Why we love LINEN

by Patricia Fillows

The laid back relaxed look of linen is an acceptable style in today’s modern world. Some of us love it, others hate it. But there is a lot more to this fabric than you may realise.

Linen is a natural fabric made from the flax plant and is one of the oldest and best loved textiles in the world. It is eco-friendly and sustainable. The fibre that linen is made from is called flax. Not only is it a beautiful blue flower, but it also requires less pesticides and fertilisers than other plants. It goes through a careful process to be woven together into what we know as linen.

Once harvested, every part of the plant is utilised for various purposes, right down to the seed. The fibres are recyclable and eventually biodegradable.

It’s versatile too. It can be used for everything from home decor to clothing. Linen comes in many different weights, and is cooling for the summer months, and also keeps you warmer in the winter. What a magical fabric this is.

It gets better with use. The more you use it,

El look relajado del lino es un estilo bien aceptado en el mundo moderno. A algunos nos encanta, otros lo odian. Pero hay mucho más de este tejido que quizá no conozcas.

El lino es un tejido natural procedente de la planta del lino y es uno de los textiles más antiguos y apreciados del mundo. Es sostenible y respetuoso con el medio ambiente. Se obtiene de la fibra del lino.

Es una bella flor azul, que además requiere menos pesticidas y fertilizantes que otras plantas. Pasa por un meticuloso proceso para entretejerse hasta obtener el tejido que todos conocemos.

Una vez cosechada, cada parte de la planta se utiliza para distintos propósitos, incluida su semilla. Sus fibras son reciclables y eventualmente biodegradables.

También es versátil. Puede usarse para todo, desde ropa de hogar a vestimenta. El lino puede encontrarse en muchos grosores, es fresco para los meses de verano y cálido para el invierno. Es un tejido mágico. Mejora con el uso. Cuanto más lo utilizas, más suave, u u the softer, silkier, stronger and more comfortable the feel. It becomes a unique piece tailored just for you. Wrinkles are part of the deal. Linen is known as the world’s strongest natural fibre and is far more durable than cotton. The strength of the fibre directly contributes to the strength of the fabric the garment is made of. Thus, linen clothing is very long-lasting. Linen is also non-allergenic. Many people suffer from allergies and various skin conditions and they’ve probably come to notice that certain types of fabrics often agitate their symptoms. That is because many fabrics allow moisture to build up, which is then the perfect ecosystem for bacteria and microbes to breed. With linen, it’s totally NOT the case. Linen can absorb up to 20% of its weight in moisture before it feels damp. Great for summer days in stifling offices or wondering around the Spanish streets in high summer. It is also so easy to care for. The garments can be machine washed, all you need to bear in mind is to use cold water and not use bleach or detergents with optical whiteners, as those tend to weaken the fibre. You can tumble dry your linen clothes or hang them to dry naturally. Linen can be worn all year round. You may think, how can the same fabric keep you both cool and warm? Well, that’s just one of the magical qualities linen has. It’s obvious that linen clothing is perfect for summer, u sedoso, fuerte y cómodo es su tacto. Se convierte en una pieza única a tu justa medida. Las arrugas también son parte del trato. El lino es conocido como la fibra más fuerte del mundo y es mucho más duradero que el algodón.

La fortaleza de la fibra contribuye directamente a la resistencia del tejido del que está hecha la prenda. Por ello, la ropa de lino es muy duradera. También es hipoalergénico. Muchas personas sufren de alergias y problemas de la piel y probablemente comprueben que ciertos tipos de telas tienden a empeorar sus síntomas. Esto se debe a que muchos tejidos acumulan humedad, el ecosistema perfecto para la reproducción de bacterias y microbios. Con el lino esto NO ocurre en absoluto. El lino puede absorber hasta el 20% de su peso en humedad antes de empezar a mojarse. Perfecto para los días de calor en la oficina o para pasear por las calles de España en pleno verano.

También es fácil de mantener. Las prendas pueden lavarse a máquina, lo único que necesitas tener en cuenta es usar agua fría y no añadir lejía o detergentes blanqueadores, ya que tienden a debilitar sus fibras. Puedes secarlas en secadora o tenderlas para que sequen de forma natural. El lino puede vestirse todo el año. Quizá te preguntes cómo puede ser que el mismo tejido te mantenga tanto fresco como abrigado. Bien, esa es sólo una de tantas cualidades mágicas del lino. Es obvio que la ropa de lino es perfecta para el verano ya que es ligera y transpirable, pero cada vez más gente opta por prendas de lino para la primavera, el otoño, e incluso el invierno. Es extremadamente versátil. No importa si te estás arreglando para un evento formal, un ambiente corporativo, o buscando un look más informal, el lino tiene la habilidad innata de servir para cualquier ocasión. n

Beautiful fashion for today’s modern woman

Tlf: 952 967 895 www.ampanomoda.com it is lightweight and breathable but people are increasingly choosing linen garments for spring, autumn, and even winter. It is extremely versatile. Whether you’re dressing up for a formal event, corporate environment, or aiming for a more casual, low-key look, linen has an innate ability to complement every occasion. Modern linen clothes come in a variety of interesting cuts and can be styled with many accessories, so go on find a piece of linen clothing and wear it with style!

¿Qué deberías comer en una dieta mediterránea?

By Kim Gray

There is one eating plan that consistently outperforms any other with regard to longevity, and heart health – and that is the Mediterranean Diet. Medical research shows that eating this way not only reduces risk of stroke, cardiovascular problems, and type 2 diabetes but it can lower blood pressure and LDL cholesterol too.

But, what actually is the Mediterranean Diet? Calling it a diet is really a misnomer – it is a low sugar, whole food based lifestyle that was first noted by researchers on the Island of Crete back in the 1960s. They found that the residents here lived longer, had fewer chronic diseases, and needed much less medical intervention than those who ate a more typical “Western” diet. So, what do you need to eat to gain the benefits of the Mediterranean diet? Ideally your food choices should be based around these healthy and delicious Mediterranean foods.

*Lower carbohydrate vegetables such as courgette, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, aubergine etc – try to eat a rainbow of colours to get the best range of antioxidant benefits.

* Lower sugar fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, apples, and plums. Plus fresh figs and occasional dates – they contain fabulous soluble fibre that helps balance blood sugar.

* Whole grains full of fibre to keep you full longer, such as quinoa, millet, buckwheat, oats, barley and rye.

* Nuts, seeds and unsweetened nut butters – these all contain healthy plant fats that will increase your good cholesterol and help you feel satiated after your meal.

* Lentils, chickpeas, and beans – all full of fibre, protein, and essential minerals.

* Fish and seafood, especially oily fish such as sardines, salmon, mackerel, and