Health Food
Probiotics - Hemp Seeds - Seaweed & Algae - Agave - Flax - Coffee substitute
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There is no doubt that some of the healthiest foods you can eat are brightly coloured fruit and vegetables. They are often packed full of immune-system-boosting and health-protecting antioxidents and phyto-nutrients as well as essential vitamins and minerals.
Although in the UK the NHS and Government are advising us to eat 5 portions of fruit and veg a day the actual figure should be more like 8 portions a day. Our target is probably only so low to make it more achievable for the UK population who in world terms fair badly at eating their greens and don't eat the variety of fruit and vegetables that our body needs. Many other countries advise between 9-10 portions a day.
Most health professionals, dieticians and nutritionists are agreed that we need to eat more fruit and vegetables and restrict the amount of animal products (meat and dairy are rich in saturated fats and lack fibre) in our diets.
Of course we still need protein, iron, A , B and D vitamins that some animal products are hoped to be rich in but these can all be obtained from plant foods too. For more about micro and macro nutrients, vitamins and minerals and where they come from see the Vitamins and Minerals section of this website
Useful Health Foods List
Protein Rich Foods
Complete protein can be found in quinoa, aramanth, buckwheat, soya, tempeh and tofu, and hempseed. You can also mix plant foods in traditional ways to create balanced protein e.g. rice and lentils (curry) , chick peas and sesame seeds (hummous), corn and beans (tortillas and tacos) , nuts and grains (peanut butter sandwich or pasta and pesto) and of course grain and pulse (beans on toast).
Redwood's Foods - UK masters of chilled products that are healthier versions of animal based foods such as cheese, meats and fish. They have ready cooked vegetarian/vegan sausages ideal for a protein rich snack, a range of pates, 'Cheatin' meats such as ham, beef, turkey, pepperoni, chicken and even a vegan Christmas/ Thanksgiving Roast Dinner (just add vegetables). Redwoods have won various awards for their innovation and for the quality of their ethical products. Their new vegetarian mince is 25% protein and fortified with vitamin B12 and essential fats.
Beanies - Frys Foods - Some of the most realistic vegan frozen sausages and burgers on the market - no hydrogenated fat, and rich in protein . Great BBQ food which good enough to please everyone (although ironically sometimes considered too realistic to please some vegetarians). Can be baked in the oven rather than fried as an even healthier option. Beanies also distribute Fry's vegan Polony was recently mistaken for the real thing by UK national newspaper The Independent
- Hemp Foods - Tim Barford of Yaoh is set to be a national hero as his hemp food products gain popularity beyond Bristol and the south of England. Yaoh produce a delicious pure hemp protein powder that makes a deliciously creamy smoothie or can be sneaked into bread, pancakes, muffins , pates and home made ice cream to whack up the protein content. Yaoh also make delicious raw energy bars, hemp oil, and of course raw hemp seeds. Use the seeds to make hemp milk with the amazing Yaoh Hemp milk maker machine which makes hemp milk in 3 minutes without heating and loosing any of the many nutritious properties of hemp.
Alternatives to sugar
Sugar was great when it was only for special ocassions or Kings and Queens with black teeth. Unfortunately through slavery, piracy, double-dealing and dubious ethics the price of white sugar is now so artificially cheap that any poor soul can afford it and we are all poorer because of it.
We hope it will be the next target of the FSA.
Try these Birch tree derived alternatives with the awful sounding name - xylitol. This natural sweetener tastes like sugar but has 40% fewer calories, so it’s ideal as part of a weight control programme. Used to sweeten drinks, desserts and cooking, ZyloSweet has minimal impact on blood sugar and can safely be used by diabetics. It may also help maintain teeth free of decay. Since ZyloSweet inhibits yeast, it cannot be used to raise yeast in baking. Very low GL.
Perfect SweetZylosweet from Higher Nature 500g pot £9.60
Product Code HINZYS500 500g pot £9.60 - Order from NutriCentre - Tel
Foods for life used Xylitol as sweetener for the delicious Plamil Foods sugar free hemp chocolate.
Plamil Foods - Sugar Free Chocolate with hempseeds.
AgaveSyrup
Another excellent low GL sweetener is agave syrup from the cactus that gives us tequila.
Agave is an exciting sweetener naturally extracted from the inner core of the agave.
Agave's sugars are released slowly into the blood stream, decreasing the highs and lows associated with sugar intake. Agave has a very low glycemic index, meaning it does not significantly raise blood sugar levels.
It is unprocessed and therefore provides vitamins and minerals not found in processed sweeteners.
Agave nectar dissolves easily and tastes natural and delicious, making it the perfect sweetener to naturally enhance any food or beverage.
Tastes like a cross between honey and maple syrup!
Salt
Everyone should now have an inkling that too much salt is bad for you following Sid The Slug's efforts at the forefront of the Food Standards Agency Campaign. You could try to wean yourself off the stuff but meanwhile help is at hand.
Low Sodium Salt - Solo sea salt actually tastes like salt but with far lower sodium levels. A special process transforms sea salt into this great tasting product.
Probiotics
Don't rely on the transient probiotics in yoghurts especially if you have a condition that requires therapeutic doses of residential bacteria.
Yvonne Bishop-Weston was quoted in Now magazine. Now discussed how probiotics may help reduce bloating by re-establishing beneficial bacteria and so helping to crowd out the unhelpful bacteria and yeasts which lead to fermentation and bloating.Nutrilink - Bifido bac T, Lactobacillas GG
Savant - Udo's Super5 chewables for Children
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Dairy Free Probiotics
BIO CULT advanced Probiotic formula (vegan) 120 capsules (average 2 month supply)
Superfood Non Dairy Cultivation - No need for refridgeration. For optimal digestive health.
Bio-Kult contains 14 strains of beneficial bacteria and at a concentration of 10 billion per gram Bio-Kult is one of the most powerful probiotic supplements available. Bio-Kult is rich in residential bacteria that can fight and crowd out bad bacteria in your gut. Most effective when taken with food.
Estimates put the number of different types of micro-organisms in the gut at 400 and the total number of bacterial cells at 1 x 1014 ; a figure which exceeds the total number of human beings in the world. These bacteria form the basis of your health, protecting against microbial and parasitic attack, keeping your digestive and immune systems in prime health and ensuring optimal digestion and absorption of food. As well as the beneficial bacteria there are harmful pathogenic organisms. When these groups get out of balance in the intestine "gut dysbiosis" occurs. Years of study have resulted in Bio-Kult, an advanced probiotic formula containing fourteen strains of beneficial bacteria. It is formulated specifically to help maintain a healthy gut flora, resulting in improved function of the digestive and immune Systems.
INGREDIENTS:Bio-Kult contains a scientifically developed formulation of fourteen probiotic strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus salivarius spp. salivarius, Lactobacillus Delbrukeii spp. bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium breve, Lactobacillus Delbrukeii spp. lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus helveticus, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Streptococcus thermophilus at a strength of 10 billion per gram
In vegetable capsules, suitable for adults or children, gluten free, lactose free, salt free and sucrose free. Vegan Society approved.
Buy Online (UK Only) 1 pot x 120 capsules x 200mg (average 2 month supply) £30 - Free Postage
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Product Code H13CB01X3 Buy Now - Tel
Duo Kult - 2 strain residential probiotic bacteria.
Duo-Kult, is a high strength probiotic formula containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum. For overall digestive health.
Each bottle contains 60 x 250 mg capsules, equivalent to a 1 month normal usage. The active content of each batch is certified by an independent UKAS approved laboratory
Price is £13 per pot - average 1 month supply
Pre biotics help probiotics to create the right environment to support healthy bacteria so make sure you are eating enough fruit and vegetables for fibre too.
Buy online (UK Only) - 3 pots x 60 x 250 mg for £35 - Free postage
Seaweed and Algae Shakes
With todays modern lifestyles it's sometimes diificult to find time to fit in 3 perfect meals and two nutritious snacks into your schedule. Adding some hemp protein and chlorella algae powder to your smoothie can be a useful emergency measure or you could try one of these posh superfood rich seaweed and algae shakes used by Foods for Life Optimum Nutritionists. ProGreens not only provides immune-boosting nutrients but also supports the thyroid gland and so the metabolic rate helping us to burn calories faster and healthily lose weight. Good digestive health is also vital to banish bloating and to support weight loss and so ProGreens also contains probiotics.
Please note: Foods for Life make no claims that these algae and seaweed shakes are used by Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss or any other celebrity, only that they are suitably rich enough in chlorella algae, dulse seaweed, probiotics and other unique superfoods to be recommended as a useful source of key nutrients by Croydon and Harley Street nutritionist Yvonne Bishop-Weston. If you are on any medication you should consult your GP / doctor. Please use strictly as per manufacturer's instructions and ideally as part of a guided personalised optimum nutrition and lifestyle program. Pregnancy: Seaweed and Algae shakes are best generally only used under the supervision of a qualified, BANT registered nutritionist during pregnancy due to the potential risks of detoxification.
Protein shakes with Chlorella algae and Dulse seaweed are available from the following sources
Pro Greens superfood breakfast seaweed and algae shake with probiotics (see Product sheet ) 9.3oz / 265g pot £36.00 - One month supply.
Pro-Greens is an all-natural blended variety of "Super Foods" that provide broad-spectrum nutritional support from organic gluten-free grasses and natural food factors not found in isolated vitamins or mineral concentrates. In addition to the green grasses, sea vegetables and algae, ProGreens contains adaptogenic herbs, 8 strains of dairy-free active probiotics, fibers, and a variety of nutrient rich super foods.
(Add to hemp milk, rice milk, soy milk, almond milk, oat milk or fruit juice and smoothies)
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For delivery to the USA - Avoid UK taxes and international delivery charges Visit www.nutricology.com and request special Foods for Life 10% discount - Phone:
Also available
Slimgreens (Vegan) . Contains the algae and seaweed to support the metabolic rate and also has cinnamon and turmeric as a further metabolic boost to support healthy weight loss. Not a meal replacement. If you need the digestive support probitoics offer ProGreens would be a better choice. Product Sheet
Product code ARG75690 £16.99 180g.
Special Online Offer (UK Only) 3x 180g pots £40.75 - 3 month supply basic algae and seaweed shake. Free delivery in the UK
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Nature's Living Superfood, Seaweed & Algae Shake Mix (Vegan)
(Add to hemp milk, rice milk, soy milk, almond, oat milk or fruit juice and smoothies)
Ingredients include:
Vegetables; Whole Leaf Barley Grass, Whole Leaf Wheat Grass, Nettle Leaf, Shavegrass (Horsetail), Alfalfa Leaf Juice, Dandelion Leaf Juice, Kamut® Grass Juice, Barley Grass Juice, Oat Grass Juice, Burdock Root, Broccoli Juice, Kale Juice, Spinach Juice, Parsley Juice, Carob Pod, Ginger Root, Nopal Cactus, Amla Berry.
Algae & Seaweed; Spirulina, Broken Cell Wall Chlorella, Wildcrafted Aquatic Vegetables, Icelandic Kelp, Nova Scotia Dulse
Enzymes: Ensure optimum absorption and cleansing. Amylase, Lipase, Protease, Cellulase, Bromelain, Papain
Comprehensive probiotic mixture: - These are beneficial organisms. Includes extensive NSO™ (Natural Soil Organisms) and implantable species. A. Agilis, L. Acidophilius, R. Arrhizus, DDS-1 Acidophilius, Bifidus, L. Bulgaricus, A Brasilienese, B. Brenis, P. Chrysosporium, A. Citreus, L. Casei, P. Calcis, S. Cellulasae, P. Denitrificans, S. Faecium, S. Fradiae, P. Fluorescens, A. Globiformis, S. Griseoflavus, P. Gelatic, B. Lipolyticum, A. Lutes, A. Lipoferum, A. Lwolfii, B. Laterosporous, P. Marinoglutinosa, B. Macerans, P. Nigraclens, P. Putida, L. Plantarum, B. Pumilus, B. Polymyxa, B. Stationis, K. Zopfit, L. Salivarius, B. Subtilus, B. Succinogenes, A. Simplex, B. Subtilus, S. Thermopolis, A. Terreus, M. Verrucaria, T. Viride.
Order code KIKI05 £57.50 for 284g - Order Code KIK104 £29.95 for 142g
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Algae / Microalgae
There are disreputable companies claiming that to get long chain omega 3 fatty acids you have to eat fish or fish oil and that fish oil is the only source. This is simply not true. At the bottom of the food-chain there is algae which has the unique ability in the plant world to be able to produce long chain omega 3's DHA and EPA and also vitamin B12 and Vitamin D3. The smaller fish eat the algae and by the time the big fish are having dinner at the top of the food chain there are high concentrations of DHA and EPA.
To avoid heavy metals and other toxicity in fish, contributing to marine eco-system collapse and to cut out the middle man we suggest using a sustainable, healthy, ethical algae alternative that is 100% fish free.
For pure algae-based fish-free long-chain omega 3 fatty acids and essential fats DHA and EPA please see omega 3 Vegetarian DHA EPA - Buy Now - Click on Banner.
Pure 100% Chlorella Algae Powder
Chlorella is a natural microscopic plant containing over 20 vitamins and minerals, 65% protein and is abundant in essential micronutrients and RNA/ DNA nucleic acids. It is one of nature's richest sources of chlorophyll. As such, it has powerful cleansing and detoxifying properties.
The detoxification capability of chlorella is due to its incredibly high content of chlorophyll and its cracked cell walls. They allegedly have the uncanny ability to grab onto unwanted materials, pollutants and some heavy metal residues in the bowel and intestines and help to flush them from the body.
Cleans and flushes out stored waste and pollutants in the body - may aid the liver in ridding the body of toxins - Allegedly acts as an internal deodorant, refreshing the bowel and breath and helping to reduce body odour.
Product code LSLS100G 100g pot £19.49 - Tel
Flax Seed and Flax Oil for Omega 3
Flax provides a pure and natural source of basic omega 3 essential fatty acids, lignans, fibre, amino acids and trace minerals and vitamins.
Highest source of plant-based omega 3 and rich in lignans a phyto-oestrogen that can help balance female hormone levels supportive of conditions such as PMS
Helps with bowel regularity.
100% Organic Barleans Canadian Fortiflax - milled flax seed. Milled so it's easier to digest and absorb nutrients.
1X 454g pot £10 plus £2.50 postage (550g) - Telephone Nutricentre
Buy Online Now (UK Only) - 2 x 454g pots @ £8.50 = £17 + £2.50 P&P
Barleans Canadian organic high-lignan Flax Seed Oil rich in Omega 3 essential Fatty acids.
If you have a lot of sunflower oil in your diet which is rich in omega 6 then you are advised to balance this with a good fresh organic flax oil which is one of nature's richest sources of omega 3 alpha linolenic acid LNA
Claimed to be important for cardiovascular, immune system, digestive, metabolic, skin, hair, and nail health.
1 x 473ml bottle £17 + £2.50 postage
Buy online (UK ONLY) - 2 X 473ml bottles £29.50 & £2.50 postage
Coffee Substitute - Teeccino
Teeccino ( pronounced Tea-chino) is easily the best coffee alternative or substitute we've ever tasted - the almond Teeccino is particularly delicious with a truly deep depth of flavour.
Make Teeccino just as you would using ground coffee.
For the health benefits of Teeccino see Teeccino.com
Now you can enjoy a steaming cup of deliciously rich, deep roasted, fresh brewed flavor that delivers all the satisfaction without the caffeine and acidity of coffee!
Teeccino, America's best selling coffee substitute, is roasted and ground to brew and taste just like coffee. Coffee lovers desire Teeccino's nutritious health benefits with its natural energy boost.
NAT80256 Price: £4.95
NAT8570 Price: £4.95
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For more information or suggestions of new health foods to add to this page please use our Optimum Nutritionists contact page
Legal note: www.optimumnutritionists.com is not intended as a subsitute for medical advice, please always consult your GP / Doctor. Under UK law only a medical doctor may 'treat' illness and disease with a medical origin. The information in this web page is for information purposes only. To see an insured, qualified, experienced , BANT registered nutritionist in London please see http://www.optimumnutritionists.com/pages/nutritionists.php or use our contact form
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