Pretty Plant Powered #2: The hidden dangers lurking in your fave produce

Hello and welcome to the second edition of Pretty Plant Powered, a fortnightly newsletter where I share must-know tips, mouth-watering recipes, and restaurant reviews that will amaze you.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. I really enjoyed NOMO’s Vegan Caramelised Biscuit Egg (thanks Mum!) It didn’t last long.

On to this week’s read…

The Dirty Secret About Your Fresh Produce…

A couple of years ago, I started learning about the potential dangers of pesticides in our food.

As someone who (for the past 9 years) has always tried to prioritise healthy eating, I was shocked to learn about the negative impact that these chemicals can have on our bodies over time.

Long-term exposure to these harmful chemicals has been linked to a range of serious illnesses, including Parkinson's disease, asthma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and cancer.

Organic produce is grown with fewer pesticides, making it a safer choice. In fact, for a product to be labeled as 'organic,' at least 95% of its agricultural ingredients must be organic.

I had grown accustomed to simply grabbing whatever fruits and vegetables were on sale at the supermarket, without much thought given to how they were grown or where they came from. But as I learned more, I started to make some changes.

One of the first steps I took was to prioritise buying organic versions of the produce that I ate the most. I started to research which fruits and vegetables were most heavily sprayed with pesticides and made a conscious effort to buy organic versions of those items. It wasn't always easy - organic produce can be more expensive and sometimes harder to find - but I felt like I was making a positive change for my health.

I also started to explore other options for accessing organic produce. I found a local farmer's market that offered a wide variety of organic fruits and vegetables at a more affordable price than I had seen at my local Tesco.

Over time, these changes became habits. I felt better about the food I was eating and the impact that it was having on my body and the environment. Although I don't always buy everything organic, I feel empowered to make informed choices about the food that I eat.

To summarise, here are the benefits of organic produce:

• Fewer harmful chemicals: Organic produce is grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, which can have negative health effects on both humans and the environment.

• More nutrients: Organic produce is often higher in nutrients, such as antioxidants, than conventionally grown produce.

• Better for the environment: Organic farming practices are more sustainable and reduce the impact of agriculture on the environment.

Finally, here are some tips for making the switch to healthier options:

• Prioritise your purchases: If you're on a tight budget, prioritise purchasing organic versions of the fruits and vegetables that are most heavily sprayed with pesticides, such as strawberries, spinach, and bell peppers.

• Shop at farmer's markets: Buying from local farmers who practice organic farming can be a more affordable way to access organic produce.

• Grow your own: Consider growing some of your own produce at home, such as herbs or small fruits and vegetables in containers.

• Look for sales and deals: Keep an eye out for sales and deals on organic produce at your local grocers or supermarket.

Black Seed Oil: An Ancient ‘Cure All’?

Black seed oil (also known as black cumin oil) has a fascinating history dating back thousands of years, and its incredible health benefits have made it a popular ingredient in modern wellness culture. Used by ancient civilisations including the pharaohs of Egypt and Cleopatra, this oil really has stood the test of time.

Made from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, it is believed to have many health benefits such as:

• Reducing inflammation: Black seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.

• Boosting the immune system: Some research suggests that black seed oil may have immune-boosting properties, which could help the body fight off infections and disease.

• Reducing allergy symptoms: Black seed oil has been shown to be effective in reducing allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose.

• Improving symptoms of asthma: Some research suggests that black seed oil may be able to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.

• Reducing high blood pressure: Some studies have found that black seed oil may be able to lower high blood pressure in some people.

• Improving skin health: Black seed oil may be able to improve skin health by reducing inflammation and improving the production of collagen.

I believe it's a must-try for anyone looking to support their overall health.

I’ve been taking Nature’s Well’s vegan capsules for a few years now. They use premium pure Egyptian cold pressed black seed oil, which is hard to find in in soft gel form in today’s market.

They also are the UK’s first 100% plastic free vitamin company, as they use biodegradable packaging and 10% of their profits also go to good causes.

I highly recommend this vitamin brand!

Restaurant Review: Amrutha Lounge

Amrutha Lounge is a hidden gem located in the heart of Earlsfield, SW London. From the moment you step inside, you'll be transported to a world of delicious Indian cuisine and warm, welcoming ambience.

The service at Amrutha Lounge is top-notch, with friendly and attentive staff who go above and beyond to make sure you have a memorable dining experience.

The food is served tapas style and unlimited refills mean your bowls will be topped up as many times as you like.

We tried the “Selection Grandé” which is £30 per person and includes:

• Buddha curry (chickpea, lentil and coconut dahl)

• Thai curry

• Fluffy basmati rice

• Sesame slaw

• Chinese salad

• Crispy Pakoras (with homemade peanut satay and sweet chilli sauces)

• Coconut and tamarind chutney

• Sautéed sprouted Mung Beans

• Cashew Cheese

• Beet Gazpacho

• Kale Salad

• Lentil Falafels

No soul goes hungry: They also have a scheme where if you cannot afford to pay for your food, you can simply volunteer some of your time in exchange for a good meal.

They recently launched a Kickstarter campaign for their second restaurant which you can donate to here.

An incredible and innovative selection of vegan dishes! 🌱

Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!

Recipe: Spring Lentil Salad

Springtime is a time for renewal, and what better way to renew your diet than with the fresh, wholesome ingredients found in this Detox Kitchen lentil salad!

This salad harnesses the power of puy lentils, a lesser-known superfood…

They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, with around 24g of protein per 100g, low in fat and they are a good source of fibre, with around 8.9g of fibre per 100g.

This can help regulate digestion, lower cholesterol levels, and keep you feeling full for longer periods of time.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained

• 1 tbsp rapeseed oil

• 250g cooked puy lentils

• 150g cooked quinoa

• A handful of sugarsnaps, finely chopped horizontally

• 3 radishes, sliced thinly (ideally with a mandolin)

• 1 small handful of parsely, chopped

• 1 small handful of mint, chopped

For the caper-mustard dressing:

• 2 tbsp capers

• 1 tbsp dijon mustard

• Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 clove of garlic, crushed

• A pinch of salt and pepper

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Pat your drained chickpeas dry and add to a baking tin, drizzle with oil and roast for 25-30 minutes until crunchy.

2. Make the dressing by adding all the ingredients to a blender, leaving a little of the lemon zest aside, and pulse until blended but still a little chunky.

3. Plate your quinoa and lentils on a dish and top with the mangetout and radishes. Add the chickpeas and drizzle over the sauce. Finished with the fresh herbs and some extra lemon zest.

If you found this week’s newsletter insightful, please share with someone you think it would benefit!

Until next time,

Ami x

Reach the right people in the vegan, health, and wellness industry through collaborating with me on Instagram.

• In the past 30 days, my content has reached 26,000 people.

• If you would like to collab, send me a DM on Instagram or email me at [email protected]