Nature's Way

We both take the Multivitamins too so across the Nature’s Way family, for us, it’s setting our kids up to have good habitsWe are so excited to announce that Guy & Jules Sebastian have joined Team Kids Smart as Nature’s Welcome on-board Jules & Guy, we are thrilled to have you as our ambassadors for Nature’s Way Kids Smart. What’s your favourite Nature’s Way Kids Smart product and why?

The important role protein plays in our body and why we need itThe important role protein plays in our body and why we need it Protein is arguably the most important nutrient required by the human body (except maybe water) as it vital for many important functions:Muscle mass and tone Muscles allow movement within the body; they connect to the bone via tendons and contract to create movement. To build muscle mass and tone, adequate protein intake is important to ensure muscle growth exceeds muscle breakdown (1). This is linked with higher rates of heart disease and high cholesterol levels, though lean animal cuts and plant-based proteins such as legumes, nuts, seeds, soy and whole grains may lead to lower blood pressure and LDL and total cholesterol levels (3).Bone Health Protein, calcium and Vitamin D are the key elements needed for strong bones. This is linked with higher rates of heart disease and high cholesterol levels, though lean animal cuts and plant-based proteins such as legumes, nuts, seeds, soy and whole grains may lead to lower blood pressure and LDL and total cholesterol levels (3).Bone Health Protein, calcium and Vitamin D are the key elements needed for strong bones.

It is important to consume enough dietary protein each day to meet our essential protein requirements. intake?The nutrient reference values (NRVs) for Australia and New Zealand recommended dietary intake (RDI) for protein is 0.84g/kg/day for men aged 19-70yrs of age and 0.75g/kg/day for a female aged 19-70yrs (1). Several studies have shown that as people age, they consume less protein (3, 4, 5, 6) and this is closely linked with reduced muscle strength and function. Healthy older people regardless of gender should consume at least 1.0-1.2g protein/kg/day to help limit the effects of sarcopenia and sustain muscle function and strength (3, 8).

Vitamin C, Zinc, Echinacea and your ImmunityMay is often a time to think about your immune system and what you can do for it to help ward off infection during the cold and flu season. It is found in phagocytic cells (cells that protect the body by ingesting harmful foreign particles) and natural killer cells, thus helping to boost our immune systems response when an infection if present. Research has not proven that Vitamin C can prevent you catching a cold, but there is evidence doses greater than 200mg per day can decrease the length and severity of a cold or flu. As always, as well as boosting your intake of Vitamin C, Zinc and Echinacea, a healthy diet including a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, wholegrains and lean protein should be followed to support an optimal immune system.