Grounding roots (especially those that grow in cold climates) such as onions, rutabagas and turnips can help one better acclimate to the seasons. Other warming foods include arugula, mustard greens, and watercress. Nuts, seeds, and their butters make excellent warming and insulating snacks. Icy cold drinks can cool you quick. If consuming food from the refrigerator, take the item out and allow it to get to room temperature before eating.

The flavor associated with winter is salty and rather than relying on table salt, learn to enjoy the wonderful mineral rich seaweeds such as kelp, nori, hiziki, and dulse which can be used to season food. Celtic or Himalayan salt contain more minerals, as indicated by their colors. Black colored foods such as black sesame seeds, uncured black olives, and chia seeds make wonderful warming winter condiments.

Culinary herbs that help us feel warmer and improve circulation include:

1. Black Pepper

   (Piper nigrum) is a member of the Piperaceae (Pepper) Family. It has antiseptic, and antioxidant properties.
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2. Cardamom

   (Elettaria cardamomum), a member of the Zingiberaceae (Ginger) Family, is an expectorant, thus helping to open the respiratory passages.
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3. Cayenne

   (Capsicum frutescens), a member of the Solanaceae (Nightshade) Family. It is rich in vitamin C, and helps relieve chills, coughs and congestion. Sprinkling a bit of cayenne pepper between one’s shoes and socks can help warm the feet when needing to be outdoors.
   

4. Cinnamon

   (Cinnamomum cassia) is a member of the Lauraceae (Laurel) Family. It helps dry dampness in the body and warms people that are always cold and suffering from poor circulation. Cinnamon is antiseptic and an excellent digestive tonic.
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5. Garlic

   (Allium sativum), a member of the Liliaceae (Lily) Family, helps one be more resistant to infection. Garlic is a potent vasodilator and improves circulation by helping to prevent the blood from clumping together.
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6. Ginger

   (Zingiber officinale), a member of the Zingiberceae Family, is a natural antioxidant and antiseptic. It improves circulation to all parts of the body. Ginger baths are warming, muscle relaxing and cold and flu relieving and can be made by simmering eight ounces of ginger into a half gallon of water, simmering at a low boil for twenty minutes, then straining into the bathtub.
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7. Horseradish

   (Armoracia lapathifolia) is a member of the Brassicaceae (Mustard) Family. It is high in vitamin C, and aids in the digestion of fatty foods. Horseradish is antiseptic and a strong decongestant; helping to open congested respiratory passages.
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Use more of the warming culinary herbs to spice up your food and as teas to promote a healthy, warming glow throughout the body. Most of the herbs in chai are considered warming (cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and cardamom).

Enjoy warmly dressed walks taking in some of the full spectrum light during this darker time of the year. Wearing bright, warm colors such as red and copper may contribute to one’s feeling warm, according to the ancient art of Color Therapy. Mom was right. We do lose heat through the head and wearing a hat and scarf can help protect the chest, throat and ears from cold invasion that can contribute to infection. Protect the kidneys by wearing undershirts tucked into long johns for example. Yoga, t’ai chi, chi gung, stretching, crawling (helps prevent joint problems) and dancing can easily be practiced indoors even on days where you don’t venture out.

About The Author:
Brigitte Mars, a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild, is a nutritional consultant who has been working with Natural Medicine for over forty years. She teaches Herbal Medicine at Naropa University, Omega, Boulder College of Massage, and Bauman Holistic College of Nutrition. She has a weekly local radio show called “Naturally” on KGNU and a private practice. Brigitte is the author of twelve books, including The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine, Beauty by Nature, Addiction Free Naturally, Healing Herbal Teas, and Rawsome!.

Source: huffingtonpost.com

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The best strategy is to eat small meals of energy-promoting foods several times throughout the day, rather than infrequently binging on huge meals (you also need to exercise, get enough sleep and control stress, but that’s a whole other article). With that in mind, I compiled a list of the top five energy boosting foods that will give you true, lasting energy to keep you active all day!
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1. Oats

   Oats contain the energizing and stress-lowering B vitamin family, which helps transform carbs into usable energy. Oats are also low on the glycemic index because they have a lot of fiber. That means that your body gets a steady stream of energy, as opposed to a short-term spike, because the carbohydrates gradually flow into your bloodstream.
   The key here is to look for high-fiber oatmeal, like oat bran. For the best nutrition kick, avoid instant oatmeal and stick with more natural varieties, my favorite are steel cut and groats!




2. Lentils

   Beans are a great source of fiber, which translates to a slow release of glucose, as well as B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, calcium and copper. Lentils provide both carbohydrates and protein, making them a great addition to any meal. Lentils help reduce your cholesterol and blood pressure, and they’re low in fat and calories to boot.

3. Bananas

   Bananas provide a lot of potassium, an electrolyte that helps maintain normal nerve and muscle function. Unlike some nutrients, the body doesn’t store potassium for long periods of time. This means that your potassium level can drop during times of stress or during strenuous exercise when the nutrient is lost through excessive sweating. The sugar in bananas is an easily digested form of carbohydrate.

   Other fruits such as apples, grapes, peaches and pineapples also make great energizing and refreshing snacks. We all know we need to be eating more fruits in our diet!

4. Water

   Without water, your body cannot generate energy. Water makes it possible for your system to digest, absorb and transport nutrients. It also helps regulate body temperature. When you’re dehydrated, your cells receive nutrients for energy less efficiently, and your body can’t properly expend heat through sweating. Both conditions lead to fatigue. Aim to drink eight to 10 eight-ounce glasses of water a day.

5. Almonds

   These little guys are great if you’re looking to improve your focus and mental clarity. Monounsaturated fats such as almonds provide essential fatty acids, known as omega-3s and omega-6s that produce an alert mental state. NOTICE: You want to consume Raw Almonds, which are actually illegal in all 50 states. I wrote a great article all about it, plus the 2 loop holes that still allow you to purchase them. READ HERE

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6. Chocolate

   Studies show that chocolate can elevate your energy levels by way of certain bioactive compounds such as tyramine and phenylethylamine. Chocolate has also been claimed to improve anemia, awaken the appetite, aid in digestion, and improve longevity. Chocolate contains sugar and caffeine along with fat and calories so consume in moderation. When possible, opt for dark chocolate or raw cacao (love this!) for the highest source of antioxidants.

Working these naturally energizing foods into your daily routine doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little imagination and effort, you can have all the energy you need to stay awake and alert throughout the entire day!

Quick Energy Boosters:

The quickest energy is from carbohydrates. That’s the body’s first preferences for energy. Did you ever hear about carbohydrate loading? That’s what marathon runners do when they run a long race, they carb load. The reason they do that is because your body’s first preference for fuel is from stored carbohydrate, and you store carbohydrate as glycogen in your muscles and your liver.

Sustained Energy Boosters:

A balance of nutrients is really what’s going to give you sustained energy because your body digests protein, fats and carbohydrates differently. In other words, you can eat them all at the same time but they are all going to be processed differently. Carbohydrates start being digested in your mouth, protein starts in your stomach and fat doesn’t start until it reaches your intestines. That’s why foods that are combinations of nutrients give you sustained energy.

Source: webmd.com solveyourproblem.com associatedcontent.com

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Cinnamon

Here’s one superfood that’s easy on the waistline and popular with kids. The bark of the cinnamon tree, native to Sri Lanka, turns out to have extraordinary health benefits. Various research conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests that cinnamon regulates blood sugar, inhibits cancer cells and is anti-inflammatory.

Tip
add some to your cereal or yogurt!
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Coconut Milk

The coconut is an unusual fruit: It’s rich, and the fat is mostly saturated. In the South Pacific, traditional diets use copious amounts of coconut oil, yet studies there have shown that people don’t get heart disease. In the U.S., research to support the heart-healthy claim is still being conducted. But we do know that coconut flakes, coconut milk and cream, and coconut oil contain lots of an antiviral, antibacterial fatty acid called lauric acid—one of the immune-boosters babies get from breast milk.

Tip
add to smoothies, and homemade juices, you can substitute this for water in many recipes.

Nuts

Raw almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts and hazelnuts are all rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and antioxidants. Walnuts are one of the best vegetarian sources of the omega-3 fatty acids that fight obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Meanwhile, Brazil nuts are incredibly rich in the antioxidant selenium—essential for sperm health, says fertility expert Dr. Marc Goldstein of Cornell University.

Tip
nuts are a great travel snack. Keep some in your purse, office anywhere u spend most of your day.

Raw Honey

If you have a sweet tooth, try these whole, natural sweeteners instead of sugar. Unfiltered, raw honey contains many phytonutrients and enzymes to aid digestion. Its great in tea, and coffee.

Tip
Unlike normal honey (don’t buy your honey in the shape of a bear), raw honey has not been heated and retains all the amazing, and mysterious properties and nutrients.

Olive Oil

Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats (which reduce inflammation), phenols (cancer-fighting antioxidants) and vitamin E (which lowers the risk of heart disease, protects skin from damaging agents, and prevents nerve damage). Cold-pressed, extra-virgin oil contains more phenols, and its vitamin E is undamaged.

Tip
Gently sauté vegetables in it, drizzle it on salads or use it in pesto.
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Source: parade.com

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Researchers at Imperial College London have found evidence a chemical in broccoli and other green leafy vegetables could boost a natural defense mechanism that protects arteries from the clogging that can cause heart attacks.

In a study funded by the British Heart Foundation charity and conducted on mice, the researchers found that sulforaphane — a compound occurring naturally in broccoli and other brassicas — could “switch on” a protective protein which is inactive in parts of the arteries vulnerable to clogging.

“We know that vegetables are clearly good for you, but surprisingly the molecular mechanisms of why they are good for you have remained unknown for many years,” said Paul Evans of the National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College.

“This study provides a possible explanation for how green vegetable consumption can promote a healthy heart.”

Scientists already know that arteries don’t clog up in a uniform way, but that there are bends and branches of blood vessels — where blood flow is disrupted or slower — which are much more prone to the build-up of fatty plaques that cause heart disease.

Evans said his research found that in the more vulnerable areas, a normally protective protein known as Nrf2 is inactive.

“What our study showed was that sulforaphane can protect those regions by switching on the Nrf2,” he said.

READ MORE:   The Amazing Health Benefits of Broccoli

Leave a Comment and Tell Us IF YOU LOVE BROCCOLI?

Source: reuters.com (Reporting by Kate Kelland. Editing by Ralph Boulton)

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Broccoli is a rich source of a variety of biochemicals that are known to fight cancer. One of the most well known and extensively studied is the isothiocyanates. These powerful chemicals are though to stimulate certain enzymes produced by the liver which act to neutralize the effects of cancer causing agents that enter the body. The result is less damage to DNA which can give rise to tumors. These chemicals are so powerful they have even been shown to slow down the progression of existing cancer cells.

Another important cancer fighting chemical which accounts for the health benefits of broccoli is indole-3-carbinol. This important biochemical has been shown in animals to alter levels of estrogen in such a way as to potentially reduce the risk of breast cancer. The power of indole-3-carbinol to prevent and slow down growth of breast cancer cells has been demonstrated in numerous studies. There are ongoing studies taking place to see if this association holds true in humans as well as animals.

Scientists believe there are other important cancer preventative agents in broccoli that have yet to be identified. It’s unclear as to how much broccoli one would need to eat on a daily basis to get the protective properties this vegetable offers. One way to get the protective effects of broccoli without eating it at every meal is to supplement with broccoli sprouts. Broccoli sprouts have been shown to have anywhere from ten to one hundred times the level of isothiocyanates as the vegetable itself. By sprinkling some sprouts on a sandwich or salad, you can get the health benefits of broccoli without consuming high quantities of the vegetable itself.

As if all that cancer fighting potential isn’t enough, broccoli is also a rich source of fiber, Vitamin C, beta carotene, folate, as well as a variety of other important nutrients. All of this for less than fifty calories per serving. Broccoli is a definite winner on the nutritional front.

If you’re ready to harness the health benefits of broccoli, why not consider adding more of this powerful vegetable to your diet today?

**  Benefits of Broccoli  **

Healthy Eyes

Broccoli and other leafy green vegetables contain powerful phytochemical antioxidants in the carotenoid family called lutein and zeaxanthin, both of which are concentrated in large quantities in the lens of the eye.

Improved Immune System

Not only does a cup of broccoli contain the RDA for vitamin C, it also fortifies your immune system with a hefty 1359 mcg of beta-carotene, and small but useful amounts of zinc and selenium, two trace minerals that act as cofactors in numerous immune defensive actions.

Birth Defect Fighter

Pregnant? You really must eat broccoli. A cup of broccoli supplies 94 mcg of folic acid, a B-vitamin essential for proper cellular division because it is necessary in DNA synthesis. Without folic acid, the fetus’ nervous system cells do not divide properly.

Deficiency of folic acid during pregnancy has been linked to several birth defects, such as spina bifida. Despite folic acid’s wide occurence in food (it’s name comes from the Latin word folium, meaning “foliage,” because it’s found in green leafy vegetables), amazing and little known fact time… folic acid deficiency is the most common vitamin deficiency in the world.

Prevent Colds

Helps to get relief from cold symptoms, since it contains Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Strong Bones

Studies have shown that broccoli contains more calcium than most dairy products therefore helping to build bone mass. Great news for lactose intolerant people (and there are a lot of us out there) as obtaining sufficient calcium can be difficult for those not consuming dairy products.

Real Men Go Green!

This and other cruciferous veg like sprouts and cabbage reduce your levels of the female hormone oestrogen, thereby increasing your testerone.

Diabetes

Due to it’s high fibre content and low sugar, broccoli helps fight the war on diabetes. The fibre helps keep blood sugar low and as a result insulin can be kept to a minimum.

NOTICE: Thyroid problems?…beware. Broccoli contains goitrogens, naturally-occurring substances in certain foods that can interfere with the functioning of the thyroid gland. Individuals with already existing and untreated thyroid problems may want to avoid broccoli for this reason. As always consult your doctor if unsure.

Leave a Comment and Tell Us DO YOU LOVE BROCCOLI?

Source: aviva.ca

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One way is to consume “functional foods.”

Functional food or medicinal food is any food product claimed to have a health-promoting and/or disease-preventing property beyond the basic nutritional function of supplying nutrients.

Although there is not yet any consensus on an exact definition of the term, at least not in the United States, superfoods is one term used to describe food products and dietary supplement powders, drinks, and bars containing such special health-promoting ingredients.

Some common superfoods more easily found are cinnamon, licorice, milk thistle, marigold, and turmeric.

CINNAMON

Cinnamon is a spice found in some phytonutrient green fruit and vegetable juice powders and “superfood bars.” Cinnamon is thought to help glycemic control by increasing insulin sensitivity, thereby decreasing insulin resistance. Unchecked insulin resistance can lead to metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

The active agent is thought to be a group of flavonoids called procyanidins (Type A) which are found in the water-soluble portion of cinnamon. These flavonoids are not only powerful antioxidants; they also act as an insulin mimetic.

Cinnulin PF is a proprietary water-soluble extract of Cinnamomum burmannii, and is the only extract standardized for doubly linked Type-A Polymers.

The recommended serving size for cinnamon is 250-500 milligrams twice daily, or 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon. This therapeutic target can be difficult to supply in a functional food without creating an unfavorable taste profile, but can be achieved by adding cinnamon to foods such as applesauce and oatmeal.

LICORICE

Licorice is the extract of the root of the legume plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, and may be used as a flavoring agent in functional food formulas. Traditional Chinese medicine commonly uses licorice in herbal formulae to “harmonize” the other ingredients in the formula and to “carry” the formula. Powdered licorice root is promoted as an effective expectorant and mild laxative.

Licorice is also considered an adaptogen, modulating the neuro-endocrine hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA). It has been used in auto-immune conditions including lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and animal dander allergies. Traditional American herbalism uses it in the Hoxsey anti-cancer formula.

Licorice is a potent herb that also has potential for many side effects on the neuro-hormone system and related kidney/cardiovascular functions. As polyphenol and carotenoid-rich phytonutrient powders are also showing efficacy in lowering blood pressure, licorice’s use in “green drink” and “super fruit” functional food powders and “ready to drinks” (RTDs) designed for daily intake should likely be kept to small doses, if used at all.

MILK THISTLE

Milk thistle, a flowering plant related to the artichoke family, has been used most commonly for the treatment of liver and gallbladder disorders. The seeds of the milk thistle contain a bioflavonoid complex known as silymarin, which is believed to be responsible for the health benefits of the plant.

A potent antioxidant in its own right, silymarin is particularly remarkable for its beneficial effects on endogenous glutathione production. Silymarin has also been shown to regenerate injured liver cells, and has the ability to block fibrosis — a process that contributes to the eventual development of cirrhosis.

Most commonly, milk thistle is most commonly found in the functional food category in “greens powders” where their usual dose is well below the therapeutic levels of 200 milligrams to 800 milligrams daily. Rather, smaller amounts are included to contribute to the over efficacy of such formulas. No drug interactions have been reported, but since milk thistle is related to the ragweed family some allergic reactions are possible.

MARIGOLD

Marigold, also known as Calendula, is widely used on the skin to protect against radiation and sunburns, and to treat minor wounds, skin infections, burns, bee stings, sunburn, warts, and even cancer.

However, marigold is used in functional foods because it is a natural rich source of the two carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin. These two carotenoids are important natural antioxidants that help maintain healthy eyes and skin — the two organs most directly exposed to oxidation from sunlight, especially as we age. Specifically, the two carotenoids are naturally deposited in the macula where they filter high-energy blue light.

Research suggests 6 milligrams to 10 milligrams per day from dark green leafy vegetables and egg yolk is necessary to realize lutein’s health benefits. A large bowl of fresh spinach provides about 6 milligrams of lutein.

As truly significant amounts of lutein and zeaxanthin can not be attained by milligram amounts of spinach and kale powders found in “green drinks,” using marigold concentrates in the formula may be the best current strategy for supplementing useful levels of these carotenoids in functional foods.

TURMERIC

Turmeric is a perennial plant native to India and Indonesia and is often used as a spice in cooking. The rhizome (root) of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a member of the ginger family. It has long been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat gastrointestinal upset and arthritis pain. In America, its main dietary source is mustard.

Turmeric supplementation has resulted in HDL and LDL-lipid peroxidation decrease — the process where free radicals oxidize blood lipids and promote hardening of the arteries. It can also help support healthy fibrinogen levels. Turmeric has also been shown to lower the growth factor receptor (ErbB2) that tends to over express in prostate, breast, and colon cancer.

Turmeric is a selective COX-2 inhibitor, giving it the ability to inhibit the “bad” prostaglandins created through the COX-2 enzyme system, but not inhibit the “good” prostaglandins created through the COX-1 enzyme system. COX-2 inhibitors have become the subject of much interest and research for their potential role in preventing Alzheimer’s and colon cancer and treating arthritis without the side effects of NSAIDS.

In functional foods, turmeric is a powerful antioxidant. It can also be used as a “preservative” of sorts in high polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) omega-3 products, such as flaxseed and DHA powders, to inhibit rancidity. Dosage in functional foods will range from 20 milligrams to 80 milligrams.

Leave a Comment and Tell Us Your Favorite Superfood!

Source: chiroeco.com (By John Maher, DCCN)

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A University of Exeter team found that the nitrate contained in the vegetable leads to a reduction in oxygen uptake, making exercise less tiring. The study suggests the effect is greater than that which can be achieved by regular training.

Beetroot juice has previously been shown to reduce blood pressure.

The researchers believe their findings could help people with cardiovascular, respiratory or metabolic diseases and endurance athletes.

The Study

They focused on eight men aged 19-38, who were given 500ml per day of organic beetroot juice for six consecutive days before completing a series of tests, involving cycling on an exercise bike.

On another occasion, they were given a placebo of blackcurrant cordial for six consecutive days before completing the same cycling tests.

After drinking beetroot juice the group was able to cycle for an average of 11.25 minutes – 92 seconds longer than when they were given the placebo.

This would translate into an approximate 2% reduction in the time taken to cover a set distance.

The group that had consumed the beetroot juice also had lower resting blood pressure.

Why Does This Happen

The researchers are not yet sure of the exact mechanism that causes the nitrate in the beetroot juice to boost stamina. However, they suspect it could be a result of the nitrate turning into nitric oxide in the body, reducing how much oxygen is burned up by exercise.

Study researcher Professor Andy Jones – an adviser to top UK athlete Paula Radcliffe – said: “We were amazed by the effects of beetroot juice on oxygen uptake because these effects cannot be achieved by any other known means, including training.

“Certainly, a diet high in nitrate-rich fruits and vegetables is good for your heart health and this study provides further evidence of this.”

My Thoughts

I love beet juice!! If you follow me on twitter (@OrganicJar) you know I am always juicing beets. My favorite recipe: beets, carrots, cucumbers with a splash of coconut water!

Also, don’t forget to juice the ‘stem and leaves’ of the beets as they are full of nutrition, some studies I’ve read say they are more nutrient dense than the beets themselves.

Leave a Comment and Tell Us Your Favorite Beet Recipe?

Source: news.bbc.co.uk

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Super Veg: The new ACE red pepper (right) contains three key vitamins and is much darker than a normal pepper.

Ordinary varieties do contain high levels of vitamins C and A. But scientists have never before grown one with vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that can help guard against cancer. This is because it is fat soluble and usually only found in fatty foods such as nuts and avocado.

The ACE pepper was discovered in Israel then developed by Marks & Spencer in Waltham Cross, Essex, where it is grown without pesticides.

Dr Simon Coupe, a fresh-produce technologist for M&S, predicts the vegetable will supersede other peppers in the future. He said: ‘We spend a lot of time and effort roaming the world trying to find new and inventive products.

‘I would hope that in years to come we’d only be seeing this pepper as people become more healthy by boosting their vitamin levels. This is one of our healthiest products and it still tastes great, so I’m sure our customers will like it.’

M&S pepper specialist George Hebditch added: ‘It is fantastic to have developed a vegetable capable of supplying all the vitamin A,C and E we need for one day. ACE peppers have a lovely, sweet flavour as well as being extremely good for you.

‘As people become more health conscious, demand for fruit and vegetables high in vitamins and minerals has soared. We fully expect ACE peppers to be a hit with customers.’

But Sue Baic from the British Dietetic Association, warned the peppers should not be seen as a ‘magic bullet’. She said: ‘People should be aware you need to eat a range of fruit and vegetables in order to have a healthy diet.’

The Difference Between Hybrid and Genetically Modified

Plant breeders cross breed compatible types of plants in an effort to create a plant with the best features of both parents. These are called hybrids and many of our modern plants are the results of these crosses.

While plants can cross-pollinate in nature and hybrids repeatedly selected and grown may eventually stabilize, many hybrid seeds are relatively new crosses and seed from these hybrids will not produce plants with identical qualities.

Hybrids should not be confused with genetically modified organisms or (GMOs) which, can be any plant, animal or microorganism which have been genetically altered using molecular genetics techniques such as gene cloning and protein engineering.

Is The ACE Pepper Genetically Modified?

I honestly don’t know. I spent hours of researching and to the best of my knowledge I would say it’s a hybrid. I sent Marks & Spencer an email, but have yet to hear back from them so I’ll keep you posted.

Leave a Comment and Tell Us If You Think This Is A GMO?

Source: dailymail.co.uk

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(OrganicJar) Chocolate is a healthy superfood that is bursting with antioxidants. Additionally, it benefits your heart, helps increase alertness and improves mood – all with very little caffeine. However, to reap the health benefits, you have to choose the right chocolate: chocolate that is pure, 100% organically grown, and minimally processed.

Rich in Nutrients

In its natural state chocolate is bursting with antioxidants to fight radicals, even more than fruit, vegetables, tea or wine!
Chocolate supplies micronutrients, such as potassium, zinc, magnesium and iron, and is one of the richest food source of antioxidants that neutralize free radicals – rogue oxygen molecules that can accelerate aging and cause numerous health problems.

Dark Chocolate Lowers Blood Pressure

Chocolate aids in relaxation of blood vessels so your blood easily travels where it needs to.

According to Dr. Dirk Taubert, MD, Ph.D, and his colleagues at the University of Cologne, Germany, dark chocolate — not white chocolate — can lower high blood pressure. Taubert’s study involved six men and seven women aged 55-64 who had been diagnosed with mild high blood pressure — on average, systolic blood pressure (the top number) of 153 and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) of 84. Every day for two weeks, they ate a 100-gram candy bar and were asked to balance its 480 calories by not eating other foods similar in nutrients and calories. Half the patients got dark chocolate and half got white chocolate. Those who ate dark chocolate had a significant drop in blood pressure (by an average of 5 points for systolic and an average of 2 points for diastolic blood pressure). Those who ate white chocolate did not.

Heart Protection

Another study compared how blood platelets responded to a flavonol-rich cocoa drink with 25 grams of semi-sweet chocolate pieces and a blood-thinning, 81-milligram aspirin dose. The research found similar reactions to the two from a group of 20- to 40-year-olds: both the drink and the aspirin prevented platelets from sticking together or clotting, which can impede blood flow. In conclusion, flavonol-rich cocoa and chocolate act similarly to low-dose aspirin in promoting healthy blood flow. Reducing the blood’s ability to clot also reduces the risk of stroke and heart attacks.

Antioxidants in Dark Chocolate

Cornell University food scientists found that cocoa has nearly twice the antioxidants of red wine and up to three times those found in green tea. Antioxidants are substances that inhibit oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen and peroxides, and that include many held to protect the living body from the deleterious effects of free radicals. Examples include beta-carotene, vitamin C, and alpha-tocopherol. A 40-gram serving of milk chocolate contains about 400 milligrams of antioxidants, the same as a glass of red wine, according to research published by Joe A. Vinson of the University of Scranton, Pa.

• Ref.: Vinson JA, Proch J, Zubik L. Phenol antioxidant quantity and quality in foods: cocoa, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate J Agric Food Chem. 1999 Dec;47(12):4821-4.

Dark chocolate has more than 13,000 ORAC units and milk chocolate has about 6,700, according to the Chocolate Manufacturers Association in McLean, Va. Unsweetened powdered cocoa starts out with almost twice as much antioxidants as dark chocolate, but when it’s diluted with water or milk and sugar to make hot chocolate, the flavonoid total per serving plummets to about half that in milk chocolate.

• Ref.: Miraglio A, Chocolate’s Potential for Health Benefits Nutrition Notes May 2001

Serafini’s study: Serafini’s included seven healthy women and five healthy men aged 25-35. On different days they each ate 100 grams of dark chocolate by itself, 100 grams of dark chocolate with a small glass of whole milk, or 200 grams of milk chocolate. An hour later, those who ate dark chocolate alone had the most total antioxidants in their blood; and they had higher levels of epicatechin, a particularly healthy compound found in chocolate. The milk chocolate eaters had the lowest epicatechin levels of all.
Longevity: Fesearchers from the Harvard School of Public Health found that those who eat chocolate and sweets up to three times each month live almost a year longer than those who eat too much or those who steer clear of junk altogether.

• Ref. Lee IM, Paffenbarger R Life is sweet: candy consumption and longevity BMJ 1998; 317: 1683-1684.

Important Information on Chocolate

• Dark chocolate is higher in flavonoids than milk chocolate. The way that cocoa powder and chocolate syrups are manufactured removes most flavonoids. Raw, organic cocoa and chocolate only offer the health benefits listed above.
• Choose rich, 100% organic chocolate and cocoa. Milk may interfere with the absorption of antioxidants from chocolate and may therefore negate the potential health benefits that can be derived from eating moderate amounts of dark chocolate. Therefore, choose dark chocolate and enjoy it in moderation.
• Chocolate Recipe Substitution: When a recipe calls for chocolate, use dark chocolate (usually less sugar) or even better cocoa powder. To substitute 1 oz of unsweetened chocolate, use 3 Tbsp of dry cocoa + 2 Tbsp of sugar + 1 Tbsp of vegetable oil.

Leave a Comment and Tell Us Your Favorite Chocolate Products?

Source: avianweb.com

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(OrganicJar) There are many reasons to consider making Aloe Vera a part of your daily diet. All of the hundreds of varieties of Aloe Vera around the world have benefits to our body. You can use it for external treatment or consume it, both have their own purposes. Aloe Vera’s rich content of enzymes, protein, vitamin E and C, anti-microbial, zinc, anti-Viral, amino acids, polysaccharides, and minerals has given you all the benefits for healthier life.

Among the well-known benefits of Aloe Vera are as below.

1. Benefits for skin
   Aloe Vera can give moisture to skin and improve the immunity. It can also repair the skin cells and stimulate collagen and elastic condition of skin. Thereby, Aloe Vera is good to help the recovery and closure of open wound, as well as to prevent you from skin cancer and skin aging. Just take the gel and apply on your skin, it also works for dehydrated skin. This why you often see Aloe Vera as active ingredients in many cosmetic products such as cleanser, moisturizers, face cream, body lotion, face mask, and so on. Applying Aloe Vera on skin regularly will give you firmer and healthier skin texture.
2. Benefits for immune system
   Aloe Vera can help to clean up the toxins in your body, both in the blood stream and digest system. It is one of the widely-used herbal detoxification.
3. Benefits for health
   Consumption of Aloe Vera regularly will help to treat diseases such as heartburn, gastrointestinal problems, kidney and ulcerous related diseases, constipation, peptic, colitis, infection, muscles and joint pains, and digestive disorder. Aloe Vera is also good to give energy to fuel your daily activities.
4. Benefits for other external use
   If you get sprain, bruises, sunburn, acne, insect stings, sores, puffy skin, other skin traumas, fungal, or other skin problems, Aloe Vera can help the healing process with its rejuvenating action.

For consumption, Aloe Vera juice is quite popular nowadays. It is taken from the gel inside the peel. You can add other herbs or fruits into it for fresher and healthier effects. Adding some lime, bee pollen, ginseng extract can give different sensation to the juice

Leave a Comment and Tell Us How You Use Aloe Vera?

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The anti-inflammatory role of ginseng may be due to the combined effects of steroid-like constituents known as ginsenosides. These ginsenosides target different levels of immunological activity, and so contributing to the diverse actions of ginseng in humans.

How To Eat Ginseng

Ginseng can be ingested as a root in its pure form. It can be taken as a vitamin, via liquids and topically in creams and lotions but just because it grows naturally doesn’t mean you can go on a ginseng bender. Diabetics should be very careful with ginseng. Side effects include gastrointestinal problems, headaches, and disrupted sleep.

Those side effects are minor when compared to the health risks of other anti-inflammatory medications. Anti-inflammation medications often contain steroids and/or other problematic chemicals. Overuse of naproxen and ibuprofen, for example, can up your risk of dementia.

Leave a Comment and Tell Us How You Eat Ginseng?

Source: biotechdaily.com

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Until now, Manuka Honey has been sold in health food stores as a natural medicine. That is probably about to change. New research has shown the honey kills every type of bacteria scientists have thrown at it, including the antibiotic-resistant ‘superbugs’ plaguing hospitals and killing patients around the world.

Professor Dee Carter is one of the research team that made the discovery. She said a compound in the honey called methylglyoxal is the key ingredient to the effectiveness of the honey. However, methylglyoxal on its own is toxic but when it combines with what are, as yet, unknown compounds it causes “multi-system failure” in bacteria.

Manuka Honey Unique to New Zealand

Honey bees collect nectar from Manuka bushes (also known as Tea Trees) which grow in remote areas of New Zealand. According to Manuka Health the discovery of the anti-bacterial properties of methylglyoxal was made by Professor Thomas Henle at the University of Dresden, Germany.

The curative properties of various types of honey have been known to indigenous cultures for thousands of years, and dressing wounds with honey was common before the advent of antibiotics.

Source: theaustralian

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The beverage is said to have 50% more antioxidants than are found in green tea and new research is showing rooibos helps delay the aging process! The aging of our bodies is caused by toxic compounds called free radicals which are produced as a by-product of normal cell function. These free radicals attack our healthy cells. Over our lifetime this damage contributes to aging and our immune system weakens. Recently, Japanese scientists have found that Rooibos tea contains a mimic of the enzyme Super Oxide Dismutase (S.O.D.), an antioxidant which attacks the free radicals and limits their damaging effects.

Rooibos tea contains no colors, additives or preservatives. It helps to relieve insomnia, irritability, headaches, stomach ulcers, nausea, constipation, and heartburn. It also shows anti-mutagenic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral activity.

Rooibos contains alpha hydroxy acid and zinc for healthy, smooth skin. This wonder tea is especially useful when brewed and applied to skin irritations like itchy skin, eczema, sunburns, diaper rash and acne.

More Amazing Benefits of Rooibos Tea!

• Helps to give you strong bones and teeth because of its calcium, manganese and fluoride content.
• Is often prescribed for nervous tension and mild depression as it makes a relaxing sedative.
• Helps to control your appetite thus beneficial in weight loss.
• Contains magnesium which is necessary for a healthy nervous system.
• Helps pacify infants with colic, stomach cramps and sleeping problems. Simply mix some Rooibos tea with expressed breast milk or formula. It is 100% natural with no colorants or preservatives.
• Contains no oxalic acid and can therefore be enjoyed by persons suffering from kidney stones.
• Put used rooibos tea bags in the refrigerator or freezer. After a hard day’s work, put on tired or red eyes to soothe and relax.
• Increases the absorption of iron in the body.
• Makes a great thirst-quencher and sport drink. Because of its mineral content of iron, potassium, zinc, manganese and sodium, it restores the body’s equilibrium after strenuous exercise.
• Drink it hot or cold, with or without milk, sugar or honey. Add lemon or mix it with fruit juices for a lovely blend. Rooibos tea is also used in cooking and baking. It replaces the liquid content in recipes for soups, marinades, sauces, stews and cakes for added flavor and nutrition.
• And Rooibos tastes divine! It is less bitter than most teas.

My Thoughts:

Rooibos is my new favorite tea and it’s very versatile! I brew it for about 4 minutes, then add a splash of organic hemp milk, with some raw honey….delicious! With its many positive attributes, Rooibos tea is a great choice of drink for health conscious people and a superfood we should all consume! I haven’t found it in many stores, but there are lots of places online, make sure its 100% organic!

Would love to know how others make there perfect cup of Rooibos?

Source: wikipedia.org webmd.com

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In healthy individuals, walnuts lower cholesterol more than fish, fatty fish lower triglycerides and both lower heart disease risk, U.S. researchers said.

“The practical significance of the study is that eating an easy-to-incorporate amount of walnuts and fatty fish can cause meaningful decreases in blood cholesterol and triglycerides even in healthy individuals,” lead author Sujatha Rajaram of Loma Linda University School of Public Health said in a statement.

More About Walnuts:

Walnuts contain the highest amount of omega-3 fats of any other nuts. Besides there amazing ability to lower triglycerides and reduce plaque formation, they also support brain function, improve your mood, and help with depression.

Make sure that you buy ‘organic raw walnuts’ and that there flesh is white rather than yellow (indicates rancidity).

Source: upi.com

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Chia seed are an ancient, nutrient-dense superfood that offers a blend of protein, fiber, essential fats, antioxidants, complex carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. If you don’t know what chia seed are, or want to be reminded why everyone should be eating this superfood, check out my previous article “Chia Seeds Are Natures Perfect Food”

If you want a great way to eat chia seeds, try making Chia Pudding! Annemare Gianni from the Renegade Health show gave me a great recipe. I added my own twist and you don’t need any fancy equipment to make it…enjoy!

Chia Pudding (serves 1-2):

• 1/4 whole chia seeds
• 1 c hemp milk (almond or other non-dairy milk)
• 1 banana
• 2-3 prunes, pitted (you can use dates)
• 2-4 chopped walnuts (optional, or any substitute for any nut)
• a few dashes of cinnamon

Place the chia seeds in a bowl with 1 cup of hemp milk, stir. In a separate bowl, take the banana and smash it with a fork until it has a smooth texture, slice the prunes into squares, chop the walnuts. Add everything to the chia gel in the other bowl, add the cinnamon. Mix well with the fork. Let it soak on the counter for at least 10 minutes until thickened. Stir again before serving, add some fresh fruit on top and enjoy!

Tell me your favorite way to use chia seeds!

Source: nutraingredients-usa navitasnaturals

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