When taken in its natural state, Guarana powder provides a synergistic delivery of active compounds that benefit the entire body system. Metabolised by the body more slowly that coffee, Guarana’s energising effects aren’t over-stimulating and also last longer. Pure Guarana seed is such a powerful substance that you only need a small amount to obtain optimum results. In fact, small dosages are considered to be more effective than larger ones. There are no published toxic effects from taking Guarana, but people sensitive to caffeine could experience similar side-effects, for example gastric irritation, if taken in excess.

Each herbal capsule of Healthy Man provides 65mg of organic
Guarana powder as well as Siberian Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba to help maintain the energy and endurance that modern man needs on a daily basis.
This food supplement also contains antioxidant vitamins, Zinc, Alpha Lipoic acid and Acetyl-L-Carnitine to support male health, as well as the full RDA
of 14 vitamins and minerals. Visit the Sage Organic website for more
details.

Although we are naturally careful about sun exposure these days, there are still many benefits to gentle sunshine. It enhances mood, helps in the manufacture of vitamin D, lowers cholesterol levels, and helps skin problems like acne. But how is it possible to benefit without causing damage? Green People’s Sun Tan Accelerator is designed to minimise the damage through exposure to the sun. Based on organic herbs, it protects against the full spectrum of ultra-violet light and accelerates the body’s natural defence by boosting production of melanin in the skin. Green People have developed this cream in response to growing concerns that the sudden rise in skin cancers is due to a misunderstanding about the way that sunlight affects our skin.

Sun creams have traditionally been designed to prevent sun related skin damage by blocking the ultra-violet light called UV-B, which causes the skin to redden, burn and peel. Scientists have now discovered that UV-A, a different type of ultraviolet, penetrates deeper into the skin and causes cell damage without actually causing many of the symptoms of sun exposure. This means that while the skin may appear unharmed under your thick coating of sun cream the basal layer is likely to be under intense attack from UV-A. Green People’s Sun Tan Accelerator naturally boosts melanin production in the skin, which allows the body to protect itself naturally against UV-A & UV-B rays.

Green People’s Sun Tan Accelerator SPF15 comes in a 200ml tube and costs £14.99. They also provide SPF 8, SPF22 (a water resistant formula) and an After Sun Lotion. A water resistant SPF22 Sun Lotion especially formulated for children is also available. Contact Green People on 01444 401444 for mail order.

Psoriasis is a recurrent skin condition that appears as raised red patches of skin and is often accompanied with irritation and inflammation. It is a difficult condition to treat, and those affected are increasingly reluctant to use steroids – the usual treatment prescribed for the condition – as these can have unpleasant side effects, such as thinning of the skin.

One product that helps to manage the worst aspects of psoriasis without steroids is Dermanova, a clinically proven formulation that contains only naturally-based ingredients. Many of these have a strong traditional usage for skin complaints in widely different parts of the globe – Neem Seed Oil in India, Cistus Flower in ancient Egypt and Cactus extract amongst North American Indians, while Omega-3 fish oils are a popular remedy in Scandinavia.

DermaNova cream costs £19.95 (100 ml jar) and the shampoo is £13.50 (150ml bottle). Contact Lifes2good on 020 8870 5533 for mail order.

Want to increase your intake of vitamin C, but aren’t sure which product gives the most benefit? Most vitamin C supplements are laboratory produced, containing isolated synthesised molecules that cannot replicate the synergistic benefits of vitamin C derived from whole foods. Pure Radiance C is different: it is 100% natural and provides vitamin C in a form that is easily absorbed and assimilated by the body. It is rich in the beneficial co-factors, including bioflavonoids, quercetin, hesperidin, anthocyanins, proanthocyanins and rutin, that are essential for the effective use of vitamin C in the body.

Pure Radiance C is made from wildcrafted Camu Camu berries, harvested during the flood season in the Amazon rainforest. Camu Camu berries are the world’s richest source of vitamin C and contain 30-60 times more vitamin C than citrus fruits. The Camu Camu concentrate is mixed with concentrated Amla berries, from the Himalayas. These are mixed with a blend of organic, phytonutrient rich berries, fruits and sprouts to create a 100% natural and safe whole food with no additives, fillers or artificial ingredients.

Pure Radiance C costs £24.95 for 90 650mg vegetable capsules. One to three capsules daily is recommended. Pure Radiance C is distributed in the UK by Xynergy Health Products and is available by mail order on 08456 585858.

Looking for something to put a bit of a pep into your cooking? Although it’s sensible to cut down on added salt in the diet, there are still occasions when salt is absolutely essential for flavour. Herbamare and new Herbamare Spicy are made from organic sea salt, fresh herbs and vegetables and kelp. Herbamare Spicy also contains chilli and pepper to give it an added kick. Both provide a unique added flavour when salt is required, and can be used in either in cooking or at the table.

The Herbamare seasoning blends are from Bioforce, and made according to the original recipe of Alfred Vogel, who set up the company. Fresh organic herbs and spices are steeped in natural sea salt for up to a year, infusing the salt crystals with flavour, before the moisture is removed by a gentle drying process. Bioforce has also come up with dozens of ideas for using Herbamare in cooking, which are included in an accompanying leaflet.

New Spicy Herbamare costs £1.95 for 125g. Herbamare is £1.49 for 90g or
£2.60 for 250g. It is available from health stores. For stockists call 01294 277344 or visit the Bioforce website.