Tag Archives: vegan

Featured Brand – NutraGen™

NutragenSusan Brown Health and Wellness Editor

 

 

Professional Supplement Center is pleased to announce the addition of NutraGen™, a line of organic, whole food, eco-friendly products manufactured in the U.S.A. In keeping with their commitment to optimal wellness, healthy aging and a healthier planet, only carefully selected synergistic, scientifically proven raw materials are utilized to formulate products of uncompromised quality and purity. All products are researched, designed and formulated by doctors and certified clinical nutritionists and have been clinically researched, tested and published in well respected medical journals. Every aspect of production from formulation to finished products is closely monitored in their certified organic facility in accordance with good manufacturing practices.

Video NutraGEN

All products are gluten, soy, dairy and egg free and are formulated with Non-GMO, organic vegan ingredients. These eco-friendly packaged formulas are available solely through healthcare professionals.

Pure Plant Protein - Organic, Creamy VanillaPure Plant Protein™This creamy, vanilla flavored, premium plant protein mix is formulated with a blend of organic plant proteins, including pea, brown rice, flax and quinoa, plus additional plant enzymes and whole fruits in support of overall wellness. The formula is designed to strengthen the immune and digestive systems, reduce inflammation, increase lean muscle mass, aid muscle recovery and support glucose control and weight management. This low carb, low sugar formula provides 21 g of exceptional quality protein per serving.

Pure Greens Organic Superfood - MintPure Greens™ Organic Superfood – Formulated with pure, certified organic ingredients, this great tasting greens powder is expertly crafted with a perfect balance of green grasses, vegetables, fruits, herbs and plant foods and provides vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes, fiber and probiotics. Pure Greens™ is formulated to support whole body wellness and healthy aging and for cardiovascular, immune, digestive, glucose and liver support. Available in Fresh Mint and Crispy Apple flavors.

Pure Digestion Plus Organic Fiber - UnflavoredPure Digestion Plus™ – This organic, unflavored digestive and fiber powder is scientifically formulated with a broad spectrum of soluble and insoluble fibers, digestive enzymes and probiotics in support of healthy digestion, normal blood glucose levels and bowel regularity. This formula helps to reduce abdominal discomfort including pain, cramping and bloating.

Pure Ωomega Plus Omega-3 Fish Oil - Citrus/MangoPure Ωomega Plus™ – This formula combines the benefits of omega-3 essential fatty acids with Curcupure™ ( certified organic turmeric), Astalife™( astaxanthin) and vitamin D3 in support of healthy cognitive function, a healthy response to inflammation, and for bone, joint, and immune system support. Trusorb™ advanced delivery provides for superior absorption. Guaranteed purity and potency. Natural citrus-mango flavor.

The Vegan Lifestyle

VeganBy Jacquie Eubanks BSN, RN

A vegetarian diet eschews meat, fish and poultry.  Veganism excludes all dietary animal products including dairy, eggs, gelatin and even honey.  Strict vegans will not only avoid eating animal products, they will also refuse to use any animal based product such as leather, wool, fur, down or silk.  Vegans may also make an effort to avoid using goods such as soap, cosmetics, and toiletries that can contain animal oils or secretions or that may have used animal testing in development of their products.  Veganism encompasses a philosophy which, in addition to diet and lifestyle, includes an environmental, ethical and equitable relationship between humans, and other living creatures. 

A vegan diet gives a whole new meaning to the term, “Eat your vegetables.”  In addition to shunning seafood and meat, vegans also avoid white sugar, beer, white bread and animal fats.  The key to this heart healthy diet is to enjoy a variety of foods.  A vegan diet includes plenty of leafy greens, all grains, beans, legumes, soy, nuts, vegetables, and fruits and the infinite number of foods that can be made by combining them.  The diet is restrictive so it can be challenging to get all the nutrients you need on a daily basis. 

Studies show that vegans tend to eat fewer calories, weigh less and have a lower body mass index than their meat-eating peers.  A vegan diet is considered one of the best at keeping cholesterol levels and blood pressure under control, and reducing the risks of developing heart disease and diabetes.  Beans, legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables contain no cholesterol, are low in saturated fats and salt, and are high in fiber, promoting good digestion.  A vegan diet takes careful planning but you can forget about calorie counting.  Pay special attention to the following nutrients:

  • CalciumEat sufficient quantities of dark green leafy vegetables such as collards and kale and include calcium-rich fortified products such as juice, soy milk and tofu. 
  • Iodine –  A vegan diet can be deficient in iodine.  Certain foods such as soybeans and sweet potatoes increase the risk of developing a goiter.  Be sure to include about 1/4 teaspoon of iodized salt daily. 
  • Iron – Because iron from plant sources is not readily absorbed, the recommended intake is higher for those following a vegan diet.  In order to help your body absorb iron, combine foods rich in vitamin C, such as strawberries, cabbage and broccoli, with foods rich in iron, such as beans, whole grains and dried fruit.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids Diets that do not include fish and eggs are generally low in omega-3s.  Walnuts, ground flax seeds and soybeans are good sources.  However, as plant-based omega-3s are difficult for the human body to convert to usable forms, fortified products and supplements should be considered. 
  • Protein – Plant based foods can provide enough protein as long as a variety is eaten each day.  Soy products, legumes, nuts and meat substitutes are good plant sources of protein.   
  • Vitamin B-12 –  This vitamin is found almost exclusively in animal products.  In order to avoid deficiency, vitamin supplements and fortified products should be considered.
  • Vitamin D –  Check fortified food labels to be sure you are getting enough vitamin D.  A vitamin D supplement derived from plants may be necessary.
  • Zinc –  Plant-sourced zinc is not as readily absorbable as zinc found in animal products.  Plant sources include whole grains, soy products, legumes and nuts.

If you are currently considering following a vegan diet, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor and a dietitian.  Ramp up slowly.  Start by increasing the number of meatless meals each week.  Eliminate meat and substitute vegan foods such as beans or tofu in your favorite recipes.  Try adding more ethnic foods.  Indian food, for example, contains many vegan and vegetarian dishes.  Branch out and explore new cuisines.  The more variety you bring to your vegan diet, the greater your chances of meeting all your nutritional needs. 

B-12 1000 mcg by Now Foods –  Chewable vegetable-sourced lozenge with natural fruit flavors. Contains no wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, shellfish or preservatives. 

Brown Rice Protein (Mixed Berry Flavor) by Jarrow Formulas –  This protein concentrate is specially processed to provide a complete amino acid profile, providing a vegetarian/vegan protein alternative.   Made with non-GMO organic brown rice protein and natural berry flavors. 

Vegan Vitamin D3 2500 IU by Metabolic Response Modifier –  MRM Vegan Vitamin D3 is a unique micro-encapsulated Cholecalciferol form of Vitamin D3 that is extracted exclusively from lichens  to meet calcium and bone health needs of both vegans and vegetarians.

Flax Seed Oil Capsules Organic Cold Pressed by Ortho Molecular –  One serving contains 1000 mg of linolenic and alpha-linolenic essential omega-3 fatty acids.