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Why do people take Ashwagandha supplements? For Energy & Stress Relief!
The ashwagandha plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers that’s native to India and Southeast Asia. It is also known as Indian ginseng or winter cherry. It is a well-known Ayurvedic herb that has been used in India for centuries to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration. Ayurveda is derived from the Sanskrit words ayur (life) and veda (science or knowledge) and thus, Ayurveda translates to knowledge of life. It centres on a holistic approach to health and wellness, putting equal emphasis on nutrition, sleep and meditation. Ashwaganda is most commonly used to help support mood and promote relaxation thereby contributing to both physical and mental wellbeing. Known as an adaptogen Ashwaganda is classified as an adaptogen which means it helps you stay healthy by helping your body adapt to stressors. Ashwaganda's known role in stress relief is down to its support of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce cortisol, which is needed to respond to stressors. Epinephrine is another hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps control blood pressure, heart rate and other functions during times of stress. Both of these hormones play an important role in managing your body's response to stressful situations. The nervous system connects your brain with other parts of your body so they can communicate effectively with one another; this means that when you're stressed out or anxious about anything it can affect both your adrenal glands and nervous system at the same time. Ashwaganda has been shown to help support many aspects of mental health such as concentration levels, anxiety, depression, and mood regulation abilities. Ashwaganda contains natural compounds believed to support healthy brain function Ashwaganda contains natural compounds called saponins, which have been studied to support healthy brain function. Saponins have been shown to improve learning abilities as well as memory retention. They also appear to protect against age-related cognitive decline by improving mental flexibility and reducing inflammation within the brain. Ashwaganda may also benefit heart health Ashwaganda also benefits heart health, helping to protect against blood clots and inflammation. It can reduce high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attack and stroke. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help fight against chronic pain and fatigue associated with conditions like arthritis. It helps lower your cholesterol levels. The root of ashwaganda contains a number of natural compounds called triterpenoids (which have been shown in studies to have antioxidant activity) It may also help ease symptoms associated with arthritis Ashwaganda is also used to treat many different types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In clinical trials, it has been shown to help reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Ashwaganda may also help to repair cartilage damage caused by the disease or its symptoms. Helps support your body and mind If you're looking for a natural supplement that can help support your body and mind, Ashwaganda is a great choice. It's been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine as an adaptogen, enhancing the body's resilience to stress, View Product
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Why should I take plant sterols?
Plant sterols are a type of fat that's found in plants. Plant sterols have been used for many years to help reduce the cholesterol in your body, and therefore may also play a role in related health conditions such as heart disease. In this article, we'll discuss what plant sterols are, why they're useful for lowering cholesterol levels, how they work and whether there are any side effects associated with taking them. What are plant sterols? Plant sterols are a type of fat that can be found in nuts and seeds. They're also added to foods like bread and spreads. Plant sterols are different from animal fats, which can contribute to heart disease and other metabolic disorders. Plant sterols help lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol into your body’s cells. This makes it easier for the liver to remove excess amounts of cholesterol from the blood stream; a natural way to remove cholesterol and a possible alternative to cholesterol-lowering drugs such as satins which come with unwanted side effects. Please note if you are already on statins, we advise you consult with your doctor before making any decision to start supplementing in place of your prescription medication. How do plant sterols work? Plant sterols are similar to cholesterol, but they do not enter the bloodstream and are not absorbed by the body. Instead, plant sterols bind to bile acids in the digestive tract and reduce their absorption from food. This means that plant sterols can reduce LDL cholesterol levels without an increase in total cholesterol or triglycerides. They have scientifically proven health claims to substantiate this when you consume 1.5-3g plant sterols/stanols/day and the duration to obtain the effect is up to 2 to 3 weeks. Are there any side effects to taking plant sterols? No side effects have been reported with the use of plant sterols. They are naturally occurring compounds found in a wide variety of foods including vegetables, nuts and seeds. Are there any interactions with food and plant sterols? Plant sterols are not affected by food, so they can be taken with or without. They also do not appear to be absorbed into the bloodstream until they reach the small intestine. If you take a plant sterol supplement, it will remain in your digestive tract until it is fully digested and excreted from your body. Conclusion Taking plant sterols may be a good way to reduce your cholesterol levels, they have been shown to help lower cholesterol levels by up to 30%. Before deciding if plants sterols are right for you we always advise that you talk with your doctor first. View Product
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The health benefits of Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a naturally occurring compound found in every cell of the human body. It is involved in the production of energy within cells by converting nutrients, such as fatty acids and carbohydrates, into energy-producing adenosine triphosphate, This helps fuel energy transfer within cells. Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring anti-oxidant and has numerous health benefits. Heart Health: CoQ10 is important for heart health as it helps to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and protects the heart from oxidative damage. Anti-Aging: CoQ10 levels in the body decline with age, making it an important nutrient for anti-aging. It helps to protect the skin from damage and improves skin health, making it a common ingredient in many skincare products. Brain Health: CoQ10 is important for brain health as it helps to protect against oxidative stress, which can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, it may improve memory and cognitive function in aging adults. Exercise Performance: CoQ10 is involved in energy production within cells, making it important for exercise performance. It may improve endurance and reduce muscle damage during exercise, therefore a supplement of interest if you are an athlete or fitness enthusiast. Inflammation: CoQ10 is a well-known antioxidant and therefore plays an anti-inflammatory role within the body. These properties may help to reduce the risk of some chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Periodontal Health: CoQ10 is important for oral health as it helps to protect gum tissue and improve periodontal health. It has been shown to reduce the risk of gum disease and improve healing following dental procedures. In conclusion, CoQ10 is an important nutrient for overall health and well-being. It is involved in energy production within cells, helps to protect against oxidative stress and inflammation, and has numerous other health benefits. It is important to consume adequate levels of CoQ10 through diet and supplements, especially as we age and levels decline. However, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regime. View ProductView Product
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Should people in the UK take a Vitamin D supplement?
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a number of important roles in the body, including helping to regulate the levels of calcium and phosphorous in the blood, which are important for healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D is also important for supporting the immune system, and may have other health benefits as well. There are several potential reasons why people in the UK might consider taking a vitamin D supplement: Limited sunlight exposure: Vitamin D is produced in the skin in response to sunlight exposure, so people who don't get enough sunlight may be at risk of vitamin D deficiency. In the UK, the amount of sunlight can vary significantly depending on the time of year and location, and some people may not get enough sunlight to meet their vitamin D needs, particularly during the autumn and winter months. Diet: Vitamin D is found naturally in a limited number of foods, including fatty fish, eggs, and fortified foods such as milk and some breakfast cereals. If a person's diet is low in these foods, they may be at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Certain health conditions: Some health conditions can affect the body's ability to absorb or metabolize vitamin D, which can increase the risk of deficiency. For example, people with conditions such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease, or those who have had gastric bypass surgery, may be at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. Support for bone health: Vitamin D is important for regulating the levels of calcium and phosphorous in the blood, which are necessary for healthy bones and teeth. A lack of vitamin D can lead to weak bones and an increased risk of osteoporosis, particularly in older adults. Taking a vitamin D supplement may help support bone health and prevent or treat conditions such as osteoporosis. The UK's National Health Service (NHS) recommends that adults and children over the age of one take a daily vitamin D supplement of 10 micrograms (400 IU) during the autumn and winter months, when it is more difficult to get enough vitamin D from sunlight. This recommendation is based on the fact that the body's ability to synthesise vitamin D from sunlight is reduced during these months due to the angle of the sun and the shorter days. However, the decision to take a supplement should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider therefore we always recommend getting your blood levels checked first before supplementing,. Some people may be at higher risk of vitamin D deficiency or have conditions that require a higher dosage of vitamin D. While others may be at risk of getting too much vitamin D, which can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and weakness. It is important to add here that vitamin D is very well tolerated and it is only in cases of very high intakes that side effects are likely to occur, no more than 4000IU per day should be taken. In general, it is best to try to get vitamin D from natural sources such as sunlight and a balanced diet, rather than relying solely on supplements. However, as this is only realistically practical in the summer months supplementation is important in order to avoid deficiency. View ProductView Product
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World Heart Day
World Heart Day is on the 29th September 2021, its a chance to educate yourself on all things heart health. The day raises awareness about the risks of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke. Risk factors, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, all increase your chances of developing heart and circulatory diseases. Being over-weight, smoking and lack or exercise are also big impactors on heart health. What can you do to keep your heart in top condition? Exercise Exercise helps your heart to learn to pump oxygen around your body more efficiently, by strengthening and toning the muscle tissue of the heart. The fitter you get, the slower your heart beat and the better your blood pressure. Your body also learns to better extract oxygen from your blood. It helps improve blood flow by improving connections and branches between blood vessels allowing the blood to travel more freely. A major risk factor for heart disease is being over-weight. Regular exercise, as long as it's coupled with the right diet, is a great weight to reduce your weight. Try for around 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. Diet Everyone should aim for a well- balanced diet providing a range of nutrients but there are certain foods that are particularly important for the health of your heart. A heart healthy diet is one that is controlled in portion size, contains plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains, unhealthy fats are kept to a minimum and protein sources are lean. Limiting salt (sodium) is an important part of a heart healthy diet as eating too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease. Vegetables and fruits are good sources of vitamins and minerals, they are also low in calories and rich in dietary fiber. Plants and plant-based foods contain substances that may help prevent cardiovascular disease. Eating more fruits and vegetables may also help you cut back on higher calorie foods, such as meat, cheese and highly processed snack foods. Whole grains are good sources of fiber and other nutrients that play a role in regulating blood pressure and heart health. Reducing the amount of saturated and trans fats you eat is an important step to reducing your blood cholesterol and lowering your risk of coronary artery disease. A high blood cholesterol level can lead to a build-up of plaques in your arteries, called atherosclerosis, which can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. Lean meat, poultry and fish as well as low-fat dairy products and eggs are some of your best sources of protein. Fish is also a good alternative to high-fat meats - those rich in omega-3 fatty acids can lower blood fats called triglycerides. High triglycerides are known to contribute to the risk of heart disease and other diseases of the heart and blood vessels. The highest amounts of omega-3 fatty acids are found in cold-water fish, such as salmon, mackerel and herring. Other sources include flaxseed, walnuts, soybeans and rapeseed oil. Beans, peas and lentils also are good, low-fat sources of protein and contain no cholesterol, making them great substitutes for meat. If you struggle to maintain a healthy well-balanced diet then taking supplements can counter that nutritional shortfall. Supplements for heart health Co-enzyme Q10 and Ubiquinol Co-enzyme Q10 is found in all cells of the body and in a particularly high concentration in the heart. CoQ10 is used for energy production and is often referred to as "the body’s spark plug". The heart is the most energy-demanding organ in your body hence why Co-Q10 is found there so abundantly. Levels of coenzyme Q10 within the body declines with age, which is why ubiquinol supplements are popular with those over the age of 50 to reduce the effects of coenzyme Q10 deficiency. Ubiquinol is the most absorbable form of co-enzyme Q10. It's particularly beneficial for your heart health by reducing markers associated with inflammation and by acting as an antioxidant in your blood to prevent atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries). Omega-3 fatty acids A daily intake of 250mg of EPA and DHA supports: normal cardiac function the maintenance of normal blood pressure the maintenance of normal blood HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations the maintenance of normal blood concentrations of triglycerides. The Omega 3 fats EPA and DHA can help protect the heart and blood vessels from disease by lowering triglycerides (a fat that enters our blood after a meal), improving circulation (blood flow around the body), preventing blood clots, lowering blood pressure and keeping the rhythm of your heart steady. A fish-free source of omega-3's comes in the form of ALA - this can be found in flaxseed oil, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, linseed, chia and hemp seeds. Plant Sterols Plant sterols work by stopping cholesterol from the things we eat being absorbed in the small intestine. As a result, plant sterols can keep your cholesterol levels at the normal level, or even better, help lower your blood cholesterol and thus reduce a risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease. Consuming 800mg of plant sterols daily helps to maintain normal cholesterol levels while a cholesterol-lowering benefit is obtained with a daily intake of 1,500mg – 3,000mg plant sterols. Magnesium Magnesium is referred to as the "spark of life" and has a very important role in supporting the nervous system and muscle function, including the heart muscle. Magnesium is central to a healthy heart rhythm because it's involved in transporting other electrolytes, such as calcium and potassium, into cells. Electrolytes are all-important for nerve signals and the muscle contractions of a normal heartbeat. Magnesium is responsible for regulating blood pressure and glycaemic control and is therefore critical to the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system. View Product View Product View Product View Product View Product
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National Eye Health Week
National Eye Health Week is an opportunity to shout about the importance of looking after your eyes and how you can go about doing just that. Did you know that 2 million people in the UK are living with sight loss and in half of these cases sight loss was avoidable? Understanding the link between diet and good eye health, as well as other lifestyle factors and of course regular eye tests are so important in protecting against vision loss. Regular eye tests Ensuring you undergo regular eye tests is essential in maintaining healthy eyes and detecting issues early on so that they can be treated before sight loss becomes an issue. As an added bonus other health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can be detected during a sight test, before symptoms of these conditions present themselves. A regular eye test means once every 2 years for most but it should be more frequently if you have a family history of eye conditions or if you're over 40yrs of age and of Afro-Carribean or Asian origin. There are other things you can do to keep your eyes in top top condition. Diet is key Studies show that what we eat can significantly affect our vision. Key nutrients for optimal eye health include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, B vitamins, Zinc, Omega-3's, Lutein and Zeaxanthin. Omega-3 fatty acids Sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, and in particular DHA include fish like salmon, tuna and sardines. DHA provides structural support to cell membranes and may be beneficial for dry eyes. Research has also shown that just one portion of oily fish per week may reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. Anthocyanins Anthocyanins are a type of flavanoid found in dark skinned fruit like blackcurrants, blackberries and blueberries that exhibit an antioxidant effect. They have long been used to treat a number of conditions involving blood vessel health including diabetic retinopathy. Lutein and zeaxanthin The carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, are pigments produced by plants that give fruits and vegetables a yellow to reddish colour. They are powerful antioxidants best known for protecting your eyes. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the only dietary carotenoids that can be found in the retina, particularly the macula region, which is located at the back of your eye. As well as mopping up damaging free radicals they also act as a natural sunblock by absorbing excess light energy, in particular high energy blue light. Lutein and zeaxanthin may help prevent age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. These carotenoids may also reduce discomfort from glare and enhance visual contrast. B vitamins Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) appears in all cells and is essential for vision and cognitive functioning. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) behaves like an antioxidant combating free radicals that damage tissues in the eyes. It is important for vision because it helps the retina receive light. Vitamin B5 (Pantothenate) is an essential nutrient supporting macular health. It it important to normal vision because it supports nerve health, the metabolism of fatty acids, and is part of the synthesis of vitamin A. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) is often included in vision health formulations. Most macular degeneration patients are deficient in this vitamin. Vitamin B7 (Biotin) supports vision health as well as skin and hair health, normal blood sugar levels, healthy heart functioning, nervous system support, digestive metabolism, and cell growth. Deficiency in complex B Vitamins may increase your risk of cataracts and retinopathy. Vitamin A Vitamin A is a group of antioxidant compounds that play an important role in eye health. Vitamin A protects the surface of the eye (cornea) and is essential for good vision. Vitamin A, when in combination with other antioxidant vitamins, also appears to play a role in decreasing the risk of vision loss from macular degeneration. In the landmark Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) sponsored by the National Eye Institute, people with mild or moderate AMD who took a daily multivitamin that included vitamin A (as beta-carotene), vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and copper had a 25% reduced risk of advanced AMD during a six-year period. Vitamin E Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant therefore protects eye cells from unstable molecules called free radicals, which break down healthy eye tissue. It is an important agent against cataracts and macular degeneration. Vitamin C Vitamin C is a health powerhouse. In addition to providing antioxidants, it can also help slow cataracts and provide needed eye vitamins for macular degeneration. Zinc Zinc is a mineral that helps maintain the health of the retina, cell membranes, and protein structure of the eye. It helps to transport vitamin A from your liver to this area, allowing your eye to produce melanin, a protective pigment in the eye. It is easy to see that eating the right vitamins for eyesight can provide an excellent defence against vision problems that often arrive later in life. Fresh vegetables and fruit can naturally provide many of the vitamins needed for healthy vision but today's busy lifestyles often mean we're not always eating enough of the right sorts of food. This means we miss out on essential nutrients so taking supplements can be really beneficial. Other lifestyle factors affecting Eye Health Smoking: After ageing, smoking is the biggest risk factor for developing macular degeneration. Smoking also increases your risk of developing cataracts. Exercise: Lack of exercise contributes significantly to several eye conditions, particularly amongst people aged 60 and over. Exercise may reduce the risk of sight loss from narrowing or hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure and diabetes. Sunlight: Protecting your eyes from the sun is very important and should not be underestimated. In bright sunshine always wear sunglasses and never look at the sun directly. Your sunglasses should have the CE mark on them which ensures that they are giving you the right level of protection against ultraviolet light. View Product View Product View Product View Product View Product View Product
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Get ready for Winter
Well, we're nearly at the end of another good old British summer - it would have been nice to see a little bit more actual summer sunshine but that's English weather for you! Soon we will be heading into the Autumn season, the days will getter shorter and there will be even less of the sun's rays reaching us. Vitamin D is essential for both physical and mental health Feeling the warmth of sunshine on our skin, is for many, an instant mood booster. However, while it's great for putting a smile on our face and a spring in our step it is also vitally important for vitamin D production; that's why many refer to it as the 'Sunshine Vitamin'. Vitamin D is essential for both physical and mental health and is most well-known for its role in maintaining healthy bones. It is needed for the body to absorb calcium and phosphate from our diet, minerals that are important for strong bones, as well as healthy teeth and muscles. It is also very important for facilitating a normal immune system, improved resistance against certain diseases, regulating mood and warding off depression. During autumn and winter UK doesn't get enough sunlight for vitamin D synthesis In the UK, sunlight-induced vitamin D synthesis is only effective between late March and September and not from October onwards throughout the winter months, this is because the sun is too low in the sky and does not contain enough UVB radiation. Unfortunately, we cannot turn to food to top up levels during this time because vitamin D is found naturally in only a limited amount of foods: oily fish, red meat, liver and eggs are all natural sources. And even though these foods contain vitamin D, it is not in large enough amounts to make it possible to get what our bodies need from diet alone. Supplementation is essential Therefore, now is the time to prepare yourself for winter and start thinking of a strategy to prevent a vitamin D deficiency - a rounded approach is always best so this means eating as many foods containing Vitamin D as you can as well as taking a good quality supplement. For vitamin D to have the maximum beneficial effect there are some other key nutrients (cofactors) that your body needs to have available - these include magnesium, vitamin K, and zinc so ensure that your diet contains plenty of these nutrients too. It is important to note that some of us are more at risk of not having enough vitamin D even in spring and summer, including those with dark skin, those who are not outdoors often or cover up their skin when outdoors, or those in care homes. These groups of people are advised to take a vitamin D supplement all year round. Public Health England state the recommended dose of vitamin D is 10 micrograms (400 International Units (IU)) per day however if you are unable to find a vitamin D supplement providing 10 micrograms (400 IU), products providing up to 25 micrograms (1000 IU) are suitable for everyone.
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2 million British adults haven’t had an eye test in more than 5 years
Did you know that as an adult you should get yours eyes tested at least once every 2 years? If you notice any changes to your visions then book in straight away. Eye-related health problems in the UK are set to reach epidemic proportions Many eye health issues can and will resolve themselves but others, if not properly treated, can lead to permanent changes in vision. Getting tested regularly allows your optician to diagnose issues early as well as keep on top of other health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. In fact, as these conditions can be present without any noticeable symptoms your optician can be the first to diagnose them by examining blood vessels and nerve fibers within the eye. Half of cases can be avoided with better eye care Recent data released by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness revealed that eye-related health problems in the UK are set to reach epidemic proportions within the next three decades. As many as 50% of cases related to vision impairment could however be avoided with better eye care. The time to take preventative measures is now. If you notice any changes within your eyes then of course it's always better to get them checked, however insignificant it may feel, but never ignore things like eye pain, blurred vision, burning or floaters with flashing lights. Redness and irritation can also be a sign that you need to start taking better care of your eyes, whether this is via dietary means or by reducing their exposure to digital devices. Nutrition is key Dietary help includes packing in foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fats, beta-carotene, vitamin A,C and E and particularly the eye health saviours lutein and zeaxanthin. Orange and yellow coloured fruits and vegetable including carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe melon and apricots are all great sources of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, a nutrient that can help protect against eye infections, dry eyes and night blindness. Egg yolks and green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, lettuce and broccoli are rich sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, which can protect eye tissues from the damaging effects of blue light (emitted from the sun and digital devices) as well as reduce the risk of eye changes related to ageing, particularly age related macular degeneration. Blueberries are full of antioxidants, which may reduce your risk of cataracts and glaucoma. They are particularly rich in anthocyanins (a potent antioxidant) that bolster collagen structure in the retina and provide extra vision protection. They also may improve vision in those with normal tension glaucoma, a form of the disease that damages the optic nerve. Anthocyanins are found in other purple, blue and dark red foods like red or purple grapes, blackberries, pomegranates and cranberries. If you are not confident that your diet contains enough of the foods listed above then a supplement is a fantastic fail safe. An eye health supplement, containing Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso-Zeaxanthin as well as Vitamin A can help protect the health of your eyes now, so they are able to serve you better in older age. If you are a woman reaching menopausal age you may notice your eyes becoming dryer, this is caused by hormonal changes, particularly low levels of estrogen and androgens. It's not just women though, as we age (over 50) the risk of dry eyes increases regardless of sex. The best nutritional supplements to reduce dry eye symptoms contain omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s, especially molecules described as long-chain EPA and DHA, are anti-inflammatory. It appears that by reducing inflammation, particularly inflammation of the tear glands and the surface of the eye, omega-3 supplements can reduce or prevent dry eye problems in many individuals. Omega-3s can also reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration by up to 40% so if your diet doesn't contain enough oily fish then it's strongly recommended you consider taking an omega-3 supplement. Protect yourself against blue-violet light We know that ultraviolet light can impact vision because it can travel through the lens to the retina where it damages the cells there. This is why it's important to protect your eyes from bright sunlight by wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB light. However less is known about blue light, this is at the same end of the light spectrum as UV, i.e it has short wave lengths and therefore more energy. The main source of it is the sun but it is also emitted by TV's, computer screens and smart phones. In comparison to the sun digital devices emit relatively small amounts of blue light, the issue however is the amount of time we spend on digital devices and the proximity they are to our faces. In other words, the cumulative effect over time as blue light passes through the lens to the retina. Damage to the retina can cause vision problems such as age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to permanent vision loss. Macular degeneration is the most-common reason for blindness in adults in the western world. The powerful carotenoids mentioned above, Lutein, Zeaxanthin and Meso-Zeaxanthin are all naturally found in the macular of the human eye, they protect the health of the eye by absorbing damaging blue light rays. You can help support this natural protective function by ensuring your diet is full of the right foods, as listed above, or by taking a eye care supplement. The other problem caused by over use of digital devices is visual fatigue, this is becomingly increasingly common in the UK. The problems is made worse where the pixels on screens constantly refresh, causing the eyes to constantly refocus. Eye strain can be reduced by following the 20-20-20 rule - this means taking a break from screens every 20 minutes, focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. In summary There is so much you can do now to protect the health of your eyes in later life, so take charge and do it! Poor diet, UV exposure, increased screen time, smoking and drinking excessively can all take it's toll. But with the right food choices, support from supplements, regular exercise and of course ditching the smoking and excessive drinking you can improve the health of your eyes, and the rest of your body for that matter!
Learn moreWill sunscreen stop me absorbing vitamin D?
We've had some fantastically sunny spring weather recently and while summer holiday getaways are no longer on anyone's agenda we have some more sun filled months coming up (hopefully). Therefore minds may be turning toward stocking up on sunscreen. But does sunscreen stop vitamin D absorption?
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