Tattie Hoaker, Roscommon town
Manager/director Maureen Brosnan, secretary/director John Brennan and sales advisor Tara Beirne review organic kefir, a joint support, fish oil and multivitamins
1. FISH OIL
Maureen says: “I take Eskimo-3 oil every day. It has great benefits for my joints as I enjoy set dancing and line dancing. I also find it great for my skin and hair.”
2. ENERGY BOOSTER
John says: “I take a One Nutrition supplement from Naturalife Health. It gives me great energy and I feel good on it. There are lots of different ones including Ocean pH, L-glutamine, Power Greens and D3-MAX.”
3. JOINT SUPPORT
Maureen says: “Natures Plus Vitamin D3 with K2 vegetarian capsules are good for bone health and calmness. These vitamins are also good for maintaining energy levels.”
4. ORGANIC KEFIR
John says: “I find Blakes Always Organic Kefir great for gut health. It’s high in protein, calcium and vitamin D. It’s part of my daily routine, boosts my immunity and it tastes lovely too. Blakes are based in Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim. They add a live culture of bacteria to local milk to make this delicious fermented drink.”
5. LIQUID MULTIVITAMIN
Tara says: “Natures Plus Source of Life Gold Liquid really helps my energy levels. I feel it has a very comprehensive set of nutrients and the tasty liquid formula is really convenient.”
Wholesome Health, Co Wexford
Owner and store manager Maeve O’Callaghan, nutritional advisor Mayumi Nakabayashi and systematic kinesiologist, nutrition, health and lifestyle coach Niamh Roche test local honey, Fair Trade gifts, coconut oil, a healing balm and energy drink
1. ENERGY DRINK
Maeve says: “I take Terranova Life Drink when I know I’m going to be extra busy or if I’m feeling run down. I feel my energy rise within a few days. It’s full of freeze-dried green food and fruits which are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C. It also contains omegas, probiotics and digestive enzymes so I know I am ticking all the boxes in one easy to take drink.”
2. LOCAL HONEY
Mayumi says: “As local as it can get! Gerald’s Honey comes from just up the road. The bees nurtured by Gerald and his family in the lush countryside produce the most fragrant honey. Eating local honey is a great way to connect with the land we live in.”
3. HERB HEALING BALM
Maeve says: “Wild Herb Elixirs Healing balm is an essential in our house. It’s made locally by herbalist Phil Walsh and has beautiful natural healing ingredients including calendula, lavender, rose petals and beeswax. Phil is also a reiki practioner and even adds some healing to the mix when making the balm.”
4. FLOWER REMEDIES
Niamh says: “Bush Flower remedies are my go-to not just for my clients, but for myself too. They offer a wide range of remedies to help with emotional and physical demands brought on by 21st century living. I have seen amazing results very quickly and I love that they do not interfere with medications and are safe for everyone to use.”
5. COCONUT OIL
Mayumi says: “I thought, as long as it’s organic and cold pressed, there isn’t much difference in coconut oils... until I tasted Dr Bonner’s coconut oil! The flavour exceeds any other coconut oil I ever tasted before. It smells and tastes like a pure treat. I use it to take off my make-up and to protect my hair from the heat before a blow-dry, too.”
6. FAIR TRADE FAIRIES
Maeve says: “These little ladies really caught my heart. They are handmade in India by 11 wonderful women with 50% of the profits going back into the local community. There is a fairy for every occasion including best friend fairy, grandmother fairy, thank you fairy and many more. They all come with a lovely quote or saying and make the perfect gift. They have become very popular with children and adults and have gained quite a following here in Gorey.”
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