SUPER SMOOTHIES

Up your smoothie game with a dose of açai and guarana. A berry endemic to Brazil, açai is rich in antioxidants, a great source of fibre, low in sugar
and nutrient dense. This Amazonian fruit known as guarana, has been used for centuries by Brazilian tribes for its healing and energy-boosting properties. The super fruit also carries natural caffeine which can be twice as more potent than a coffee bean and contains more antioxidants than green tea! It is often used to aid in weight loss, enhance performance and reduce mental and physical fatigue. Actor and entrepreneur Fabio Ide recently launched Açaí Vibe, a frozen soft serve made from fresh açai berries and guarana fruit that can be easily incorporated into smoothies, used as a base for smoothie bowls or even eaten as it is like a healthy alternative to ice cream. “Our açai tastes best with fresh fruits such as berries, banana, mango and kiwi,” shares Ide. “To enhance the taste, we also suggest tossing in some granola, coconut flakes and hemp and chia seeds.”

@acaivibeph; @fabioideofficial

VERY VEGGIE

Despite being nutrient dense, vegetables have long been regarded as a side dish, a culinary afterthought. Today, however, they are more and more in the spotlight. Juana Manahan Yupangco, founder of the plant-based movement Mesa Ni Misis, published her first cookbook with the same name. Taking inspiration from global cuisine, she brings to life local and sustainable vegetarian dishes that deserve to be the main course.

@mesanimisis; mesanimisis.com

CONSCIOUS CLOTHING

How often do we really think about where our leggings come from? Those cute coord tights you’ve been wearing could be potentially contributing to the devastation of the planet. What most people don’t know is that most activewear is made from synthetic materials, primarily virgin polyester derived from petroleum, treated with harmful chemicals and is, in essence, made from plastic. The production alone has a significant negative impact on air quality and water pollution, plus with the rising trend of athleisure every day, it is the new fast fashion, often ending up polluting our planet for years to come. Fortunately, there are more and more conscious options in the market either made from all-natural materials like Tencel lyocell or made from recycled plastic. Check out brands like Indigo Luna, Outdoor Voices or local brand, Groove Activewear which is made from recycled polyester and Global Recycle Standard and Oeko Tex Standard 100 certified. Each piece is equivalent to about 20 to 30 plastic bottles! Do bear in mind that the most sustainable option is to wear and re-wear your pieces for as long as possible!

@grooveactivewear

CBD

Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, is a cannabinoid derived from marijuana. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), another cannabinoid, CBD does not produce any of the “high” normally associated with the consumption of the plant. More and more countries have begun to legalise the use of medical marijuana as science and research have proven it’s efficacity in dealing with different kinds of ailments. Known to work wonders as an anti-seizure for patients with epilepsy, CBD has also been prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders, chronic pain and even incorporated as part of cancer treatment with studies showing that it may inhibit cancer cell growth. The benefits of CBD oil have even transgressed into the realm of beauty with face oils and other skincare products made with the cannabinoid. Reducing inflammation, it helps control acne and improves stressed out skin. While marijuana for recreational use is still illegal in the Philippines, Congress passed House Bill 6571 or the Act Providing Compassionate and Right of Access to Medical Cannabis and Expanding Research into its Medicinal Properties and for Other Purposes on January 29, 2019. CBD and hempseed oil derived products are still unauthorised for import or sale in the country. However, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director General Undersecretary Arturo Cacdac Jr recognises that “the benefits outweigh the risks”, a step in a more accepting direction.

Adaptogens

Adaptogens are non-toxic plants that help the body regulate its hormonal system, allowing it to respond better to stress. Used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, these herbs, roots and fungi interact with the adrenal system and are said to help the body cope with mental and physical fatigue. Ginseng, Ashwaganda, Cordyceps, Maca, Rhodiola rosea, Holy Basil and our local Moringa are some of the more popular adaptogens in the market, claiming to have a host of benefits including boosting your immune system, reducing cortisol levels, promoting healthier sleep patterns, improving mental performance and reducing exhaustion. As with any supplements, consult with your doctors first.

@thehealthygrocery 

Gut Health

Containing trillions of good bacteria, a healthy gut microbiome is not only necessary for proper digestion; it has been proven to communicate directly with the nervous and hormonal systems, contributing to your overall health, immunity and wellbeing. A combination of probiotics (good microorganisms) and prebiotics
(a type of fibre that can’t be digested by the body but serves as food for the probiotics) both are highly recommended to keep the balance.

Macky Fäh, jeweller and an adamant advocate of good gut health, shares her protocol. “Every morning I make myself a prebiotic shake. Usually with banana, pineapple and flax seed. Sometimes I add kiwi, grapes or berries when available. Then I follow it up with some probiotics usually in the form of kombucha or a tea made with Hindy Weber’s fermented honey. About once or twice a week I add some steeped Mexican mint* into this for its detoxing effects.”

@mackyfah; @hindyweber

*Mexican mint: Also known as Cuban oregano or Indian borage, a hardy plant that promotes sweating and is said to help detoxify the body, optimise digestion, improve skin quality and even ease arthritis pain.

Read also: Style Profile: Macky Fäh