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What is Ashwagandha? A herb made from the roots of a small shrub, used in Ayurveda medicine, Ashwagandha is a member of the nightshade family and is native to India, northern Africa and across the Middle East. Long known for its health benefits, the history of Ashwagandha as a medical treatment goes back to the start of civilization, providing treatment for many kinds of illnesses throughout history until the present day. Officially named Withania somnifera, but often referred to as Winter Cherry, its extraordinarily long history as a medicine and the wide variety of benefits that can be gained from...

From blueberries to broccoli, antioxidants show up in so many different fruits and veg. But it’s not just your greens that contain these essential vitamins and phytochemicals. Cacao – a raw and unprocessed form of chocolate – also boasts impressive nutritional credentials, including bucket loads of antioxidants. And the best bit? It tastes delicious too. What are antioxidants? You’ve no doubt already heard of antioxidants, but do you actually know what they do? Put simply, antioxidants help prevent or slow down cell damage caused by oxidants (hence the name). Also called free radicals, most of these oxidants are natural by-products...

Ashwagandha is an ancient Ayurvedic healing herb that has been used for centuries to heal a wide variety of conditions. This powerful herb is best known for its restorative benefits. In the Sanskrit language, Ashwagandha translates to “the smell of a horse”. This translation indicates that the herb conveys the agility and strength of a stallion. Traditionally, this herb has been administered to people to help them strengthen their immune systems following an illness. This herb belongs to the same family as the tomato plant. It bears red fruit that is close to the size of a raisin, which grows...

Ashwagandha has been used for millennia in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for everything from stress to fertility. And finally, this superfood is making a name for itself in the western world. Why? Well, the name gives us a clue. Meaning “the strength of the horse” in Sanskrit, it hints at the strength and vigor that ashwagandha can offer. And its effects really are worth getting excited about. The focus of many new studies, this adaptogenic herb has been shown to improve stamina, boost thyroid function and potentially ward off a long list of diseases. What is ashwagandha? Called ‘Indian...

  Chocolate fans, rejoice. A recent study published in Heart has revealed that regularly eating dark chocolate can reduce the chances of developing atrial fibrillation (afib) – a common form of irregular heartbeat. According to the 14-year-long study, participants who ate dark chocolate at least once a month were 10 to 20 percent less likely to develop afib. While scientists are still trying to figure out exactly what it is about dark chocolate that promotes a healthy heart, the results support the fact that this tasty superfood packs a nutritional punch. But to amp up these health benefits, why not...