Cruelty Free Beauty
- 4 signs you have low iron levels
- Zero Waste Beauty: Adopt a green routine with these sustainable products
- This eco-friendly beauty box is packed with refillable multi-taskers
- “I find myself using it even when I don’t need to!”
- Arctic-inspired natural skincare brand launches in the UK
- Green People launches beauty balm packaged in 100% biodegradable pot
- Lush launches same-day delivery service for its iconic handmade cosmetics
- “This cruelty-free tanning water gave me the confidence boost I needed”
- rho launches sustainable loungewear that gives back
- Rose & Caramel Raises Awareness For Women’s Self-Esteem & Mental Health With ‘I TAN FOR ME’ Campaign
- Couple launches entirely plant-based and refillable deodorant on Kickstarter
- View all
Eco Living
- Simple Hacks to Cut Your Food Waste with Gino D’Acampo
- Five Easy Ways to Reduce Food Waste
- Eat these foods to boost your mood
- Upgrade Your Cheese Toastie
- Have a healthy Christmas with these festive food swaps
- Omega-3 Health Benefits
- 5 minutes with Max La Manna
- A nutritionist’s guide to eating for healthy joints
- Easy ways to achieve your health goals
- Discover the benefits of raisins on a vegetarian diet
- Improve your gut health with California Raisins
- View all
Vegan Recipes
- Quorn Vegan Hot & Spicy Burger with Pink Slaw
- Tomato and Pumpkin Soup
- Pea and elderflower cocktail
- Matcha Coconut Ice Cream
- Vegan Lemon Bars
- Mango Salad with Thai Dressing
- Garden Gimlet
- Tofu & Green Beans Teriyaki
- Cornflakes Bombay
- Rainbow Pickle
- Soba noodles with kale and collards
- View all
Popular recipes
- Spinach and ricotta quiche vegetarian recipe
- Cheats mushroom and spinach lasagne vegetarian recipe
- Lentil bolognese vegetarian recipe
- Creamy mushroom stroganoff vegetarian recipe
- Malaysian Rendang curry vegetarian recipe
- Feta, Butternut Squash, Caramelised Onion and Cashew Nut Wellingtons
News
- Aldi Has Launched Its First Vegan Skincare Range
- Green Cleaning Company Bio-D Signs Up To Plastic Pact
- Greggs Offers Free Vegan Sausage Roll For Students!
- This reusable bag is made entirely out of recycled plastic
- M&S Launches Three New Plant Kitchen Products
- These vegan chicken drumsticks are ideal for a midweek meal
- Big Butterfly Count calls on public to help with conservation efforts
- Sustainable beauty brand launches refillable hand sanitiser dispenser
- Wagamama reopens with innovative social distancing measures
- Plates London launches plant-based online cookery course
- Dutch Firm Unveils Vegan Egg White Substitute Made From Brewery Yeast
- View all
6 key nutrients to keep colds at bay
Keep cold and viruses at bay this winter with these essential nutrients...
1. Elderberry
Black elderberry, aka Sambucus nigra , has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for its anti-viral effects. It is rich in polyphenols and plant-based nutrients that are said to be responsible for providing immune support. Commonly grown in Europe, the black elderberry has a long history of traditional use and is revered for fighting winter illnesses and speeding recovery. In fact, two clinical studies reported that elderberry extract taken in the first few days of infection and continued for at least five days significantly reduced flu symptoms.
2. Vitamin D
A recent trial showed that three out of five adults in the UK suffer from vitamin D deficiency during winter. Although Public Health England recommends that all adults and children supplement with 400iu of Vitamin D from October to March, larger doses may be necessary if you've been diagnosed with a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D supplements are available widely, but keep in mind that most are derived from lanolin in sheep’s wool. However, a recent discovery revealed vitamin D3 is present in lichen, resulting in vegan vitamin D3 food supplements.
3. Zinc
Zinc, essential for immune health has proved successful as a preventative and therapeutic nutrient in many studies. One study found that taking zinc within 24 hours from the start of viral cold symptoms halved the risk of the cold being present one week later.
4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is considered the second pillar of immunity, alongside Zinc. Studies reported that daily consumption of 1000-2000mg vitamin C reduced the duration of the common cold, so stock up on this essential vitamin to stay healthy this winter.
5. Beta glucans
Beta glucans are a beneficial polysaccharide found in mushrooms and oats. 1-3, 1-6 beta glucans boost immunity at 250mg per day for adults, and are considered useful in the prevention of colds and flu.
6. Friendly bacteria
Current evidence shows that friendly bacteria, aka probiotics, are vital for human health and, specifically, immune function. About 10 studies have looked at whether taking a friendly bacteria daily helps reduce your risk of the common cold, and have found a modest beneficial effect. So, if you are taking friendly bacteria to support digestive health, it may well be helping ward off colds, too!
For optimum nutrition and health, always check the label for ingredients when buying food supplements, and choose organic where possible. Jenny Carson is a senior nutritionist at ethical vitamin company Viridian Nutrition. Specialising in award-winning nutritional, non-GM supplements, Viridian uses only 100% active ingredients, avoids palm oil, and is against animal testing.
More from Vegetarian blog
Discover the health benefits of eating raisins, from boosting your mood and energy to aiding digestion
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
World Digestive Health Day is the perfect time to discover easy ways to improve your gut health, from your diet to your lifestyle
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Can you really have your cake and eat it too?
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
The new collection is the brand's biggest to date, and feature super-soft, comfortable clothing you can wear anywhere