You see, the problem with the symptoms of the perimenopause is that initially they often feel a lot like ‘life overwhelm’. From anxiety, to panic attacks, to heart palpitations, the inability to focus, forgetfulness, brain fog, fatigue, sleeplessness and a terrifyingly short fuse that could blow up if someone leaves a cup out of the dishwasher - these are just a few of the symptoms which could also be an exaggerated version of the generally frazzled, modern midlife woman. The perimenopause (which is often described as the time in which you still have periods) can creep up on us, and as author Maisie Hill says in her book Perimenopause Power, “The ride changes. Subtly at first and then with full force.” Frustratingly there is no textbook description of when it kicks in because the experience is vastly different for us all and some lucky ones sail through it with no problems at all.
According to Dr Louise Newson menopause specialist and author of ‘The Definitive guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause’ ‘As a general rule, the perimenopause begins in the early to mid forties’”(although it can be earlier or later) whilst the average age of the menopause on the UK is 51. Hearing her speak at the launch of her book recently she said,
“Every cell in our body is affected by our changing hormones,” which is why the symptoms can range so dramatically.
Some women never have a regular menstrual cycle in their life, but for those that do, a major perimenopause flag is when you start oscillating between shorter and longer cycles, if your periods become few and far between or the length of your period changes. This is because hormone levels start to fluctuate wildly and it’s not always a drop in oestrogen (as it is often believed) that’s the culprit. In fact Maisie Hills says that during perimenopause oestrogen levels can remain high whilst progesterone can drop which can cause all manner of symptoms from ‘Shorter cycles to heavy and longer periods, to period pain, pre-menstrual spotting, bloating, headaches and migraines as well as sleep problems, anxiety, depression, acne painful breasts, irritability and ‘ALL THE RAGE.’ Yes, the feeling that you might kill someone for breathing or chewing too loudly is very real.
Can we test for the perimenopause? Unfortunately not - oestrogen levels fluctuate from one day to the next, and cycle to cycle so this is not a reliable way of measuring where you’re at. The best way to tell if change is afoot is to keep an eye on yourself. Really check in. Has your period changed? Are you shouting at your partner because they turned over in bed? Are you waking in the night regularly, or do you have PMS type symptoms more often than you used to? Are you feeling abnormally low or anxious? And of course, do you have the dreaded hot sweats? Many people think hot sweats are the biggest indicator of the perimenopause but according to Maisie Hill, these don’t normally kick in until your oestrogen levels start to really drop as you get closer to the menopause. This is a time, says Maisie, “Where you can go from feeling calm and focussed one day then waking up a teary hot mess the next."
According to Maisie Hill, perimenopausal symptoms – where you still have a cycle - last on average for four years, but they can be as long as 10-15 years. One of her biggest tips is ‘Cycle tracking’ which she believes will give you the greatest understanding of where you are at (you can download a free guide from her website, see below). ’Cycle irregularities along the lines of no period for two months and then two in the space of one month are common during perimenopause.’ The aim of the Cycle Strategy as she calls it is not to just track when your period is due but whether they are shorter, heavier or lighter, how your mood fluctuates throughout the month as well as your energy and behaviour. ‘If you’re always rushing, knackered or barking at anyone who requests something of you, then you need this because it will change your life.’
Whether you are suffering from all of the above symptoms or just one, now is the time to really up the selfcare. As Dr Louise Newson said about her own management of the perimenopause, “I got selfish about looking after myself.” Whether you decide to take HRT or not (that is another blog post in itself), many perimenopausal symptoms can be alleviated a bit by focussing on wellness basics. Firstly make sure you are getting enough sleep - scrolling on your phone until 2 am is not going to do your hormone addled brain any good whatsoever. Secondly, make sure you are eating enough fresh food - just as putting the wrong fuel in the car will make it conk out, the wrong food in your system will make you feel ill. This means cutting back on sugar, and processed foods and upping the fruit and veg. Finally, it’s vital you move daily - getting the blood moving around your body is essential for pumping the blood and oxygen to your organs and your brain. Plus it’s vital we do strength bearing exercise to support our muscles which start to wane during menopausal years.
The perimenopause reflects life... Just as we never know what’s around the corner, you won’t quite know what the perimenopause will throw at you, or whether you will sail through it without hitting a storm. At the end of the day the only person who will know what’s happening is you, so check in and take charge.
For a very real and inspiring approach to the menopause follow health
practitioner www.Maisiehill.com
For science-backed menopausal health and information on HRT head to
www.newsonhealth.co.uk
Written by beauty and wellbeing editor @Susannahtaylor_. Sign up to her
newsletter www.Theglowgazette.co.uk
We all know that a healthy gut microbiome is a more diverse gut microbiome. Yet according to Zoe, a website set up by leading doctors and scientists to help us understand and improve our individual bodies and gut health, the bacteria in our stomachs may reduce in the midlife years. They say ‘When you reach menopause – 1 year after your last period – your ovaries have stopped producing sex hormones, which include progesterone and oestrogen. Because your sex hormones affect your gut bacteria, it makes sense that there might be changes to your gut microbiome during this time.’
If you thought fibre was far from sexy think again. Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that the body can’t break down which means it can pass through our gut to our large intestine. It is found naturally in plant foods like wholegrains, beans, nuts, fruit, and vegetables and its many super-talents include:
According to Michael Greger founder of nutritionfacts.org, and author of How Not to Die, high fibre intake can reduce the risk of cancers in the breasts and colon, heart disease, obesity and premature death in general. What’s more he says that fibre helps to protect the brain,
“We know that fibre helps control your cholesterol and blood sugar levels which can help reduce the amount of artery clogging plaque in your brain’s blood vessels. One more apple, an extra 40 g of broccoli, or just two more tablespoons of beans a day during childhood could translate into a meaningful affect on artery health later in life” he says.
It therefore makes sense that at midlife, when hormone levels are decreasing, our ability to think straight is somewhat impaired, our gut microbiome is wavering and bone health is really taking a hit, that increasing our fibre intake is going to be hugely beneficial for so many bodily functions.
This is one reason that the Manifesto gummies contain Inulin, derived from a chicory root in the Netherlands, we have identified fibre as an important nutrient for full body midlife health. Here’s the low-down: Inulin is a fructan which is a chain of fructose molecules which link together in a way that the small intestine cannot break down. Instead they travel to the lower gut where they feed beneficial gut bacteria which in turn will keep the gut healthy, protect brain health, boost immunity and maintain glowing, healthy looking skin and hair.
With so much in the press about the power of protein, we have somehow overlooked the infinite attributes of increasing our fibre uptake. But unlike in the 1980’s, the message is not about eating a sugar loaded cereal every day. According to all the experts, more fibre means upping your intake of wholegrains, beans, nuts, fruit and vegetables – no processed foods required.
Oh and you can also take a Manifesto gummy daily.
Sources
Written by beauty and wellbeing editor @Susannahtaylor_. Sign up to her
newsletter Theglowgazette.co.uk.
Over the last few months, my Tik-Tok FYP seems to be trying to tell me something with a continuous feed of gut-health related videos. Of course, discussions of gut-health are not new. Having been the centre point of conversation in the past few years, gut health has quickly become a more mainstream topic in the health and wellness community, and rightly so. Numerous studies have shown major body functions such as the immune system, digestion, and bloating as well as issues like skin conditions, cancer and mental health can all be linked to gut health.
It’s clear that the human gut is complex and can have a massive impact on the rest of the body. This is especially prevalent if the gut is not healthy. As stated before, an unhealthy gut can have an impact on the immune system, digestion, and the skin. But how does one know if they have bad gut health? Are there obvious symptoms to be looking out for? Or could people be suffering with a bad gut without realising it? Luckily, there are a few key symptoms to look out for that can help figure out if one has bad gut health or not. To start with, having frequent stomach disturbances such as gas, constipation, or bloating, could be a sign of an upset gut. This is because a balanced, and healthy gut will have less difficulty processing and digesting food.
Another sign that something might be off with the gut is unintentional weight changes. Losing or gaining weight, even while sticking to the same diet and exercise patterns, can be a sign of an unhealthy gut. An imbalanced gut can affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, regulate blood sugar and store fat, leading to weight changes.
Other symptoms of an unhealthy gut include frequent sleep disturbances and insomnia, skin conditions such as eczema, and autoimmune conditions.
Now that we know how to spot an unhealthy gut, how do we maintain a healthy gut? Experts suggest eating a nutritious diet rich in diverse, whole foods is the first step to improving gut health. They also urge the reduction of sugary foods and to limit the amount of alcohol, as both of these things contribute to an imbalanced gut. Raising fibre intake can also help improve gut health - government guidelines actually recommend at least 30g of fibre a day. This is because fibre can help or prevent constipation, and increase healthy gut microbiota.
Inulin is a great way of reaching the fibre intake recommendation. Inulin is a type of prebiotic and doesn't get digested or absorbed in the stomach. Instead, it stays in the bowel and helps certain beneficial bacteria to grow. This starchy substance can be found in a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, including wheat, onions, bananas, leeks, and asparagus. It can also be found in our Manifesto Beauty gummies. Anna, the founder of Manifesto, is a long term IBS sufferer, and so was extra mindful when it came to Inulin. She chose to include them in the gummies as a way of helping with fibre intake.
Not only are Manifesto Beauty gummies packed with Inulin,
they are the perfect balance of minerals and vitamins and natural extracts, and can be a great option when combining supplements with a healthy diet.
Another easy step to take to improve gut health is to get enough sleep! Yes, something as basic as getting some extra zzz’s can help out the gut. Getting enough, regular sleep gives your body, and your gut, time to heal. Being well-rested can reduce stress, along with self-care activities like exercising and seeing friends. Maintaining a routine that includes exercise is always a great way to keep the gut healthy too.
If you want to find out more about gut health, “gut” by Giulia Enders, and “The Diet Myth” by Dr Tim Spector offer further insight into the world of gut health. Manifesto Beauty gummies are a great addition to your lifestyle to not only improve your gut health, but also support healthy and strong hair and nails, with immunity-boosting vitamins and minerals.
As with most things, prevention is better than cure, so it’s a good idea to start any dietary changes during perimenopause to give yourself the best chance to adapt and deal with further changes you might experience during the transition itself. “Establishing these healthy habits during perimenopause is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. Instead of fearing this new chapter in your life lean into it and work with your body, not against it,” advises Jessica. “This mindset will really help cement these new habits into your lifestyle and will help you to feel balanced and energised at a time when you need it most.”
Although symptoms are different for every woman, there are changes you can make in your diet that will help alleviate the issues. Key above all is to make sure you’re eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, healthy fats, quality protein and fibre. In other words, the foundations of a healthy, balanced diet. “These foods will not only provide your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function optionally but will also help to regulate blood sugar levels and promote hormone equilibrium as much as possible as hormones become out of whack,” says Jessica. “Maintaining a stable blood sugar level can be highly beneficial as it prevents dips in energy linked to sugar cravings, low mood, loss of concentration, low energy and generally fatigued all of which are counterproductive when it comes to supporting your body during the menopause.”
One important food group not to overlook is phytoestrogens. Otherwise known as plant oestrogens, they act as weak oestrogens in the body and can help compensate for the declining levels experienced during menopause. “Foods that naturally contain phytoestrogens include soybeans, tofu, tempeh, miso, flax seeds, chickpeas, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and green beans,” says Jessica. You can also support the skin with topical application of phytoestrogens. Venn Effect’s Anti-Ageing Intensive Moisturiser contains molecules which mimic the effects of oestrogen and can replenish lost elasticity in the skin.
“Food should always come first, and supplements should never replace real food in terms of getting the essential vitamins and minerals in our diets, however due to lower nutrient levels in the soil that our vegetables are grown in and intense farming techniques, (as well as stress, medication, antibiotic use and environmental pollutants, supplements help bridge the gap when it comes to subtle nutrient imbalances,” says Jessica.
To ease your way into any dietary changes and best support your body, combining a healthy diet with supplements such as Manifesto vitamin gummies is a great option. As well as being loaded with powerhouse ingredients to counteract the effects of menopausal symptoms, Manifesto gummies are specially formulated to support immunity and promote healthy and strong hair, skin and nails, all areas that can suffer during this time. As well as being a great source of Biotin for healthy nails and hair, as well as immune-boosting Vitamin C and Zinc for lustrous hair, Manifesto gummies contain a potent dose of Astaxanthin. Derived from micro-algae, it’s known to improve skin texture and elasticity and helps to smooth fine lines, all of which can be affected.
Bad news; the major hormonal changes that occur during menopause are also responsible for skin ageing and hair loss. As well as having a direct impact on hair density through declining oestrogen levels, the trauma experienced by the body during this time also exacerbates the problem. Introducing a density boosting scalp serum into your hair care regime can help encourage the growth of thicker, fuller and healthier hair, but eating well and regularly is another way to negate these issues. “Avocados are great for healthy fats to nourish and hydrate skin from within, while eggs are one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. Not only are they an excellent source of quality protein (and ensuring you’re eating enough protein in your diet is integral for healthy and strong hair and skin), but they also contain biotin, another key nutrient to encourage normal hair growth,” says Jessica. “Oily fish are great for their high omega-3 content to help reduce inflammation which is super important to help slow down the ageing process.”
Thanks to a lack of oestrogen during menopause, the onset of osteoporosis and a reduction in bone density and mass is also common. “Make sure you’re getting enough food sources of calcium, magnesium and vitamins D and K in your diet to maintain good bone health during this integral time. Dairy foods and cabbage, kale, bok choy are all good choices,” advises Jessica. “High amounts of phosphorous which is found in processed foods and red meat should also be avoided and only eaten in limited amounts, this is because too much phosphorous can speed up the loss of minerals such as calcium and magnesium from the bone which is what you want to be avoiding. Reducing sodium, caffeine and eating too much protein from animal products can also help the body maintain calcium stores.”
While being aware of what you’re putting on your body is key, it’s equally as important to understand what foods to steer clear of that could make your symptoms worse. The list to avoid reads as you might expect, so processed foods that are high in salt, saturated fats and refined sugar, but also others that may be harder to give up. “Avoid or limit stimulants in your diet such as caffeine and alcohol as it can trigger hot flushes,” says Jessica. “Spicy foods also tend to contribute to hot flushes and body sweats too so be conscious of this when cooking at home and ordering food when eating out. These foods can contribute to inflammation relating to common menopause symptoms including hot flushes, weight-gain and sleep issues and will contribute to hormone imbalance.”
]]>Although most of us pay attention to our nails when it comes to ensuring they’re primped, polished and sporting the latest nail art trends, they’re often overlooked from a health perspective. If you’re suffering from weak or damaged nails and are looking for a long-term solution then don’t worry, help is, ahem, at hand.
What causes weak nails?
Just as our oral and eye health are strong indicators of our overall general health, the health of our nails is closely associated with how well the rest of our body is functioning. In other words, it pays to keep a close eye on our fingertips. Although poor nail health can sometimes be a sign of more serious health conditions such as liver and lung disease, in most cases, weak, brittle and discoloured nails are usually a sign of a poor diet and nutritional deficiencies, as well as overexposure to certain cleaning detergents or nail treatments.
What do normal nails look like?
While nails that change significantly ought to be checked out by a healthcare professional, it’s totally normal for everyone’s nails to go through changes at various stages in life. As we age, nail plate growth slows right down resulting in thinner, more brittle nails. It’s a similar story for pregnancy too, whereby hormone fluctuations cause nails to change, becoming harder, softer or more prone to breakage. Damage to or loss of nails after an injury is another common occurrence. Although it’s usually nothing to worry about and will sort itself out in due course, it can take up to 6 months for fingernails to grow back and around up to 18 months for toenails.
How to care for weak nails
If you do notice that your nails are peeling, splitting or are weaker than usual, avoid using harsh treatments and chemicals like acetone and cleaning agents. If that’s impossible, try to wear rubber gloves to minimise contact and step up the TLC with regular application of hand cream or cuticle oil; Margaret Dabbs’ Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Serum Pen is a great everyday option. Containing intensely hydrating emu oil to strengthen and tea tree oil to protect against infection, keep it by your bedside table and apply every evening. If you struggle with upkeep and love the look of groomed nails, then a fortifying clear polish is both pretty and practical. We love OPI’s Nail Envy Original Formula which contains hydrolyzed wheat protein and calcium for stronger, natural nails pus it leaves a gorgeously glossy finish behind. Always keep nails clean by using a soft nail brush and trim them regularly to avoid snagging them when they’re most vulnerable. Because metal files can often be too harsh for compromised nails, look for a soft emery board instead which will get the job done but without weakening damaged nails further. Frequent nail biters might also notice they’re more susceptible to weak, brittle or painful tips; that’s because saliva can dissolve nails and cuticle skin, causing a broken and ineffective barrier between your nails and bacteria and fungus, which if left unchecked can cause infection.
What to eat for strong nails
The good news is that you can fix a lot of nail issues through reinstatement of a healthy balanced diet; weak nails are usually associated with a deficiency in B vitamins, iron, calcium and fatty acids, so ensuring you regularly include plenty of rich sources such as fish, eggs and dairy in your diet is a great first step. Supplementing your intake of crucial vitamins and minerals known to promote nail growth and repair is also a must. Manifesto hair, skin & nail gummies are a great first port of call for anyone suffering as they contain a high dose of biotin, otherwise known as vitamin B7. Known for supporting cell reproduction and optimum absorption of nutrients, it also plays a crucial role in fatty acid production, which can moisturise nails from within and improve their integral strength. Also key in any good vitamin for healthy nails like Manifesto is a hefty dose of zinc, which is proven to help maintain a healthy immune system and support nail growth by nourishing cells. Selenium, another miracle mineral that features in our vitamin gummies, is important to include in your daily vitamin supplement too because it helps your body maintain adequate thyroid function, which is responsible for proper nail growth.
]]>If you feel like your skin has aged more than ever in the last 18 months, it could be down to your screen time. Discover the damaging impact of blue light and how you can help optimise your skin’s health for good.
What is blue light?
A buzzword that’s been circulating in beauty circles for a few years now, blue light refers to the light that’s emitted from devices such as laptops, tablets and mobile phones. Although we’re most familiar with its origin from these man-made sources, the sun itself is also a natural source of blue light and accounts for around 50% of its radiation. Like all light, blue light is made up of electromagnetic particles that travel in waves. On the electromagnetic spectrum blue light, or high Energy Visible Light (HEV) as it’s also referred to, has a wavelength range of between 380 and 500 nanometres. Unlike UV light, which we can’t see, blue light falls within the visible part of the spectrum.
How does blue light affect the skin?
As well as a being an immediate stress perceiver for external stressors, the skin is also the target of internal stress responses itself. In simple terms, that means that not only is the skin being attacked from the inside, it’s also being assaulted from the outside too. And blue light is just one of those aggravating factors. As if that weren’t enough, well as having multiple source points, blue light can penetrate and impact the dermal layer of the skin more deeply than other oxidative stressors you might be more familiar with, such as UVA and UVB rays. In other words, its potential to do harm is significant.
In visible terms, the damage that sitting in front of a screen all day for hours on end is easy to see, and in fact, might well be things you’ve noticed staring back at you on all those Zoom calls over the last year and a half. Think everything from dehydration, hyperpigmentation, an increase in fine lines and wrinkles and a general thinning of the skin.
One quick caveat – if you’ve ever read about the positive impact of blue light on skin for issues such as acne and blemishes, and are feeling a little confused, don’t worry, you’re not wrong. That’s because although experts and studies agree that longer spells of exposure are harmful to the skin’s DNA, small micro doses of blue light every so often are thought to have a beneficial antimicrobial effect on certain skin conditions.
How else can blue light cause damage?
If you’re worried about the amount of time you’ve spent glued to your laptop recently, rest assured that you’re not alone (hands up if you’re as guilty as we are?). According to a 2020 Ofcom survey, increase in digital device usage post pandemic has skyrocketed, with UK adults spending on average 6 and a half hours a day in front of their screens. This increase isn’t just bad news for our skin (not to mention our capacity for concentration), but our eyes too. Dry Eye Syndrome, a condition usually more common in mature adults, is according to some experts, on the rise across all demographics as a direct result of this glut of screen time. That’s because spending so long staring at screens causes us to blink, and therefore lubricate, our eyes 6-8x less than when we’re not glued to a device. The result of this is symptoms that you’ll probably recognise and include redness, irritation, excessive watering and even fluctuating vision.
How to protect skin against blue light
As well as trying to cut down on your exposure to digital devices (easier said than done, we know), using a protective shield on your phone and being diligent in your daily SPF application are musts. Compliance is everything when it comes to sun protection, so find a formula your skin likes and stick with it; we like Heliocare’s 360 Gel Oil Free SPF50 as it sits beautifully under makeup and is suitable for all skin types including oily.
Eating a diet rich in protective antioxidants is another way to ensure you’re bolstering your skin’s defences against oxidative damage. When it comes to adding to your diet via supplements for healthy skin, Manifesto hair, skin & nail gummies are rich in Vitamin E, meaning they’re poised to help protect and repair cells from the onslaught of oxidative stress such as blue light. Upping the protective ante even further, Manifesto edible vitamin supplements are also a great source of Astaxanthin, a highly potent carotenoid with effective anti-inflammatory antioxidant properties that help protect skin against the kind of oxidative damage and structural deterioration caused by blue light. It’s also been proven to help reduce signs of digital fatigue and retinal damage in eyes caused by excess exposure to blue light. And finally, no supplement for healthy skin would be complete without Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant which not only repairs damage on the skin and helps neutralise hyperpigmentation but is also instrumental in helping to kickstart skin’s own collagen production that blue light actively breaks down.
]]>For those of you interested in more detail about how to get lush hair and strong nails, read on:
What is so fantastic about Biotin
It's true that men are more likely to lose hair instead of women, but shedding, thinning, and hair loss actually affect both genders and it can feel demoralising. But here's the thing: There is no single cause of hair loss - causes can range from simple and temporary (such as vitamin deficiencies) to more complex ones, such as a genetic inheritance, hormonal fluctuations or other underlying health conditions.
Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to treat hair loss in both men and women (depending on the cause, of course). Here are some reasons why you may see less hair on your scalp and what you can do about it.
Our body perceives mental stress in the same way it perceives physical stress, and any strong stress factor on the body can cause hair growth to be delayed. Stress or illness (including COVID-19) can cause hair shedding or alopecia, a process known as telogen depletion, or excessive hair loss. Of course, avoiding stress is easier said than done. If you experience significant hair loss, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. Your dermatologist may recommend a biotin supplement or a remedy called minoxidil, a vasodilator that can boost circulation around the hair follicle.
Childbirth, giving up birth control pills, menopause can all cause telogen drainage, and this may be more likely if you have a family history of hair loss.A diet rich in omega oils and biotin rich foods, as well as additional biotin supplements can certainly support stronger hair health at any age.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a lack of protein in your diet can potentially lead to unwanted hair loss. This may also be the reason that, oddly enough, people on the keto diet also report some hair loss due to changes in their eating habits. You can easily add more protein to your diet by including more beans, eggs, yogurt, lean turkey or chicken in your daily diet.
Over the years, vigorous styling, hair dyes, and treatment of hair can cause hair loss. Examples of extreme styling include corn rows, tight braids,, extensions, hot oil treatments, heating as well as chemical relaxers to straighten hair. We vote for embracing our natural hair!
As a water-soluble vitamin, Biotin is not stored in the body, so it must be provided in our daily diet. Biotin supports a healthy pregnancy, improves hair and nail health, and helps control blood sugar levels, among other benefits.
Foods that are particularly rich in biotin include organ meats, such as liver and kidney, yeast, egg yolks, mushrooms, cheese, legumes, such as soybeans and peanuts, nuts, leafy greens, cauliflower, and nut butter. People choosing a plant based diet will be especially likely to require supplementation.
The Biotin content of food can vary; for instance, season and plant diversity can influence the biotin content of cereal grains, and certain processing methods (such as canning) can reduce biotin content in foods.
Dose
Biotin is considered very safe by health professionals. Even very high doses of up to 300 mg per day, do not cause side effects. The recommended daily intake for adults is much lower: 30 mcg.
We are here for eating a diet of fresh organic food and plenty of beans and leafy vegetables, as well as regularly giving our hair a break from styling. Natural curls or waves are cute!
For those that don’t like liver or kidneys (ewww) or on a plant based diet Manifesto has a vegan source of biotin that will support healthy hair and nail growth and of course great skin health too!
]]>Beautiful creatures they may be, no one wants to look like a Flamingo, (do they?) So, what’s in Astaxanthin for us? The answer is lots. Of good stuff. When it comes to inside-outside selfcare, it turns out that this clever carotenoid is much more than just a pretty colour.
Surprise Facts: In fact, research suggests that Astaxanthin is an antioxidant around 6,000 times more powerful than Vitamin C and 550 times more potent than green tea.
Studies have shown that taking Astaxanthin is incredibly safe and does not cause serious side effects. Therefore, unsurprisingly, Astaxanthin, with its ability to reduce oxidative damage, promote healthy levels of inflammation, and detoxify the body and fight against the factors that cause pro-inflammatory and oxidative conditions, has been shown to help reduce the changes we often see associated with aging.
For anyone that needs reminding, it’s antioxidants that help protect our cells against free radicals and reduce inflammation. They’re an invisible force doing an important job.
Inflammation is the body’s response to certain toxins created by factors such as stress, excessive sugar intake, poor diet, sun exposure, smoking, alcohol intake and air pollution.
It’s also thought to be responsible for a whole host of age-related diseases and symptoms, including heart disease, cancer, dementia, and eyesight degeneration. Most recently, The Sunday Times reported on a clinical study showing positive improvement to cognitive health and memory in those who took a daily dose of Astaxanthin.
Most experts agree that reducing inflammation is the way to go. As well as protecting you on the inside, keeping inflammation to a minimum can help to keep your ‘outside’ in tip top condition too.
Astaxanthin has been shown to help boost the skin’s natural collagen production, hydration levels and skin elasticity, meaning it might just hold the key to a more youthful, plumped up glow. Clinical research has even shown that taking Astaxanthin significantly increases the amount of time people can stay out in the sun before getting burned. We won’t be testing that theory though.
In its most potent form, Astaxanthin is found in haematococcus pluvialis algae and that’s how the flamingos are getting theirs. Algae is a flamingo’s favourite foodstuff with (pink) benefits.
The plus point for Manifesto is that this plentiful algae source is renewable and vegan. We checked that there was plenty to go around before adding it to our delicious cherry-infused Manifesto BEAUTY gummies - alongside a carefully curated list of more skin, hair and nail-boosting nutrients.
Find out more about Astaxanthin.
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Açaí berries have a low glycemic index, which is an excellent food for people with diabetes. It also has low lipid levels. Acai juice and supplements can be a useful option for keeping glucose levels constant.
Fresh Açaí berries have a short shelf life and are not available outside the area where they are grown. For generations, it has been a staple of local cuisine - sometimes mixed with water and tapioca flour to make a thick smoothie, and sometimes served frozen as a sorbet or as a supplement. This is not surprising since the nutritional profile of Açaí berries is off the charts - it contains more antioxidants than about 95% of all other plant foods.
Studies have shown that certain Açaí compounds, specifically polyphenolic compounds, can help reduce the development of malfunctioning cells by 86%. While this is not yet a cure or treatment, further research is being conducted on extracts of polyphenolic compounds taken from Açaí and in reducing tumor growth.
The antioxidants found in Açaí berries have magical properties that can rejuvenate your skin. The Korean Society of Toxicology has found that the antioxidants in Açaí berries help to speed up the healing process when your skin is cut, torn, or bruised. Healthy skin starts from the inside out, removing toxins from the body. If you need to cleanse your skin, try mashed or powdered Açaí berries. You can also choose Açaí oil extracts for topical application on the skin to improve the appearance of the skin. Açaí extract oil may be a better solution than harsher, chemical-based products. Imagine what antioxidants can do for your skin!
The Açaí berry also boasts powerful anti-aging Vitamin A, which boosts cell renewal and brightens Vitamin C to boost collagen production for that plump, plump skin as plump as the Açaí berry itself. It is for this reason that we decided to add Açaí berry extract to our Manifesto Beauty gummy supplement.
Tip: Natural vitamin-packed exfoliants can be a complete game-changer for your skincare routine, so don't miss Açaí berry products to add to your skincare routine. It will give your skin a treat for sure.
Another awesome benefit of Açaí's is rich in anti-aging compounds. One small Açaí berry is packed with antioxidants, twice as much as blueberries - another superfood - and 10 times as much as grapes. Açaí is also rich in several phytochemicals that slow down the signs of aging and, in some cases, even reverse them.
Antioxidants remove free radicals that cause damage to hair, skin, eyes, teeth, and hair and often cause premature aging. Regular consumption of acai berry gummies or supplements containing Açaí berry extract and other antioxidant-rich foods can help slow down aging processes and reduce the damaging effects of free radicals. In addition, applying acai extracts or oils to the skin help to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
Research published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology says that Açaí berries are very beneficial for hyperpigmentation. Various types of inflammation and Oxidative cell damage can also be reduced with frequent consumption of Açaí berry supplements. While these small berries appear to have potent health effects, the specific ingredients in Açaí berries that make them so effective have yet to evaluate.
There are many exciting ways to eat Açaí berries discussed in detail below. Let's take a look.
With countless health benefits and a refreshing taste, Açaí berry is the perfect addition to your diet, to give your skin a gorgeous glow...
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