Vitality

Vitamin D3 , sometimes known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ is produced naturally in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. You can also get it through certain foods.

Although classified as a vitamin, D3 cleverly transforms into a hormone in the body and circulates in the bloodstream to help in the absorption of calcium and phosphorous. This is perhaps one of the most vital functions that Vitamin D3 performs.

We know that calcium builds and strengthens teeth and bone mass and is vital for bone development and growth. In addition, Calcium plays a role in the production of hormones in the body by transmitting nerve impulses to the brain.

Almost 99% of your Vitamin D supply is used for regulating the calcium in the body; the remaining part is utilised for strengthening the immune system and maintaining muscle strength.

Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal bones, normal DNA synthesis, normal acid-base metabolism, normal carbohydrate metabolism, normal cognitive function, normal fertility and reproduction, normal macronutrient metabolism, normal metabolism of fatty acids, normal metabolism of vitamin A, normal protein synthesis, the maintenance of normal hair, nails and skin, the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood, the maintenance of normal vision, the normal function of the immune system, the protection of cells from oxidative stress and it has a role in the process of cell division.

Selenium is found in the soil, water and in some foods and can play a big part in our skin’s health. While it’s best known as an antioxidant, this essential mineral is a component of more than two dozen proteins that influence everything from skin health to reproduction, the making of DNA, thyroid function and immune response. Selenium neutralises free radicals and other skin-damaging compounds before they can lead to wrinkles. It’s similar to vitamin E and actually works with the vitamin to safeguard cell membranes, the protective coating around cells. That makes selenium a key player when it comes to slowing the signs of ageing. In fact, research has shown that it is a triple treat, protecting against UV-induced cell damage, skin inflammation and pigmentation.

kelp is a natural source of vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D and E, as well as minerals including zinc, iodine, magnesium, iron, potassium, copper and calcium. In fact it contains the highest natural concentration of calcium of any food – 10 times more than milk.

Kelp may be useful where joint pain has resulted from toxin build-up in the body. It is a powerful detoxifier, infusing the body with alginates that bind with toxic chemicals and allow you to pass them safely through the digestive tract.

Rosehip is a fruit that is naturally high in the potent antioxidant, vitamin C. Antioxidant nutrients support lower levels of inflammation in the body.

Horsetail herb supports calcium absorption and utilisation and is rich in silica and mineral salts (including potassium, manganese, magnesium, sulphur and calcium) in support of bones and connective tissues. A deficiency in silica tends to precede the calcium loss that causes demineralisation of bones.

Green tea is an exceptionally good source of antioxidants and alkaloids. In fact, the key active component in green tea, epigallocatechin-3- gallate (EGCG), is many times more potent in terms of its antioxidant capacity than even vitamin C or vitamin E. It also contains various vitamins (such as vitamin A, D, E, C, B, H and K) and minerals (such as manganese, zinc, chromium and selenium).

Bilberry is one of the richest natural sources of anthocyanin, which is an antioxidant that provides it the dark blue color. Along with anthocyanin, it also contains other phenolic components such as quercetin, tannins, pectin, and catechins, as well as alkaloids, carbonic acids, and a range of vital nutrients including vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, and K. The minerals present in bilberries are chromium, manganese, zinc, and iron.

Nettles are naturally high in chlorophyll (a powerful phyto-chemical), vitamin C (a potent antioxidant), serotonin, histamine, acetyl-choline and beneficial minerals including iron, calcium and silica.

Pine bark is one of nature’s super antioxidants. It is rich in oligomeric proanthocyanidin compounds (OPCs), the same active ingredient that can be found in grapeseeds, the skin of peanuts and witch hazel bark. While the OPCs in pine bark are mostly known for their antioxidant-producing benefits, these compounds also have antibacterial, antiviral, anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties.

Skin:

Vitamin E is both a nutrient and antioxidant and a highly beneficial ingredient for the skin, especially when it is combined with other antioxidants. Scientific studies show us that it has very specific benefits to the skin. It protects the skin from environmental pollution. It has a protecting action against UV radiation. It has anti-inflammatory action (which can help to prevent the signs of premature ageing, as inflammatory conditions in the skin are a leading cause of skin ageing). It also has wound healing properties.

Immunity:

Vitamin E, a potent lipid‐soluble antioxidant, found in higher concentration in immune cells compared to other cells in blood, is one of the most effective nutrients known to modulate immune function. Vitamin E deficiency has been demonstrated to impair normal functions of the immune system in animals and humans,

Montmorency cherries (also known as “sour cherries” or “tart cherries”), are considered to be a superfruit because they are packed with nutrients, including potent antioxidants and flavonoids.

Glutathione is an antioxidant in plants, animals, fungi, and some bacteria and archaea. Glutathione is capable of preventing damage to important cellular components caused by reactive oxygen species such as free radicals, peroxides, lipid peroxides, and heavy metals. Often called the “master antioxidant,” glutathione also boosts (recycles) other antioxidants, like vitamin C and vitamin E, as well as alpha lipoic acid and CoQ10.

MSM stands for methyl sulfonyl methane, which is a source of the essential mineral sulphur.

Glucosamine is an essential part of the building material for joints and the cellular ‘glue’ that holds the entire body together.