Serotonin, the gut-brain axis, the microbiome and mood. A plain-language look at what the research actually says in 2026, and what it does not. Why we call it a second brain The gut has a nervous system of its own, the enteric nervous system, with hundreds of millions of neurons. It runs much of digestion without checking in with the brain, and stays in constant contact with it the rest of the time. So the phrase second brain is not marketing. It is closer to anatomy. The lin

The gut and the brain are in constant conversation. Here is what that gut-brain axis actually is, and what it is not. A two-way line Your gut and your brain are linked by the vagus nerve, by hormones, and by immune signals. Messages travel both ways along this line, which is why nerves can give you butterflies in your stomach, and why a troubled gut can quietly drag on your mood. The serotonin surprise Here is the fact that surprises most people: around ninety percent of the

They sound alike and get muddled constantly. One is the bacteria, the other is their breakfast. You need both. Probiotics: the microbes Probiotics are the live beneficial bacteria and yeasts themselves. You get them from live fermented foods, our kombucha and tibicos, kimchi, live yoghurt, and from supplements. They add to the community already living in your gut. Prebiotics: their food Prebiotics are the fibres and compounds those microbes eat: onions, garlic, oats, legumes,

Probiotics get all the attention, but your gut bacteria need feeding too. Prebiotics are their actual food. Prebiotics, simply Prebiotics are fibres and compounds that you cannot digest but your gut bacteria can. They are the food that keeps a good microbiome fed and busy. There is not much point seeding a garden you never water, and prebiotics are the water. Where to find them The good news is that prebiotics live in ordinary food, not in a supplement aisle. Onions, garlic,

Around a hundred trillion microbes live in your gut. Here is who they are, what they do, and how to keep them on your side. Who lives down there Your gut is home to roughly a hundred trillion bacteria, from more than a thousand species, weighing something close to two kilograms in total. Most of them live in the large intestine. Everyone's mix is different, shaped by how you were born, what you eat, where you live, and every course of antibiotics you have ever taken. What the

Tartiflette is a beloved dish from the French Alps, traditionally made with potatoes, reblochon cheese, and lardons. But did you know you can enjoy this creamy, indulgent gratin in a fully plant-based version? By swapping out the lardons for tempeh and using a vegan cheese alternative, you get all the richness of the classic while keeping it 100% dairy-free. Plus, tempeh—a fermented food—adds a delicious depth of flavour and extra nutrition to this comforting dish. Why Use Te

If you love rich, umami-packed flavours and soups, this creamy vegan ramen is a must-try! Infused with the deep flavors of fermented foods like kimchi and tempeh, this dish is not just comforting but also great for digestion and overall health. 🌿 Why This Ramen is So Good This ramen combines fermentation-powered ingredients like kimchi and tempeh, which are rich in probiotics, with a creamy miso-tahini broth for a smooth, flavorful experience. It's the perfect blend of nouri

Looking for a hearty, satisfying salad that screams autumn? This Warm Quinoa and Lentil Tempeh Salad is packed with roasted butternut squash, crispy Brussels sprouts, and our favourite ingredient: artisanal lentil tempeh. It’s a balance of sweet, savoury, and nutty, topped off with caramelized pecans and a creamy tahini dressing. If you’re into fermentation, clean eating, or just love bold flavours, this one’s for you. A warm, wholesome quinoa bowl with tempeh, squash, cranbe

Hello Ragis! 🌟 If you're craving a dish that warms you up and excites your taste buds this Autumn, this Spicy Garlic Mushroom and Lentil Tempeh Dahl is just what you need. It’s a straightforward yet deeply flavorful recipe that highlights the unique taste of tempeh, complemented by earthy mushrooms and aromatic spices. You can make it in big quantities and freeze it for when you want a cosy and nutritious quick meal. What You’ll Need: For the Spice Mix: 1 tsp garam masala 1

If you've ever sipped a fizzy, slightly tangy drink and felt great, you were likely enjoying kombucha or Tibicos (also known as water kefir). But what’s the real story behind these drinks? And how do they differ? Today, we’re looking into the bubbly world of kombucha and Tibicos, breaking down how each one is made, what sets them apart, and why you might choose one over the other. What Are Kombucha and Tibicos? Kombucha: This classic fermented tea drink dates back over two t

Salt is more than a seasoning in fermentation—it’s a gatekeeper, protector, and key to unlocking flavours. At Ragi, we value the rich mineral content and quality of local salt which play a crucial role in creating our kimchi and Tibicos (water kefir). But why exactly is salt essential in the fermentation process? And how does it bring out the best in these unique, foods? In this post, we’ll explore the magic of salt in fermentation, particularly with kimchi and Tibicos, dive

Pumpkin From the Cucurbitaceae family, pumpkins are in full season and greatly contribute to strengthening our immunity during the month of October, but not only! Pumpkin, potimarron, squash, all these varieties of pumpkins benefit from certain carotenoids, natural plant pigments that are beneficial to us. 4 health benefits : Rich in beta-carotene. Better known as provitamin A, this natural pigment gives pumpkins their pretty orange colour. It is a powerful antioxidant that f

It's almost Halloween, a day animated mainly by children, costumes, imagination, and tons of candy. Avoiding sweets can look like a healthy option but it might not be the best strategy, since candy are very much part of this tradition. Here are some tips to keep this party fun and healthy. The balance is played throughout the year A balanced diet throughout the year has a greater impact on the health of children than a Halloween party full of candy. Non the less, serving he

Autumn is a season that calls for comfort and encourages us to reach towards our inner energy. Any change of season should always be accompanied by changes in our plates. Nature is wise and we should listen to what it has to offer at each time of the year. Food, sleep and immunity are the three pillars to face the fall in all lightness. Let's see how to adapt our plates this season to overcome certain nutritional deficits and naturally strengthen our immunity. Vitamin D The "

The standards of organic food differ worldwide. Generally speaking, organic farming: Does not use synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Instead, it uses products of organic origin such as compost manure, or green manure. Does not use unnecessary additives such as flavorings and colorings, or processes such as chemical ripening or food irradiation. Emphasizes techniques such as crop rotation and companion planting Doesn't use genetically modified crops. What are the implicati