The Nutri Centre: August 2011

Power Colors – which one’s for you?

Posted by nutricentre 25 Aug 2011 0 comments

The rich hues found in fruits from around the world help explain their health-enhancing abilities.

When you see deep color in the produce aisle, dive in—powerful nutrition is close at hand. That’s because pigmented produce indicates the presence of phytonutrients, which help the body fight inflammation, destroy cancerous cells and keep blood flowing freely— among numerous other benefits.
Fruit phytonutrients have been found to be, well, especially fruitful when it comes to promoting health. And when you consider the other nutrients fruits provide—vitamins, minerals, fatty acids—it’s easy to see why many people are turning to the most richly hued fruits (and whole-food supplements based on them) in an effort to maintain vitality and well-being.

Açai
Appearance: Small, purplish berry
Where Grown: Native to Central and South America, most notably Brazil
Health Benefits: Contains antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful molecules called free radicals; provides vitamin A and healthy fats in addition to a high fiber content; may support heart and immune health

Some Acai Berry products: http://www.nutricentre.com/p-25609-maca-500mg.aspx

Bilberry
Appearance: Tiny, nearly black berries; close relative of the blueberry
Where Grown: Found in temperate climates throughout the world
Health Benefits: British pilots in World War II reported better night vision after eating bilberry jam; contains anthocyanosides, which appear to protect the retina in addition to strengthening blood vessels

Some Bliberry products: http://www.nutricentre.com/p-22810-solgar-bilberry-berry-extract-sfp.aspx

Black Currant
Appearance: Glossy, black berries with an astringent taste
Where Grown: Native to northern Europe and Asia
Health Benefits: High in vitamin C, also supplies gamma linoleic acid (GLA), iron, potassium and vitamin B5; contains anthocyanins, which have shown inflammation-fighting effects in studies

Some Black Berry products: http://www.nutricentre.com/p-43125-super-mouse-blackcurrant.aspx

Blueberry
Appearance: Dark-blue berries second only to strawberries in popularity
Where Grown: Native to North America
Health Benefits: Studies suggest that blueberries can improve memory in older adults; other research has linked them with protection against heart disease and cancer, and with improved blood sugar control

Some Blue Berry products: http://www.nutricentre.com/p-42721-blueberry-punch.aspx

Cherry
Appearance: Colors include black, red and white; two main types, sour and sweet
Where Grown: Black cherry native to eastern North America
Health Benefits: Good source of antioxidant phytonutrients; traditional usage in arthritis and gout relief supported by studies; may boost muscle recovery after exercise

Some Cherry products: http://www.nutricentre.com/p-41468-cherry-active-concentrate.aspx

Cranberry
Appearance: Bright-red berries
Where Grown: Found in cool, boggy areas throughout the Northern Hemisphere
Health Benefits: Helps keep bacteria from adhering to cells lining the urinary tract and gums; studies have found evidence of heart-protective and anti-inflammatory properties

Some Cranberry products: http://www.nutricentre.com/p-32711-cranberry-1000-sustained-release.aspx

Goji
Appearance: Orange-red fruits also known as wolfberries
Where Grown: Native to Asia and eastern Europe
Health Benefits: Rich source of antioxidant phytonutrients and carotenoids such as beta-carotene; used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to improve circulation, fight insomnia and protect the eyes and liver

Some Goji Berry products: http://www.nutricentre.com/p-22127-power-health-goji-berry.aspx

Grape
Appearance: Dozens of varieties available in white, red or black
Where Grown: Native to Asia, Europe and North America
Health Benefits: Contains resveratrol, believed to mimic the anti-aging effects of a calorie-restricted diet and noted for protecting the cardiovascular system; may help protect against cancer

Some Grape products: http://www.nutricentre.com/p-31915-natural-by-nature-grape-seed.aspx

Mangosteen
Appearance: Reddish-purple fruit with creamy white flesh
Where Grown: Native to islands in the South Pacific
Health Benefits: Used by traditional healers to treat skin and digestive tract infections; contains xanthones, which are under investigation for possible anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and cancer-protective effects

Some Mangosteen products: http://www.nutricentre.com/p-32511-active-life-mango.aspx

Noni
Appearance: Oval, yellow-white fruit
Where Grown: Native to Southeast Asia but now widely cultivated in tropical areas
Health Benefits: Contains phytonutrients that may help ease inflammation, protect the cardiovascular system and fight cancer development

Some Noni products: http://www.nutricentre.com/p-20764-extended-release-noni.aspx

Pomegranate
Appearance: Large red fruit that contains many pulpy seeds
Where Grown: Grown from the Mediterranean to the Indian subcontinent and in the US
Health Benefits: Long used in India’s Ayurvedic medicine as an astringent and heart tonic; has helped fight development of cancer and atherosclerosis in laboratory studies

Some Pomegranate products: http://www.nutricentre.com/p-29964-pomegranate-complex.aspx

Raspberry
Appearance: Red, black and yellow berries consist of small seed-bearing sacs
Where Grown: Native to North America
Health Benefits: High in vitamin C, manganese and fiber, along with B vitamins, magnesium and potassium; has shown an ability to fight cancer and high blood pressure in laboratory research

Some Rasberry products: http://www.nutricentre.com/p-44552-raspberry-500mg.aspx

Back to School

Posted by nutricentre 18 Aug 2011 0 comments

When our kids go back to school, we want them to be in the best of health, full of energy and able to resist all those bugs that can go around! A great first step towards this is to ensure they are eating good healthy food.

Start by giving children a good breakfast – great examples include a wholegrain sugar-free cereal or muesli sprinkled with a few chopped nuts and some fresh berries, or wholemeal toast with scrambled egg.

For lunch, a common concern for parents is what to give children to take to school if the school dinners aren't up to scratch. A basic rule here is to make sure we include one or two servings of fresh vegetables or fruit and a good source of healthy protein such as fish, an egg, home-cooked or non-processed meat, or unsalted nuts and seeds. Here are some simple and healthy options to combine:

● A wholemeal bread sandwich with free range fresh turkey slices and some slices of cucumber or cherry tomatoes.

● Small sticks of raw carrot or cucumber with a little pot of hummous.

● A chicken leg left over from the Sunday roast. Choose a free range and preferably organic chicken.

● A natural yoghurt (a sugar-free, 'live' yoghurt if possible) and include a separate pot with a few chopped nuts and raisins or goji berries that they can mix with it if they want.

● A small pot of cherry tomatoes.

● Any fresh fruit – such as an apple, pear or apricots or a small pot of cherries or raspberries (or other fresh berries).

● 2 to 4 oatcakes with a few slices of any good quality cheese (preferably organic) or hummous and some cherry tomatoes. This is a great healthy alternative to the pre-packed cheese and biscuits that are popular with kids.

● A hardboiled egg.

● A small pot of brown rice salad – mix cooked brown rice with sweetcorn, cherry tomatoes and small cucumber chunks, with a teaspoon of olive oil, a pinch of natural sea salt and a squeeze of lemon juice.

We may also wish to help children on their way with a few well-chosen supplements. A good kids’ multivitamin and mineral can help with energy levels and may be a good choice if a child is tired or run-down, or eats little in the way of fresh vegetables and fruit (although supplements should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet). Choose one that is free of artificial sweeteners or other additives. To help support the immune system, a probiotic (‘friendly bacteria’) or a kids’ beta glucan supplement can be beneficial. Beta glucans are thought to trigger receptors on the body’s immune cells to help strengthen the immune response. For concentration and learning, a good children’s fish oil may be particularly beneficial and may also help to reduce hyperactivity.

Another common problem for children at school is headlice. Neem-based shampoos can be very effective at getting rid of the lice and are a good natural alternative to treatment shampoos containing insecticides.

Free Samples

Posted by nutricentre 17 Aug 2011 0 comments

The Nutri Centre in Cheshunt is giving away free samples at Esporta Helath Club in Harlow on Sat Aug 20th 12:00-15:00 and on Tues Aug 23rd from 17:00-19:30. Better still Joe The Nutri Centre's fully trained sports advisor and personal trainer at Esporta Health club will be able to give advice on your personal health and fitness goals! Visit Esporta Helath Club, College Square, Harlow CM20 1AJ

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Flower Essences & Healing - Wednesday 17th August 2011

Posted by nutricentre 12 Aug 2011 1 comments

with Paul Strode, M.I.P.T.I.

For centuries, people have benefited from the therapeutic energies of plants and flowers.Not only can they provide relief from physical ailments but they can also help combat our negative responses to stress by restoring emotional balance.

Wildflower created a range of flower essences made exclusively from English wildflowers. These essences capture the energetic element of the plant flower and can be a valuable aid in helping us through personal challenges that are all too common in today's stressful world.

This presentation will offer an opportunity to gain insight and awareness of the benefits of flower essences and their potential for healing. Presentation and questions answered by Paul Strode M.I.P.T.I from Wildflower.

Why Do We Need Protein?

Posted by nutricentre 5 Aug 2011 0 comments

Training increases the protein requirements of your body. If it doesnʼt obtain the quality protein it needs, loss of muscle tissue and a lack of energy often follows. If your personal goal is to gain muscle and increase strength your body will be screaming for extra protein. Protein is made up of chains of amino acids. Amino acids are building blocks for your bodies tissue and these are substances we seek from protein.

How Much Protein?
For building muscle you should consume 1g of protein per pound of body weight. Additional protein will help to speed up the healing process.

Excessive Protein Problems
Excessive amounts of protein have been known to deplete levels of calcium and magnesium, so these should be supplemented. Excessive protein consumption obviously needs to be excreted, meaning your liver and kidneys will have to work much harder. This increased activity over a prolonged period could be damaging.

What is Purple Balance Raw Natural Protein?
Specifically designed for those looking for a natural protein and a healthy way of enhancing their fitness endurance. As its protein content already exists in amino acid form, no additional processing is required by the body to extract these vital “building blocks”. This makes absorption faster and more efficient.

Just 4 Ingredients:

Hemp Protein
Packed With Amino Acids! Unlike any other plant protein, hemp contains the entire spectrum of amino acids. The shape of the hemp protein molecule, being very similar to human globulin proteins, means that hemp protein is very easily digested.

Bee Pollen
A Super Superfood! One ounce of bee pollen is the equivalent to 3 cooked meals in terms of nutrient content. This makes bee pollen one of the richest and purest natural foods ever discovered.

Raw Cocoa
No.1 for Antioxidants! Cocoa contains the highest concentration of antioxidants of any food in the world. In its raw form, as processing destroys or corrupts these concentrations, cocoa contains enormous levels of magnesium.

Maca
Nature’s Balance Mechanism. Grown at elevations of over 11,000 feet in the Andes, Maca is a powerful adaptogen. This means it has the ability to balance and stabilize the body’s systems (cardiovascular, nervous, musculature, etc). It’s also sold as an aphrodisiac and fertility enhancer!