Healthy Product News

New Calcium Supplement Derived from Algae

Report by Julia Woodford

According to the manufacturer of a new product called Bone Strength – Take Care, coming to a health food store near you in September, evidence suggests that calcium from whole food sources may produce more favourable effects on bone health than isolated calcium supplements.

Similar to most nutrients, the body can utilize calcium much more effectively when it is paired with its natural co-factors such as magnesium and other trace minerals. New Chapter, a high quality American formulator of vitamin supplements, has now created a calcium complex derived from whole food that delivers these key essential nutrients in their safest, most active form within the infinite complexity of whole food.

The most common form of calcium supplement today is derived from limestone.

On the other hand, Bone Strength – Take Care is made from AlgaeCal®, a proprietary plant source of calcium that is more bioavailable than limestone sources. More specifically, one serving size (3 tablets/3000mg) of the product contains: Vitamin D 800 IU; Vitamin K 80 mcg; Calcium (from Algae) 685 mg; Magnesium (from Algae) 200 mg; AlgaeCal® Powder 2400 mg (from Algae); Strontium (from Algae) 5 mg; Silica (from Algae) 2 mg; and Vanadium (from Algae) 60 mcg.

Nutrients are cultured in organic media that may contain: organic milled soy, organic yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) a natural source of PABA and SOD, organic maltodextrin, organic gum acacia, organic orange and lemon peel - natural sources of bioflavonoids, organic carrot powder, organic alfalfa powder, enzymes and Lactobacilli (L. acidophilus, L. bifidus, L. rhamnosus).

Other ingredients in the formula are: Organic barley grass, modified cellulose, silica and fermented soy.

The calcium complex in Bone Strength – Take Care™ is derived from a special form of plant called Algas Calcareas (AlgaeCal®) that is harvested from the pristine shores of a protected national reserve park in South America. Much like the vegetables from an organic garden, the algae is harvested live and then cold processed to retain its nutritional value. Calcium must be completely dissolved in order to be absorbed. The plant-based calcium found in this product is porous, which increases the calcium’s surface area. Stomach acid can then come into greater contact with the calcium, making it easy to dissolve.

In addition to the whole-food source of calcium and magnesium, they have also added other bone-nourishing nutrients to complete the food complex. Vitamin K is an essential co-factor in calcium absorption and retention. Human cell proteins that don’t get enough Vitamin K can’t hold onto calcium, causing this critical nutrient to drift away from the bone. Vitamin K-2, sourced from fermented whole food, gently redirects “lost” calcium back into the bone bank. Vitamin D completes the complex. Numerous studies have found that Vitamin D aids bone support and function.

Suggested Use: Take 3 tablets with 8 oz. of water in the middle of a larger meal. For best results, take one tablet with lunch and two tablets with dinner, daily.

For more information, contact the Canadian distributor, Advantage Health Matters, at (905) 946-1011, 1-800-304-1497, email: info@advantagehealthmatters.com, or view their website at www.advantagehealthmatters.com, also www.newchapter.com

 

It’s All Good – Gourmet Vegetarian Foods

Report by Rob Ferraz

Being a vegetarian is easier now than it ever has been. Most grocery stores stock a decent supply of meat-free alternatives as do restaurants. And the trend is becoming popular as more and more people realize it’s not only healthier, but it doesn’t promote environmental destruction the way meat production does.

It’s All Good foods has created a new line of gourmet veggie foods that will likely please even the staunchest of meat eaters. The core ingredients are: Water, soy protein, wheat protein, tomato paste, natural flavours, yeast extract, modified cellulose, potato starch, expeller pressed canola oil, sea salt, pea protein, carrot fibre, organic beet root fibre, vinegar, spices, organic evaporated cane juice, natural colour, red bell pepper flakes, citric acid, vitamins and minerals (thiamine hydrochloride (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacinamide (B3), pyridoxine hydrochloride (B6), cyanocobalamine (B12), calcium pantothenate, ferric orthophosphate, zinc oxide, magnesium oxide, dipotassium phosphate). They’re made in a facility that also handles egg and dairy products which may turn off some hardcore vegans. According to the package they are “slow-cooked to have the authentic taste and texture of premium, lean meat”.

It may seem like a bold claim, but they do come quite close to replicating meat in terms of texture and taste, but without the guilt. Their Chick’In Breasts won this year’s Canadian Grand Prix New Product award in the Produce category as chosen by consumers, food editors, dieticians, and other experts.

They also score points when it comes to preparation, which is designed for those who are either really busy or don’t like cooking. You can whip them up in the frying pan, microwave or use the “boil in a bag” method. Whatever way you choose, it’s done in a couple of minutes.

There are six different options available including: Veggie Chick’n Breasts in Herb Dijon Marinade or Tuscan Tomato Marinade, Veggie Chick’n Filets in a zesty lemon herb rub or Mediterranean herb+spice rub, and either lightly seasoned veggie beef or chick’n strips.

One of the other interesting things about this product line is that it’s almost all modeled after chicken, something that has been somewhat lacking in the faux meat market. It’s easy to formulate a veggie beef item because the spices are what gives real beef most of its flavour, not the beef itself. And if you don’t believe that, try cooking up some beef without adding anything to it, not even salt and you’ll see for yourself.

Creating a veggie chicken is a tough prospect but It’s All Good has done a nice job of it.

If you’re a longtime vegetarian/vegan, a newbie, or someone who’s looking to cut some of the meat out of your diet, you’ll find something tasty with these.

It’s All Good foods are available in select health food stores in Ontario and in Toronto, including: Noah’s on Bloor, Essence of Life, Whole Foods and others. For more information see http://www.itsallgoodfoods.com

 

Seabuckthorn comes to ontario

Press Release

Seabuckthorn International is pleased to announce their new relationship with health products distributor Axel Kraft International, who will be representing SI’s line of skincare and nutritional products in Ontario.

Starting with a launch at the Canadian Health Food Association’s Expo East in Toronto September 6-9, 2007, Axel Kraft International Ltd. (http://www.axelkraft.com/) will be introducing Seabuckthorn International’s full line of healing and anti-aging personal care and nutritional products to Ontario retailers. SII’s moisturizers, cleansers, hair care and supplements are made with the nutritional and healing powerhouse seabuckthorn, which contains over 200 micronutrients, including anti-oxidants and omega fatty acids, and has a proven record of treating intractable skin conditions.

Axel Kraft International Ltd., an international distributor of health and body care products, was founded by owner Axel Kraft in Ontario in 1982, and now distributes its carefully-selected catalogue of products across Canada and the U.S.

Seabuckthorn International has been manufacturing and selling seabuckthorn products since 2001, and as a Canadian company, building credibility has been a challenge even in Canada!

Ron Calmes, General Manager of Axel Kraft International, agrees. “It’s true, the time is right. Seabuckthorn International seems to be on everybody’s lips; everywhere we turn our vendors are asking about them. We understand Ontario and we understand premium skincare products, and it’s going to be great getting Canada excited about seabuckthorn.”

SBT Seabuckthorn products will be featured at the Axel Kraft International booth (P-15) at CHFA’s Expo East, taking place from September 6-9, 2007 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (http://www.chfa.ca).

Expo East is the largest Canadian conference and trade show for the natural health and products sector, ranking 31st out of the top 50 largest trade shows in Canada, according to U.S. industry publication, Tradeshow Week. Expo East brings together producers, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and retailers from all segments of the health consumables sector. Axel Kraft International is one of Expo East’s longest-running exhibitors.

SBT Seabuckthorn International (www.seabuckthorn.com) provides a complete line of skin care products and supplements utilizing the healing properties of seabuckthorn.

Look for them at a health food store near you.