Viridian Spring and Summer Collection – which one for me?
Several nutrients and botanicals can be useful to support the transition from winter to spring and summer. The seasonal transition brings warmer weather and eruptions of new growth and blossom, which unfortunately for some can trigger seasonal allergies.
Dust, pollen, and animal dander can trigger allergic reactions that produce physical symptoms such as sneezing, itching and hives. But lesser known is the potential for extreme fatigue, interrupted sleep, and a deterioration of skin and gastrointestinal health. Subsequently, nutrients and botanicals that offer anti-allergenic qualities may offer relief. The most notable are those that exhibit antihistamine effects. For those with seasonal allergies, spring and summer can be a time of despair as often the choice can be to suffer with the allergies or use medical preparations which often may have side effects such as drowsiness.
At Viridian Nutrition we want to provide the best options so that you can enjoy these seasons and all its beauty. Subsequently, the Viridian Nutrition spring and summer collection has been launched to give supplemental options from aged 2 into the mature years.
Organic Black Seed Oil
Organic Black Seed Oil, commonly known as Nigella sativa, is probably the most long-standing springtime tonic. It has a rich history of use and in middle eastern tradition it is referred to as a cure-all, except for death (Prophetic hadith). In fact, Egypt is considered the traditional centre of black seed production and it is said that Tutankhamun was buried with a vial of black seed. The beauty of the unprocessed oil that is derived from the first cold press is that is it suitable for use from 2 years and onwards. This untouched and pure oil provides approximately 1.5% of the primary active constituent, thymoquinone. The purity is achieved via the Soil Association organic status which means that the seeds are raised without the use of chemical pesticides or chemical fertilisers.
Organic Black Seed Oil is the best option for children, just half a teaspoon of oil can be taken from the spoon or added to cold foods.
Organic Black Seed Capsules
Organic Black Seed capsules are of the same derivation as the Organic Black Seed Oil. The capsules provide ground black seed which not only provides thymoquinone but other black seed specific compounds. It is estimated that black seed, ground or entire, will provide 0.5% thymoquinone, plus the flavonoid Comferol, the alkaloids Nigellicimine, Nigellidine and Nigellicine, besides several B vitamins and minerals. There are a variety of molecules that are present in the seed that are not concentrated in the essential oil which are considered bioactive, subsequently a greater spectrum of beneficial compounds may be gained by consuming black seed seeds.
We recommend 1 capsule daily for children aged 8 years + and for adults up to 3 capsules daily to enjoy the benefits of this ‘Blessed Seed’.
Organic High Potency Black Seed Oil
Through specifically bred crops using natural plant breeding methods, a high potency black seed oil has been achieved. This method has produced seeds which upon pressing provides an oil that is 3% thymoquinone. This certified organic, 3% thymoquinone black seed oil is a UK first. The oil has been raised without genetic modification and chemical pesticides and fertilisers. Research into black seed often attributes the beneficial findings to the bioactive, thymoquinone. Subsequently, a high potency black seed oil allows those benefits to be enjoyed by adults with just 0.5-1ml of oil daily.
ApplePhenon
Apples are a rich source of polyphenols; these are pigment related compounds that are associated with several benefits to human health. However, contemporary commercially bred apples are selected for their sweetness which reduces their density of natural, beneficial compounds. One of the few locations remaining in the world where wild crafted apples are raised is the Silk Road region of Central Asia, often referred to as ‘Land of the Original Apple’. These traditional apple breeds have a greater quantity of sour and bitter tasting compounds which play a role to protect them from pests, subsequently it is considered that these bitter compounds also exert beneficial effects when they are consumed.
ApplePhenon provides apple polyphenols that are rich in oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC). In fact, the formula is 93% polyphenols of which 64% are OPCs which are a highly acclaimed subclass of polyphenols. With this density of beneficial compounds, it is hardly surprising that apple consumption has attracted the saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor at bay’.
To enjoy traditional apple polyphenols just as the body desires, adults may use 2 capsules of Applephenon daily, taken with food.
Organic Pine Bark Extract
Another traditional formula that can be particularly useful in spring and summer is Organic Pine Bark Extract. This is the first Soil Association certified Organic Pine Bark Extract to be manufactured in the UK. This formulation by Viridian provides the greatest quantity of pine bark specific compounds; OPCs, which are closely linked to the rich colours of the inner and outer bark and account for 70% of the formula. The trees are raised in Arctic Lapland, which is a sparsely populated, and subsequently, it is a location with extremely low pollution levels which contributes to the purity and OPC density of the extract.
Organic certification is known for producing botanicals that are raised without the use of chemical pesticides and fertilisers, and includes standards for sustainability and preservation of the environment. Pine bark is commonly used to support skin health due to the density of OPCs which are considered to offer protection to the skin structure and thus, improve appearance.
Each capsule provides 100mg of the Organic Pine Bark Extract which allows adults to benefit from the density of OPCs by taking one capsule daily with food.
Quercetin & B5 Complex
Nature often provides the solution to a problem, consider nettles and how dock leaves often grow close by. This too, can be true of the Sophorae Japonica flower which is a rich source of quercetin in the pollen season. Quercetin belongs to the class of polyphenols called flavonoids which are found in many plants and fruits. Most notably, quercetin is considered to interact with several factors necessary for health which offer support and relief. Other useful compounds include pine bark extract, nettles, vitamin C and chamomile. Plus, pantothenic acid, vitamin B5 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Organic Elderberry Throat Spray
An often-overlooked allergy symptom is a scratchy throat, and often sufferers look for soothing options. Several herbs and botanicals are reputed for their vulnerary and mucolytic effects which can offer relief to dryness and irritation.
Elderberry is found in hedgerows throughout the UK and northern Europe. The purple-black berry is rich in vitamin C and OPCs which offer several benefits to health. Similarly, marshmallow is an herb native to the UK and northern Europe and is frequently used in teas. The plant is highly mucilaginous which offers a moisturising and soothing effect. Finally, Manuka honey is highly esteemed. The bees feed on tea tree pollen which transfers its benefits into the honey.
Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is a well documented beneficial bacteria strain that has been identified in more than 760 scientific studies and 260 clinical trials. Beneficial bacteria are defined as living micro organisms that, when consumed at therapeutic levels, can confer a health benefit to the host. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG has been used worldwide since 1990 in food and dietary supplements, and is linked to various health benefits.
Lifestyle tips
Here’s our top tips to get you through the spring and summer.
- Stay indoors when the pollen count is at its highest between 5am and 10am and again at dusk. Run an air filter to remove pollen particles in your surroundings.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from contact with pollen, in addition. The sunglasses break the habit of rubbing itchy eyes and so the fragile tissues become less irritated and inflamed.
- Rest - allergies are exhausting and may explain why you feel so drained. Taking the pressure off yourself can be helpful, plus getting a good 8–9-hour sleep can help you to recover from the inflammatory, stress response to allergens.
- Keep a food diary to help you track reactions to food when allergies are active. It can be common to react to foods that normally are easily tolerated. Knowing which foods may add to the allergic response can be useful to avoid and so lessen the load and reduce the allergic symptoms.
Viridian’s spring and summer range can help you enjoy the season and its beauty.
When considering food supplements opt for high quality version with 100% active ingredients, free from additives, sugar and bulking or flow agents. To discuss your personal food supplement requirements, contact your nearest local health food stores by visiting www.findahealthstore.com
Author: Jenny Carson is a Nutritional Practitioner and Technical Services Manager at Viridian Nutrition. She holds a BSc honours degree in Nutritional Science and is a Master of Research (MRes) in Public Health.
This article is for information purposes and does not refer to any individual products. The information contained in this article is not intended to treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a health practitioner. Please consult a qualified health practitioner if you have a pre-existing health condition or are currently taking medication. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet.
TAGS: News,
ApplePhenon supplement, Black Seed, Quercetin, Elderberry, Pine Bark