Move over kale, activated charcoal, matcha, kelp and kefir, there’s a new selection of key superfoods and antioxidants on the wellbeing block. Here are five ingredients set to become your new healthy pantry staples – keep and eye out for them!
1. Royal Jelly
Royal Jelly is known to be one of nature’s most nutrient-rich substances. Produced by honeybees to feed their Queen Bee, royal jelly is the reason she lives 40 times longer than worker bees. Royal Jelly contains all three macronutrients; antioxidants; vitamins B1, B2, and B6; minerals; and essential amino acids. Similar to honey, royal jelly is used for a number of health reasons including; healthy bone development, immunity support and when applied topically it can help to transform dull skin into a radiant, healthy-looking complexion. You can try using Royal Jelly in its purest form, or if you’d prefer to use it in your beauty products, try Burt’s Bees new Skin Nourishment collection launching soon.
2. Watermelon Water
On the subject of Queen Bee, event Beyoncé has invested in a new watermelon water start up. Produced from the fruit’s flesh and rind, watermelon water is set to be as popular as coconut water (i.e. off-the-scale popular) . High in lycopene (one of the most powerful and protective antioxidants found in plants), potassium and electrolyte minerals, watermelon water has numerous health benefits which include regulating digestive health, reducing inflammation and improving circulation and heart health.
3. Ubiquinol
Ubiquinol is the active and more readily absorbed form of Coenzyme Q10, a powerful antioxidant that is found naturally in our bodies. Its role is to assist in powering the body’s overall energy levels as well as supporting the health of major organs, including the heart. If you’re feeling drained, Ubiquinol supplements can actually help to support your natural energy levels to function at your prime. Speak with your healthcare practitioner first to discuss your supplement needs.
4. Milk Thistle
According to Fusion Health Naturopath, Erika Morvay, Milk Thistle is one herb to keep an eye on this year. The super-herb contains silybin and other antioxidant compounds that support the health of the liver and may help to protect it from free radical damage. Milk Thistle can be taken in supplements or in tea form. You can actually eat the Milk Thistle plant as well, if you happen to stumble across one!
5. Hemp
Predicted to be the superfood of 2017 – hemp is a plant-based, rich source of Omegas, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, and is also free from soy and diary. Hemp seeds contain more polyunsaturated fatty acids than any other food and are the only food to contain Omega 3 and 6 in just the right amounts to meet our nutritional needs. You might have seen your favourite foodie blogger sprinkling hemp onto smoothie bowls or salads on Instagram, however strictly speaking hemp is still not permitted for human consumption in Australia. If legalised, Australia will join a legion of other countries already chomping down on hemp, including the UK, the United States, Canada and parts of Europe. For now, you can make good use of hemp in body scrubs and facials as a powerful antioxidant for your skin.
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