Thursday 19 July 2012

Seagreens, Allergies and Intolerances


Seagreens has many uses for those suffering from allergies and intolerances. But first, what is the difference between and allergy and intolerance? The terms are often used interchangeably but there is a difference. The Oxford Concise Colour Medical Dictionary defines an allergy as:

“ a disorder in which the body becomes hypersensitive to particular antigens (called allergens) which provoke characteristic symptoms whenever they are subsequently inhaled, ingested, injected, or otherwise contacted”

An intolerance is defined as “the inability of a patient to tolerate a particular drug, manifested by various adverse reactions” In the case of food intolerances, food is the drug.

Food allergies and intolerances are becoming increasingly common. However, many are self-diagnosed and therefore may not be allergies or intolerances at all. If you suspect you have an allergy or intolerance, it is important to have it tested by your GP and seek professional medical advice. Cutting out food groups in the belief they are causing the problems can lead to a very restricted diet which in itself can cause many health problems.

Most of the ingredients in food which give rise to allergies can be consumed from seaweed without the same symptoms. The diets we eat today are often high in ingredients which can aggravate the digestive tract. Wheat, caffeine, alcohol and dairy are often common causes of gastro intestinal discomfort and upset. Seagreens can be incorporated into the diet either through the Food Capsules or the Culinary Ingredient and will provide you with a full complement of nutrients needed by the body for optimal health. There are no known allergic substances in Seagreens and since their introduction in 1998, not one case of an intolerance or biological reaction has been reported.

Seagreens can also help some of the symptoms associated with food allergies and intolerances such as gastro intestinal problems and IBS.


For more information, visit the Seagreens website at www.seagreens.co.uk or email info@seagreens.co.uk or info@wisechoicenutrition.co.uk

Reference: Oxford Concise Colour Medical Dictionary. Oxford University Press, 4th ed. 

Thursday 12 July 2012

Seaweed and behavioural conditions in children



Seagreens may have a role to play in the management of ADHD and hyperactivity in children. 2 food capsules or 1g of food granules was found to significantly help behaviour. Not only does Seagreens ensure the child has a broad range of nutrients in their diet but also, Seagreens contain glyco-muco-polysaccharides (long unbranched polysaccharides which form an important component of connective tissue especially near joints).

Seagreens can be used to aid the withdrawal from drugs such as Ritalin. Many parents dislike the effect Ritalin has on their child but find it difficult to manage their child’s behaviour without it. Seagreens products are completely natural with nothing added or taken away. They are milled at the point of harvest on the coast of the Outer Hebrides.

Increasing the daily dose from 2 capsules to 4 or increasing the food granules to 2 teaspoons (1/2 a gram) before, during and after the withdrawal from Ritalin can help the child come off Ritalin and stabilise behaviour. In some cases, it may be beneficial to keep the dosage at the higher level for 3-4 weeks after the withdrawal. Depending upon the severity of the child and the age, a higher dose may be required. Some children may be able to return to the 2 capsules a day or 1 teaspoon of the granules but each child is different. Seagreens is endorsed by the UK Hyperactive Children’s Support Group.

If you would like to know more visit www.seagreens.co.uk or email info@seagreens.co.uk or info@wisechoicenutrition.co.uk

Wednesday 11 July 2012

New recipe from one of our customers

We love hearing how you use Seagreens and seaweed in cooking. Here is a recipe from one of our customer's Fi which uses seaweed.



Sea-side Chicken Bites for Kids

Makes 12-15
2 chicken breasts (250g)
2 tbsps rice flour
1 ½  tbsps dried sea lettuce, finely chopped
Freshly ground pepper
5 rice cakes (25g)
Free range Egg
Local Rapeseed oil

Oven 200C Gas 6

1.   Wash the chicken and pat it dry with kitchen towel. Cut it into large (3cm) chunks.
2.   Put the flour and half of the finely ground sea lettuce into a plastic bag and season with a little black pepper.
3.   Add the chicken pieces, two at a time, to the flour mixture and shake well to coat the chicken. Repeat to coat all of the chicken chunks.
4.   Put the rice cakes and remaining sea lettuce into a plastic bag, seal and gently crush the rice cakes, using a small rolling pin (a child size rolling pin works well). Pour the crushed rice cakes and sea lettuce into a large bowl and use the your fingers to break down any lumps.
5.   Lightly beat the egg with a fork and put it into another bowl.
6.   Dip the sea-side coated chicken bites in the egg, and then coat them in the crushed sea lettuce rice cakes.
7.   Place the bites on to a non-stick baking tray and drizzle minimal rapeseed oil over the top.
8.   Bake in the pre-heated oven for 10-12 minutes (until when tested with a skewer, the chicken juices are clear). 
Serve with homemade tomato ketchup




ALWAYS HAVE A GROWN-UP IN THE KITCHEN WHEN YOU COOK

Recipe from Fi Bird author of Kids' Kitchen (Barefoot Books 2009). Fi is also publishing a book on foraging which will be available in Spring 2013 and has a section on coastal seaweed in it.