Organic & Plant-Based Living
Valerian Root
The benefits of valerian root are plentiful.
Most commonly used in relation to initiating sleep, valerian root can help reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improve overall quality of sleep. It is also useful in fighting general anxiety by increasing GABA levels, as low GABA levels are linked to acute and chronic stress, as well as poor sleep. Valerian root is antispasmodic, which means it as a natural muscle relaxer, and is therefore a good option for the relief of menstrual cramps. Make your own valerian root tea by seeping a teaspoon in hot water for 5 minutes, or take a valerian root based tincture, such as A.Vogels Dormeasan (should not be taken if on other medication to treat similar symptoms).
Nutritional Yeast
Nooch, nootch… nom nom nom!
Nutritional yeast is almost concentrated in its fibre content, which is the fuel that keeps our digestive system ticking along. Two tablespoons (16g) of nutritional yeast contains 5g of carbs, of which 4g is fibre! It is a great source of B vitamins, including the elusive vitamin B12, making it a great energy source, and a good addition to any breakfast or pre-workout smoothie. It is a wonderful source of plant protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids. Nutritional yeast has a nutty/cheesy flavour and is great for making dairy-free cheese and sauces, or sprinkling on top of your favourite pasta dish. We stock nutritional yeast with B12, packaging free, so take a couple of grams home and try it out.
Rosewater
Rosewater: nature’s beauty toner, skin healer, hydrator, mood relaxer, and acne fighter.
It is literally a gift from Mother Nature herself! This powerful antioxidant rich liquid is perfect for balancing the skin’s pH levels, which can get knocked out of whack from the use of soaps, cleansers, and makeup. Balanced pH = happy skin; Unbalanced pH = irritation, redness, pimples, and even acne! Rosewater is great for sensitive skin, too. Soothe irritating skin conditions and reduce eye puffiness with this gentle but effective anti-inflammatory elixir or apply to the eye area for a refreshing eye mask. Rosewater is available as a refill or in 100ml aromatiser bottles thanks to our favourite Irish essential oil company Atlantic Aromatics.
Fenugreek
Agave
The agave plant is so versatile, used to make everything from tequila to cleaning brush bristles!
Agave has a lower glycemic index and is a natural sugar alternative. The glycemic index is a measure of how much a food will spike blood sugar levels. The lower the glycemic index of a food, the lower the impact on blood sugar levels, the aim being to prohibit or prevent any quick or sharp increases in blood sugar levels, therefore maintaining a more steady equilibrium. Maintaining a steady blood sugar level is one of the best ways to manage your diet, as it prevents rash decision making, unnecessary snacking, and sugar cravings.
Sage
Since moving into our new home on the North Circular Road at the end of 2018, we have smudged the shop on a fairly regular basis. The practice of smudging or burning white sage is an ancient ritual, traditionally used by Native Americans, said to purify the air and space it occupies, as white sage is both antimicrobial and antibacterial. This claim is backed by a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, which showed a 94% reduction in aerial bacteria after burning sage for 60 minutes. This may be why people with asthma can benefit from regular smudging! White sage is also a natural mood enhancer, as it is rich in compounds that activate certain mood elevating receptors in the brain. It is also traditionally used to treat anxiety and depression. So if you are ever wondering why we’re always so chirpy in our little haven, a small part of it is due to this wonderful plant. Thanks, sage.
Carrageen Moss
Chesty cough you just can’t shake? Try soaking some carrageen moss in water for 20 minutes, bring the water to a boil, simmer for 15 minutes, and strain. Add the juice from 1 lemon, plus a spoon full of Irish honey to taste. Good quality honey is rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Lemon juice is rich in vitamin c, which will help support your immune system, but remember, water soluble vitamins, such as vitamin c, are heat sensitive. And finally carrageen seaweed, or Irish moss, helps soothe mucous membranes and has the added bonus of being rich in collagen. Not only will it help get rid of that chesty cough, but will also keep you looking youthful at the same time!
Carrots
Beta carotene found in carrots is an antioxidant. And why do we like antioxidants? Well, they prevent cell oxidation (aka aging) by protecting the body from unruly free radicals. Damage caused by pesky free radicals can eventually cause several chronic illnesses. Boost your antioxidant intake with a cold-pressed raw organic juice made fresh at Noms or pick up some delicious carrots to add to your diet!
Lavender
One of the most interesting is its ability to fight skin and nail fungal infections naturally. A study published in Journal of Medical Microbiology found that lavender oil kills fungi by damaging the cell walls and, unlike antibiotics, the oil does not cause resistance. Switch to a lavender based soap or make your own lavender body oil to keep any undesirable skin infections at bay! It is recommended to dilute essential oils in a carrier oil such as almond, jojoba, avocado, or sunflower.
Green Tea
Green tea is so incredibly good for us, but it often gets overlooked because of its somewhat underwhelming taste. Green tea is rich in polyphenols, catechins, and numerous other flavonoids. The longer tea is steeped, the more polyphenols. Some research has shown green tea can increase fat burning and boost the metabolic rate, which is great if you are trying to lose weight. Other research shows that women who drank green tea are 20-30% less likely to develop breast cancer and that men who drank green tea have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. We have two organic, loose green tea options at Noms: one from China and one from South Korea.
Artichokes
We can thank the Mediterranean for this beautiful vegetable, the artichoke. Though technically a thistle not a vegetable, artichoke is a great source of fiber, folate, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Eating artichokes may help balance blood sugar levels, making it a good food option for those with diabetes or prediabetes. It may also improve digestion health thanks to the high amount of fiber and inulin, which is a type of fiber that makes for a happy, healthy gut. Whether you choose to roast or steam, artichokes make a great addition to a balanced diet.
Matcha
The Noms team is all about matcha!
The health benefits of matcha are bountiful, including (but certainly not limited to!) improved sleep, balanced and sustained energy, and increased focus. This is thanks to the amino acid L-theanine, known for reducing stress, decreasing anxiety, and enhancing your mood! On top of that, Japanese matcha has three times the antioxidants of regular green tea! To recap, we love antioxidants because they help fight cell damage, chronic disease, and aging.
Rosemary
Turmeric
If you have been living in a cave, or perhaps under a rock for the last few years, you may be unfamiliar with the therapeutic effects of turmeric… but that’s okay, let us give you the low down. Turmeric is a root vegetable that contains curcuminoids, the most active being curcumin. Curcumin accounts for ~3% of turmeric by weight and is the hero of this story! Chronic, low-level inflammation is a major contributor in almost every chronic, western disease, including heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other degenerative conditions. Anything that can help reduce inflammation may be beneficial in reducing and even treating these diseases. Step in curcumin, a heavy lifter on the anti-inflammatory scene! Studies have shown curcumin, when eaten in the correct doses, to be as effective as pharmaceuticals (minus any negative side effects).
Beluga Lentils
Black is the new… eh, black. Black lentils (aka beluga lentils) are a great source of anthocyanins, the same antioxidant found in blueberries, cranberries, and cherries. These beneficial antioxidants are a major player in the fight against free radical oxidation! Their super power lies in their ability to positively influence microflora, helping to decrease inflammation, which is often associated with many chronic diseases, such as asthma, arthritis, cancer, autoimmune disease, and diabetes. Incorporating black lentils into your diet is pretty easy – soak, wash, then bring to the boil and simmer for 25 minutes, or sprout them for a few days and enjoy them raw.
Guarana
Looking for an alternative to coffee? Meet guarana!
Guarana is a plant native to the Amazon that contains high levels of caffeine and is often used in energy drinks or bars. It is rich in antioxidants, such as tannins, catechins, and theobromine (this compound is harmful to dogs, so please don’t offer any to your canine companion). Antioxidants are helpful in neutralizing free radicals that are out to oxidize/age you! The powerful combo of antioxidants and caffeine found in guarana also make it a great addition to any natural skincare routine. Studies have shown that the antioxidants in guarana may significantly reduce age-related skin damage, reduce sagging in cheeks, improve skin tightness, and minimise wrinkles around your eyes! Guarana is also noted for increasing cognitive function. One study from the Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit at Northumbria University found that low doses of guarana can improve memory performance and alertness. Guarana should be used sparingly due to the high levels of caffeine and those on medication or pregnant should avoid it.
Plant Protein
Tofu, tempeh, seitan… What’s the deal?
Tofu
Tofu is made by combining condensed soy milk with nigari, and pressing the mixture into tight blocks. It’s a good source of protein, as it contains all 9 essential amino acids. Tofu is a great addition to many meals and effortlessly takes on the taste of whatever ingredients you’re cooking with. To maximise flavour, we recommend pressing your tofu for at least 30 minutes and marinating for an additional 30. You can also freeze tofu; the post-defrost texture provides more surfaces for the marinade to seep in.
Tempeh
Tempeh is made from fermented whole soy beans and contains more protein (20g per 100g) and dietary fiber than tofu. Like most fermented foods, tempeh is rich in probiotics, as the fermentation process increases digestibility and nutrient absorption. Tempeh has a unique texture, which easily absorbs the marinade of choice. Bake or fry to intensify the flavour and add to your dish (or eat on its own!).
Seitan
Seitan is not related to soy in any way and is actually made from wheat gluten. If you are gluten intolerant or celiac, stay away. However, if you are not, seitan is high in protein, rich in selenium and iron, and low in carbs and fat, and could therefore be a good option for those trying to lose weight. Seitan can be molded into many different shapes and is often used in recipes as an alternative to chicken.
Wine
All of our wines are vegan and are priced from €14 upwards. Please remember to always enjoy alcohol responsibly.
Organic Wine
Organic wine comes from vineyards that are farmed using organic practices, meaning no pesticides, no herbicides, and no chemical fertilizers. In the United States, organic wines cannot contain any added sulphites. In the EU, some sulphites are permitted – less than 100 parts per million (ppm) per litre for reds and 150ppms for dry whites and roses.
Biodynamic Wine
Biodynamic wine is produced using biodynamic farming principals. This spiritual, ethical, ecological approach to agriculture, gardening, food production, and nutrition was brought about by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner in the 1920s. In biodynamic farming, the vineyard is viewed as one ecosystem, with each part contributing to the next. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are forbidden for the sake of soil fertility. In terms of sulphites, Demeter has stricter regulations, allowing less than 70ppm for reds and 90ppm for dry white and rose wines.
Natural Wine
The practice of making natural wine is in essence the most genuine and natural, with NO additions. However, it is the only one of the three types that is not currently regulated. In theory, natural wines are more alive, less manipulated; in practice, die-hard adherence to the philosophy sometimes wins out over actual appeal. Some natural wines are delicious and some are just flat-out weird. Sulphites are a natural by-product of fermentation, so there will almost always be trace amounts of naturally-occurring sulphites in wine, even those with no additives.