Mmm….Hot Chocolate Is Good For You!

Author: Green Cyprus  //  Category: Talk About Food

You’re probably familiar with the health benefits gained from dark chocolate but did you know that hot chocolate is just as good? Here’s a run down of the good things you can derive from drinking a cup of hot chocolate….

1. According to a study conducted at Cornell University, the antioxidant concentration in hot cocoa is almost twice as strong as red wine. Cocoa’s concentration was two to three times stronger than that of green tea and four to five times stronger than that of black tea.

2. It was also concluded that the “hot” in “hot chocolate” is important as well. More antioxidants are released when it’s heated up.

3. A cup of hot cocoa contains the antioxidant gallic acid which is used to treat internal hemorrhages, albuminuria (the presence of albumin in the urine, which can indicate kidney disease) and diabetes.

4. Although a regular bar of chocolate has strong antioxidant activity, the health benefits may be outweighed because of the saturated fats present — cocoa generally has much less fat per serving compared to the 8 grams of fat in a standard chocolate bar.

5. The flavonoids help your body process nitric oxide, which is why hot cocoa can improve blood flow, help lower your blood pressure and improve heart health.

6. The flavonoids in hot chocolate also help prevent platelets in your blood from mingling together and forming clots.

7. According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science, drinking hot chocolate can help you think better too. The flavonoids increase the blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Since dementia is caused by a reduced flow of blood to the brain, researchers think it could be treated with cocoa.

Be aware though that commercial instant hot cocoa mixes are often more of an artificial monstrosity that may eradicate any good the cocoa may have to offer. One of the most popular mixes, for example, lists cocoa fifth on the list of ingredients, beneath the higher-level ingredients of sugar, corn syrup and a medley of vegetable oils. Therefore, always ensure you buy a good quality, fair-trade organic cocoa brand such as Green & Blacks or Natura from a specialist health store.

Christine Lagarde On Green Economics

Author: Green Cyprus  //  Category: Green Economy
Christine Lagarde on green economics…

"We need growth, but we also need green growth that respects environmental sustainability. Good ecology is good economics. This is one reason why getting carbon pricing right and removing fossil fuel subsidies are so important", Christine Lagarde, WEF Opening. Read the full speech

Toxins in Nail Polish

Author: Green Cyprus  //  Category: Green Chat
Did you know that your favourite nail varnish probably contains a variety of dangerous chemicals? If you paint your nails, be aware that nail varnish generally contains what are known as the ‘toxic-trio’. The toxins are toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and formaldehyde and all known to have adverse health effects. Research has shown that the toxic-trio cause reproductive harm, cancer and asthma.

So it’s better to opt for safer nail colours that omit these chemicals. Try Korres Nail Colour with Myrhh which are guaranteed free-from pthalates, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, acetone & silicone.

Priced at around €7.50, they are available in a variety of trend-setting colours including my current favourite No 74 Violet (pictured). The quality is so good, I got away with just one coat and it looks great!

Solar To Meet 100% Electricity Demand By 2050?

Author: Green Cyprus  //  Category: Green Economy

 

This report based on research on 6 countries and 1 region shows that less than 1 percent of the total land mass would be required to meet 100 percent of projected electricity demand in 2050, if generating electricity only with solar PV.

It is possible so why aren’t we doing it now? And what a shame that considering our electricity issues, Cyprus wasn’t included in the research.

World To Go Vegetarian By 2050?

Author: Green Cyprus  //  Category: Green Economy

If you have followed our posts and reports on predicted food shortages, this current article may come as no surprise. Food for thought!

 

 

Detox With Parsley or Coriander

Author: Green Cyprus  //  Category: Talk About Food

An excellent detox tip for Green Cyprus friends! Make sure your parsley or coriander is organic to ensure that you are not consuming more toxins…

Years pass by and our kidneys are filtering the blood by removing salt, poison and any unwanted entering our body. With time, the salt accumulates and this needs to undergo cleaning treatments and how are we going to overcome this?

It is very easy. First take a bunch of parsley or coriander leaves and wash it clean Then cut it in small pieces and put it in a pot and pour clean water and boil it for ten minutes and let it cool down and then filter it and pour in a clean bottle and keep it inside refrigerator to cool.

Drink one glass daily and you will notice all salt and other accumulated poison coming out of your kidney by urination also you will be able to notice the difference which you never felt before.

Parsley and coriander are known as best cleaning treatment for kidneys and they are natural!

Organic Chickpea Soup With Lemon & Rosemary

Author: Green Cyprus  //  Category: Food, Recipes

 

Serves 4

400g organic cooked chickpeas or for ease, 2 tins organic chickpeas
50 ml organic olive oil plus extra for drizzling
1 small organic onion, chopped
1 litre filtered water
1 tbsp organic rosemary, chopped
1 tsp sea salt
Freshly ground organic black pepper
1 large organic lemon, juiced
Fresh organic rosemary sprigs for garnish

Sauté onions in olive oil until onions soften and start to turn golden. Stir in chickpeas, water and the chopped rosemary. Bring to the boil, turn down heat, and simmer for 30-40 minutes. Add the salt and pepper and puree the soup until smooth with a blender. Stir in lemon juice, taste and add additional salt, lemon juice and  rosemary, as needed. If soup is too thick, add more water until it’s the texture you prefer. Drizzle with olive oil, and garnish with rosemary sprigs before serving.

Ways To Re-Use Chalk

Author: Green Cyprus  //  Category: Green Tips

Chalk can be used for more than just letting the kids draw. There are plenty of everyday practical uses for chalk. Did you know that you can use it for:

Freshening your wardrobe: By putting a bundle of chalk in your wardrobe or cupboards, it will help prevent musty odours from developing.

Rust prevention: Chalk will keep moisture out of closed areas, so put a bundle in your toolbox to prevent rust. Not only will your tools look better, but also this will help extend their life. This also works for protecting your silverware.

Keeping ants out: Ants don’t like to cross chalk lines so draw some around doorways, windows or problem areas to keep ants from infiltrating your space.

Green, cost-effective and chemical-free solutions always get our vote!

Naturigin Organic Shampoo

Author: Green Cyprus  //  Category: Green Cyprus Loves...

Who says organic has to be expensive? We found this organically-certified shampoo with lemongrass & honey at Chilly’s in Limassol yesterday. Having now tested it out, I’m rather impressed with the results so I will be returning to buy the remaining stock tomorrow! Priced at an unbelievable €1.75, get it while you can!