Are you trying Veganuary? Plant based eating isn’t just good for you, it’s also beneficial for the environment. January is the perfect month to get started with your new healthy eating regime and lifestyle plan.
Eating a plant based or vegan diet can support your good health in various ways. Research suggests that a vegan diet is linked with lower rates of blood pressure, cholesterol, along with reduced risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Knowing what to eat can be challenging at times but with the right nutrients it’s possible to thrive on a vegan diet in the long-term. Vegans need to ensure they are getting enough nutrients from their diet as the nutrient bioavailability of plant foods can be significantly lower in quantity compared with animal based foods.
For this reason, many health experts recommend that vegans take nutritional supplements to support their good health. Here are five of the best vegan supplements you should consider taking in 2021…
1. Vitamin D3 and K2 Spray
By combining Vitamin D3 and K2 together, studies suggest that they can play an important role in calcium metabolism and supporting bone health, amongst many other vital functions in the body. [1,2] New research also suggests that Vitamin D3 and K2 play a powerful role in supporting the immune system. When Vitamin D3 and K2 are combined they also boost a protein called MGP that protects blood vessels against calcification with the vitamins working together to combat heart disease.
2. Essential B-Vitamin Sublingual Spray
Getting enough B Vitamins is recommended for a range of health benefits including better maintenance of normal brain, heart and cardiovascular function. Along with providing superior delivery for improved absorption, B Vitamins can support healthy homocysteine levels and various bodily processes for optimum health. [3]
B Vitamins are found in the highest amounts within animal based foods like milk, cheese, meat and eggs. Plant based sources include tempeh, nuts, nutritional yeast, mushrooms, avocado and sesame seeds.
For this reason, vegans should consider taking a B Vitamin supplement to support their good health. A sublingual B Vitamin spray is the fastest and most efficient way to ensure that B Vitamins are rapidly absorbed into the body for maximum benefits.
3. Nascent Iodine
Your body needs iodine to make thyroid hormones and control the body’s metabolism and many other important functions. The body also needs these thyroid hormones for bone and brain development during pregnancy and infancy. [4] Naturally found in seafood and seaweed, Iodine is generally found in lower amounts in plant foods. For this reason, taking an Iodine supplement is recommended for vegans.
Nascent Iodine is a consumable Iodine in its atomic form, that provides a huge energy release when it is consumed. Recognised by the body as the same Iodine produced by the thyroid, it can support the body’s thyroid health and overall hormone production. It can also increase your overall energy and immunity levels.
4. Taking A High-Quality Probiotic
Providing beneficial microflora, a high-quality probiotic can support your gut health and overall digestion. Vegans may find that taking probiotics improves their digestion process and improves their symptoms of Crohn’s Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). [5]
Taking a probiotic is highly recommended for everyone as it can provide powerful support for better immune health, along with improving the nutritional absorption of the foods you are eating.
5. A Premium Quality Vegan Protein Powder
Protein is a macronutrient that the body needs for building muscle mass and providing energy. It’s commonly found in animal products such as meat, fish and eggs which provides all the essential amino acids the body needs to build and repair itself.
However, plant proteins are incomplete and may be missing at least one of these essential amino acids. It takes preparation and some recipe planning to ensure that vegans are getting enough protein in their meals. [6]
That’s why taking a protein powder supplement is recommended because it can ensure you are meeting your recommended daily requirements. Along with helping to keep you feeling fuller for longer, protein and fibre may help with managing your weight.
To ensure you get enough protein on a vegan diet, taking a supplement is a good option. A scoop or two of high-quality vegan protein powder mixed into a smoothie can ensure you are getting enough of this essential macronutrient into your daily diet.
By taking these range of nutrients along with following a healthy diet and lifestyle, vegans can ensure they avoid the risk of deficiencies and in the long term, take care of their overall health and wellbeing.
References:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK56060/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5613455/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4772032/
[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25880137/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2886445/
[6] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/plant-protein
Recommended Examples
Vitamin D3 and K2 Sublingual Spray
Vitamin D3 and K2 Sublingual Spray – Provides 1000IU Vitamin D3 and 100mcg of Vitamin K2 MK7 per serving. Take 5 sprays per day, orally or sprayed onto food, or as directed by your healthcare professional. Best taken with food.
Supports normal immune system response and may also benefit skin health. Provides better calcium and phosphorus absorption in the blood and bones. Vegan and vegetarian-friendly Vitamin D3. Available from Good Health Naturally.
B4Health™
B4Health™ – Contains a full Vitamin B Complex that’s up to 9x more absorbent than its capsule equivalent. B Vitamins are essential for releasing energy food, healthy functioning of the nervous system, etc. Helps your body maintain healthy homocysteine levels, which in turn leads to better maintenance of normal brain, heart and cardiovascular function. Available from Good Health Naturally.
Nascent Iodine
Nascent Iodine – This can promote increased energy and immunity levels within the body. Improves thyroid health and hormone production.
Short-term symptoms of iodine deficiency may also include brain fog, tingling hands and feet, constipation and a slowed metabolism, depression, anxiety, fatigue, high cholesterol, insomnia, swelling, and weight gain.
Take 1-3 drops of Nascent Iodine in a half ounce of water each day. Available from Good Health Naturally.
Prescript-Biotics™
Prescript-Biotics™ – Custom cultured to rebalance good gut flora, PrescriptBiotics contains SBO Probiotics Consortia™ missing from the modern diet, that may support the digestive process, immunity and overall health. Available from Good Health Naturally.
That Protein Powder
That Protein Powder – The That Protein range includes Nutty Nutty Peanut Butter, Happy Happy Hemp and Baobab, Blissful Brown Rice & Raw Cacao and Chirpy Chirpy Choca Mocha with Organic Coffee and the I Heart Pumpkin and Chia Seed Super Protein. As a delicious Super Protein powder, it can help you to build and maintain muscles and healthy bones. High in protein, fibre, B Vitamins and Vitamin E. Rich in minerals, magnesium, iron, copper, calcium and selenium. Free from added sugars, sweeteners, flavourings, dairy and gluten. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.