Focus on Hypertension

World Hypertension Day is on the 17th May, so we are giving you a few tips on how to lower your risk of this silent disease. Getting your blood pressure checked is important as symptoms of high blood pressure are not always obvious. Uncontrolled hypertension can result in heart attack, stroke and kidney disease. The good news is that there are ways to prevent hypertension, including reducing sodium (salt) intake, exercising, weight control and reducing stress.

Limiting salty snacks and processed foods is a good start, as well as avoiding adding extra salt to cooked food at the table. If you miss the taste of salt, we have a range of tasty substitutes - seasonings, spices and apple cider vinegar which are all ideal for adding to food for extra flavour.

In this issue:

• New ways with apple cider vinegar

• Reasons to try nutritional yeast

• Spotlight on spices

• Specials for May

• Recipes: Chickpea Waldorf Salad, Warm Spicy Apple Drink, Broccoli & Rice Casserole

Have a wonderful May


The Health Connection Team 

New ways with apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is essentially fermented juice from crushed apples. It contains polyphenols, which have antioxidant benefits, and is virtually sodium-free. We offer 3 variants, one of which is organic-certified, and one is unfiltered. Our Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar contains “The Mother” which consists of cellulose fibre and beneficial bacteria.

These are a few new ways of using this versatile ingredient:

• Add one tablespoon to your green superfood smoothie.

• Use in homemade salad dressings

• Use to marinate meat or chicken for about 30 minutes before grilling to enhance the flavour.

• Make cucumber salad: Mix together 2 cups of sliced cucumber, 2 tbsp chopped onion, ½ cup mayonnaise and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar.

• Add a shot (about 1 tbsp) to tomato juice for some extra zing.

• Make a refreshing drink: Mix 2 tsp apple cider vinegar with 1 tbsp each of fresh ginger, water and fresh lemon juice. Add 1 cup sparkling water and raw honey to taste. Pour over ice and enjoy!

• Make a soothing hot drink: Combine 200ml hot water, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp raw honey and ½ tsp ground cinnamon.

Reasons to try Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional Yeast Flakes contains 99% less sodium than table salt and adds a nutty, cheese-like flavour to foods. It is ideal for adding to casseroles, pasta, soup, salads and sauces. It is also great for sprinkling over popcorn. These are a few more benefits of this delicious seasoning: 

1. High in protein (5g protein per 2 tablespoons serving)

2. Vegan cheese substitute

3. Source of vitamins B1, B2 and B6

4. High in folic acid

5. Contains no allergens

Spotlight on spices

Spices (and herbs) are aromatic vegetable substances used to flavour food. They are low in sodium and prevent the need for adding extra salt. The earliest written records of spices come from ancient Egyptian, Chinese and Indian cultures. Spices are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These are a few interesting facts about our spices:

• All our spices are non-irradiated

• Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric powder, which has powerful antioxidant benefits

• Black pepper can enhance the absorption of curcumin

• Turmeric and cinnamon can be added to smoothies and hot drinks

• Fennel seeds can be used to make herbal tea, and are a natural digestive aid

• Moringa leaf powder is one of our superfoods which has a mild, peppery flavour and can be used as a seasoning

Specials for May

This month we have discounted prices on our popular seasonings and spices. Purchase them in our online shop in May to benefit from these deals. Click on the images for more information.

 Recipes
Chickpea Waldorf Salad
Warm Spicy Apple Drink
Broccoli & Rice Casserole

These recipes demonstrate ways of using our tasty seasonings, spices and apple cider vinegar, which are ideal for adding to food for extra flavour and as a substitute for salt. Nutritional Yeast Flakes can also be used as a vegan cheese substitute. The warm spicy apple drink is perfect for winter. All the recipes can contribute to your intake of fruit and vegetables.