Wellbeing

Your immune system is nothing short of amazing. It works around the clock to protect our body, including our vital organs and it essential for our survival.  

Eating a more nutrient-rich, plant-based diet with plant protein is just one switch that could positively impact heart health.

Did you know that the highest levels of vitamin C in your body are found in the brain? Over the past two decades scientists have unravelled various key roles of vitamin C in the brain, which go way beyond its job as an antioxidant, highlighting it as a key Vitamin for our most precious and complex organ.

Protein is a key nutrient in any balanced diet and is one of the main building blocks of the body. Guidelines on how much you need though, can often differ. The right amount can depend on many factors like age, gender, weight, physical activity as well as health goals. With all these variables no-one’s needs are exactly the same, yet by understanding your body a little more you’ll be able to determine how much protein is right for you in your daily diet. 

The brain is the most significant and complex organ of the entire human body. A healthy brain can perform all the mental processes that are collectively known as cognition, intuition, judgment, language, memory and the ability to learn (1). Throughout our lifespan, the brain helps to make sense of the world, oversee daily operations and life itself. 

You may have heard many times that oats are good for your heart. But do you know why oats are seen as the heart-friendly superfood?

You may have never considered this, but how your brain functions is largely down to the availability of specific nutrients. This includes glucose (as the preferred energy source), lipids, amino acids and a variety of vitamins and minerals. 

Caffeine* is a bitter ingredient that you may have tried in a variety of drinks such a coffee and tea. It is also found in foods such as cacao beans, guarana berries and kola nuts (1, 2). 

The gut microbiome plays a critical role in our health. We can even say that microbiome modulates immune responses in a manner that dictates our health status. That’s why it is important to take good care of our gut. And this starts with what we eat.

Dietary fibres are indigestible parts of plants that are incredibly important for intestinal health. But did you know that these plant fibres have a role to play outside of your gut too? Our gut bacteria can transform fibres into potent signalling molecules that can potentially delay the aging of the brain. Pretty clever, right?

When we think of fat, we usually regard it as a ‘bad’ or ‘unhealthy’ thing for us to consume. Over the years, as science has developed and advanced, so has our overall knowledge of fat and the understanding that that there are some fats which are good for us and our bodies.

Even small changes can make a big difference. Let's take a look at one of the key factors to improving mental wellbeing - spending time outdoors.

Your skin is the first line of defense against the external environment. It is the largest organ in the body and is constantly protecting you from harm; for example, it can protect against mechanical or thermal injuries, excess water loss, UV irradiation and penetration of harmful chemicals, allergens and pathogens. So, to keep the skin functioning at its best, it's no surprise that nutrition, which delivers an adequate amount of some important micronutrients, play a key role.

Skin is the largest organ of the body and has many roles. As well as being in constant communication with many of the body’s other systems such as the immune, nervous and hormonal systems, it also participates in many of the processes which are vital for good health such as regulating body temperature. 

Staying healthy and feeling your best is important at any age and something we all aim to achieve. Many find it easy to continue living an active life while others look for a little extra help from food, supplements or different fitness activities to prolong their lifespan.