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Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast Alabama Mississippi

Healthful Observations from a Health Food Store Manager

Feb 28, 2022 09:31AM ● By Kenny Hardin
The month of March in southeastern Alabama is worth the wait. With azaleas, baby blue skies and 70-degree temperatures, it’s no wonder snowbirds flock here.

March also brings to realization the results of those resolutions set at the beginning of the year. Some folks are well into a routine that has yielded success; some have given up. But it’s never too late to start working on health goals, and every day is a new opportunity to start a more health-conscious lifestyle.

Five to ten years ago in health food stores, the March goal was attaining a beach body. These days, the trend is toward immune protection. There are many ways to go about strengthening and maintaining a healthy immune system. The simplest and often most effective method of improving health is eating clean foods. At Virginia’s and Fairhope Health Foods it is common for customers to request a pill, preferably a daily one, because it’s quick and easy. However, there are better options that are edible and just as simple as taking one pill.

 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.


Both Fairhope and Virginia’s Health Foods would like to welcome and assist anyone who is incorporating natural and alternative lifestyle changes. It has been said that you are what you eat. Whether it’s an apple a day or drinking more water, come to Fairhope or Virginia’s Health Foods where we strive to provide the healthiest foods and nutrition options for Mobile area and Eastern Shore customers.

Location: Fairhope Health Foods 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center in Fairhope. Virginia’s Health Foods 3055A Dauphin St. in Mobile. For more information call Fairhope Health Foods, 251-928-0644 or Virginia’s Health Foods, 251-479-3952 or visit VA-FairhopeHealthFoods.com.

 

 

 

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