Health and Beauty News

GETTING A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP

According to The Great British Bedtime Report, many of us either don’t sleep enough or have a poor quality of sleep. Apart from the obvious feeling of tiredness, it is well known that chronic lack of sleep increases your risk of developing heart disease, strokes and other conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes and obesity, claim researchers from the University of Warwick. Magnesium is required by the body to maintain a state of rest. Magnesium deficiency can lead to leg cramps, restless legs, stiffness and excess muscle tension, all of which can cause interrupted sleeping patterns and sleepless nights. MagnesiumOil Goodnight Spray from BetterYou, is enhanced with essential oils to promote deep relaxation, a sense of wellbeing and natural, peaceful sleep (RRP £12/ 100ml) while when dissolved in a body or foot bath these Magnesium Flakes (RRP £9.95/1kg) feed every cell and efficiently replace magnesium lost through modern diet and pressured lifestyles, providing you with the most relaxing 20 minutes you will ever spend!

COOKING WITH CHOCOLATE

Okay, we know this doesn’t sound like a healthy option, but stick with us. CHOC Chick has introduced Organic Raw Cacao Butter in the form of 3g cocoa bean shapes, making cacao butter as easy to fry and cook with as olive oil or coconut oil. It’s actually just as healthy, but requires only a small amount. Cooks can use a smaller quantity of raw cacao butter than coconut oil, yet still achieve the same results.

Cacao Butter is free from dairy, gluten and sugar and high in oleic acid, a heart healthy fat, known to reduce cholesterol and inflammation. And, just like coconut oil it’s not just for cooking with. It’s especially good for moisturising skin, hair and lips and, because of its anti-inflammatory properties, is particularly good for people with eczema, psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions. It’s also a powerful source of antioxidant flavanols, palmitic acid, stearic acid, magnesium, iron and vitamin E. We’re sold as at £4.99 per 100g bag, it’s exceptional value for money. Find at Holland & Barrett, Harvey Nichols & John Lewis.

A SPRING CLEAN

New Milton Washing Up Liquid (£3.99) is designed to ensure thorough cleaning of babies feeding equipment before sterilising. The transparent gel comes in a 500ml dispenser bottle with a pump to release a small amount of liquid, that when added to warm water, makes a luxurious white foam for cleaning a range of products, including babies’ bottles, teats, teethers, toys, breastpump components, breastfeeding accessories and family dishes. The foam is also easy to rinse off and free from fragrance, colouring and parabens.

All baby feeding equipment must be pre-cleaned to be sterilised effectively as milk often creates a white film on feeding equipment which can be difficult to remove and if left on bottles can create a dangerous breeding ground for bacteria to grow. Dermatologically tested and formulated for sensitive skin, it’s available now from Ocado and Sainsbury’s.

LETTING IT SHINE

We are so in love with ALFAPARF Milano’s Diamond Cristalli Liquidi (RRP £15/ 50ml). Bid farewell to dull hair as this little beauty adds illumination and softness to any hair type. In addition, it protects against humidity and the harsh external agents which leave the hair dull and brittle. Apply to damp hair for no more knots, before brushing for extreme detangling action and to lengths and ends at any time to prolong your blow-dry. A real hair styling gem!

HEALTH UPDATE HEALTH UPDATE

A recent study, published in UK medical journal The Lancet, has shown that taking multivitamins during pregnancy could help advance a child’s development by up to a whole school year by the time they are 9 to 12 years of age. The new study was carried out by an international team including Harvard University, the University of California and the University of Lancaster. Research found that along with early life nurturing, being a child of a mother who took multivitamins during pregnancy led to a boost in ‘procedural memory’, which is important for a range of activities including reading, arithmetic and understanding language. The Pregnacare range of pregnancy vitamins have been carefully developed to provide important nutritional support for both mother and the growing baby. Each pregnancy supplements includes the exact levels of 400mcg folic acid and 10 mcg vitamin D as advised by the UK Department of Health D during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Pregnacare RRP £6.35 (30 tablets).

 

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