A database for the botanically curious
We often think of pandas as gentle giants, but did you know that they actually consume as much protein as most other carnivorous animals? Young bamboo shoots can comprise nearly 30% protein, and play an important role in the panda’s diet! These herbivores
Protein has become synonymous in our consciousness with meat, strength and muscle. In America, the term ‘Protein’ is typically used interchangeably with meats. In China, the translated words for protein actually refer to egg whites, recalling images of bo
Contrary to what their name might suggest, sweet potatoes are actually an edible root in the morning glory family, and unrelated to true potato tubers. Immediately recognisable by their vibrant orange flesh, sweet potatoes come in a dazzling array of col
Global stats on COVID are on the rise again with some countries being hit particularly hard. We wanted to revisit the topic of keeping our immune system up as the environment around us changes. We need to eat right for our immune system to function right
While this newsletter focuses on holistic diets covering a range of plant-based food groups, we want to call out a superstar food group – the cruciferous vegetables! Native to temperate East Asia, these vegetables can be found around the world; Broccoli,
When we use the term Gut Health, we refer to the wellness of the entire digestive system aka the GI (gastrointestinal) tract that comprises several organs including the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small & large intestines and the rectum and organs like th
Vitamin A might make us think of carrots & tomatoes. The citrus image is instant with Vitamin C as is sunlight with Vitamin D. Maybe nuts and fish oil comes to mind with Vitamin E. And K? We don’t think of it at all!
When we think of tubers like potatoes, sweet potatoes, yam, cassava, Taro etc. their similarity to grains hardly strikes us, yet tubers and grains are the main source of inexpensive energy in the plant kingdom.
The humble mushroom has been prized for centuries; the Greeks believed it imbued strength in warriors, the Chinese treasured mushrooms as a source of vitality and the Romans believed it to be the “food of the gods”. There are over 2,000 species of mushroo
Probably the most familiar nutrient in the world! Where people would struggle to name food sources of niacin or thiamin, most can easily point to citrus fruits as sources of vitamin C. But what does it actually do for our body?
