4 minute read
HEALTH The wonderful world of fungi
Shroom Smoothie
1 tbsp alfaroba powder ½ tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp honey to taste 1 tbsp mushroom powder 1 cup almond milk Blend with ice
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Did you know there are more than one hundred medicinal benefits attributed to consuming mushrooms? They’re known for being antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, antiallergic, antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, and for providing cognitive benefits to learning, focus and memory! They’ve stood the test of time, with their history of medicinal use going back over 3000 years to Chinese and Ayurvedic Medicine. More recently, both Europeans and North Americans have also embraced mushrooms, taking them as dried supplements, or in the form of medicinal infusions or tinctures. Fungi are also a delicious edible food, rich in vitamins and minerals. Mushrooms are a part of the Portuguese culinary tradition, used to prepare appetisers and side dishes. like mushrooms sliced and fried with onions, as well as in oven roasted pork dishes. Foraging is
Inspiration for the body and soul Mushroom Rice ● 1 1/2 cups of rice, 6 cups Stock or water ● Salt, pepper & favourite herbs The wonderful world of fungi ● ● 2 tbsp coconut oil or Olive oil 1 1/2 lbs Mushrooms conducted throughout the year, but November to February are the season for the most edible species such as chanterelles, boletus, wood mushrooms and others. The Algarve is known for its diversity of mushroom species, but always remember to learn from an experienced forager before collecting any mushrooms for eating and properly identify species that you collect! As part of a healthy lifestyle, you may want to consume mushrooms in the form of a medicinal tincture. This is where the chemical constituents are extracted from the mushrooms and preserved in alcohol. Taken one to three times daily under the tongue can provide similar benefits to eating the mushrooms and help you with your overall health. Polycultured is a local reputable source for medicinal mushroom tinctures. See www.polycultured.com/portugal ● 2 Spring onions 1 clove of garlic (finely chopped) ● 1 Red or green bell pepper (finely chopped) To start Add the stock and rice to a large pot. The trick here is for the rice to keep bubbling in plenty of water until cooked. After about 10 minutes it should be ready. Once tender then carefully drain the water off the rice and set to one side. To continue Chop the mushrooms and fry in a large frying pan with the coconut oil until golden brown (Keep a little of the cooked mushrooms to the side for the topping) Season with salt, pepper and add your favourite herbs. Stir in the finely chopped spring onions and the red or green peppers. (These do not require cooking as can be eaten raw) Add the cooked rice and stir in well. TOP TIP... The back of your hands are the way to tap into calm. The lightest possible upwards stroke with the fingertips helps to induce a relaxed state. Mushrooms are beauty’s latest All-Star íngredient. Book your Facial and body massage with our mushroom skin care treatments. oceanoftrees.net Don´t miss out the tasty brown bits at he bottom of the pot To complete Serve in a bowl with the extra mushroom topping.
Medi-pedi
at Mara's
As theraputic as a pedicure may be, there is a lot that can be diagnosed during this procedure. Mara from the Alegria Beauty salon in Vila Real de Santo António explains.
The word pedicure is derived from the Latin words pedis, which means "of the foot", and cura, which means "care". Good foot treatment is heaven, but with so many different pedicure options out there it can be hard to know where to go and what to look for. Unlike regular pedicures, the medi-pedi focuses on your foot's health. The procedure is performed by a podiatrist who examines your feet and is able to diagnose and treat skin problems like infections, warts, athlete’s foot, ingrown nails, etc. The service includes a basic foot exam, which is helpful for anyone with tired, overworked feet, and ESSENTIAL for anyone with diabetes or peripheral vascular disease. Your neurovascular status is evaluated, your skin is examined for lesions, and you can consult with the doctor over your concern. A medical pedicure is definitely therapeutic for your feet but what you may not expect is the peace of mind it provides…. You can REALLY relax at a medi-pedi knowing you are in a clean environment, with no worries about picking up a toenail fungus or bacterial infection. All instruments are sterile, all files and materials are disposable and packed separately and all procedures are performed with aseptic technique. At Alegria beauty salon, Mara gets your feet dancing again.
Alegria Beauty SalonAmazing Mara
