Healthful Observations from a Health Food Store Manager
Feb 28, 2022 09:31AM ● By Kenny Hardin

One great
product is Spirulina. Emerald green in pigmentation, Spirulina is a highly
nutritious species of algae, characterized as blue-green. This superfood is
rich in vitamins that boost the body’s white blood cells and produce antibodies
that attack and eradicate viruses and bacteria. It is retailed as a loose
powder in tablets or capsules and as liquid tinctures. There has been a growth
in Spirulina sales lately as people are discovering it to be an excellent
addition to their supplementation.

Honey is one
more great immune booster, along with being a tasty snack or complement to many
savory and sweet dishes. Fairhope and Virginia’s Health Foods carry several
varieties of honey. Some are local while others, such as Manuka, are harvested
from around the world. Sourced out of Australia and New Zealand, Manuka has
antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be ingested and applied
topically. When taken internally, it can remedy the effects of esophageal
damage caused by certain digestive disorders. Externally, when applied to
topical wounds such as cuts and exposed sores, Manuka can expedite connective
tissue repair. Like Spirulina, Manuka is becoming increasingly popular.

Aloe Vera
is another food available at Fairhope and Virginia’s Health Foods that can do
wonders for the body. It’s available in whole leaf form in the produce section
or as a drink in both juice and gel varieties. Rich in polysaccharides
(carbohydrates such as starch that assist in binding sugars together), Aloe
Vera is an antioxidant, digestive aid, immune booster, pH balancer and cosmetic
aid for skin moisturizing in both dermal and subdermal healing.