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Health Hints In New Zealand there are around 450 companies supplying natural health products on the New Zealand market. 168 of these companies supply products made in New Zealand from bioactive ingredients that are made or harvested in New Zealand. The five most common classes of ingredients are plant oils and seeds, other plant extracts, herbals and botanicals, marine animal extracts, and Manuka honey. Marg Hardy gives us some more insight into what’s happening in the natural health industry at the moment... Trends
What’s new in the natural health industry?? Increased popularity amongst new and innovative products that promise faster and more effective results, we take a look at some below: -Celebrity Slim Rapid – This rapid version is designed for the first couple of weeks of the celebrity slim weight loss programme. Individuals lose a large amount of weight in a short period of time due to the increased protein, added fibre, fat burners and reduced total calorie intake. The rapid phase of the programme reduces carbohydrate intake and encourages the body to prioritise the burning of fat, instead of glucose, for energy. Marg says: The Celebrity Slim program is easy, affordable, convenient, and has a wide variety of great tasting, nutritious products that work! 5/5 -African Mango – The African Mango has been transformed into supplement form beneficial for; lowering cholesterol, improving the waistline and is an effective weight loss aid. It helps to lose weight by speeding up metabolism in the body. It removes the toxins which prevent nutrients from getting through which allows the body to acquire the energy it needs to burn fat. Marg says: There are several clinical trials supporting the effectiveness of African mango. Make sure you choose a product that is supported with independent trials. 3/5 -Vitamin K – an essential vitamin for protein modification and blood clotting. Vitamin K also protects against cancer and heart disease. Although available as a supplement, high doses of it also exist in foods such as dark leafy greens, herbs (dried and fresh), spring onions, broccoli, pickles, and prunes. Marg says: A new supplement on the market, again we would recommend a product that is supported by clinical trials. 4/5 -Ubiquinol – This is said to be one of the most effective antioxidant supplements. It is very good for protecting and maintaining a healthy heart. Ubiquinol can also boost energy levels, help premature aging and improve memory and brain functions. Marg says: Ubiquinol is the superior form of CoQ10, studies have confirmed that ubiquinol is more bioavailable and easier assimilated as it is pre converted and ready for immediate use by the body. This antioxidant form of CoQ10, which neutralizes free radicals to decrease cellular damage. 5/5 -Krill Oil – Krill oil is extracted from the shrimp like crustaceans that live in the ocean. Krill oil helps those with high cholesterol problems and arthiritis problems. On the downside in the natural world there are concerns that the popularity of krill oil could threaten the population of predators such as penguins, seals and whales. Marg says: A new and popular alternative to Fish Oil Omega-3. While phospholipids are generally more bio-available, there are currently limited studies to support the efficacy of Krill Oil Omega-3 compared to a large number of studies supporting Fish Oil Omega-3’s efficacy for Joint and Heart health. Krill products should always state the source of harvest to ensure manufactures are protecting sustainability. 3/5 -Collagen – A protein group essential to maintaining healthy connective tissues. Widely known and used to maintain firm skin to prevent aging and wrinkles, collagen is useful to other body parts as well. Collagen also gives you healthy and firm skin, healthy hair, stronger nails, and benefits muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Marg says: Collagen type 1 and 3 supports skin, hair, nails, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, gums, teeth eyes and blood vessel. When Collagen is combined with an Antioxidant, it becomes a superb anti-aging supplement. A very yummy liquid Collagen + Antioxidant product is gaining popularity. Rated 5/5 -Green Protein Powders – Green protein is sourced from protein rich plant sources that assist the body in healing processes. By consuming green protein the body obtains additional protein in the diet while getting nutrients the way nature intended. It differs to usual protein supplements which are based on dairy or soy protein concentrates because instead it is based on whole food nutrition such as sprouts and other vegetables. Green protein powders are good for the immune system, weight balance, detoxification and support of pain and cholesterol levels. Marg says:
-Larger fish oil capsules and larger pack sizes – Similar to krill oil, fish oil is high in omega 3 which is very important in preventing and managing heart disease. It helps to lower blood pressure, decrease the development of plaque in the arteries, reduce chance of abnormal heart rhythm, reduces the likelihood of a heart attack and stroke and lowers inflammation. Marg says: The convenience/value trend for larger capsules and pack sizes is being overtaken by higher strength and quality fish oils with transparently disclosed strengths of EPA and DHA. Rate 2/5 Issues in New Zealand health The main issue facing New Zealanders in terms of their health is weight management! We are consuming the wrong type of foods, a lot of health issues amongst our population could be assisted by the correct diet. Our bodies need us to consume fresh, ‘unaltered food’. Below are some easy steps to take to begin the process of a healthier diet… Tips on portion sizes: Controlling our portion size is an important weight loss tool. -A portion is the size of a person’s cupped hand -Try to eat smaller portion sizes -Eating off a smaller plate can help as it still looks like you’ve good plenty of food. Food types: Making simple changes to the type of food you eat is a good start to healthy diet changes. -Aim to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. -Wholegrain bread and brown rice are high in fibre which helps fill you up. -Remove skin from chicken and trim the fat from the meat. -Eat snack foods such as biscuits and chips occasionally. -Eat takeaways and fast foods occasionally. -Drinking water instead of sugary drinks can help stop hunger cravings and reduce sugar intake. Source: weightmanagement.hiirc.org.nz Million for a Million Being unhealthy often has a big impact on your general well-being and heart health. With one New Zealander dying from coronary heart disease every 90 minutes, and with the obesity epidemic hitting all ages of society, we believe it is important to create awareness around the need to take a positive step in the right direction and encourage people make one lifestyle change to improve their health. The "Million for a Million" campaign aims to get one million New Zealanders to each make a positive lifestyle change affecting their health. If you would like to join in the fight against unhealthy lifestyles, simply register online at www.millionforamillion.co.nz |
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