• Health - vegan food

    Embracing a Vegan Lifestyle with Mushrooms

    April 22, 2024 - By 

    Health and Nutrition Benefits

    Mushrooms are a cornerstone of vegan cuisine, known for their rich nutritional content. Despite being low in calories, mushrooms are packed with vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D, B vitamins, iron, and antioxidants. These nutrients are often difficult to obtain from a vegan diet alone, making mushrooms a valuable addition for maintaining nutritional balance.

    Umami Flavor and Culinary Applications

    The umami taste in mushrooms, primarily due to their high glutamic acid content, greatly enhances the depth of flavor in vegan dishes. Using varieties like shiitake and maitake in broths or as soup bases can enrich the overall flavor profile, providing a satisfying culinary experience without relying on meat or fish.

    Recipe Suggestions

    • Mushroom and Vegetable Stir-fry: Utilize oyster or shimeji mushrooms stir-fried with a colorful array of vegetables, enhanced with garlic and ginger for added flavor.
    • Mushroom Soup: Creamy soups made with maitake or enoki mushrooms, fortified with coconut milk for a vegan twist, offer both nutrition and warmth.
    • Mushroom Risotto: A simple yet elegant dish using shiitake mushrooms, perfect for entertaining guests.

    Popular Mushrooms Available in the UK

    The UK offers a diverse range of mushrooms, readily available at supermarkets and specialty stores:

    • Button Mushrooms: The most common type, versatile for various dishes.
    • Porcini: Known for enhancing flavor when dried, ideal for risottos and pasta.
    • Enoki: Characterized by their long stems and small caps, perfect raw in salads and soups.
    • Shiitake: Meaty and flavorful, essential in Asian cuisine.
    • Maitake: Also known as Hen of the Woods, believed to support immune health.
    • Oyster Mushrooms: Thin and delicate, suitable for a wide range of dishes.

    These mushrooms are accessible year-round, with locally sourced varieties offering freshness that enhances any vegan meal. Incorporating these mushrooms into daily meals can enrich your diet with essential nutrients and flavors, making your vegan lifestyle more enjoyable and fulfilling.

  • Health

    Breathing techniques

    November 22, 2023 - By 

    Hello! Today, I’d like to talk about breathing techniques.

    Back when I was playing football, my father often told me to master breathing techniques. Recently, these techniques have been featured in manga like “Demon Slayer,” but in the East, they have been known for their various effects for quite some time.

    History of Breathing Techniques

    Breathing techniques have been practised in various cultures since ancient times. Particularly in Yoga in India and Qigong in China, these techniques have been essential for mental calmness and physical balance. In Western medicine, they’re recognised for reducing stress, managing anxiety, and improving sleep.

    Types of Breathing Techniques

    1. Diaphragmatic Breathing

       – Method: Breathe deeply using the abdomen in a relaxed posture.

       – Benefits: Relaxation, stress reduction, improved digestion.

    2. Chest Breathing

       – Method: Expand the lungs by breathing through the chest.

       – Benefits: Increased concentration, short-term energy boost.

    3. Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)

       – Method: Inhale through one nostril and exhale through the other, alternating between the two.

       – Benefits: Mental and physical balance, relaxation, clarity of mind.

    4. Viloma Breathing

       – Method: Inhale in stages, pausing between each breath.

       – Benefits: Mental stability, deep relaxation, autonomic nervous system regulation.

    5. Kapalabhati (Breath of Fire)

       – Method: Rapid, short breaths using the abdominal muscles.

       – Benefits: Activation of energy, internal cleansing, strengthened respiratory system.

    6. 4-7-8 Breathing Technique

       – Method: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold the breath for 7 seconds, then exhale for 8 seconds.

       – Benefits: Relaxation, improved sleep, stress management.

    7. Lion’s Breath (Simhasana Pranayama)

       – Method: Open your mouth wide, stick out your tongue, and exhale forcefully.

       – Benefits: Relaxation of throat and facial muscles, release of stress.

    Benefits of Breathing Techniques

    – Stress Reduction: Calms the autonomic nervous system, providing a sense of relaxation.

    – Improved Concentration: Settles the mind, enhancing focus.

    – Physical Health: Better blood circulation and increased oxygen supply, beneficial for overall health.

    – Improved Sleep Quality: The relaxing effect aids in enhancing sleep quality.

    Breathing techniques don’t require any initial investment as they solely involve your body, making them accessible to start immediately. Finding a technique that suits you can greatly improve both your physical and mental well-being.

  • Health

    The Charm and Benefits of Moxibustion: My Experience and Its Practice in the UK

    October 25, 2023 - By 

    Hello, everyone! Today, I’d like to delve into a somewhat special topic – “moxibustion.” I’d love to explore the allure, the benefits, and the practice of this traditional treatment in the UK, which I’ve personally experienced in the past.

    What is Moxibustion?

    Moxibustion is a treatment method that has been handed down from ancient times in China and Japan. It involves warming specific parts of the body or meridians (acupuncture points) using fire, aiming to adjust the flow of energy within the body. Just hearing about it gives a sense of warmth, doesn’t it?

    My Personal Experience

    Interestingly, I used to receive moxibustion treatments annually until a few years ago. The method I experienced is called “direct moxibustion.” It involves placing the ash from burned mugwort on the skin and placing the moxibustion on top. It felt as if vitality was springing up from within my body, along with the warmth.

    Key Benefits of Moxibustion

    1. Improved blood circulation

    2. Muscle relaxation

    3. Boosted immunity

    4. Autonomic nerve balance

    5. Pain relief

    6. Enhanced digestive function

    However, the effects can vary from person to person. Therefore, it’s essential to consult with a specialist before undergoing treatment.

    Moxibustion in the UK

    Surprisingly, moxibustion can also be experienced in the UK! It’s garnering attention as traditional Oriental medicine and a part of complementary and alternative treatments. You can receive moxibustion treatments from acupuncturists and clinics in the UK. Notably, the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) has set standards and guidelines to ensure high-quality treatment.

    In conclusion, moxibustion is a wonderful treatment that offers warmth and heals both the mind and body. If you’re intrigued, I highly recommend giving it a try!

    Until next time!