Exercise, higher brain function, alertness, caring for your skin, staying healthy, and preventing disease are all things that have this in common…the need for B-vitamins.

What Are B-Vitamins?

B-vitamins are water-soluble vitamins (a complex group of chemically distinct vitamins) that are crucial for normal cell metabolism, which is necessary for many normal body functions, like: metabolising calories to create energy, cell division, strengthening immunities to fight off invading viruses and bacteria, repairing skin cells, providing muscles with what they need to secure tone, helping to replenish red blood cells, and enhancing neurological functions like alertness, cognation, and memory.

B-vitamins can be taken in a supplement, usually a B-Complex (all B-vitamins) supplement, or they can be ingested by eating foods that contain B-vitamins, such as:
• Red meat
• Poultry
• Tuna
• Molasses
• Whole grains
• Bananas
• Beans
• Lentils
• Chili peppers
• Nutritional yeasts

What is B-Vitamin Deficiency?

Because B-vitamins are water-soluble they must be replenished daily as most B-vitamins that aren’t used within the body are flushed out in the urine. Not getting enough B-vitamins (B-vitamins deficiency) can cause conditions associated with poor cell function. These conditions include:
• Acne
• Depression
• Dermatitis
• Mental confusion
• Diarrhea
• Swelling in the mouth
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Weakness

And in extreme cases:
• Memory loss
• Paralysis
• Mania
• Psychosis
• Birth defects

Creating a healthy diet that includes a daily intake of B-vitamins will help you stay healthy, remain alert, and burn calories. Further information on vitamin supplements can be found at
myprotein.com – a trusted online sports nutrition store established over 10 years. Myprotein is an approved member of ESSNA the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance, with the best prices on discounted supplements.

The old saying ‘you are what you eat’ is very true- if you fill up on unhealthy meals and snacks you’re likely to feel lethargic, bloated and unhealthy.  It’s never been more important to look after your health, especially seeing as the last decade has seen a dramatic surge in obesity and diabetes.  Some people blame their health problems on the fact that healthy food can be more expensive than buying junk food; however this doesn’t have to be the case.  You can buy healthy food at eat out at restaurants for reasonable prices.   Here is a guide on how to eat more healthily, for less…

Eating Out? Go for the healthy option…

Just because you’re going out to eat doesn’t mean that you have to have three stodgy courses topped off with a bottle of wine and a cappuccino.  Every course means that the calories are mounting up, and it doesn’t do much good to your bank balance either!  When eating out, always be aware of the little touches that the restaurant will make to what seem like healthy dishes, like salad dressing, grated cheese or the addition of bread.  This is what makes the meal more calorific.  If this restaurant is good enough it will cater to your needs, so just ask them to make things plain, or go for the healthier option, for example, jacket potato instead of fries.  To eat out for less, always do a search online for any restaurant vouchers that may be available- you could bag yourself a massive discount.

Buy Locally

In the age of convenience, it’s so easy to simply go to the one store and do your complete weekly shop there.  Supermarkets stock such a big variety of stock under one roof, even clothing, so it’s possible to only use the one shop for a variety of purchases.  Unfortunately, supermarkets are nor the cheapest option, or the greenest option.  Your home town is likely to have a butchers and an independent fruit and veg shop.  These outlets are cheaper to buy from for a number of reasons.  The main reason is that their produce is likely to be local, meaning that it has cost less money to hit the shelves.  Also, these shops do not waste materials and cut right back on packaging, meaning that your food can be bought for less.  This means that you can buy healthy fruit and veg as well as lean meat for a considerable amount less than in the supermarkets.  But simply changing where you shop you can become healthier and richer all at once.

Cut Back on Meat

Meat is probably the most expensive item on anyone’s shopping list. Also, you can have too much red meat which can give you a higher chance of developing heart problems.  So make your body and wallet happier by opting for dishes that don’t contain meat.  Dishes like pasta, soup and stir fry’s don’t need meat to be tasty- just add a load of veggies and their flavour will shine through.

Don’t Waste Food

UK households waste an average (but growing) £10.2 billion per year by throwing away perfectly edible food. This is a shocking figure, especially seeing as we’ve seen the price of food grow steadily over the course of the recession.  Create a food plan before you go shopping and stick to the list.  Only buy things that can be used in a number of different dishes, and make sure your timetable will ensure that you use all of the food you buy.

Drink Tap Water

Many families and couples spend a small fortune on fizzy drinks, squash and alcoholic drinks each week, when there is a cheaper and healthier option at home in your kitchen.  Government guidelines say that we should be drinking up to 8 glasses of water per day, and the pros of being hydrated shouldn’t be compromised- look forward to higher concentration levels, clearer skin and more energy.  Put those bottles of sugar laden soft drinks and reach for the tap, and save yourself some money.

A restaurants vouchers article, written by Rachael Miller at moneysupermarket.com

Follow these tips to help keep your brain—and your body—vibrant and healthy throughout your life…

Do:

• Exercise your body regularly and get involved in physically active leisure pursuits
• Keep your mind exercised! Engage in active learning throughout life and pursue new experiences
• Stay socially engaged with friends, family and community groups
• Maintain a positive attitude and a sense of control over your life
• Take steps to manage stress
• Eat a balanced diet, and focus on brain-healthy foods that are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, and consider taking a multivitamin supplement that includes antioxidants and folate
• Mind your numbers: Lose any extra pounds, lower your cholesterol if it is high, and keep your blood glucose and blood pressure under control
• Get adequate sleep
• Get proper medical attention and treatment for any underlying health problems

Don’t:

• Drink to excess, smoke, or use illicit drugs
• Ignore sudden changes in mental status (but don’t be overly concerned about normal slips of memory like forgetting names or where you put the keys)
• Avoid going to the doctor if you notice changes in your physical or mental health
• Overlook the possibility of drug interactions that can affect mental functioning, especially if you are taking more than one prescription medication
• Become isolated in your home
• Think you’re too old to take up something new!