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Kale 101 – Everything you need to know about this superfood.

Kale, chances are you’ve heard about this trending green vegetable on your favourite #cleaneating Instagrams, in your local organic supermarkets, or from that friend of yours who’s extremely strict diet puts yours to shame. While we’re not so much about the restrictive diet, we do love kale and all of its magical health benefits. And the good thing is, it’s super easy to add into your usual diet if you just know how! So we thought we’d break it down for you so you can also boast about your clean eating next post-yoga brunch.

Kale is a vegetable that offers so many health benefits that it has outranked vegetables of it’s kind and been hailed as a “superfood”.The ANDI scale, a system for rating the “nutrient density” of all foods has ranked Kale with a perfect score of 1000 on the Aggregate Nutrient Density Scale (ANDI) even science can’t deny this food has got it all going on! Only three other vegetables have been ranked with a perfect score – Collard Greens, Mustard Greens and Watercress.

Kale does not disappoint when it comes to the vitamins it provides. It is high in vitamins A, C and E. Along with that, it is high in omega-3 fatty acids, fibre and potassium. Looking for a vegetable that supports heart health and offers cholesterol-lowering benefits? Kale’s got your back there too! It has also been known to lower the risks of different types of cancer – ranging from cancer of the bladder, breast, colon, ovary and prostate. Not to mention it also contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that aim to aid in the avoidance of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress.

There are so many ways that you can consume kale. Not everyone enjoys the raw vegetable the way it is, so here are some options that you can consider. From raw kale to cooked or steamed, find something that suits your tastebuds and your schedule.

Mix raw kale with your salad – Kale is a tough vegetable so it might take some effort massaging the vegetable and adding some dressing, it will soften up and become easier to eat.

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Bake kale chips – There are many recipes online that range in cooking time from 20 -40 minutes. You can season them with salt or even smoked paprika for a little spice. Just remember they aren’t supposed to taste like they have been burnt!

Kale soup – Not many people enjoy chewing very long on vegetables to break them down. How about throwing some kale into a pot of soup and let the hot water do the work for you? This softens the leaves and makes it much easier to eat.

Kale smoothie – Kale has a taste that some might take some getting used to. You can mask some of the taste of kale by mixing it with other green veggies such as spinach, cucumber or even fruits like mango and strawberries. Add milk and ice before blending for the perfect consistency.

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 Kale supplements – For those who are constantly on the go and find themselves in too much of a rush to shop consistently for fresh food, supplements may be a great idea. Just remember, supplements do not replace the actual food and that it is always better to consume the fresh vegetable.

Now that you are armed with all of this information, you might be wondering, “How much Kale should I consume in a day?” It is important not to overdo the consumption of a particular food just because it offers a whole lot of nutrients.

Just like any other food, everything should be consumed in moderation, including kale. Consuming too much potassium may be harmful for people whose kidneys are not fully functional as they will struggle to remove the excess potassium from the blood. There is also the possibility that a cup of cooked kale may also interfere with the activity of blood thinners. Hence, it is vital that such information is discussed with your doctor before you proceed to incorporate kale into your diet.

All in all, we are certain that the kale phenomenon won’t be dying down any time soon. Jump on the bandwagon and make the best of the benefits this superfood has to offer. Come on down and pick up a fresh bunch at Peaches today!

Peaches Product of the Month: Ansko’s Muesli

We all know the importance of starting your day with a well-balanced breakfast but sometimes, the morning has other plans along the lines of missed alarms and an empty fridge. Luckily the brilliant solution to all our missed breakfast woes is right here at Peaches! Ansko’s Muesli is made with only fresh local produce and a whole lot of natural goodness that will keep you going throughout the day. Partners Romesh Fernando and Anna-Marie Pitkanen started this company having a passion for fitness and living a healthy, fulfilling lifestyle embodying their wonderful products. Their muesli has even gained attention from celebrities such as Mel B and her husband Stephen Belafonte who have now joined forces with Ansko’s as partners. For all these great reasons (and many more still to come) we’ve decided to make Ansko’s Muesli our May product of the month.

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Ansko’s Muesli is currently available in four different varieties all available at Peaches now! From Gluten Free, Pistachio, Peach and Pecan and Original, you’ll be really enjoying the luxury that is a delightful and healthy breakfast. If you’re looking to bring some extra fibre into your diet, Pistachio and Peach and Pecan are definitely the right choices for you. Gluten free is the perfect option for all those celiac disease sufferers out there, made with brown rice, fruit, nuts and Australia. And you simply can’t go wrong with the Original, filled with only the best, making it both dairy and cholesterol free. Ansko’s recommends mixing your favourite variety with either milk or plain yoghurt and then its ready to be enjoyed.

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There’s never been a better time to get excited about breakfast! Not only does having a proper breakfast in the morning means a greater level of cognitive function throughout the day including improved mood and concentration levels and reduced stress. There are also some amazing long term benefits that come from a regular breakfast routine such as reduced obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

If you’re looking to lead that healthy lifestyle you’ve always wanted, it all starts in the morning! Ansko’s Muesli is the perfect way to start your day. Stop by Peaches and pick up your new favourite breakfast today.

Coco for Coconut Water!

Coconut water isn’t just another health trend, it’s here to stay! Whether you’re looking for a tasty alternative to water, a non dairy smoothie or a natural  electrolyte boost, coconut water is the way to go. If you weren’t amongst the first wave of coconut water lovers, you may be wondering what’s so good about it – or even what is it? Don’t worry – we have your crash course in coconuts right here!

Milk vs Water – What’s the difference?

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 Coconut water is confused with coconut milk all the time! It’s pretty easy to do! But there are some key differences between the two products. Coconut water is found inside the cavity of the coconut, while coconut milk is made from the white pulp of the fruit. So, there’s your main difference! But the list doesn’t quite stop there!

Coconut milk is much higher in fats in calories. It’s so smooth and creamy that it’s used in recipes such as smoothies, soups and curries. While coconut water on the other hand, contains sodium and potassium, making it the ideal beverage to help you hydrate after exercising.  In fact, coconut water can help replenish body fluids even better than some sports drinks, and some even argue plain water itself! It’s even been dubbed ‘Nature’s Gatorade’!

Now that’s a miracle in a bottle for you!

What Coconut Water can do for You

 There are so many amazing health benefits that come from drinking coconut water! And we’ve got them ready for you, right here!

 Improves Skin Appearance

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 That’s right coconut water can even help slow down the signs of aging! It contains a special plant growth hormone called cytokinins that strengthens and hydrates connective tissues and combat against aging! You can even rub some of it straight on to your skin to help with acne, eczema, stretch marks and wrinkles!

Improves Digestive Health

If you’re having some trouble with indigestion, coconut water can provide you with some relief! With a high concentration in fibre, coconut water can help prevent it’s occurrence of indigestion as well as acid reflux.

Reduces Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can sometimes be caused by an uneven level of electrolytes. Now here’s where coconut water comes in! High in electrolytes, this miracle drink can perform a bit of a balancing act and get your blood pressure back to normal with regular consumption!

Weight Loss

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There’s even been some studies aiming to prove that coconut water can aid your with weight loss! It can work to improve your metabolism and even help your body keep itself hydrated! It also acts as a diuretic that helps shed any excess water weight that your body may be holding on to!

Why We Love Coconut Water!

 There are so many reasons why we love coconut water! From the refreshing taste to the incredible health benefits that it can help provide you with, we can’t see any reason not to!

In fact, coconut water is so very near and dear to our hearts that we’ve decided to make it our Peaches Product of the Month! So if we’ve now got you feeling a bit coco for coconut water yourself, make sure to head in store today!

We’ve got Born Coconut Water for just $2.99 per litre!

Peaches’ Complete Guide to Healthy Living

There’s something truly magical about this time of year! Summers here and along with it so many delicious in season fruits: mango, grapes, cherries, apricots, melons and plenty more! But summer fruit isn’t the only thing that we’re excited about. January usually means something changes inside a person as they make the goals and resolutions for the New Year. We all know that the most popular New Year Resolutions usually centre around getting active and starting a brand new healthy lifestyle. And here at Peaches, we want to support and motivate anyone who has made the brave decision to embrace this new lifestyle. So we’ve decided to create the Complete Guide to Healthy Living, just for you!

It’s important to remember that everyone’s journey to healthy living is different. You just have to find the right way that works for you! The first thing that anyone in this position should do is set some goals. This way you know exactly what you want to achieve this year and also how to strive for it. A good tip is to write your goals down as a constant reminder. Whether your goals are about waking up that extra bit early to get in a morning run every day or cutting down on sugar, once they’re set, they can be achieved!

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Diets can be pretty tricky to figure out! If you’re looking to find out more about certain dietary requirements and what’s the right path to choose, make sure to check out our previous blogs on gluten and sugar free diets as well as veganism and vegetarianism.

Maybe a detox is the right option for you! Every detox is different, but they all revolve around cleansing your body and leading a life of better health. Some involve strict fasting or relying on one single source of nutrients such as the lemon detox. If you find yourself trying out one of these detoxes, make sure to cut down on the exercise to prevent nausea and dizziness. Detoxes are an excellent way to help you feel fresh and guide you further down the path of healthy living!

There are so many benefits to heathy living! So many in fact that it’ll make the switch to a healthy lifestyle so much easier for you! Some of these fantastic benefits include:

  • Increased energy
  • Increased self esteem
  • Lower blood pressure and cholesterol
  • Built up muscle mass, decreasing the chances of diseases such as osteoporosis
  • Improved sleeping patterns
  • Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and type two diabetes

There are plenty of reasons to make the change to healthy living. Even though we’ve all heard it a million times before, a New Year can, in fact mean a new you! So if you’ve decided to make 2016 your year for new beginnings and a fresh lifestyle, Peaches is behind you 100%. Make sure to visit us soon to pick up all the fresh ingredients you need to achieve your goals.

And now we leave you with this last health tip. Check out these morning smoothie recipes that will help keep you motivate throughout the day!

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The Time is Ripe so far…

The Time is Ripe is our way of showcasing some of the amazing organic products we stock at Peaches Fresh, while giving our shoppers a chance to win! We love encouraging more people to eat organic and this week we will be sharing some of the great feedback and inspiration we have had on our weekly featured products.

Week One: Organic Pasta

In week one we showcased La Domenica’s organic pasta range and discussed the difference between store-bought pasta, and organically-grown pasta. Make sure you check out the blog post by clicking here. You’ll also find a quick and easy recipe for a Vegetable Garden Pasta using La Domenica’s Penne Regati.

We love this poem about organic pasta one of our Facebook fans shared with us!

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Week Two: Corn Chips

Week two brought us Garden of Eatin’ Corn Chips, which are perfect for a healthy snack. We asked entrants to comment on why they prefer organic food and we received some fantastic answers, such as:

“No pesticides etc, they taste SO much better, it supports the environment, it supports the farmers hard work, normally more nutritious etc etc etc!! What’s not to love?!”

Carmelle, via Facebook

We had one very creative follower create an acrostic poem for us.

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Week Three: Honey

Honey, I’m Home! In week three we shared one of our favourite honeys with you – Organic Fewsters Farm Honey. The Fewster’s Farm Honey originates from Muchea, a suburb in the W.A. shire of Chittering, where the honey is both extracted and bottled.

Check out these links for our favourite recipes made using Festers Farm Honey:
Oatmeal, Spelt, and Honey Scones by Healthy Chef
Fresh Fig, Vanilla & Honey Raw ‘Cheese’ Cake by Honest to Goodness
Honey & Cardamom French Toast by Simply Organic

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Oatmeal, spelt & honey scones! Delish!

 

Week Four: Organic Dairy Farmers Butter

Our week four featured product and competition is live on our Facebook page now! We are asking our fans to comment with their favourite recipes made with this delicious and healthy organic butter. Some of the entries we have had so far include Cauliflour Cheese, Organic Mashed Potatoes, and Healthy Choc Chip Cookies. The Healthy Chef has a great recipe for Choc Chip cookies, made with Dairy Farmers organic butter, proving that you can indulge without the guilt! Click the image below for a recipe!

Oatmeal, chocolate chip cookies, made with Australian organic butter, courtesy of The Healthy Chef.

Oatmeal, chocolate chip cookies, made with Australian organic butter, courtesy of The Healthy Chef.

Head to our Facebook page now for your chance to be in the running for a $100 voucher to spend at Peaches Fresh. And don’t forget everyone who purchases the weekly featured product in store will go into the chance to win a $500 organic gourmet hamper!

There’s only two more weeks left in The Time is Ripe, which means only two more chances to win! We’ve got some great products lined up for the next two weeks, so stay tuned to our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages so you don’t miss out!

We’ve got one more poem to share with you, created by one of our competition entrants, Aimee. We love seeing our fans get so creative with their love of organic ingredients!

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