant and sprinkle with water.

So when it is time for a new pair a welly boots, think twice before chucking your old pair in the bin!

To Read the good Natured blog every month, visit www.goodnaturedfruit.co.uk

Hello I just thought I would share this with all you ‘The Darkness’ fans out there. The throw back, 70′s style glam rock band from my nearby hometown of Lowestoft Suffolk, UK. They are performing in Thetford forest on the 14th July 2012 as part of a Forestry Commission initiative promoting live music events around Great Britain. No doubt they will be performing their own hits such as ‘Love is only a feeling’ and ‘Growing on me’.

Our local council, Waveney District are giving away 2 pairs of tickets as part of the competition, which I have entered as I love the band. You just need to answer the following question ‘What is the name of Waveney District Council’s new Estates Ranger? The answer can be found in the Councils Intouch magazine, issue April 2012 or simply try Googling it. If you find out then email the answer to phil.harris@waveney.gov.uk. Include your name, a contact number and put ‘The Darkness Tickets’ in the subject box. Competition closes on the 30th April 2012.

Now you may be wondering why I’m writing about this on Eco-homes and gardens, well here come the Eco credentials attached to the event. All profits from the sale of tickets are spent on improving local forests for both people and of course the wildlife that inhabit them. So an excellent excuse to let your hair down and rock to the vibes of The Darkness.

If you are not lucky enough to win tickets then you can buy them from the Forestry Commission, tele: 03000 680400 box office, or online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music

A laid back atmosphere is almost certain at these gigs, full catering and a bar are present.

So Rock and Roll on July…see you there!!

Here’s a taster……

Mothers Day is fast approaching and I always struggle this time of year to think of gifts for my lovely Mum. I normally end up sending her a bunch of flowers, which isn’t really that exciting so this year I am endeavoring to find something a little different and maybe a bit practical.

I live quite a distance from her so I decided to find something on the internet to be delivered and in the end plumped for a rather funky bird nester for her garden. She loves sitting there with a cup of tea and watching the tiny Jenny Wrens hop around the foliage. Spring fast approaching I thought this would be the perfect gift. Here take a look at this cute Ceramic bird nester you can order online and they offer 2 day delivery service.

Some other ideas I found while surfing away were from Green People great organic skincare and anti-ageing skincare treats which pamper to enhance the skins natural radiance.

If your mum isn’t into gardening then how about some delicious Booja Booja, you can order this organic dairy free chocolate again from Ethical Superstore and take it from me the whole range is scrummy.

Another great online store is Nigel’s Eco Store from organic sneekers to recycled Iphone covers! Or if you just haven’t a clue what to buy, let your Mum make her own choice and buy her a gift voucher!

So there you have a few ideas, don’t forget your Mum next Sunday and if you have the opportunity, pop round and cook her a lovely Sunday roast, organic of course and don’t forget that special bottle of wine.

If you have any ideas for gifts on Mothers Day then let me know I would love to hear from you.

Recycling pallets

We are very fortunate to have an abundant supply of pallets from a nearby business. We chop them up for kindling for our wood burner but here are some fantastic creations to convert your pallets!

 Have you converted pallets into an interesting creation? We would love to here……