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A deeper dive into holistic health and wellness, looking at some of our incredible products and how they can benefit you and your loved ones.

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Hemp: Nature's Most Complete Seed

Sep 7, 2026 Reuben Wood

Hemp is one of the most misunderstood, versatile and historically significant plants on the planet. From ancient Chinese pharmacopoeias to George Washington's farm, it has been a cornerstone of human civilisation for thousands of years. This guide covers everything you need to know about hemp; its history, its nutritional profile, the difference between hemp and cannabis, and the full Raw Living hemp range. 🌿 Hemp: One of Nature's Most Versatile Plants Hemp is one of the most interesting, diversely used plants that humans cultivate. It has a long, rich history of use. It's one of the only plant sources to have both omega-3 and omega-6 in their ideal ratio, and is rich in protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals. All parts of the plant are used, from the seed, to flower, to leaf. Hemp is naturally pest-resistant, so it's grown without the need for pesticides or herbicides, making it one of the most eco-friendly crops on the planet. In 2024, a modern eight-house development was built in Wales using hempcrete made from locally-grown hemp. It can be used to make practically anything: delicious plant-based milks, comfortable clothes, even houses! 📜 A Brief History of Hemp Hemp is one of humanity's oldest agricultural crops, predating wheat in some regions. Its first archaeological records come from China, where it has had a highly varied history of uses. The oldest artifacts found are textiles, where it was used to make everything from clothes to sails for ships. The first recorded use of paper also comes from China, and hemp was used to make it. Shennong, the father of TCM, described hemp's medicinal properties nearly 5,000 years ago. It was classified as one of his 120 upper "noble" herbs, primarily valued for its yin-nourishing properties. He even spoke on the flower's psychoactive properties, noting that after extensive consumption one could "see demons and walk like a lunatic." There are many stories and uses that can be shared about hemp, but perhaps most pertinent is its more modern history. Many of the founding fathers of the US were known to farm the crop - George Washington being the most famous amongst them. The early drafts of the Declaration of Independence were even written on hemp paper. Washington predicted the product would become more profitable than tobacco, and primarily used it to make rope and canvas for his fishing operations. In the US in the 1930s however, as prohibition rolled in, people began to form a heavy association between the agricultural crop hemp and its psychoactive form cannabis. There was a complex arrangement of political reasons behind this push - not least the profits of the logging and paper industry. Hemp got swept up and categorised the same as cannabis, even when cultivated without THC and any of its psychoactive properties. The UK followed suit, classifying it as an illegal substance for over 20 years before allowing it back into production in 1993. 🌱 Hemp's Nutritional Profile Hemp seeds are one of the most nutritionally complete plant foods available. They contain around 25% protein by weight, one of the highest of any plant source, and provide all nine essential amino acids, making them a rare complete plant protein. Around 30% of their content is healthy fats, with an exceptionally well-balanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 - approximately 3:1, considered close to optimal. They are also a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron and zinc, as well as B vitamins including B1, B2 and B6. Their fibre content, both soluble and insoluble, comes primarily from the outer shell of the seed. Shelled hemp seeds contain less fibre but are higher in protein and fat, making them the more nutritionally dense option gram for gram. 🌿 The Difference Between Hemp and Cannabis They are both the same plant, simply with different cultivation purposes. The Latin name of the plant is Cannabis sativa L., and the difference lies entirely in the THC content. Hemp is grown for fibre, seeds and food and must legally contain less than 0.2% THC. They have been cultivated in such a way for thousands of years - the hemp plant's focus being on its nutritional quality or fibre durability. When cannabis is grown for recreational or medicinal purposes, the focus is instead on the quality of the flower - the most psychoactively potent part of the plant. 🥄 How to Use Hemp As you can probably guess, there are a lot of great ways to consume hemp. It varies from product to product, but here's a quick guide based on what we have available: Hemp oil is probably the easiest way of incorporating the seed into your diet - you can drizzle it on soups or salads or even take it directly from the spoon. It's not suitable for cooking with however, as its low smoke point means heat will degrade its delicate polyunsaturated fats. Shelled hemp seeds have a mild, nutty flavour — you can sprinkle them on anything you can think of or use them for a whole range of delicious recipes. A really simple starting place is plant-based milks and creams: blending just two tablespoons of seeds with half a litre of water gives you your own homemade milk in seconds! They also make a great pesto or cheese base. Hemp protein powder is a great alternative to soya and has a nicer flavour too. You can sprinkle it over things, use it in baking, desserts, smoothies - basically anything you want to slip some extra protein into. Nut butter is arguably the most delicious form of consumption - spread it on bread and crackers or use it to make a salad dressing! 🛒 Our Hemp Collection Our Raw Living Hemp Seeds are organic and of premium quality, grown sustainably in Lithuania and Estonia. Many hemp products are treated at high heat and taste bitter as a result; ours however are always handled at low temperatures, ensuring a great taste and preserved nutritional profile. A versatile staple in every vegan pantry. Our Hemp Protein Powder is again organic, made from seeds grown in Europe and produced using cold-pressed techniques. It's a great eco-friendly and more natural alternative to soya when it comes to plant protein. Super Salad Sprinkle is one of Kate's delicious creations - a nutrient and flavour-packed seasoning combining a base of hemp seeds with Chinese mushrooms, sea vegetables, wild algaes, garlic and pink salt. It promises a deep umami flavour that you can sprinkle over anything you fancy, not just salads! Our Out of the Woods and Greener Grass powder blends are both made from a hemp protein base and are green and vibrant in colour. Packed with protein and essential minerals, they were created to provide a nutrient-dense formula at an accessible price. Sun & Seed have two delicious options, with their hemp seeds again being organic and grown in Europe. Their oil is premium-quality, cold-pressed and available here. Their seed butter is made by grinding the seeds through a traditional stone mill, you can find it here. PurO3 uses a revolutionary new ozone technology called microfluidic platform technology, fed with an ultra pure oxygen source. What makes this method special is the pure form of ozone produced without any heat, allowing PurO3 to provide the highest quality ozonated oil products on the market. The oil is designed to be used as a skincare product, but it's good enough to eat too! You can find their hemp seed oil available pure or in capsules. Dr Bronner's is an independent family-owned business over 150 years old. Their products are all certified fair-trade and organic, using 100% recycled plastic for their packaging. We have four different body soaps available here, all enhanced with hemp seed oil to help nourish your skin. Last but not least is the Organic Hemp Face Cloth by Living Libations. It has a flat-weave design which makes it great for oil-cleansing, with a super soft fleece-like texture that works well even with sensitive skin. A great pairing for Dr Bronner's soap or PurO3 oil! FAQs: Q: Is hemp the same as cannabis? A: Yes and no - they are the same plant species, Cannabis sativa L., but cultivated for entirely different purposes. Hemp is grown for its seeds, fibre and nutritional value, and must legally contain less than 0.2% THC in the UK. Cannabis grown for recreational or medicinal use is cultivated to maximise THC content in the flower. The two have been legally conflated for most of the 20th century despite being grown for completely different purposes for thousands of years before that. Q: Is hemp environmentally friendly? A: Remarkably so. Hemp is naturally pest-resistant, meaning it requires no pesticides or herbicides to grow. It grows quickly, requires relatively little water compared to other crops, and every part of the plant is usable - from the seed to the fibre to the flower. It has historically been used to make everything from textiles and rope to paper and food, making it one of the least wasteful crops on the planet. Q: What is the difference between hemp seeds, hemp oil and hemp protein? A: All three come from the same plant but offer slightly different nutritional profiles. Hemp seeds are the most versatile - eaten whole or shelled, they provide a balance of protein, healthy fats, fibre and minerals. Hemp oil is cold-pressed from the seeds and is particularly rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in their ideal ratio - best used raw as a drizzle rather than for cooking. Hemp protein powder is made from the seed after the oil has been pressed out, leaving a high-protein flour ideal for adding to smoothies, baking and recipes. Q: Is hemp a complete protein? A: Yes - hemp is one of a small number of plant foods that provides all nine essential amino acids, making it a rare complete plant protein. It contains around 25% protein by weight, making it one of the highest protein plant sources available. It's particularly notable for its high levels of the amino acid arginine. Q: Can I cook with hemp oil? A: Hemp oil is best kept raw. It has a low smoke point, meaning heat degrades its delicate polyunsaturated fats - particularly its omega-3 content. It's best used as a finishing oil: drizzled over salads, soups or stirred into dishes after cooking. Stored in a cool, dark place and used raw, it retains its full nutritional profile. Hemp has been one of humanity's most useful plants for thousands of years - and Raw Living's range makes it one of the easiest to incorporate into your daily life. [Shop the Raw Living Hemp Range →]

Raw Living's Activated Nuts & Seeds: Everything You Need to Know

Aug 7, 2026 Reuben Wood

Raw Living has one of the most extensive activated nut and seed ranges available. This guide covers what activation actually is, where the practice comes from, and everything in our activated line. 🌰 What Does Activated Actually Mean? To put it simply, the process of activation means to soak and then dehydrate something at a low temperature. It is a process that can be applied to nuts, seeds and grains and has been practised in different forms globally for thousands of years. 📜 A Brief History of Nut and Grain Activation Traditions of soaking, sprouting and fermenting can be found in nearly all pre-industrialised peoples. It wasn't a niche practice, but a norm before industrial food processing took over. Both Ayurvedic and Persian traditional medicines have records of recommending soaking nuts to aid digestion, and descriptions of digestive problems resulting from eating unprocessed nuts. The most documented examples of activation processes that match our modern approach lie with the Aztecs, who used a soak-then-dry practice to get the most out of their nuts and seeds. They would soak things in salt water and then later sun-dry them. ✨ The Benefits of Activation Nuts, seeds and grains carry natural defences against digestion — the aim is to survive the digestive system intact so they can sprout and grow into new plants once they've passed through the body. This natural protection means the nut or seed is not in its most nutritionally accessible state when eaten raw and unprepared. Soaking starts the sprouting process and thereby the breakdown of the tough outer shells whole foods can carry. It also reduces the phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors that occur naturally in raw nuts and seeds. Phytic acid is known to bind to minerals in the digestive tract, which can stop your body from absorbing them. The main purpose of dehydration is to remove the moisture and restore shelf-stability. Keeping the temperatures below the threshold at which living enzymes are destroyed preserves the full nutritional integrity of the raw nut, whilst allowing it to stay nice and fresh for much longer. Many people find activated nuts a gentler option - though of course this does not apply to those with nut allergies. 🌿 Our Raw Living Activated Line All Raw Living's activated products are soaked in fresh spring water. Tap water in the UK contains chlorine and fluoride specifically added to kill off microorganisms. These chemicals may affect the natural enzymatic activity we're trying to preserve through the activation process — so if you're planning to replicate the process yourself, we'd always recommend using filtered water for the best results. All of the products in this line are of course raw and organic too! 🌰 Nuts Walnuts are generally agreed to be one of the nuts which benefit most from the activation process! They are covered in a thick layer of tannins which are removed during the soaking process. Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids (ALA), antioxidants, vitamin B6, folate, and plant-based protein and fibre. You can enjoy them here both plain or salted. Almonds are another which benefit well from soaking, due to the tannins in their skins. They're a great source of vitamin E, magnesium, and monounsaturated fats. They also contain plant-based protein, fibre and essential minerals such as manganese and copper. Our plain activated almonds have a lovely crunchy texture and slightly salty flavour - you can also find them flavoured with turmeric here. Our activated Brazil nuts come straight from the Amazon jungle! They're a famously good source of selenium, are of course rich in protein and healthy fats, and also contain vitamin E and a natural mineral content. As with the walnuts, they come either plain or salted. Sharing a similar composition to walnuts, pecans definitely suit a good soaking! They're a great source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, plant-based protein, natural antioxidants, and essential minerals such as manganese, copper and zinc. You can find them activated and ready to go here. 🌻 Seeds First on the list with seeds are pumpkin - they were a staple of the Aztecs who were documented activating theirs many centuries ago! They're a good source of essential minerals including magnesium, zinc and iron, healthy fats including omega-6 and monounsaturated fats, and natural antioxidants such as vitamin E and carotenoids. We use only the best quality, grown in Europe - you can find them here. Sunflower seeds contain a polyphenol unique to them called chlorogenic acid, which acts much the same as phytic acid, and are arguably better served by the activation process than many others on this list. They also share many of the same benefits as the rest of the products on this list, including protein, essential minerals, vitamin E and healthy fats - you can find them here. We've been making Sunseeds for around twenty years, making it one of the original Raw Living products! They're made from a base of soaked sunflower and pumpkin seeds, which are then marinated with tamari and spices and dehydrated. They come in two flavours: spirulina and shiitake. The Spirulina are enhanced with garlic, cayenne and baobab, whilst the Best Taste Bronze Award-winning Shiitake are seasoned with smoked paprika, chipotle and balsamic. 🥣 Snacking Our mixed activated nuts are also Great Taste Award-winning - a tasty blend of almonds, brazils, pecans and walnuts, soaked and dehydrated in the traditional way. They come with a sprinkle of Celtic sea salt and have a delicious crunch from the dehydration process. They come both plain or salted. Hi-Trail was the first product we ever made, all the way back in 2005! It combines activated seeds with Goji, Schizandra, Cinnamon, Cacao Nibs and Mulberries. It's a balanced and satisfying mix, perfect for a quick snack that both nourishes and satisfies. You can grab yourself a bag here. Go Nuts are our line of super-tasty activated nuts, they come in seven different flavours ranging from savoury to sweet. My personal favourite is another Great Taste Award-winning product, the melt-in-your-mouth Maple Mesquite Walnuts. You can shop the full range of flavours here. Our latest activated product to join the collection are the delicious Super Bites. Kate's been working on these for a while, made from just seeds, fruit and superfoods. They're super healthy, taste good and great for any occasion: breakfast, dessert, on the road, or tucked into lunchboxes. FAQs: Q: How long should you soak nuts and seeds? A: It depends on the nut or seed. As a general rule, harder nuts and seeds with higher phytic acid content require a longer soak. Almonds and sunflower seeds typically need at least 8 hours, while oilier nuts like pecans and walnuts require less, usually around 4-6 hours. Cashews and macadamias are the shortest soak foods, needing only 2-4 hours. Soaking for too long can begin to break down the beneficial oils in some nuts, so it's worth following specific guidelines for each. Q: Why spring water and not tap water? A: Tap water in the UK contains chlorine and fluoride, added specifically to kill microorganisms. These compounds may interfere with the natural enzymatic activity that the soaking process is designed to preserve. Spring water is free from both and has a naturally balanced mineral content, making it the cleanest medium for the process. If spring water isn't available, filtered water is a good alternative. Q: Can I activate nuts and seeds at home? A: Absolutely, the process is straightforward. Soak your chosen nuts or seeds in spring or filtered salted water for the appropriate amount of time, then drain, rinse and dry at a low temperature - ideally below 42°C to preserve living enzymes. A dehydrator is the most reliable way to achieve this, though an oven on its lowest setting can work. The main thing to ensure is that the nuts or seeds are completely dry before storing, to prevent mould. Q: What is phytic acid and why does it matter? A: Phytic acid is a naturally occurring compound found in nuts, seeds and grains and part of the plant's natural defence system, designed to protect the seed until conditions for germination are right. It binds to minerals including iron, zinc, calcium and magnesium in the digestive tract, which can reduce their availability. Soaking in salted water begins the germination process, reducing phytic acid content and switching off the enzyme inhibitors that keep the seed dormant. Every product in Raw Living's activated range has been soaked in fresh spring water and dehydrated at low temperatures - the traditional way, done properly. [Shop the Activated Range at Raw Living →]

Natural Man Collection: The Best Raw Living Products For Men

Jun 26, 2026 Reuben Wood

Raw Living's guide to natural men's health - from nutrition and tonic herbs to fitness and grooming The modern world is tiring, and it can be hard to keep up. It's more important now than ever to be supporting our bodies as best we can, and thankfully, there are many things we can be doing to achieve this. Men's health sometimes has a tendency to go overlooked, but there are lots of simple, natural solutions for supporting the body to look and feel strong, energised and nourished. Raw Living's Natural Man Collection hosts a whole range of products aimed at improving men's health and grooming naturally - spanning nutrition, tonic herbs, fitness support and grooming. 🥦 Nutrition: The Foundation of Men's Health Supporting your body with the right vitamins and minerals is a great place to start when it comes to energy. Sometimes chronic fatigue can be traced back to the nutrients a busy lifestyle depletes - key minerals like magnesium and zinc are among the most common. Both contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Microbz for Men - Fermented Mineral Support Live Liquid is a fermented living culture formulated specifically to support men's health. It contains 24 herbs and minerals, including magnesium and zinc - two minerals men are most commonly low in. What sets it apart is its fermentation process: brewed to a 3.2pH, it's designed to survive stomach acid and deliver its nutrients directly to the gut, where they're needed most. The fermentation also actively supports gut health, which plays a central role in how well the body absorbs everything else you give it. You can find it here. Selenium & Brazil Nuts - The Overlooked Men's Mineral 🌰 Selenium is an often-overlooked mineral in the context of men's health. It's an essential element in the production of testosterone, and contributes to normal sperm production. The scientific research is still developing, but some studies have shown that higher selenium intake is associated with better testosterone levels, particularly in men with deficiencies. Selenium is also a strong antioxidant, helping to keep oxidative stress in check — more on that in the adaptogens section below. The richest plant-based source of selenium is brazil nuts. Research has shown that eating just 2 brazil nuts a day is as effective at raising selenium levels as taking a 100mcg supplement. You can find them here raw, organic and activated - a soaking and slow-drying process that reduces antinutrients like phytic acid, making the minerals even more bioavailable. Multivitamins - An Easy Daily Foundation Not specifically part of the Natural Man Collection but worth a mention: multivitamins are an easy way of topping up essential nutrients. BetterYou do a great spray format including vitamins A, B, C, D, K and selenium - particularly useful for men on plant-based diets, where certain nutrients can be harder to obtain from food alone. 🌿 Adaptogens & Tonic Herbs: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Relevance Adaptogens and tonic herbs often have a broad range of essential vitamins and minerals, but what makes them unique is how they interact with the body's stress response. Adaptogens work by influencing the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis - the body's central system for managing stress hormones like cortisol. Rather than simply raising or lowering cortisol, adaptogens help normalise it, supporting the body's ability to maintain balance under pressure. In short: they help your body handle more, without burning out. ⚡ Most of the products below also contain the three minerals men are most commonly low in - iron, zinc and magnesium - making them valuable for both their adaptogenic properties and their nutritional content. 🌱 Ginseng and Brazilian Ginseng (Suma) One of the earliest recorded uses of ginseng dates back over 2,000 years, when Emperor Shen-Nung prescribed it specifically to men to enhance their performance in agriculture and battle. Its Latin name, Panax, derives from the Greek for "panacea" — an indication of just how broadly revered it was. Ginseng is rich in B vitamins, vitamin C and vitamin E, as well as zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. Suma is often referred to as Brazilian Ginseng — though not because they are actually related, but because of their general similarities. Indigenous peoples of the Amazon have used suma root for generations for a wide variety of health purposes, including as a general tonic, an energy and rejuvenating tonic, a sexual tonic, and a general cure-all for many types of illness. Suma root is rich in vitamins and minerals including iron, magnesium, zinc, certain B vitamins, vitamins A, E and K. It also contains pfaffic acid and pfaffosides, as well as ecdysteroids - which are of particular interest in the fitness world as plant-based compounds that support protein synthesis. 🐴 Ashwagandha Traditionally considered a warrior's herb, ashwagandha's name derives from the Sanskrit "strength of a horse" - referring both to the herb's distinctive scent and the vitality it symbolises. For thousands of years it was used as a rasayana in Ayurvedic medicine - a class of tonics prescribed for rejuvenation and resilience. Its active compounds are called withanolides, a class of steroidal lactones responsible for its adaptogenic properties. Interestingly, withanolides are structurally similar to ginsenosides - the active compounds in ginseng - which is why ashwagandha is often referred to as "Indian ginseng". Nutritionally it's rich in iron, zinc, vitamins C and D, and flavonoids. 🐐 Epimedium Epimedium was said to be discovered by a goat farmer in ancient China who noticed heightened activity in his flock after they grazed on the plant. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it's known as Yin Yang Huo, and was traditionally prescribed for vitality, low energy, weak joints and the strengthening of sexual function. It was listed by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences as one of an elite group of herbs associated with longevity. Its key active compound is icariin, a potent flavonoid with vasodilatory and antioxidant properties. ⛰️ Shilajit Shilajit isn't actually a plant, but a mineral-rich resin formed over centuries. The Himalayas have compressed layers of ancient plant matter between rock, and what seeps out is a complex substance loaded with fulvic acid, humic acid and over 80 trace minerals, including iron, zinc and magnesium. Its Sanskrit name says it all: "conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness". In Ayurvedic medicine, shilajit was classified as a rasayana and described in the Charaka Samhita - one of Ayurveda's oldest texts - as the king of natural remedies. What makes it particularly useful alongside other supplements is the role of fulvic acid: it supports the body's absorption of other nutrients, potentially making everything else you take more effective. 🌵 Cistanche Perhaps the most obscure herb in this collection. It's said that Genghis Khan consumed cistanche daily, claimed as one of the reasons behind his heightened drive and desire for power. It is included in large doses in many TCM formulas that look to improve men's health. Cistanche is a holoparasitic plant, meaning it lacks chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesise at all. It obtains all of its nutrients and water by attaching to the roots of the black saxaul tree in the deserts of China and Mongolia. Since it draws water, nutrients and organic compounds directly from its host tree's vascular system, whatever minerals the saxaul tree absorbs from the desert soil effectively end up concentrated in cistanche's fleshy stems - including vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, copper and zinc. 🌀 Amorata by SuperTonic Herbs - A Rounded Blend For those who want something more comprehensive, Amorata by SuperTonic Herbs is an excellent option. It brings together Cistanche, Epimedium, Morinda, Ho Shou Wu, Rehmannia, Schizandra, Bamboo, Lohan Guo and ORMUS - a blend drawing on centuries of Traditional Chinese tonic herbalism. Each of these herbs has been used traditionally to support vitality, stamina and overall drive, making Amorata a strong all-round choice for men looking to cover multiple bases with a single product. 💪 Fitness: Supporting an Active Lifestyle An active lifestyle can, perhaps counterintuitively, do wonders for energy levels. Exercise improves circulation, supports hormonal balance and helps the body manage stress more effectively. But supporting that activity with the right nutrition matters - both for performance and recovery. The two classics are protein and creatine. Both are highly accessible products - but in the mainstream market they're often stuffed with fillers, artificial sweeteners and synthetic additives. The products we offer at Raw Living are, of course, natural and free from artificials. Protein - Sunwarrior Organic Sunwarrior's organic protein powder is formulated from fermented pea protein, hemp and goji berries, supported with MCTs and available in vanilla or chocolate. Fermentation improves digestibility and bioavailability - meaning the protein is easier for the body to actually use. For those looking beyond dedicated protein powders, Bee Pollen and Spirulina are also excellent plant-based protein sources available in the Raw Living range. Creatine - Quality Matters Creatine supports the body's ability to regenerate ATP - the fuel used during high-intensity exercise - which in turn supports strength, power and recovery. It's one of the most well-researched supplements available, with over 1,000 studies supporting its safety and effectiveness. What's less talked about is the variation in quality across products. Creatine monohydrate is the gold standard form - the most studied and most bioavailable. Many cheaper products use diluted or alternative forms, such as creatine ethyl ester, which research has shown to be less effective at raising muscle creatine levels. Creatine Complete by Now Alchemy contains a synthesis of all seven forms of creatine, while True Creatine by Ancient + Brave is enhanced with vitamin D, magnesium and taurine - easy to stir into a smoothie or morning oats. 🪒 Look Good, Feel Good: Men's Grooming Naturally The most commonly overlooked area of men's health is typically external. Grooming products have historically been underserved for men - most of the natural skincare market has been formulated and targeted almost exclusively at women. The Natural Man Collection puts that right, highlighting several of Raw Living's natural grooming and skincare products suited specifically to men's needs. Living Libations - Skincare Worth Using 🌿 Living Libations offer several products well-suited to men's skincare. Their Best Skin Ever line comes in a few different scents - highlighted here is the Sandalwood Elixir, with a classically masculine scent made from organic essential oils. It's versatile enough to use all over the body, anywhere that needs nourishment. Skincredible is another sandalwood-scented option - a multipurpose product that works as everything from aftershave to scar treatment. When it comes to shaving, Living Libations has you covered. Good natural shave products are genuinely hard to find - most are built on a dehydrating alcohol base. Zen Shave is a luxurious shaving lotion made from organic jojoba and coconut oil, with rare ingredients for a clean, smooth shave. For after, Maverick Face Cream - infused with sandalwood and frankincense - is an excellent moisturiser with a deep, distinctive scent. Living Libations also has a whole range of colognes, and even a naturally formulated lubricant with a jojoba base - filled with a range of botanical scents, for those interested. There's even Raw Living merch you can throw on once you've finished making yourself look and smell good. All the hoodies and T-shirts are made from high-quality, organic and recycled cotton. 👕 ❓ Frequently Asked Questions Q: What's the difference between ginseng and ashwagandha? A: Both are adaptogens with a long history of traditional use, but they come from opposite sides of the world. Ginseng originates from East Asia and has been used in TCM for over 2,000 years, while ashwagandha is rooted in Ayurvedic medicine from India. Their active compounds - ginsenosides and withanolides respectively - are actually structurally similar, which is why ashwagandha is often called Indian ginseng. Both contain iron, zinc and magnesium, making them nutritionally complementary as well. Q: How much selenium do men need daily? A; The recommended daily intake of selenium for adult men in the UK is 75mcg. The richest natural source is brazil nuts - research has shown that just 2 a day is as effective at raising selenium levels as taking a 100mcg supplement. It's worth noting that selenium can be harmful in excess, so more is not better. A couple of brazil nuts a day, or a quality multivitamin containing selenium, is plenty for most men. Q: Is creatine safe to take every day? A: Yes - creatine monohydrate is one of the most extensively studied supplements available, with over 1,000 studies supporting its long-term safety. A standard daily dose of 3–5g is considered safe for healthy adults with no known adverse effects from regular use. As with any supplement, quality matters - opt for a clean product free from fillers and artificial additives. Q: What's the best natural supplement for men's energy? A: There's no single answer, as energy is influenced by many factors - nutrition, sleep, stress and movement all play a role. That said, magnesium and zinc are a sensible starting point, as both contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism and are among the minerals men are most commonly low in. Adaptogenic herbs like ginseng and ashwagandha have also been used traditionally for vitality and resilience for thousands of years. Q: Do I need all of these, or where should I start? A: Start with the basics: nutrition first, then build from there. If your diet has gaps, a good mineral supplement like Live Liquid or a quality multivitamin is the foundation. From there, a single adaptogen - ginseng or ashwagandha are good entry points - is a simple addition to a daily routine. The tonic herbs, creatine and protein powders are worth exploring once the fundamentals are in place. There's no need to take everything at once. Every product featured in this article is part of Raw Living's Natural Man Collection - all natural, all carefully chosen, and all in one place. [Shop the Natural Man Collection →]

From Beans to Butter: Your Complete Guide to Raw Cacao

Jun 1, 2026 Kate Magic

Raw cacao is one of nature's most extraordinary superfoods — rich in antioxidants, magnesium, and mood-boosting compounds. At Raw Living, we stock a full range of organic, minimally processed raw cacao products sourced directly from small Peruvian farming cooperatives, including cacao nibs, cacao powder, cacao butter, cacao paste, and ceremonial grade cacao. Whether you're making your own raw chocolate at home or looking for the easiest way to add cacao to your daily routine, this guide covers everything you need to know. 🌍 At Raw Living, Cacao is a Way of Life At Raw Living, cacao isn't just a product — it's a passion. We've been consuming it almost daily for over twenty years, and our love for it shows no signs of slowing down. We were first introduced to raw cacao beans by David Wolfe back in 2004, and since then we've spent two decades buying, selling, eating, making, researching, and just generally celebrating everything cacao. In 2024, Kate travelled to Peru to meet the farmers behind our beans — a truly remarkable experience you can read about here and in her ebook, Adventures in Peru. 🌎 Where Does Cacao Come From? Cacao only grows within a narrow tropical band known as the "cacao belt" — roughly 20 degrees either side of the equator, where the hot, humid conditions the cacao plant loves are found year-round. Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Bali and Hawaii all sit within this belt, as does much of Southeast Asia. Cacao was first introduced to Africa via the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe in the late 1800s, and today West Africa grows around 70% of the world's cacao — with Ivory Coast and Ghana alone accounting for the majority of that. It's important to understand the history behind this shift. Slavery in cacao production began in South America and the Caribbean, where European colonisers used enslaved African labour to work their plantations. As slavery was abolished across Latin America in the 19th century, production was deliberately moved to Africa, where forced labour was still available. That colonial legacy of exploitation hasn't entirely disappeared — child labour and modern slavery remain serious issues in West African cacao supply chains today. If you want to enjoy cacao that is rooted in a cleaner, fairer history, sourcing from South America — where cacao originated — is the most meaningful choice you can make. ✨ Why Our Cacao is Different At Raw Living, we work closely with a small cooperative of Peruvian farmers who produce certified organic cacao using minimal temperature processing — and it's worth emphasising just how rare this is. Even within South America, the majority of cacao is not organic; gaining certification in these remote, rural regions is a lengthy and expensive process that most small farmers simply can't access. And while Peru and Ecuador produce some of the finest cacao in the world, the vast majority of it is still heat-treated during processing, because higher temperatures make the whole operation faster, cheaper, and easier to scale. What we offer is something genuinely different — truly raw, organic cacao that has been handled with care at every stage, preserving the full spectrum of nutrients, enzymes, and flavour that makes it so special. 🍦 The Different Types of Raw Cacao Product 🌰 Cacao Beans: The Beginning of Everything Think of the cacao bean as the seed of a fruit. Cacao pods are filled with a white, creamy pulp surrounding many seeds — it's these seeds that eventually become everything we know and love about chocolate. Once harvested, the beans are typically fermented in the sun and then roasted, and are sold either with or without their skins. We used to stock cacao beans at Raw Living but found they weren't as popular as our other products — however if you do come across them elsewhere, they make a wonderful snack eaten with a drizzle of honey or yacon syrup! 🍫 Cacao Nibs UK: The Snackable Superfood Cacao nibs are simply the cacao bean broken down into smaller pieces — think of them like chopped almonds. They're one of the most versatile raw cacao products you can have in your kitchen, and once you start adding them to things, you'll wonder how you ever managed without them. Sprinkle them over a smoothie bowl or granola, toss them into a trail mix, or grind them up to make your own raw chocolate at home. But don't stop there — cacao nibs work beautifully in savoury cooking too. Try scattering them over a salad, or adding them to dishes with tomato and chilli. Think mole — that rich, complex Mexican sauce where cacao and chilli were always meant to be together. 🌶️ 🍫 Cacao Paste, Cacao Liquor & Ceremonial Cacao: The Chocolate Maker's Essential Cacao paste and cacao liquor are simply two names for the same product — the whole cacao bean ground down into a paste. It's dense, rich, and intensely chocolatey, and is best used for making your own raw chocolate creations at home. It's also worth addressing ceremonial grade cacao here, as this term has become increasingly popular — and increasingly misused. Ceremonial grade has become a widely used label for raw cacao paste, but the truth is that most products sold under this name are no different from a good quality raw cacao paste. True ceremonial grade cacao has been blessed by indigenous priests in the region where it is grown — typically Ecuador or Peru — as part of a long spiritual tradition. We do stock some truly ceremonial grade cacao here at Raw Living, and if that lineage and intention matters to you, it's worth seeking out. But if you're simply looking for a paste to use in your own at-home cacao ceremony, our raw cacao liquor will serve you beautifully. We also offer our Ceremonial Bar, which has been blended with spices to make your own cacao ritual even easier to prepare. 🫓 From Paste to Powder & Butter To get to the next stage, the cacao paste is separated into two products — cacao butter and cacao powder. Put the two back together and you essentially have the whole bean again. The cacao butter is the fat with the solids removed; the cacao powder is the solids with the fat removed. 🪴 Raw Cacao Butter: The Purest Cacao Fat Cacao butter is a wonderful option for anyone who has a sensitivity to cacao, as none of the stimulating substances remain in the fat. It's also a joy to use in the kitchen — perfect for making your own fudges, sweets, and cakes. You'll find plenty of inspiration in Kate's books Raw Magic and The Magic Kitchen. And it's not just for eating — try rubbing it directly onto your skin, or drop a chunk into a warm bath for the most aromatic cacao soak! 🛁 ☕ Organic Cacao Powder: The Everyday Essential Cacao powder is currently the most popular form of cacao, and the easiest to use — simply spoon it into hot or cold drinks and desserts for an intense chocolatey hit. It's worth being honest about something here, though. To our knowledge, there is currently no such thing as truly raw cacao powder on the market. When a product is labelled raw, it simply means it has been made from unroasted beans — but that doesn't mean it has been processed at low temperatures. Part of the issue comes down to EU regulations on cadmium. Peruvian soil is naturally high in cadmium due to its volcanic nature, and when cacao is concentrated into powder, the cadmium level in the solids rises significantly — often above the EU legal limit of 0.60 mg/kg. This means that the small-scale Peruvian producers who were once making traditionally processed cacao powder are no longer able to sell their product in Europe. 🍫 Just Here for the Chocolate? We've Got You Covered! If all of this feels like more than you bargained for and you just want to dive straight into something delicious, we've got you covered there too. We make six amazing raw chocolate bars, and our newest addition is our Magic Buttons — raw chocolate buttons that are as snackable as they sound. We also offer Tonic Power, Hi-Trail, and Magic Mix. And if you'd like to try making your own raw chocolate at home, Kate has put together a step-by-step video guide. As well as our own Raw Living range, we also stock brands we believe in, including Paccari and Anima Mundi Herbals. 🏆 Independently Rated: One of the UK's most ethical chocolate brands We're proud to share that Raw Living has been independently rated by the Good Shopping Guide in their 2026 Ethical Chocolate Comparison. We came 3rd in the UK, scoring 92 out of 100 against an industry benchmark of 70. View the Ethical Chocolate Shopping Guide here. ❓ Your Cacao Questions Answered Q: What's the difference between cacao and cocoa?Cacao is minimally processed and retains more nutrients. Cocoa is roasted and often alkalised, which reduces nutritional value. Q: Cacao Paste vs Cacao Liquor — what's the difference?They are exactly the same thing — just two names for the same product. Q: Which cacao product is best for making raw chocolate?Cacao paste or liquor forms the base, combined with cacao butter and a sweetener. Q: Are cacao nibs the same as chocolate chips?No — cacao nibs are pure crushed cacao beans with no additives. Q: Is cacao butter safe for sensitive people?Yes — it contains none of the stimulating compounds found in cacao solids. Q: What does organic cacao mean?It means grown without synthetic chemicals and often reflects small-scale farming practices. 🍫 Explore More Ready to explore? Browse our complete cacao collection and find your perfect match 🍫

What Is Klamath Lake Algae? An Excerpt from "Primordial Food" by Christian Drapeau, MSc.

May 12, 2026 Kate Magic

Some superfoods come and go, but AFA algae has stood the test of time — consumed by ancient civilisations, studied by modern scientists, and loved by natural health enthusiasts around the world. At Raw Living, we have been working with Klamath Lake AFA personally for nearly four decades, and it remains one of the foods we feel most passionate about sharing. Whether you are new to AFA or a long-time fan, this page is your complete guide to understanding why this remarkable microalgae deserves a place in your daily routine.

Lucuma - The Superfood Sweetener That's A Staple in Raw Vegan Cuisine

May 1, 2026 Kate Magic

Lucuma powder has been a staple in the Raw Living kitchen since 2007, when we first discovered the extraordinary world of Peruvian superfoods. Native to the high Andean valleys of Peru, this golden fruit has been treasured for over 2,000 years — and once you taste it, it's easy to understand why. With its uniquely warm, caramel-toffee sweetness, remarkable nutritional profile, and extraordinary versatility in the kitchen, lucuma powder is one of those ingredients that quietly becomes indispensable. Whether you're a seasoned raw food lover or just beginning to explore natural alternatives to refined sugar, this is one superfood well worth getting to know. 🌿 Lucuma powder is one of our favourite raw food ingredients, and one we've been using since 2007, when we first discovered the world of Peruvian superfoods alongside maca and cacao. Since then, it's become a permanent staple in our kitchens, and we think once you try it, it will in yours too. You might have seen lucuma described as a superfood, but we'd put it in a category of its own. What it actually is is a highly nutritious, raw, vegan, organic powdered fruit with a naturally sweet, shortbread-like flavour, which makes it an incredible gluten-free flour substitute and an absolute must-have for raw vegan cakes and desserts. 🌿 Why You'll Never See These Superfoods Whole Outside of South America One of the things that makes Peruvian superfoods so special is how deeply tied they are to their homeland; and in some cases, that connection is protected by law. Maca root is the clearest example. In 2002, the Peruvian government passed legislation banning the export of whole maca roots and seeds, classifying maca as a national heritage crop. Only processed forms (powder, extract, and flakes) can legally leave the country. Peru takes this seriously: in 2014, Chinese buyers were caught smuggling whole roots across the border in a scandal that sent maca prices soaring worldwide and triggered government seizures at the Ecuadorian border- you might remember the great maca shortage of 2015! It's a remarkable story that speaks to just how valuable these ancient crops really are. Lucuma and yacon tell a slightly different story. There's no equivalent export ban, but you'll almost never encounter either in their whole form outside of South America — and the reason is simply nature. The lucuma fruit is extraordinarily delicate and perishable, ripening rapidly and bruising easily, making it impossible to export whole over long distances. The yacon tuber, meanwhile, is composed of around 70% water and deteriorates quickly once harvested. What the rest of the world receives instead is the good stuff — lucuma powder and yacon syrup — made by carefully dehydrating or processing the fresh crop at low temperatures to lock in the nutrients. In each case, whether through law or nature, these are crops that belong to Peru. We think that's worth remembering every time you add a spoonful to your smoothie. 🌎 🍂 The Taste of Lucuma: Why Do Peruvians Love It? The lucuma fruit itself is roughly the size of an orange, with a hard green skin — not unlike an avocado from the outside — and a vivid golden-yellow flesh inside. That flesh is unusually dry and starchy for a fruit, with a texture similar to a cooked egg yolk, which is why lucuma is rarely eaten raw. Where it truly shines is in desserts. The flavour is unlike anything else — a naturally sweet, complex blend of maple syrup, toffee, caramel and sweet potato, with a warmth that makes it extraordinary in ice creams, mousses and cakes. In Peru, lucuma ice cream is the nation's favourite flavour — outselling both chocolate and vanilla. That's not a small claim in a country with access to countless tropical fruits. There are even 26 villages across Peru named after the fruit, which tells you everything about how deeply it's woven into the national identity. What we stock at Raw Living is dried lucuma powder — the whole fruit, dehydrated at low temperatures and milled to a fine powder, with nothing added or removed. It's the purest, most convenient way to bring that extraordinary lucuma flavour into your kitchen, whether you're making smoothies, raw cakes, or desserts. 🍂 🌟 Nutritional Benefits of Lucuma Powder 🫐 Rich in Antioxidants Lucuma powder is particularly rich in polyphenols and carotenoids — two of the most well-studied antioxidant groups in nutrition. These compounds help protect the body's cells against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Lucuma is especially high in xanthophylls, a subgroup of carotenoids responsible for its vivid golden colour, as well as beta-carotene, a natural precursor to vitamin A, which contributes to normal vision and normal skin health. 🌿 Natural Source of Fibre Lucuma contains both soluble and insoluble dietary fibre, which contributes to normal digestion and helps maintain healthy bowel function. Its soluble fibre also acts as a prebiotic, feeding the beneficial bacteria in your gut and supporting a healthy gut microbiome — something increasingly recognised as central to overall wellbeing. 🩸 Gentle on Blood Sugar Lucuma is widely regarded as having a low glycaemic index, meaning it provides a gentle natural sweetness without the sharp blood sugar spike associated with refined sugars. Compared to conventional sugar, lucuma brings fibre, antioxidants and micronutrients alongside its sweetness, making it a far more nutritious alternative for baking and raw desserts. ⚡ Mineral Boost Lucuma is a natural source of several key minerals including iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Iron supports energy production and is particularly valuable for those on plant-based diets. Potassium supports healthy muscle function and cardiovascular health, while calcium and phosphorus contribute to strong bones and teeth. 🛡️ Vitamin C Lucuma contains vitamin C, which contributes to the normal function of the immune system and to normal collagen formation — supporting the normal function of skin, bones and cartilage. Vitamin C also contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and helps protect cells from oxidative stress. 🧠 B Vitamins for Energy Lucuma is a source of B vitamins, which contribute to normal energy-yielding metabolism and normal psychological function — supporting mental clarity and helping you feel your best day to day. 🍰 How to Use Lucuma Powder: From Smoothies to Raw Desserts One of the things we love most about lucuma powder is how effortlessly it works across so many different recipes. Its naturally sweet, caramel-toffee flavour enhances without overpowering, and because it's a whole dried fruit, it adds genuine nutritional value wherever you use it — not just sweetness. Here are some of our favourite ways to enjoy it: Raw Vegan Cakes & Desserts Lucuma is a beautiful addition to any raw vegan dessert. It blends smoothly into cake mixes, adding a rich, biscuity sweetness that works particularly well with cashew-based fillings and chocolate layers. Try replacing a portion of your usual sweetener with lucuma powder for a more complex, rounded flavour. Try it in one of Kate's signature recipes - Zillionaire Shortbread. Pie Crusts & Base Layers Blend lucuma powder into your nut and date crust bases for a subtle caramel depth that takes raw pie crusts to another level. It pairs especially well with pecan, almond and walnut bases. Plant-Based Milks Stir a teaspoon into oat, almond or coconut milk for an instant naturally sweet, creamy drink. It dissolves easily and adds a warmth that makes it feel almost like a dessert in a glass — no sugar needed. It's a star ingredient in Anima Mundi Herbals Happiness Powder and their Collagen Booster Dirty Rose Chai. Smoothies Blend with banana, mango or berries and your favourite nut milk for a nutrient-rich smoothie with a naturally sweet, tropical depth. Lucuma works beautifully with cacao, maca and vanilla for a truly indulgent blend. Chia Pudding Mix into your chia pudding base before setting overnight for added sweetness and a gorgeous golden colour. It pairs particularly well with coconut milk and fresh mango. Elevates your chia breakfast into a true feast! Raw Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts As Peru's favourite ice cream flavour, it should come as no surprise that lucuma is a brilliant addition to homemade raw ice creams. Blend into a frozen banana base or a cashew cream for a naturally sweet, creamy frozen dessert that needs no refined sugar whatsoever. Raw Chocolate & Cacao Treats Combine lucuma powder with cacao butter, raw cacao powder and a little coconut oil for a silky raw chocolate with a hint of natural caramel. It's one of those flavour combinations that just works — the bitterness of cacao and the gentle sweetness of lucuma are a perfect match. Find it in Radek's Lion's Mane Chocolate and the Coracao Berkeley Bar Raw Fudge Stir into raw fudge recipes alongside cashew butter, coconut oil and cacao butter for a creamy, indulgent texture and a depth of flavour that refined sugar simply can't replicate. Try our Macambo Buttery Bites for an amazing South American treat! Lucuma powder's gentle sweetness and beautifully versatile flavour make it a true pantry essential for anyone who loves cooking and baking with whole, natural ingredients. As a general guide, start with one to two tablespoons per recipe and adjust to taste — a little goes a long way. 🍂 For loads more inspiration, you'll find lucuma recipes throughout Kate's Raw Magic book — the original superfood recipe book and still one of our absolute favourites. From raw cakes to smoothie bowls, it's the perfect place to start if you're new to cooking with superfoods. ❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Lucuma Powder Q: What does lucuma taste like? A: Lucuma has a uniquely complex natural sweetness — most people describe it as a blend of maple syrup, toffee, caramel and sweet potato, with a warmth and depth that's quite unlike any other fruit. It's gentle rather than sharp, which is exactly what makes it so beautiful in raw desserts and smoothies. Q: Is lucuma powder the same as the fresh fruit? A: Yes — lucuma powder is simply the whole fruit, dehydrated at low temperatures and milled to a fine powder, with nothing added or removed. You're getting the pure fruit in its most convenient form. The fresh fruit itself is almost impossible to find outside of South America, as it's too delicate and perishable to travel well over long distances. Q: Can I use lucuma powder as a sugar substitute? A: Absolutely — lucuma powder is one of our favourite natural alternatives to refined sugar in raw desserts, smoothies and baking. It brings fibre, vitamins and minerals alongside its sweetness, making it far more nourishing than empty-calorie refined sugar. As a starting guide, try one to two tablespoons per recipe and adjust to taste. Q: Is lucuma powder suitable for vegans? A: Yes — lucuma powder is 100% plant-based, naturally vegan, raw and gluten-free. It contains nothing but pure dried lucuma fruit, making it suitable for virtually every dietary preference. Q: Where does Raw Living's lucuma come from? A: Our lucuma powder is sourced from Peru, the fruit's native home and still the best place in the world to grow it. The fruit has been cultivated in the high Andean valleys for over 2,000 years and holds a special place in Peruvian culture — lucuma ice cream is the nation's most popular flavour, outselling both chocolate and vanilla. Q: How much lucuma powder should I take? A: There's no set recommended daily amount for lucuma powder as a food ingredient. Most people use one to two tablespoons per recipe — whether that's in a smoothie, a raw cake or a chia pudding. It's a whole food rather than a supplement, so enjoy it as part of a varied, balanced diet. Buy Raw Living Organic Peruvian Lucuma powder here.

Holistic Dental Care: Nadine Artemis' 8 Steps For Successful Self-Dentistry

Apr 2, 2026 Kate Magic

Discover Nadine Artemis' 8-step holistic dental care protocol for a healthier oral biome. Natural, effective self-dentistry you can do at home every day.

A Guide to Kate Magic's Books: Every Title Explained

Mar 31, 2026 Kate Magic

Discover every Kate Magic book — from raw food recipes to women's hormonal health, metaphysics and beyond. Find the right title for where you are right now.

Purple Corn Extract: Benefits, Uses and Why It's One of Our Favourite Superfoods

Mar 16, 2026 Kate Magic

Purple corn extract is one of the most potent antioxidant superfoods available, containing significantly higher levels of anthocyanins than blueberries. Sourced from Peru and used for centuries, it supports everything from reducing inflammation to stimulating the pineal gland — and it tastes remarkably good too. Purple corn extract is one of our all-time favourite products, and we've been selling it since 2006 — back when David Wolfe first introduced us to the incredible range of Peruvian superfoods alongside maca and lucuma. It was David who first asked the Peruvian farmers if they could begin producing raw cacao, and in doing so, opened the door to a whole family of extraordinary crops that would go on to define the raw food movement. We love purple corn extract for four main reasons: It has a genuinely great taste — something like Ribena, which makes it unlike most superfoods 😋 It produces a beautiful, vivid purple colour that is unmatched by any other natural food colouring 💜 It is exceptionally rich in anthocyanins — the antioxidant compounds that make it a true superfood 💪 It is third-eye opening and pineal gland stimulating — yes, we'll explain that in more detail below 👁️ 🌽 What Is Purple Corn Extract — and Why Does It Matter? Purple corn is a variety of maize grown in the Andean highlands of Peru. But what sets it apart from ordinary corn is its extraordinary concentration of anthocyanins — the pigment compounds responsible for its deep purple colour, and the reason it has been prized in South America for thousands of years. When purple corn started gaining popularity in the West, a lot of people began selling the flour — and honestly, that's a waste of money. Purple corn flour is essentially cornflour. It doesn't taste of much, won't turn your food purple, contains no more antioxidants than blueberries or red grapes, and won't do anything for your third eye. The extract is a completely different story. By isolating the anthocyanins, you get all the potency of the plant in concentrated form. Our current purple corn extract is a 30:1 extract — meaning 30kg of purple corn goes into every 1kg of extract. Previously we stocked a 7:1 extract, so this is a significant step up in quality. It is, as far as we're aware, the most pure and potent purple corn extract available anywhere in the world today. Buy Raw Living Purple Corn Extract here 💜 What Are Anthocyanins and Why Are They So Powerful? The word anthocyanin comes from the Greek — anthos meaning flower, and kyanos meaning blue. Anthocyanins are the plant pigments responsible for the purple, blue and red colours found in many fruits and vegetables, and they belong to the broader family of plant chemicals called flavonoids. They are also among the most studied antioxidant compounds in nutritional science. When there's an excess of oxygen-based free radicals in the body, it creates a state called oxidative stress. Antioxidants act as scavengers, mopping up these free radicals before they can cause damage to cells and tissues. Researchers in Texas found that the anthocyanin content of purple corn is 16.4mg per serving — compared to no more than 3.8mg in blueberries. That's more than four times the concentration, which is remarkable. Studies have shown purple corn to: Reduce inflammation Inhibit the spread of cancer cells Decrease cholesterol levels Reduce atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) Help prevent obesity and diabetes (shown in studies in Japan) Protect the retina and support vision (noted by researchers in Ohio) References: Studies cited include research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, Journal of Nutrition, and Cancer Letters — full references listed at the foot of this article. 👁️ Does Purple Corn Extract Support the Pineal Gland? This is one of the things that makes purple corn extract genuinely unlike any other superfood we stock. In our experience — and in the experience of many customers over nearly two decades — purple corn has real psychoactive properties. It awakens and stimulates the pineal gland, and for sensitive individuals, this can be quite noticeable. What that actually looks like varies from person to person. For some, it's a gentle heightening of awareness. For others, it's more pronounced. Our advice: start slowly. A quarter of a teaspoon is enough to feel something. A whole teaspoon? We'd suggest not operating heavy machinery! 😄 If the pineal gland benefits are what you're drawn to, try a full teaspoon combined with suma or mucuna pruriens for a more potent effect. Buy Raw Living Mucuna Extract here. Buy Raw Living Suma powder here. There's also an ancient Hopi prophecy that has stayed with us since we first heard it in the mid-2000s: "When purple corn comes to the West, that is the time of the Great Awakening." Having sold more purple corn extract over the past fifteen years than probably anyone else in the West, we feel quietly honoured to have played a part in that. ✨ 🍹 How to Use Purple Corn Extract Purple corn extract is incredibly versatile, and because it's a 30:1 concentrate, a little goes a long way. Here are our favourite ways to use it: Chicha Morada — the traditional Peruvian drink made with purple corn, lime juice and a touch of sweetness. You can also make a warming version with chilli. There's a recipe in our Raw Magic book. As a natural food colouring — it's perfect for mylks, smoothies and raw desserts. Purple guacamole is always a hit! 💜 Combined with cacao — as a Peruvian crop, purple corn pairs beautifully with raw cacao. It's one of the ingredients that makes our legendary Quantum Cake what it is. 🍫 Buy the Raw Magic superfoods recipe book hereBuy our Raw Living Greener Grass super greens blend containing Purple Corn ExtractGet the Legendary Quantum Cake recipe here 🌾 Why You Should Always Buy the Extract, Not the Flour It's worth returning to this point because it's one we feel strongly about. When purple corn first started gaining traction in the West, a wave of products hit the market — and most of them were flour. If you've ever bought purple corn flour and been underwhelmed, this is why. The anthocyanins — the compounds that give purple corn its colour, its antioxidant power, and its pineal gland properties — are concentrated in the extract. The flour contains almost none of these in meaningful amounts. Always buy the purple corn extract, and always use it in small doses given its potency. ❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Purple Corn Extract Q: What is purple corn extract good for? A: Purple corn extract is primarily valued for its exceptionally high anthocyanin content, which gives it powerful antioxidant properties. Studies suggest it can help reduce inflammation, support cardiovascular health, protect vision, and assist with blood sugar regulation. It is also well known for its pineal gland stimulating properties. Q: How is purple corn extract different from purple corn flour? A: Purple corn flour is essentially cornflour — it lacks meaningful concentrations of anthocyanins, has very little flavour, and won't colour your food. The extract isolates the active compounds and is vastly more potent. Our 30:1 extract means 30kg of corn goes into every 1kg of product. Q: How much purple corn extract should I take? A: Start with a quarter of a teaspoon and see how you respond, particularly if you are sensitive to the effects of different foods. A full teaspoon is a significant dose. Because of its psychoactive properties, we recommend building up slowly and not taking a large amount if you need to drive or operate machinery. Q: What does purple corn extract taste like? A: It has a pleasant, slightly sweet flavour — many people compare it to Ribena. This makes it one of the more enjoyable superfoods to incorporate into drinks and recipes, and it produces a striking deep purple colour in anything you add it to. Q: Can I use purple corn extract as a natural food colouring? A: Yes — it's one of the best natural food colourings available. It creates a vivid, stable purple colour in smoothies, mylks, raw desserts and even savoury dishes. Unlike artificial colourings, it also brings genuine nutritional benefits. Q: Where does purple corn come from? A: Purple corn is native to Peru and has been cultivated in the Andes for thousands of years. It remains a staple of Peruvian food culture, most notably in the traditional drink Chicha Morada. Our extract is sourced directly from Peruvian farmers. 🌿 🛒 Ready to Try Purple Corn Extract? If you've been curious about purple corn extract, now is a great time to try it. Our current stock is a 30:1 extract — the most potent we've ever carried — and after nine months of searching to find the right supplier, we're genuinely excited to have it back.Whether you're drawn to the antioxidant benefits, the natural colour, the Peruvian heritage, or the pineal gland properties, purple corn extract earns its place in the top ten superfoods we sell. Try it for yourself and let us know what you notice. ✨ Buy Raw Living Purple Corn Extract here References 1. Cevallos-Casals BA, Cisneros-Zevallos L. Stoichiometric and kinetic studies of phenolic antioxidants from Andean purple corn and red-fleshed sweet potato. J Agric Food Chem. 2003;51(11):3313–3319. 2. Tsuda T, Horio F, Osawa T. Cyanidin 3-O-b-D-glucoside suppresses nitric oxide production during zymosan treatment in rats. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol. 2002;48(4):305–310. 3. Hagiwara A, et al. Pronounced inhibition by a natural anthocyanin, purple corn color, of PhIP-associated colorectal carcinogenesis in male F344 rats. Cancer Lett. 2001;171:17–25. 4. Tsuda T, Horio F, Osawa T. Dietary cyanidin 3-O-D-glucoside increases ex vivo oxidation resistance of serum in rats. Lipids. 1998;33(6):583–588. 5. Tsuda T, et al. Dietary cyanidin 3-O-D-glucoside-rich purple corn color prevents obesity and ameliorates hyperglycemia in mice. J Nutr. 2003;133(7):2125–2130.

What Is the Pineal Gland? Strengthening and Supporting Your Inner Eye

Mar 3, 2026 Kate Magic

🌿 What is the Pineal Gland? Tucked right in the centre of the brain, behind the pituitary gland, sits one of the body's most fascinating and mysterious structures. About the size of a pea and shaped like a tiny pine cone — which is where it gets its name — the pineal gland is a small but mighty endocrine gland with a big job to do. Its best-known role is producing melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. When darkness falls, your pineal gland gets to work, signalling to the body that it's time to rest. It also plays a role in serotonin production, influencing mood and emotional wellbeing. But for those drawn to holistic health and spiritual practice, the pineal gland holds an even deeper significance. Known across many traditions as the "third eye" or inner eye, the pineal gland is considered the seat of inner vision — our own unique perspective on the world, our intuition, and our connection to something beyond the purely physical. Ancient cultures from the Egyptians to the Hindus revered it as a gateway to higher consciousness, and mystics have long held that through meditation and mindful living, we can awaken and strengthen this inner vision. Whether you approach the pineal gland from a scientific angle, a spiritual one, or both, one thing is clear — it deserves our attention and care. 🔬 What is Pineal Gland Calcification? As we age, the pineal gland naturally accumulates calcium deposits — a process known as calcification. Research suggests this is one of the most commonly calcified structures in the human body, and it can begin surprisingly early in life. This matters because calcification is associated with reduced melatonin production, which affects not just sleep quality but also circadian rhythm — the internal body clock that governs energy levels, mood, digestion, and much more. Some researchers have also explored links between pineal calcification and conditions such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, though this is still an active area of study. One factor that has attracted significant scientific interest is fluoride. The pineal gland sits outside the blood-brain barrier, which means it is more exposed to substances circulating in the bloodstream than most brain structures. Research has shown that the pineal gland accumulates higher concentrations of fluoride than any other organ in the body, and studies have found a correlation between fluoride accumulation and increased calcification. While scientists continue to explore the precise nature of this relationship, it is a finding that many in the holistic health community take seriously. Beyond fluoride, modern lifestyles expose us to a range of environmental chemicals — including heavy metals and pesticide residues — that many holistic health practitioners believe can affect the body's delicate systems over time. Supporting the body's natural detoxification pathways, eating clean and organic where possible, and being mindful of what we put in and on our bodies are all positive steps. ✨ Why Do We Want to Support the Pineal Gland? When our pineal gland is functioning well, the benefits ripple through every aspect of our health. Good melatonin production means better sleep, and better sleep means better everything — mood, immunity, cognitive function, energy, and resilience. For those who embrace a more holistic worldview, a well-supported pineal gland goes even further. Many spiritual traditions describe it as the bridge between the physical and energetic worlds — the place where our rational minds meet our intuition, where logic meets insight. Through practices like meditation, breathwork, and time in nature, many people report a deepening of their inner life and a greater sense of connection to their purpose. Whether you're drawn to the science of melatonin and sleep, or to the idea of awakening your inner vision, nourishing your pineal gland is a beautiful act of self-care. 🌱 How Can I Support and Decalcify the Pineal Gland? The good news is that nature has provided us with a wonderful array of pineal gland supplements and foods that may help support healthy pineal gland function and encourage the body's natural processes. Supporting your pineal gland health with the right nutrition is one of the most enjoyable parts of a holistic wellness routine. Here are some of our favourites: 💛 Turmeric — one of nature's most celebrated anti-inflammatory plants, turmeric supports overall brain health and is a staple of any holistic wellness routine. Shop Raw Living Peruvian Turmeric 🌊 Kelp Powder — a rich natural source of iodine, which is essential for healthy endocrine function. Shop Raw Living Kelp Powder 💪 MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) — an organic sulphur compound widely used to support detoxification pathways in the body. Shop Raw Living MSM 💧 Iodine — the pineal gland has a high concentration of iodine receptors, and adequate iodine is considered important for its healthy function. Buy here 🌿 Klamath Lake Algae — a nutrient-dense freshwater algae prized for its exceptionally rich micronutrient profile and neuroprotective properties. Shop Raw Living Klamath Lake Algae 💜 Purple Corn Extract — packed with anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress. Shop Raw Living Purple Corn 🍫 Cacao — raw cacao is rich in magnesium and antioxidants, and has long been associated with elevated mood and heightened states of awareness. Shop Raw Living Cacao Powder 🏔️ Shilajit — a remarkable mineral-rich resin from the Himalayas, used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to support cognitive function and vitality. Shop Raw Living Shilajit ⭐ Ormus — used by many spiritual practitioners specifically to support pineal gland activation and enhanced consciousness. Shop Raw Living Ormus Gold Alongside these wonderful foods and supplements, a few lifestyle habits can make a meaningful difference: filtering your drinking water, choosing organic produce where you can, spending time in nature away from urban pollution, and incorporating regular meditation into your routine. With so many nourishing pineal gland supplements and foods to choose from, taking care of your pineal gland health can be one of the most enjoyable parts of your wellness journey. Better sleep quality, sharper intuition, and a greater sense of connection — it all starts with this tiny but mighty gland. Exlore our full Pineal Gland Support collection here. ❓ Frequently Asked Questions Q: What does the pineal gland actually do? A: The pineal gland is a small endocrine gland in the centre of the brain, best known for producing melatonin — the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. It also plays a role in serotonin production and is considered by many traditions to be the seat of intuition and inner vision. Q: What are the symptoms of a calcified pineal gland? A: Pineal gland calcification is associated with reduced melatonin production, which can lead to difficulty sleeping, disrupted sleep patterns, low mood, fatigue, and a general sense of disconnection. It's worth noting that calcification is very common and increases naturally with age. Q: Does fluoride really affect the pineal gland? A: Research has shown that the pineal gland accumulates higher concentrations of fluoride than any other organ in the body, and studies have found a correlation between fluoride levels and increased calcification. The precise mechanisms are still being studied, but it is a topic of genuine scientific interest and one that many holistic health practitioners take seriously. Q: Can you really decalcify the pineal gland? A: While conventional medicine does not currently offer specific treatments for pineal calcification, many people in the holistic health community report positive effects from dietary and lifestyle changes aimed at supporting pineal gland health. The foods and supplements listed above are widely used for this purpose. Q: How does meditation support the pineal gland? A: Many spiritual traditions hold that meditation activates and strengthens the third eye, enhancing intuition and inner awareness. From a physiological perspective, regular meditation is known to support healthy sleep, reduce stress, and promote overall hormonal balance — all of which benefit the pineal gland's function. Q: How long does it take to notice a difference when supporting the pineal gland? A: This varies from person to person. Some people notice improvements in sleep and mood within a few weeks of dietary changes, while deeper shifts in awareness and intuition may take longer. Consistency is key — as with all aspects of holistic health, it's a journey rather than a quick fix. Please note: This article is for informational purposes only and reflects the views and experience of the Raw Living community. It is not intended as medical advice. If you have any health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Raw Living Loose Leaf Herbal Tonic Teas

Nov 3, 2025 Kate Magic

Being British, we’re the biggest fans of a good old cup of tea! That’s why you’ll find seven varieties of loose leaf herbal tea in our Raw Living range. We’ve been blending these teas for well over a decade. Ever since we first discovered the wonders of adaptogenic herbs like Reishi and Ashwagandha, we’ve loved including them in our daily routines in the way they were traditionally enjoyed; brewed as a nourishing tea. When we think of herbal tea in the West, we tend to picture those pale, flavourless blends in bleached teabags, with “natural flavouring” added back in. Most mass-produced brands are made from the dust of the herbs: the leftover particles that break off during harvest and processing. The teabags themselves are often treated with chlorine, sometimes contain polypropylene (a type of plastic), and can’t be easily composted or recycled. For good reason, loose leaf teas are having a renaissance, and unlike some of the more questionable health trends that come and go, this is one we can fully get behind. If you love your herbs and want to experience their full benefits, making a tonic tea ritual part of your self-care routine is the perfect place to start. Our herbal teas are crafted with whole leaves and flowers, preserving their natural oils and life-force. You can actually see the beauty of what you’re brewing: the delicate petals, the dense roots, and the vibrant leaves. The colour, texture, and vitality are visually stunning in a way a teabag could never match. Each cup offers a richer, more complex flavour, and you can enjoy multiple infusions from every serving, making them far better value for money than standard teabags. Brewing your tea becomes an invitation to slow down, to connect with the plants, with nature, and with yourself. That quiet ritual is part of the nourishment you receive. New in! These Stainless Steel Tea Ball Infusers and Organic Cotton Reusable Tea Bags are here to make brewing even easier. We love to prepare a big 2-litre pot of tea to sip and share throughout the day. Any leftovers go straight into bottles and into the fridge for a refreshing iced tea alternative. But sometimes, you just want a quick cuppa, and that’s where the balls and bags come in handy. Try them out and let us know what you think! Check out the full range of Raw Living Herbal Teas here. Why not pair it with one of our stylish mugs?

What Is Ormus?

Nov 1, 2025 Kate Magic

Ormus is a fascinating substance, that blurs the line between mineral supplements and energy medicine. By no means an essential supplement, nonetheless, it is interesting to understand why it is missing from our modern diets, and how supplementing with it can affect our well-being. Any plants that grow in the wild and at high altitudes are naturally rich in ormus: think foods like goji berries and maca. We also carry a range of different ormus supplement ranges, including Now Alchemy and Harmonic Innerprizes. Rehmannia Dean Thomas includes ormus in all of his RDT Connoisseurs formulas, and he explains why here: "ORMUS is a mysterious substance that merits a book of its own. Currently an acronym for “orbitally rearranged monatomic elements,” ORMUS is alchemically precipitated from naturally occurring minerals or their complexes that form hexagonal crystalline structures, including crystal, gold, and salt. Since ancient times, Indian Mystics, called Siddhars, named this mysterious substance Muppu, and in Egypt, Manna. In tombs from Egypt and Cghina, Urns for smelting gold into a white powder have been revealed. The powder was apparently taken by the elite to increase longevity. It is thought that the mysterious Ark of the Covenant carried by Moses may have contained a white powder smelted from gold; early Greek literature refers to Moses as an alchemist. The same smelted mineral may have been taken by the mysterious Annunaki, who depicted astronauts in their art. Alchemists of the Middle Ages, including Pathagorus, Paracelsus, Nicholas Flamel, and Roger Bacon, searched for the famed “Philosopher’s stone,” and may have gained access to lost Aristotelian texts on alchemy, which were thought to refer to earlier texts by Egyptian alchemists and mystics, Zozimos, and Hermes Trismegistus. These texts were thought to have been archived at the Library of Alexandra ~ in the city of the same name ~ which was an epicenter of alchemical knowledge. In the 1970’s, Canadian farmer and alchemist, David Hudson, claimed to have rediscovered the process of extracting essences trapped within crystalline structures. He gave it the name ORMUS; there is some debate among alchemists over whether this term accurately describes its real properties. ORMUS is believed to exist at the threshold between energy and matter, where molecules begin to assemble ~ based on genetic blueprints ~ into recognizable phenomena. In other words, ORMUS is the potentiator, therefore, I call ORMUS a “dedication device,” dedicating atomic configurations to link together in formation of structural lattices at the foundation of physical life. That stated, alchemists believe ormic substances may act to increase the efficacy of other materials they are mixed with. This is why I include ORMUS in all of my RDT products. It is said that ORMUS will augment whatever intentions and lifestyles a person engages in. Therefore, ORMUS should only be included in a healthy lifestyle and as a component of health-supporting supplements and foods. My ORMUS is homeopathically precipitated from salts collected ten miles beneath a Bolivian desert. These salts contain tiny lattice-like chambers that have trapped the essence of an ancient lake. Precipitation from the salts is done through intensive alchemical and homeopathic processes, including mantras and prayer. The final product contains very little noticeable salinity." Interested to learn more about the magical properties of Ormus? Check out our podcast episodes with Archer Love of Now Alchemy, and David Barbash of Harmonic Innerprizes. There is also a chapter on Ormus in Kate's Raw Magic recipe book.

Peruvian Fruits And Vegetables

Oct 23, 2025 Kate Magic

Interested in learning more about Peruvian Super Foods? At Raw Living, we sell lots of Peruvian fruits and vegetables in dried and powdered form, including Purple Corn, Yacon, Lucuma, Peruvian Carob (Mesquite), Camu Camu, Maca, and of course, Cacao in all its various forms. On Kate's recent visit to Peru, she had the opportunity to enjoy all these foods in their natural state. Click here to discover actually what a Lucuma fruit looks like, and why we never see Cacao fruits!

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