Power to Your Plants

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Whether you’re growing roses or radishes, when it comes to home gardening there’s one important ingredient that can make all the difference between success and failure and that’s fertiliser.

 

What are Plant Fertilisers?
Fertilisers are a concentrated source of plant nutrients that are usually supplied as powders, liquids, pellets or granules. You’ll find a wide choice for sale at garden centres or online gardening stores.

As well as requiring water and sunlight to grow, plants also require the correct amount of nutrients. Most plants get their nutrients from the soil and if your garden has healthy soil, you might not need to use a commercial fertiliser. However, many gardeners find that the plants they grow do benefit hugely from the use of a fertiliser.

 

Why Use Fertilisers
Fertilisers are an important ingredient for gardeners as they provide nutrition for plants and are used to improve the growth of plants and maximise the yield of flowers, fruit, or vegetables. Some plants, for example those that grow more quickly than others, will particularly benefit from fertilisers.

 

 

How to Choose the Right Fertiliser
Step inside any good garden centre and you’re likely to find a wide choice of different fertilisers. Choosing the right one is usually straightforward as the packaging will tell you what plants the fertiliser has been designed for. For example, you can choose a fertiliser that has been specifically developed for roses or one that is tailored towards vegetable growing. You can also check the ingredients listed to find out which nutrients are included and in what ratio and then choose the type of fertiliser that is most appropriate for your garden.

The most common nutrients found in commercial fertilisers are nitrogen (N) which helps promote green leafy growth, phosphorus (P) which helps develop healthy roots and shoots, and potassium (K) which is important for flowering and fruiting plants. You may find that the nutrients are listed on the packet using their chemical symbols – NPK. A general purpose fertiliser will usually contain these three nutrients in equal amounts whereas a specialist fertiliser will contain varying proportions depending on its purpose. For example, a tomato fertiliser usually contains more potassium to help the plant produce large, healthy fruit.

 

Organic Fertilisers
If you are taking an organic approach to gardening and prefer to use natural products then you will want to choose an organic fertiliser. These are formulated using plant or animal sources rather than artificial forms of plant nutrients. However, it’s worth remembering that inorganic fertilisers tend to act more quickly than their organic equivalents.

 

 

How to Use Fertilisers
There are several different methods for using fertilisers depending on the type of plant you are growing and the fertiliser product you are using. In the spring you may wish to use a slow-release fertiliser to help flower beds and borders get off to a healthy start. When sowing or planting new seeds and seedlings, you can incorporate fertiliser into the soil. Meanwhile established flowers and vegetables can benefit from regular fertilising throughout the growing season. However, it is important not to over-use fertilisers so always check the instructions to find out how to use your particular fertiliser.

 

 

For more advice on all aspects of successful gardening, visit: www.gardenersworld.com

 

The post Power to Your Plants appeared first on .

Categories: fertiliser, fertiliser nbsp, fertilisers, fertilisers fertilisers, nbsp, nbsp nbsp, nutrients, plant nutrients, plants

Power to Your Plants

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Whether you’re growing roses or radishes, when it comes to home gardening there’s one important ingredient that can make all the difference between success and failure and that’s fertiliser.

 

What are Plant Fertilisers?
Fertilisers are a concentrated source of plant nutrients that are usually supplied as powders, liquids, pellets or granules. You’ll find a wide choice for sale at garden centres or online gardening stores.

As well as requiring water and sunlight to grow, plants also require the correct amount of nutrients. Most plants get their nutrients from the soil and if your garden has healthy soil, you might not need to use a commercial fertiliser. However, many gardeners find that the plants they grow do benefit hugely from the use of a fertiliser.

 

Why Use Fertilisers
Fertilisers are an important ingredient for gardeners as they provide nutrition for plants and are used to improve the growth of plants and maximise the yield of flowers, fruit, or vegetables. Some plants, for example those that grow more quickly than others, will particularly benefit from fertilisers.

 

 

How to Choose the Right Fertiliser
Step inside any good garden centre and you’re likely to find a wide choice of different fertilisers. Choosing the right one is usually straightforward as the packaging will tell you what plants the fertiliser has been designed for. For example, you can choose a fertiliser that has been specifically developed for roses or one that is tailored towards vegetable growing. You can also check the ingredients listed to find out which nutrients are included and in what ratio and then choose the type of fertiliser that is most appropriate for your garden.

The most common nutrients found in commercial fertilisers are nitrogen (N) which helps promote green leafy growth, phosphorus (P) which helps develop healthy roots and shoots, and potassium (K) which is important for flowering and fruiting plants. You may find that the nutrients are listed on the packet using their chemical symbols – NPK. A general purpose fertiliser will usually contain these three nutrients in equal amounts whereas a specialist fertiliser will contain varying proportions depending on its purpose. For example, a tomato fertiliser usually contains more potassium to help the plant produce large, healthy fruit.

 

Organic Fertilisers
If you are taking an organic approach to gardening and prefer to use natural products then you will want to choose an organic fertiliser. These are formulated using plant or animal sources rather than artificial forms of plant nutrients. However, it’s worth remembering that inorganic fertilisers tend to act more quickly than their organic equivalents.

 

 

How to Use Fertilisers
There are several different methods for using fertilisers depending on the type of plant you are growing and the fertiliser product you are using. In the spring you may wish to use a slow-release fertiliser to help flower beds and borders get off to a healthy start. When sowing or planting new seeds and seedlings, you can incorporate fertiliser into the soil. Meanwhile established flowers and vegetables can benefit from regular fertilising throughout the growing season. However, it is important not to over-use fertilisers so always check the instructions to find out how to use your particular fertiliser.

 

 

For more advice on all aspects of successful gardening, visit: www.gardenersworld.com

 

The post Power to Your Plants appeared first on .

Categories: fertiliser, fertiliser nbsp, fertilisers, fertilisers fertilisers, nbsp, nbsp nbsp, nutrients, plant nutrients, plants

Power to Your Plants

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Whether you’re growing roses or radishes, when it comes to home gardening there’s one important ingredient that can make all the difference between success and failure and that’s fertiliser.

 

What are Plant Fertilisers?
Fertilisers are a concentrated source of plant nutrients that are usually supplied as powders, liquids, pellets or granules. You’ll find a wide choice for sale at garden centres or online gardening stores.

As well as requiring water and sunlight to grow, plants also require the correct amount of nutrients. Most plants get their nutrients from the soil and if your garden has healthy soil, you might not need to use a commercial fertiliser. However, many gardeners find that the plants they grow do benefit hugely from the use of a fertiliser.

 

Why Use Fertilisers
Fertilisers are an important ingredient for gardeners as they provide nutrition for plants and are used to improve the growth of plants and maximise the yield of flowers, fruit, or vegetables. Some plants, for example those that grow more quickly than others, will particularly benefit from fertilisers.

 

 

How to Choose the Right Fertiliser
Step inside any good garden centre and you’re likely to find a wide choice of different fertilisers. Choosing the right one is usually straightforward as the packaging will tell you what plants the fertiliser has been designed for. For example, you can choose a fertiliser that has been specifically developed for roses or one that is tailored towards vegetable growing. You can also check the ingredients listed to find out which nutrients are included and in what ratio and then choose the type of fertiliser that is most appropriate for your garden.

The most common nutrients found in commercial fertilisers are nitrogen (N) which helps promote green leafy growth, phosphorus (P) which helps develop healthy roots and shoots, and potassium (K) which is important for flowering and fruiting plants. You may find that the nutrients are listed on the packet using their chemical symbols – NPK. A general purpose fertiliser will usually contain these three nutrients in equal amounts whereas a specialist fertiliser will contain varying proportions depending on its purpose. For example, a tomato fertiliser usually contains more potassium to help the plant produce large, healthy fruit.

 

Organic Fertilisers
If you are taking an organic approach to gardening and prefer to use natural products then you will want to choose an organic fertiliser. These are formulated using plant or animal sources rather than artificial forms of plant nutrients. However, it’s worth remembering that inorganic fertilisers tend to act more quickly than their organic equivalents.

 

 

How to Use Fertilisers
There are several different methods for using fertilisers depending on the type of plant you are growing and the fertiliser product you are using. In the spring you may wish to use a slow-release fertiliser to help flower beds and borders get off to a healthy start. When sowing or planting new seeds and seedlings, you can incorporate fertiliser into the soil. Meanwhile established flowers and vegetables can benefit from regular fertilising throughout the growing season. However, it is important not to over-use fertilisers so always check the instructions to find out how to use your particular fertiliser.

 

 

For more advice on all aspects of successful gardening, visit: www.gardenersworld.com

 

The post Power to Your Plants appeared first on .

Categories: fertiliser, fertiliser nbsp, fertilisers, fertilisers fertilisers, nbsp, nbsp nbsp, nutrients, plant nutrients, plants

Power to Your Plants

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Whether you’re growing roses or radishes, when it comes to home gardening there’s one important ingredient that can make all the difference between success and failure and that’s fertiliser.

 

What are Plant Fertilisers?
Fertilisers are a concentrated source of plant nutrients that are usually supplied as powders, liquids, pellets or granules. You’ll find a wide choice for sale at garden centres or online gardening stores.

As well as requiring water and sunlight to grow, plants also require the correct amount of nutrients. Most plants get their nutrients from the soil and if your garden has healthy soil, you might not need to use a commercial fertiliser. However, many gardeners find that the plants they grow do benefit hugely from the use of a fertiliser.

 

Why Use Fertilisers
Fertilisers are an important ingredient for gardeners as they provide nutrition for plants and are used to improve the growth of plants and maximise the yield of flowers, fruit, or vegetables. Some plants, for example those that grow more quickly than others, will particularly benefit from fertilisers.

 

 

How to Choose the Right Fertiliser
Step inside any good garden centre and you’re likely to find a wide choice of different fertilisers. Choosing the right one is usually straightforward as the packaging will tell you what plants the fertiliser has been designed for. For example, you can choose a fertiliser that has been specifically developed for roses or one that is tailored towards vegetable growing. You can also check the ingredients listed to find out which nutrients are included and in what ratio and then choose the type of fertiliser that is most appropriate for your garden.

The most common nutrients found in commercial fertilisers are nitrogen (N) which helps promote green leafy growth, phosphorus (P) which helps develop healthy roots and shoots, and potassium (K) which is important for flowering and fruiting plants. You may find that the nutrients are listed on the packet using their chemical symbols – NPK. A general purpose fertiliser will usually contain these three nutrients in equal amounts whereas a specialist fertiliser will contain varying proportions depending on its purpose. For example, a tomato fertiliser usually contains more potassium to help the plant produce large, healthy fruit.

 

Organic Fertilisers
If you are taking an organic approach to gardening and prefer to use natural products then you will want to choose an organic fertiliser. These are formulated using plant or animal sources rather than artificial forms of plant nutrients. However, it’s worth remembering that inorganic fertilisers tend to act more quickly than their organic equivalents.

 

 

How to Use Fertilisers
There are several different methods for using fertilisers depending on the type of plant you are growing and the fertiliser product you are using. In the spring you may wish to use a slow-release fertiliser to help flower beds and borders get off to a healthy start. When sowing or planting new seeds and seedlings, you can incorporate fertiliser into the soil. Meanwhile established flowers and vegetables can benefit from regular fertilising throughout the growing season. However, it is important not to over-use fertilisers so always check the instructions to find out how to use your particular fertiliser.

 

 

For more advice on all aspects of successful gardening, visit: www.gardenersworld.com

 

The post Power to Your Plants appeared first on .

Categories: fertiliser, fertiliser nbsp, fertilisers, fertilisers fertilisers, nbsp, nbsp nbsp, nutrients, plant nutrients, plants

Power to Your Plants

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Whether you’re growing roses or radishes, when it comes to home gardening there’s one important ingredient that can make all the difference between success and failure and that’s fertiliser.

 

What are Plant Fertilisers?
Fertilisers are a concentrated source of plant nutrients that are usually supplied as powders, liquids, pellets or granules. You’ll find a wide choice for sale at garden centres or online gardening stores.

As well as requiring water and sunlight to grow, plants also require the correct amount of nutrients. Most plants get their nutrients from the soil and if your garden has healthy soil, you might not need to use a commercial fertiliser. However, many gardeners find that the plants they grow do benefit hugely from the use of a fertiliser.

 

Why Use Fertilisers
Fertilisers are an important ingredient for gardeners as they provide nutrition for plants and are used to improve the growth of plants and maximise the yield of flowers, fruit, or vegetables. Some plants, for example those that grow more quickly than others, will particularly benefit from fertilisers.

 

 

How to Choose the Right Fertiliser
Step inside any good garden centre and you’re likely to find a wide choice of different fertilisers. Choosing the right one is usually straightforward as the packaging will tell you what plants the fertiliser has been designed for. For example, you can choose a fertiliser that has been specifically developed for roses or one that is tailored towards vegetable growing. You can also check the ingredients listed to find out which nutrients are included and in what ratio and then choose the type of fertiliser that is most appropriate for your garden.

The most common nutrients found in commercial fertilisers are nitrogen (N) which helps promote green leafy growth, phosphorus (P) which helps develop healthy roots and shoots, and potassium (K) which is important for flowering and fruiting plants. You may find that the nutrients are listed on the packet using their chemical symbols – NPK. A general purpose fertiliser will usually contain these three nutrients in equal amounts whereas a specialist fertiliser will contain varying proportions depending on its purpose. For example, a tomato fertiliser usually contains more potassium to help the plant produce large, healthy fruit.

 

Organic Fertilisers
If you are taking an organic approach to gardening and prefer to use natural products then you will want to choose an organic fertiliser. These are formulated using plant or animal sources rather than artificial forms of plant nutrients. However, it’s worth remembering that inorganic fertilisers tend to act more quickly than their organic equivalents.

 

 

How to Use Fertilisers
There are several different methods for using fertilisers depending on the type of plant you are growing and the fertiliser product you are using. In the spring you may wish to use a slow-release fertiliser to help flower beds and borders get off to a healthy start. When sowing or planting new seeds and seedlings, you can incorporate fertiliser into the soil. Meanwhile established flowers and vegetables can benefit from regular fertilising throughout the growing season. However, it is important not to over-use fertilisers so always check the instructions to find out how to use your particular fertiliser.

 

 

For more advice on all aspects of successful gardening, visit: www.gardenersworld.com

 

The post Power to Your Plants appeared first on .

Categories: fertiliser, fertiliser nbsp, fertilisers, fertilisers fertilisers, nbsp, nbsp nbsp, nutrients, plant nutrients, plants

Power to Your Plants

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Whether you’re growing roses or radishes, when it comes to home gardening there’s one important ingredient that can make all the difference between success and failure and that’s fertiliser.

 

What are Plant Fertilisers?
Fertilisers are a concentrated source of plant nutrients that are usually supplied as powders, liquids, pellets or granules. You’ll find a wide choice for sale at garden centres or online gardening stores.

As well as requiring water and sunlight to grow, plants also require the correct amount of nutrients. Most plants get their nutrients from the soil and if your garden has healthy soil, you might not need to use a commercial fertiliser. However, many gardeners find that the plants they grow do benefit hugely from the use of a fertiliser.

 

Why Use Fertilisers
Fertilisers are an important ingredient for gardeners as they provide nutrition for plants and are used to improve the growth of plants and maximise the yield of flowers, fruit, or vegetables. Some plants, for example those that grow more quickly than others, will particularly benefit from fertilisers.

 

 

How to Choose the Right Fertiliser
Step inside any good garden centre and you’re likely to find a wide choice of different fertilisers. Choosing the right one is usually straightforward as the packaging will tell you what plants the fertiliser has been designed for. For example, you can choose a fertiliser that has been specifically developed for roses or one that is tailored towards vegetable growing. You can also check the ingredients listed to find out which nutrients are included and in what ratio and then choose the type of fertiliser that is most appropriate for your garden.

The most common nutrients found in commercial fertilisers are nitrogen (N) which helps promote green leafy growth, phosphorus (P) which helps develop healthy roots and shoots, and potassium (K) which is important for flowering and fruiting plants. You may find that the nutrients are listed on the packet using their chemical symbols – NPK. A general purpose fertiliser will usually contain these three nutrients in equal amounts whereas a specialist fertiliser will contain varying proportions depending on its purpose. For example, a tomato fertiliser usually contains more potassium to help the plant produce large, healthy fruit.

 

Organic Fertilisers
If you are taking an organic approach to gardening and prefer to use natural products then you will want to choose an organic fertiliser. These are formulated using plant or animal sources rather than artificial forms of plant nutrients. However, it’s worth remembering that inorganic fertilisers tend to act more quickly than their organic equivalents.

 

 

How to Use Fertilisers
There are several different methods for using fertilisers depending on the type of plant you are growing and the fertiliser product you are using. In the spring you may wish to use a slow-release fertiliser to help flower beds and borders get off to a healthy start. When sowing or planting new seeds and seedlings, you can incorporate fertiliser into the soil. Meanwhile established flowers and vegetables can benefit from regular fertilising throughout the growing season. However, it is important not to over-use fertilisers so always check the instructions to find out how to use your particular fertiliser.

 

 

For more advice on all aspects of successful gardening, visit: www.gardenersworld.com

 

The post Power to Your Plants appeared first on .

Categories: fertiliser, fertiliser nbsp, fertilisers, fertilisers fertilisers, nbsp, nbsp nbsp, nutrients, plant nutrients, plants

Power to Your Plants

 

Written by Jenny Catton

 

Whether you’re growing roses or radishes, when it comes to home gardening there’s one important ingredient that can make all the difference between success and failure and that’s fertiliser.

 

What are Plant Fertilisers?
Fertilisers are a concentrated source of plant nutrients that are usually supplied as powders, liquids, pellets or granules. You’ll find a wide choice for sale at garden centres or online gardening stores.

As well as requiring water and sunlight to grow, plants also require the correct amount of nutrients. Most plants get their nutrients from the soil and if your garden has healthy soil, you might not need to use a commercial fertiliser. However, many gardeners find that the plants they grow do benefit hugely from the use of a fertiliser.

 

Why Use Fertilisers
Fertilisers are an important ingredient for gardeners as they provide nutrition for plants and are used to improve the growth of plants and maximise the yield of flowers, fruit, or vegetables. Some plants, for example those that grow more quickly than others, will particularly benefit from fertilisers.

 

 

How to Choose the Right Fertiliser
Step inside any good garden centre and you’re likely to find a wide choice of different fertilisers. Choosing the right one is usually straightforward as the packaging will tell you what plants the fertiliser has been designed for. For example, you can choose a fertiliser that has been specifically developed for roses or one that is tailored towards vegetable growing. You can also check the ingredients listed to find out which nutrients are included and in what ratio and then choose the type of fertiliser that is most appropriate for your garden.

The most common nutrients found in commercial fertilisers are nitrogen (N) which helps promote green leafy growth, phosphorus (P) which helps develop healthy roots and shoots, and potassium (K) which is important for flowering and fruiting plants. You may find that the nutrients are listed on the packet using their chemical symbols – NPK. A general purpose fertiliser will usually contain these three nutrients in equal amounts whereas a specialist fertiliser will contain varying proportions depending on its purpose. For example, a tomato fertiliser usually contains more potassium to help the plant produce large, healthy fruit.

 

Organic Fertilisers
If you are taking an organic approach to gardening and prefer to use natural products then you will want to choose an organic fertiliser. These are formulated using plant or animal sources rather than artificial forms of plant nutrients. However, it’s worth remembering that inorganic fertilisers tend to act more quickly than their organic equivalents.

 

 

How to Use Fertilisers
There are several different methods for using fertilisers depending on the type of plant you are growing and the fertiliser product you are using. In the spring you may wish to use a slow-release fertiliser to help flower beds and borders get off to a healthy start. When sowing or planting new seeds and seedlings, you can incorporate fertiliser into the soil. Meanwhile established flowers and vegetables can benefit from regular fertilising throughout the growing season. However, it is important not to over-use fertilisers so always check the instructions to find out how to use your particular fertiliser.

 

 

For more advice on all aspects of successful gardening, visit: www.gardenersworld.com

 

The post Power to Your Plants appeared first on .

Categories: fertiliser, fertiliser nbsp, fertilisers, fertilisers fertilisers, nbsp, nbsp nbsp, nutrients, plant nutrients, plants

Anti-Ageing Foods To Add To Your Diet Now

We all know by now that antioxidants are fantastic in helping create an inner anti-ageing regime, to prime us for a healthier, longer and better looking life – both inside and outside. But do you know where to get these antioxidants from? There are certain foods which are better than others in packing our diets with these age fighters – here is a list of the best ingredients to add to your diet and why you should be eating more of them.

Cruciferous Vegetables and Leafy Greens

You have probably been told to eat your greens by your parents since you were a child, but there’s a good reason for this. These vegetables are loaded with nutrients, from calcium and folate to vitamin C, to support bone health, protect against cognitive decline and help to prevent eye problems which are associated with age. More significantly, studies show that they can also provide anti-cancer properties. Vegetables such as cabbage, spinach, broccoli, kale and Swiss chard all count towards.

Apricots

A peach-like fruit, the apricot may seem humble but you may be surprised to learn that it’s packed with anti-ageing ingredients. The orange colour they possess comes from carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants which prevent heart disease, lower bad cholesterol and protect against cancer. The carotenoid beta-carotene can be converted by the body into vitamin A to contribute towards healthy eyes, skin and hair.

Berries

Berries have some of the highest levels of antioxidants of any fruits, with kale and spinach being the only vegetables to match berries in terms of antioxidant levels. Fresh berries have phytochemicals and colour pigments, known as anthocyanins, which have been shown to lower the risk of certain cancers, improve memory function and contribute towards healthy ageing. They also contain quercetin, a flavonol which is both an antioxidant and anti-carcinogen, to protect against heart disease and certain cancers.

Olive Oil

Mediterranean diets use a lot of olive oil, which contains health-boosting omega-3 fatty acids. These not only keep your heart healthy and reduce inflammation, but they also improve your skin circulation and digestion, and lower your cholesterol. All of these factors contribute towards a longer and healthier life.

Wild Alaskan Salmon

Staying on the side of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is rich in these healthy oils which offers a health boost. Selenium levels are high in salmon which protects healthy skin cells by fighting free radicals, which age the skin. Salmon also helps to protect the function of the thyroid, which keeps your weight in check and boosts your overall wellbeing.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are something found in foods so regularly we almost forget the properties they possess. But did you know that they can help to protect against sunburn? Studies show that people who ate tomatoes mixed with olive oil each day had 40 per cent less sunburn than those who consumed just olive oil. This is because tomatoes have lycopene in them, which protects the skin against oxidation that can lead to wrinkles and sun damages.

Raw Almonds

Almonds are loaded with vitamin E, which can be difficult to get from your diet. One small handful is enough to give you half of your daily dose, and this nutrient is great for protecting against ageing. It helps to protect the skin, as well as improving agility and speed as we age.

Avocado

Put them on salads, in sandwiches or as a topping to Mexican cuisine, but be sure to get them into your diet – avocados are packed with healthy fats and are also very high in vitamin E. The result? Shiny hair, glowing skin and a wrinkle-free complexion.

Categories: ageing, anti, anti ageing, anti-ageing, fatty acids, Food, Healthy, heart disease, nutrients, olive oil, Protect, skin

IV Vitamin Therapy: Is It Really Necessary For Our Health?

In the world of health and fitness, there seems to be a new craze every other day. But how many of them do we really need, and are they doing our health any good? The latest to join the ranks is IV Vitamin Therapy in which vitamins and nutrients are quite literally fed through to the body via an IV drip. The practice itself isn’t anything new – it was developed around 50 years ago by a Baltimore Doctor naked John Myers for treating fatigue and depression. But in modern day medicine, the popularity has increased and seen a resurgence of late in people creating their own cocktail of nutrients to drip feed into their bodies. Wellness enthusiasts claim that the procedure delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream and supercharges your energy levels and immune system. Whatever ails you can supposedly be treated with this practice, from digestive complaints or sleep problems, with everything from vitamin D and folic acid flooding your veins to injectable vitamin C. But one of the main reasons why it has become so popular of late is the rumour that it could be a fantastic anti-ageing weapon.

 

There have even been reports by some people that, in place of Western medicines, this works as a way of improving the success rate in couples conceiving. In fact, IV drips are so ubiquitous in Los Angeles that you can get one along with your facial. But is this simply a holistic fad that joins the pile with crazy diets and anti-ageing remedies we now balk at? It seems that this is something altogether different from such magazine fodder.

The process is incredibly high tech, using equipment that measures bone density and takes ultrasounds. Your initial visit will require a look at the body as a collection of parts rather than one machine, making the treatments tailored to your specific needs. Most doctors will need to get a comprehensive look at your body and ailments before going straight in with the needle. Everything from your family history to your sex life will be included so that the physician can get a thorough look at your health as it currently stands. Including the initial consultation and then regular weekly injections, this isn’t a cheap service, heading well into the hundreds for this health-boosting therapy. From the first go, you may feel slightly groggy which your physician will warn you of, rather than the bolt of energy you may be expecting. But that will change – after a couple of hours, when you begin to exercise, work or go about your daily tasks, you’ll notice that you have far more energy than you usually do.

You’re able to go that extra mile without feeling drained because of it. And as you get more of this vitamin-rich therapy, the benefits improve all the while. Your fatigue levels will drop, you’ll have boundless energy and you’ll notice your skin becomes more plump and glowing. This isn’t vitamin popping in the same way that you do when you purchase a pot of multivitamins in the supermarket. These are pure grade vitamins which really make a difference. You’ll be more alert, your concentration levels will go through the roof and your appearance will really benefit. If the reviews are to be believed, then you’ll find that IV Vitamin Therapy becomes more popular by far – time will tell if it catches on in other parts of the world, following the example of top LA medical centres.

Categories: anti ageing, energy, health, holistic, iv vitamin, ll notice, New Treatment, nutrients, therapy, vitamin, vitamin therapy, vitamins

Are Fibre Supplements as Good as Getting the Real Thing?

As part of a complementary wellness regime, many people turn to supplements to help give their wellbeing a bit of a boost. The logic goes that if you don’t get enough of a certain nutrient, such as fibre, in your diet, you can easily add it in by sprinkling a bit of powdered fibre supplement into your soup, sauce, dip or yogurt. But is adding fibre through supplements really as beneficial to your wellness as getting it through food?

 

Joanne Lupton, a spokesperson for the American Society of Nutrition and professor of nutrition at Texas A&M University, notes, ‘The real issue here is that eating a high-fibre diet from foods is almost, by definition, an excellent diet. It’s hard to reach dietary fibre recommendations without eating a lot of fibre . . . so once you take it out of the food, you probably won’t have a very good diet.’ According to the American Dietetic Association, you should be eating between 21 and 38 grams of fibre every day, albeit depending in your gender and age. Still, most of us in this country are only getting half that amount.

 

There are two types of fibre or roughage: soluble fibre, which dissolves in water and helps carry food though your digestive tract, and insoluble fibre, which doesn’t dissolve in water and rapidly passes through your digestive system largely intact. The National Fibre Council recommends that you eat fruits, vegetables, beans, oats and whole grain breads and cereals for good sources of both types of fibre. But where do supplements – such as psyllium, methylcellulose, wheat dextrim and inulin — come into the equation?

 

While tasteless and odourless fibre powders have been marketed in a way to encourage you to add them to an endless list of soft foods and batters and change only the texture, the low ratio of fibre to size means that there’s no way you could get the fibre you need just by adding it in supplement form. There are only roughly three grams of fibre per tablespoon of supplement and so Lona Sandon, assistant professor of clinical nutrition at University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, asserts, ‘You would be sprinkling it on everything all day long. Just adding fibre to a food doesn’t necessarily make it a health food. I’m sure there are people out there who try to justify it.’

 

However, both Lupton and Sandon do allow that fibre supplements offer some of the same health benefits as food-based fibre. Powdered fibre can regulate your bowel movements, help to lower your cholesterol and maintain your blood-sugar at a stable level – just like the real thing. Where fibre supplementation falls short is in providing you with the vitamins and minerals that come from fibre in whole foods. Moreover, fibre supplements may also come with unpleasant side effects. Sandon comments, ‘Some of them cause more GI [gastrointestinal] rumblings than maybe people would care to have.’

 

The University of Maryland Medical Centre advises people taking certain medications — including tricyclic antidepressants, diabetes drugs, cholesterol-lowering drugs, lithium, digoxin or the seizure drug carbamazepine — to talk to a medical health professional before using fibre supplements. Lupton clarifies, ‘People can take them without problems, but just because a little is good, a lot is not necessarily better. If someone is taking daily medications, maybe they should take that at different times than the supplements.’ She adds that, if you’re struggling with your weight, you should not use fibre supplements as a way to excuse eating foods that are not high in nutrients.

Categories: adding fibre, american dietetic, dietetic association, fibre, fibre supplements, Food, Food Sources, nbsp, nutrients, powdered fibre, Supplements

Forget Eating Your Greens, Opt For a Rainbow Instead

‘Eat your greens’ may have been the sentence most commonly heard around the dinner table when you were younger, but there’s a new rule to follow now – eating the rainbow. It seems that avoiding the reds, oranges and purples in our diet could mean that we’re missing out on a range of vital nutrients. By eating the rainbow, we ensure that our bodies get everything they need to stay healthy and strong. Fruit and vegetables contain numerous phytochemicals which act as antioxidants that are used to fight off disease, keep us looking young and to maintain strong bodily processes. They are used to ‘mop up’ free radicals which are molecules that can cause damage to the body if they’re left in the body. As a result, eating plenty of fruit and vegetables could keep your body healthier for longer, helping you to prevent heart disease, cancers, cataracts and even premature ageing. Researchers have found that the phytochemicals could also offer other health benefits, so on top of your five a day you also need to make sure you get a range of colours into your diet as well.

Eating a range of colours doesn’t just mean that you’re getting a range of nutrients – it also means you’ll be able to add a range of textures and flavours to your diet as well. You may think you’re limited when it comes to ingredients that have bright colours, but there’s more to choose from than you think. With red as your inspiration, why not choose between cranberries, cherries, apples, rhubarb, radishes, tomatoes, peppers and red grapes? These ingredients contain lycopene, which is a carotenoid, as well as anthocyanins which give fruit and vegetables their distinctive red colour. They also have high levels of vitamin C, which is great for your immune system. These ingredients can help to protect you from certain cancers, in particular prostate cancer. Our bodies absorb lycopene more easily when the foods have been heated, so eat tomatoes and such ingredients cooked rather than raw.

Green vegetables are easier to find, but you don’t need to limit yourself to spinach. Lettuce, cucumber, cress, courgette, mangetout, apples and kiwi fruit all count towards as well. These contain chlorophyll and nutrients such as iron and calcium. They also contain lutein which is helpful for protecting your eyes. Purple foods could be anything from raisins, red onions and aubergine to blackcurrants and blueberries. These contain anthocyanins which keep the heart healthy and lower the risk of strokes. Researchers have also found that the nutrients within purple and blue foods could help to improve your balance, short-term memory and co-ordination. Lastly, orange and yellow foods can come from oranges, grapefruits, pumpkin, sweetcorn, squash, peaches and pineapple. These are great sources of vitamin C, as well as being loaded with beta carotene. Most yellow or orange foods help to protect your eyes and skin, as they enable the body to convert beta carotene into vitamin A. Eating the rainbow may seem daunting at first, but as long as you ensure that you eat a varied selection of fruit and vegetables every day, you’ll be on track to getting your daily dose of these health-boosting nutrients. If you’re in doubt, why not have a smoothie in the morning, which you can load up with delicious and healthy ingredients? Add a few portions to your dinner and have a piece of fruit as a snack, and you’ll be reaching that five a day goal more easily.

Categories: beta carotene, eating, fruit, ingredients, nutrients, range, vegetables

Top Tricks for Eating a Better Diet

Experts are always expressing the importance of a healthy and balanced diet in order to maintain good health. It doesn’t have to be as difficult as it first appears, either. It simply boils down to making better choices and relying less on processed foods – here are some basic tips that could help you to forge a beneficial diet easily and effectively. The first step is to eat the right amount of calories for your lifestyle – if you’re more active, the more calories your body needs. You’ll be able to judge by how much weight you lose or gain – if you’re losing weight, you need to up your calorie intake. Likewise, if you’re gaining weight, you need to drop your calorie intake or up the amount of exercise you’re doing. You should try to eat a range of fruits, vegetables, meat and legumes too. This will ensure that you get a range of nutrients.

 

You need to base your meals on a starchy food, such as pasta or potatoes. If you choose wholegrain varieties then this will be better for your body and will keep you feeling fuller for longer. Try to include a portion of starch with every main meal, as this will keep your appetite suppressed and will give you energy. Alongside this you need to aim for a minimum of five portions of fruit and vegetables every day – these are loaded with nutrients If you think it’s too difficult to eat that many portions every day, try being more creative with how you eat. For example, chop up a banana or throw a handful of berries onto your cereal, or you could include two or three portions in a smoothie. Eat a portion of carrot or celery sticks with some humus for your afternoon snack, then have a glass of juice and side dish of veg with your main meal. Remember that dried fruit and legumes count towards this as well.

Fish is really good for your health, being low in fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids. Try to include two portions into your weekly diet for better health, protection from heart disease and improved joint function. Oily fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel are the best varieties, as these have the highest levels of omega-3s, but keep your options varied for the best array of nutrients. Be careful how you cook them in order to retain the levels of goodness – steaming or grilling the fish is the best way. You also, naturally, need to cut back on the fat, salt and sugar. These dangerous additives are found in processed foods, junk food and ready meals. By cooking your own meals and relying less on processed foods, you’ll naturally lower your intake of these things – many health conditions have been linked to high intakes of fat and salt, such as diabetes and stroke, so your health will thank you for it. You should also keep your body hydrated – this means drinking between six to eight glasses of water every day. Our body relies heavily on water in order to function properly, so you need to replace what you use so that your bodily functions can work efficiently. It doesn’t need to be plain water though – cups of tea and coffee all count towards as well. Lastly, don’t skip your breakfast in the morning – you may think that you’re saving your calorie intake each day, but in actual fact you’re making your metabolism struggle and you may gain weight as a result. Keep your metabolism working by having a healthy and filling breakfast, to stop you snacking on unhealthy snacks mid-morning.

Categories: body, calorie intake, diet, health, Healthy Eating, Intake, main meal, nutrients, processed foods, weight

On a Budget? Don’t Let It Affect Your Diet

Everyone knows that fast food and unhealthy snacks are cheaper than organic foods, and this is part of the reason that people are becoming so unhealthy. Choosing home-cooked meals created from fresh ingredients seems so much more difficult than sitting down and ordering a meal that’s prepared for you, but your health is suffering as a result. And when you’re on a budget, it seems even harder. There are ways around this though – it’s simply a matter of making healthier decisions that don’t compromise on cost. For example, one of the easiest ways to make a healthier meal is to opt for whole foods – these are ingredients that have been harvested and packaged, without being processed in any way. As such, they’re usually cheaper than foods which have been given flavourings and preservatives. If you’re trying to eat healthier, these are a great way to begin as you have more control over what you’re eating. Another tip is to eat cheaper proteins. This is commonly associated with meat, as steaks and lamb joints can be pretty expensive. Opting for cheaper cuts, such as lean chicken or turkey, as well as eggs and whey, could help you stay healthy and on budget. It may not be quite as tasty but it does the job for less cash.

 

Frozen foods often get overlooked, but they’re a great way to stay on budget as well as making healthier choices. We often attribute frozen foods with unhealthy diets, thanks to the influx of ready meals and junk food, but frozen vegetables and fruits are often actually healthier as they’re frozen immediately after being picked, so that they retain more nutrients. They also save you time as they’re prepared before being frozen, so you don’t have to worry about cutting and removing anything when you come to cook them. They have a longer shelf life, so you can buy in large quantities without worrying about them spoiling in the back of the fridge. And they’re cheap, so you can get your five a day without it costing the earth. If you buy own brand, not just in frozen foods but across the board, you’ll save yourself money but not taste. Store brands aren’t lower in quality, they simply lack the fancy advertising and packaging. The taste is generally the same, but you’ll notice a big difference in how much you pay. And if you’re worried about lacking nutrients in your diet, you could use a supplement. Though they shouldn’t be relied upon, supplements are a great way of boosting your diet and ensuring that you don’t become deficient.

Use the seasons as a guide for what you should be eating, as you’ll pay less for the goods and also get fruit and vegetables at their best. For example, buying strawberries in the winter will cost you as you’ll be paying for the supermarkets to import them from other countries. By working out the seasons for your favourite produce, you’ll save yourself money, get ingredients that are packed with nutrients and also be better in flavour. If you’re finding that being on a budget is making you hungry, you may want to fill up on calorie dense foods, such as pasta and potatoes. They may not be loaded with vitamins and minerals, but they fill you up and are cheap to buy. Ingredients like pasta are also great store cupboard essentials, as they are cheap but last for ages. Canned goods are also great for this – tinned vegetables, fruits and legumes will bulk up your diet without costing you loads in waste and expensive fresh foods.

Categories: budget, diet, foods, frozen, frozen foods, Healthier, ll save, nutrients

Why Are Supplements So Necessary For Our Health?

Society has become increasingly health conscious in recent years, and thanks to the internet we are more knowledgeable than ever about what our bodies need. This increasing desire to be healthy and live stronger lives has resulted in people seeking out new ways to combat the obesity crisis – whilst awareness of an issue is one thing, knowing how to solve it is something quite different. Whether you’re a pro athlete or a regular citizen, a healthy diet requires discipline and determination. Supplements are a popular way to achieve this, as they give your body all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and work properly. While they are no replacement for a healthy diet, they can do wonders for filling in the gaps – particularly if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. On a basic level, supplements can balance your diet and help your body to benefit from the nutrients it needs most. For people who live on a specific diet that’s lacking in a food group, they can be a great way of ensuring that you stay healthy and on top form. As long as you maintain a balanced diet in the first instance, supplements will fill in the gap and improve your wellbeing.

 

Blood sugar levels are a concern for many people now, contributing towards obesity, diabetes and other health complaints. There are supplements that can help you manage this issue and  assist the metabolic, mental and cardiovascular health. If you lead a very active lifestyle and use a lot of energy, it’s vital that you give your body the energy it needs to function. Carbs are ideal for this, but you may also need to supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals – if your diet is falling short here, supplements can help. Vitamin supplements are especially necessary, as they speed up the metabolism of carbohydrates to ensure that your body has a good supply of energy. Whether you’re managing a busy work and life balance, or lead an active lifestyle as an athlete, you will need to focus on this for a healthy body.

Your immune system fights off disease and keeps your body fighting fit against the threat of disease. A strong immune system is crucial for long term health and keeping active for as long as you can, and supplements can be useful in achieving this. If you’re more susceptible to illnesses, you may benefit from a vitamin supplement. As previously stated, supplements are no match for the health benefits gained from a balanced diet in the first place. You should attempt to boost your diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, as well as ensuring that you eat a varied diet that incorporates all of the main food groups – this means opting for lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and whole grains, and dairy to build a strong body that can lead an active lifestyle with ease. But supplements can do a wonderful job of filling in the gaps and topping up your nutrient levels so that you stay healthy and fend off disease effectively. If you’re unsure what nutrients you are lacking, or need some advice on the best supplements to be taking, speak to your GP who can advise you on the best course of action. As with any addition to your diet, seek medical advice before taking supplements in case they aren’t good for your health – your GP will be able to go through your medical history with you to ensure this is the case.

Categories: active lifestyle, balanced diet, body, diet, health, Healthy, healthy diet, nutrients, stay healthy, Supplements

Top Supplements for Men"s Health

For most men, there’s plenty of room for improvement where nutrition is concerned. It can be easy to develop nutritional blind spots when we prefer certain foods, so our body begins to lack vital vitamins and minerals as a result. Your body needs a balanced array of nutrients, however, to function effectively – this is especially the case if you’re exercising more and requiring more from your diet than simply day to day functions. Supplements can be useful in helping you achieve a smorgasbord of vitamins to keep you as healthy as possible. But you should also be boosting your diet with lesser thought of foods for nutrients that may be being forgotten. For example, lycopene is found in tomatoes and is a powerful antioxidants, and red yeast rice is a heart-healthy statin. Relying on supplements is bad for your health, but they have their plus sides in helping you stay on top of those oft-ignored areas of your diet. The correct supplements can provide you with the nutrients to stay ahead of your game and improve your wellbeing, staving off heart disease, bolstering your immune system and even improving your sex life. They shouldn’t be added to your diet with little thought though – you really need to consider what you’re missing and improve that area, rather than choosing a multivitamin for convenience.

 

If you’re suffering from brain drain, then the solution may be Acetyl L-Carnitine – this amino acid converts fats into energy and helps to boost the antioxidant activity in the body. It can also protect your brain from stress caused by ageing and alcohol when taken in supplement form. Some studies also suggest that it could help relieve some of the symptoms of mild depression. You can either take this from supplements or opt for dairy or meat products for a natural boost through your diet. If you’re having problems with erectile dysfunction, you may benefit from Korean red panax ginseng. 60 percent of men who suffered with this problem noticed an improvement when they used this supplement. It could also help protect your heart, according to researchers. High blood pressure can be reduced with coenzyme Q-10, or CoQ-10 for short, as well as boosting your ecSOD levels. This enzyme can protect your blood vessels, as well as boosting sperm quality and increase the speed that your body burns fat when you’re exercising. Meat, fish and broccoli are all great sources, but this can be found easily in supplement form.

 

Supplements are great for boosting your vitamin D levels, as this is notoriously difficult to obtain from your diet. Sunshine and fortified bread and cereals are your best source where your diet is concerned, but supplements are easier to ensure you get the right dosage. Vitamin D is vital for keeping your bones healthy, helping your body to absorb calcium and utilise it properly. Studies also suggest that it could help lower the risk of depression, colorectal cancer and heart disease. Fish oils are also a vital aspect of your diet, but often overlooked. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, fish oils from oily fish such as salmon or tuna can protect your heart, boost your good cholesterol, lower blood pressure and even protect against Alzheimer’s disease. Some studies also suggest that they can lower your risk of colon and prostate cancer, as well as improving inflammation. Your GP will be your best source of advice for any specific health concerns that you have, offering suggestions on supplements or nutrients that can resolve any gaps in your diet for improved wellbeing and overall health.

Categories: blood pressure, body, diet, fish oils, heart, heart disease, men's health, nutrients, Protect, supplement form, Supplements

Top Supplements for Men"s Health

For most men, there’s plenty of room for improvement where nutrition is concerned. It can be easy to develop nutritional blind spots when we prefer certain foods, so our body begins to lack vital vitamins and minerals as a result. Your body needs a balanced array of nutrients, however, to function effectively – this is especially the case if you’re exercising more and requiring more from your diet than simply day to day functions. Supplements can be useful in helping you achieve a smorgasbord of vitamins to keep you as healthy as possible. But you should also be boosting your diet with lesser thought of foods for nutrients that may be being forgotten. For example, lycopene is found in tomatoes and is a powerful antioxidants, and red yeast rice is a heart-healthy statin. Relying on supplements is bad for your health, but they have their plus sides in helping you stay on top of those oft-ignored areas of your diet. The correct supplements can provide you with the nutrients to stay ahead of your game and improve your wellbeing, staving off heart disease, bolstering your immune system and even improving your sex life. They shouldn’t be added to your diet with little thought though – you really need to consider what you’re missing and improve that area, rather than choosing a multivitamin for convenience.

 

If you’re suffering from brain drain, then the solution may be Acetyl L-Carnitine – this amino acid converts fats into energy and helps to boost the antioxidant activity in the body. It can also protect your brain from stress caused by ageing and alcohol when taken in supplement form. Some studies also suggest that it could help relieve some of the symptoms of mild depression. You can either take this from supplements or opt for dairy or meat products for a natural boost through your diet. If you’re having problems with erectile dysfunction, you may benefit from Korean red panax ginseng. 60 percent of men who suffered with this problem noticed an improvement when they used this supplement. It could also help protect your heart, according to researchers. High blood pressure can be reduced with coenzyme Q-10, or CoQ-10 for short, as well as boosting your ecSOD levels. This enzyme can protect your blood vessels, as well as boosting sperm quality and increase the speed that your body burns fat when you’re exercising. Meat, fish and broccoli are all great sources, but this can be found easily in supplement form.

 

Supplements are great for boosting your vitamin D levels, as this is notoriously difficult to obtain from your diet. Sunshine and fortified bread and cereals are your best source where your diet is concerned, but supplements are easier to ensure you get the right dosage. Vitamin D is vital for keeping your bones healthy, helping your body to absorb calcium and utilise it properly. Studies also suggest that it could help lower the risk of depression, colorectal cancer and heart disease. Fish oils are also a vital aspect of your diet, but often overlooked. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, fish oils from oily fish such as salmon or tuna can protect your heart, boost your good cholesterol, lower blood pressure and even protect against Alzheimer’s disease. Some studies also suggest that they can lower your risk of colon and prostate cancer, as well as improving inflammation. Your GP will be your best source of advice for any specific health concerns that you have, offering suggestions on supplements or nutrients that can resolve any gaps in your diet for improved wellbeing and overall health.

Categories: blood pressure, body, diet, fish oils, heart, heart disease, men's health, nutrients, Protect, supplement form, Supplements

Nutrition: The Missing Link in Your Anti-Ageing Regime

When it comes to anti-ageing wellness, there seems to be a moisturiser for every body part and more “miracle pills” than you can shake a stick at, but still something is missing. Surely, there’s a more natural way to live for longer and look good while you’re doing it.

 

The answer? Nutrition.

 

Think about it: are you getting the minimum level of nutrition your body needs from your diet? Of course not. Not only does this make you age prematurely, but it opens up your wellbeing to a whole host of health concerns, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. The reason why you’re at risk to these problems is all the processed foods you eat. The commercial industry needs 16 nutrients to grow a whole lot of plants, but your body needs 26 nutrients to thrive. This means that artificial fertilizers are created using the 16 necessary for plant growth, and so you miss out on the remaining 10.

 

Plus, there are all those pesticides to consider. According to a study published by the National Research Council, the major source of exposure to pesticides for infants and children is through diet. Pesticides have an impact on the nutrients in food; namely, vitamin C, B vitamins and beta-carotene. Your body needs these nutrients to fight an onslaught of toxins. This means that – for your wellness as well as your children’s – you need to choose organic foods which haven’t been genetically modified. The evidence to prove the nutritional superiority of organic foods over conventionally-grown foods remains to be seen, but you can’t deny the the amount of pesticide residue each category contains.

 

If you want to get the wide range of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals your body needs to maintain good energy levels and wellness – and to live for longer – you need five servings of organic fruits and vegetables a day in a variety of colours:

 

• Blue/purple: Purple cabbage, blackcurrants, raisins, plums, purple grapes


• Green: Spinach, beans, peas, green pepper, celery, broccoli


• White/tan/brown: Banana, dates, garlic, ginger, radish, cauliflower, mushrooms, onions


• Yellow/orange: Pumpkin, lemon, papaya, peach, melon, pineapple, sweet corn, mangoes, oranges, yellow pepper


• Red: Apples, tomatoes, berries, pomegranate, red pepper, beetroot, cherries.

Categories: anti ageing, body, Colour, foods, nbsp, nutrients, nutrition, Organic, organic foods, Pesticides, vitamins

What Does a Multi-Vitamin Really Contain?

There is a strong debate surrounding how effective multivitamins really are, alongside the ever present discussion on whether we really need supplements. Should we simply be getting our nutrients from our diet, or are supplements an effective way of ensuring that we get all the nutrients we need to stay healthy?

Experts agree that we should eat our way through the nutrient list, rather than relying on supplements and tablets to do the hard work for us. But an article from Natural News, published in May, states that the growing concern surrounding supplements may be true – those bought at the supermarket or pharmacies are composed of isolated, inorganic and synthetic forms of vitamins and minerals. This is a problem for a number of reasons – firstly, the human body isn’t familiar with these forms of vitamins and minerals, so absorbing them can become a problem. This means they aren’t as effective as they need to be. Secondly, they often also include synthetic chemicals to bind the ingredients together, which are toxic to your body and actually have more of a detrimental effect on your health rather than helping it. It’s important to remember that we take vitamin supplements as a way of shortening the gaps that our diet causes – if they’re causing more harm than good, these gaps become wider and multivitamins become less useful to us. Where certain nutrients are concerns, such as iron and calcium, the minerals found in multivitamins have been likened more to rocks than nutrients – they’re not good for our health and could actually cause us damage internally. It’s safer to opt for a healthy diet in order to get the nutrients you need, so that you can be sure the vitamins and minerals are exactly as state, rather than synthetic versions.

 

Categories: minerals, nutrients, Supplements, synthetic, vitamins

Are You Confused About Supplements? So are the Experts!

In Britain, more than a third of us try to improve our wellness by taking a daily supplement, but there used to be a lot more interest in healthy pill-popping. 41% of Brits were loading up on vitamins and minerals in 2008, but last year this figure fell to 35% – so what changed?

 

In recent years, more and more scientists have been dispelling the myth that supplements are the be-all and end-all of wellness, while other, equally-respected, researchers have extolled the health benefits of supplements. A good case in point comes from scientists at both the University of Glasgow and the University of Aberdeen whose first study showed that vitamin supplements helped boost the lifespans of mice. However, earlier this month in scientific journal Biology Letters, the same researchers detected the opposite effect in voles – rodents which resemble mice but have bigger bodies.

 

Dr Paul Offit, head of the infectious diseases unit at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, has caused quite a stir in the US over his views on the subject. In his new book, Do You Believe in Magic?: The Sense and Nonsense of Alternative Medicine, he not only dismisses the benefits of many supplements, but also warns that high doses of vitamin supplements are bad for your health. He commented, ‘Vitamins live under this notion that you can’t possibly hurt yourself, but you can, by challenging Mother Nature and taking these vitamins and concentrating them to these exceptionally large quantities that you would never normally eat.’

 

However, according to Simon Bandy, general manager at supplement supplier Health Plus, ‘People do take supplements because they want to make sure they’re getting the nutrients their bodies require. They’re not really a replacement for food – they act as an insurance policy to make sure your body’s getting the right number of nutrients. We’re not yet at the stage where people could take a pill and live on that.’ He added, with diet alone, it’s just not possible to get all the vitamins and minerals you need to ensure your well-being. ‘It’s a lovely philosophy and it would be nice if we could get them all from our food, but unfortunately the way stuff is having to be forced grown to feed an ever-growing population, there just aren’t the nutrients in there.’

Categories: Confusion, diet, health, nutrients, Pros and Cons, Supplements, vitamin supplements, vitamins

What can Food Labels do for our Health and Wellbeing?

Food labels may seem like a meaningless addition to packaging, but knowing how to read a food label could significantly improve your health and assist you in making better dietary choices. This is especially true if you have a health condition such as diabetes or high cholesterol, as chances are you will need to follow a special diet – food labels can ensure that you’re making the best choices for your health, and can stop you damaging your health. But how do they work? When reading the labels on food packaging, you should be paying close attention to the ‘Daily Values’ column, as this highlights the recommended dose of each nutrient. This will help you to balance your diet and ensure you don’t eat too much of one thing – for example, if one food item contains 20 percent of your recommended dose of sugar, you’ll know that the rest of your choices throughout the day need to fall within the remaining remit in order for you to stay healthy. As a general rule 20 percent Daily Value or more is high, and 5 percent Daily Value or less is low. Where beneficial nutrients are concerned, such as calcium or protein, you can use this section of the information to help you choose foods which have higher quantities – similarly, where fats and sugars are present, you can make healthier choices by aiming as low as possible. Be careful of trans fats, as these are damaging to your health – these are generally present in biscuits, snack foods and fatty foods which have been fried. Experts advise striking a balance where possible and aiming to eat plenty of nutrients across the board to ensure you get everything you need. Reading labels can help you achieve this so that your body has everything it needs to stay healthy.

Categories: diet, Food labels, nutrients