Tried & Tested - January/February 2016
How Irish Association of Health Stores staff rate what they sell...
Nature’s Gold, Greystones, Co Wicklow
This issue Lourdes Cantabrana, Karen Coffee, Judith Crowe, Nicola Kearon, Clarice Bastos and Frankie Lewis test apple cider vinegar, a natural cleanser, vitamin B complex and spirulina powder:
1. VITAMIN B COMPLEX
Lourdes says: “My favourite product in the shop is Terranova B Complex. I found it really helped me at a particularly stressful time and I have recommended it to many people who find it really helps them too. It’s not just a B complex, it has added herbs like avena sativa and rhodiola which really help to calm the nervous system.”
2. SPIRULINA POWDER
Karen says: “I have been taking spirulina for the past 20 years. It is the perfect recovery ‘food’ for sports performance. It’s also full of protein, iron, B vitamins and chlorophyll. My favourite way of taking it is in a green smoothie. Based on all its health benefits, it’s a winner.”
3. NATURAL MAKE-UP REMOVER
Judith says: “Green People Gentle Cleanse is the perfect cleanser for sensitive skin. With or without water, it leaves my skin feeling like velvet. I also use Green People Fruitful Nights, a very luxurious cream full of antioxidants for my skin.”
4. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Nicola says: “I take Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar every day. It is alkaline, anti-arthritic, great for your skin and great for your digestion. I enjoy it as a refreshing drink and add fresh ginger and lemon.”
5. CO ENZYME Q10
Clarice says: “Higher Nature Co Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) gives me energy and it has helped me so much with my gums – no more bleeding and no more loose teeth! My dentist can’t believe it either. I would highly recommend it.”
6. IMMUNE BOOSTER
Frankie says: “Probably the best liquid tonic we have had in our store for a long time is Dr. Wolz Zell Oxygen ImmunKomplex. It is incredible for boosting the immune system, with zinc and selenium and vitamin D too.”
Harvest Fare, Blessington, Co Wicklow
This issue owner-manager Martha Brennan and assistants Mandy Doyle, Mary Brooks, Deirdre McNamara and Paula White test organic chocolate, olive leaf extract, elderberry syrup and a magnesium supplement:
1. VITAMIN C WITH MAGNESIUM
Martha says: “If there is one product I really need to have it is Biocare Magnesium Ascorbate. This form of vitamin C is great because it’s not acidic and therefore suits high dosing. It boosts my resistance to bugs and keeps me free of muscular aches and pains. The magnesium dose is significant too, and we can all do with more of that.”
2. JOINT SUPPORT
Mandy says: “Nova Joint Factor High Strength has made significant improvement to my previously sore knees. I love that it is vegetarian and I could not manage my very physically hectic lifestyle without it on an ongoing basis.”
3. OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT
Mary says: “Over the winter months I wouldn’t be without Comvita Olive Leaf Extract which has a strong antiviral and antibacterial activity. I take it on an ongoing basis during winter. I find it really helps to boost my energy and works brilliantly to fight off colds and ‘flu. It comes in both liquid and capsule form. I recently switched to the caps and find it easier to take the recommended three times a day.”
4. ELDERBERRY SYRUP
Paula says: “Pukka Elderberry Syrup is a wonderful immune tonic. A local fruit packed with vitamin C combined with manuka honey, thyme, licorice, ginger and horseradish for boosting circulation, soothing sore throats and tickly coughs – it is one of my favourite supplements for the season.”
5. MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENT
Deirdre says: Viridian High Potency Magnesium contains 300g of magnesium as oxide, citrate and bisglycinate. I take one morning and evening when anxious or stressed – it is great to help me get off to sleep and improve sleep quality. It is also very helpful in gently relieving constipation and keeping you regular. My husband is a cyclist and finds it helps prevent muscle fatigue.”
6. FACIAL OIL
Triona says: “Trilogy’s Rosehip Oil Antioxidant + is a beauty must. It’s a certified organic facial oil with a blend of five active ingredients – rosehip, tomato, açai, cranberry oil and oat extract. This suits all skin types, is hydrating, healing and softens your skin beautifully. You only need two or three drops massaged into skin twice a day.”
7. ORGANIC CHOCOLATE
Martha says: “Vivani Organic Chocolate is just delicious, especially their range of 50%, 75% and 92% cacoa sweetened only with coconut blossom nectar. They each hit a different spot for me and I can’t wait to try the new 99%.”
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