Do you know the benifits of drinking ORGANIC COFFEE?

The benefits of drinking organic coffee can discussed in four areas.

 Flavour, Environment,  Health and Sustainability.

Coffee is the most popular beverage in the world after water. It is traded as a commodity on world markets second only to oil. Many coffee connoisseurs and regular coffee drinker believe that organic coffee has a more pure taste and a richer flavour.

In order to produce a less expensive product conventional farmers clear cut rain forest to create a full sun coffee plantation. As with any single crop environment it becomes necessary to use herbicides and pesticides to control pests because the natural predators are eliminated with the deforestation. Generally chemical herbicides and pesticides are used.  Soils become depleted requiring the use of chemical fertilizers. Pesticides and fertilizers eventually find there way into the water supply. The habitat of birds and other wild life is also eliminated.

It has become generally accepted now that a large percentage of chemicals used in conventional farming are carcinogenic. These chemicals accumulate in body fat and may cause damage to nervous and reproductive systems. They may also disrupt hormone and immune system function. Health  

As coffee is traded as a commodity on the world market organic shade grown farmers must compete with large conventional farmers and can often be paid less than their production costs. This can result in them loosing their farms which are often then cleared for full sun coffee plantations. Fair trade co operatives pay a higher guaranteed price to farmers within the co-op in an effort to maintain the livelihood of farmers. Sustainability.

I for one prefer to pay a little more for a good product and drink a little less. Thereby enjoying a really great cup of coffee without over indulging. At Natura Vida we have Veneziano Pure organic fair trade coffee at a very reasonable price. Drop by and enjoy a cup today.

Natura Vida
4/ 20 Brisbane Road
Mooloolaba Q 4557

Do you know about Probiotics?

Last week I talked about the importance of drinking water and how we could improve our hydration by starting the day with 2 glasses of water. You might like to add a squeeze of lemon juice or a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother.

The next simple step I would take toward health and feeling great is to restore the balance of good bacteria in the digestive system. No living thing can exist without the presence of bacteria. The balance of good bacteria will allow the digestive system to be efficient. Therefore we will absorb more of the nutrients we are eating. Good bacteria will also improve our efficiency to elimination of waste.

Good bacteria is destroyed by chlorine, fluoride, pesticides, herbicides, birth control pills, alcohol, stress and antibiotics to name a few. To encourage a balance we need to eat more fermented foods. A good yoghurt for example. We can also take a good probiotic. Maintaining a health balance of bacteria is not something we can do once to fix the problem, we need to include probiotics and fermented food regularly in our diet.

Drop into Natura Vida to stock up on probiotics.
4/20 Brisbane Road,
Mooloolaba

Not drinking enough water?

We have all heard how the human body is about 75% water. We can live without food for weeks but we can only live days without water. Almost every function of our body requires water. The body can not store water so we must drink water regularly to provide a constant supply. Lack of water causes or contributes to aging as the cells in our body are not able to function well when dehydrated. A dry mouth is only one sign of dehydration and the need to have a drink.. Aches and pains in joints and muscles are also signs.

There is no substitute for water, it is the best re hydrating fluid of all.

Maybe you are not drinking enough water because you have never enjoyed drinking water or you prefer drinking prepared drinks. Maybe you are not in the habit of drinking water.

Why not try increasing the quantity of water you drink slowly. Start with 2 glasses of water upon rising in the morning. Too much? Start with one and build up. Soon you body will enjoy the experience and be asking for more.

Drop in to Natura Vida and share your water story with us.

Did You Know Ageless Beauty is About Health

Our skin is our largest eliminating organ but it also absorbs what we put on it. Our skincare and cosmetic can contain  toxic chemicals, hazardous to our health. 2.4 Kg of Lipstick ingested in your life time. Do you really know what is in it? Some contain lead. There is no safe level of lead. Lead is just one of many harmful ingredients use in cosmetics.

Recently at NaturaVida we have introduce a new range of cosmetic. Living Nature contains 100% natural preservatives, fragrances and ingredients. Living Nature check the source of all there ingredients from growing and harvesting to processing and are certified 100% natural to the highest standards of BDIH Germany. Made in New Zealand

Did you know about Quinoa

Did you know that Quinoa, pronounced keen wa, is a tiny seed that is packed with protein, iron and dietary fibre. Originally grown in the Andes of South America and a staple food of Incas, it can be a substitute for most cereals. Quinoa is suitable for sweet and savory dishes, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is a great substitute for rice and like rice is gluten free.

To cook Quinoa bring 2 cups of water to boil, add 1 cup of Quinoa, bring back to the boil, turn heat to low, put the lid on and cook for 15 minutes without disturbing. Turn off the heat and leave undisturbed for another 3 minutes. Fluff with a fork. ( For savory dishes try cooking it in a stock of your choice.) You can add fruit, seeds and honey, maybe a little yoghurt for breakfast. Substitute it in couscous dishes and serve as lunch or dinner or as an accompaniment to curries instead of rice. Add it to salads or use in wraps. The possibilities are only limited by you imagination.

Quinoa and Beetroot Salad

2 cups (500ml) of stock (I use homemade vegetable stock) 
1 small beetroot, peeled and very finely diced 
1 cup of quinoa 
1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil 
Juice and zest of 1 small lemon 
Sea salt 1 
Bunch of chives, snipped with scissors 
Bunch of parsley leaves or coriander  
Large handful of black olives, pitted and chopped
Natural yoghurt or sour cream 
Iceberg lettuce leaves carefully separated washed and dried. 


Bring the stock to a boil, drop in the beetroot, quinoa, oil and half a teaspoon of salt, followed by the zest and juice of lemon. Bring back to the boil, lower the heat right down, clamp the lid on tightly and leave, untouched, for 15 minutes. Turn off heat and stand, still covered, for a further 3 minutes.

Lift the lid and fork through half of the herbs and the olives. Cool completely, and add the rest of the herbs. Serve in lettuce cups with a dollop of sour cream or yoghurt on top. Keeps for up to two days.     Recipe from Nourish Me

Organic available at NaturaVida.
4/20 Brisbane Road Mooloolaba Q4556

Did you know?

Did you know that Cocao has 400 distinct flavours - that is 200% more than any other foodIt is also very high in anti-oxidants. It contains dietry magnesium - a mineral that over 80% of Australians are lacking. Pure raw cacao is also believed to increase focus and alertness, to diminish appetite and assist with lowering high blood pressure. Pure Raw Cacao available at Natura Vida in Mooloolaba can be made into hot chocolate, chocolate milk, added to smoothies, milkshakes, coffee, dessert, blended with honey for a syrup and much more.

 Like Us On Facebook

Mothers Day Special!

Mother's Day is only four days away and I bet not all of you have bought your Mums gifts! Have no fear Natura Vida is here, with a range of wonderful last minute Mother's day gifts and packages. Yummy things to eat and beautiful cosmetics to pamper your Mum.