Turmeric seems to be the spice of choice at the moment and when you read about it's properties it is easy to see why. It is a powerful antioxidant that promotes healthy bones and joints, keeps our immune system healthy, keeps our cholesterol in check  and gives radiant skin.  Turmeric has been considered to be "skin food" for years in India and other cultures. This is due to curcumin being the magic ingredient that gives turmeric its yellow colour. It also stops  plaque building that causes alzheimers - which is a good reason to consume masses of it right there!  And the most interesting for me is the research now coming out that says it helps protect our brains from  the toxins of fluoride which we consume everyday in many forms, including our drinking water. There is so much information now on the harm that fluoride is doing to our brains and our bodies. Especially the research that has been done into fluoride affecting our IQ…..  yet another reason to be using turmeric as often as you can! The curcumin in turmeric helps to reduce the toxicity of  fluoride in our brains by acting as a neuroprotective agent.
I have found this great smoothie recipe using turmeric that I often make for breakfast that has become my favourite way to start the day…….

1 cup almond milk
1/3 cup coconut water
1 banana
1/2 mango ( I use frozen mango when it is out of season)
A good heaped tsp of chia seeds
A good heaped tsp turmeric
1 tsp ginger

Blend all the ingredients in a blender and serve. I would suggest if you are going to use turmeric that you buy organic  just so you know it is pure and you will get the best health benefits from it. xx

pic courtesy of : glamourista.nl

I don't know about you , and I don't know if it's because I'm getting older and my skin is naturally changing - and by that I mean it is starting to lose it's once dewy appearance - but in winter it always looks dry and slightly parched and no amount of moisturiser - hydrating or otherwise seems to make it any better. Until , that is, someone reminded me about using  rosehip oil on my skin to fix the problem. Firstly rose hip oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids which are vital for our general health and health of our skin. Essential fatty acids help to regenerate skin cells and repair damaged tissues. It is this that helps quench dry skin. Rosehip oil is also a natural source of Vitamin A, which can help prevent premature ageing. AND it is rich in antioxidants which help repair and protect the skin from free radicals. Sounds like a miracle oil right??!!
So I went to my compounding chemist that makes up their own skincare and brought a bottle. Since my skin tends to get a bit congested if I put anything too rich on it , I was concerned this might happen - but not the case. My slightly parched, finely lined skin drank it up and  seems to have regained some of its moisture again and is looking sooo much better. I have kept it up and am now putting a few drops in my moisturiser  which is also a good way to use it.  I also exfoliate once a week to clean the skin and help remove any build up and stop possible congestion.
You also want to find a good quality rosehip with a solvent free extraction process. Cold pressed is the best as no heat is involved which can sometimes destroy the good stuff…. and preferably certified organic. At least your skin won't be feeling the winter blues.
Until next time :)…….