Manuka Honey and Black Cumin Oil: Two Natural Allies for Winter

Winter brings its share of freshness and seasonal discomforts. To ease this period, nature offers us ingredients with exceptional properties. Among them, **Manuka honey** and **black cumin oil** are two must-haves to integrate into your daily routine.

Manuka Honey: A Comforting Sweetness

Originating from New Zealand and Australia, **Manuka honey** is appreciated for its creamy texture and its natural richness in **methylglyoxal (MGO)**.

Why use it in winter?

  • A smooth, comforting texture: Perfect for warming up cold days.
  • A unique taste: Intense flavor with a slight caramelized note.
  • A natural energy source: Provides carbohydrates for a great start to the day.

How to consume it?

  • By the spoonful: One tablespoon, preferably in the morning.
  • As a sweet break: Let it melt in your mouth to enjoy its flavors.

Black Cumin Oil: A Traditional Oil with a Spicy Taste

Extracted from **Nigella sativa** seeds, **black cumin oil**, also known as nigella oil, has been renowned for centuries for its many uses.

Why include it in your winter routine?

  • A spicy, warming taste: Appreciated in many cultures.
  • A natural concentrate: Contains essential fatty acids.
  • Easy to use: One daily dose is enough.

📌 **Discover our selection of** Manuka honey **and** black cumin oil **in our shop.**

noir sont des ingrédients aux saveurs riches et intenses, parfaits pour un hiver tout en douceur.

👉 Astuce : Optez pour un miel de Manuka avec un MGO élevé et une huile de cumin noir vierge, pressée à froid et biologique, pour une qualité optimale.

📌 Retrouvez notre sélection de miels de Manuka et huiles de cumin noir sur notre boutique.

Plastic-Free Organic Infusions: A Healthy and Responsible Choice

Organic infusion enthusiasts are often driven by values such as respect for health and nature. Yet an essential question arises: Are infusion bags free of plastic? On the 7-bio blog, we provide an overview to help you consume more sustainably.

Why Do Some Bags Contain Plastic?

Plastic is sometimes used in the manufacture of infusion bags to ensure their durability or airtightness. Some bags, even those made of paper, may include a thin layer of polypropylene (PP) to seal the edges. In contrast, transparent pyramid-shaped bags are often made from nylon or PET (polyethylene terephthalate), materials that are not biodegradable.

What Are the Risks of Plastic in Infusion Bags?

When immersed in hot water, some bags that contain plastic can release tiny particles, known as microplastics. These residues are concerning for both health and the environment, as they do not break down easily. Moreover, a recent study published on ScienceDirect (view study) demonstrated that immersing plastic-coated bags can also release nanoplastics, thereby increasing potential risks to human health and the environment.

Plastic-Free Alternatives

  • Unbleached Paper Bags Certified Plastic-Free: Made from natural fibers, these bags are biodegradable, compostable, and guaranteed to contain no plastic.
  • Heat-Sealed Bags Without Plastic: Some brands offer heat-sealed bags that contain no plastic components, ensuring a truly eco-friendly alternative.
  • Loose Infusions – The most eco-friendly option: By using a tea ball or strainer, you completely eliminate waste.
  • How to Choose Plastic-Free Infusions?

    When purchasing your organic infusions, carefully check the information on the packaging. Look for clearly stated indications such as “plastic-free”. Some products claiming to be plastic-free may nevertheless contain plastic components. It is therefore recommended to opt for certified alternatives or loose infusions, and to scrutinize the packaging details.

    7-bio’s Commitments

    Choosing organic infusions without plastic means acting for your well-being while protecting the planet. Make a simple yet impactful gesture by opting for committed brands!

    Discover our selection of organic infusions at 7-bio.ch.

    References

    Difference Between Organic Wine and Biodynamic

    The difference between organic wine and biodynamic wine primarily lies in the agricultural practices and underlying philosophical principles. Here’s an overview of the differences:

    Organic Wine

    Agricultural Practices:

    • Use of organic methods to cultivate the vines.
    • Prohibition of synthetic chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers).
    • Use of natural treatments to protect the vines (sulfur, copper, plant-based preparations).

    Certification:

    • The wine must obtain organic certification from an accredited organization (e.g., the “AB” label in Europe or “USDA Organic” in the USA).

    Vinification:

    • Reduction in the use of oenological additives, which must be organic.
    • Limitation on the amount of added sulfites.

    Biodynamic Wine

    1. Agricultural Practices:
      • Use of all organic farming practices.
      • Application of biodynamic agricultural principles based on the theories of Rudolf Steiner.
      • Use of specific biodynamic preparations, such as horn manure (preparation 500) and horn silica (preparation 501).
      • Integration of lunar and cosmic cycles into vineyard work.
    2. Certification:
      • Certification by specific biodynamic organizations like Demeter or Biodyvin.
    3. Philosophy and Additional Practices:
      • A holistic approach where the farm is viewed as a living organism, with all elements (soil, plants, animals) interconnected.
      • Enhancing soil and plant vitality through specific biodynamic preparations.
      • Strict compost management and practices aimed at harmonizing natural forces.
    4. Vinification:
      • Adherence to the same principles as organic vinification, with increased attention to the wine’s vitality and energy.
      • Often, an even lower use of sulfites and other oenological additives.

    Summary:

    • Organic Wine: Focuses on the prohibition of synthetic chemicals and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
    • Biodynamic Wine: Goes beyond organic practices by integrating esoteric and holistic principles, considering lunar and cosmic cycles, and using specific preparations to enhance soil and plant vitality.

    Biodynamic wines are often perceived as even more natural and in harmony with nature, although biodynamics is sometimes criticized for its more esoteric aspects.

    Find all our organic and dynamic organic wines online delivery.

    Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids

    Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the proper functioning of the human body, particularly the brain, nervous system and retina. The main types of omega-3 include alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), found in vegetable oils such as linseed, rapeseed, walnut and soya, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found in oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines.

    Omega-3 fatty acids offer numerous health benefits: they lower blood pressure, reduce triglyceride levels in the blood and improve the health of the cardiovascular system. They also prevent age-related degenerative diseases such as macular degeneration and reduce the risk of depression and dementia (Anses). Recently, studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids improve the microbial diversity of the gut microbiota, promoting beneficial bacteria that can prevent diseases such as diabetes and obesity (Doctissimo).

    To reap these benefits, it is recommended to regularly consume omega-3-rich foods while diversifying your diet to minimise the risks from harmful substances (Anses).