An eco friendly, plant-based cleaner, get more fibre, and a quick beauty tip.
1/ GET MORE FIBRE
What’s old is new again! Enjoyed for thousands of years, tigernuts may look like crinkly hazelnuts, but they are actually rhizomes not nuts. Eaten raw, cooked, as flour or milk they contain vitamins (C,E), minerals (magnesium, phosphorus, potassium) and fibre. Best of all, they promote digestive health by helping you feel full longer. CSL likes them baked into vegetable quick breads (think zucchini cake), in horchata or as a snack.
Ecoideas Organic Raw Whole Tigernuts, ecoideas.ca
2/ THE NATURAL WAY
A taboo subject for most women, menstrual care is something that resurfaces every month with an average of 24,000 products used in a female’s lifetime. Most of these products are made with heavy chemicals from bleach to petrochemicals, synthetic materials, and dioxins which have known links to various diseases. For products to come in contact with the most delicate part of your body, it is a good idea to consider products made with 100% non-GMO organic cotton without any additional fragrances.
Natracare Natural Ultra Pads, natracare.com
Seventh Generation Free & Clear fragrance-free Maxi Pads, seventhgeneration.com
3/ SPARKLING CLEAN WITH SOAPNUTS
Looking for a new, eco-friendly cleaner beyond the staples of lemon juice, borax, vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap? Why not turn to soapnuts! A plant alternative to chemicals, these little, brown, fruit berry orbs contain saponin, making them suds like regular soap. Originating in the Indian subcontinent and best known as laundry detergent (1 kg works for 240 loads), they also work well in the dish washer, as shampoo and as a household cleaner. The trick is to soak them in hot water before use and they will work for a few washes. Then toss them in the compost. Finding a biodegradable, gentle cleaner from a Canadian company – score!
Ecoideas Himalayan Soapnuts, ecoideas.ca
4/ SOOTHE SKIN AND GLOW
This just may be the closest thing to going for a spa massage without leaving home. Our ritual? Exfoliate with a dry scrub/brush before taking a shower or bath. Forgo cleanser and try a body oil treatment instead. Apply peanut oil (or almond oil) to damp skin. If using a metal roller which may be cold to the touch, run under warm water before applying to body. Gently massage mixture in circular movements using fingers or roller guiding motions toward the heart.
Spectrum Naturals, Organic Peanut Oil, 473 ml; iherb.com
This original healthy living article first appeared in the Spring 2019 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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