AOk Drinks targets the “I want it yesterday” generation with a Christmas/Winter survival guide!
As we approach the traditional cold and flu season, Stuart Roberts, a naturopathic nutritionist and creator of AOk Drinks (www.aokdrinks.com), questions why we all assume catching a bug is inevitable, and suggests a new approach to combating seasonal aches and pains to help us survive Christmas indulgences.
“We live in an ‘I want it yesterday’ society. We demand convenience when it comes to our lifestyles, which also transcends into our approach to food, drink, health and nutrition. If we get a bout of flu, many of us accept this as part and parcel of the winter season, and take some medication to make us feel better as soon as possible,” says Stuart Roberts.
“However, we rarely take the time to consider how we can boost our immune system to protect us from everday illnesses. We don’t need to accept that we will get ill just because of the time of year. Small, gradual changes to the way we eat, drink and live our lives can add up to make a real difference as we approach Christmas, so you can enjoy the party season without feeling sluggish, tired, overweight and full of cold.
“There are no quick-fixes to health and nutrition, however, there are small steps that we can take that add up to massive changes in how we look and feel.”
AOk is a red grape, cherry, aloe vera and ginger drink, with a hint of vanilla. One 250ml bottle of AOk provides your daily recommendation of antioxidants (nutritionists recommend 3000-5000 per day and AOk contains 3,600) and just 145k cal. Stuart created the drink in 2008 to provide a synergistic combination of antioxidant packed ingredients. Designed to meet consumer demands for healthy convenience, the drink is a tasty alternative to mainstream flavours and offers an original flavour.
Stuart Roberts says: “Antioxidants are vital in our diets. With most things, consistency makes the difference. Eating our five a day, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly in the fresh air, and consuming your recommended amount of antioxidants (which can help prevent injury and muscle soreness after exercise too) will all add up to make you look and feel better over time.”
“Sleep is also important, as this is when your body carries out some of its most important repair and maintenance work. Ahead of the Christmas party season it is worth putting in plan in place to help you look and feel better. There is a tradition of putting off healthy eating and exercise until the New Year, but this is not the best time to jump into a major change in lifestyle and eating habits. Instead, gradual changes ahead of Christmas can help your body prepare and survive the inevitable indulgences.”
Getting to grips with antioxidants…
Antioxidants are established as a marketing buzzword in the food and drink industry but they remain a confusing concept for the majority of us. We know they’re good for us, but we’re not entirely sure why. Stuart Roberts, creator of AOk Drinks and naturopathic nutritionist, is on a mission to clear the confusion and dispel the myths surrounding antioxidants.
What are antioxidants?
Our bodies are equipped with special antioxidant substances that, in conjunction with antioxidants from fresh fruit and vegetables, help to neutralise the harmful effects of free radicals.
What are free radicals?
Free radicals are highly active and dangerous chemical groups that are unavoidable. Every day our bodies are exposed to vast numbers of free radicals. Their destructive actions on the body are known as oxidation (hence the name antioxidant).
What are ORAC units?
The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) test is one of the main industry standard tests for antioxidant strength. AOk scored 3,600 ORAC units per 250ml in an independent laboratory test. Nutritionists recommend we consume 3,000 to 5,000 ORAC units per day.
How are free radicals produced?
In many ways: every breath you take creates free radicals from chemical residues of oxygen used by your body. Excessive exposure to the sun’s UV rays, pollution, viruses, consuming certain foods, and even aerobic exercise can result in free radical production.
Why?
Free radicals play a role in the development of many diseases as a result of the degeneration of body tissues. This tissue degeneration contributes towards ageing and can lead to diseases including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Antioxidants are required to counteract the negative effects of free radicals.
Where?
Antioxidants can be found in natural foods including red grapes, cherries, blackberries, beans (such as kidney, pinto, red and black), blueberries, broccoli, garlic and green tea. AOk provides the recommended amount of antioxidants in one 250ml bottle, which complements a diet rich in fresh and natural fruit and vegetables. The drink was created by Stuart Roberts to provide an optimal combination of antioxidants in a convenient form.
When?
You can start today! “I’ve lost count of the number of times people have told me at sampling events that it’s ‘too late’ for them to make changes to their diet and lifestyle. This is not true. Small changes such as doing more exercise and adding antioxidant-rich food and drink to the diet can make a big impact on health and wellbeing over the long term. The cells in our bodies are constantly renewing and repairing themselves, so over time, we can make a huge difference to the way we look and feel,” says Stuart.
AOk retails for £1.69 per 250ml bottle and is available at selected Waitrose stores nationwide (http://www.aokdrinks.com/antioxidants/file/stores.php), www.Waitrose.com and www.Ocado.com.
One 250ml bottle of AOk provides:
Your daily recommended requirement of antioxidants
One of your ‘five a day’
Only 145 calories
(EDITOR: And it tastes good, too!)