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HONEY EXHIBITION DEDICATED TO WORLD BEE DAY* At a honey exhibition in London organised by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the UK, products from Kazakh company, SunBee stole the show. These included honey with sea buckthorn, honey with red bilberries, cranberry and blueberry honey, as well as propolis-based sprays and oils for cosmetic use. Visitors to the show, most previously unfamiliar with Kazakh products, gave top marks to the honey, particularly the sea buckthorn variety. Reports say the honey ran out long before the visitors left! The eastern part of Kazakhstan is famed for its Altai honey, beekeeping in this region is a centuries old tradition. Altai Mountain honey is produced from wild flowers and berries which grow profusely in this ecologically clean, tranquil area around 2000 meters above sea level. This is nature as it should be, untouched and unpolluted. No surprise that the resultant honey has a unique flavour and is full of vitamins, minerals and amino acids . No artificial flavours or colours in this food from the Gods! I can personally vouch for the honey as lovely honey producer Elena, gave me some to try via the Kazakh Embassy. It has a fabulous flavour, just a shame that at present it is not on sale in the UK though distributors for the honey are being sought.
The international honey exhibition was hosted by Bee Midtown and the Slovenian Embassy in the UK. The event was attended by companies from more than 30 countries who presented a range of their products, including honey-based medicines and cosmetics, beeswax, pollen and royal jelly. There is evidence to suggest that honey may be effective in treating certain diseases and conditions including skin complaints, wounds, burns, colds and flu. It helps boost immunity and makes a natural energy drink too. *World Bee Day is an international holiday celebrated by the United Nations every year on 20 May. The aim of the holiday is to raise awareness of the importance of bees and other pollinators and their undisputed contribution to sustainable development, food security and biodiversity. IMAGES : MIKE PICKUP & KAZINFORM I/NATIONAL NEWS AGENCY Kazakhstan tourism  When it comes to reading glasses, I choose Sight Station because their styles are trendy, fun and fashionable. When the store I used to buy them from closed its doors, I contacted the lovely people at Sight Station to ask where my nearest stockist was. Not only did they reply oh-so-promptly, they also sent me a couple of pairs to try out. Sight Station have styles to please even the fussiest wearer - round ones, square ones, classy ones, preppy ones .... do have a look at their website. They are ... well... spectacular ! You will find something you love, I promise! Remember, specs change the way you see the world and the way the world sees you
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Reading glasses are not suitable for driving or distance vision. Looking for foods to help banish joint pain and inflammation?
Lean protein is key for building healthy connective tissue. Inadequate intakes may lead to loss of muscle mass and diminished strength. Fish and plant-based proteins including beans and pulses are great options.
Foods to avoid: Some arthritis sufferers report that omitting certain foods from their diet helps alleviate their symptoms. Foods commonly cited include oranges, tomatoes and peppers as well as dairy foods and wheat. Consider keeping a food diary to see what works for you. Don’t omit major food groups from your diet without seeking the advice of your GP or dietician first. Kew Gardens orchid festival is back and it's better than ever! Inspired by Cameroon's beauty and bio-diversity, this colourful celebration is sure to brighten up the winter months and it is the first time that this festival, the 27th! has been inspired by an African nation. Cameroon is home to an incredible number of orchid species, some are so rare that their locations are kept secret. From lush rainforests and volcanic mountains to deserts, Cameroon's huge variety of plants and wildlife are supported by varied habitats, reflected across the ten climatic zones within the Princess of Wales Conservatory at Kew. A lot of work went into the displays for the Orchid festival, they took three weeks to create, each one assembled by a team of around 100 volunteers and 12 horticultural staff. The festival runs from 4 February to 5 March, 2023 and also features an array of sculptured animals inspired by the wildlife of Cameroon. There's a larger then life lion, giraffes, hippos and gorillas. When purchasing a ticket to Kew Gardens, entry to Orchids in included. For best value tickets, book in advance at kew.org. Tickets for Orchids After Hours should be booked in advance.
Photos (c) Kew Gardens & Gilly Pickup  BETTER NUTRITIONAL SCIENCE
HIGH STRENGTH IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOST Two-part supplement stack Immune System Boost contains 33 natural ingredients scientifically proven to support the immune system AM and PM formulas maximise absorption and efficacy Better Nutritional Science has launched Immune System Boost. These high -strength supplements which come in AM and PM formulas provide 24-hour immune system support. All ingredients have been carefully researched, dosed and combined in this two-part formula to allow the key essential minerals to work in the most optimised manner. The AM formula supports the immune system and at the same time provides an energy and nutrient boost with Vitamins D + K2, C, A and E. It contains ICF™ (Immunity Co-Factors) Compound, a beneficial partner to Zinc and also Zinc Picolinate, proven in a placebo-controlled trial to be the most bioavailable form which actually increases Zinc levels recorded in the body. This formula benefits from a Live Culture and Prebiotic together with organic Astragalus, Ginger, Liquorice and medicinal Reishi mushrooms, super- beneficial to the body's immune system. Of course the PM formula supports the immune system too but goes one step further to support the body's response to inflammation via an FSC™ (Full-Spectrum Curcumin) Compound (containing Organic Turmeric, Pure Curcumin, & Piperine). This allows Curcumin to work most effectively couched within its source herb Turmeric and enhanced with Black Pepper Piperine for maximum absorption. The PM formula contains a strong Iron dose, which is so helpful for periods of tiredness, fatigue and oxygen transport support, as well as B-Vitamins, known for their immune-supporting and energy-producing roles. Choline supports normal liver function, helpful at times of immune body stress and Alpha Lipoic Acid which helps 'recycle' Glutathione (often called the Master Antioxidant) within the body. Bromelain helps absorption while Ashwagandha provides adaptogenic relief for mind and body stress, supporting mood. All good stuff! An extra bonus is that since Ingredients are supplied safely in high-strength doses, the formula is highly effective and reduces the need to take daily multiple supplements. Calum Scott from Immune System Products says, “It has never been more important to maintain a strong immune system which plays a vital role, protecting your body from harmful substances, germs and cell changes that could make you unwell. We believe our Immune System Boost is the strongest formula for immune system support available globally, as it has some of the best evidence-based, immune-supporting nutrients in the best form obtainable at the highest and safest amounts.” Immune System Boost is £65 for one month’s supply (120 capsules) is available from www.beimmune24.com Note: As a huge fan of vitamin and mineral supplements, I have been taking these Immune System Boost AM and PM formulas for a while now and I truly feel that they are beneficial. Soo much so, that I don't hesitate to give them a 10 out of 10 rating. (The company sent me samples to try in return for an honest review)  BRAINZYME® PLANT POWERED BRAIN FOOD
Brainzyme® Focus brain food supplements are designed to improve focus, mood, memory and give a 100% natural energy boost. The fast-acting capsules are easily absorbed to help you achieve ‘flow state’, which allows you to work efficiently without becoming distracted or feeling under pressure. There are three products in the Brainzyme Focus ® range: Original, Pro and Elite. How do they differ? Focus Original™ helps you focus and feel calm. It combines Guarana and Choline nootropic components including L-Theanine, EGCG and Polyphenols with a Brainzyme® blend of B-vitamins and minerals to support your body and brain. In short, it may help you get more done! Focus Pro™ great for boosting motivation and giving additional memory support. 20 active ingredients include high levels of L-Theanine, EGCG and Polyphenols to help you focus on the task in hand, Guarana to keep fatigue at bay while allowing you to maintain alertness, Choline for brain function, Ginkgo Biloba to help support memory and increase blood flow to the brain while delivering vital oxygen to improve brain power. [note: after only a week of trying these supplements, my energy levels have increased and I do not tire as easily as before.] Focus Elite™ Enhances mood, helps memory, boosts focus levels whilst relieving stress. Jam packed with nutrients to support long-term brain health, it utilises Panax Ginseng to invigorate brain and body while supporting social functioning and mood. It also has Guarana, Ginkgo Biloba, Choline and Curcumin which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. L. Acidophilus, a live culture, is included as scientists increasingly find more links between gut health and brain performance. Acetyl L-Carnitine, a mitochondrial energy optimiser,supports energy production at the cellular level. [note: when I take these Elite supplements, I find I am able to concentrate more easily without my mind racing off in several different directions at once which it normally tends to do!] Brainzyme® Focus supplements are available from www.brainzyme.com They cost £18 for a month's supply (60 capsules) of Original, £29 for Pro and £47 for Elite. Brainzyme® was launched in 2016 by Edinburgh company Better Nutritional Science Ltd. as the UK's first ‘natural nootropic’ to help support brain function. Brainzyme’s brain food supplements contain plant-powered ingredients, vitamins and minerals that have been scientifically proven to support concentration, cognition, memory, mental performance and reduce tiredness. Brainzyme® is based on ingredient research from leading neuro-cognitive and nutritional experts, including the 18-member panel at EFSA. Better Nutritional Science Ltd. was awarded Scottish Enterprise’s Wider Innovation grant in 2017, 2018 and 2019.  (promoted post)
Seaweed has been used for wellbeing and in skin and hair care for thousands of years, but why is it special? What are the potential benefits of adding it to your skincare routine? Read on to find out ...  The skincare experts at ARRAN Sense of Scotland share their knowledge on the beauty benefits of seaweed, as well as picking the best seaweed products from their range. One of the best sellers from its apothecary range, ARRAN Sense of Scotland’s Seaweed and Sage collection is available across a range of hair and skincare products. Sage and Seaweed soap, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body lotion are formulated with purifying and mineral-rich seaweed extract as well as sweet-smelling lemon, geranium, and orange for a revitalising start to your day. Seaweed extract is an excellent skin and body care ingredient, it cleanses and detoxifies while also increasing moisture and reducing pigmentation. Cleansing and detoxing One benefit of seaweed is that it cleanses and detoxifies naturally. In some forms it can be used as an exfoliant to brighten skin clearing build-up of dirt and bacteria to uncover radiant looking freshness. The Apothecary Seaweed and Sage Bath and Shower Gel is available at £14.00. https://arran.com/products/apothecary-seaweed-sage-bath-shower-gel Reduces inflammation Do you suffer from redness and irritated skin? Opt for skincare products containing seaweed which contains natural anti-inflammatories and is rich in vitamin B to soothe and calm skin. The Apothecary Seaweed and Sage Hand Wash and Hand Cream is available at £14.00 online: https://arran.com/collections/seaweed-and-sage Helping balance oil production Seaweed is thought to cut down the oil film on skin, helping it to naturally balance the production of oil, making it great for acne prone, oily or combination skin types. The Seaweed and Sage Body Lotion is available online at £14.00. https://arran.com/products/apothecary-seaweed-sage-body-lotion Fight free radical damage Seaweed aims to deliver antioxidants to protect against external damage caused in our everyday exposure to external factors such as UV rays and pollution. The Seaweed and Sage Soap is available at £8.00 online. https://arran.com/products/apothecary-seaweed-sage-soap-300g Strengthens hair from within Take advantage of the fruits of the sea ARRAN Sense of Scotland’s seaweed infused products. The Apothecary Sage and Seaweed Shampoo and Conditioner are available at £14.00 each at https://arran.com/collections/seaweed-and-sage Claire Logan, of ARRAN Sense of Scotland, said: “Being an island, Arran is surrounded by the sea and it’s healing properties, not just the fruits it bears but also the benefits it has for general wellbeing. Reflecting summertime and seaside visits that often ensue, it’s a great time to take a look at the benefits of seaweed for skincare and haircare, uncovering just what’s in this special ingredient that makes it so nourishing. Thanks to its unique combination of wholesome properties - antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, minerals and fibre, seaweed is one of our favourite ingredients that goes into our naturally nourishing skin and hair care products. I did not receive products in exchange for this write-up - I ljust like them!
The UK has experienced an enormous surge in veganism in recent years as more of us spend money on vegan products and plant-based diets. Supermarkets are cashing in on this growing lifestyle, with Sainsbury’s launching a 31 product vegan range at the end of last year and fast food giants McDonald’s, KFC and Burger King introducing plant-based options.
In 2014 there were 150,000 vegans in the UK, this increased to 600,000 in 2019. 42 % of the UK’s vegans made the dietary shift in 2018 and are forecast to make up a quarter of the British population by 2025. Although a positive change, there are concerns that vegan diets don’t provide all the vitamins and minerals the body needs to function healthily. With veganism garnering more attention, Google Trends data reports that the term ‘vegan supplements’ is often searched for in the UK. A plant-based diet is extremely nutritious, let’s not assume that it doesn’t have many nutritional benefits. However, there are some nutrients we may need to supplement that we can’t get solely from plants. With good planning, you can make sure you’re not missing out on anything important. Here are the most important additions you should take on a vegan diet.
Iron helps enhance the transportation of oxygen around the body as well as red blood cell and DNA development. Therefore, an iron deficiency can result in anaemia. Symptoms include a decreased immune system functioning, fatigue, weakness, dizziness and difficult concentrating. Iron is derived from meat, chickpeas, lentils, tofu, cheese and cruciferous vegetables including cauliflower, cabbage, kale, broccoli and pak choi. Only take iron supplements if you’ve been advised to by your GP, but it’s worth being aware in case you start to feel the symptoms and aren’t sure why. Taking too much iron can be dangerous since iron blocks other vitamins and minerals from being absorbed.
Vitamin D helps absorb phosphorus and calcium and acts as a fat-soluble nutrient. In addition, it helps promote healthy teeth, bone and muscle growth. Vitamin D is comprised of two forms — vitamin D3 comes from animal products such as oily fish, red meat, liver, egg yolk and butter; vitamin D2 comes from mushrooms and fortified foods. It may come as a surprise to know that there are not many foods that vitamin D can be derived from so we might be unaware that many of us struggle to consume the recommended daily intake of 10 micrograms a day. It is primarily derived from sun exposure, which is why the NHS recommend vitamin D supplements, even for carnivores, in the darker winter months.
Maintaining a healthy thyroid function is important and the consumption of enough iodine is vital to help maintain this. Good sources of iodine include sea fish, shellfish, dairy and some plants and grains depending on the level of iodine in the soil they grew in. If insufficient iodine is taken, you can experience low energy, dry skin, forgetfulness, depression and weight gain so it’s recommended that adults consume 0.14mg of iodine each day. Research suggests that vegans are more susceptible to risk of iodine deficiency than vegetarians since it’s thought they have up to 50 % lower iodine levels in their blood.
Its argued that B12, which is derived from foods from animal sources, is one of the most important nutrients for vegans. There’s a common misconception that vegans who eat the right kind of plants don’t need to worry about vitamin B12 deficiency but there is no research to confirm this. Vegans are at higher risk of B12 deficiencies, so it’s important that adults consume around 1.5 micrograms of B12 every day. Vitamin B12 is necessary to help support a variety of bodily functions including the health of the nervous system, protein metabolism, normal brain functioning and the development of oxygen-carrying red blood cells. Lack of this can lead to anaemia, nervous system damage, infertility, bone and heart disease. Humans used to get B12 from natural water in soil, however with declining soil quality from intensive farming and filtered water, this isn’t the case anymore. Taking supplements or fortified foods such as soymilk, nutritional yeast, meat substitutes, and breakfast cereals all helps. If you're vegan and want to make sure you’re consuming an adequate level of vitamins and nutrients you could get a blood test. Otherwise perhaps investing in some additional health supplements will help ensure the correct levels are being maintained. Sources https://www.vegansociety.com/news/media/statistics https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44488051 https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?date=today%205-y&geo=GB&q=vegan%20supplements https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-supplements-for-vegans#1 https://www.riseofthevegan.com/blog/b12-is-not-just-a-vegan-problem https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-d2-vs-d3#section2 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/iodine/ |
