Vigour – Health and Sports Nutrition

Beetroot is a red round root vegetable that is widely grown for human consumption in Asia, North Africa and Europe. Beetroots make an excellent dietary source of vitamins A & C, folic acid, calcium and iron. Other nutrients include protein, carbohydrates, fat, dietary fibre, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc.

A regular consumption of beetroot has been shown to lower LDL (low density lipoprotein) and triglyceride levels. Beetroots contain betacyanin, a powerful antioxidant that gives beetroot its red colour. Betacyanin helps kill free radicals in the body which cause premature aging and other skin conditions. Betacarotene, zeaxanthin and lutein in beetroots help protect against the risk of tumours especially gastric and breast cancers.

Calcium in beetroots helps maintain the health of bones and iron assists in the formation of red blood cells. Beetroot contains a phytochemical known as betaine, which helps support healthy liver function. A regular intake of beetroot assists in weight loss and prevents nausea and fatigue. Antioxidants in beetroot lower plasma homocysteine, a possible risk factor for cardiovascular disease such as atherosclerosis, heart stroke and congestive heart failure.

Beetroot juice helps lower blood pressure and cleans the kidneys and gall bladder. It helps treat jaundice, nausea and vomiting. The cellulose content of the beetroots promotes a healthy bowel movement and prevents digestive disorders such as bloated stomach, constipation and haemorrhoids.

Natures Aid Beetroot Extract 700mg is a unique supplement on the market that provides all the benefits of beetroot in the form of a capsule. Take two capsules per day with food.

Probiotics are a type of living bacteria that confer a health benefit on their consumers when taken in the appropriate amounts. They live in the human gastrointestinal tract and act as a balancing agent for harmful gut-bacteria such as Candida albicans and E. coli. A low population of probiotics in your intestine may give rise to a number of bacteria-related health problems such as stomach bloating, indigestion, candidiasis, lactose intolerance, headaches, irritability, anxiety and even colon cancer. The most common forms of intestinal probiotics include Bifidobacteria bifidum and L. acidophilus.

Probiotics aid gastrointestinal health in the human body and facilitate the digestion of food. They enhance immune system response and reduce lactose intolerance. A healthy population of probiotics in the gut helps reduce risk of vaginitis, candidiasis, and yeast infections and reduces negative effects of antibiotic medications. Moreover, they help reduce the symptoms of many digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhoea and bloated stomach. Another health benefit of probiotics is that they promote synthesis of vitamin B-12 and absorption of calcium in the gut. Last but not the least; probiotics help minimise the risk of tumours in the gastrointestinal tract.

An unhealthy lifestyle, acidic diets, stress and depression may destroy the natural amounts of probiotics in your gut. Therefore, make sure that you use a probiotic supplement on a regular basis. Natures Aid Probiotic Complex providing L.Acidophillus and Bifidus with 100m is a popular brand on the market that provides “friendly” bacteria which may help to maintain a healthy balance in the gut, especially when travelling abroad and after taking antibiotics. It also contains prebiotic “FOS” which feeds the friendly bacteria in the gut.

Macrominerals play an important role in maintaining the health of musculoskeletal system, brain function, cardiovascular system, and reproductive function. They are found in the body in abundance. Macrominerals are those for which the daily requirement is more than 100mg. They include calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. About 98% of the calcium is deposited in the bones, while remaining 2% is present in the intracellular fluids and soft tissues. Calcium plays a vital role in maintaining the health and strength of bones. It is required for the storage of important minerals in the bones. It assists in the secretion of hormones and helps prevent accumulation of too much acid in the body. It supports the process of blood clotting and affects muscle contraction, nerve transmission, neurotransmitters and muscle growth.

The rich dietary sources of calcium include broccoli, spinach, peas, kale, mustard greens, salmon, sardines, tofu, yoghurt, buttermilk, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, milk, baked beans, blackstrap molasses and sesame seeds.

A regular intake of calcium is recommended in ailments like backache, rickets, osteopenia, osteoporosis, arthritis, atherosclerosis, hypertension, constipation, cataracts, mental illness, insomnia, nail problems, acne and colon cancer. People suffering from these medical conditions are often advised to take a dietary supplement that contains calcium in its formulation.

Natures Aid Calcium 400mg (Chewable) is a popular brand on the market that promotes strong bones and healthy teeth. It makes a great gift for children, pregnant women and elderly. It is suitable for people who are allergic to milk and vegetarians.

Coccidiodomycosis, also known as valley fever and desert fever, is an infectious disease that is caused by fungi “Coccidioides immitis”.

The typical symptoms of valley fever include sputum production, shortness of breath, chest pain, low-grade fever, fatigue, chills, malaise, headache, night sweats and muscle pains. Most of these symptoms resolve in about three to five weeks on their own without any treatment. However, if symptoms persist, then valley fever may give rise to progressive pulmonary coccidiodomycosis that is characterized by lung volume loss, inflammation of lungs and scarring.

Desert fever is diagnosed with the microscopic examination of sputum, PCR test (to detect the genetic material of the fungus), skin tests, chest X-ray, CT scan and MRI.

Treatment options include antifungal drugs and surgical treatments (to treat pulmonary arteries, empyema and scarred tissues in lungs).

The people who are at risk of developing coccidiodomycosis include elderly, HIVers, cancer patients, residents of the endemic areas, pregnant women and individuals who do farm or construction work.

As this fungal infection mostly infects the immunosuppressed people, make sure that you regularly consume a supplement that helps maintain the health of your immune system. Natures Aid Immune Support + with Beta-Glucans is a popular brand on the market that stands tall among other competitors due to its amazing attributes. It makes use of Ester-C, Elderberry and Beta-Glucans in its formulation that help boost immune system and provide protection against a wide range of fungal as well as bacterial infections. You should take 1 tablet per day with a cold drink and food.

There is no single cause for heart attack, but there are numerous risk factors that might increase your chance of developing it. Some of those factors are under your control and you can change them to avoid the risk of heart attack. However, some factors are non-modifiable.

The modifiable risk factors include consumption of fatty foods and diets high in sodium, obesity, high serum cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, smoking, depression, social isolation and a lack of physical activity. The risk factors which are not under your control include a family history of heart disease, diabetes, increasing age and gender (males are more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases than females).

You can reduce your overall risk of developing cardiovascular diseases by making healthy changes to your lifestyle. Make sure that you regularly consume a heart-friendly, balanced diet comprising of lean meats, vegetables, fruits, pulses, legumes, nuts, seeds and cereals. Avoid smoking and drink alcohol in moderation.

It also makes a good idea to regularly use a supplement that helps maintain the health of your cardiovascular system. Natures Aid Fish Oil 1000mg (Omega-3) is a popular brand on the market that supplements your diet with the important omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA which are found in many oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, trout etc. These omega-3 nutrients help maintain healthy arteries and blood circulation. They support healthy heart and keep serum cholesterol levels in check. Moreover, they keep your joints flexible, supple and healthy. Take 1-3 capsules per day.