Need to up your energy, soothe your gut, fight off the germs or just feel great through the coming winter months? Cherry-pick from our favourite well-being boosters.
Vitamin B12 – your energy must-take!
As a vitamin, it isn’t a breakthrough, but research is revealing that half of us are deficient. If you’re hitting 50 soon or have maybe skipped past it, you’re probably missing out. As we age, we lose a protein that takes vitamin B12 from the gut into the bloodstream, and even if we take B complex, then we don’t absorb enough. So if you feel you definitely need to up your energy, clear the mental fog and maybe get some refreshing sleep, vitamin B12 could be a big fat must. The best way to absorb it in good amounts if you’re 50 plus is with an under-the-tongue version as it goes straight to the bloodstream. Or try the effervescent type that dissolves in water. Give it a go, you may be surprised.
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Elderberry – helps keep you winter fit!
We’re swapping our echinacea for this dark little fruit, as it’s been shown to have a more potent antiviral effect. Old-fashioned, yes, but it has 50% more antioxidant power than blueberries, plus vitamins B and C. Take it year-round to support your immune system, or short-term to reduce the duration of flu. Take it any way you like: as a tincture, throat spray or even in capsules.
Krill oil – omega-3, three with attitude!
Experts have realised that krill oil is the best source of omega-3, as the body finds it easier to use than fish oils. Tiny, shrimp-like krill is the first in the fishy food chain, and doesn’t have the toxins and metals that other fish might have. Need reminding why we need omega-3? Well, it has a whole menu of health benefits for the brain, heart, mood, skin and joints.
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Moringa – a miracle leaf!
Made from the leaves of the moringa oleifera tree, this caffeine-free powder can be made into a warm drink. Plus, it is said to have higher levels of antioxidants than any green tea on the block! Fans love the energy boost and mental clarity they get when they drink it.
Fulvic acid – the next big thing!
Fulvic acid is an element that occurs naturally in soil. Hailed as ‘nature’s miracle molecule’, it activates the full potential of nutrients, by carrying them to the correct cells and making those cells more receptive. Pharmacist Shabir Daya is ultra-keen. “People taking fulvic acid have reported greater feelings of vitality, improved energy, a stronger immune system and higher tolerance to stress.” You can even use it directly on cuts, bruises and aches.
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Cherries – for sweeter sleep!
There’s been talk in the past about taking Montmorency cherry juice to help ease joint pain. A study revealed that, if taken regularly, it can also increase levels of melatonin – the sleep-regulating hormone – resulting in improved quality of sleep.
Raspberry ketones – fruity fat melters?
They’ve been a sell-out in the US, since Oprah endorsed raspberry ketones as a weight-loss aid. They give raspberries their signature smell and now they’re a weight-loss buzz, because they’re said to help support appetite control and fat digestion. Research is sketchy, but they’ve been passed as safe, if you fancy trying them.
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Baobab – vitality the easy way!
This superfruit that looks like a coconut but tastes citrusy has a list of pros. It has twice as much calcium as milk, six times more antioxidants than blueberries, and six times more vitamin C than oranges. Put a few spoonfuls in your yoghurt.
DISCLAIMER: Before starting any diet or exercise plan, you should speak to your doctor. You must not rely on the information on this website/newsletter as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.
