5 Vitamins You Should Be Taking This Winter
VITAMIN D
“Vitamin D functions in a similar way to a hormone, as it has the ability to impact a whole host of bodily functions. Traditionally known for its ability to support calcium absorption and help build and maintain bone, recent research has shown that it also plays a crucial role in immune function, muscle function and even mental wellbeing.
We can generate much of, if not most of our required vitamin D through exposure to sunlight, hence it is often referred to as the sunshine vitamin. It takes roughly 9 minutes of direct sunlight exposure to 25% of the body (head and arms) to generate our daily requirement for vitamin D. In the summer months this is not such an issue, but when winter arrives, the sun gets further away, and brings clouds and shorter days it becomes much more difficult for us to generate enough vitamin D naturally. So supplementation through the winter is highly recommended. A dose of around 2000 IU per day should be adequate, but it’s important to discuss with your doctor as tailoring the dose to your current vitamin D levels is important.”
Our 70ml fresh turmeric shots are 66% of your Vitamin D daily reference intake
VITAMIN C
“Alongside vitamin D, vitamin C is notorious for its important work with immune health. Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection and can stimulate immune cells into action. Found naturally in numerous fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, kiwi, orange and berries incorporating as many of these foods into your daily diet during winter is incredibly beneficial. Nutrition professionals will often encourage patients to eat a rainbow of colourful fruit, vegetables and healthy sources of fat with each meal, to maximize micronutrient and phytonutrient intake, including vitamin C, preventing deficiencies.”
Our fresh Radiant cold-pressed juice is 75% of your Vitamin C daily reference intake.
ZINC
“The mineral zinc is known to play an important role in immune function and inflammation. If you are unfortunate enough to experience symptoms of acute upper respiratory tract infections, such as a cough, sore throat and congestion – which is almost inevitable – then research has shown that consuming zinc acetate lozenges can help reduce the severity of those symptoms and also reduce the duration of symptoms by 2 days, if consumed in sufficient quantities (100 mg/day) beginning on the first day of symptoms.”
Our fresh Rocket+ shot is 270% of your Zinc daily reference intake.
PROBIOTICS
“Probiotics, the little live bacteria that are found in fermented foods, certain yogurts and supplements that also live in our gastrointestinal system can help to regulate aspects of our immune system, and also support in making important vitamins, digesting and absorbing nutrients.
Specific probiotic strains, particularly lactobacillus plantarum, lactobacillus rhamnosus and certain bifidobacterium strains are clinically proven to enhance immune function in high-quality studies. Regular consumption or supplementation with these probiotic strains is highly recommended.
Our fresh Berry Boss smoothie is packed with pre & probiotics for a happy gut as well as your immune system.
OTHER BENEFICIAL AUTUMN/WINTER HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
“Other useful considerations to support your immune system as we enter winter include ginger, garlic, echinacea and polyphenols such as curcumin, cocoa and various berries, and perhaps even spirulina if nasal issues arise. Incorporating as many of these foods into your diet as possible as part of meals, recipes, smoothies or snacks is a fantastic idea.
The immune system is infinitely complex, with numerous moving parts. Mastering and implement the basic elements of healthy lifestyle such as a good, well-balanced diet, quality sleep of sufficient duration, exercising regularly with adequate recovery and managing stress is important. We see significant immunosuppression when malnourished with nutrient deficiencies, sleep deprived, sedentary, over-stressed and inadequately recovered. So hopefully a combination of all the aforementioned ideas can help you bolster your immune defences this winter.”
On top of our ginger shots naturally being great for the winter months, Our Fresh Ginger+ shot is also 125% of your Vitamin C and 270% of your Zinc reference intake.
