The recommended daily intake is seven olives (or approximately 25g) per day, and with numerous health benefits on offer why not give you health a boost by trying one of the many varieties on Spanish olives available at your local supermarket this January?

Low in calories

Spanish table olives are a tasty alternative to traditional high calorie snack foods such as crisps so are a great alternative if you’re looking to cut down your calorie intake after an indulgent Christmas. 25g of olives contain just 37 kcal, almost four times as little as the 140 kcal contained in 25g of crisps.

Nutritional benefits

Olives promote good health because they contain a high amount of antioxidants and minerals such as polyphenols, calcium and magnesium, all needed for the healthy functioning of our bodies.

Different Spanish olives contain different nutritional qualities, for example, black olives contain less salt and more iron, yet fewer calories than green olives; Manzanilla olives contain more salt and vitamin E; and Hojiblanca olives boast more fibre. However all Spanish olives offer the following:

• Monounsaturated fats – Spanish olives are fruits of the tree known as Olea europaea. Olea is the Latin word for oil, reflecting the olives very high fat content. However, 75% of this is oleic acid, an incredibly healthy omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid that has been shown to lower blood cholesterol levels and increase HDL (good) cholesterol.

Research has also shown that it is the type of fat consumed that determines the risk of developing conditions such as atherosclerosis (a condition where which an artery wall thickens as the result of a build-up of fatty materials such as cholesterol), colon cancer, arthiritus and asthma. Regions such as the Mediterranean area consume large amounts of olives and olive oil and have a lower risk of developing those conditions.

• Vitamin E – Spanish olives are a good source of vitamin E, known for its antioxidant properties, because they contain mixed tocopherols.

• Fibre – with 100 grams containing 2.6 grams of fibre, Spanish olives are high in fibre and so are easily digested.

Spanish olives are also a good source of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and iodine.

Health benefits

• Anti-inflammatory properties – Spanish olives contain a variety of beneficial active phytonutrient compounds (plant compounds which are thought to have health-protecting qualities) including polyphenols and flavonoids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Interestingly polyphenols also give the olive its taste and aroma.

• Protection against cell damage – however, it is the combination of a number of nutrients in Spanish olives that work in synergy to provide great health benefits. As outlined above, Spanish olives are a good source of monounsaturated fats, rich in vitamin E – a fat-soluble antioxidant that neutralizes damaging free radicals, and also contain polyphenols and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

It is these three health-boosting compounds that work hand-in-hand to provide a protective an anti-inflammatory effect on cells that can lower the risk of cell damage and inflammation which in turn helps:

1. Reduce the severity of asthma, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis – three conditions where most of the damage is caused by high levels of free radicals
2. Prevent heart disease
3. Prevent colon cancer – by neutralizing free radicals, the nutrients in olives help prevent colon cancer. A higher intake of both vitamin E and the monounsaturated fats in olives is also associated with lower rates of colon cancer1.

• Menopause – clinical studies have shown the effect Vitamin E has on reducing hot flushes, so Spanish olives are a great snack for women looking to up their vitamin E intake during the menopause.

• Alzheimers – a recent study of thousands of civil servants (Whitehal II trail) showed people with low level of HDL (high density lipids) or bad cholesterol were 53% more likely to have memory loss as compared to those with high level of HDL (high density lipids) or good cholesterol. As olives have high levels of oleic acid which helps increase good cholesterol, an olive rich diet may also help prevent Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

• Sore throat – olive soup is a good remedy for a sore throat, according to traditional Chinese medicine (it’s also the only time olives are used in Chinese cuisine).

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Chlorella has been valued for its health enhancing powers for decades in the Far East. Particularly popular in health-obsessed Japan, it is a natural food that not only cleans out the body, but also strengthens the immune system.

What is so special about Chlorella?

One of the original foundations of life on earth and one of nature’s richest sources of food, Chlorella is a single-cell plant that thrives in sun-drenched, clean water pools.

• Powerful Detoxifier

It is particularly good at capturing toxins such as mercury and other heavy metals like aluminium and cadmium. Each cell acts like a dustbin trapping the toxins inside and carrying them out of the body. If they are not removed, metals tend to remain in the colon, reducing the gut’s ability to absorb vitamins. They have also been linked to a range of diseases from irritable bowel syndrome to Alzheimer’s.

• Protein Rich

Chlorella is around 60% protein, twice that of soya beans, and contains 19 amino acids, including all the essential ones.

• Great source of B12 and other vitamin and minerals

There is more vitamin B12 in Chlorella than beef liver. B12 prevents anaemia, promotes growth in children and helps maintain a healthy nervous system.

• Antioxidant

It contains high levels of beta carotene, an antioxidant that research has linked with reducing the risk of cancer and other diseases.

• Strengthens the Immune System

Chlorella is very rich in chlorophyll, nearly 50 times the amount found in alfalfa. Chlorophyll is known to boost the immune system by promoting T-cell activity, which enhances the body’s ability to fight off infection. Chlorella has been shown to stimulate the production of interferon, believed to be one of the most potent natural defences against cancer.

• Unique

Yet another beneficial chemical in its armoury is a unique substance called Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF), which is used by the plant to help it reproduce rapidly. When eaten, CFG is believed to have a healing quality by speeding up the repair of damaged human tissue.

Chlorella has only recently become available in the UK and Organic Chlorella from Nature Complete is the only brand that is certified by the Soil Association.

Available in selected health food stores including The Nutri Centre and Waitrose, also available on online at www.naturecomplete.com or www.bodykind.com

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STÉRIMAR is a pure and natural sea water nasal spray that helps keep noses healthy by cleaning and clearing nasal passages. STÉRIMAR very quickly and gently clears pollen, dust and other airborne allergens from the nose, working on the actual cause of hay fever and allergies. Acting as a natural preventative, it helps free the nose allowing you to breathe naturally.

Hay fever is typically treated with antihistamines and corticosteroids, however, there?s a wide range of clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of sea water in treating hay fever in both adults and
children. Studies have shown that STÉRIMAR on its own or in conjunction with other medication is an effective way to flush out allergens and clear the nose to significantly improve the flow of air. A breath of sea air for sufferers.

STÉRIMAR is 100% natural, drug and preservative free so is safe to be used on babies, young children, during pregnancy or where the choice of medication may be restricted. Without any side effects or drug interaction,
it can be used as often as desired or in conjunction with any other medication.

STÉRIMAR is recommended by GPs, pharmacists and health professionals in over 84 countries and trusted by millions around the world?

?”As a pharmacist I recommend Stérimar as a safe, natural way to clear the nasal passages and remove small particles from the nose. Stérimar is highly effective and a great remedy for people who prefer the natural option.?” Sonal Davda, MRPharms www.pharmacyshopping.co.uk

There are two STÉRIMAR products to choose from:

STÉRIMAR ® Isotonic ?Nasal Hygiene? (RRP £6.49)

STÉRIMAR Isotonic* ?Nasal Hygiene? is so gentle that it can be used on babies 3 months upwards. It can be used daily to gently moisturise and cleanse the nasal passageways, removing allergens in the first instance and therefore reducing hay fever symptoms. Beyond hay fever it is also highly effective at relieving dry or stuffy noses and helping with other nasal conditions such as colds, sinusitis or for postoperative care It is a must for all the family as an everyday preventative cleanser to ensure wellbeing and a healthy and working nose.

STÉRIMAR ® Hypertonic ?Blocked Nose? (RRP £6.99)

STÉRIMAR Hypertonic ?Blocked Nose? has a higher salt concentration than STÉRIMAR Isotonic for a stronger yet gentle decongestive effect. When sprayed into a blocked nose, the extra saltiness creates a natural osmotic effect that helps draw out fluid and quickly relieves congestion. Copper and manganese have also been added to STÉRIMAR hypertonic for their anti-infectious and anti-allergic properties. Suitable for adults and children (3 years plus).

Directions: Simply insert the specially designed nozzle into each nostril 2 to 6 times a day or more if required. Spray briefly and allow the excess solution to drain away before gently blowing your nose. Always wash nozzle with soapy water after each use.

Available from high street chemists and www.boots.com.

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Previously only available in the US, Throat Cooler is a soothing ice bar for those who suffer from pesky dry and tickly throat.

All you need to do is pop them in the freezer for a few hours and they will be ready when needed. Each handy-sized pouch contains 100% of your Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamin C combined with real honey and soothing menthol. Choose between two yummy flavours – traditional Honey & Lemon or scrumptious Cherry.

Throat Cooler is not just for adults. With versions for little ones aged over two years, even kids can enjoy the benefits. Children’s Throat Coolers are available in either juicy Strawberry or gorgeous Grape – both entirely natural flavours.

Throat Coolers are suitable for vegetarians and contain no artificial flavours or colours. Each carton contains six 25ml mess-free pouches ready to freeze when you get home. For more information visit www.throatcooler.co.uk.

NEW Olbas Menthol Lozenges

Olbas has launched a new range of lozenges which contain menthol and release soothing vapours when sucked to help keep breathing easy. They contain no artificial colours or flavours and are suitable for vegetarians and those following wheat, gluten and dairy free diets. The delicious flavours include:

• Menthol and Lemon with added Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus, like menthol, has been used for centuries in traditional cough sweets
• Honey & Lemon with vitamin C. Just four lozenges a day will provide you with over half of your Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamin C
• Sugar free Cherry with Echinacea combines a well known herb with a fruity, delicious cherry flavour
• Sugar free blackcurrant & aniseed with zinc is a real winter warmer, combining fruity blackcurrant with spicy aniseed

You’ll find them in all good chemists, supermarkets and health retailers around the UK (including Boots) and a pack of 12 costs just 99p. For more information visit www.olbas.co.uk.

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