Nutrition month alert: 7 wonders of wellness

MANILA, Philippines — This July, the country celebrates the National Nutrition Month with the theme, “Healthy diet, gawing habit – For Life!”

This year’s campaign emphasizes raising awareness about having a proper and healthy diet. The national campaign is annually led by The National Nutrition Council (NCC) as mandated by the Presidential Decree 491 of 1974.

In celebration of the 43rd Nutrition Month, here are top 7 choices to add to your daily diet for a longer, healthier, and happier life.

Ganoderma

1. Ganoderma

Ganoderma is used in Chinese traditional medicine for longevity and health; it is rich in antioxidants that strengthens the immune system, helping control high blood pressure, strengthen the liver, aids in better respiratory and circulatory system and less lung problems.

Grape seed

2. Grape seed

Grape seed helps fight viruses, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It is beneficial for cardiovascular conditions such as poor circulation and high cholesterol, reduces swelling caused by injury and helps with eye disease related to diabetes.

3. Berries

Goji berry, the “Superfruit,” is rich in anti-aging properties that preserves vision and mental well-being. It treats many health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and fever.

Cranberries, on the other hand, are high in vitamin C, have antioxidant and antibacterial effects in the body, and help maintain a healthy urinary tract. Cranberries can inhibit the development of breast and colon cancers and is also found to reduce the bacteria associated with peptic stomach ulcers.

Berries

4. Fruit and vegetable enzymes and extracts

Many health campaigns all over the world advice the intake of at least five servings of fruits and vegetables for better health. 

According to a 13-year study by University College London, a daily average of more than seven plates of fruits and vegetable drastically reduces the risk of all-cause mortality. Fruits and vegetables are not only abundant in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, but in phytochemicals and enzymes as well. These substances have powerful antioxidant effects such as anti-aging, skin care, promoting immunity, among many others. 

The amount of enzymes in human bodies gradually decreases with age and they do not replace themselves. So, why is this important? Enzymes are essential to creating energy in your body. If you lack enzymes, it is harder for your body to convert food into energy, making you more easily fatigued. They must be supplemented by food, and fruits and vegetables contain the most enzymes.

Consuming five to seven plates of fruits and vegetables is easier than done. An alternative to supplement your required daily intake of fruit and vegetables is to drink it. These liquid vitamins taste better, too:  a refreshing glass of vitamins, minerals and enzymes? No wonder juicing is now at an all time high, a trend that is set to become a fixture in daily life. The popularity of juicing has resulted in a proliferation of juicers, so how do you pick the one that best suits your needs, or better yet, one that keeps your health at the forefront of their research.

Hurom has spent over 40 years perfecting juice. Its patented Slow Squeeze Technology uses an auger to squeeze out juice (similar to how you would hand-squeeze an orange) instead of shredding fruits and vegetables with high-speed blades like other juicers and blenders. This motion minimizes damage to ingredients, keeping natural taste and nutrition intact. In microscopic close ups of Hurom-made tomato juice, the juice retains its natural color and cellular structure.

The juicers are also built to last since maximum juicing health ideally means a daily diet of fresh juices. Materials like ultem, tritan, and stainless steel, some of which are used to build spaceships, make up your Hurom juicer. Hurom results in a higher yield of healthy unprocessed juice thatwill taste greatfor 72 hours. A juicer lets you pick from a wide array of fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and herbs and spices.

Depending on the model, there are many preparations you can do such as almond milk and even fresh noodles. Certain models even have an attachment where you can make healthy pure fruit sherbets and ice cream.          

Hurom ambassador Lee Young Ae, better known as Dae Jang Geum, her character in “Jewel in the Palace,” is a health conscious mom: “I make fruit and veggie juice for myself and my family. My kids don’t like fruits and vegetables,” she admits, which is a common problem all parents share. “But if I make fruit and veggie juice, they love it. This is my secret to make them to eat fruit and veggies.”

In a commercial that aired on Korean TV, Young Ae is shown juicing apples and carrots on a juicer for her son, and he drinks it up happily, none the wiser that it is packed with nutrition. In other ads she is seen holding a juicing party with friends and another one, where she pours her fresh juice in bottles and takes them to work.  “I make different juices every day,” she says. “But my mom loves to make soy noodle with the slow juicer.”

Other ingredients you can use for juicing are Pine Bark Extract, which assists in the functioning of the brain and good blood circulation throughout the body. Next is the Green Tea Extract, which acts as an antioxidant and a defense mechanism from inflammatory particles. Lastly, the Korean Ginseng Extract contains phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals which vitalizes hair growth, serves as a sleep aid, refreshes skin and is responsible for physical and mental health.

"Jewel in the Palace" star Lee Young Ae loves juicing.

5. Silymarin 

It is a powerful antioxidant said to protect liver cells from toxins. It promotes liver cell protein synthesis and decreases the oxidation of glutathione, and also has anti-cancer properties.

6. Spirulina

It is a micro-algae turned “superfood” with natural detoxifying functions and immune boosting nutrients. It has anti-inflammatory properties and contains Omega 3-,6, 9s and -3s. Also extremely high in chlorophyll, it removes toxins from the blood and boosts the immune system.

Spirulina has a very high concentration of bio-available iron and is excellent during pregnancy and for those with anemia and will not cause constipation. It contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 , B9 , vitamin C, D,  A and  E.

Spirulina

7. Glutathione

The famous glutathione not only whitens skin, but also detoxifies harmful compounds so that they can be removed from the body and has an anti-aging effect.

If you want your body to absorb almost 100 percent of the vitamins you take, inject it directly to the veins. Injectable glutathione treatments have been popular for years.

Glutathione is used to detoxify the liver and improve the immune system. It is the ultimate antioxidant that removes excess free radicals and helps the body fight common diseases. Its positive side effects are whole body skin whitening and the reduction of acne, pimples and other skin blemishes.