Blog :: Anna's Kitchen Blog

Variety is the spice of life

We are all guilty of falling into an easy routine, even in our diets. However, have you ever considered that this might not be the healthiest option to keep your metabolism working properly? The advice from nutritionists is to keep our diet varied. Read why here.

The Ultimate Detox: Chlorella and Spirulina PART 2

The benefits of Spirulina are similar, but not identical, to those of chlorella. How do these two powerful micro-algae compare? Before deciding which is more indicated to your needs, you should carefully consider the differences between the two. TCM is instrumental in this.

Coconut Milk and Mango “Cheesecake”

For a long time I have wanted to find a cheesecake recipe that was easy, as well as sugar free. What I came up with was a coconut milk “cheesecake” on a base made with oats instead of biscuits, using agar agar to set the filling and pureed fresh fruit as topping. Easy, quick and delicious!

Tired of the same old fruits? Try Kumquats for size!

The kumquat or Citrus Japonica , unlike other citrus fruits, is eaten whole, peel included. According to TCM citrus peel in general is full of health benefits which can help with digestive problems and as a lung decongestant. Kumquats are rich in Vitamin C, far more than oranges.

Is your cleaning routine damaging your health?

Our immune systems develop according to our environment, developing the necessary bacteria and antibodies to fight infection. If we over-sterilise our environment our immune system will not develop as it should, so we should avoid doing this if we want to say healthy. However, you might be surprised to hear that researchers in Norway have conducted studies that show that people exposed to spray cleaners in particular, increase their risk of lung damage similar to that of smoking a pack of 20 cigarettes a day! Learn how to make your own multipurpose cleaner which is as effective, if not more so, than chemical laden supermarket bought ones.

Do you trust your intuition?

Sometimes it is your intuition, or sixth sense, that will guide you towards optimal health. Do you listen to your intuition? What is it telling you? Do you trust it?

It’s pumpkin season! – Where health and tradition go hand in hand

It’s that time of year again when pumpkins appear on the shelves of supermarkets and green grocer’s. Bearing in mind that pumpkins are full of health benefits, what will you do with all that orange flesh you spent so long carving out? And don’t even think about throwing away those seeds!

What is millet? – And why you should be eating it!

Referred to as the Queen of Grains, millet is in fact a seed from a grass originating in Africa and dry regions of Asia, where it replaced couscous. Apart from cooking faster than most grains, it is naturally gluten free and has a low GI as well as a host of health benefits.

How to boost your immune system ready for autumn

The month of September marks not only the end of summer and beginning of autumn, but also the back to school period. As temperatures begin to drop, and the weather changes, sometimes dramatically and unpredictably from one day to another, so our body needs to be in top shape to avoid getting ill. Mother nature, as always, has what we need at hand.

Dandelion Root to reduce summer bloat

Suffering from water retention? Are you feeling heavy after a long hot damp summer or prior to that time of the month? There is a powerful weed growing in your garden which holds the solution to this and many other ailments. It is also a liver and kidney cleanser like no other and you can get all your benefits in one simple cup of tea!

Seafood Salad with Fresh Octopus

Tired of the same old summer salads? Here is an alternative seafood salad which will bring back the taste and smell of your best seaside holidays. I used to be under the impression that octopus was really difficult to prepare and cook, but like for many other seafoods, this misconception couldn’t be further from the truth.