As I welcome you to another Weekend Read, I want to follow through from last weekend where we threw the focus on dedicated awareness campaigns for several health concerns. It remains so incredibly important to acknowledge the extensive research which acts as the evidence-based foundation for awareness campaigns because, ultimately, this research-driven approach bridges the gap between clinical advancement and our health and wellbeing.
 
One of the most fascinating aspects of research, well I think it’s fascinating, is how any given compound can address multiple, often unrelated, health concerns.  This really is the cornerstone of bioactive compound research frequently driven by the innate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of compounds, which can show results in completely different areas of the body.  This concept is known as ‘pleiotropy’, which essentially means that one ‘key’ can unlock many different doors in the body.
 
Pleiotropy is a fundamental concept in modern nutritional and pharmaceutical research, and I have often referenced this concept citing numerous compounds including Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen Tripeptide Complex, Curcumin C3 Complex and NAD+ Generator, but today I want to talk about Co-Enzyme Q10.  CoQ10 has long been established as a powerful antioxidant, also known as ubiquinone, it is found in every single cell of the body and it plays a critical role in the production of ATP, the energy molecule, whilst also protecting cells from damaging free radicals, which leads to oxidative stress.
 
Often recommended for heart conditions, such as high blood pressure, CoQ10 helps protect the heart against free radical damage as well as oxygenating the heart muscle tissue, but there have been several recent studies that suggest that CoQ10 could also be beneficial for eye health.  These studies indicate that CoQ10 may support vision by protecting the retinal cells, protecting against oxidative stress and help improve energy levels of the cells in the eyes.
 
The retina is one of the most metabolically active tissues in the body, it is constantly exposed to light and as such it requires a constant supply of energy to function correctly.  As a result, the eye is more vulnerable to oxidative stress, inflammation and progressive cell damage, all of which are central to some of the most common eye diseases, including macular degeneration, retinopathy, glaucoma and a gradual loss of vision.
 
Like many other compounds, CoQ10 levels can decline with age, and it is thought that CoQ10 levels decline by approximately 40% in the retina, which is linked to the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).  With studies suggesting that CoQ10 may help prevent apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, it is important to understand the role CoQ10 can play in protecting the health of our eyes, and citing the research studies in his article, linked below, Shabir takes a look at some of the benefits of taking CoQ10 for eye health.
VH Editorial: CoQ10 For Eye Health
 
Aligning with the concept of pleiotropy, I am also linking Shabir’s article where he discusses the importance of CoQ10 for various health concerns, including its benefits for lungs, which require vast amounts of CoQ10 to function correctly.  Acting as a powerful antioxidant in the lungs, CoQ10 protects cellular membranes against oxidative damage, which is a major contributor to lung diseases, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma.
 
It is incredibly important to take the correct form of CoQ10 and adhering to the findings of a landmark study, the Q-Symbio trial, which evaluated the long-term beneficial effects of ubiquinone as an adjunctive treatment for moderate to severe chronic heart failure, we formulated Liposomal CoQ10 using ubiquinone, rather than ubiquinol.  Ubiquinone is the gold standard for clinical evidence in cardiovascular health and we uphold the efficacy of ubiquinone across numerous health concerns, aligning with extensive clinical trial documentation.  Delivered with liposomal technology for optimal efficacy, Liposomal CoQ10 drops in price from £48 to £42.
VH Editorial: Choosing The Right Co-Enzyme Q10; DoSe Liposomal CoQ10 £42 for 140 ml (48 days’ supply) (offer ends at midnight BST, Monday 11 May)
 
Following through, a mention for Silver Eye Drops, which help to soothe dry eyes and the itching effects of allergies, such as hay fever. Colloidal silver’s natural antibacterial and antifungal properties help to maintain a healthy ocular environment by fighting harmful microorganisms that can cause irritation and discomfort, and that includes styes.  A stye is a painful, red bump that forms on the edge of the eyelid, occurring when an oil gland or eyelash follicles become infected with bacteria, most commonly staphylococcal bacteria, so although Silver Eye Drops are safe to be used daily, they come into their own for targeted support, inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
Silver Eye Drops by Good Health Naturally £10 for 30 ml
 
Moving on, Shabir is often asked about healing after surgery, which can be challenging, but with nutrition being the cornerstone of healing processes, we have always believed that the correct nutrients can significantly support the healing process.  During any repair process, the body needs adequate vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, including protein, which is critical for post-surgery recovery, as is vitamin C.
 
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is well-known for its immune supporting properties, but aside from supporting the immune system and reducing the risk of infection, vitamin C plays a crucial role in post-surgery healing as it helps to reduce inflammation, which disturbs the healing process.  One of its key functions is its ability to enhance collagen production.  Collagen is a protein which provides structure and strength to skin, blood vessels and connective tissues and during recovery our bodies need much higher levels of collagen to repair surgical wounds and the trauma to damaged tissues.
 
In another liposomal moment, we recommend Liposomal Vitamin C, which is the most bioavailable form of vitamin C.  Unlike most acidic vitamin C supplements, which are ill absorbed, Liposomal Vitamin C shields this important nutrient in a bubble-like particle, delivering vitamin C to all the tissues of the body. 

Formulated with Quali-C™, a high quality, pharmaceutical-grade vitamin C, Liposomal Vitamin C is joined here by Collagen Tripeptide Complex in acknowledgement of the role it plays in wound healing.  Supercharging the healing process, when you buy Liposomal Vitamin C, we will automatically include Collagen Tripeptide Complex (42 capsules) free, which is worth £25.
DoSe Liposomal Vitamin C £35 for 240 ml (48 days’ supply) + DoSe Collagen Tripeptide Complex (42 Capsules) Free (Worth £25) (offer ends at midnight BST, Monday 11 May)
 
With Shabir’s article on faster healing linked below, he further recommends Organic Whey Protein Powder, which drops in price from £24 to £21 for the interim, and BioActive Complete B-Complex, an advanced formulation delivering all eight essential B vitamins, bioactive to support maximum absorption and utilisation. 

And one more product, which isn’t on Shabir’s article, because there is only one topical product I will ever recommend to support and heal post-procedure skin, and that product is Sheald Recovery Balm, which was the first product in its genre which could be used on open wounds.  And it’s probably one of the most important products we have ever launched.  And we've launched a lot.
VH Editorial: Essential Vitamins For Faster Healing After Surgery; Organic Whey Protein Powder £21 for 400 grams; BioActive Complete B-Complex by Life Extension £12 for 60 Capsules; Sheald Recovery Balm by iS Clinical £79 for 60 grams; Sheald Recovery Balm by iS Clinical £30 for 15 grams
 
Staying with iS Clinical and following through on my words about the importance of sun protection last weekend, some words about iS Clinical’s Extreme Protect. I know it’s expensive, but I also know that Extreme Protect is immaculately formulated with a proprietary blend of enzymes, clinically proven to protect collagen and cellular DNA from environmental damage.  Extreme Protect is far more than a sunscreen, it also acts as a moisturiser offering protection, deep hydration and long-term anti-ageing benefits.  For the record, it is the only SPF I will use on my face and my devotion is absolute.  
Extreme Protect SPF 40 by iS Clinical £85 for 100 grams
 
We are now going to take a look at some new products, and there are several of them, so I am going to begin with the Reset Box from Blooming Blends.  A thoughtful curated collection of four plant-based tinctures, the collection includes ‘Nighttime’ to support natural relaxation and restful sleep, ‘Digestion’ to help promote gut comfort and digestive ease, ‘Restore’ to help encourage calm, recovery and overall wellbeing and ‘Travel’ which helps the body adapt while managing jet leg and the circadian rhythm.  Fast-acting and alcohol-free, each tincture is 5 ml and although they can be used for daily wellbeing, they would make a perfect travel companion. 
Reset Box by Blooming Blends £48
 
Inspired by a sun-drenched summer escape, Weleda have released a Limited Edition Pink Peach Gift set, containing a fruity body trio which are infused with a vibrant blend of peach, orange and jasmine.  Pink Peach Shower Gel (200 ml) gently cleanses the skin, while enveloping it in a fruity peach fragrance, Pink Peach Hand Cream (50 ml) is a lightweight moisturising cream enriched with organic sesame oil to soften and nourish hands and Pink Peach Lip Butter (7 ml) nourishes and protects lips adding a subtle peach tint and natural shine.  It is a limited edition, I don’t know how long it will last, most specifically because I’m dropping the price from £19.95 to £17.50.
Limited Edition Pink Peach Gift Set by Weleda £17.50 (whilst stock lasts)
 
Two new products from This Works and given the brilliance of their Skin Deep Dry Leg Oil, and it is brilliant, please allow me to introduce you to their first new product, Skin Deep Dry Leg Oil Roller, a travel size, roll-on body oil that combats dry, dull or scaly skin.  A natural blend of thirteen premium botanical oils and six cold-extracted plant oils, it delivers intensive moisture to help rejuvenate parched skin.  The roll-on format is simple to use and it can be used daily after showering or bathing, giving the skin a hydrating boost with a subtle shimmer, and it drops in price from £25 to £22, for the interim.
Skin Deep Dry Leg Oil Roller by This Works £22 for 50 ml
 
The second new product, Skin Deep Shimmer Serum, is a 24-carat gold luxurious illuminating body serum designed to smooth, nourish and visibly brighten skin.  Infused with 24- carat gold for a naturally luminous glow, it delivers deep hydration and is loaded with antioxidant-rich extracts together with jasmine flower extract, rose flower oil and patchouli oil.  Skin Deep Shimmer Serum drops in price from £28 to £25, also for the interim.
Skin Deep Shimmer Serum by This Works £25 for 50 ml
 
One more thing here, if you spend £30 on This Works products, including the two new products, we will automatically send you Deep Sleep Body Cocoon (100 ml), a multi-tasking beauty sleep saviour, which is worth £28.  In order to be equitable, there is only one gift per customer and if the gift fails to go into your basket, that will mean the offer is over.  Product details linked below.
Deep Sleep Body Cocoon
 
Two more new products, this time from Aromatherapy Associates, Revive Morning Mood Mist and De-Stress Mind Mood Mist.  Revive Morning Mood Mist is blended with invigorating Grapefruit, Juniper Berry and Rosemary and has been formulated to awaken the senses and uplift the mind.  It is enhanced with ginseng, an adaptogen known to help boost energy and support, and in any given moment the long-lasting fragrance can be sprayed into the air around you, or directly onto your body or clothing, whenever you need to reset your mood.
 
De-Stress Mind Mood Mist is an instant moment of calm.  Hand-blended with relaxing Camomile, clarifying Petitgrain and grounding Frankincense, this natural essential oil blend harnesses the power of aromatherapy to help ease stress and calm the mind and is enhanced with Ashwagandha, known for its ability to help reduce stress.  Both sprays come in two sizes, 10 ml, the travel size and 100 ml for home use.  The 10 ml drops in price from £15 to £13 and the 100 ml drops in price from £38 to £34, for the interim.
Revive Morning Mood Mist £13 for 10 ml; Revive Morning Mood Mist £34 for 100 ml; De-Stress Mind Mood Mist £13 for 10 ml; De-Stress Mind Mood Mist £34 for 100 ml
 
Before we head into the Saturday only treat, I just want to say that I always take room mists or incense with me when I travel because I am really sensitive to energy, and basically I don’t want to sleep in a hotel room with static energy, so I don’t.  Actually, on the subject of incense, I recently read an article stating that fashion and fragrance brands are capturing the market for ‘designer’ incense sticks, which is now becoming a thing, a big thing, but a big thing with big prices.
 
With incense sticks spiking, I am not trying to capture the market, but I will capture the moment and tell you that I love Ila Spa’s Incense For An Aroma Of Purity & Peace which is hand-crafted in India with Sandalwood and Jasmine.  I will also tell you that it went out of stock recently and I gave my coveted stash to Nigella who probably loves it more than I do, if that’s possible.  Ila Spa’s incense is £15 and I promise you I far prefer it to the designer brand incense recently gifted to me, which was eye-wateringly expensive. One more thing, Nigella is now writing a monthly column for The Financial Times.  The world just became a better place.  
Incense For An Aroma Of Purity & Peace by Ila Spa £15 for 50 grams
 
Into the Saturday only treat and with every order placed for £35 or more, excluding p&p, we will include a non-specific gift*, non-specific because we have several different gifts to share, so as we come to the end of another Weekend Read, I hope you enjoy the gift received and I wish you a restful weekend. 

As ever, we will close with a song and this song is a powerful anthem dedicated to friendship, reminding us that whatever is happening in our lives, we hold hands. It's just what we do.
I’ll Stand By You by The Pretenders; The VH Playlist
 
With love
 
Gill x