Health Benefits of Fermented Foods

Health Benefits of Fermented Foods

Santosa Detox Wellness Center Fermenting Vegetables

Fermented food and beverages were among the very first processed foods consumed by humans. In the beginning, fermented foods were valued for their safe shelf life and the popularity of foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, wine and even fermented sausage grew. However, these days the consumption of fermented foods is closely associated with a wide variety of health benefits.

Fermented foods are foods which are produced or preserved by the action of microorganisms. When a food is fermented, it is left to sit and steep until the sugars and carbs become bacteria-boosting agents. The fermentation process preserves the food and creates beneficial enzymes, b-Vitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids and a wide variety of probiotics. Probiotics are important because they improve digestion, help prevent against disease and are known to enhance immune functions.

Fermented Food Benefits

Fermentation is the metabolic process in which microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast or fungi convert organic compounds such as sugars and starch into alcohol or acids. The process of fermentation preserves food, adds microbes to the gut when eaten, increases micronutrients, makes foods more digestible, eliminates bad bacteria and decreases cooking time.

In addition to adding probiotics to the body, the health benefits of fermented foods are plenty some of which include:

  • Weight loss
  • Clearing up of skin problems
  • Aiding in hormonal issues
  • Provide defense against immune weaknesses
  • Help energy levels

Fermented foods also help regulate the immune system and metabolism, support mood and brain function as well as alleviate stress and help us maintain a healthy weight.

What are the best fermented foods for health?

Santosa Detox Wellness Center Fermented Food In GlassesReadily available, the best fermented foods for health include yogurt, sauerkraut, kombucha, kefir and fermented vegetables. Here is a breakdown of why these fermented foods are so good for us.

Sauerkraut is a sour cabbage pickled by lacto-fermentation. It has a sour taste and makes a great accompaniment to salads. Sauerkraut is a good source of live bacteria.

Fermented vegetables are natural probiotics that do not contain added sugar, gluten or preservatives. Their taste is often tangy and zesty.

Kefir is a fermented milk drink that resembles a liquid yogurt. It offers incredible immune system support and can even help prevent chronic diseases and illnesses.

Kombucha is a naturally fermented tea that aids in digestion and fights candida. Often referred to as nature’s elixir, Kombucha comes in many flavors and is safe to drink daily.

Yogurt is at its best when it is plain and unflavored. Although its health benefits are numerous, yogurt is a healthy breakfast or anytime snack that is good for weight loss.

Interested in learning more about fermented foods?

If you are interested in learning more about fermented foods, we highly suggest you drop by Santosa Vegan Restaurant located in Santosa Detox & Wellness Center here in Phuket. Located in  the hills above Kata Beach, Santosa is a state-of-the-art detox retreat specializing in a wide variety of detox programs, spa & yoga retreats as well as healthy eating programs. Drop in and see us to try some our homemade fermented foods in our vegan restaurant, to chat about health and wellness or sign up for a program. Simply fill in the enquiry form below and a member of staff will be in contact with you. We look forward to welcoming you to Santosa here in Phuket, Thailand.

Full Fast Program

Santosa Resort Detox Wellness Spa Yoga Retreat Kata Beach Phuket Thailand DETOX PROGRAMS Fullfast 600X600

Full fast is a full cleanse program specially designed to enable maximum results. You will have no food / no juice but only drink water with cleanses drinks and nutrition supplements. Participants of this program will be subjected to the most powerful, yet natural, body detoxification processes. This program is suitable for those who have detoxification experience and are determined to go deeper for cleanse. A thorough pre-cleanse is also important for the full fast.

Juice Fast Program

Santosa Resort Detox Wellness Spa Yoga Retreat Kata Beach Phuket Thailand DETOX PROGRAMS Juicefast 600X600

Juice fast is a cleanse program to nourish and detoxify the body by drinking fresh fruits and vegetable juice. The key is to hydrate and nourish your cells with the correct vitamins, enzymes, minerals and antioxidants. Guests participating in the Juice Fast Program have higher energy levels allowing them to take advantage of the various activities available at Santosa Detox & Wellness Center.

Raw Fast Program

Santosa Resort Detox Wellness Spa Yoga Retreat Kata Beach Phuket Thailand DETOX PROGRAMS Rawfast 600X600

Raw food fast brings together nutritional science and holistic therapies. This program is recommended for guests looking for a long lasting and sustainable post program experience. With a balanced and nutritionally delicious set raw food menu in addition to the regular fasting supplements and a complete program of daily therapies, including regular cleansing sessions, this program is designed to optimize the detoxification process in every way. A raw food diet has shown to increase energy levels, which is great for taking part in many of Santosa’s activities.

Benefits of a Vegan Diet

Benefits of a Vegan Diet

Santosa Detox Wellness Center Women Eats Fresh Mixed Salad

A vegan diet is a diet that avoids all animal products. There are many ethical reasons that people choose a vegan diet for, but also for health reasons, too. A vegan diet is overall better for your body, makes weight loss or the maintaining of weight easier and offers better protection against chronic diseases.

What is a vegan diet?

Essentially, vegans are vegetarians that have taken their eating habits one step further and have cut out all animal products. Vegans are committed to eating more plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains, legumes, beans, nuts and seeds. In addition, most vegans cut out ultra-processed foods such as sugar and white carbs.

What do vegans eat?

Santosa Detox Wellness Center VeganWhen speaking of veganism and going vegan, many people who are new to the concept often believe that they will starve if they go vegan. This idea could not be further from the truth. Vegans have a wide variety of food choices available, and these days, most restaurants feature menu items catering to vegans.

To give an example, when you become a vegan, breakfast instead of eating bacon and fried eggs could be oatmeal, fruit and nuts. Lunch might be a veggie-packed salad with beans while dinner could feature tofu, sweet potatoes, crunchy vegetables and slices of fresh fruit.

Examples of the types of food that vegans eat include:

  • Nuts and seeds
  • Legumes
  • Beans
  • Whole grains
  • Nut milks and nut butters
  • Dried fruits and vegetables
  • Fresh herbs
  • Spices
  • All sorts of fresh fruit and vegetables

Health benefits of eating vegan

Studies have shown that eating vegan is better for the heart and the waistline. Changing one’s diet to favor plants instead of a diet that is high in sugar, refined carbs, dairy and meat cuts back on calories which is great for those watching their figures. A vegan diet is also good for gut health as consuming a plant-based diet loads the gut up with probiotics which help to maintain a healthy gut environment. A plant-based vegan diet is also rich in antioxidants and nutrients.

Vegan for One Week: Take the Challenge

Interested in veganism, but don’t know where to start? Take the challenge! Santosa challenges you to Eat Vegan for One Week. It’s a fun way to try a vegan diet and learn about your health.

Vegan for One Week: Take the Challenge

Being vegan isn’t difficult. It’s just learning to eat in a much healthier way.

What are the rules?

  • No meat, poultry, seafood, eggs or dairy for one week (7 days)
  • Announce to your friends, family and social media followers that you are doing the challenge

Tag Santosa Detox & Wellness Center or Santosa Vegan Restaurant on Instagram, and don’t forget our dedicated hashtags:

#santosaveganchallenge #veganchallenge #santosavegan

Ready to start? All you have to do is make a commitment! Replace all non-vegan food items with loads of fresh fruit, delicious vegetables and whole grains. The more plant-based your Vegan for One Week Challenge can be the better!

This challenge is easy and fun, plus we have some great prizes based on Vegan For One Week Challenge social media posts.

1st Prize: Healthy Eating Program for 3 days including accommodation

https://www.santosaphuket.com/programs-prices/

2nd Prize: One Day Relax

https://www.santosaphuket.com/programs-prices/

3rd Prize: Vegan Buffet Voucher for 4 PAX

https://www.santosaphuket.com/vegan-restaurant/

Follow along next week during the Vegan One Week Challenge for special announcements!

Start Date: Monday 28 August 2017

Finish Date: Sunday 3 September 2017

For further information, email andrea@santosaphuket.com

Full Fast Program

Santosa Resort Detox Wellness Spa Yoga Retreat Kata Beach Phuket Thailand DETOX PROGRAMS Fullfast 600X600

Full fast is a full cleanse program specially designed to enable maximum results. You will have no food / no juice but only drink water with cleanses drinks and nutrition supplements. Participants of this program will be subjected to the most powerful, yet natural, body detoxification processes. This program is suitable for those who have detoxification experience and are determined to go deeper for cleanse. A thorough pre-cleanse is also important for the full fast.

Juice Fast Program

Santosa Resort Detox Wellness Spa Yoga Retreat Kata Beach Phuket Thailand DETOX PROGRAMS Juicefast 600X600

Juice fast is a cleanse program to nourish and detoxify the body by drinking fresh fruits and vegetable juice. The key is to hydrate and nourish your cells with the correct vitamins, enzymes, minerals and antioxidants. Guests participating in the Juice Fast Program have higher energy levels allowing them to take advantage of the various activities available at Santosa Detox & Wellness Center.

Raw Fast Program

Santosa Resort Detox Wellness Spa Yoga Retreat Kata Beach Phuket Thailand DETOX PROGRAMS Rawfast 600X600

Raw food fast brings together nutritional science and holistic therapies. This program is recommended for guests looking for a long lasting and sustainable post program experience. With a balanced and nutritionally delicious set raw food menu in addition to the regular fasting supplements and a complete program of daily therapies, including regular cleansing sessions, this program is designed to optimize the detoxification process in every way. A raw food diet has shown to increase energy levels, which is great for taking part in many of Santosa’s activities.

Detox Water Health Benefits

Detox Water Health Benefits

Santosa Detox Wellness Center Drinking Water With Lemon And Orange

Staying hydrated is important for health, and it is recommended, on average, to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. However, there are some who believe that adding extra ingredients to water boosts its health benefits. The result is known as Detox Water, and it is said to help the body get rid of toxins, aid in losing weight and improve energy levels.

What is Detox Water?

Detox Water is water that has been infused with the flavors of fresh fruits, vegetables or herbs. It is often referred to as fruit-flavored or fruit-infused water.

Due to the fact that Detox Water is made by infusing flavor, rather than juicing or blending, it contains very few calories which makes it a popular drink for a wide variety of detox programs. Detox Water is also often recommended in many weight loss plans in place of high-sugar drinks such as soda and fruit juice.

How to Make Detox Water?

Santosa Detox Wellness Center Glass Of Water With FruitsIt is super easy to make Detox Water at home and there are a lot of ways to flavor it including fruit combinations, vegetables and herbs. Simply chop up your ingredients and add hot or cold water. Obviously, the more of an ingredient you use, the stronger the flavor will become. Here are some delicious Detox Water flavors:

  • Cucumber and mint
  • Lemon and ginger
  • Watermelon and mint
  • Orange and lemon
  • Strawberry and basil

If you are making a cold Detox Water, be sure to remove the ingredients after seeping for 12 hours so they don’t begin to decompose.

 

 Does Detox Water Have Health Benefits?

Detox Water has many health benefits which include weight loss, toxin removal and natural detox, helping boost immune functions, aiding digestive health, increasing energy levels and improving the skin.

However, it is important to note that most of the above benefits come from drinking water itself. The ingredients used in making Detox Water don’t offer as many nutrients as eating them in their whole form.

Studies have shown that drinking water helps you lose weight, and this also applies to Detox Water. Water can temporary raise the body’s metabolic rate which buns more calories. People who drink the recommended amount of water as part of a weight loss program tend to lose more weight.

Water also improves digestive health. Keeping the system hydrated maintains regular bowel functions. Drinking plenty of water also helps food pass easily through the gut. Water can also improve mood and energy levels as hydration can help alleviate bad moods and headaches.

Interested in Learning More?

Interested in learning more about Detox Water and detox programs in general? Simply fill out the enquiry form below and a member of staff will reach out to you. Located on the tropical island of Phuket in southern Thailand, Santosa Detox & Wellness Center is the ultimate detox retreat. Perfect for a long detox holiday, or a short stay, our state-of-the-art center features a wide variety of programs, fitness activities and outstanding vegan restaurant. Awaken Life’s Potential with us at Santosa.

Full Fast Program

Santosa Resort Detox Wellness Spa Yoga Retreat Kata Beach Phuket Thailand DETOX PROGRAMS Fullfast 600X600

Full fast is a full cleanse program specially designed to enable maximum results. You will have no food / no juice but only drink water with cleanses drinks and nutrition supplements. Participants of this program will be subjected to the most powerful, yet natural, body detoxification processes. This program is suitable for those who have detoxification experience and are determined to go deeper for cleanse. A thorough pre-cleanse is also important for the full fast.

Juice Fast Program

Santosa Resort Detox Wellness Spa Yoga Retreat Kata Beach Phuket Thailand DETOX PROGRAMS Juicefast 600X600

Juice fast is a cleanse program to nourish and detoxify the body by drinking fresh fruits and vegetable juice. The key is to hydrate and nourish your cells with the correct vitamins, enzymes, minerals and antioxidants. Guests participating in the Juice Fast Program have higher energy levels allowing them to take advantage of the various activities available at Santosa Detox & Wellness Center.

Raw Fast Program

Santosa Resort Detox Wellness Spa Yoga Retreat Kata Beach Phuket Thailand DETOX PROGRAMS Rawfast 600X600

Raw food fast brings together nutritional science and holistic therapies. This program is recommended for guests looking for a long lasting and sustainable post program experience. With a balanced and nutritionally delicious set raw food menu in addition to the regular fasting supplements and a complete program of daily therapies, including regular cleansing sessions, this program is designed to optimize the detoxification process in every way. A raw food diet has shown to increase energy levels, which is great for taking part in many of Santosa’s activities.

The Amazing Benefits of Chlorophyll

The Amazing Benefits of Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll is what gives leafy greens their green color. It is a pigment that is involved with photosynthesis, but it is not only helpful for plants. Chlorophyll is packed full of vitamins and minerals that are good for skin, weight loss efforts and overall general health. In the human body, Chlorophyll is also known to help fight cancer.

Chlorophyll is instrumental in promoting good health. Not only does Chlorophyll have amazing benefits, but it is also one of the best supplements to use during a detox. Known specifically as a superfood, Chlorophyll is super potent when it comes to antioxidants. It’s an anti-inflammatory that blocks carcinogenic effects within the body.

Chlorophyll is a powerful supplement and often used during a detox, but perhaps you don’t know why? Chlorophyll helps to detox the body by connecting to toxins and turning them into neutral materials. Chlorophyll is known for cleaning heavy metals out of the body that may have accumulated in different places.

Chlorophyll also helps to stabilize blood sugar levels in the body which in turn helps manage hunger and helps to promote weight loss. It also improves liver detoxification by increasing enzymes and therefore the body’s natural elimination of harmful toxins. Due to the fact that Chlorophyll speeds up the elimination of toxins from the body, waste is easily passed as fluid levels are balanced and cases of constipation are reduced. It is quite obvious just how good Chlorophyll is for the colon.

Chlorophyll also aids in restoring and replenishing red blood cells. It works on both molecular and cellular levels and has the ability to regenerate the body. Chlorophyll helps cleanse the blood which allows the blood to carry more oxygen which also aids in detoxification of the body. How does it do this? Chlorophyll forms complexes with mutagens and flushes out the toxins which helps to detoxify and revive the liver.

Chlorophyll truly has so many amazing benefits. It strengthens the immune system, it helps blood to clot normally, it’s great for strong bones and muscles, and digestive health. The ability that Chlorophyll has to detoxify the body makes it a great supplement to take during a detox program as you will reap the benefits much more.

Would you like to know more about Chlorophyll and its benefits as a supplement? Perhaps you are really interested in detox programs and restarting your health? Have you ever thought of taking a detox holiday? Located on the tropical island of Phuket in southern Thailand, Santosa Detox & Wellness Center is a state-of-the-art facility that offers a large variety of detox programs catering to all body types and lifestyle needs. Our programs are well-rounded and also include daily activities and exercise classes.

For more information about our unique detox retreat high in the hills of Phuket, simply fill out the enquiry form below. We are looking forward to welcoming you to Santosa and nurturing your health & wellness journey every step of the way.

How to Lower the Glycemic Impact of a Meal

How to Lower the Glycemic Impact of a Meal

Are you familiar with the Glycemic Index? The Glycemic Index ranks the carbohydrates in food according to how they affect blood glucose levels. The Glycemic Index gives people away to tell good carbs from bad carbs. It’s a great guideline for carb-counting, but more importantly, an effective way to let people know how slowly or how quickly certain foods cause increases in blood glucose levels as well as spikes in insulin levels.

If you are trying to lower the Glycemic Impact of a meal, it is possible to do so through a few simple methods. Basically, it comes down to understanding that carbohydrates are found in both healthy and non-healthy foods. However, with this understanding it becomes easier to focus on beneficial food combinations and alternative food choices to improve the Glycemic Load of snacks or meals.

If you are unsure, the Glycemic Load refers to the number that estimates how much the food will raise a person’s blood glucose level after eating it. It takes into account the amount of carbohydrate in a portion of food as well.

Although it may sound overwhelming and confusing, what it really means is that each and every person needs to choose better carbs in the form of high-fibre, low GI foods. A diet with a lower Glycemic Load includes one with fewer starchy foods such as

potatoes, white rice and white bread as well as less sugary food and snacks including candy, cookies, cakes and sweet drinks. Instead, eat more whole grains, nuts, legumes, fruits and vegetables without starch. Some examples of these vegetables are asparagus, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, baby corn, Chinese spinach, artichoke hearts, carrots, mushrooms, salad greens and tomatoes.

Choose whole wheat pastas and breads, eat firm fruits that are not overly ripe and eat vegetables lightly steamed or better yet, raw, so that they maintain their fiber content. If you must eat pasta, cook it al dente, substitute almond butter for regular butter and eat lean proteins such as salmon, tuna or a hard boiled egg. Stay as far away as you can from refined carbs and sugar.

Perhaps one of the best ways to lower the Glycemic Impact of a meal is to eat a plant-based diet full of raw foods. By now, most people are aware of the general benefits of a vegan diet, but a vegan diet can stop the onslaught of many health problems including diabetes. Plus, a plant-based vegan diet can often leave you feeling fuller for longer and allow you to eat less calories when you are hungry.

Lowering ring the Glycemic Impact of a meal isn’t rocket science, however, it does take special thought and consideration. Once you begin to lower the Glycemic Impact of your daily diet, you will start to feel better and know that your blood glucose levels and insulin levels are being taken care of, too.

If you are interested in learning more about Glycemic Impact, a plant-based vegan diet, or detox programs in general, simply fill out an enquiry form below. Here at Santosa Detox & Wellness Center we help you to become a better version of you and our dedicated staff have the knowledge to help you make positive changes in your life. We look forward to helping you on your healthy journey.

Going Vegan Is Not What You Think

Going Vegan Is Not What You Think

Santosa Detox Wellness Center Phuket Healthy Eating Vegan Food Chime

A lot of people are interested in going vegan, but many of them are held back by fear and misconception. Going vegan does not mean you have to give up everything you love to eat. However, it does mean that you will shift to a plant-based diet and find healthier, vegan options for a variety of favorite items. To be honest, going vegan is not what you think and it certainly does not mean you are condemned to eating boring salads for the rest of your life.

Going vegan is a lot easier than it seems. There are a wide variety of supermarkets, restaurants and cafes that now cater to the vegan diet and in addition to the norm of fresh fruits and vegetables, there are a great many delicious recipes that offer a creative take on classic favorites that are all plant-based and vegan friendly.

Here at Santosa Detox & Wellness Center, we are proud to host a unique, creative raw and vegan restaurant. Santosa Vegan Restaurant prides itself on utilizing natural, fresh local produce bought every morning for our menu items. Our Italian chef pays painstaking attention to detail and creates excellent starters, side dishes, pastas, main dishes, soups, salads and desserts.

An example of our innovative menu includes a signature Starter called Awaken. Stuffed with a mix of vegetables and fruit, wrapped in Alga Nori Rolls and served with Soya Sauce, Awaken bursts with fresh flavors. It’s a simple dish that is filling and unique, and just one of our delicious menu items.

Santosa Resort Detox Wellness Spa Yoga Retreat Kata Beach Phuket Thailand RESORT Restaurant Chef 600x400
Santosa Resort Detox Wellness Spa Cook Preparing Healthy Vegan Food

As mentioned our chef is Italian, and therefore puts a creative Italian spin on many of the menu items. Have you ever tried vegan pasta? Our choices of vegan pasta are so delicious. Some menu items are made with wholesome zucchini and are served raw, while we also have a raw vegan lasagna called Sila which features cashew nut cheese. All of our vegan pastas are so delicious, and believe it or not, so very Italian.

The menu at Santosa Vegan Restaurant also has a main dishes, fresh and zesty soups and salads as well as healthy takes on desserts such as raw chocolate cheesecake. Every Saturday, we host a very popular vegan buffet that gives patrons the chance to sample many delicious dishes and desserts in our beautiful, tropical open-air terrace setting.

Going vegan is not what you think and a dining experience at the vegan restaurant in Santosa Detox & Wellness Center proves that. Stop in and dine with us to experience just how delicious and creative vegan cuisine can be.

If you would like more information on going vegan, our vegan restaurant or the many detox and wellness programs we offer on-site, simply fill out the enquiry form below and a member of staff will get back to you. We look forward to welcoming you to both Santosa Detox & Wellness Center and the Santosa Vegan Restaurant.

Full Fast Program

Santosa Resort Detox Wellness Spa Yoga Retreat Kata Beach Phuket Thailand DETOX PROGRAMS Fullfast 600X600

Full fast is a full cleanse program specially designed to enable maximum results. You will have no food / no juice but only drink water with cleanses drinks and nutrition supplements. Participants of this program will be subjected to the most powerful, yet natural, body detoxification processes. This program is suitable for those who have detoxification experience and are determined to go deeper for cleanse. A thorough pre-cleanse is also important for the full fast.

Juice Fast Program

Santosa Resort Detox Wellness Spa Yoga Retreat Kata Beach Phuket Thailand DETOX PROGRAMS Juicefast 600X600

Juice fast is a cleanse program to nourish and detoxify the body by drinking fresh fruits and vegetable juice. The key is to hydrate and nourish your cells with the correct vitamins, enzymes, minerals and antioxidants. Guests participating in the Juice Fast Program have higher energy levels allowing them to take advantage of the various activities available at Santosa Detox & Wellness Center.

Raw Fast Program

Santosa Resort Detox Wellness Spa Yoga Retreat Kata Beach Phuket Thailand DETOX PROGRAMS Rawfast 600X600

Raw food fast brings together nutritional science and holistic therapies. This program is recommended for guests looking for a long lasting and sustainable post program experience. With a balanced and nutritionally delicious set raw food menu in addition to the regular fasting supplements and a complete program of daily therapies, including regular cleansing sessions, this program is designed to optimize the detoxification process in every way. A raw food diet has shown to increase energy levels, which is great for taking part in many of Santosa’s activities.