We love the humble sesame seed for its gorgeous, nutty depth. It gives structure to a classic Middle Eastern hummus and adds a delicate finish to Japanese goma-ae. But the humble sesame is far more than just flavour. When we look closely at this tiny grain—whether in its rich tahini form or its fragrant paste—we discover a beautiful link between ancient culinary wisdom and modern biochemistry. Food must nourish the palate and the body, and this seed is a true nutritional phe

Matcha has moved from Japanese tradition to a ubiquitous global wellness staple. But what happens when intense popularity stretches this niche product too thin? When demand exceeds a supply, the quality breaks. So can the powder’s nutritional substance withstand the marketing feeding frenzy? The unique case for matcha is pragmatic and scientific—unlike steeped tea, you consume the entire shaded leaf. This key difference naturally concentrates the essential compounds. Expert

Long before superfoods were trending, our ancestors from the Fertile Crescent to ancient Egypt and the vibrant kitchens of the Maghreb knew something far more fundamental. Simple, humble pulses like lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peas sustained entire civilisations. Their journey from ancient ritual to a modern staple isn't a new story, but a timeless reconnection with what has always worked. There’s no trade-off on quality for convenience. Pulses are a testament to how simp

It's quite fascinating how quickly things can change. From the high street to the supermarket, one single nutrient has been made out to be the answer to all our problems. Protein has become a pervasive trend, marketed as a solution for everything from our snacks to our coffee. This obsession is creating a dangerous oversimplification of nutrition, skimming over the importance of other vital dietary elements . Whilst medical experts are flagging a widespread fibre deficiency

Forget your usual breakfast In Japan, two humble seaweeds,  mozuku  and  mekabu , are the real secret to a vibrant start. They’ve sustained Japanese health for centuries, proving true wellness often lies in nature’s simplest gifts. Just like the resilience celebrated in Kintsugi , or MoM’s stories found in ‘ The Plate: What It Remembers ’, these seaweeds carry profound wisdom. They represent a culture shaping the body gently, living in harmony with nature. And now, people are

Did you know the Mediterranean diet holds a UNESCO honour?  Since 2010, it’s been an  Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity . This isn’t just about nutrition; it’s about skills, traditions, and  vibrant communities . UNESCO calls it “constant” but its true nature is dynamic. This is a living heritage, always shaped by the energy and friction where city meets countryside—an ethos we deeply resonate with at MoM . In this diet , plant-based staples such as olive oil, grains,

What’s Really on the Bread Shelf? The supermarket shelves are heavy with it – the puffed-up loaves, the suspiciously uniform slices, the ones that seem to last forever. Bread , once a staple, can often feel far removed from its simple origins. MoM understands the meaning of truly good bread, the kind crafted with just flour, water, salt, and yeast by artisan bakers. We champion that beauty, absolutely. But we also know that for many, the reality of everyday life can make sup

We all know olive oil —a kitchen staple we drizzle on salads and stir into pasta, praised for its healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants . Yet, in our devotion to it, are we overlooking other remarkable oils? Oils that have different stories and different benefits. Let’s explore these alternatives and discover how they can enrich both our diets and our cooking . Avocado Oil: Mild and Mighty Now, think about avocado oil . It tastes mild and buttery, and you can cook w

January is here, bringing the usual flood of ‘new year, new you’ wellness trends. Sound familiar? Each year, we’re drawn to quick fixes, restrictive diets, and ‘superfood’ fads that promise much but deliver little. By February, most have disappeared, leaving us back where we started—or worse, feeling like we’ve failed. Nutrition doesn’t need to be complicated or about setting unrealistic goals. It’s about practical, evidence-based choices that fit into your daily life—and yo

Rooting for Wellness: Are You Overlooking Winter’s Best Ingredients? As winter settles across the UK and Europe, the rhythm of the seasons becomes unmistakable. Colder days, longer nights, and supermarket shelves stocked with every imaginable produce, no matter the season. But amidst this abundance, have we lost sight of what winter has to offer? Why are so many of us reaching for out-of-season options when the bounty of root vegetables is right at our fingertips? These hardy

Forget the promise of miracle pills or cutting-edge medical interventions. What if the true secret to living longer and better was something far simpler and far more delicious? What if the food we eat holds the key to not just adding years to our lives but truly enhancing the quality of those years? In a world obsessed with extending life, have we overlooked the crucial question: How do we want to live those years? Longevity, healthspan, and lifespan are shaped not only by ou

Have you ever noticed that, after eating, your mood appears to fluctuate? It isn't merely a coincidence! Science supports the link between food and mood, and it all begins with what we put on the table.  The Scientific Basis of Emotions and Food For our brains to work at their best, they require a consistent flow of nutrients. Foods high in complex carbohydrates, proteins, and good fats supply vital vitamins and minerals that affect mood and brain function. For example, serot

By Andrea Rasca, Founder of Movimento Metropolitano (MoM) Is seeing an ad for junk food during the day really more important than protecting the prosperity of our children?  The answer may seem obvious, but the government’s recent health proposals aimed at tackling this e.g., implementing a junk food advert watershed, banning energy drinks sales to under-16s, and stopping fast-food restaurants opening near schools have sparked a wave of accusations that the UK is becoming

The answer lies in the deliberate strategies employed by food manufacturers to keep us hooked. By manipulating taste, texture, and colour, these companies craft products that are almost impossible to resist. These tactics go far beyond convenience, tapping into our senses to drive overconsumption and override our better judgment. This article explores the growing prevalence of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in our dietsand examines the reasons behind their addictive nature. Des