Real Foods Blog

As the song goes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is a joyous celebration when we exchange gifts and enjoy good food with loved ones. Preparing a festive feast can take up a lot of time and energy though. That’s why it can really help to get a head start on your Christmas baking so read on and discover more about some of the well known seasonal staples and more festive food ideas.

Ultra-processed foods have recently come under the spotlight due to their links with heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attacks and stroke. But what exactly are ultra-processed foods and why are they so bad for us?

Organic foods and products are becoming increasingly popular with shoppers for a variety of reasons. They are viewed as better for our health, better for the planet and more considerate of animals and wildlife. In fact, the UK’s organic market is now worth an astonishing £3.1 billion. Each day in the UK, shoppers spend almost £8.5 million on organic products, ranging from fresh fruit and veg to
organic drinks and health and beauty items. 

However, some argue that organic foods are too expensive, particularly for households on a budget. And the extra effort required to source them can be quite time consuming. So, is it really worth buying organic foods and products? Let’s take a closer look at the issue. 

Inulin is a form of soluble fibre which is found naturally in over 36,000 species of plants. It is a prebiotic, which means that it feeds our good gut bacteria. Inulin cannot be digested by the stomach and small intestine. Instead, it is fermented in the large intestine where it’s converted into short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). SCFA have many health benefits, from supporting gut health to reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Good gut health is fundamental to our overall health and wellbeing. But, according to research, nearly half (43 per cent) of the UK population experience some form of digestive discomfort. This can range from abdominal pain or discomfort to diarrhoea, bloating, flatulence and constipation. 

Symptoms such as these might indicate that the gut isn’t functioning as well as it could. Also, poor gut health can affect other areas of our health from immunity to hormone levels and metabolism. Let’s take a look at why gut health is so vitally important, and what we can do to support the gut through diet and lifestyle changes. 

Sleep is absolutely crucial for good health, yet many of us struggle to get enough rest. Whether it’s difficulty getting off to sleep, or waking up in the night, a lack of good quality repose can leave us feeling exhausted the next day. In fact, sleep deficiency has been associated with chronic health problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, obesity and depression.

Whether you opt for traditional lemon and sugar, or a more savoury topping, many of us will be celebrating Pancake Day, also known as Shrove Tuesday, this February. But have you ever stopped to wonder why we celebrate this tasty tradition? 

Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year when love is most definitely in the air. On 14th February people in the UK send over 25 million Valentine’s cards to their sweethearts. But why do we celebrate this date and what is the significance of sending Valentine’s cards?

Christmas dinner is traditionally associated with roast turkey and all the trimmings. But have you ever considered going plant-based for your festive meal? There are plenty of vegan and vegetarian Christmas recipe ideas which will not only benefit your health but also the environment. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you should consider a plant-based Christmas feast this year.

Organic pulses, both dried and canned, are a fantastic plant-based source of protein and fibre. They are highly nutritious and a great source of vitamins and minerals. Pulses range from chickpeas to beans and lentils and are an incredibly versatile food to cook with. These tasty morsels can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and salads to curries and stews. But have you ever stopped to think about which is the most cost-effective option: dried versus canned?