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Importance Of Having A Fair Trade Tea Certification To A Company

A cup of tea is always a refreshing welcome, especially on those cold mornings or hot afternoons, depending on your culture. Tea producing companies have made much progress in ensuring that customers of their brands get nothing but the best. The quality of tea produced nowadays is pure and of better quality. That aside, spices and other herbs have been added in many brands, to help give them a more creative taste. Yet, despite all these positive developments, there is one dark shadow that continues that haunt the tea industries, and the tea companies that grow and produce tea; labor issues.

You’d be shocked to learn that for that lovely cup of tea to end up on your table, a child laborer was made to work for long hours, or a laborer was overworked and underpaid, just to bring that tea to you. Sounds unbelievable? That’s the reality, and to curtail this trend, the Fair trade tea certification was adopted. Below are things you should know about fair trade tea companies;

What is a fair trade tea certification?

Fair trade tea companies is like a seal of approval, it helps you know which companies have used healthy and fair labor practices to produce their products. Tea brands with this certification should give you the peace of mind of knowing that no one was underpaid or overworked in order to produce that tea. Mind you, most of the tea consumed in the world today is produced in third world countries, where workers and laborers are likely to be misused. Sri Lanka, Kenya, Rwanda, these are some of the top tea producers in the world today.

So all tea has this certification?

For a company to have this seal of approval, the fair trade tea certification, the company must prove that it uses fair practices in its farms and factories, and that the tea produced is produced in eco friendly ways. In other words the next time you go out to buy tea, take time to observe the brand, and whether it has that seal of certification. The symbol or sign of this certification may vary if you are in Europe or America. But basically, popular tea brands like Dilmah tea have this approval regardless of where you are buying the product.

Other tea brands may not adhere to this, which means that they may have exploited their workers or underpaid them in the production of that tea. Still, this certification means that when the final price of the tea is set, quite a percentage of that total cost goes to the wages and pay of the laborers.

Conclusion;

The next time you’re picking that tea brand to add it to your shopping cart, take a minute, and ascertain that it has the Fair trade tea certification. Consuming a brand that has not embraced this community of approved brands could be encouraging cartels and unscrupulous companies exploit laborers and workers. For more information, just visit www.mjffoundation.org.

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Make green tea the right way

With a history that spans over 4,000 years it is unsurprising that the making of green tea differs based on country, culture and tradition in which it is produced. There’s a vast multitude of green tea varieties produced in China and Japan. Sri Lanka too produces green tea but in much smaller quantities in comparison. It is best taken straight so that you may enjoy its delicate flavor. Learn how to make the perfect cup of green tea, and relish in its nourishing goodness.

Green tea is not allowed to oxidize, and is unfermented. Leaves are plucked and immediately steamed or pan-fried (baked), rolled and fired. This kills the fermentation enzymes so no fermentation takes place. The tea retains its bright green color and fresh, crisp taste. 

Green tea is rich in catechins identified as ECGC. How you brew the tea makes a difference on the ECGC content and antioxidant potential of your cup of tea. Therefore, if properly brewed, you can get 5 times more antioxidants from the same cup of tea. Here’s a step by step process to make a perfect cup of green tea:

Step 1: Boil Water to 100°C. Let it cool a bit (85-93˚C).

Step 2: Spoon out loose leaf tea or add tea bags to a pot or a cup. Your tea must be fresh. Measure is 1 heaped teaspoon or tea bag for 1 cup of tea and 1 extra if using a pot. Tip: Store your tea in airtight containers and away from strong smells.

Step 3: Pour the boiled water directly onto the tea.

Step 4: Stir the tea once. Then let the tea steep for 1.5 - 2 minutes. Stir again at the halfway point. 

Step 5: Strain the tea or remove the tea bags at the end of the specified brewing period.

Step 6: Now you are ready to serve the perfect cup of tea. Taste is subjective and personal - make adjustments that best suit your flavor preferences.

Always pour tea into a warmed cup. Just pour some hot water and swirl around to warm the cup. When it comes to green tea serve it without any additions or enhancements to enjoy its gentle, delicate character.

For green tea, it is essential to limit the steeping to 3 minutes. The flavonoids come out quickly, and most tea drinkers agree that the taste is, let us say, not improved by steeping longer. Green tea can get bitter if steeped too long.

Be sure to squeeze out the tea bag after its steeped, there is a lot of goodies in there!

There are three forms of green tea: Tea leaves (means loose leaf tea), powdered and tea bag. Research shows that, when you make tea using tea bags you’ll get significantly less ECGC than from loose leaf and powdered teas. The authors speculated that this could be because the tea bag itself prevents some ECGC from being absorbed. Or, more likely, those tea bags contain lower quality leaves.

Type and quality of tea and how you brew it affect the antioxidant potential of your cup of tea. Here’s how to get most out of your cup:

· Choose a high quality tea. Avoid mass market brands and choose a specialist Ceylon Tea brand.

· Choose either powdered or loose lead green tea.

· Brew your tea in boiling hot water for 3 to 4 minutes.

· Don’t put milk into your tea as it potentially diminishes some of the antioxidant value.

Historically used as both a beverage and a medicine in China and the rest of Asia, green tea has become vastly popular in the Western world in the recent years purely due to its medicinal virtues. Since green tea is unfermented it retains its green appearance.

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Food and beverages for a healthy lifestyle

Being healthy paves the way for a prosperous life. It is a truly priceless gift that one can possess. What we drink and eat have the most significant influence on our health, which ultimately affects the quality of life. To start with, foods such as salad, grapes and broccoli are low in calories and high in nutrients. Some of these have been found to contain compounds that offer life-extending benefits.

A healthy beverage that is suitable for daily consumption is green tea. Research suggest that green tea’s compound known as catechins  have the ability to increase the body’s ability to burn fat which makes way for increased muscle endurance. However it is clever to go for one of the best green tea brands such as Dilmah. Be sure to prepare your cup of green tea the right way. It is ideal to let the boiled water chill to a temperature of around 900c before you add the tea bag to it.

Black beans are yet another healthy food and a staple in the diets of many people. Their concentration of protein is so high that they are used as a substitute for meat among vegetarians. They even contain a certain amount of omega-3 fat acids that are helpful in boosting heart’s health. According to studies, the darker the bean, the more beneficial it is for your health. Also be sure to include pumpkin in your diet at least twice a week. This low calorie vegetable is high in Vitamin A and fiber. Additionally, its high concentration of beta carotene helps in preventing heart disease. Owing to its delicious taste, it can be cooked in various ways.

When it comes to vegetables, kale is rich in antioxidants and fiber as well as Vitamin K which aids in cell growth and blood clotting. Owing to its texture, it is an excellent addition to any salad. Speaking of green vegetables that are full of health benefits, Spinach is one that is chock-full of nutrients such as vitamin A, calcium and iron. You can include it in omelets, sandwiches and salads.

When it comes to healthy fruits, apples, blueberries and bananas have to be mentioned. While apples contain fiber which can control bad cholesterol levels, blueberries are high in heart-protective carotenoids and flavonoids. Bananas on the other hand are high in potassium, making them helpful in reducing blood pressure and aiding the function of the digestive and muscular systems.

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What Does Lipoedema Stands For

Lipoedema is a lifelong condition that is characterized by abnormal weight gain around the legs, buttocks, and hips. The fat accumulates in the legs, from the ankles upwards to the hips. The condition is often common in women, although there are some rare cases of men who suffer from it.

What are some of the most common symptoms of Lipoedema?

The affected area tends to feel cold when touched compared to the normal body temperature. The area is also tender, and is easily bruised or ruptured when scratched vigorously. One may also observe some broken veins under the skin, and also feel some pain in the affected area. For some people, the symptoms are milder and more difficult to notice.

Causes;

Lipoedema has no known cause, although experts say it is heretical and greatly associated with the family history. Experts have actually established that this condition tends to develop most during puberty, or when a woman is expectant and in some instanced, during menopause. This is indicative that body hormones play a significant role in the development of the condition. An interesting thing however is that although Lipoedema tends to be more rampant in obese individuals, the two are not related or to be confused; even slim, healthy looking people may suffer from it.

What are the treatment options available?

Although there are no known treatment options available, doctors treat Lipoedema with liposuction, and other non surgical methods. Liposuction works in that it helps suck out the fat from the affected areas. Some of the non surgical methods used include;

Compression therapy - This is where bandages and other     materials may be wrapped around the affected limbs, to squeeze them and     try reduce the swelling.

Massage - Massages are an ancient technique of reducing swelling and helping     alleviate pain or discomfort. They are very effective in treating the leg     swellings and any pain that may come as a result.

Mild exercises - Lipoedema can     be treated by having the patient engage in mild exercises like cycling,     swimming, or just stretching. Remember, the swollen limbs and areas are     delicate and prone to aches and pain if one engages in severe exercises     and work outs. As such, all exercises should be approved by a doctor to     avoid other complications.

Conclusion;

Liposuction is the most effective way of treating this condition. There are many reputable clinics and liposuction experts offering these services.

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5 Types of Wardrobes

As a matter of fact, a wardrobe is one of the most important items in your bedroom; it is second only to the bed that you sleep on. And in any case, the two are intertwined; if you are not sleeping or lying on your bed, then chances are that you are on your wardrobe dressing up. As such, you should always be aware of the different types of wardrobes available for you;

1.    Free standing wardrobe; this is one of commonest types of wardrobes, although it is regarded as the traditional version. Just like the name suggests, this type of a wardrobe stands free, it is not attached to the wall or any part of the house. Its major advantage therefore is its versatility. It can be easily moved from one part of the house to the other or even to a different house all the same.

2.    Glass wardrobes; these are wardrobes made of glass, from the doors, to the interior. Thus, unlike other types of wardrobes where you’ve got to place a mirror in the middle, glass wardrobes reflect your images everywhere you look. They are popular with models and celebrities who are conscious about their body looks, and want to keenly check every angle of their bodies.

3.    Walk in wardrobes; for beginners, one would be excused for assuming that a walk in wardrobe is a small “boutique” inside a bedroom. They often have clothes and items arranged on both sides, and in the middle, the user has a chair or bench where they can sit and try out their various outfits. Often associated with luxurious and stylish lifestyles, walk in wardrobes have hanging and storage space of both clothes and shoes. However, these types of wardrobes require that one has a big room; for all their stylishness and comfort, they are ideal for a house that has big, spacious rooms.

4.    Sliding door wardrobes; The major advantage of these type of wardrobes is their ability to save up on space, where by the door is just slid to the right or left, without taking up any space extending outwards.

5.    Built in/ Fitted wardrobes; fitted wardrobes, also known as built in wardrobes are the new trend in many homes. They are fitted on the walls, and are preferred by many due to their ability to save up on space. Since they stand from floor to ceiling, they can accommodate more items and make use of every space.

Built in wardrobes have gained much popularity in most homes, thanks to their space saving designs. fci London has emerged as one of the leading designers of these wardrobes.

Conclusion;

For more details about how and where to get these popular wardrobes in London, just check out http://www.fcilondon.co.uk/built-in-wardrobes.html

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Buying Furniture For Your Newly Built Home

Occupying a newly built home is always an exciting experience and many home owners look forward to it with excitement. However, building a new home is just the first step; furnishing it with the right furniture is the tricky part. Buying furniture for your newly built house is more than just going to a furniture shop, and buying furniture in bulk. Nay. You’ve got to make careful considerations.

First and foremost, furniture can either be traditional, or modern contemporary furniture. Depending on your tastes and preferences, you can go for the traditional furniture to furnish your living room with. Traditional furniture has its own advantages; it gives your home a unique and serene touch. Alternatively, you can go for the latest contemporary modern furniture. This is popular with most home owners, thanks to the latest designs that are readily available.

Having made up your mind on the type of furniture you want, embark on getting a good furniture shop. Though there many furniture shops, not all of them are reputable or deal in genuine, original products. You can do a bit of research online, and always opt for those that are closer to your vicinity. Most furniture shops have websites where you can learn more about their products, including whether they can make furniture that is custom made just for your individual taste or preferences. This could be as a result of the size and shape of your rooms, or other factors. Besides, verify whether the shop provides transport for furniture bought, or if you have to cater for the transport cost.

After researching on the above, there are other extra considerations you can bear in mind, especially when it comes to furnishing your bedroom. Take special care when getting the right wardrobe, to ensure that it doesn’t just serve you right, but also fits in perfectly in your room. Some rooms may dictate that you must get a corner wardrobe due to their shapes, while others will limit your ability to acquire a walk in wardrobe. Nevertheless, you can always consult with your furniture designer to ensure that your wardrobe of choice is compatible with the design of your bedroom. They may advice you to go for a certain type of wardrobe, or design one that is customized.

Fci London has experts who can design corner wardrobes for your bedroom, in order to ensure that you save up on space in your newly built home. Such a wardrobe can even be fitted with sliding doors to add more aesthetic value.

Conclusion;

For more information, just visit Corner Wardrobes Showroom