Issue 5

Beauty, Nutrition, Superfoods

KEEPING UP WITH THE COLLAGENS

Take a look at how collagen can reverse the signs of ageing!

THE K-BEAUTY

OBSESSION

Mushrooms Make It Mainstream

The Truth About Medicinal Mushrooms Issue 5

CONTENTS BEAUTY 4-5 Common Hair Care Complaints & How To Fix Them The best natural products to help banish bad barnets and soothe sensitive scalps.

6-7 Skin Deep: Find your skin’s moisturising mate with our guide to the creme de la creams.

8-9 The Best Oral Care Ingredients from Nature A closer look at the ingredients in the new Simply Coconut Oral Care from JASON. 10-11 4 Seasons Beauty Tips Beauty tips for whatever the weather!

12-13 The Team’s Top Beauty Picks Find out the Kinetic team’s favourite beauty products 2

14-15 Pre- & ProBiotics in Skincare Explained They’re important for your skin as well as your gut health!

16-17 The K-Beauty Obsession Korean and Asian beauty trends done naturally.

18-19 What’s New in Beauty Get a sneak peek at what’s to come from our beauty brands.

20-21 Lip Service Are your lipsticks and balms drying out your lips?

30-31 Easy to Digest Five steps we recommend for helping keep your gut health at its optimum.

32-33 What’s New in Supplements & Superfoods Get a sneak peek at what’s to come from our nutrition & superfood brands.

34-35 The Team’s Top Nutritional Picks Find out the Kinetic team’s favourite supplement and superfood products.

NUTRITION 22-23 Beauty from Within Learn all about collagen, the most abundant protein in our bodies.

24-25 Adaptogens Explained Our top 5 adaptogens, how they work and why.

26-27 4 Seasons Health Tips Health tips to keep you well all year round.

28-29 Whole Food Supplements Explained What really is a whole food supplement, and why does Garden of Life stand out from the others?

36-37 Sports Nutrition for Optimum Performance Discover how you can better support your body through training with diet and nutrition.

38-39 Alkalising foods/supplements Find out why you should incorporate pH balancing foods into your diet.

SUPERFOODS 40-41 Medicinal Mushrooms Explained Learn more about the hottest nutritional superfoods around right now!

42-43 The Superfruits You've Got To Know We let you into our superfruit secrets to help you unlock better health and wellbeing.

44-45 Nutiva Giving Back The superfood brand superbly supporting sustainable agriculture.

46-51 Recipes Easy mouth-watering recipes you’re bound to love 3

Common Hair Care

Complaints

& how to FIX THEM

Our hair is one of the first things that people notice about us, especially since it frames our face: the first thing people look at (hopefully!) when they meet someone. Bad barnets and sensitive scalps can become a thing of the past when the right care is taken. Here we take a look at some common hair and scalp care conditions and suggest the best natural products to treat them.

Dandruff

Frizzy Hair

What causes dandruff?

There are several different causes of dandruff, including washing your hair too much or too little, seborrhoeic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis, eczema, sensitivity to hair care products, or a yeast-like fungus called malassezia. Dry skin, however, is the most common cause of dandruff.

What causes frizzy hair?

When the cuticle layer of your hair is raised and bumpy instead of smooth, moisture enters the hair shaft and causes the strands to swell. This disturbs the usually neat matrix of your hair’s proteins. Curly hair tends to be more susceptible to frizz than straight hair.

How best to treat dandruff?

This will all depend on your current beauty regimen.

Firstly, check you are using the right shampoo, always look for a natural, gentle formula, free from SLS as this chemical can irritate the scalp. Next, take note of how you wash your hair and how often. You should be massaging your scalp when you wash your hair to ensure a thorough clean but equally important is a thorough rinse. You should wash your hair every 2-3 days at the most, so iif you are washing your hair every day try gradually reducing the number of times a week you wash your hair.

How best to treat frizzy hair?

To help prevent and treat frizzy hair ensure you are drinking enough water and eating a balanced diet.

Scalp massages can help stimulate oil production in your scalp plus help distribute the oil down the hair shaft. Once or twice a week perform a deep conditioning treatment. Make sure you are using the right kind of shampoo for your hair, one that is moisturising and nourishing.

The antioxidants and minerals in lemon help to nourish and repair any scalp imbalances, whilst the natural exfoliating action of the citric acid helps to clear the scalp of build-up of skin cells which cause dandruff.

The molecular structure of jojoba oil is very similar to that of our skin’s natural sebum, which means that jojoba oil is readily accepted by the scalp and does not mess with the natural balance Recommended products: Care of oils. This helps soothe the Hair apy Ther nics Orga Avalon Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo scalp, which can ease dry JASON Dandruff Relief Shampoo scalp and dandruff issues.

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Recommended products JASON Smoothing Sea Kelp Shampoo & Conditioner Giovanni 2Chic Frizz Be Gone Anti-Frizz Hair Balm

Scalp Sensitivity What causes scalp sensitivity?

The main causes of an itchy, sensitive scalp are: dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis and allergic reactions caused by hair dyes, eczema and atopic dermatitis.

Recommended products: JASON Normalizing Tea Tree Shampoo t Avalon Organics Scalp Treatmenr Tea Tree Shampoo & Conditione

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How best to treat scalp sensitivity?

Ensuring you are using the right products for you is a great start, there are many natural products created especially to treat sensitive scalps, psoriasis and eczema.

Using whole ingredients such as aloe vera and coconut oil as scalp treatments can also help.

Thinning Hair

What causes thinning hair?

There are several factors that can cause hair loss including thyroid disease, anaemia, and low vitamin levels or inadequate protein consumption. Many people find that as they age, their hair thins naturally, although this could be related to lower absorption rates of nutrients through diet.

How best to treat thinning hair?

Besides from consuming a nutrient-rich balanced diet, there are some herbs you might want to consider. Saw Palmetto helps to balance testosterone levels, whilst gingko biloba helps strengthen the hair shaft and reduce thinning.

Keeping your hormones in check, including stress hormones, will play an Recommended products important part in retaining hair. Essential oils can also Avalon Organics Therapy Hair Care Biotin Thickening help treat thinning hair, Shampoo & Conditioner rosemary being one JASON Thin to Thick Scalp Elixir of the best.

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Skin Deep With so many oils, serums, creams and lotions on the the market promising deep moisturisation and long-lasting hydration, it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to caring for your skin.

It’s important to recognise whether your skin is dry or dehydrated. Dehydrated skin is lacking in water, and can be caused by central heating, air conditioning, the sun’s rays, cold temperatures, as well as the obvious one: not drinking enough water! Dry skin on the other hand is lacking natural oils. As we get older, our lipid barrier decreases, which is why dry skin is more common in older people. Symptoms of dehydrated skin include a tight feeling, the appearance of pores, and a rough texture. Symptoms of dry skin include itchiness, redness and ashiness.

Fret not if you’ve yet to find the perfect moisturising mate for your skin, we’ve created this round up guide to help you find the best product for you.

Sensitive

Stressed

Antipodes Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream

Pacifica Coconut Probiotic Water Rehab Cream Party then, rehab now. Even skin suffers hangovers due to stress, late nights, pollution and lack of sleep. Dehydration and dullness appear to add years to your skin. Take control with the Pacifica Coconut Probiotic Water Rehab Cream, it helps improve texture, addresses fine lines and helps bring back the youthful appearance of brighter skin. Clinically advanced vegan probiotic technology is fused with plant extracts and coconut water to promote a luminous, dewy and radiant glow. So party on, we have you covered. 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

A light and non-oily facial day cream to enhance your skin’s natural hydration. Allorganic ingredients of manuka flower and avocado oil combine with macadamia and jojoba to balance and moisturise. Manuka flower oil has antibacterial and healing properties. Retain youthful skin with the extraordinary collagen-boosting powers of avocado oil. This cream boasts joyful fragrances of sweet almond and vanilla pod. Dermatologically approved for sensitive skin.

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Acne-Prone

Prone to Clogged Pores

Alba Botanica Acnedote Oil Control Lotion

Pacifica Kale Luxe Oil-Free Multi Cream

The ultimate, acne-fighting, mattifying lotion. A powerful, botanically effective, oil-free formula keeps shine at bay while it weightlessly hydrates skin. Formulated with salicylic acid and willow bark extract, this lotion reveals a visibly clearer complexion.

Never tight, never oily, skin is smooth, fresh and prepped for your day (or night)!

Pacifica’s super powerful, oil-free lightweight cream, hydrates and supports a healthy appearance, no matter what age. Natural lime pearls, rich in vitamins and AHAs, help improve appearance of healthy skin texture, tone and brightness, while flax aids in oil control. Kale, it’s your skin’s new BFF.

Dehydrated

Oily, Dull or Tired

Antipodes Hosanna H2O Intensive Skin Plumping Serum

Avalon Organics Brilliant Balance Daily Moisturiser

A water-charged and oil-free bioactive serum that immediately quenches thirsty skin and helps intensively improve skin appearance over time. Revolutionary vinanza grape antioxidant keeps skin super-hydrated and protected from the damage caused by environmental aggressors and pollutants.

Mamaku black fern helps foster healthy cell renewal. Use before your favourite Antipodes moisturiser.

A lightweight, hypoallergenic and dermatologisttested daily moisturiser to infuse skin with vital hydration. In clinical testing, 83% of users reported their skin was more luminous and 82% of users reported their skin clarity improved after 2 weeks of daily use. With lavender, cucumber and prebiotics for added skin balancing and calming benefits.

City Living Mature and/or Ultra Dry JASON Vitamin E 25,000iu Age Renewal Creme Help minimise fine lines, improve skin tone, texture and elasticity with JASON 25000IU Vitamin E Age Renewal Moisturising Cream. This luscious cream will reinvigorate your skin, perfect for mature and dehydrated skin.

Formulated with wheat germ, avocado oil, aloe vera and vitamins A, C and 25,000 I.U. of vitamin E, this cream will ensure your skin is kept protected and hydrated throughout the day. This multi-talented cream also helps combat the visual signs of ageing, leaving you with fully moisturised, supple skin.

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Avalon Organics Intense Defense with Vitamin C Antioxidant Oil Features a blend of Apricot, Raspberry and Argan Oil that absorbs quickly, reinforcing skin’s natural lipid barrier, which locks in moisture and protects skin against environmental stressors, such as UV rays and pollution. These create free radicals on the skin that cause premature signs of visible ageing. Studies show that antioxidants can neutralize these damaging free radicals. Intense Defense balances vitamin C, white tea and lemon bioflavonoids to defend skin and support its natural renewal cycle.

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THE BEST ORAL CARE

INGREDIENTS from Nature JASON Simply Coconut Toothpastes are made with only the most essential ingredients from the earth, harmoniously combining Virgin Coconut Oil with brightening, invigorating, freshening and calming minerals and extracts to give your teeth a healthy sparkle and leave your breath super fresh. It’s your time to smile and shine.

Why Coconut Oil? Coconut oil binds to plaque on the teeth and helps reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth. Streptococcus mutans is one of the most prominent bacteria in the mouth and it has been studied for its role in tooth decay and gum disease. Studies into oil pulling with coconut oil have shown that the activity reduces the presence of streptococcus mutans in the mouth, so using oral care products with coconut oil may help keep your teeth healthier for longer.

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Coconut Mint Strengthening Toothpaste Magnesium - an important mineral for maintaining optimal dental health. Remineralising your teeth can help to strengthen the enamel and protect your mouth against infections and tooth decay.

Calcium - we all know calcium is essential for healthy teeth (as well as bones) so when looking for oral care products to strengthen your teeth, it is an important mineral when it comes to oral care.

Peppermint Oil - not only does peppermint oil give us that fresh breath feeling we expect from toothpaste, it’s also antiseptic and antibacterial, helping to combat bad breath.

Coconut Cream Whitening Toothpaste Bamboo Powder - bamboo powder acts as a gentle exfoliant (far gentler than bicarbonate of soda) to help naturally whiten and brighten teeth.

Strawberry Extract - strawberry extract contains natural fruit acids to help gently whiten teeth.

Pineapple Enzymes - pineapple enzymes have superior cleansing properties and help prevent tartar build up.

Coconut Chamomile Soothing Toothpaste Chamomile Extract - as well as soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, chamomile has antifungal, antibacterial and antibiotic properties, and is a very good disinfectant.

Aloe Vera Juice - when it comes to receding gums, aloe vera not only reduces inflammation in the gums but activates the cells that repair tissues.

Aloe vera also has antibacterial properties to help prevent infection, plus research has shown it effective at anti-inflammatory actions to reduce pain associated with canker sores.

Witch Hazel Water - another anti-inflammatory, witch hazel will help reduce inflammation and irritation, speeding up the healing process for sore gums, mouth ulcers and more.

Coconut Eucalyptus Refreshing Toothpaste Spearmint - like peppermint oil, spearmint oil is a great breath freshener. It also possesses antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, making it great for combating bad breath. For those who find peppermint oil too strong for them, spearmint is a great alternative.

Eucalyptus Leaf - a soothing ingredient for inflamed gums, which is also effective at wound healing, including mouth ulcers. It helps protect against cavities, tartar and gingivitis, whilst also refreshing bad breath.

Tea Tree Oil - studies have shown tea tree oil to be a powerful antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent.

So as well as helping keep bacteria and bad breath at bay, tea tree oil also can help calm mouth ulcers and soothe conditions such as gingivitis.

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NO FLUORIDE - NO GLUTEN - NO ALCOHOL - NO ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS - NO PROPYLENE GLYCOL - NO PARABENS NO HARSH SULPHATES - NO PETROLATUM - NO ARTIFICIAL COLOURS - NO PHTHALATES 9

4 Seasons

Spring Skin Breakouts

Spring can be a stressful time for our skin. One minute it’s hot, the next it’s not. Moisture levels in the air can also vary immensely due not only to the temperature, but also those April showers.

This can leave our skin out of balance and crying out for some TLC.

The best way to revitalise skin’s appearance is to exfoliate regularly as this will remove dead cells on the surface of the skin, which contribute to a dull appearance.

Again, diet and hydration will help keep skin healthier from the inside out, but make sure you feed and nurture your skin with natural and organic oils.

Recommended:

Summer Body Sun Damage

Almost all of us love being out in the sun, but many of us will fall victim to sunburn at some point in the summer months. It is best to avoid going out in the sun when it is at its strongest - between 11am and 3pm. We should also ensure we eat a varied diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, E and D, along with beta carotene (found in spinach, carrots and sweet potatoes to name a few) and EPA, a fatty acid found in fish oils.

ics Brilliant To help combat and Avalon Organym e Scrub Balance Enz prevent breakouts, JASON Vitamin E 45,000iu Oil adopt a beauty Frizzy Hair regimen that suits your skin, and include deep Curly hair tends to When outdoors, regularly cleansing be more susceptible reapplying an SPF products. to frizz than straight We can also is the obvious way hair. The changeable help our skin to help prevent spring weather exposes from within by sun damage and our hair to a variety staying well premature ageing. of temperatures and hydrated, Be sure that you d: ended: know what your mm co humidities.

RecommendeInv Re eating the ble mily Acnedote t isi JASON SPF45 Fa s l Treatmen Gega rainbow of SPF number Avalon Organic n Ve t Ho Pacifica Antioxidant Oil sk veggies Ma ice To help prevent and Sp & stands for: SPF ics Probiot treat frizzy hair ensure and fruits, actually represents how you are drinking enough and supplementing our long you can stay out water and eating diets with probiotics for without burning. In other a balanced optimum gut health. words, SPF 15 means that diet. Make sure you can stay out 15 times you are using longer than if you were the right kind Dull Skin wearing no lotion at all. of shampoo If you do burn, be sure for your hair.

The harsh winter weather to apply an aftersun Recommended: Kelp teamed with lack of sun product as soon as Sea g JASON Smoothin Shampoo & Conditioner possible to prevent in the winter months can Giovanni 2Chic Frizz Be Gone Leave-In Conditioning Elixir. further damage. leave skin dull and dry.

Sweat & Oily Skin

Summertime, particularly for city dwellers, can mean a time of being a sticky, sweating mess.

Sweat can not only create the obvious issue of body odour, but it can lead to oily, greasy skin, from the build up of sweat, dirt, pollution and our body’s own natural oils. If not cared for correctly, this can lead to clogged pores, and breakouts on both the face and body (the dreaded bacne!)

So as well as deodorant, you may want to think about your skin beauty summer essentials. To avoid congestion and blocked pores, look for a deep-cleansing face and body wash, preferably with a natural antibacterial ingredient such as citrus or tea tree. Exfoliation is also important, both facial and body. Finally, you may wish to switch to lighter products to avoid buildup from these, and you may favour a lotion over a cream or oil as this product will be more easily absorbed by the skin.

Recommen ded: JASON Deo dorant Alba Botani ca Acnedo te Face & Bo dy Scrub

Beauty Tips Autumn Ailments Uneven Skin Tone Pigmentation can be caused by several factors – sun damage, scarring, and hormones. There are several natural treatments that you can use, both homemade and shop bought. Fruit enzymes from papaya and pineapple are effective at reducing pigmentation, whilst lemon and lime have just the right acidity to remove the top layer of skin thus addressing new pigmentation issues.

When it comes to products, look for whitening and brightening serums which work to minimise pigmentation, even skin tone and leave the skin glowing and healthier. To protect your hands, look for creams with natural SPF and nourishing Recommended: ingredients Antipodes Apostle JASON C-Effects Serum to feed the skin with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals essential for skin health.

Fading Tan Most of us love the sunkissed glow brought about by sensible exposure to the sun’s UV rays, but unless we care for our skin correctly before, during and after summer, our tans can fade faster than the sunset on the last night of our holiday.

Winter Woes Dry Everything The colder weather has a number of effects on our skin and hair, but the main concern is moisturezapping, which happens because humidity is generally lower in the winter, it means there is less water in the air, and this dries out our skin and hair. Cold winds and central heating also have the same effect, which leaves skin and hair in need of some extra nourishment and moisturisation.

Following the steps mentioned earlier to minimise sun damage, following a good diet and using SPF and reapplying regularly, will help you to keep your tan longer.

When out of the sun, it’s important to keep your skin healthy and moisturised, plus don’t forget to apply an To help combat aftersun product the effect of the even if you haven’t elements on your burnt. Finally, skin and hair, a weekly body look towards Recommended: exfoliation helps JASON Coconut Oil heavier, oilGiovanni 2Chic Repair remove dead skin based products Hot Oil cells to ensure an as these will help all-over glowing tan. lock in moisture. Applying your moisturising As we move into the products to damp skin autumn months, keep it up will also help seal in extra with the diet and devout moisture. Warm/hot oil moisturisation treatments for your hair to ensure your and scalp will help ensure tan lasts as your hair is properly long as it can. nourished and hydrated.

Try to avoid blow-drying wherever possible, instead : ed d en m Recom rganics opt for softer, more Avalon Oturising Coconut n Mois ody Lotio natural looks.

Hand & B venly Body Oil Antipodes

Hea

Skin Hangover Our skin can be at its worst in winter, plus when party season hits our skin can be in a constant mess: tired, stressed, dry, dehydrated and dull. As well as high performance skincare and a stellar regimen, there are other steps we can take to ensure our skin makes us shine like the belle of the ball.

Firstly, ensure you are getting enough sleep as your skin regenerates while you sleep. To give it a helping hand, use a night cream and serum. It is also important to ensure that you are removing all your makeup thoroughly before beddy-byes. Next, stay hydrated throughout the whole party season.

Take on board plenty of water and herbal teas throughout the day and if you do drink alternate every alcoholic drink with a glass of water.

Last of all, once or twice a week be sure to exfoliate and follow up with a mask to Recommended: hydrate and Pacifica Coconu Probiotic Watert replenish the Rehab Cr eam Antipodes Avoc skin. ado Pe ar Night Cream

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The Team's Top

Beauty Picks

“It does a great job removing the dirt from the day as well as make-up and quickly removes all eye make-up. Leaves my skin silky soft ready to apply my Antipodes day cream or night cream.”

Lesley

ANTIPODES - Grace Gentle Cleanser

“I love the Jason Men’s Shave Oil for Sensitive Skin as it helps give a smooth and close shave whilst also caring for my skin with a combination of natural oils. Also allowing a water free shave helps to save me time in the mornings.”

Tom 12

JASON - Men’s Shave Oil -Sensitive Skin

“I love the Giovanni Ultra Moist Shampoo and Conditioner, having coloured hair it moisturises and keeps it soft.

Even my hairdresser mentioned this as well.”

Nardia

GIOVANNI 2chic Ultra Moist Shampoo and Conditioner

“My favourite beauty product is ‘JASON Moisturizing Herbs Body Wash’. Love it. It leaves your skin feeling clean and soft with a gorgeous, fresh fragrance.”

Mukesh

JASON Moisturizing Herbs Body Wash

“Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask leaves your skin feeling completely renewed. Such a versatile product, and the benefits are fantastic, especially in times when my skin is particularly stressed.”

Rhi

ANTIPODES Aura Manuka Honey Mask 13

“Pre-” & “Pro-” Biotics in Skincare

Explained What are “pre-” and “pro” biotics, and what do they do?

How do probiotics work in skincare?

When probiotics go through the fermentation process, acidic compounds like lactic acid are produced, which reduces the pH of skin. This action inhibits the growth of most bad bacteria, and encourages the growth of our healthy skin flora. Probiotic strains also produce antimicrobial agents, organic acids and hydrogen peroxide, all factors that help prevent pathogen adhesion (pathogens sticking to the surface of our skin and colonising).

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Prebiotics are essentially “food” for probiotics, and probiotics are good bacteria that live on and in our bodies. You are probably familiar with the term “gut flora”, used to describe the friendly bacteria living in our digestive tract. Well, we also have “skin flora”, which are bacteria living on our skin, of which there are an estimated 1000 species!

Prebiotics promote colonisation of the friendly bacteria which in turn fends off growth of bad bacteria.

Both pre- and probiotics in skincare are shown to help calm and soothe irritated skin. Our skin flora is our first defence against disease, as well as conditions such as breakouts, inflammation, infection and irritation. Studies show that alterations in our skin’s microflora play a significant role in conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne and skin cancer. In short, skin flora helps keep our skin’s health in the balance.

There are many external factors that can affect the health of our skin flora, such as chemicals in beauty and cleaning products, pollution, and weather - both temperature and UV rays.

Choosing to use the right natural and organic products for your skin means that you are already doing your skin a favour and avoiding products that may damage your skin flora.

What should I look for in preand probiotic products?

If you’re not ready to switch to a whole new regimen featuring preand/or probiotic skincare products, look for something you leave on, such as a mask, serum or cream. It’s beneficial that the formula includes both pre- and probiotics, and if your skin is irritated, it’s worth looking for products that also contain antiinflammatory ingredients such as lavender, cucumber or aloe vera. If your skin is acne-prone or suffering from breakouts, willow bark extract, with its natural salicylic acid content, is the perfect zit-busting companion to probiotics in skincare.

A Look at Some Pre- and Probiotic Ingredients in Skincare Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate is a lysate of the product obtained by the fermentation of Lactobacillus, as the name suggests! Lactobacillus bacteria convert sugars into lactic acid, plus it is the bacteria used in the production of yoghurt and sauerkraut. A Korean study of 56 acne patients found that consuming

a lactobacillus-fermented dairy beverage effectively reduced total acne lesion counts and decreased oil production over a 12 week period.

If the bacteria can do this from the inside, then surely there must be some advantage for applying topically to skin?

Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate. Interestingly, the presence of this ingredient in beauty starts with the SARS epidemic. Korean researchers found that chickens whose diet included kimchi had a better rate of recovery than those fed standard poultry feed. Kimchi is a dish of fermented vegetables, including radishes.

One cosmetics company took this information on board and created leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, derived from radishes fermented with leuconostoc kimchii, a lactic acid bacteria, which consists of an isolated peptide secreted from the bacteria during the fermentation process with powerful antimicrobial effects.

Many cosmetics companies are using leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate as an alternative

to synthetic preservatives such as parabens and phenoxyethanol, due to its proven success at inhibiting microbial growth of bacterium including S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, C. albicans, A. niger, K. pneumoniae, B. cepacia.

Similar to this probiotic is lactococcus ferment lysate, which is a coconut milk fermented probiotic.

Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment is a natural grade fermentation of sweet black tea, also known as kombucha, by the symbiosis of two microorganisms.

When it comes to skincare, it is thought to promote overall radiance, with skin-smoothing, plumping and rejuvenating properties. We all know that too much sugar is bad for the body, and can show its effects in our skin (dullness, blotchiness and breakouts). Black tea ferment is known to possess anti-glycation properties, which means it will help fight these effects, promoting even skin tone and a healthy glow. Finally, black tea ferment is thought to boost overall skin immune function by restoring skin flora’s presence in areas of the skin where it is lacking.

Our Favourite Pre & Probiotic Products

Avalon Organics Brilliant Balance Collection

Pacifica Hot Vegan Probiotic & Spice Rehab Mask

Pacifica Coconut Probiotic Water Rehab Cream

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The

K-Beauty

OBSESSION T

he rest of the world is always looking to Asian countries such as Korea for the latest beauty trends, although rumour has it Japan is the new beauty trendsetter for 2018. From skin-whitening treatments to the 7-step beauty regime, sheet masks to BB/CC creams, Korea has been the inspiration for one beauty trend after another.

One key beauty trend to emerge from Korean beauty is anti-pollution skincare. Air pollution is a major environmental health problem affecting everyone. If you live in an urbanised area, air pollution is a problem from car exhaust fumes, domestic combustion or factory smoke. New research is highlighting that pollution also affects our appearance and skin health. A number of recent studies have examined the effects of pollution on the ageing of the skin and found some alarming results.

Researchers have found that pollution affects the skin in the following ways: - Ozone depletes vitamin E levels in the skin, interfering with wound-healing processes and causing oxidative stress.

- Skin exposed to pollution experiences a higher sebum (natural oil) secretion rate, when compared to the skin of people living in nonpolluted areas.

- There is a tendency of the skin’s pH to decrease when exposed to pollution.

Squalene and vitamin E are the main antioxidants at the surface of the skin. Squalene is decreased in polluted areas, and low values of both these two antioxidants is normally associated with dry skin which may be a side effect of pollution. In other words, pollution can have a range of different effects on the skin: it can make your skin oilier or drier, it can weaken your skin’s barrier function, it can modify the pH of your skin to make it more acidic and it can decrease the levels of naturally occurring antioxidants in your skin, thereby speeding up the ageing process.

Although waterless beauty products have been around for years in the natural beauty world - think beauty balms, body whips and skin oils - it was undoubtedly the Asian beauty movement who created enough hype for waterless beauty to become a trend. When it comes to natural, instead of water in beauty products, which can be drying for the skin, you will find aloe vera, floral extracts and carrier oils as the main ingredients in products.

“waterless beauty”

Another K-beauty hit to go global is the BB-CC cream trend, which has undoubtedly grown over the past few years in the UK. We think of these products as a relatively new beauty innovation, however Korean women have been using BB cream for over thirty years!

BB-CC creams go hand in hand with yet another K-beauty direction: harder working makeup. In other words, makeup with skincare benefits. If you are choosing to use natural and organic makeup however you are already opting for makeup that not only offers coverage and/or colour, but is also full of ingredients your skin loves.

“harder working makeup”

“Anti-pollution skincare”

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What's New in

Beauty

What’s New in Beauty & Grooming?

Avalon Organics Smooth Shine Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo & Conditioner For hair that is overworked or weighed down by product buildup, a medley of raw apple cider vinegar, nettle extract, argan and babussa oils work together to clarify and restore hair to its natural pH balance and condition hair whilst sealing the hair cuticle, locking in shine and reducing fly-aways. EWG verified.

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Detox Hair Care For hair yearning to breathe free, Hawaiian Detox Shampoo & Conditioner bring back bounce and renews shine with every wash. Tropical fruit extracts are combined with volcanic clay, the consummate clarifier, to help remove dry, flakey skin, gummy oils and styling residue that can accumulate on scalp and hair. Deep cleansed and clarified, locks are free to glow and grow longer and stronger.

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Giovanni Ultra Moist Hair Hydration Treatment Satisfy your hair’s deepest cravings for moisture and hydration with 2chic Avocado & Olive Oil Hydration Treatment. A nurturing blend of oils and pro-vitamin B5 to coat each strand, whilst delicate moisture beads burst upon hair application, hydrating and sealing in moisture whilst promoting a healthy shine.

Antipodes Halo Skin-Brightening Facial Mud Mask Alba Botanica Acnedote Patches Stick on one of these little dots on spots and let it work its magic. Each remarkable patch draws fluids and oils out and away from the skin to reduce inflammation while the tight seal keeps skin moist to encourage faster healing and reduce the risk of scarring. Non-drying and dermatologically tested.

Halo Skin-Brightening Facial Mud Mask deeply delivers skin-brightening extracts for instant light and lift. Help improve your skin’s appearance with antioxidant compound Vinanza® Grape & Kiwi. Prized peony also contributes to a bright and luminous visage by addressing uneven tone, while jojoba esters help shift deadened cells.

JASON Men’s Ocean Spray Body Wash Feel the deepest clean from your head to your toe.

Our all-in-one wash packs a botanically-powerful punch to completely clean your face, hair and body.

The Aloe Vera moisturizes, while Algae Extract, Citrus Oil and the scents of Patchouli and Vanilla leave you feeling exhilarated and smelling ocean-air fresh.

Earth-friendly biodegradable formula.

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Detox Warming Clay Cleanser Massaging this naturally warming volcanic clay cleanser gently over skin softens pores for easy absorption of the everyday pollutants that cause complexion chaos. Skin is gently calmed and comforted while dirt, oil and problematic impurities simply wash away. Hypoallergenic. Ideal for oily or blackhead-prone skin.

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L ip Service

Are Your Lipsticks and Balms Drying Out Your Lips?

lthough dry and chapped lips are common complaints in the wintertime, due to the change in humidity plus exposure to extreme hot and cold temperatures (i.e. centrally heated indoors and bracing outdoor elements), the conditions are not exclusive to the harshest season, and can strike at any time.

We may find that using a lip balm only seems to work temporarily, offering a short-lived solution. Well, there is a reason behind this, it isn’t just how you use the product that matters but also what’s inside it.

Plus there are some external factors which can help fix your lips ready for a lipstick-perfect pout.

To be an effective product, lip balms need to contain both humectants and occlusive agents.

Humectants attract water, but as well as pulling water in from the air they can also steal water out of the skin, particularly if you are in a dry environment (such as an air-conditioned office). Occlusive agents act as a barrier when applied to your lips, thus helping to seal moisture in. Examples of

humectants include hyaluronic acid and glycerin, whilst occlusive agents include shea butter and beeswax.

Lip balm should be applied before bed (to aid repair and regeneration whilst you sleep), when you wake up, as a primer before you apply lipstick or gloss and as and when you need it throughout the day. For this reason, it’s good to have a few tubes of lip balm located in different places - on your desk, on your bedside table and in your handbag for instance. Applying not just on but also around your lips can help repair the whole area, as often it is the lip line that gets the driest.

Ensuring you drink enough water can help prevent and repair chapped lips, so always aim for at least a litre and a half a day. Using a humidifier in the room where you sleep can also help prevent moisture from escaping from your skin and lips as you sleep, in turn helping prevent dry skin and lips.

Finally, gentle exfoliation can also help. You can utilise a soft bristle toothbrush, an organic muslin cloth, or a mixture of sugar and honey.

There are a couple of actions you should definitely not do. Firstly, don’t bite the bits of dead skin off, no matter how much you want to.

Leave them on as a protective layer over the new skin which is growing over the area in need of repair.

Secondly, don’t lick your lips as, contrary to what you might think, saliva will dry out your lips.

You should also consider your choice of lipstick, and the ingredients used to make the lipstick. Natural and organic lipsticks will mostly contain ingredients that hydrate and nourish your lips, however if you do tend to suffer from dry lips you may need to stay away from heavily pigmented products as these can exacerbate the condition.

Another reason to choose natural and organic lipsticks is the fact that over the course of her lifetime, a woman may ingest as much as three kilograms, or seven pounds, of lipstick into her body! Either absorbing it through the skin of her lips, or swallowing it when she eats or drinks.

Try ou t these favour ites: Antipodes Lipstick Boom Rock Bronze

Antipodes Saviour Balm

Pacifica Natural Lipstick xoxo

WITHIN Beautyfrom

Beauty starts from within...

Collagen is the most abundant protein found within our bodies, especially type I collagen which is found in muscles, skin, digestive system, tendons and bones. Collagen helps give our skin elasticity and strength, as well as replacing dead skin cells. Whilst beauty treatments containing collagen have potential benefits, the real benefits are from within. As we age, our body’s production of collagen naturally begins to slow down, which can present itself in physical degeneration such as wrinkles, joint pains and sagging skin.

Cells that produce collagen start to degrade and as a result, produce less collagen. As collagen provides structure to skin, muscles and ligaments, wrinkles can begin to form and joints can become less flexible.

Within certain parts of the world such as Asia, collagen supplements are a universal component of skincare but are less common in the UK. Collagen is typically made from an animal source such as cows (bovine), pigs (porcine) or fish (marine). Currently there are 28 different identified forms of collagen although 80-90% of collagen within the body is either types I, II or III.

Did you know?

Up to 30% of all protein in the body and 70% of protein in the skin is collagen. It is an integral and essential part of our anatomy.

Although ageing is inevitable, the good news is that changes seem to be reversible as studies have shown that women who took collagen regularly for around 8 weeks saw a 20% reduction in wrinkles. This means that supplementation with collagen appears to help the body slow down collagen degeneration and even increase collagen production and levels in the body, thus improving the appearance of skin. It’s essential to maintain effective production of collagen through supplementation from within and using a high quality collagen brand such as Neocell, the number 1 collagen brand in the US, with scientific research-backed studies.

Why Neocell?

Neocell is a natural product company based in California which was established by Al Quadri after he suffered a heart attack and underwent a triple bypass surgery. His recovery was slow and he suffered atrophy in his muscles, a sore chest and a loss of overall vitality. He researched and decided to add collagen to his recovery regimen on the theory that the structural protein plays a key role in fortifying and reconstructing depleted muscle and restoring connective tissue.

Within a few weeks his health had improved dramatically and Al Quadri decided to research more in depth about how collagen had stimulated his own regenerative system and helped him during his recovery. This research became his life and he founded Neocell with the goal of creating and promoting collagen products which can help others the same way as it helped him.

NeoCell’s manufacturing plant is a Natural Products Association GMP certified facility.

This certification is awarded to companies that meet a high level of compliance to industry standards as verified through comprehensive third-party inspections of facilities and GMPrelated documentation. NeoCell is the originator and industry authority on solutions that promote vital collagen health. Each NeoCell product is designed specifically to support the collagen systems in our bodies such as those that maintain vibrant youth, radiant beauty, and total body wellness.

As the pioneer in collagen science and supplementation, NeoCell has helped people worldwide live healthy and active lifestyles for over twenty five years. Super Collagen™ I & III, a scientifically validated product, is composed of nineteen amino acids and is a rich source of glycine, proline, alanine, and hydroxyproline.

Once taken orally, it can produce peptides that stimulate fibroblast cells to produce and reorganise new collagen fibres which, upon bundling, can build the mechanical strength of the connective tissues and strengthen the extracellular matrix.

So why not begin your beauty from within with a scientifically proven Neocell collagen supplement which will help with your overall skin regime.

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Adaptogens Explained What is an adaptogen?

How do they help your health?

Our top 5 adaptogens and why.

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daptogens are valuable botanicals, or other plant compounds, used extensively in non-Western countries and are increasing in popularity here. In order to obtain such a classification, they must do three things: do no harm, be non-specific in their actions and lastly have a balancing effect. An adaptogen as the name suggests, helps the body adapt to stresses, be they mental or physical.

It is one of the areas where the Ginseng family excels. Our top two include American Ginseng and Siberian Ginseng. The latter stimulates the immune system, and works against colds, infections, allergies as well as fatigue. Siberian Ginseng will help to nourish our adrenal glands- the tiny glands that sit above our kidneys and produce the stress hormone, cortisol. Similar to several other adaptogens, it possesses the ability to increase our energy levels, endurance, concentration and performance. American Organic Traditions Ashwagandha Dual Extract has the Ginseng, also known as proprietary full-spectrum process gently extracting the full ‘Panax Ginseng’, helps the array of phytonutrients using a combination of supercritical body adapt to stress while CO2 extraction (fat soluble compounds) offering the increasing vitality and complete signature of the herb in its most potent and pure restoring balance. form. Organic Traditions uses no high heat or harsh solvents in the process. A concentrated, pure and potent powder Ashwagandha is particularly form where 1/4 teaspoon provides 30g of the fresh herb. useful especially in those who are overworked and suffer from nervous exhaustion. It holds a valuable place in Ayurvedic medicine and is known for its rejuvenating and strengthening properties. Ashwagandha is used to reduce vata and kapha - two of the five elements that influence mental and physical processes. Hence making it perfect to combat the effect of long term stress on the body which depresses the immune system.

Adaptogens are non–specific, meaning that they help the body in other ways that can be beneficial for a particular individual. Ashwaghandha exerts a nutritive quality for the mind; by clarifying the mind, calming the nerves and promoting a deep and restful sleep, both of which are essential to good health.

Another favourite adaptogen of ours is Schisandra, native to China and said to be the most protective of all plants and herbs. Well known for its tonic properties, schisandra berries help counter stress by reducing the levels of stress hormones in the blood. It has shown the ability to boost mental and physical performances whilst reducing fatigue. It is suggested that schisandra acts at a cellular level when increasing our energy levels, and therefore is also ideal as a replacement to our usual caffeine intake, as with other adaptogens.

Its adaptogenic properties are also useful whereby the berries may help to raise the body’s detoxifying enzyme, glutathione. This can help support the elimination of toxins for example, which can dampen our liver’s functioning, immune system and energy levels.

Schisandra’s ability to help dilate the blood vessels supports its efficacy in helping men’s sexual function as well as supporting a healthy heart and lowering blood pressure.

Our expert nutritionists recommend Nature’s Answer’s high quality range of alcohol-free herbal liquid extracts. Nature’s Answer uses unique processes specifically developed to bring the best out of nature; maximising beneficial actives while maintaining all the constituents that naturally occur within the plant.

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Chaga would be our 5th adaptogen of choice, used traditionally in Eastern Europe for a variety of health concerns with more and more research validating its incredible benefits. As an adaptogen, it has been shown to exert immune-balancing properties while also helping the body to fight off viruses, particularly the flu. Chaga’s ability to help reduce pro-inflammatory markers nitric oxide and cyclooxygenase means that it has a positive effect on decreasing inflammation in chronic and auto-immune health conditions. While helping the body to restore its balance, chaga being a mushroom also

contains wonderful natural compounds such as digestive enzymes, amino acids, L-ergothionine , dietary fibre, small amounts of vitamin D2, antioxidants, chelated minerals, prebiotics and beta-glucans.

The complex long chain sugars or polysaccharides present in most adaptogens are key constituents that allow cells to communicate with the immune system and also act as anti-inflammatory agents. The highly structured beta-glucans present in medicinal mushrooms, for example, are known as “biological response modifiers” for their ability to either enhance immunity or suppress it when over-active.

How to take adaptogens?

Adaptogens are not like medicinal herbs that you take infrequently for acute conditions, but are considered to be like “foods” which provide building and nourishing properties.

Although formulations might alter somewhat according to one’s state of health, frequent and long-term use is highly recommended.

The idea is to always keep adaptive energies running strong, so we always have a reserve at certain times when our neuroendocrine-immune complex (stresssystem) is compromised. Start out slowly and gradually over time, you may increase your intake.

The key message to take home is that mental and physical stress have a huge impact on the adrenal glands and the immune system, causing them to be weakened. The list of adaptogens is extensive to choose from and should form an integral part in a comprehensive wellness program.

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4 Seasons Spring Hayfever and allergies can become an issue as soon as the pollen count rises. Nature’s Answer Nettle Herbal Extract can help to provide a healthy inflammatory response to common allergens and also works as an expectorant, therefore helping to loosen up mucus. Useful as a respiratory tonic and overall health tonic, to help you feel like spring has sprung!

Chamomile flowers contains flavonoids which have natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds and are lovely when taken as teas or used as essential oils or extracts.

Nature’s Answer Chamomille Herbal Extract is naturally great to use on cotton pads as cold compresses for sore, irritated and puffy eyes making it a saviour for hayfever sufferers and chlorinesensitive swimmers, plus beneficial for hangovers!

You can of course also take internally

Prepare your skin for the summer by increasing your intake of betacarotene, which your body converts into vitamin A, which helps to protect against sun damage, especially when combined with Vitamin E. Organic Traditions Baobab provides good amounts of beta carotene, vitamin C, and other minerals.

According to The Journal of Nutrition, Baobab has the highest antioxidant content of any fruit.

Baobab powder has twice the antioxidants gram per gram of goji berries and more than blueberries and pomegranates combined! Sprinkle away in your smoothies or porridge, you will just love the flavour!

Summer With hectic summer social schedules, trying to keep up a healthy diet and a regular exercise regime, can seem an impossibility and we sometimes struggle to keep the extra pounds away. Sugar cravings can be the downfall of many of us.

Nature’s Answer Gymnema Herbal Extract has been traditionally used in India for centuries for healthy blood glucose metabolism through its action on healthy pancreatic function.

Om Maitake Mushroom is also revered for its action on insulin resistance and helping to maintain blood glucose levels.

Probiotics are the essential travel health companion to help keep bugs at bay and support a healthy gut.

Garden of Life’s Microbiome Formulas for Men and Women contain the most

diverse selection of bacterial strains on the market, at 50 billion count per serving, certified organic prebiotic fibres from acacia gum and potato starch and are hypoallergenic (dairy, gluten, soya free) as well as being shelf stable.

Oregano is rich in vitamins and minerals, and contains two active compounds, thymol and carvacrol, which strongly discourage the growth of microorganisms.

Nature’s Answer Oil of Oregano is a great all round health helper as it has the exceptional ability to help destroy disease causing microorganisms such as parasites, viruses, fungus and bacteria. Useful in diarrhoea, intestinal gas, digestive problems as well as athlete’s foot, colds and flues, gingivitis of the gums to sore throats and minor breathing difficulties. It can also be used on insect bites and minor cuts and scrapes as well as dandruff, diaper rash and other skin disorders.

Health Tips Autumn As the days become shorter, and the temperatures cooler, we may start feeling a little lethargic. An adaptogen such as Om Reishi can help your body to adapt to mental and physical stress as the environment changes.

Also referred to as the mushroom of immortality, it is jam-packed with antioxidants, and supports our wellbeing by helping to modulate the immune system and protecting our cells from harmful agents known as freeradicals. The Om range of mushrooms are so versatile and easy to add to pretty much anything: smoothies, soups, salads, you name it!

Topping up our intake of Vitamin D is essential to prepare us for the year ahead, especially as we don’t see as much sunshine as other countries. Vitamin D supports our health in many ways including aiding calcium absorption into and promoting strong bones.

Nature’s Answer provides Vitamin D3 at dose of 4000 IU per 2 drop serving, obtained from lanolin (sheep’s wool) in a base of olive oil.

Our skin’s health may be less than desirable after long days in the summer sun, and as a result we may be exhibiting signs of premature ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles and discolouration.

Our skin’s health may be less than desirable after long days in the summer sun, and as a result we may be exhibiting signs of premature ageing. Neocell Super Collagen Plus C can help you restore your skin from within, with collagen plus vitamin C, an essential nutrient in the skin’s production of collagen.

Winter Winter can be tough on our skin, and flare ups of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are not uncommon.

Management through topical products is of course of great help, but nourishing and repairing the deeper layers of the skin is important too.

Omega 3 supplements such as Nature’s Answer Platinum Liquid Omega 3 will provide you with a therapeutic dose of 1,150mg of DHA and EPA per serving, obtained from small fish such as anchovies and sardines harvested in the cold, clean waters of the North Atlantic.

Health concerns such as arthritis can be made worse when the temperatures drop.

While supporting the body naturally through food, particular herbs and superfoods can be of great help. Ginger and Turmeric have both traditionally been used in Ayurvedic medicine for their action on inflammatory markers.

Organic Traditions Turmeric is certified organic, nonGMO and raw with no added flavors, fillers, preservatives, additives, sweeteners, carriers, stabilizers or excipients.

Antioxidants like those found in Organic Tradition’s Maqui Berry can be a great addition to your routine in reducing the inflammatory processes often involved with joint pain.

Most of us will fall prey to the common cold or influenza at some point in the winter months. If you start to show the symptoms you might want to try the award winning Source Natural’s Wellness Formula. It has the perfect blend of botanicals, vitamins and minerals and adaptogenic ingredients, making it the perfect choice this winter to ward off viruses and bacterial infections.

Whole Food Supplements Explained Why should we use whole food supplements? We share with you the reasons and why Garden of Life are superior to others in the market The majority of vitamin and mineral supplements contain synthetic ingredients which are chemical isolates made in a lab. They are created to mimic the vitamin benefits found in food.

Synthetic isolates only provide a piece of the whole vitamin or mineral , therefore you lose the synergy and usually do not get the full benefit as you would from whole food.

Whole food based supplements are completely different.

Whole food supplements are unique as these are made up of 100% food sources with no synthetic chemicals added. This includes vitamins and minerals from vegetables, fruits, botanicals and from the ocean. Whole foods are more beneficial as these include the added micronutrients, cofactors and phytonutrients which are found naturally in food sources and work together to provide essential health benefits. Whole food supplements are derived from natural sources for example vitamin C from amla berries and iron from curry leaves. Unlike synthetic extracts which may lose many of their inherent beneficial properties, whole food vitamins keep more of their nutritional value. Whole food brands such as Garden of Life are able to fully disclose the sources of their vitamins and trace back to the roots.

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Enter the Garden of Life Garden of Life are fanatical about food. Whether making a vitamin, probiotic or protein powder, Garden of Life always start with real foods and these provide their formulas, the power to be their best. As fanatical as Garden of Life are over what goes into their products, they are even more obsessed about the things they keep out of them. Garden of Life hate those synthetic chemicals that most companies use to make their products. This stuff makes machines work faster, and helps factories churn out super-sized containers at higher “efficiency.” Well, while the other guys spend their time preoccupied with their efficiency, Garden of Life are uncompromising about your health. Slow it down, make it by hand, grow it in rich organic non-GMO soil with enough sun, air, water and time for it to be its best. Harvest it when ready. Treat it with care. Turn it into a power-packed nutritious food supplement. That’s what we are about.

Three principle guides on what Garden of Life makes and how: The Science of Whole Food

Just look at their formulas. Garden of Life mykind Organics line is made with organic fruit and herbs—every single product in this line is Certified USDA Organic and NON GMO VERIFIED by the NON GMO PROJECT. That’s why it’s so important to start with Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified fruits and vegetables that are grown without these chemicals. Put simply, Garden of Life want to get the good stuff from foods that are grown without any of the bad stuff.

Garden of Life go through all of this because it’s the only way they know to deliver on their promise of Empowering Extraordinary Health®.

Because our body was naturally created to eat process and derive its nutrition from real food, it’s essential to use a supplement which is derived from complete whole foods. kl k dj l

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Your body was created to eat, process, and derive its nutrition from food—real, healthy food. So, when we create our products, we start by looking at food. What is the “good stuff” in the highest quality food that we are missing in our diets? Which of those foods have the greatest potential to impact—and empower—extraordinary health?

Clean is Healthy

Garden of Life start with what goes IN their products—true, whole food ingredients. But they don’t stop there. They also pay very close attention to what they keep OUT of them. And once again, they look at food— real nutrition food. When is the last time you picked up an apple, turned to read the ingredients, and saw a list of chemicals? If it’s not in your food, then they don’t want it in their supplements. Garden of Life use the following third-party (never self-affirmed) certifications to prove how clean their formulas are!

Traceability

Traceability is key to what makes Garden of Life’s products so special. Traceability starts with knowing where each and every ingredient in our products comes from and getting to know each and every source: where it’s grown; the farming practices; how they pay and treat the farm workers— everything.

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EASY TO Digest Our digestive tract is the most amazing piece of biochemical and physiological engineering, including mechanical methods to break down food, chewing in the mouth, churning in the stomach and squeezing in the intestines. Add to this, chemical and enzymatic factors, such as acid breakdown in the stomach, enzymes splitting food into smaller molecules for absorption, and injection of bile acids for the breakdown (i.e. emulsification) of fats, and we can simply see how this main food processing unit is absolutely vital for our health.

Our ‘gut flora’, or micrombiome is the superstar of digestive function, impacting on the ability of the gut to have the right pH balance, produce vitamins, assist hormones in the breakdown of foods and even impact on our immune function, weight management and emotional wellbeing.

We should check in regularly with our digestive health, and ensure that everything is feeling and functioning as it should be. Here are five steps we recommend for helping keep your gut health at its optimum.

Support the Frequency of Your Bowel Movements If you suffer from irregular bowel movements, or your stools are not well formed or you do not feel relieved once you have gone to the bathroom you may wish to incorporate more fibre into your diet. You can find fibre in wholegrains, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Fibre binds to toxins as well as supporting regular bowel movements.

Fibre also helps generate healthy gut bacteria.

If you are struggling with fibre and just feel that you bloat, why not try the addition of the following in small but frequent amounts. Organic Traditions Sprouted Chia/Flax can be added to your soups, stews, bakes and salads.

The sprouting process helps to unlock the goodness in these seeds, increasing the bioavailability of vitamins and minerals as well as reducing the phytic acid and enzyme inhibitor content, which affects absorption of nutrients.

Chia Seeds, Flax Seeds or Hemp Seeds are all nourishing forms of fibre, fatty acids and protein you can add in your diet and see a difference. Explore our range from Nutiva and Organic Traditions.

Triphala has been used for well over 2000 years in Ayurvedic medicine, and consists of three fruits, namely amla berry, haritaki and bibhitaki. It can help to nourish the digestive tract and support regular bowel movements if exercise, hydration and food are not enough. Regular bowel movements will help remove unhealthy bacteria, heavy metals and eliminate excess fatty acids from the body while also balancing women’s hormonal levels.

Re-setting the body as such may also impact on the nervous system in a positive way, and reduce symptoms like fatigue and anxiety.

Amla berry supports intestinal repair, haritaki strengthens the intestinal muscles to contract more efficiently when the bowels need to move, and bibhitaki pulls the old mucus off the wall. In addition, these herbs are packed with antioxidants and flavonoids. As a digestive tonic, cleansing and restorative agent, Organic Traditions Triphala is best taken in the evening, about 2 hours after eating and 30 minutes before bedtime.

Support Your Digestion with Botanical Herbs Nature’s Answer Ginger Bitters Herbal Extract is an alcoholfree formula with 1000mg of ginger rhizome per serving, and a bitters blend of cardamom seed, centaury aerial parts, astralagus root, fennel seed, rosemary leaf and gentian root.

While there are no approved health claims for many herbs and botanicals, they have

traditionally been used in many cultures for years and proven to be beneficial.

Gentian and cardamom are very strong bitters which act by stimulating bile and increase our digestive enzymes production.

Astralagus may help to improve the assimilation of nutrients in the digestive tract. Rosemary and fennel have shown positive aromatic, calming and antispasmodic advantages over other plants. Centaury is known for its aromatic bitterness, and its action on stimulating both the digestion and liver. The balanced formula has been shown to help stimulate digestive enzymes for better digestion of foods. It can be used before meals or after meals if symptoms of bloating, gas or heartburn persist. The recommended dose is 0.5 to 1 ml, mixed in a little water.

Introduce peppermint by flavouring your water, adding chopped leaves to your meat or couscous dish or simply by, drinking a wholesome and warming tea. Peppermint can soothe bloating, stomach cramps and general discomfort by acting as an anti-spasmodic.

Help Strengthen and Heal the Lining of Your Gut Glutamine is an amino acid and a major fuel source of cells of the small intestine. It has been clinically shown to help soothe and heal the lining of the gut especially in leaky gut situations. It can help with IBS sufferers by balancing the pH balance of the mucus resulting in healthy bowel movements. You can obtain glutamine in your diet through cabbage leaves, bone broth, grass-fed meat, spirulina, and asparagus.

At least three servings of glutamine containing foods per day are required to help see a difference.

Jarrow Formula L-Glutamine in powder form can help you top up your intake and provide efficient results. L-Glutamine will also help to support the immune function and

is useful especially since most of us would struggle to obtain enough through the diet.

Slippery Elm is yet another plant that may help to alleviate colic and abdominal cramps. Its mucilage like consistency from the bark can help soothe stomach and intestinal irritations and lower inflammatory like symptoms, such as in Irritable Bowel Disease. Nature’s Answer, the pioneers of herbal extracts, have Slippery Elm in a gluten-free, alcohol-free extract that is potent and pure.

Rebalance Your Gut Flora with Live Bacteria Our microbiome can be affected by so many factors, that the list is endless: stress, medications, a diet high in refined flours and sugars, and alcohol to name a few. To help support your gut flora you can introduce fermented foods in your diet such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha or kefir. You may also wish to consider a probiotic supplement. Garden of Life have the most incredible range of shelfstable live bacteria on the market, that are resistant to stomach acid, bile and antibiotics. Formulated by Dr Perlmutter, a board-certified neurologist with an expertise in the gut microbiome. Clinically studied bacterial strains are combined with certified organic and non-GMO project verified prebiotics that cause absolutely no stomach upsets or bloating, in a unique vegetable capsule.

Reduce Physical and Mental Stress Last but not least, take care of your body and it will take care of you. The body is exposed to a lot of stress, be it physical, mental or environmental and we need to find ways to soothe and reduce those levels of cortisol which severely dampens our immune system and drastically affect our gut health.

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What's New in

Supplements & Superfoods Nature’s Answer Bio-Pro Maitake Nature’s Answer Bio-Pro Maitake is a professional strength alcohol free liquid herbal extract with 10x potency, supplying the equivalent of 3000mg of raw maitake, standardised to 50% proteoglycans, 15mg, per 6 drop serving. There are 280 servings per 60ml bottle.

Nutiva MCT Oil Nutiva is excited to unveil the world’s first organic MCT oil. Nutiva’s organic medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil is extracted from organic coconuts and has a light coconut aroma. Unlike many non-organic MCT oils that utilise harsh chemical solvents such as hexane, Nutiva use a certified organic process to remove the fats that remain solid at room temperature.

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Neocell Super Collagen+C NeoCell Super Collagen+C offers 6000mg of BioActive NeoCell Collagen Type 1 & 3 along with 20mg of vitamin C- as Calcium Ascorbate per serving. The product is both non-GMO and gluten-free, and does not contain soy, wheat, lactose, starch, yeast or artificial flavourings.

Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder An excellent source of 22g complete protein and 3.8g of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) per serving from 22 raw organic sprouts. Contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K, plus live probiotics and enzymes for easy digestion. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans, good for those with sensitivities to milk and other proteins with the highest quality alternative to soy, whey and milk protein. No: fillers, artificial flavours, sweeteners or preservatives.

The Team's Top

Nutritional Picks

“...I am very picky with the type of supplements I consume, Garden of Life’s are Certified Organic, Non-GMO, and free of binders and chemical fillers normally used for tablet manufacture - this makes it the right choice for me!”

Ibsa

GARDEN OF LIFE - MyKind Men’s Once Daily Multivitamin

“I love Natures Answer Liquid Omega-3 - and I often recommend it to clients as omega-3’s are essential to every cell in our body.”

Egzona 34

NATURE’S ANSWER - Liquid Omega-3

“I would definitley recommend the Garden of Life Vitamin D3 Spray! It’s so handy and easy to use and has a kind of creamy vanilla taste.”

Lucia

GARDEN OF LIFE - MyKind Vitamin D3 spray

“Nutiva Coconut Oil Love it! Use it on everything, from cooking to hair and skin!

Can’t live without it.”

Barbara

NUTIVA - Coconut oil

“I choose Turmeric Latte as it is a great option to substitute coffee, it is non-dairy and has a soft flavour with a bit of spice. I drink it with some coconut milk cold or hot depending on my mood.”

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ORGANIC TRADITIONS Tumeric Latte/Golden Milk 35

Sports Nutrition for OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE Whether you are preparing for a professional competition, are a bodybuilder or simply training to improve your health, sports nutrition is crucial to optimise the benefits of exercise. It’s essential to make better decisions with your nutrition and hydration to increase your overall performance and recovery. Here we discuss how you can support your body with nutrition and possible supplements which you can use pre- or post-training.

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Nutritional Balance

Meals eaten before and after exercise are important in sports nutrition but you also need to be aware of everything that you put into your body. As general guidance, many health care professionals suggest that you should eat a nutrient dense meal with carbohydrates, fat and protein 2 hours before exercise. As carbohydrates are the main source of energy which powers your exercise routine and protein is needed to aid muscle growth and repair. Both are essential after exercise and the proportions of protein and carbohydrates will vary depending on both the intensity and type of sport you participate in.

Supplements can be used by many individuals including athletes, bodybuilders, women and men who are looking to improve their strength. There are many supplements available for individuals training such as a multivitamins, protein, energy and electrolyte supplements. Before opting for any form of supplement, you should also ensure that your dietary intake is balanced and suits your sporting activity.

Dietary recommendations should be personalised to an individual’s physical activity.

Protein

Protein is a class of nitrogenous organic compounds which are composed of amino acids and are essential for all living organisms. Protein is vital for growth and development. It provides the body with energy and is needed for the manufacture of antibodies, enzymes, hormones and tissues. When protein is consumed, the body breaks it down into amino acids which are the building blocks of all proteins.

Proteins are the building blocks of cells and every cell in the human body contains protein. Protein is needed in the diet to help the body repair cells and make new cells, as well as having many other functions including in metabolism, enzymes, repair of muscle tissue, red blood cells, bones and more. Most diets contain adequate

amounts of proteins but supplementation with Garden of Life’s Raw Organic Protein Powder may be necessary. It contains 22g of complete protein with probiotics, enzymes and fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.

Omega-3

Fatty acids are essential for every cell in the body and can be used for recovery. Omega-3 supplements can be used for their ability to improve endothelial function, reduce inflammation and increase provision of energy from fat. As your body can’t make omega-3 fatty acids on its own, it’s essential to obtain this through your dietary intake by eating oily fish at least twice a week, avocados and nuts.

But if you are unable to consume adequate quantities then it may be worth supplementing with a good quality omega-3 fatty acid such as Nature’s Answer Omega-3 Deep Sea EPA/DHA which provides 450mg DHA and 650mg EPA.

Multivitamins

Whilst a balanced diet should give you all the vitamins and minerals you need, it may be worth weighing up your options if you are not eating enough micronutrients through your diet. A multivitamin will not substitute a poor diet but will add essential vitamins and minerals to your daily intake. It’s always best looking at the purest options such as whole food based as this will contain all the essential cofactors and work synergistically compared to synthetically spiked multivitamins.

Magnesium can be essential for many individuals training especially if you sweat or take diuretics which promote the loss of magnesium from the body. Even a small depletion of magnesium can affect bodily functions leading to muscle cramps and heart palpitations. It’s difficult to diagnose magnesium status by a simple blood test as cells can become depleted long before blood levels go down. It’s important to seek a health professionals advice if you feel any symptoms associated with magnesium depletion. Try supplementing with Nature’s Answer Liquid Magnesium Glycinate.

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What are Alkalising foods and supplements and why incorporate them into your diet?

Alkaline

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Y

ou have probably heard the term “alkalise” used multiple times recently, either due to a diet book you’ve seen it mentioned in, or a newspaper article.

You hear terms like “alkalising diet”, or “highly alkaline foods” and they have been touted to improve our health, but do we really know what these foods are and how they work to improve our health?

Alkalinity essentially refers to the acid-alkali, or pH balance of the blood, like the litmus tests you may have used in your biology class at school. The body attempts to keep the blood at a pH just above seven, as this is where optimum bodily functions take place. Whether it’s for the optimum functioning of the immune system, good circulation, removal of toxins and muscular contractions to name a few.

cellular operations depend on an alkaline environment. This is why alkaline foods can be so important, to help buffer the pH levels and prevent unnecessary loss of important minerals from the bones.

Certain foods and supplements can help with buffering the pH levels, and certain foods work against the natural alkaline balance of the body, which are considered acidic foods.

The body naturally uses minerals such as calcium and magnesium from our bones to maintain the balance of the blood’s alkalinity when we eat acidic foods, or when there is a lack of alkaline foods. This is because calcium, magnesium and potassium are highly alkaline minerals. This can lead to loss of bone mineral density and eventually risk developing osteoporosis if the body has to constantly leach minerals from the bone to maintain pH levels.

ACIDIC FOODS & DRINKS

In addition, many different pathological diseases thrive in an acidic environment and it has also been speculated that cancer does the same. An acidic environment can also be the cause of fatigue and lack of energy, as many

ACIDIC

• • • • • •

Alcohol Soft drinks Tobacco Coffee White sugar Refined Salt

Alkaline foods

Lemons: Despite the acidic taste to the palate, once digested and assimilated, lemons have an alkalising effect on the blood. Lemons also contain bioflavonoids, vitamin C, and folate. Lemons have also been used in multiple detoxes.

Almonds: Almonds are one of the few nuts which are considered to be alkaline. They are rich in magnesium, contain essential amino acids and healthy monounsaturated fats.

Spinach: Spinach wasn’t just for Popeye!

It is a versatile vegetable that can be used in smoothies, soups, salads or as a side to many dishes. Spinach is rich in chlorophyll, vitamin K and vitamin A. Parsley: Parsley is considered one of the most nutritionally dense foods, and one of the richest sources of vitamin K. Parsley is a highly alkalising food that also supports the kidneys to perform their job.

Avocado: Guacamole anyone? Not just for dipping your nachos in, avocados contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, lutein for the eyes and chlorophyll for alkalinity.

Alkaline supplements

Alkaline supplements include green superfood powders, such as barley grass, wheat grass and spirulina.

These superfood powders are rich in alkaline bone-building minerals, as well as an abundance of chlorophyll.

Chlorophyll is a compound which is structurally similar to haemoglobin, however, it contains a magnesium ion in place of the iron molecule, which makes it highly alkaline for the body.

Organic Traditions grass juice powders are made from the young nutrient dense grasses in their vegetable state, therefore containing an abundance of chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Once harvested, many grass powders are dehydrated and ground into powder. This is not ideal, as young sprouted grasses need to be juiced for optimal digestion and assimilation of phytonutrients. This is due to our lack of the enzyme cellulase, which is responsible for digesting the fibrous walls of plants (cellulose).

In addition, hemp is a great alkaline food, rich in omega fatty acids, essential vitamins and minerals. It can be used in a variety of scenarios, such as protein shakes, smoothies, soups and dips. Nutiva produces an amazing Hemp Protein Organic Superfood Powder, which is high in chlorophyll, magnesium and protein. It is produced to a high ethical standard and they are certified by the non-profit organisation B-Corp.

Organic Traditions Barley Grass Juice powder & Wheat Grass Juice powder

Nutiva Hemp Protein powder

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Medicinal Mushrooms Explained Mushrooms have been used for thousands of years by physicians in the East, usually for the elite and wealthy of the land. We are now fortunate enough due to cultivation methods to have greater accessibility to mushrooms and now the common person can also use them. It has only been very recently that Western medicine has begun to discover and accept the amazing health benefits of medicinal mushrooms through numerous published research articles. Many common pharmaceutical medicines have been derived from mushrooms such as antibiotics like penicillin and cholesterol-lowering statins like lovastatin.

The variety of applications for mushrooms are far-reaching in medicine, they can range from immune, cognitive, sports performance, adaptogenic, heart health, weight control, anti-inflammatory and beauty.

Medicinal mushrooms contain a variety of compounds which aren’t all water or alcohol soluble. Some compounds are lipid soluble or insoluble. Therefore an extract does not encompass the therapeutic potential of a mushroom the way the whole mushroom powder does.

Organic mushroom nutrition brand OM’s range offers a wide variety of active ingredients include to name a few, heteropolysaccharides, triterpenoid compounds, ergosterol, vegan vitamin D2, proteins, amino acids, digestive enzymes,

prebiotics and antioxidants such as L-ergothioneine, polyphenols and selenium compounds. This broad range of ingredients works synergistically to heal the body.

glucan compounds do receive the most attention in regards to mushrooms support of immune function, they are by no means the only fungal compounds that impact and support the immune function. Which is why OM mushrooms also contain prebiotic fibre, vitamin D and selenium compounds which all work in synergy to support the immune function.

OM grow their mycelial biomass on organic whole oats using a proprietary solid state fermentation process with filtered air and water in hygienic production and processing facilities. Therefore it does not contain any of the heavy metals, pesticide residues, radioactive isotopes, or OM MUSHROOMS ARE HOLISTIC insect/animal faeces AND HAVE A WIDER VARIETY OF that mushrooms could be exposed to during ACTIVE INGREDIENTS long growth periods in possibly polluted outdoor environments. They are then carefully dehydrated at low temperatures, to retain enzymatic activity, and also exposed to UV light to further increase naturally occurring vitamin D content.

Mushrooms are easy to incorporate

into your daily routine. You can get

The unique type of betacreative and add them to just about any glucans in mushrooms recipe: juices, smoothies, salad dressing, help to modulate the hummus, dips, porridge, morning coffee immune system, allowing individuals with autoand soups immune conditions to take these mushrooms without fear of over stimulating The medicinal mushrooms also their immune system. For those with have an amazing effect on weakened and impaired immune cardiovascular health by helping systems, the beta-glucans will help to reduce excess cholesterol to strengthen the immune system. synthesis and other potentially It is also important to note that dangerous cardiac markers. while hot water soluble beta-

Reishi has been called the mushroom of immortality by the physicians in the east, due to its ability to support longevity and ability to adapt to stress.

Reishi mushroom helps dampen the three major contributors to poor health and ageing. Low-grade inflammation, excess circulating stress hormones and an impaired immune system. It helps to lower excess histamine levels and other inflammatory markers which contribute to low-grade inflammation and abnormal allergic responses. The unique triterpenes found in reishi can interact with the endocrine system and help balance hormones, including the stress hormones like cortisol.

Key Points • Adaptogenic properties • Antiviral & Antibacterial activities • Anti-inflammatory • Cardiovascular “tonic” • Immunomodulation • Allergy management • Anti-ageing properties

Chaga was initially found as a parasite on dead birch trees and would take an extensive amount of time to grow. It has been highly revered for its anti-ageing properties due to its high levels of antioxidants. Chaga has also been effectively used in certain autoimmune conditions like psoriasis and as an overall nourishing tonic for the body. Chaga exhibits adaptogenic properties, helping one adapt and protect oneself from environmental stress and pollution. It has been considered to have one of the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity) values, which indicates it’s ability to counteract free radical damage caused by metabolic stress, environmental pollution and chemicals.

Key Points • High levels of antioxidants • Promote anti-ageing and youthfulness • Balance metabolic system, natural adaptogen

Lion’s Mane got its name because of it’s resemblance to the mane of a lion. Despite its bizarre etymology, one aspect that everyone can agree upon is the amazing effect on the brain. Lion’s mane can encourage neuronal growth and also help reduce brain inflammation. Therefore it can be very useful for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, or if you just forget where your keys are! Numerous studies have also now indicated its application in conditions such as leaky gut syndrome. This is due to the fact that the gut is home millions of neurons which when damaged can lead to increased intestinal permeability.

Key Points • Research related to the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor • Supports cognitive health • Supports healthy nervous system • Helpful with focus, creativity & mood

Cordyceps was originally discovered by Tibetan herdsman at high altitudes. It’s a mushroom which is now raved about in the world of sports and fitness due to its ability to increase stamina and energy levels. It was used by the Chinese Olympic swimmers in the 80’s and 90’s to increase their oxygen-carrying capacity, their competitors were surprised at their performance and had no idea what gave them their edge. Cordyceps also has the ability to increase levels of ATP, which is the currency of energy in the body. So it can be useful to those who are low in energy, suffer from chronic or acute fatigue and those with busy lifestyles. Cordyceps also can be very beneficial to those who suffer from respiratory issues, as it’s great for healing and strengthening the lungs.

Key Points • Improves oxygen consumption and delivery to increase energy • Known for its ability to increase circulation and enhance male sexual performance • Increase in the ratio of ATP to inorganic phosphate (ATP:Pi) representing an increase in cellular energy state • Improves endurance and stamina, speeds recovery

Maitake are known as the dancing mushroom in Japan, as Buddhists who found the mushroom danced in joy to celebrate finding the delicious mushroom. This mushroom is fantastic for helping the body to balance sugar levels. It also is effective at “teaching” the immune how to better operate in a more balanced yet effective way.

Key Points • Supports healthy weight control • Balance blood sugar and insulin levels • Balances the immune system (immunomodulating)

The

Superfruits YOU’VE GOT TO T

KNOW

he plant kingdom has so much to offer us and superfruits are one of those health enhancing offerings from nature. Superfruits contain a wide variety of bioactive health-promoting compounds, in addition to the usual essential vitamins and minerals. The vast plethora of nutrients packed into these superfruits means you can’t go without them! Superfruits can be easily added to your diet in the form of high-quality powders or sun-dried snacks. Not all superfruit powders are the same, however Organic Traditions offers the highest quality superfruit powders, as they are certified organic and freeze-dried. This process ensures that the delicate vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and therapeutic compounds found in the fruits are not degraded.

The following superfruits are our favourite picks that you need know about in order to achieve optimum health.

Camu Camu

Camu Camu Berry is a traditional superfruit prized by the indigenous people of the Amazon.

These berries are nature’s richest source of whole food vitamin C in addition to other antioxidants such as anthocyanins, flavonols and ellagic acid.

Mulberries

White Mulberries have been a prized superfruit since ancient times in Asian, European and Middle Eastern traditions. Revered in Asian medicine as a cooling and nourishing tonic, strengthening both liver and kidney.

They have also been used in Chinese medicine to prevent the premature greying of hair. Black mulberries have a balanced sweet and tart flavour profile, while white mulberries tend to have a sweeter taste. They contain a protective host of antioxidants and are also a source of vitamin C, calcium and fibre.

Baobab

Baobab has been part of the traditional diet of Africans for centuries.

Baobab is a prebiotic superfruit containing dietary fibre, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C and an abundance of antioxidants.

The baobab fruit is a large, hard pod filled with fruit pulp and seeds. Organic Traditions baobab fruits are sustainably harvested.

Blueberries

Blueberries have long been revered as an antioxidant-rich superfruit. They are a source of vitamin C and manganese.

Antioxidant flavonoids known as anthocyanins give blueberries their striking indigo-purple rich pigment. Studies have shown links between early onset dementia and a lack of antioxidants which can be found in blueberries.

Amla Berries

Amla berry or amalaki commonly known as “Indian Gooseberry,” is a small, greenish fruit with a tart, sour taste. It is a source of whole food vitamin C and fibre. One teaspoon of powder provides 42 mg of whole food vitamin C and fibre. Cultivated in India for thousands of years, the fruit has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine as a rejuvenating tonic beneficial for balancing the body and for aiding gentle daily cleansing and detoxification.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates have been depicted as a symbol of fertility, prosperity and longevity in many traditions from ancient Egypt to Persia. The precious garnet-red jewels known as arils or segments of the pomegranate berry are a very high source of fibre and a source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and many beneficial antioxidants.

Pomegranates have also been associated with good cardiac function.

Cranberries

Cranberries are a nutritional powerhouse which are commonly used for fighting urinary tract infections.

However, this delectable berry also has high levels of vitamin C, manganese, omega fatty acids and unique compounds called PAC’s, which not only help fight UTI’s but also help keep your skin vibrant from the inside. Cranberry juice is found in most supermarkets but normally packed with sugar. The Organic Traditions Cranberry is sugar-free and it has a higher than usual concentration of nutrients as it also contains the concentrated cranberry seed powder too.

Acai

Acai berries have long been revered by indigenous cultures of the Amazon.

Considered to be one of South America’s most important superfruits, they were traditionally used in the daily diet and in both ceremonial and medicinal preparations. They are a nutritionally ideal, low glycemic superfruit with balanced amounts of fibre, carbohydrates and fat.

They are a source of fibre and a host of antioxidants.

Antioxidant flavonoids known as anthocyanins give acai berries their striking purple pigment.

Goji Berries

It has been said in Chinese medicine that he who eats a hand full of Goji berries a day, will have a smile on his face.

The berry is also referred to as the “Longevity Berry” as China’s legendary first emperor attributed his long life to this precious berry.

Goji berries are a source of vitamin A, vitamin C and iron. They also contain essential amino acids, trace minerals and vitamins B1, B2, B6, vitamin E, carotenoids and a host of antioxidants.

Maqui Berries

Maqui berries have long been revered by the Mapuche, the indigenous people of central and southern Chile.

The Mapuche attributed their strength, health and longevity to this small purple-black berry.

Maqui was traditionally used in the daily diet, in medicinal preparations and in the rejuvenating medicinal tonic known as chicha. Maqui is a source of vitamin C and a host of antioxidants. The ORAC value is a measurement of the antioxidant capacity of different foods. Antioxidant flavonoids known as anthocyanins give Maqui berries their striking purple pigment.

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NUTIVA - GIVING BACK The Superfood Brand Superbly Supporting Sustainable Agriculture

S

ustainable agriculture can be defined as meeting society’s needs for food and textiles without having to compromise on the future generation’s ability to meet their needs. Sustainable agriculture can be simplified into three main objectives: a healthy environment, economic profitability and social and economic equity. All players in the food system can play a role in ensuring a sustainable agricultural system. It is sustainable agriculture which ensures pollution-free food production and which ensures the continuation of agriculture with the least damage to the eco-system.

Nutiva takes sustainable agriculture seriously and has the badges to show it. In addition to being a B Corp, Nutiva products are Certified Organic, Non-GMO certified, and Fair Trade. To be certified by the nonprofit B Lab, one must meet rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. B Corp is to business what Fair Trade certification is to coffee or USDA Organic certification is to milk.

Food waste is a global problem. It’s estimated 35 percent of food is wasted as it moves from farms to tables. Nutiva launched a zero waste campaign to help them find greener ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle the waste created in their supply chain. They donate byproduct from their manufacturing process to farms for animal feed, compost kitchen scraps, sell cardboard bulk boxes, and donate used oil for biofuel. Most recently, they found a reuse option for the large containers that our coconut oil is shipped in.

Earlier this year they launched an initiative to become a Zero Waste Facility. Such goals challenge the prevailing practices of corporations, whose landfill trash typically includes 47% reusable material. The largest portion of this reusable waste is compostable and comes from food scraps, yard clippings, and manufacturing byproducts, while the remainder is in the form of cardboard, paper and lumber. In an internal trash audit at Nutiva’s headquarters and manufacturing facility, they found opportunities to innovate and improve their disposal procedures. They began with shifting perspectives to view waste as misplaced resources and a potential revenue source. They also educated employees about their role in the solution and restructured office and production systems to reduce waste.

Like most facilities, Nutiva has waste that they want to divert from landfills, so they have partnered with two local farms to do just that. Just this year, Nutiva has sent over 8 tons of leftover organic material from their manufacturing processes to these farms. This enables them to reuse a significant portion of their food waste and reduce the burden on the landfills. The farms use the organic material to feed animals and enrich compost piles, creating healthy, fertile soil.

Social And Environmental Responsibility Is A Core Part Of Nutiva’s Culture And Business.

From sourcing organic products to obtaining fair trade certification, greening their facilities and operations, to funding tree planting at schools in their local community, Nutiva is constantly seeking ways to better protect our environment and ensure a better quality of life for employees, customers, and the communities they serve.

Educating Youth

Nutiva’s Trees & Gardens program contributed $174,000 in 2015 toward healthy school lunches and community gardens, which will provide more than 200,000 pounds of locally grown produce. The projects introduced young people to foods they might never have heard of or tasted, shaping lifelong eating behaviours around eating nutritionally dense foods for health. Through a multi-year grant, Common Vision has planted 342 nutritious fruit trees in 19 public schools.

1% of Sales to Sustainable Agriculture

Nutiva have given away 1% of sales since the company was formed in 1999; today it’s almost $4 million. In 2015, Nutiva gave away $900,000 to the Nutiva Foundation and other groups to advance ecologically beneficial agriculture and healthy communities.

Carbon Farming Initiative

If managed properly, organic regenerative agriculture can mitigate climate change through carbon farming. Carbon farming takes excess carbon out of the atmosphere, where concentrations have reached unprecedented levels, and stores it in farm soils.

In 2015, Nutiva launched a Carbon Farming Initiative that united leaders in action and educated the public about the link between soil, climate change, and our health. The Initiative funded a number of programs such as the Soil Not Oil International Conference, the Story of Soil video, and the Carbon Farming Tour to San Francisco Bay Area farms with the Carbon Cycle Institute.

Sustainable Palm Oil

Grown on small organic family farms in Ecuador, Nutiva’s Red Palm is certified Organic, Fair Trade, RSPO, and Non-GMO. Nutiva partner with Natural Habitats to ensure that no deforestation or habitat destruction results from the growing or harvesting process. Fairtrade premiums serve the farming communities.

Projects have included building a small health clinic, supporting a school, and providing sports uniforms for local youth.

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Recipes

Add another dimension to our products with some of these inspired recipes to bring the excitement back into meal time.

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Yummy Granola A nice and simple granola recipe with hempseed and chia seeds.

A nutritious breakfast great for a bowl of morning cereal or a yummy snack.

Serves: 1

Ingredients: • • • • • •

3 Cups Old fashioned oats 1¼ Cups Nutiva Organic Hempseed ¼ Cup Nutiva Organic Chia Seeds ½ Tbsp. Organic Traditions Dual Extract Cinnamon ¼ Cup Nutiva Coconut Oil (melted) ½ Cup Organic Traditions Yacon Syrup

Instructions: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Preheat oven to 160 degrees Celsius (gas mark 3) and have a baking tray available to put your mix in.

Combine all dry ingredients in a large enough bowl for mixing.

Melt coconut oil and mix with the yacon syrup in separate container (or use a blender cup to incorporate really well).

Stir the yacon/oil mixture into the dry ingredients and stir well to coat.

Pour the mixture into the jelly roll pan and place into the centre of your oven.

Stir every 5 minutes or so until light golden brown (about 20 minutes).

Take your granola out of the oven and let cool.

Once cool, take a spoon and break up the pieces and store in an air proof container.

I like to use this granola for yogurt and fruit parfaits, as a snack and as a breakfast cereal.

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Reishi Hummus Get the most out your olive oil. This tasty little snack will keep for a couple of days in the fridge, so make some for dinner tonight, and finish it off over lunch tomorrow!

Serves: 2

Ingredients: • • •

• • • • • •

110g canned chickpeas 1/2 tbsp. tahini paste 3 tbsp. Organic Traditions Iced Pressed Olive Oil 1 tbsp crème fraîche 1 garlic clove, crushed Juice and zest of 1/2 lemon Pinch of salt Freshly ground black pepper 3 tsp OM Reishi mushroom Powder

Instructions: Blend all the ingredients in a good processor or with a hand blender. Stop when they reach the consistency you prefer - coarse or smooth.

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Maitake Soup This quick and easy recipe provides a nutritious supper in less than 20 minutes. You’re welcome!

Serves: 4

Ingredients: • • • • • • • • •

1 Tbsp OM Maitake Mushroom Powder 200ml oat cream 3-4 crushed cloves of garlic 1 Large sprig of thyme 2 Tbsp Nutiva Hemp Protein Powder 3-4 medium diced carrots 1 large diced onion 200g chestnut mushrooms vegetable stock cube

Directions: 1.

Pan fry the onions, garlic and thyme to release their flavours, then add the diced chestnut mushrooms and carrots. Once cooked, add 3 cups of water to the mix with vegetable stock.

2. Throw the mix in a blender to puree with the rest of the ingredients and add salt and pepper to taste.

3. Enjoy!

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Pineapple Smoothie

Refreshing smoothie recipe made with pineapple - packed full of enzymes - and spice to help stimulate your digestion.

Serves: 2

Ingredients: • • • • • • •

2 cups diced pineapple 1 cup rolled oats 2 cups water 1 cup peeled orange segments 1 tsp Organic Traditions Cinnamon Powder.

2 tbsp. Organic Traditions Yacon Syrup.

Optional: organic unsweetened almond milk

Instructions: 1.

Add water and the oats to a pot. Allow it to cook well and let is cool down.

2. Place orange juice, oats, cinnamon, pineapple and honey in a blender.

3. Mix all ingredients together and add water to make the smoothie thinner if desired. If you wish you can also add some almond milk at this stage.

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Spiced Iced Matcha Goodness

A little spice is always nice with a hint of ice. It’s the perfect iced drink for balmy summer nights and for anyone obsessed with matcha.

Serves: 2

Ingredients: • • • • • •

1 tbsp Organic Traditions Ceremonial Matcha 1 cup almond milk ¼ tsp Organic Traditions Dual Extract Cinnamon ¼ tsp finely ground black pepper 2 cups ice Pinch Organic Traditions Cacao Powder

Instructions: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Stir in 1 tbsp of Organic Traditions Ceremonial Matcha and 1 cup of almond milk Then add cinnamon, black pepper and ice Seal tightly and shake well to combine Pour into a serving glass and sprinkle with Organic Traditions Cacao powder Enjoy our Iced Spiced Matcha latte and enjoy the sunshine!

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