Food and drink news for the discerning consumer
Thursday, 7 November 2024
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Food Supplements that Promote Relaxation: A Guide to Natural Calm
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While lifestyle changes like regular exercise, mindfulness, and a balanced diet play key roles in managing stress, supplements can be a helpful support for relaxation.
Here, we’ll explore a selection of supplements that are known for promoting calm, reducing stress, and aiding relaxation.
Always remember to consult your healthcare professionals before starting new supplements, especially if you’re on medication or have underlying health conditions.
1. Magnesium
Magnesium is often called the “relaxation mineral.” It plays a crucial role in muscle relaxation, nerve function, and mood regulation. Deficiencies in magnesium are linked to increased stress and anxiety, as well as poor sleep quality. Magnesium supplements, particularly magnesium glycinate or citrate, can help ease muscle tension, promote calm, and improve sleep quality. Magnesium is available in powders, capsules, and topical forms, such as creams or sprays.
2. L-Theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid primarily found in green tea. It’s known for its unique ability to promote relaxation without causing drowsiness. L-theanine works by increasing the production of calming neurotransmitters, like GABA, serotonin, and dopamine. It’s ideal for moments when you need to stay alert while feeling calm, making it a great choice for work or study. You can find L-theanine in capsule form or simply enjoy a cup of green tea.
3. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, is celebrated for its stress-reducing properties. Adaptogens help the body adapt to stress by balancing the hormones responsible for the stress response. Research has shown that ashwagandha can reduce cortisol levels and improve resilience to stress. It’s typically available as a powder or in capsule form, making it easy to add to smoothies or take with meals.
4. Valerian Root
Valerian root has been used as a natural sedative for centuries. Known for its calming effect, it can help ease anxiety and promote better sleep, especially if you struggle with occasional insomnia. Valerian root works by increasing GABA levels in the brain, which can produce a calming effect. While it’s commonly found in teas, you can also take valerian root in capsule or tincture form. Note that valerian may have a strong odour, but many people find it effective for winding down before bed.
5. Passionflower
Passionflower is another herb that has long been associated with anxiety relief and relaxation. Like valerian root, it increases GABA levels, helping to calm the nervous system. Passionflower is particularly helpful for people dealing with mild anxiety or experiencing stress-related sleep issues. You can find passionflower in capsule form, tinctures, and teas.
6. CBD Oil (Cannabidiol)
CBD oil, derived from the hemp plant, has gained popularity for its relaxing effects without the psychoactive component (THC). CBD is thought to interact with the endocannabinoid system, helping to regulate mood and reduce anxiety. Research suggests that CBD can promote a sense of calm and ease mild anxiety, making it a favourite among those looking for natural ways to relax. It’s available as oil, capsules, or gummies, but quality and strength vary, so it’s essential to choose a reputable brand.
7. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, has been used since medieval times to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Known for its mildly sedative effects, lemon balm is commonly used to ease nervous tension and restlessness. It’s available as a tea, tincture, or capsule, and pairs well with other calming herbs like valerian or passionflower. Many people enjoy lemon balm tea as part of an evening wind-down routine.
8. B Vitamins
The B vitamin group plays a vital role in energy production and maintaining a balanced mood. Specifically, vitamins B6, B9 (folic acid), and B12 are known for supporting healthy brain function and regulating neurotransmitters that affect mood. Low levels of B vitamins, particularly B12, have been linked to anxiety and mood disorders. A B-complex supplement can help restore balance, especially during times of heightened stress.
9. 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)
5-HTP is a naturally occurring amino acid that the body uses to produce serotonin, the neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation and relaxation. Taking 5-HTP can help increase serotonin levels, which may improve mood and promote better sleep. It’s especially helpful for people experiencing anxiety or sleep issues related to low serotonin. However, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking 5-HTP, especially if you’re on antidepressants, as it can interact with medications.
Tips for Choosing Supplements Safely
While supplements can support relaxation, they’re not a replacement for other self-care practices or professional treatment if needed. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Quality matters: Always buy supplements from reputable brands to ensure they’re free from contaminants and meet quality standards.
Start low and slow: Especially with herbal supplements, begin with a lower dose and see how your body responds.
Check for interactions: Some supplements can interact with medications, so consult a healthcare professional before adding new ones to your regimen.
In Summary
Whether you’re looking to manage daily stress, improve sleep, or simply feel calmer, there are a range of natural supplements that may help. Magnesium, L-theanine, ashwagandha, and others mentioned here offer gentle ways to support your body’s relaxation pathways. Combined with healthy lifestyle habits, they can contribute to a more peaceful state of mind and enhance your overall well-being.
And do stay as relaxed as you can!
Discover the World of Whisky: London's New Whisky Event. Just in time for Christmas gifting!
This inaugural event, hosted by the prestigious IWSC (The International Wine and Spirits Competition), invites whisky enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike to indulge in a global tasting adventure featuring award-winning distilleries from all over the globe.
Get ready to sip and savour exceptional whiskies from in excess of ten countries, including iconic regions including Scotland, USA, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Taiwan, Sweden, Finland, and India.
Event Details:
• When: Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16, 2024
• Time: Doors open from 14:00 - 20:00, Friday and 13:00 - 19:00, Saturday
• Tickets: Starting at £25.00, tickets include access to masterclasses, insightful talks and a complimentary cocktail.
Visitor Experience:
• Exclusive Tastings: Dive into a curated selection of award-winning whiskies, each with a narrative steeped in heritage and craftsmanship.
• Expert Masterclasses: Engage with industry luminaries as they share their expert knowledge and passion for whisky, perfect for both seasoned connoisseurs and those who are just starting on their journey.
• Interactive Workshops: Participate in hands-on sessions that will refine your palate and deepen your appreciation for this beloved spirit.
Opines Christelle Guibert, CEO of IWSC & Club Oenologique: "We are excited to unite a diverse array of brands under one roof, providing an exceptional opportunity for whisky lovers to explore a vast selection, including many of our IWSC Gold winners.”
Finally, The Little Whisky Shop will have a pop-up at the event offering favourite brands to take home or pick up as the perfect gift for the upcoming Christmas season.
Look out for standout IWSC Gold winners including multi-award winners Three Ships (South Africa), Paul John (India), Nc’nean (Scotland), Wan Ja Shan Distillery (Taiwan) and Four Roses (USA) — each offering a unique story and taste that will elevate your whisky game.
Join them for this extraordinary celebration of whisky and discover flavours that will linger long after the last sip.
Whether you’re a devoted fan or a curious newcomer, The World Whisky Experience promises to be an unforgettable adventure!
https://cluboenologique.com/the-world-whisky-experience
Brands scheduled to be in attendance include:-
Compass Box
Teerenpeli Brewery & Distillery
Brave New Spirits
King's Family Distillery
Halewood
Curraghmore Whiskey
Adelphi Distillery Kavalan Distillery
Craftwork
Liquoristerie de Provence
Loch Lomond
Paul John
NcNean
CaskX, Bardstown Edition
Three Ships; Bain's
Carpathian
Runway 28
Ahascragh Distillers LTD
John Dewar & Sons
Glen Moray Distillery
Holyrood
Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.
Cotswold Distillery
Pokeno Whisky Co.
Harris Distillery
Virginia Distillery Company
Spirit Cartel The M&H Distillery
Whisky 1901
Wan Ja Shan Distillery – Taiwan
Cedar Ridge Distillery
Stauning Whisky
1856 Premium Aged Whiskey
Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey
Mackmyra Svensk Whisky
Revelation Single Malt Whisky
Wednesday, 6 November 2024
What is the likely impact that President Donald Trump would have on the food and drink industry?
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Particularly noteworthy is Trump’s alliance with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.), an outspoken advocate for reducing ultra-processed foods, cutting chemical additives, and promoting a “natural” food agenda.
Here, we'll explore what this alignment could mean for the future of the American, and by extension, the global, food industry.
RFK Jr.’s Vision: A Shift to “Natural” Foods
RFK Jr. has gained a reputation as a staunch critic of conventional agricultural practices, especially those reliant on synthetic pesticides, additives, and highly processed foods. He argues these contribute to widespread health issues, including chronic disease and metabolic disorders.
By promoting what he calls “clean food,” Kennedy envisions a system that moves away from pesticide-intensive farming and food additives and leans heavily on whole foods.
Trump has signalled a willingness to give Kennedy a prominent role in health and food policy, declaring his intention to “let [Kennedy] go wild on food and health” policy. If this relationship solidifies, Kennedy could play an influential role in reshaping regulatory frameworks and could push for significant policy changes in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This could include restrictions on commonly used food ingredients, seed oils, and certain pesticides, with a strong emphasis on moving away from ultra-processed foods
A Potentially Disruptive Shift for Big Agribusiness
If Kennedy assumes control over food-related agencies, the impact on American agribusiness could be profound. During his first term, Trump’s administration relaxed many regulations, making it easier for agribusinesses to use chemicals and genetically modified crops.
For instance, Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) previously rejected petitions to ban chlorpyrifos, a pesticide with known neurological risks, and rolled back other environmental protections in support of productivity and lower costs in agriculture
Kennedy’s approach, however, could take a hard turn from these policies. His advocacy includes stricter controls over pesticides and a ban on seed oils—both widely used in the industry.
Many food lobbyists and industry representatives have already begun voicing concerns, fearing that a regulatory overhaul would increase costs, complicate production, and disrupt established agribusiness practices. Such changes would likely lead to higher prices across food sectors, impacting not only the U.S. market but also international trade and export prices.
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Kennedy’s policies could appeal to growing consumer interest in “natural” foods and healthier eating habits. His agenda aligns with global trends toward transparency in food production, organic ingredients, and reductions in processed food consumption.
If implemented, his ideas could lead to a stronger regulatory focus on labelling, potentially highlighting additives or synthetic chemicals and encouraging consumers to choose less processed, more nutritious options.
However, critics argue that such policies might oversimplify complex food science and could limit consumer choice by reducing affordable, accessible food options. For instance, restrictions on certain preservatives and additives could impact the shelf life of various products, making it harder to supply foods with long distribution times, especially in rural or lower-income areas.
The debate over balancing health-focused policies with economic and practical considerations will likely be a hot topic if Kennedy’s views shape U.S. food policy
An Uncertain Path Ahead?
While Kennedy’s impact could be extensive, it remains uncertain how much of his agenda would survive potential internal conflicts or legislative resistance. Trump’s alliance with Kennedy, though enthusiastic, might be tested as his pro-business leanings clash with Kennedy’s stricter approach to corporate influence and chemical use in food. Trump has indicated that he may try to keep Kennedy away from environmental regulatory roles, which suggests he may impose boundaries on Kennedy’s influence over food and agricultural policy
In summary, a Trump-Kennedy administration could push the food industry toward a cleaner, less chemical-intensive future—at least in theory. But practical challenges, industry pushback, and potential costs to consumers mean that any transformation would face considerable hurdles. For now, consumers and businesses alike will have to wait and see if the “Make America Healthy Again” movement can transform rhetoric into reality.
(That's Food and Drink brings this article to the attention of our readers as a matter of public interest.)
Tuesday, 5 November 2024
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Monday, 4 November 2024
Alternatives to Peanuts and Peanut Butter for People with a Peanut Allergy
Fortunately, there are a variety of delicious and nutritious alternatives to both peanuts and peanut butter.
From nut butters to seed spreads, the options are vast, allowing people with allergies to still enjoy similar textures and tastes.
Here, we explore some of the best alternatives and how to use them in your daily diet.
1. Almond Butter
Why It’s Great: Almond butter is rich in healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium. Its creamy texture makes it an excellent replacement for peanut butter in sandwiches, smoothies, and baking recipes.
How to Use It: Spread almond butter on toast, blend it into smoothies, or use it as a base for sauces and dressings. It’s slightly sweeter than peanut butter, which adds a lovely depth to baked goods.
2. Cashew Butter
Why It’s Great: With a naturally creamy and mild flavour, cashew butter is an excellent option for those who prefer a less intense nut taste. Cashews are also high in iron, zinc, and magnesium.
How to Use It: Cashew butter works well in desserts like cakes and biscuits, as well as in savoury dishes like curries. Its creaminess also lends itself to dairy-free sauces.
3. Sunflower Seed Butter
Why It’s Great: Sunflower seed butter is a fantastic peanut butter substitute for those who are allergic to all tree nuts. It’s packed with vitamins E and B6, magnesium, and iron.
How to Use It: This versatile spread can be used just like peanut butter. It’s excellent in sandwiches, spreads well on crackers, and is delicious when blended into smoothies or spread on apple slices.
4. Soy Nut Butter
Why It’s Great: Made from roasted soybeans, soy nut butter is nut-free and full of protein, making it a suitable substitute for peanut butter. It’s also lower in fat compared to many other nut butters.
How to Use It: Soy nut butter has a similar taste and texture to peanut butter and can be used as a direct substitute. Try it on toast, or pair it with jam for a classic ‘PB&J’ alternative.
5. Tahini
Why It’s Great: Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s high in healthy fats and calcium, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.
How to Use It: Tahini has a slightly bitter taste, but its rich flavour complements both sweet and savoury dishes. Use it in salad dressings, hummus, and sauces, or drizzle it over yoghurt and fruit.
6. Pumpkin Seed Butter
Why It’s Great: Pumpkin seed butter is a nut-free alternative loaded with antioxidants, zinc, and magnesium. Its unique green colour and earthy flavour make it an interesting addition to many dishes.
How to Use It: This spread is delicious in smoothies, spread over toast, or stirred into oatmeal. Its subtle flavour also pairs well with chocolate and berries, making it perfect for baking.
7. Coconut Butter
Why It’s Great: Coconut butter is made from the whole coconut flesh, offering a rich, sweet flavour. While it’s quite different from peanut butter, it provides a smooth, creamy texture.
How to Use It: Coconut butter is delicious on toast, stirred into porridge, or used as a topping for pancakes. It’s also a wonderful addition to smoothies and can be used as a substitute in baking for a coconut-flavoured twist.
8. Biscoff Spread
Why It’s Great: Although Biscoff spread isn’t as high in nutrients as nut or seed butters, it offers a safe, nut-free alternative with a distinctive caramel flavour that many people enjoy.
How to Use It: Use it as a spread on toast, drizzle it over desserts, or swirl it into your ice cream for a decadent treat.
Choosing the Right Alternative
When choosing a peanut butter substitute, consider both taste and nutritional content. Nut and seed butters offer more protein and healthy fats than spreads like Biscoff, making them better choices for those who prioritise health benefits. For those who simply want a safe alternative with similar versatility, sunflower seed butter, soy nut butter, and tahini are solid, allergen-friendly choices.
With these peanut alternatives, there’s no need to miss out on the flavours and textures you love. Experiment with these options in your favourite recipes and discover which alternatives best suit your taste and lifestyle.
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