Good gut health can be a crucial puzzle piece for overall vigour. Here, VICTORIA MCKELLAR, co-founder of the gut health drink brand Akesi, tells us a bit about the concept of “food as medicine”.
According to Victoria, most of what we’re consuming today is no longer “food” in the original sense of the word; and how we’re consuming it – on-the-go or in front of devices – is not really “eating”. “For many, food has become ‘edible food-like substances’, and no longer the product of nature but rather of food science that brings with it confusion and a lack of satiety,” says Victoria.
Food as medicine for good gut health
“Food as medicine” is gaining attention in the Western world now, but it has been central to health in many cultures for centuries. According to Victoria, “the phrase refers to prioritising food and diet with the goal of preventing, reducing symptoms of or reversing a disease state.” We all know the positive effects of nourishing food and how poor choices can leave us feeling sluggish. “What you choose to eat profoundly affects your overall health – it can nourish and protect.”
Research highlights how dietary habits shape disease risk. Victoria says, “While poor food choices may contribute to chronic conditions, others offer medicinal and protective qualities.” Whole, nutritious foods, for example, provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fibre, protein and healthy fats, working synergistically to optimise bodily function, protect against disease, and improve quality of life.
Food is so much more than just fuel. American physician Dr Mark Hyman believes “the food you eat can either be the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.” Even Hippocrates over two thousand years ago was noted as saying, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” And journalist Michael Pollen has famously stated, “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”
Good gut health concentrates for busy lifestyles
Singapore-based health drink brand Akesi has taken a food as medicine approach. Its range is ideal for busy people who want to improve their digestive health and, by extension, overall wellbeing. “We’ve worked hard to include prebiotic polyphenols (plant nutrients) along with multispecies probiotics and a postbiotic,” says Victoria. “Bio-fermented drinks contain ‘bio-available’ ingredients, with beneficial bacteria breaking down nutrients for easier absorption by the body.”
And the benefits don’t end there – Akesi’s lifestyle drinks can be taken any time of day, and they’re delicious. “No gummies. No fillers. Natural, easily absorbed, food as medicine,” adds Victoria.
These are products that are perfectly designed for the busy family; the liquid probiotic blends are super easy for your child to pour into a glass of water – think healthy cordial! And you can personalise it to different tastes, creating a mocktail in 200ml of sparkling water. Each bottle contains 33 serves, too, so it’s better priced than quality yoghurts and single-serve kombucha, costing only $1.88 per tablespoon serve. It’s healthier and eco-friendly, too, reducing single-use plastics.
Once opened, store your Akesi products in the fridge – they won’t last long, because your family is going to love them; I’ve just ordered a second bottle of the Tropical flavour this week, by popular demand!
A word from a customer:
“‘Mama, please remember to order more!’ That’s what my nine-year-old said when she realised that the bottle was almost done. She was afraid her stash would run out! Tropical is absolutely amazing and refreshing with chilled water after an active day. We made popsicles (Tropsicles!) and my daughter had one after tennis. Thirst quenching and so healthy.” – Su
Special offer for EL readers: Enjoy 20% off Akesi Tropical health drink with code “EXPATLIVING” at checkout.
This article first appeared in the December 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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