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Malt extract, a derivative of the barley grain, has been used for centuries as a rich source of vitamins and minerals. This inexpensive super-food has been a household favourite to boost immune systems.

You may be wondering, well isn’t malt the stuff they use for brewing? You’re right! However barley, the grain, is only suitable for brewing once it has sprouted or malted. The liquid malt-extract-making process is one that consists of malted barley, water and high temperatures to make the thick, golden , nutrient-filled liquid.

Here are some of the great health benefits of this liquid supplement:

Bone Strength: Malt extract is enriched with vitamin D which is crucial to bone health. Its mineral content of: magnesium, iron, phosphorus and calcium, is vital for strengthening bones.
Enriches Blood: Iron is an essential mineral in maintaining the body’s blood system. The concentration of iron in malt extract renders it a beneficial source for blood support.
Skin and Vision: Vitamin B-2 (riboflavin), found in malt extract, assists with maintaining healthy skin and good vision.
High in antioxidants: according to research, malt extract is packed with more antioxidants than most sugars (including white sugar and corn syrup). Antioxidants are needed by the body to eradicate cell-destroying agents in the body.
Energy Booster: Malt extract has a high vitamin B content, which stimulates energy levels. These B-vitamins assist in providing the body with satiety and sustained energy.

Malt extract presents a variety of health and immunity-boosting properties. Moderation is key when it comes to this food supplement, given its high caloric content. Malt is best used as a ‘once in a while’ energy booster or sweetener. Remember, all things in moderation for a truly holistic health experience.

Sources

Livestrongcom. 2019. LIVESTRONGCOM. [Online]. [10 June 2019]. Available from: https://www.livestrong.com/article/497215-the-benefits-of-malt-extract-beverages/
Robinson, . 2019. Natural Pedia Com. [Online]. [10 June 2019]. Available from: malt-extract-sources-health-risks.html
Victoria lambert. 2019. Telegraphcouk. [Online]. [10 June 2019]. Available from: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/children/8971466/Just-a-spoonful-of-malt-extract-could-banish-winter-sniffles.html

Winter prep can be fun, colder weather doesn’t have to mean dreary weather! Who doesn’t enjoy the smell of soup on the stove or snuggling up in a thick blanket with a steaming cup of tea? Sounds like winter time bliss!

Now is the time to gear up for the colder months. Colder weather means your body will be working overtime to keep you warm, thus your immune system will become vulnerable to colds and flu. So, if you’re planning on keeping the sniffles at bay this winter, be sure to read on:

Vitamin C

Oranges, lemons and apples are all packed with Vitamin C, an essential immune-boosting vitamin that will keep you ready to face even the harshest of cold and flu seasons! Be sure to stock up on oranges this winter and pack a few slices for lunch or a midday snack.

Winter Pro Tip: Boil water, add a squeeze of lemon and fresh, grated ginger with a teaspoon of raw honey, drink twice daily. Your immune system will thank you.

Keep Hydrated

When the cooler weather starts settling in, it may be a bit difficult to keep track of your water intake as we opt for warm beverages like tea and coffee over drinking water. Nevertheless, your body needs to keep hydrated to flush out toxins , to regulate your body temperature and of course, to keep your immune system in check.

Winter Pro Tip: Opt for warm or room temperature water in a flask (instead of ice cold water) to drink throughout the day. Also, begin and end each day with a warm mug of water. That’s two glasses, out of eight, down!

Soup, glorious soup!

Is there anything more glorious than a thick, vegetable-packed mug of soup? Highly doubt there is. A pot of soup’s greatest feature is the amount veggies and herbs(that are no doubt great for your tummy and your immune system) that can can be plopped right in with all the other delicious ingredients. Winter time means bouts of overeating as your body is using up a lot of energy ( that it gets from the food you eat) to keep you warm and to keep you flu-free.

Winter Pro Tip: Instead of snacking on junk food when you’re feeling peckish, why not do some food prep over the weekend and make a large pot of hearty vegetable soup that can be stored in the freezer and warmed up through out the week. The soup will keep you warm, healthy and satisfied!

Winter time can be a fun and refreshing season if you’re proactive rather than reactive when it comes to dealing with colds and flu. With just a few helpful tips and lifestyle adjustments you can learn to enjoy the cold without the coughs and sniffles!

-To Healthy & Happy Living!

Sources

Summit Medical Group; Stay Hydrated in Winter; Feb 24, 2016; Abigail Meisel; itmedicalgroup.com/news/living-well/stay-hydrated-cold-weather/
WebMD; The Benefits of Vitamin C; Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD ; https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-benefits-of-vitamin-c#1