9.24.2013

Cucumber: Nutritional profile





Cucumber

One thing I love about food is that it can do so much for you when you eat it. This, in my mind, makes something psychologically tastier because of the added benefits. People often think that cucumber doesn't have all that much nutritional content in it as it is pretty much 98% water- think again. Here I bring you some facts about the trusty English cucumber...

Energy: Cucumber is a good source of vitamin B which will give you a boost in your energy levels.

Hydration: Cucumber is 95% water helping to keep the body hydrated.

Immunity: The skin of a cucumber has 10% of your daily-recommended dose of vitamin C, among other daily essential vitamins.

Hair Growth: The silicone and sulphur in cucumber promotes hair growth.

Anti- Inflammatory: Cucumber is very anti-inflammatory. Place a slice of cucumber over each eye when relaxing and your puffy eyes should noticeably reduce.

Sun Burn: You know how most after- sun creams have aloe vera in them? Well Cucumber works in the same way as Aloe- in particular the dark green skin. Place the green skin over sunburn and it will be instantly cooled.

Cancer Fighter: Cucumber contains lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol. These three lignans have a strong history of research in connection with reduced risk of several cancer types, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and prostate cancer.

Hangover cure: Cucumber has enough sugar, vitamin Bs and electrolytes to replenish nutrients after a heavy night out. Eating a few cucumber slices will reduce your hangover and headache.

Weight loss and digestion: Cucumber has an extremely low calorie per gram ratio due to its extremely high water content. The fiber found in the skin of the cucumber also aids digestion. Cucumber is therefore great for digestion problems, in addition to aiding with weight loss as it helps to flush toxins out of the body.

Blood Pressure: Cucumbers contain a lot of potassium, magnesium and fiber, which, together help regulate blood pressure. Furthermore cucumbers contaian a compound called sterol which may help reduce cholesterol.

Diabetes: The juice of cucumber contains a hormone which helps the cells of the pancreas to produce insulin. Hence it is though cucumber benefits those with diabetes.

Joint Health: Cucumber is an excellent source of silica, which is known to help promotes joint health by strengthening the connective tissues

Strong bones: Cucumber contains a high amount of vitamin K which helps They surprisingly have a high amount of vitamin K, provides about 17 µg of this vitamin per 100 g. Vitamin-K has been found to have a potential role in bone strength by promoting osteotrophic (bone mass building) activity.

9.21.2013

Anya Hindmarch talks about her Spring Summer 2014 Out of This World Collection



Those who know me know that I am a serious die-hard Anya Hindmarch fan.  This is for several reasons; it is a British brand, I love the cute little bow, her designs are always executed with a quirky sophistication and (although this is slightly changing as she has grown in popularity over the years) Anya's price mark is not on parr with the ridiculous Chloe's and Chanel's. Another thing which I really admire about Anya Hindmarch is that she has taken London Fashion week by the horns- she nails it every time.

Each season Anya rises to the challenge and puts on a playful show that will often surprise, delight and entertain her fashionable guests. This season Anya brought us a lots of snake skin, pastel colours and structured shapes. Her iconic tassels and little bow details are still present in this collection. I hope you enjoy the collection as much as I do. #wishlist

9.15.2013

Kisua


There is a new quirky online shopping destination: Kisua. Kisua hasn't exactly launched yet- it is opening its online doors at the beginning of October, but waiting for this site is (fingers crossed) going to be totally worth it. The new online retail shop is going to be stocking the greatest talent from Africa; That means new designers, bold prints and a colourful take on dressing. * eee * Just check out their Tumblr to see their mood board and the kind of treat we are in for.


Just imagine this pop of colour with a big winter coat and high booties for a spraky winter outfit?! I'm sure this site and its clothes are going to brighten up the grey British winter.


Bring on October. 


9.11.2013

#Inspiring Work Outfits


I have not blogged properly for ages now, and that is because I have recently started working full time in London- working life puts your time in perspective- every hour counts, there usually isn't enough of them throughout the day, and free time a.k.a. weekends have a whole new meaning. That said, working life is great- I just haven't got around to blogging much at all.  With every day comes new starts so with the new day tomorrow, I am going to endeavour to blog at least once a week. As for now, it is time to hit the hay sack for me. I am cream crackered.  For your viewing pleasure, here are a few outfits which I would love to wear to work. 




9.08.2013

Green Kitchen Stories: Creamy Sesame & Orange Smoothie


I have been following Green Kitchen Stories for a while now. Their recipes are creative, alternative and always wonderfully healthy.  Moreover, the photography on the blog is absolutely stunning. Here is their latest recipe for a sesame smoothie.  Find the original recipe post here.