Supplements:
I always advise people to choose real food over relying on supplements to maintain their health, as an excess of certain vitamins and minerals may lead to toxicity and illness. However, there are a couple that are safe enough to recommend to everybody and may help to boost health and immunity over the winter months:
Nordic Naturals Algae Omega:
This revolutionary 100% vegan supplement provides algae-based omega-3 EPA and DHA without using fish. Omega-3 fats are essential for heart and brain health, good vision, a healthy immune system, lowering inflammation in the body and for normal cell structure. Humans have no nutritional need for fish as they can obtain these important fats straight from the source, as fish do. This algae oil is also free of mercury and other toxins and pesticides often found in fish. Many people are deficient in omega-3 fats or have an incorrect balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fats, so this supplement can help to achieve a better balance. Always take with a drink of water and never on an empty stomach.
Nature’s Plus Source of Life Gold Liquid:
I began taking this a month ago to give my immune system an extra boost as we were approaching colder days, plus I travel a lot and planes are notorious for carrying bugs. I have been amazed by the boost of energy it has given me and as an added bonus, it has a very pleasant tropical fruit taste. It is a multi-vitamin supplement containing over 120 concentrated whole foods, plus acai, resveratrol, vitamins D3, B12 and K2, CoQ10 and B vitamins for energy, high levels of antioxidant vitamins A and C, plus calcium, copper and manganese. However, it doesn’t contain iron or sufficient daily intakes of zinc or potassium which must be eaten daily, so those lower in zinc and iron (check with your GP) may need a separate supplement. Sufficient potassium can be obtained through eating plenty of fruit and vegetables.
Quinoa:
A quinoa and veggie dish will take the place of turkey on my plate on Christmas day! I am a big fan of the gluten-free lifestyle, but not so much of gluten-free processed and packaged foods, which can be high in sugar and other artificial ingredients. However, quinoa is one of the most nutrient-dense and naturally gluten-free grains for those avoiding wheat. An ancient South American food staple, quinoa offers one of the most nutritious forms of complex carbohydrates to humans and contains all essential amino acids, necessary for building a toned and tight body. It is especially high in lysine, which is important for the repair and growth of tissues. Quinoa is also much higher is essential minerals compared to other grains like rice and cous-cous. These include phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese and magnesium, which helps to relax muscles and blood vessels. I love quinoa sprinkled over a big green salad or mixed with roast veggies and spicy seasoning.
Brussels Sprouts:
In order for our bodies to detox efficiently, a large supply of natural sulphur must be provided through our diet, and this traditional Christmas veggie happens to be rich in nutrients containing sulphur. To further boost detoxification and lower inflammation in the body, Brussels sprouts contain vitamins A, C, E and K and essential omega-3 fatty acids. They are also a good source of calcium, contain sufficient levels of protein and are high in fibre, which is essential for a healthy digestive system. Furthermore, Brussels sprouts can assist in lowering cholesterol levels by binding with bile acids produced from cholesterol in the liver and carry them out of the body in the form of waste. I love sprouts raw and crunchy in a salad for maximum nutrition, but they’re also very beneficial lightly steamed or sauteed in toasted sesame seeds and tamari sauce.